Only a Theory
If you’ve been a reader here for long enough, you know I love Dr. Kenneth R. Miller. In a platonic, fangirl kind of way. He is a prominent science, a biology professor at Brown University, and author of the most excellent book Finding Darwin’s God: A Scientist’s Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution. He was also the lead expert witness in the trial in Dover, PA back in 2005 over the teaching of intelligent design vs. evolution.
I consulted with Dr. Miller in connection with my novel Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature, and ended up using a lot of his very thorough research and reasoning as a basis for my science teacher character, Ms. Shepherd.
PLUS, Dr. Miller did me the huge honor and favor of coming to New York to sit in a recording studio with me and talk about science and religion for the author interview portion of the audio version of my book.
Got all that?
Dr. Miller has a new book out, Only A Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America’s Soul about the intelligent design vs. evolution debate, and about that trial in Dover. Can’t wait to read it. And the PBS documentary on the trial, Judgment Day, won a Peabody Award this year, which I’m sure was in great part due to Dr. Miller’s participation. He was the star of that doc, for sure.
All of which is a build-up to this video that my pal Barry Lyga was so kind to bring to my attention today. As you probably know, few people can stand up to Stephen Colbert’s withering debate style. But our man Dr. Miller holds his own, and more. Enjoy!
Technorati Tags: Dr. Kenneth Miller, Kenneth R. Miller, Evolution, Creationism, Intelligent Design, Science, Religion, Darwinism, Finding Darwin’s God, Only a Theory
Whew! What a whirlwind.Thanks for posting this.
Impressive! Snaps to Dr. Miller for not losing his train of thought.
And I shouldn’t have watched that video because it really hurts when I laugh!
(Which is why Patrick is on my no read list this week.)
Thanks for the kind words, Robin…. and, as you should know, I love you – in a platonic, fanguy kind of way!
Ken Miller just commented on my blog! *blush*
Heather, why don’t I ever think of giving someone snaps? I need to increase my vocabulary.
Glad you enjoyed it, Alkelda!
Now I see why it was such a big gig to meet Dr. Miller and have his participation in your audio book. I wanted to hear more from Miller and less from Cobert. Yes, I know it is Cobert’s show but wanted to smack him so Miller could finish a sentence.
Thanks for pointing us to this video.
Good thing Miller is a ‘fast’ talker.
Yeah, MJG, he is a fast talker in the Colbert setting–you’d have to be or you’d never get a word in. But I loved how methodical and entertaining he was explaining intricate scientific concepts to me–including drawing me pictures when I needed the visual help. He’s a great teacher!
Heather, did I ever tell you my friend who had a hernia operation was worried that he might laugh so hard his [edited for the 12-year-olds and grandmas who read this] would fall out?
I was talking about the marbles he carried in his pocket for good luck, what were you thinking?
*I’m not listening, P*
Robin, SNAPS is dated. But I love it and use it sparingly. It’s from the movie Clueless with Alicia Silverstone.
Cool clip,Robin. Makes me want to listen to the audio version of your book just for the interview(not that hearing your book read aloud wouldn’t be great,too!)
You finally updated!
I hope the long absence means you were working dilligently on a new book, eh?
Um, love Colbert.
Good to see you back.
Hey, Robin. Did you see this review yet? http://www.teenvoices.com/issue_current/departments/tvo_arts_reviews.html
You probably already have, but just in case…
I didn’t see that, Jessica. Thanks for telling me!
Katlin, you have no idea how diligently I’m working on this new book. I am so ready to type “The End” and mean it! And then take a break and do nothing but watch Colbert and many other hours of TV!
Lady T, I will admit the audio version is a fun thing to listen to. Love audio books in general, especially on long car trips.
Heather and Patrick, you two just carry on. Happy to provide the forum.