I was looking online to see all the predictions people had made for 2005 and if they came true or not. Well this commercial site put them all together for me, how sweet of them. So I started to click on the different links, hmm one after the other the links are broken! What on earth, why would this be? Also the links I had provided in my post last New Year's are also broken!
Why would these psychics take off their predictions for 2005 from the web? The psychics couldn't have been wrong could they? and trying to cover up their tracks? Well ok there are a few of these idiots whose predictions are still up online, and just as you would expect with the exception of a few general statements they made or 50/50 chances, nothing they said came to fruition in the past year.
I just really feel like it isn't even worth my time to read through all their crap anymore to make this a good post. I am just amazed that year after year these clowns get mentioned in the press. How many times do they have to be wrong before they are ignored? Here we even have an article today that goes on and on about this charlaton's predictions for 2006 and at the bottom casually mentions oh yeah, and by the way with the exception of a few predictions about silly local issues that anybody could have foreseen his prognostications for last year were dead wrong.
I make only one prediction here at skepticklish, that next year we will have the same slew of bs predictions yet again, and the year after that, and the year after that . . .
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Sit down for your rights kids
There is still some hope for the youth of America out there just when you thought all was lost. Actually, aside from death and taxes, the only thing certain through the ages is that the older generation will complain about those damn kids today.
A real hero for kids today is 17 year-old Cameron Frazier who with the help of the ACLU is sueing his school because his teacher forced him to recite the pledge. Cynthia Alexandre berated him in front of the class at Boynton Beach Community High School and then she called the assistant principal who came in with a police officer to remove him from class. Gee it all sounds like what our country was built on doesn't it? And damn, Alexandre is a math teacher of all things! I thought it was only high-school shop teachers who were such jerks.
Pictured here is the jackass who called in the cop and kicked Cameron out of school. Assistant Principal Dick Poorman. Just look at this guy would you? Doesn't he just bring back images of being called into the principal's office when you were a kid? Hmm but look close, he's got a cute little doll or something sitting on his windowsill. He must be a sweet guy after all.
A real hero for kids today is 17 year-old Cameron Frazier who with the help of the ACLU is sueing his school because his teacher forced him to recite the pledge. Cynthia Alexandre berated him in front of the class at Boynton Beach Community High School and then she called the assistant principal who came in with a police officer to remove him from class. Gee it all sounds like what our country was built on doesn't it? And damn, Alexandre is a math teacher of all things! I thought it was only high-school shop teachers who were such jerks.
Pictured here is the jackass who called in the cop and kicked Cameron out of school. Assistant Principal Dick Poorman. Just look at this guy would you? Doesn't he just bring back images of being called into the principal's office when you were a kid? Hmm but look close, he's got a cute little doll or something sitting on his windowsill. He must be a sweet guy after all.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Where would christmas be without the Chinese?
Oh you know good old Atheist-China as many refer to it. Well no shocker that all that christmas crap you put around your house this time of year come from guess where? That's right China! It should just add to the warmth around the tree tomorrow morning knowing that the ornaments were made by some 12-year old girl in a factory in Zheijiang!
It sort of brings the whole world together on this special day doesn't it? Hey, well good for them that they can get some bucks out of our religious holidays. For those who complain that jesus has been taken out of the holiday here, well the Chinese are turning christmas into a huge completely jesus-free holiday in their homeland!
So christians enjoy your special day, your toys and cheap crap will be broken by January and those wicked Atheists in China will have the last laugh.
It sort of brings the whole world together on this special day doesn't it? Hey, well good for them that they can get some bucks out of our religious holidays. For those who complain that jesus has been taken out of the holiday here, well the Chinese are turning christmas into a huge completely jesus-free holiday in their homeland!
So christians enjoy your special day, your toys and cheap crap will be broken by January and those wicked Atheists in China will have the last laugh.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Special christmas message for those christian conservatives
Since its your special time of year now when your thoughts supposedly shift towards giving and goodwill here's a thought. RELEASE JACK KEVORKIAN! His parole was just denied again, I guess you all won't be happy until he dies in prison. Its no suprise to me that your christmas spirit includes locking up harmless old doctors that care nothing for themselves and only live to help others. After you gather around the tree with your family giving each other a bunch of crap you don't need, maybe you can take a minute to send an email to Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm urging her to step in and release Jack. Then you can go back to your self-indulgent holiday.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Sleep in, schools out!
As I head out on a brief road trip at the start of my vacation I will leave you with a great article to keep you busy. It's an Atheist Manifesto by Sam Harris, gather the whole family around the fireplace and enjoy!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Your christmas gift giving guide
Of course people turn to skepticklish when they don't know what to get for that special loved one for christmas. Well as always we don't dissapoint. My recommendations this year will not fail to put a smile on everybody's face.
Pictured is an inspirational Jesus golf statue, more are available here. What little boy or girl wouldn't love to wake up christmas morning and see one of those charming items under the tree?Of course for the adults there is Mother Theresa breath mist, available at Cheesy Jesus along with many other great products. The Ship of Fools has a section dedicated to Kitschmas gifts.
If you are looking for a DVD to give there is always this christmas classic available, complete with free shipping, why not send it to all your loved ones.
But of course these are many fine choices, but the gift that keeps on giving and says to the world that you are feeding your newborn a dose of reason, critical thinking and skepticism is a Skepticklish bib!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Nobody does it better
As is the tradition on this page, when Richard Dawkins speaks we listen and link! Here is an interview with beliefnet that he granted last month during the World Congress of Secular Humanism.
Excerpts from his speech at the event are also on that link in Real Audio format. But who wants to deal with that when I have edited them together and converted them to MP3? I have kindly posted the audio excerpt from his lecture for easy download below. Share it with all of your friends, The world seems to turn much smoother when more people have Doctor D on their iPods!
Excerpts from his speech at the event are also on that link in Real Audio format. But who wants to deal with that when I have edited them together and converted them to MP3? I have kindly posted the audio excerpt from his lecture for easy download below. Share it with all of your friends, The world seems to turn much smoother when more people have Doctor D on their iPods!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Smokers will at least now get some exercise
So my fellow Washingtonians because of the idiotic law you passed you will now see lots of smokers pacing up and down the sidewalk in front of restaurants and bars. Walking while you smoke on the sidewalk in front of a business is one of the few loopholes to the draconian smoking laws which went into effect in this state at midnight.
There have already been a few protests today, including these folks above who are illustrating that the only place they could find to smoke 25ft away from businesses is in the middle of the street. I've never smoked a cigarette in my life, but I am tempted to do it, so that I can get arrested and then challenge this unconstitutional law all the way to the Supreme Court.
There have already been a few protests today, including these folks above who are illustrating that the only place they could find to smoke 25ft away from businesses is in the middle of the street. I've never smoked a cigarette in my life, but I am tempted to do it, so that I can get arrested and then challenge this unconstitutional law all the way to the Supreme Court.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The spirit of the season!
Oh yes its that most wonderful time of year! And if you haven't learned the true spirit of christmas from all those TV specials this month, then here are a few stories online which demonstrate the goodwill some christians have towards their fellow men.
OK boys and girls, the first bedtime christmas story for tonight is named, Sunday School teacher charged with stealing statue of Baby Jesus that is to be followed by Vatican Says Gays Unfit To Be Parents, and the nightcap is Professor Beaten over his Religious Views.
Now its time for bed, sleep tight, hope you have been a good little christian boy or girl this year so you get lots of presents from Santa!
OK boys and girls, the first bedtime christmas story for tonight is named, Sunday School teacher charged with stealing statue of Baby Jesus that is to be followed by Vatican Says Gays Unfit To Be Parents, and the nightcap is Professor Beaten over his Religious Views.
Now its time for bed, sleep tight, hope you have been a good little christian boy or girl this year so you get lots of presents from Santa!
Friday, December 02, 2005
Here's a Wal- you can support
Instead of just always boycotting the companies or stores you don't like, it is a better policy to go the other way and support the shops that are doing the right thing. Walgreens is one of those stores. The century-old drug store chain recently relieved four pharmacists who thought it was their business what prescriptions people should and should not be allowed to have. (They also did the right thing a few weeks ago by removing a quack medical book from their shelves)
The need that prescriptions play in people's lives and various state regulations about the industry aside, its just not professional behavior. Sure you have the right to an opinion, but at work you have a job description that you have to follow, and I doubt there is anybody in the world who is 100% happy with every single task they have to do on their job. So if you exercise your right not to do part of your job, your employer will exercise their right to fire your ass.
On the job, once somebody says, I am doing or not doing this because of religious reasons, everybody backs off and says, "Oh I guess that's ok then." Sort of reminds me of when I worked in restaurants where a lot of people smoked. The smokers always took twice as many breaks as anybody else and expected the non-smokers to cover for them. Then if you gave them a hard time about it, they would say something like, "Oh you don't understand since you don't smoke."
Just like having an obnoxious habit shouldn't give you any extra priviledges in the workplace neither should having an obnoxious religion. (oops, sorry the word 'obnoxious' is redundant at the end of that sentence)
The need that prescriptions play in people's lives and various state regulations about the industry aside, its just not professional behavior. Sure you have the right to an opinion, but at work you have a job description that you have to follow, and I doubt there is anybody in the world who is 100% happy with every single task they have to do on their job. So if you exercise your right not to do part of your job, your employer will exercise their right to fire your ass.
On the job, once somebody says, I am doing or not doing this because of religious reasons, everybody backs off and says, "Oh I guess that's ok then." Sort of reminds me of when I worked in restaurants where a lot of people smoked. The smokers always took twice as many breaks as anybody else and expected the non-smokers to cover for them. Then if you gave them a hard time about it, they would say something like, "Oh you don't understand since you don't smoke."
Just like having an obnoxious habit shouldn't give you any extra priviledges in the workplace neither should having an obnoxious religion. (oops, sorry the word 'obnoxious' is redundant at the end of that sentence)
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Politically correct christmas
Just like last year, it's that special season when I need to join up with morons like Jerry Falwell and speak out against all this "Happy Holidays" greeting garbage. I am not offended when somebody says, "Merry christmas" to me. I usually just respond with, "Take it easy" or something innocuous like that. If I am in a bit testier mood I might say, "What day is that again?"
