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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 . . .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.