I will expand a bit more from last year's post. Here in the Northwest the vast majority of people who celebrate christmas seem to be folks who don't go to church on a regular basis and just sort of do it for the tradition of it. So it generally doesn't come off as a particularly religious holiday and that's the problem. Those liberal PC folks who have embraced christmas and the terms like "holiday tree" must be ignoring that the first part of the name of the holiday they are celebrating is the word "christ!"
It is of course great for families to get together, to give to the needy and all that, but unless you believe in all the wackiness that is christianity why would you want to connect those good things with the major holiday of a religion you don't support? Why give christians and that holiday the credit for your spirit of goodwill?
So some Atheists get all gung ho about the solstice and do their whole bit on that day, but that also sort of seems like a pathetic "me to!" response to the whole thing. Defining our holiday as a response to their's.
So why do you need one special day to care for family and your fellow humans anyway? Those of us who realise our time in the Cosmos and on this planet is finite should be doing that all year. . . Ok admitedly that's a bit of a cliche, so if you must have a special day, why not do it in January then? That's when the flights are cheaper and the sales are better!
I will expand a bit more from last year's post. Here in the Northwest the vast majority of people who celebrate christmas seem to be folks who don't go to church on a regular basis and just sort of do it for the tradition of it. So it generally doesn't come off as a particularly religious holiday and that's the problem. Those liberal PC folks who have embraced christmas and the terms like "holiday tree" must be ignoring that the first part of the name of the holiday they are celebrating is the word "christ!"
It is of course great for families to get together, to give to the needy and all that, but unless you believe in all the wackiness that is christianity why would you want to connect those good things with the major holiday of a religion you don't support? Why give christians and that holiday the credit for your spirit of goodwill?
So some Atheists get all gung ho about the solstice and do their whole bit on that day, but that also sort of seems like a pathetic "me to!" response to the whole thing. Defining our holiday as a response to their's.
So why do you need one special day to care for family and your fellow humans anyway? Those of us who realise our time in the Cosmos and on this planet is finite should be doing that all year. . . Ok admitedly that's a bit of a cliche, so if you must have a special day, why not do it in January then? That's when the flights are cheaper and the sales are better!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Dear Abby: Should I be worried that my boyfriend is turning into Tom Cruise?
I don't know that any extra comments are needed in response to this letter written to an advice columnist named S&M. Reading it is funny enough. Only to say I am proud of the advice the columnist gives to the letter writer in regards to her boyfriend joining up with those nuts at scientology, "Your boyfriend will see the error of his ways. If not, send him off on a spaceship."
(no translation needed)
Its great to see South Park and others taking on the scientology wackjobs. (better watch out Madonna is getting pissed as well though!) Just explaining the beliefs of those fools is the funniest part of the show. But what I have noticed is that folks who follow other cults aren't able to see any kind of connection with the nuttiness of scientology and their own delusions. As in, "Haha, those dopes believe in Aliens, what a bunch of nuts. OK honey hurry up, we'll be late for church, we don't want to miss the bit about the talking donkey!
If you haven't been by Scientomogy.info lately he is now hosting the South Park episode and has more goodies for you. He still hasn't been sued and neither have I, what are the scientologists waiting for damnit?
(no translation needed)
Its great to see South Park and others taking on the scientology wackjobs. (better watch out Madonna is getting pissed as well though!) Just explaining the beliefs of those fools is the funniest part of the show. But what I have noticed is that folks who follow other cults aren't able to see any kind of connection with the nuttiness of scientology and their own delusions. As in, "Haha, those dopes believe in Aliens, what a bunch of nuts. OK honey hurry up, we'll be late for church, we don't want to miss the bit about the talking donkey!
If you haven't been by Scientomogy.info lately he is now hosting the South Park episode and has more goodies for you. He still hasn't been sued and neither have I, what are the scientologists waiting for damnit?
Friday, November 25, 2005
Listen to your mother
Tis the season for all sorts of great online articles. Leading the way is Mother Jones, with a whole issue of articles about how the religious folks are taking this country down to their level. In other news, the pope seems to love the Kansas definition of science as reported here and don't forget that the turkey you just ate yesterday evolved from an Archaeopteryx.
If you are not interested in the regular fare on TV this month. Check out this page, all sorts of skeptical shows available for watching. From all of use here at Skepticklish, hope you and yours have a happy solstice season!
If you are not interested in the regular fare on TV this month. Check out this page, all sorts of skeptical shows available for watching. From all of use here at Skepticklish, hope you and yours have a happy solstice season!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Lego Leviticus
We always hear that the bible is its own worst enemy. People who actually bother to really read it will often drop their beliefs faster than god can wipe out everybody's first born sons. It is also important for Atheists to read it so they can point out the inacuracies when some ignorant evangelical wants to argue with them.
But who wants to read that damned book? Sure there is a lot of good sex and violence in there but you have to wade through so much garbage to get to it. Well there is now a great online site which has made the damn bible so much fun to read! Its the Brick Testament, the bible in legos!
Also, if you haven't been there yet don't forget the Skeptics Annotated Bible. After you are done with that great resource you can then check out Chick publications Cartoon Bible Tracts which are good for a few laughs. It shows you how to win an argument with your friend about when the dinosaurs arrived on earth. The answer is of course "the sixth day."
But who wants to read that damned book? Sure there is a lot of good sex and violence in there but you have to wade through so much garbage to get to it. Well there is now a great online site which has made the damn bible so much fun to read! Its the Brick Testament, the bible in legos!
Also, if you haven't been there yet don't forget the Skeptics Annotated Bible. After you are done with that great resource you can then check out Chick publications Cartoon Bible Tracts which are good for a few laughs. It shows you how to win an argument with your friend about when the dinosaurs arrived on earth. The answer is of course "the sixth day."
Monday, November 21, 2005
New and Improved at no extra cost to you!
You may have noticed this page now has a new name. Well unfortunately that's the only new thing about it. Other than that, it is the same bunch of rubbish you have grown to love here.
The reason for the change is basically that this page isn't really much about me these days. The original idea was to make it sort of a diary of my life living in a small town in Arizona, and also to cover others in my family. Over the past year I have found that I like writing most about Skepticism, so I figure why not just dedicate this page 100% to the cause!
So I will specialize the content to make it easier for folks to find exactly what they are interested in. In the future, if the spirit so moves me. However, I'd say I have too many blogs as it is right now.
To get this blog rolling I will start you off with a great link. Listen to Penn Jillette on NPR's Morning Edition!
The reason for the change is basically that this page isn't really much about me these days. The original idea was to make it sort of a diary of my life living in a small town in Arizona, and also to cover others in my family. Over the past year I have found that I like writing most about Skepticism, so I figure why not just dedicate this page 100% to the cause!
So I will specialize the content to make it easier for folks to find exactly what they are interested in. In the future, if the spirit so moves me. However, I'd say I have too many blogs as it is right now.
To get this blog rolling I will start you off with a great link. Listen to Penn Jillette on NPR's Morning Edition!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
The IRS doesn't play favorites do they?
Free speech is an underpinning of our democracy, but what you can't do if you want tax exemption is to lobby on behalf, or in opposition to, a particular candidateIt's great that the government is doing their job and politically active churches are finally being asked to pay their fair share. This time however they are going after a "liberal church" that spoke against the US attack on Iraq. Never mind that this government was elected by the parishioners of politically-active churches all over this country who subtlety and not so subtlety endorsed Bush and his born-again policies. You wouldn't want to bite the hand that feeds you after all.IRS Commissioner Mark Everson
Well ok, no shock that Bush only wants to dip into the collection plates of the churches who don't agree with his bonehead policies. But hopefully he has opened up a box that will bite him back and perhaps even his fans will see the hypocrisy. Now the next step would be to remove all tax exemptions for any church but let's not get too greedy today.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
E plurbus unum is unconstitutional!
If I were to rank in importance the different "pro-secular issues" that we could be working on, it would probably go something like this:
1. Supporting stem cell research.
2. Supporting the right to die.
3. Supporting real science in the classroom.
4. Supporting reproductive rights for women.
5. Supporting federal voucher programs that do not go to religious schools.
6. Supporting a pledge of allegiance that does not endorse any deitys.
7. Supporting the schools and institutions who will not provide a forum for discriminatory groups, such as the boy scouts.
Well excuse me for leaving out some good things to support, but my point is that way way way down at the bottom of the list is:
245: Supporting the removal of "In God We Trust" from US money.
As much as I love Michael Newdow's efforts towards bringing the USA a neutral pledge and think we need more Atheist activists like him, his latest campaign just seems like a waste of time. Sure it would be nice to have coins and bills that don't endorse a deity but the effort involved and the backlash that will happen just aren't worth it. I mean who really reads what's on a coin? Usually we are too busy spending them.
I will gladly wager some of my religious money that we will have a cashless society long before those words are ever removed from any coins or bills.
1. Supporting stem cell research.
2. Supporting the right to die.
3. Supporting real science in the classroom.
4. Supporting reproductive rights for women.
5. Supporting federal voucher programs that do not go to religious schools.
6. Supporting a pledge of allegiance that does not endorse any deitys.
7. Supporting the schools and institutions who will not provide a forum for discriminatory groups, such as the boy scouts.
Well excuse me for leaving out some good things to support, but my point is that way way way down at the bottom of the list is:
245: Supporting the removal of "In God We Trust" from US money.
As much as I love Michael Newdow's efforts towards bringing the USA a neutral pledge and think we need more Atheist activists like him, his latest campaign just seems like a waste of time. Sure it would be nice to have coins and bills that don't endorse a deity but the effort involved and the backlash that will happen just aren't worth it. I mean who really reads what's on a coin? Usually we are too busy spending them.
I will gladly wager some of my religious money that we will have a cashless society long before those words are ever removed from any coins or bills.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Na na na na, hey heeeyyy GOODBYE!!
Wow just a year ago after the election I was so depressed, convinced that the days of a theocracy were nearly upon us. Well yesterday's election shows there still are some reasonable folks out there voting. At least in Dover Pennsylvania. They replaced eight school board members yesterday with eight new ones whose platform was, "In schools we should teach our kids science. duh."
As great as this was, there is no call for a huge celebration, since in other news yesterday a whole state just up and decided to redefine the meaning of science. Out in the heartland science is no longer limited to just using natural explanations to explain phenomena. In Kansas they just weren't too hot on a definition that excluded their fairy tales. So in honor of Kansas I have decided to redefine "religion" here in Washington state. Religion must now be limited to only using natural explanations to explain phenomena. Sorry theists, but as you have declared that anything in the dictionary is now fair game and are so interested in our public schools, we will just have to keep a closer eye on what you are up to in your churches as well.
Check out this great blog from a zoology professor at ASU. In his archives you can find all sorts of funny comics like the one above.
Check out this great blog from a zoology professor at ASU. In his archives you can find all sorts of funny comics like the one above.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Vote No on 901!
After recently passing one of the stupidest laws in the world about strip clubs in Seattle, we are now on the map here in Washington state for another idiotic proposal which will be put before the voters on Tuesday. A group of do-gooders want to pass the strictest smoking ban in the country in our state. Claiming it is for the good of everybody's health, smokers will not only no longer be able to light up in any business, but they won't be able to smoke within 25 feet of the business either.
Now the skepticism about the health risks aside, why on earth would people vote to have less freedom in this country? Well the answer is simple, they are hypocritical non-smokers! I dislike cigarette smoke as much as the next non-smoker but I am able to see an alternative solution to passing restrictive legislation . . . I DON'T GO TO SMOKY PLACES! Guess what, its as easy as not going to places with music I don't like. Its as easy as not going to places with lousy food. I don't work towards passing laws banning redneck bars that play country music and serve Spam, I just don't go there! Its that simple.
Sure, you might have to quickly walk by a group of smokers in front of a restaurant at some point in your week. BIG DEAL! You don't have a right not to be annoyed in this country, and you face a far greater health risk by trying to avoid smokers and walking closer to the street to breathe in the car exhaust.
Now the skepticism about the health risks aside, why on earth would people vote to have less freedom in this country? Well the answer is simple, they are hypocritical non-smokers! I dislike cigarette smoke as much as the next non-smoker but I am able to see an alternative solution to passing restrictive legislation . . . I DON'T GO TO SMOKY PLACES! Guess what, its as easy as not going to places with music I don't like. Its as easy as not going to places with lousy food. I don't work towards passing laws banning redneck bars that play country music and serve Spam, I just don't go there! Its that simple.
Sure, you might have to quickly walk by a group of smokers in front of a restaurant at some point in your week. BIG DEAL! You don't have a right not to be annoyed in this country, and you face a far greater health risk by trying to avoid smokers and walking closer to the street to breathe in the car exhaust.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Creationists shouldn't be worried about Bird Flu
Well the rest of us need not get hysterical about it at this point either, but as that group in particular doesn't accept evolution then they have nothing to worry about. Since the fear is based around theories that a particular strain of Avian Influenza will evolve and attack humans, it is obviously just another fabrication from those godless scientists.
Mr. Anti-Science himself George Bush, used the word EVOLVE when he addressed the nation about the so-called epidemic. I am shocked that all his evangelical supporters have not turned on him for accepting biology and why aren't they demonstrating in front of the White House?
Well if a creationist is unlucky enough to catch this strain of Bird Flu, the one which, according to them, shouldn't exist, I hope they then stay consistent and turn to their god or their preacher to work for the cure. No need to bother those doctors and scientists who you have been badmouthing all these years.
PS - If you are in the UK here is a documentary series on BBC4 that looks like it is worth checking out. Also, this editorial is a good read, from a major Utah newspaper.
Mr. Anti-Science himself George Bush, used the word EVOLVE when he addressed the nation about the so-called epidemic. I am shocked that all his evangelical supporters have not turned on him for accepting biology and why aren't they demonstrating in front of the White House?
Well if a creationist is unlucky enough to catch this strain of Bird Flu, the one which, according to them, shouldn't exist, I hope they then stay consistent and turn to their god or their preacher to work for the cure. No need to bother those doctors and scientists who you have been badmouthing all these years.
PS - If you are in the UK here is a documentary series on BBC4 that looks like it is worth checking out. Also, this editorial is a good read, from a major Utah newspaper.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Now normally I don't condone violence but . . .
I had to laugh when I read this news story. Well actually what I like about that particular news story is that the writer used the phrase, "self-professed psychics." All I ever see in news reports are people being called simply "psychics" without any disclaimer. Sorry, but if the job description of a psychic is: Somebody who can see the future, there has yet to be any human on the planet who has provided any evidence of doing that. This story even refers to somebody as, "pretending to be a psychic" as if that is as heinous a crime as say, pretending to be a doctor.
So reporters, when you are referring to these sorts of people in the future please refer to them as any of the following: a person claiming psychic powers, a so-called psychic, a person who says s/he is a psychic, the alleged psychic, or perhaps most acurate or all, scam artists and thieves.
So reporters, when you are referring to these sorts of people in the future please refer to them as any of the following: a person claiming psychic powers, a so-called psychic, a person who says s/he is a psychic, the alleged psychic, or perhaps most acurate or all, scam artists and thieves.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Damn, no more vacations to Myrtle Beach
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the US in 1860 and with any luck they will be the first state to seceed to form the new nation of Jesusland. This group wants to set up a christian nation in the US starting in South Carolina. They are encouraging wackos from around the country to move to The Palmetto State to start a new nation.
I say great! Since these unpatriotic people hate the principles that the US was founded on, they can start their own country and quit trying to screw around with ours. South Carolina already has its fair shair of wacky laws so they would be able to take this small change in their stride. Put a big fence up around the state. They have a decent economy. I'm sure they could manage ok on their own. Never mind their current low rankings in many health and social categories.
I would even like to be the first to start a campaign to help raise money for any of the less fortunate religious nuts out west who can't afford to make the trip to this new Moron's Mecca.
I say great! Since these unpatriotic people hate the principles that the US was founded on, they can start their own country and quit trying to screw around with ours. South Carolina already has its fair shair of wacky laws so they would be able to take this small change in their stride. Put a big fence up around the state. They have a decent economy. I'm sure they could manage ok on their own. Never mind their current low rankings in many health and social categories.
I would even like to be the first to start a campaign to help raise money for any of the less fortunate religious nuts out west who can't afford to make the trip to this new Moron's Mecca.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
There is no debate
There are virtually no science requirements for a degree in journalism. I should know I have one of those pointless scrolls. As I look back now on my undergrad degree the overwhelming attitude is one of disgust. What comes instantly to mind is Red's final speech to the parole board in The Shawshank Redemption, "I look back on the way I was then, a young, stupid kid who committed that terrible crime. I want to talk to him. I want to try and talk some sense to him, tell him the way things are."
So my advice to anybody who wants to write for the press is: don't major in journalism, major in the subject you want to write about. If the public were better informed about science we would stop seeing scary polls like this.
I bring this up because day after day we get one nonsensical article after another about the so-called evolution vs. creationism "debate." (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) Sorry news editors but there is no debate in any way shape of form. Obviously there is no scientific debate. You can't have a debateable position in science unless you actually have some evidence to support it. There isn't a religious debate because in that arena you just have the doctrine to go on and though there may be different interpretations, it all comes down to blind faith supporting your specific slant. But there isn't a philosophical debate about those two specific subjects either, in that arena it would be called a false dichotomy! A real philosophical debate perhaps might be, "Can the origins of life and the cosmos ever be discovered through using the scientific method, or is it unknowable by humans?"
So sorry but it is not a debate. Plain and simple it is a conflict between those who accept science and those who don't. If news reporters hadn't wasted their time in college in moronic communications theory courses and took something more valuable, like say "Basket Weaving 101" we might see some articles written by people who know what they are talking about every now and then.
So my advice to anybody who wants to write for the press is: don't major in journalism, major in the subject you want to write about. If the public were better informed about science we would stop seeing scary polls like this.
I bring this up because day after day we get one nonsensical article after another about the so-called evolution vs. creationism "debate." (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) Sorry news editors but there is no debate in any way shape of form. Obviously there is no scientific debate. You can't have a debateable position in science unless you actually have some evidence to support it. There isn't a religious debate because in that arena you just have the doctrine to go on and though there may be different interpretations, it all comes down to blind faith supporting your specific slant. But there isn't a philosophical debate about those two specific subjects either, in that arena it would be called a false dichotomy! A real philosophical debate perhaps might be, "Can the origins of life and the cosmos ever be discovered through using the scientific method, or is it unknowable by humans?"
So sorry but it is not a debate. Plain and simple it is a conflict between those who accept science and those who don't. If news reporters hadn't wasted their time in college in moronic communications theory courses and took something more valuable, like say "Basket Weaving 101" we might see some articles written by people who know what they are talking about every now and then.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Don't touch that dial. Stay tuned for the Heathen's Hour!
Well you can forget having to hunt down podcasts, and I will forget about my ego-driven desire to host a radio show. You can toss all that out the window now, as one of the funniest and best communicators on the planet about Skepticism and Atheism has just been handed the keys to the kingdom. Penn Jillette will host a daily one-hour show which will be broadcast over the public airwaves on many of the major markets in North America starting in January!
He is part of a team of folks who will take over for Howard Stern on the Infinity network. I’m sure the network is well aware that Penn will probably get them tons of publicity for their new lineup through offending 3/4th of his listeners on his first day on the air. As of today he is only signed on to be on in seven markets but It looks like you will be able to listen online from the Infinity site. A little pressure on your local stations and we might be able to widen the network. As I have said to those who have complained that there are not enough shows on the air promoting critical thinking before, the only way to fix that is to support the ones who are out there now.
I am not quite sure how somebody who is such an adamant free speech advocate will fair under the policies of the current FCC and how long somebody like him will last in an industry whose number one player is the scumbag company Clear Channel. But these are questions I look forward to finding the answer to when Penn's show begins tuesday morning January 3, 2006.
He is part of a team of folks who will take over for Howard Stern on the Infinity network. I’m sure the network is well aware that Penn will probably get them tons of publicity for their new lineup through offending 3/4th of his listeners on his first day on the air. As of today he is only signed on to be on in seven markets but It looks like you will be able to listen online from the Infinity site. A little pressure on your local stations and we might be able to widen the network. As I have said to those who have complained that there are not enough shows on the air promoting critical thinking before, the only way to fix that is to support the ones who are out there now.
I am not quite sure how somebody who is such an adamant free speech advocate will fair under the policies of the current FCC and how long somebody like him will last in an industry whose number one player is the scumbag company Clear Channel. But these are questions I look forward to finding the answer to when Penn's show begins tuesday morning January 3, 2006.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Today's target: The Discovery Institute
I have decided to aim a little closer to home with this post. Here in free-thinking Seattle stand the offices of the most powerful anti-biology group in the world, the discovery institute. Hell they have their fingers in just about everything around here. Discovery runs the cascadia project which looks at regional transportation issues thanks to a grant from Bill Gates.
They are quite sneaky in their fight against biology and shy away from the word creationist. As you can see from Eugenie Scott's site the group has gradually tried to whitewash their religious roots and agenda. They are so wacked out that even this devout christian doctor didn't feel welcome.
So lets try not to be lulled into submission here on the left coast. Your neighbors may be the most dangerous enemys of science on the planet. Since the discovery institute is located right downtown in offices on Third Avenue, I was wondering, is there anybody else in the area up for doing a nice photo op for the local news? We could throw fossils through their windows perhaps. All suggestions are welcome.
They are quite sneaky in their fight against biology and shy away from the word creationist. As you can see from Eugenie Scott's site the group has gradually tried to whitewash their religious roots and agenda. They are so wacked out that even this devout christian doctor didn't feel welcome.
So lets try not to be lulled into submission here on the left coast. Your neighbors may be the most dangerous enemys of science on the planet. Since the discovery institute is located right downtown in offices on Third Avenue, I was wondering, is there anybody else in the area up for doing a nice photo op for the local news? We could throw fossils through their windows perhaps. All suggestions are welcome.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Britney Spears baby photos
OK well I realize I can't put all my eggs in one basket, so while I am waiting for somebody from scientology to sue me I will also try to piss off Britney Spears if I can. She said today she would sue websites that put pictures of her baby up online.
Well as always, I aim to please. Below are the only photos I could find of the Baby Spears. Look closely and you can see the baby boy's midriff.
Well as always, I aim to please. Below are the only photos I could find of the Baby Spears. Look closely and you can see the baby boy's midriff.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Today's post brought to you by the scientologists
I have turned my page over to a scientologist today and he is completely responsible for this post - Kurly
So everybody seems to be afraid of us scientologists. It is very seldom that you see anything negative about our religion in the media as we are litigous scumbags. Penn and Teller said that Showtime didn't want them doing a Bullshit show about us Thetan morons because it would most probably end them up in court. We are now going after this great site claiming the owner has to cease and disist because as we all know you aren't allowed to ever criticize somebody else's wacky beliefs.
His page links to this cartoon which may well be the funniest thing I have ever seen on the internet, and that's really saying something. So after you check out everything on the great scientomogy page why don't you start your own anti-scientology page, the more the merrier. And if we sue you, all the better, it will get you lots of great free publicity! So again, I am speaking on behalf of my fellow scientologists and they endorse everything I have said today. I now hand this page back to its rightful owner who had absolutely nothing to do with this statement.
Ok thanks my friendly scientologist, I am happy to let you spread your message - Kurly
please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . .
So everybody seems to be afraid of us scientologists. It is very seldom that you see anything negative about our religion in the media as we are litigous scumbags. Penn and Teller said that Showtime didn't want them doing a Bullshit show about us Thetan morons because it would most probably end them up in court. We are now going after this great site claiming the owner has to cease and disist because as we all know you aren't allowed to ever criticize somebody else's wacky beliefs.
His page links to this cartoon which may well be the funniest thing I have ever seen on the internet, and that's really saying something. So after you check out everything on the great scientomogy page why don't you start your own anti-scientology page, the more the merrier. And if we sue you, all the better, it will get you lots of great free publicity! So again, I am speaking on behalf of my fellow scientologists and they endorse everything I have said today. I now hand this page back to its rightful owner who had absolutely nothing to do with this statement.
Ok thanks my friendly scientologist, I am happy to let you spread your message - Kurly
please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . . please sue . . .
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Doing his best to piss people off for thirty years
Howard Stern's time on the public airwaves is coming to an end next month. After millions in dollars in fines from the FCC for talking dirty on the radio, he is taking his show to satellite where first amendment rights are actually upheld. While I have often disagreed with his politics and think a lot of his show is dumb, he is a welcome addition to the skepticklish.com hall of fame because he is somebody who is not afraid to speak his mind.
Those who don't know the show think it is just a bunch of smut. That's certainly part of it but it is also the only show on the air that doesn't lick the boots of every celebrity to come down the pike. Stern and the others on the show have real adult dialogue about the morons that society turns into role models. He does get big stars on the show from time to time and when he interviews them you might actually learn something new and interesting which is more than you will ever get from any TV talk show or ET report.
This morning on my drive to work I was treated to Stevie Wonder and Stern doing a duet to My Cherie Amor. Stern's slightly modified verse included a tribute to a NYC strip club. In comedy there is no such thing as crossing the line. In comedy there is a different sort of line, either it's funny or its not. If it's funny go for it! Show me a joke that doesn't offend somebody and I will show you a joke that nobody is laughing at.
Those who don't know the show think it is just a bunch of smut. That's certainly part of it but it is also the only show on the air that doesn't lick the boots of every celebrity to come down the pike. Stern and the others on the show have real adult dialogue about the morons that society turns into role models. He does get big stars on the show from time to time and when he interviews them you might actually learn something new and interesting which is more than you will ever get from any TV talk show or ET report.
This morning on my drive to work I was treated to Stevie Wonder and Stern doing a duet to My Cherie Amor. Stern's slightly modified verse included a tribute to a NYC strip club. In comedy there is no such thing as crossing the line. In comedy there is a different sort of line, either it's funny or its not. If it's funny go for it! Show me a joke that doesn't offend somebody and I will show you a joke that nobody is laughing at.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Approved Podcast links for science and skepticism
Ok after complaining about public radio it is only fair to give you some alternatives you can listen to. There are several good options out there worth checking out.
The Skeptic Tank
The best podcast on skepticism comes to you from down under. The Australian Skeptics have a lot of fun and you can listen to all their radio appearances.
The Infidel Guy
This is a guy in Georgia who talks about issues of Atheism and Skepticism. He always has dynamite guests on his show and the interviews and discussions can last for hours.
A Skeptic Moment
This show is quick and to the point. This guy can debunk some long standing belief in less time than your average radio commercial break.
Atheist Viewpoint
The audio from the American Atheists cable access show, fun for the whole family.
The Naked Scientists
The most entertaining of the weekly science podcasts. Direct from the UK. There are a few other good science shows I don't have time to mention, but your an adult and can search for something that matches your specific scientific interest.
Rational Thought
A new entry into the skeptical podcasting arena from Michigan.
Are We Alone
This dynamite podcast from SETI deals with science and skepticality and should not be missed.
Slacker Astronomy
A fun look at the Cosmos from Harvard.
The christian and the Atheist
The two buddies on this show prove that we all can just get along! This show could do with a bit more name calling though.
The Non-Prophets
A bi-weekly radio show from the Atheist Community of Austin Texas.
Skepticality
One of the hosts of this show had a serious health issue recently but lets hope this skeptic show gets rolling again soon.
Podshock
And finally, a podcast that is completely unrelated. If there are any fellow Whovians out there, this is a great weekly show all about Doctor Who.
Hope this gets you started. Feel free to post any other suggestions in the comments. By the way, I just got my TAM3 DVDs in the mail from the JREF. Four great DVDs in the package, with Richard Dawkins getting his very own disk. Well worth purchasing here.
The Skeptic Tank
The best podcast on skepticism comes to you from down under. The Australian Skeptics have a lot of fun and you can listen to all their radio appearances.
The Infidel Guy
This is a guy in Georgia who talks about issues of Atheism and Skepticism. He always has dynamite guests on his show and the interviews and discussions can last for hours.
A Skeptic Moment
This show is quick and to the point. This guy can debunk some long standing belief in less time than your average radio commercial break.
Atheist Viewpoint
The audio from the American Atheists cable access show, fun for the whole family.
The Naked Scientists
The most entertaining of the weekly science podcasts. Direct from the UK. There are a few other good science shows I don't have time to mention, but your an adult and can search for something that matches your specific scientific interest.
Rational Thought
A new entry into the skeptical podcasting arena from Michigan.
Are We Alone
This dynamite podcast from SETI deals with science and skepticality and should not be missed.
Slacker Astronomy
A fun look at the Cosmos from Harvard.
The christian and the Atheist
The two buddies on this show prove that we all can just get along! This show could do with a bit more name calling though.
The Non-Prophets
A bi-weekly radio show from the Atheist Community of Austin Texas.
Skepticality
One of the hosts of this show had a serious health issue recently but lets hope this skeptic show gets rolling again soon.
Podshock
And finally, a podcast that is completely unrelated. If there are any fellow Whovians out there, this is a great weekly show all about Doctor Who.
Hope this gets you started. Feel free to post any other suggestions in the comments. By the way, I just got my TAM3 DVDs in the mail from the JREF. Four great DVDs in the package, with Richard Dawkins getting his very own disk. Well worth purchasing here.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Call now to support the end of public broadcasting
OK first of all let me start by telling you who is writing this post. I volunteered/worked at four different public radio stations in the Northwest off and on between 1988 and 2002. I hosted a variety of music programs and also briefly did news reporting. Twice a year when the pledge drive came around I pitched my heart out, I was convinced myself that sending money to support public radio was important. I myself as a youngster of probably 10 or 11 saved my pennies to send in to a Seattle NPR station that played the H2G2 and Star Wars radio dramas.
The other day, on my drive home from work, the exact same NPR station was doing their bi-annual fundraiser and I couldn’t turn the dial fast enough. When I look at them and compare them with other audio options today, I honestly don’t believe they are offering anything worth paying for. It is a total rarity that I listen to them at all these days. They aren’t offering news I can’t get elsewhere, they aren’t offering music I can’t get elsewhere, and they aren’t offering any kind of programming that is really unique. It’s not that their programming has necessarily gotten worse than before (although with PBS that is definitely the case.) I think it's fair to say that unless you are a white baby boomer NPR is not very appealing, but the main issue is that there are so many more options available now. From podcasting, to satellite radio, to more variety in commercial radio, I see absolutely zilch value today in supporting public radio.
About the only thing they can sell you on is that they don’t have commercials. Well that’s not even exactly true since they have more “underwriters” than ever before. But granted, except for the roughly one month a year when they are fundraising you don’t have to put up with car dealership ads which is nice. Ads do annoy me, but I just avoid them quite simply by changing the channel to one without ads for a few minutes. Or better yet I listen to podcasts. With those I can listen to exactly what I want, when I want.
So today, for the first time in media I will publicly pitch for people not to send in money to public broadcasting. If you have extra money hanging around, there are many better causes it should go to. And I will agree with the republicans on this occasion and extend that message to the Government, our tax dollars (although admittedly it is a pittance) should not fund public broadcasting either at this point. To all those of you who sent in money to support my lousy radio shows on KRVM, KLCC, KBCS or KAOS over the years, please accept my apology. Sorry.
The other day, on my drive home from work, the exact same NPR station was doing their bi-annual fundraiser and I couldn’t turn the dial fast enough. When I look at them and compare them with other audio options today, I honestly don’t believe they are offering anything worth paying for. It is a total rarity that I listen to them at all these days. They aren’t offering news I can’t get elsewhere, they aren’t offering music I can’t get elsewhere, and they aren’t offering any kind of programming that is really unique. It’s not that their programming has necessarily gotten worse than before (although with PBS that is definitely the case.) I think it's fair to say that unless you are a white baby boomer NPR is not very appealing, but the main issue is that there are so many more options available now. From podcasting, to satellite radio, to more variety in commercial radio, I see absolutely zilch value today in supporting public radio.
About the only thing they can sell you on is that they don’t have commercials. Well that’s not even exactly true since they have more “underwriters” than ever before. But granted, except for the roughly one month a year when they are fundraising you don’t have to put up with car dealership ads which is nice. Ads do annoy me, but I just avoid them quite simply by changing the channel to one without ads for a few minutes. Or better yet I listen to podcasts. With those I can listen to exactly what I want, when I want.
So today, for the first time in media I will publicly pitch for people not to send in money to public broadcasting. If you have extra money hanging around, there are many better causes it should go to. And I will agree with the republicans on this occasion and extend that message to the Government, our tax dollars (although admittedly it is a pittance) should not fund public broadcasting either at this point. To all those of you who sent in money to support my lousy radio shows on KRVM, KLCC, KBCS or KAOS over the years, please accept my apology. Sorry.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
It's no fun being in the majority!
I started this page as a sort of therapy for myself because I was stuck alone in a tiny town in the Arizona desert. It was a town of roughly 700 people, one square mile, with 6 churches. After arriving there it didn't take me long to figure out that I would be hard pressed to find a lot of progressive thinking people to hang out with. And when I say that, I don't mean that my friends have to have voted for a certain person or have to skip going to church but they should at least be able to explain the thought process behind their political and religious views. I love critical thinking, no matter what conclusion that may bring you to.
So anyway, since I had nobody to talk to about my thoughts I had to let it out somewhere. So readers of this page were the lucky recipients of my rants. Well now that I live in a city close to friends and family and have many like-minded co-workers, writing this page just doesn't give me the same illicit thrill. Now on top of that I read this article yesterday in the Seattle Times that stated 63% of people in the Pacific Northwest don't belong to a religious community. What the hell is that about! Maybe the paranoid evangelicals are right, Atheists are running the show!
Well after thinking over this a bit more, I came to realize that is doesn't make a bit of difference where I write my posts, most readers will not be lucky enough to live in the enlightened Northwest and are located somewhere where discussion of religious issues is generally still repressed. For all I know this page might inspire some young gal to stand up and speak her mind, much like this guy did in Korea. That's the type of guy I picture when I write this page, so sorry if you live close to me in the Northwest and aren't in my target audience. For that group, just enjoy the fact you live in one of the few spots in the world where you are not shunned for thinking for yourself.
PS - Take a listen to this radio show with Sam Harris.
So anyway, since I had nobody to talk to about my thoughts I had to let it out somewhere. So readers of this page were the lucky recipients of my rants. Well now that I live in a city close to friends and family and have many like-minded co-workers, writing this page just doesn't give me the same illicit thrill. Now on top of that I read this article yesterday in the Seattle Times that stated 63% of people in the Pacific Northwest don't belong to a religious community. What the hell is that about! Maybe the paranoid evangelicals are right, Atheists are running the show!
Well after thinking over this a bit more, I came to realize that is doesn't make a bit of difference where I write my posts, most readers will not be lucky enough to live in the enlightened Northwest and are located somewhere where discussion of religious issues is generally still repressed. For all I know this page might inspire some young gal to stand up and speak her mind, much like this guy did in Korea. That's the type of guy I picture when I write this page, so sorry if you live close to me in the Northwest and aren't in my target audience. For that group, just enjoy the fact you live in one of the few spots in the world where you are not shunned for thinking for yourself.
PS - Take a listen to this radio show with Sam Harris.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Creationism, an investment on par with the Brooklyn Bridge
Well I have another idea for a boycott, how about we stop patronizing all these corporations and institutions who are supporting the "Intelligent Design" movement! Yes we will hit them right where it hurts, in the wallet! . . . But wait, if you check out who is actually donating money to these groups you will see very few if any for-profit businesses giving them any of their money. The discovery institute and other idiots like them get almost all of their money from conservative foundations and individual donations.
Corporations are not stupid enough to throw their money into that hole. What profit could they see in supporting a "science" that has yet to provide a single benefit to humanity? Research that has stemmed from the facts in evolutionary theory have helped lengthen many lives and made millions for many smart investors. If you want to stump a creationist ask them to give you just one practical application for their theory.
Economics is a big driving force in Science just like anything else. Real science generally doesn't get its support from little old ladies in Kansas cashing in their social security checks and mailing them in. Most science research is self-supporting because there is no shortage of investors who know they will get something back for their money. The only payback businesses will get from having creationism in science classrooms is having a future generation of employees who can't think critically.
Corporations are not stupid enough to throw their money into that hole. What profit could they see in supporting a "science" that has yet to provide a single benefit to humanity? Research that has stemmed from the facts in evolutionary theory have helped lengthen many lives and made millions for many smart investors. If you want to stump a creationist ask them to give you just one practical application for their theory.
Economics is a big driving force in Science just like anything else. Real science generally doesn't get its support from little old ladies in Kansas cashing in their social security checks and mailing them in. Most science research is self-supporting because there is no shortage of investors who know they will get something back for their money. The only payback businesses will get from having creationism in science classrooms is having a future generation of employees who can't think critically.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Cracking Toast Gromit!
I was first introduced to the work of Nick Park about 15 years ago when I saw two shorts he had made as part of a Tournee of Animation collection at a theatre in Eugene OR. I can't remember anything else that was on the two-hour bill that day but Park's work blew me away. One of the shorts was Creature Comforts, which went on to win an academy award and was an instant classic. The other short was A Grand Day Out, it was also given a nod for an Academy Award in the same category. A Grand Day Out was an introduction to a pair of characters who Roger Ebert called today "The two most delightful animated characters ever!"
There has been plenty written on Wallace and Gromit and their new movie but I just wanted to add my own personal thanks to Nick Park for producing something completely brilliant. It is nearly impossible to come up with smart entertainment that everybody loves. Young, old; short, tall; red state, blue state, you will be hard pressed to find anybody who doesn't appreciate the man and his dog. As individuals, the two characters are not that amazing, but together they are a force to be reckoned with. Their relationship has a universal appeal and they will be a part of the culture for many generations to come. Plus W&G is educational, we learned that the moon really is made out of cheese!
There has been plenty written on Wallace and Gromit and their new movie but I just wanted to add my own personal thanks to Nick Park for producing something completely brilliant. It is nearly impossible to come up with smart entertainment that everybody loves. Young, old; short, tall; red state, blue state, you will be hard pressed to find anybody who doesn't appreciate the man and his dog. As individuals, the two characters are not that amazing, but together they are a force to be reckoned with. Their relationship has a universal appeal and they will be a part of the culture for many generations to come. Plus W&G is educational, we learned that the moon really is made out of cheese!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Catholics deserve a capital "C" today
Hey I give credit where credit is due here. The voice of reason is coming from the Roman Catholic Church today. As I have said before I don't have an issue with folks who want to believe in fairy tales to help them get through life. I just have issues when they can't keep their beliefs to themselves or when it completely takes over their brains so thoroughly that they fail to think critically about anything else they come across.
Anybody who says they take the bible literally can't have even read the first few chapters. So if after reading the stories in the bible you somehow learn some valuable life lessons, great! (Although I don't know how you could, what with all the rape, murder incest, intolerance and cruelty in there) However, if after reading the bible you somehow think it belongs in our science classrooms then we have a problem. But don't take my word for it, listen to the higher authority of the Catholic Church. Keep up the good work guys!
And kudos also goes out to Sam Harris for this great editorial today!
Anybody who says they take the bible literally can't have even read the first few chapters. So if after reading the stories in the bible you somehow learn some valuable life lessons, great! (Although I don't know how you could, what with all the rape, murder incest, intolerance and cruelty in there) However, if after reading the bible you somehow think it belongs in our science classrooms then we have a problem. But don't take my word for it, listen to the higher authority of the Catholic Church. Keep up the good work guys!
And kudos also goes out to Sam Harris for this great editorial today!
Monday, October 03, 2005
The Evangelical Justice
Don't let this lady fool you, you need to tell your senators to throw this one back. Bush's new supreme court choice Miers is bad news for the USA.
While new Chief Justice Roberts leans toward the conservative side politically he is a critical thinker and I doubt will let superstitious beliefs influence any of his decisions. However, Miers has been a devout member of the flock of valley view christian church. They, like any evangelical church, are anti-choice and anti-anybody who doesn't have the same wacko beliefs as them. This article reports Miers has made personal donations to anti-choice groups.
Here's a story that originally had the headline, "Miers' would be the court's first Evangelical." The headline was changed to take the dirty word out of it, but the gist is the same. If that's not enough evidence, just look at who is supporting her nomination. What I find hard to believe is that some red staters have an issue with the former sunday school teacher. What more do they want, the pope on the supreme court?
Unfortunately, she will indeed scoot right through the confirmation process just like Roberts. The only good news is that she is 60 and will only be able to screw up the USA for 20 years or so at the most.
While new Chief Justice Roberts leans toward the conservative side politically he is a critical thinker and I doubt will let superstitious beliefs influence any of his decisions. However, Miers has been a devout member of the flock of valley view christian church. They, like any evangelical church, are anti-choice and anti-anybody who doesn't have the same wacko beliefs as them. This article reports Miers has made personal donations to anti-choice groups.
Here's a story that originally had the headline, "Miers' would be the court's first Evangelical." The headline was changed to take the dirty word out of it, but the gist is the same. If that's not enough evidence, just look at who is supporting her nomination. What I find hard to believe is that some red staters have an issue with the former sunday school teacher. What more do they want, the pope on the supreme court?
Unfortunately, she will indeed scoot right through the confirmation process just like Roberts. The only good news is that she is 60 and will only be able to screw up the USA for 20 years or so at the most.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Randi, I deserve the million dollar prize!
Up until today I have never claimed psychic abilities, but I have now got a specific prediction very close to correct and that is one more than any of the psychics on the Montel Williams or Larry King show ever has, so it is time to acknowledge my special abilities and get my reward.
As you know James Randi gives a million dollars to anybody who can provide evidence of their psychic powers. Well way back in March I posted a prediction of the Seattle Mariner's final record for 2005 on this website. The season just ended today, and I was only off by a few games! This wasn't just one of those general predictions, about I think they will do poorly, or that they will finish last. This was a specific prediction about the exact number of wins and losses they would have over the course of the 162 game 2005 regular season. And with all the aquisitions that Seattle had picked up over last offseason, you will find that most other prognasticators were predicting a much higher record for the team.
My posting in March should be evidence enough that I deserve the million. I have not gone back and changed my original post in any way. I was even in Vegas right before the season started and declined to put money down on my prediction because as everybody knows true psychics never use their talents for monetary gain. Psychics use their powers only to benefit humanity. For example, don't you recall those dozens of tv psychics warning the residents of New Orleans that they had better get out of town? OK I don't either but they must have slipped it in between their prediction about Angelinie Jolie's lovelife and Clay Aiken's drug addiction. (Well if they didn't predict it why not? It seemed just about everybody except Bush and FEMA could predict it. The authors of these articles from National Geographic and Scientific American may also be worthy of Randi's prize)
The tarot card hurricane prediction site for 2005 says, "We predict a relatively quite hurricane season with little activity, and no major hurricanes striking Florida." Just like any good psychic they are still leaving their prediction up and would never think about revising past predictions.
Well on a serious note, baseball season is over once again for the Seattle Mariners. It was another dud of a season, and next season won't be any better. I went to the game on Friday where we said goodbye to catcher Dan Wilson, the last remaining player from the 1995 season. Well after having to sit through the last few seasons, that unbelievable year seems like it was a lifetime ago, not just ten years ago. As usual I could care less about any of the teams who are in the post season and I am sick of watching just to root against the yankees.
So I see no point in waiting until March for my prediction for the Mariner's final record in 2006, let's just get it over with now. It will be 77-85, I'm going to take a baseball nap for a few years, go ahead and wake me up when Seattle decides they are going to play the game for real again.
As you know James Randi gives a million dollars to anybody who can provide evidence of their psychic powers. Well way back in March I posted a prediction of the Seattle Mariner's final record for 2005 on this website. The season just ended today, and I was only off by a few games! This wasn't just one of those general predictions, about I think they will do poorly, or that they will finish last. This was a specific prediction about the exact number of wins and losses they would have over the course of the 162 game 2005 regular season. And with all the aquisitions that Seattle had picked up over last offseason, you will find that most other prognasticators were predicting a much higher record for the team.
My posting in March should be evidence enough that I deserve the million. I have not gone back and changed my original post in any way. I was even in Vegas right before the season started and declined to put money down on my prediction because as everybody knows true psychics never use their talents for monetary gain. Psychics use their powers only to benefit humanity. For example, don't you recall those dozens of tv psychics warning the residents of New Orleans that they had better get out of town? OK I don't either but they must have slipped it in between their prediction about Angelinie Jolie's lovelife and Clay Aiken's drug addiction. (Well if they didn't predict it why not? It seemed just about everybody except Bush and FEMA could predict it. The authors of these articles from National Geographic and Scientific American may also be worthy of Randi's prize)
The tarot card hurricane prediction site for 2005 says, "We predict a relatively quite hurricane season with little activity, and no major hurricanes striking Florida." Just like any good psychic they are still leaving their prediction up and would never think about revising past predictions.
Well on a serious note, baseball season is over once again for the Seattle Mariners. It was another dud of a season, and next season won't be any better. I went to the game on Friday where we said goodbye to catcher Dan Wilson, the last remaining player from the 1995 season. Well after having to sit through the last few seasons, that unbelievable year seems like it was a lifetime ago, not just ten years ago. As usual I could care less about any of the teams who are in the post season and I am sick of watching just to root against the yankees.
So I see no point in waiting until March for my prediction for the Mariner's final record in 2006, let's just get it over with now. It will be 77-85, I'm going to take a baseball nap for a few years, go ahead and wake me up when Seattle decides they are going to play the game for real again.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Photos of my backyard
Earlier this week I took some photos during my daily stroll down the beach where I live. Since that afternoon the weather has taken a turn for the worse. It was cloudy and raining today, but I will take this over the desert any day.
Here is one of my neighbor's scare crows. I don't think it really scares the seagulls however.
There should be plenty of free firewood on the beach to help me make it through the cold winter.
There are remains of an old pier here, It would be nice if a ferry pulled right up to my house. It would shorten my commute.
This time of year one pretty much has the beach all to themselves
There is a big difference between low and high tide out here.
Every now and then the sun does shine in september in Seattle.
It's pretty good exercise walking on the loose sand and rocks.
To all my coworkers I left in Arizona. Eat your heart out.
Here is one of my neighbor's scare crows. I don't think it really scares the seagulls however.
There should be plenty of free firewood on the beach to help me make it through the cold winter.
There are remains of an old pier here, It would be nice if a ferry pulled right up to my house. It would shorten my commute.
This time of year one pretty much has the beach all to themselves
There is a big difference between low and high tide out here.
Every now and then the sun does shine in september in Seattle.
It's pretty good exercise walking on the loose sand and rocks.
To all my coworkers I left in Arizona. Eat your heart out.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Oil and Spaghetti
The hottest "anti-creationism in the schools site" at the moment is verganza.org. It is a satirical site about how the belief that a flying spaghetti monster created humans in their present form is just as credible and scientific as "intelligent design theory" and should be given equal time in biology classrooms. It's a great site and worth checking out, however there is a major problem with it: It features satire! You and I may appreciate satire, but if you are trying to get your message out to creationists it will go right over their heads. Anti-biologists just aren't very bright and it takes a bit of intelligence to understand satire.
Richard Dawkins has also just written a fantastic satirical article about the danger of Gerin Oil. He doesn't spell out the joke at all in the article, but anybody who knows Dawkin's work should be able to spot the anagram right away.
With anti-biologists you need to have a lot of patience and speak very clearly and slowly. You must constantly check for understanding and obviously the more visual aids the better. Be sure and repeat every point several times and don't expect to get more than a few minutes of their attention at any one time. Good Luck, once you have tried teaching an anti-biologist, you will better understand why special ed teachers have such a thankless job.
PS - More proof that durian is worth dying for!
Richard Dawkins has also just written a fantastic satirical article about the danger of Gerin Oil. He doesn't spell out the joke at all in the article, but anybody who knows Dawkin's work should be able to spot the anagram right away.
With anti-biologists you need to have a lot of patience and speak very clearly and slowly. You must constantly check for understanding and obviously the more visual aids the better. Be sure and repeat every point several times and don't expect to get more than a few minutes of their attention at any one time. Good Luck, once you have tried teaching an anti-biologist, you will better understand why special ed teachers have such a thankless job.
PS - More proof that durian is worth dying for!
Monday, September 26, 2005
Billions and Billions
Tomorrow night those of you lucky enough to get The Science Channel have a chance to watch the greatest science documentary ever made. The 25th anniversary edition of Carl Sagan's Cosmos will begin airing! I doubt any of my readers actually get this channel though. The cable companies only have so much bandwidth afterall, and carrying an educational channel like that means that they would have to drop the Pat Robertson channel or one of those other horrible channels, like the once great AMC.
Well not to fear, you can currently get the Cosmos 20th Anniversary show on DVD. It is a great boxset and deserves a spot in your collection. Or I imagine you can wait for a bit and get this 25th Anniversary version in the near future. Sagan's explanation of the Cosmic Calendar in the first episode is worth the price of admission alone. You can even get a copy of this enlightening representation of the history of the Cosmos to hang on your wall.
I remember watching parts of the TV show when I was a kid when it first aired on PBS, but found it to be a completely new experience when watching it again on DVD a few years ago. So watch it for the first or fifth time, after all, what else were you planning on watching on TV tomorrow, the Tyra Banks show?
PS - Dawkins Alert! Check out this article in the NYT. Also here is an interesting (although admittedly questionable) study worth reading about.
Well not to fear, you can currently get the Cosmos 20th Anniversary show on DVD. It is a great boxset and deserves a spot in your collection. Or I imagine you can wait for a bit and get this 25th Anniversary version in the near future. Sagan's explanation of the Cosmic Calendar in the first episode is worth the price of admission alone. You can even get a copy of this enlightening representation of the history of the Cosmos to hang on your wall.
I remember watching parts of the TV show when I was a kid when it first aired on PBS, but found it to be a completely new experience when watching it again on DVD a few years ago. So watch it for the first or fifth time, after all, what else were you planning on watching on TV tomorrow, the Tyra Banks show?
PS - Dawkins Alert! Check out this article in the NYT. Also here is an interesting (although admittedly questionable) study worth reading about.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Even you can start a boycott!
This weekend if you have nothing better to do, why not start a boycott? Some are effective, some aren't but you never know until you have tried. Anybody can start one at this site. Time will tell if a Verizon Boycott will make a dent in those scumbag's bottom line. (Almost a month after ordering, they still haven't hooked up my DSL.)
But several years back I put probably a total of less than 10 hours work into a boycott of Warner Brothers that was covered by media all around the country. It was just me alone putting up a silly webpage against a potential Casablanca sequel and it was covered by newspapers, radio and TV across North America. (As far as I know the only article still available online for free about it is this one.) Well the Casablanca sequel was never made, and though I admit there were many factors involved in that, I maintain that I was at least one of them. As a side benefit I also got a quote in that was negative towards Tom Cruise published around the country. Believe it or not I actually got hate mail at the time for speaking ill of that moron.
So ever since then, I have realised that if you are ever pissed about something, doing "the very least you can do" is certainly better than nothing and can even be more than enough! So for other lazy folks like myself, remember that technology is your friend. Shouldn't take you more than 10 spare minutes this evening to start a boycott of your own. I will even be honored if a boycott skepticklish campaign is started.
But several years back I put probably a total of less than 10 hours work into a boycott of Warner Brothers that was covered by media all around the country. It was just me alone putting up a silly webpage against a potential Casablanca sequel and it was covered by newspapers, radio and TV across North America. (As far as I know the only article still available online for free about it is this one.) Well the Casablanca sequel was never made, and though I admit there were many factors involved in that, I maintain that I was at least one of them. As a side benefit I also got a quote in that was negative towards Tom Cruise published around the country. Believe it or not I actually got hate mail at the time for speaking ill of that moron.
So ever since then, I have realised that if you are ever pissed about something, doing "the very least you can do" is certainly better than nothing and can even be more than enough! So for other lazy folks like myself, remember that technology is your friend. Shouldn't take you more than 10 spare minutes this evening to start a boycott of your own. I will even be honored if a boycott skepticklish campaign is started.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Nothing tops Super Breakout!
For everybody who didn't waste enough pointless hours of their lives on an Atari 2600 back in the 80s, the consoles are back now and begging you to spend more unproductive time with them. I actually didn't have an Atari when they first came out, but when the video game crash happened and they were practically giving the things away I finally scored one and then became a video game collector. Paying a few bucks a pop, I ended up with almost 200 Atari 2600 games before it was all said and done.
You name it, I had it, Intellivision, Colecovision, Vectrex and more. If it was pre-Nintendo I collected it. Then one day I came to my senses and swore off video games for life. Other than chess I don't think I have a single game on my hard drive at the moment. I erased every game I had on my comp. And I sold the whole lot of classic consoles and cartridges on Ebay for roughly what I payed for them. That was three years ago and I haven't missed them since. Well there are occasional pangs to play Warlords or Super Breakout (progression mode) but a little deep breathing and I get over it. So I encourage everybody else to kick the habit and go cold turkey! There is nothing romantic or nostalgic about playing old video games. The word I would use to describe it does end with an "ic" but starts with a "p" however.
You name it, I had it, Intellivision, Colecovision, Vectrex and more. If it was pre-Nintendo I collected it. Then one day I came to my senses and swore off video games for life. Other than chess I don't think I have a single game on my hard drive at the moment. I erased every game I had on my comp. And I sold the whole lot of classic consoles and cartridges on Ebay for roughly what I payed for them. That was three years ago and I haven't missed them since. Well there are occasional pangs to play Warlords or Super Breakout (progression mode) but a little deep breathing and I get over it. So I encourage everybody else to kick the habit and go cold turkey! There is nothing romantic or nostalgic about playing old video games. The word I would use to describe it does end with an "ic" but starts with a "p" however.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
The best laid plans of Penguins and men
Imagine you are a French biologist who makes a nature documentary that is a huge box office smash in the USA. You probably would assume that would be good news for science, interest in the natural world and education about evolution can't be bad right? But as a teacher, I know myself, students often completely misinterpret something based on the schema they bring into the classroom. Well no shocker I suppose that the creationist crowd has somehow completely missed the whole point of the film March of the Penguins and are adopting it as an argument for their asinine theories.
The big problem perhaps is that we have two groups who argue their point in very different ways. One group uses logic and reason in the debate, the other thinks that appeals to emotion and doctrine are the way to win an argument. So we just aren't speaking the same language and consequently will never get anywhere.
However, the war to keep creationism out of the science classrooms is over swaying the people in the middle. People claiming to be 100% evolutionists or 100% creationists are really quite a small minority. The large majority of the population has a sort of Deist view of Evolution. That some supernatural entity or power sprung things into motion and then stepped back and watched the show unfold through natural processes. This is where the battle will be fought and considering that the human species as a rule tends to be moved more by emotion than reason, nature films seem like a great weapon, lets just try and show the cute and fuzzy side of evolution.
PS- Here is a link where you can download and watch some great satire from The Daily Show last week on creationism.
The big problem perhaps is that we have two groups who argue their point in very different ways. One group uses logic and reason in the debate, the other thinks that appeals to emotion and doctrine are the way to win an argument. So we just aren't speaking the same language and consequently will never get anywhere.
However, the war to keep creationism out of the science classrooms is over swaying the people in the middle. People claiming to be 100% evolutionists or 100% creationists are really quite a small minority. The large majority of the population has a sort of Deist view of Evolution. That some supernatural entity or power sprung things into motion and then stepped back and watched the show unfold through natural processes. This is where the battle will be fought and considering that the human species as a rule tends to be moved more by emotion than reason, nature films seem like a great weapon, lets just try and show the cute and fuzzy side of evolution.
PS- Here is a link where you can download and watch some great satire from The Daily Show last week on creationism.
Monday, September 19, 2005
One small step for a man, one giant step backward for NASA
Because our bonehead ignorant president decided to make some political speech last year about how NASA should send a man to the moon, NASA is now following Bush's advice, lowering their sights and distracting themselves from more important endeavors. 15 years ago, Dan Quayle suggested the same thing, and NASA appropriately told him, that if he wanted to go up there alone nobody would stop him.
First of all we have already been there. What exactly new are we going to discover? Second of all, when Kennedy said we should have a goal of going to the moon back in 1962, we were there by 1969. So shouldn't it be a quicker prep time this time around, not twice as long? Third, manned space flight is just not necessary with our current technology. I don't know if anybody has noticed, but we have recently learned a hell of a lot about Mars from a pair of robots we sent up there. It was much cheaper than manned flight, hasn't contaminated the planet with human bacteria, and we haven't had to worry about any astronauts complaining about having to be back home in time for christmas!
Nope this is all political. Having folks walking around on the Moon will just look great on TV. It's just a lot sexier than watching a bunch of souped up lawnmowers rolling around on Mars. NASA doesn't care a whit about any scientific advancement, they just want to get in everybody's good graces again with this expensive PR move. Well maybe if we are lucky, while NASA is wasting time on this project, the Russians will send up Sputnik : The Next Generation out to Alpha Centauri and we will be forced to keep up.
First of all we have already been there. What exactly new are we going to discover? Second of all, when Kennedy said we should have a goal of going to the moon back in 1962, we were there by 1969. So shouldn't it be a quicker prep time this time around, not twice as long? Third, manned space flight is just not necessary with our current technology. I don't know if anybody has noticed, but we have recently learned a hell of a lot about Mars from a pair of robots we sent up there. It was much cheaper than manned flight, hasn't contaminated the planet with human bacteria, and we haven't had to worry about any astronauts complaining about having to be back home in time for christmas!
Nope this is all political. Having folks walking around on the Moon will just look great on TV. It's just a lot sexier than watching a bunch of souped up lawnmowers rolling around on Mars. NASA doesn't care a whit about any scientific advancement, they just want to get in everybody's good graces again with this expensive PR move. Well maybe if we are lucky, while NASA is wasting time on this project, the Russians will send up Sputnik : The Next Generation out to Alpha Centauri and we will be forced to keep up.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
one nation, under no god, indivisible
For everybody who just doesn't get why Atheists have a problem with the pledge, just imagine if kids were coerced to say the phrase in the title above. So in this supposed secular country, we are just saying we want the pledge back the way it was prior to the McCarthy era so everybody in this country can comfortably say it.
Thank goodness in all my teaching career I have never had to lead any kids in the pledge, because I would never say the whole thing as it currently stands. At my last school it was said over the loud speaker for the whole school and in my new job as a specialist I think the kids all do it individually in their own classes before they come to me. At school assemblys and things that I attend, I have no huge issue saying the rest of it and just pausing during the "under god" bit, but never in my life would I ever force a kid to say it.
There are a lot of those sort of Atheist issues that I really don't care that much about, like ten commandment monuments at courthouses, crosses on public land, 'in god we trust' on the money and such. While I am not crazy about any of these things, I am a realist and can see that they really don't affect my life that much. Fighting them is generally fruitless and does more harm than good. I always try to use the Do the Right Thing test, "Is it really worth dieing over the fact that there are no pictures of black people up at a pizza parlor?"
But when it comes to the pledge it is an issue that does directly affect me and is harmful to many kids. Well first of all, my philosophy is that schools should be teaching kids to be critical thinkers, and you generally will see words to that effect in most school's mission statements. Sorry, but critical thinking and religion tend to not go hand in hand in my experience. But leaving that aside, for the many students who do not believe in a single deity, they feel pressure in the class to say they do. They are coerced not only by the peer pressure of everybody around them, but by the endorsement of believing in a single deity by the teacher and school that make sure to mention it at the start of every day. A few years ago when this came up it seemed like you were hard pressed to even find Atheists who supported restoring the original pledge. Things have swung a bit and you can now even find supportive editorials and letters in newspapers across the country, from Alabama, Oregon, Illinois, New Jersey, Utah, Alabama, California, New York and Iowa.
So today I will make an agreement with the huge majority of you out there who still like the pledge in its current modified form. All you have to do is just for one day say the words under no god in the middle of your pledge, on that day I will stop complaining. Just for one day! Sound like a good deal?
Thank goodness in all my teaching career I have never had to lead any kids in the pledge, because I would never say the whole thing as it currently stands. At my last school it was said over the loud speaker for the whole school and in my new job as a specialist I think the kids all do it individually in their own classes before they come to me. At school assemblys and things that I attend, I have no huge issue saying the rest of it and just pausing during the "under god" bit, but never in my life would I ever force a kid to say it.
There are a lot of those sort of Atheist issues that I really don't care that much about, like ten commandment monuments at courthouses, crosses on public land, 'in god we trust' on the money and such. While I am not crazy about any of these things, I am a realist and can see that they really don't affect my life that much. Fighting them is generally fruitless and does more harm than good. I always try to use the Do the Right Thing test, "Is it really worth dieing over the fact that there are no pictures of black people up at a pizza parlor?"
But when it comes to the pledge it is an issue that does directly affect me and is harmful to many kids. Well first of all, my philosophy is that schools should be teaching kids to be critical thinkers, and you generally will see words to that effect in most school's mission statements. Sorry, but critical thinking and religion tend to not go hand in hand in my experience. But leaving that aside, for the many students who do not believe in a single deity, they feel pressure in the class to say they do. They are coerced not only by the peer pressure of everybody around them, but by the endorsement of believing in a single deity by the teacher and school that make sure to mention it at the start of every day. A few years ago when this came up it seemed like you were hard pressed to even find Atheists who supported restoring the original pledge. Things have swung a bit and you can now even find supportive editorials and letters in newspapers across the country, from Alabama, Oregon, Illinois, New Jersey, Utah, Alabama, California, New York and Iowa.
So today I will make an agreement with the huge majority of you out there who still like the pledge in its current modified form. All you have to do is just for one day say the words under no god in the middle of your pledge, on that day I will stop complaining. Just for one day! Sound like a good deal?
Friday, September 16, 2005
The I hate Verizon Page
I have temporarily changed the name of this page in an attempt to lose as much business for those morons at Verizon as possible. Below are some links of some people who agree with me. Verizon is a poor excuse for a company, avoid them at all costs.
verizon sucks
verizon still sucks
verizon keeps on sucking
didn't think it was possible for verizon to suck this much
verizon hasn't stopped sucking yet
yep, you guessed it, more on why verizon sucks
finally a link that has nothing to do with verizon sucking . . . not!
just when you thought you had followed enough links having to do with how much verizon sucks
can you believe a company can suck as much as this?
How do you spell 'suck?' V-E-R-I-Z-O-N
Even I am getting tired of reading about how much verizon sucks
Suck on this page verizon!
you do realise that these are only a few of the 1000s of links I could post on how much verizon sucks
you too can make a webpage about verizon sucking
We are getting nearly to the end now of my verizon sucks links
at least you don't have to spend hours on hold to read this page about how much verizon sucks
Oh and did I mention verizon sucks?
Finally, the last of the verizon sucks links . . . for today
verizon sucks
verizon still sucks
verizon keeps on sucking
didn't think it was possible for verizon to suck this much
verizon hasn't stopped sucking yet
yep, you guessed it, more on why verizon sucks
finally a link that has nothing to do with verizon sucking . . . not!
just when you thought you had followed enough links having to do with how much verizon sucks
can you believe a company can suck as much as this?
How do you spell 'suck?' V-E-R-I-Z-O-N
Even I am getting tired of reading about how much verizon sucks
Suck on this page verizon!
you do realise that these are only a few of the 1000s of links I could post on how much verizon sucks
you too can make a webpage about verizon sucking
We are getting nearly to the end now of my verizon sucks links
at least you don't have to spend hours on hold to read this page about how much verizon sucks
Oh and did I mention verizon sucks?
Finally, the last of the verizon sucks links . . . for today
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Boycott Verizon
Ok this page will be dedicated for the next few posts to how much Verizon sucks. The reason you have not seen any posts lately is because they still have not hooked me up for service at my new cabin. They are the only one who provide high-speed internet service there, so I have no choice in the issue. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with in my life and if you can avoid using them do it! I have wasted hours on the phone now with those jackasses trying to sort out this problem and it still hasn't been fixed.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Why was Bourbon Street spared?
The "divine judgement" jackasses are starting to come out of the woodwork right on schedule following the hurricane in the gulf. I have to hand it to the media though as it doesn't seem like they are giving them much play this time around. But one column inch of ink for these nuts is one inch too much. So, as I mentioned after the tsunami, lets support the reporters and papers who show the science behind the hurricane and lets write nasty notes to the one who give the blame-the-victim crackpots the time of day.
I haven't seen any stories yet about churches that were spared (here's one that wasn't) and other such fluff pieces but after they have a chance to survey the destruction I am sure the miracles will start popping up. We might not be hearing too many stories like this because the South is god's country afterall and Louisiana and Mississippi are two of the most religious states in the country. If those places weren't protected from the wrath of god, what hope is there for all of us heathens out on the left coast?
I haven't seen any stories yet about churches that were spared (here's one that wasn't) and other such fluff pieces but after they have a chance to survey the destruction I am sure the miracles will start popping up. We might not be hearing too many stories like this because the South is god's country afterall and Louisiana and Mississippi are two of the most religious states in the country. If those places weren't protected from the wrath of god, what hope is there for all of us heathens out on the left coast?
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Hit 'em when they're down damnit!
Politics are not like cricket, and if you are a democratic politician who ever wants to win an election again you need to stand up right now and say in a loud clear steady voice these exact words, "Our current fucked-up administration is to blame for the poor planning and poor response which greatly swelled the extent of the tragedy in the Gulf." Go ahead and practice it a few times and get comfortable with it. I know that being direct, progressive and having a vision is new and difficult for you democrats but we all are capable of changing.
Ok so you sat on your hands during that whole Iraq debaucle and didn't bat an eye when the Homeland Security Act was passed but thats all in the past now, you have already lost an election for being a bunch of lollygaggers regarding those BS policies. Now is the time to look towards the future and act like a party that is pissed off that a bunch of morons are running our country and are actually going to do something different.
Ok, yes I know, I stand a better chance of convincing a republican to move to one of those devastated ghettos in N'awlins, but I still hold out foolish hope that the demos won't be spineless wimps forever.
Ok so you sat on your hands during that whole Iraq debaucle and didn't bat an eye when the Homeland Security Act was passed but thats all in the past now, you have already lost an election for being a bunch of lollygaggers regarding those BS policies. Now is the time to look towards the future and act like a party that is pissed off that a bunch of morons are running our country and are actually going to do something different.
Ok, yes I know, I stand a better chance of convincing a republican to move to one of those devastated ghettos in N'awlins, but I still hold out foolish hope that the demos won't be spineless wimps forever.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Durian theory of Evolution
There are probably only two things you can count on here at skepticklish. Whenever Richard Dawkins writes something new on the web, or if there is news about durian, you will find the links on this page ASAP. 'Nuff said. Enjoy your dose of dawkins and durian!
PS - Here is a radio show you can listen to that Dawkins was on a few weeks ago that I just realised I forgot to post. Sorry, it was a busy week. Plus if you want to learn more about Durian and Evolution go here.
PS - Here is a radio show you can listen to that Dawkins was on a few weeks ago that I just realised I forgot to post. Sorry, it was a busy week. Plus if you want to learn more about Durian and Evolution go here.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
A sold out Mariners game?
Tonight was a the closest thing Mariner fans are going to get this year to a playoff atmosphere down at safeco field. It was the big matchup between the ancient mariner, Randy Johnson and the Venezuelan teenager Felix Hernandez. The game had everything, even a guy who ran on the field to dump his mother's ashes on the sacred ground. Well it had everything except much offense, as it finished with New Dork winning 2-0.
I managed to snag a ticket for this must see event. The rare opportunity to see Mariner players winning, even if it for a different team. RJ was my favorite ballplayer for many years, and I also caught his only other start at Safeco shortly after it first opened when he was playing for the Diamondbacks. He blew away the team that day too. I saw Felix pitch in Arizona and Vegas in March and I suspected even then he would be starting opening day 2006. Mariner fans have been saying maybe next year since April, so even though he could not quite match up with RJ tonight, he did give us a bit of hope that come April 2006 we won't already be looking forward to 2007.
P.S. - I almost forgot . . .YANKEES SUCK!
I managed to snag a ticket for this must see event. The rare opportunity to see Mariner players winning, even if it for a different team. RJ was my favorite ballplayer for many years, and I also caught his only other start at Safeco shortly after it first opened when he was playing for the Diamondbacks. He blew away the team that day too. I saw Felix pitch in Arizona and Vegas in March and I suspected even then he would be starting opening day 2006. Mariner fans have been saying maybe next year since April, so even though he could not quite match up with RJ tonight, he did give us a bit of hope that come April 2006 we won't already be looking forward to 2007.
P.S. - I almost forgot . . .YANKEES SUCK!
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