1. The Creation Museum: Prepare to believe

Comment #41011 by dinoboy on May 15, 2007 at 10:40 am

I wanna go! I wanna go!

Many museums offer "professional courtesy" discounts for other museum employees...

I wonder if my Field Museum of Natural History badge will get me in for cheaper - hmm, or maybe I'll have to pay more. :)

2. Scene Caused by Christian Group at NYC Stage Show

Comment #35931 by dinoboy on April 29, 2007 at 11:13 am

Without watching the video one might defend the "school group" chaperones with fearing a retaliation from the school board (or parents) - sadly, working in a school these days makes one practically tip-toe around many issues (sexual content/language being near the top of the list)

But this was not what we see in the video: What we see is a quiet, well coordinated evacuation. There was no explanation given or even a "by your leave" proposed by anyone in the group.

They showed no concern for the fact they were interrupting a show in progress for those still seated or the performer - quite the opposite there (though it seems possible that the vandal acted independently the actions of the group certainly provoked him)

Though I am confused by it; If this was to be a protest it was a odd and costly one, no? I mean, I don't go to Mass, place $2k in the collection basket, then WALK out... That will show those Christians!

3. Did John Paul II perform a miracle? Am I Mother Teresa?

Comment #30228 by dinoboy on April 7, 2007 at 9:11 am

You tell 'em, brother, I have seen the light! Is it a miracle?*



*Well it just so happens that this "light" is connected to a switch, via a wire behind the wall, which is in turn connected to electric power generators fueled by the breakdown of carbon chains...

4. Kansas State School Board Bans Pokemon Due to Evolution Content

Comment #29747 by dinoboy on April 4, 2007 at 2:21 pm

I second the hoax claim...

It originated in The Daily Gaming News
http://www.dailygaming.net/index.php

their catchphrase, "Seriously satirical"

5. Kansas State School Board Bans Pokemon Due to Evolution Content

Comment #29740 by dinoboy on April 4, 2007 at 2:07 pm

"...turned their eyes to the school system, which has long been a hotbed of Pokemon activity."

I can barely stop laughing

As to veracity, I can't say but that pyre photo doesn't look like buring video games...

-edit-

Found nothing in the Onion on Pokemon and Kansas...

did find this gem though:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/55807

6. The Most Hated Family in America

Comment #29587 by dinoboy on April 3, 2007 at 1:56 pm

My first reaction was, "is this for real?" The narrator said that the family is popular here in the states and I've never heard of 'em (not that I know a whole lot of folks...)

I agree that this might be a good "grass roots" lesson for many less-commited christians (though I think these folks might have more wrong with them than just strong religious beliefs, "you will eat your babies"? that's way beyond sunday school lessons - egads).

7. Aids Victims Risk Lives

Comment #29499 by dinoboy on April 3, 2007 at 6:35 am

If we can't shut these charlatans down I think someone (besides the church) ought to start gathering data on those being treated (I am particularly interested in details about the thousand "cured").

Sadly, it won't help those currently being given this "treatment", but might be used as evidence to stop future distribution.

I know, did I just say "evidence" might sway some of these folks? Perhaps not those desperate to find treatment, but maybe the people who have the authority to stop it.

8. Atheist says he's victim of religious hate crime

Comment #29405 by dinoboy on April 2, 2007 at 7:39 pm

denoir - "The concept of "religious hate crime" is ludicrous"

Though we haven't enough information to be certain, the above incident may qualify:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crs/pubs/htecrm.htm

To quote the U.S. DOJ, "Hate crime is the violence of intolerance and bigotry, intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability."

And mindrebel, how do people know you know Israeli self defence? Do you wear a shirt that says so? :)

9. God Is on Our Side. Does That Mean War?

Comment #28276 by dinoboy on March 28, 2007 at 3:35 pm

Gee, a real breakthrough, "Religion Promotes Violence"

And here I always figured that god just happened to be on the side of whomever had the most bullets...

Hey, does this mean that christian rock groups are gonna get their share of "music-causing-violence" lawsuits? Ozzy will rest easier

10. Atheists Take On Religion

Comment #24182 by dinoboy on March 5, 2007 at 7:20 am

Similarities between atheists and fundamentalists?!? How could this comment go unchallenged? (Indeed, it was prompted! Classic, unbiased reporting there)

Hmm, let's see… the most outspoken atheists use words and reason in their argument; the fundamentalists use bombs and bullets (and planes) in theirs.

And be even more afraid; the interviewee claims that, "The challenge is... reclaiming the real principles of the faith"

(Let's go ask the Canaanites what this might mean... oh right, nevermind)

11. Sextuplet parents take B.C. to court over baby seizures

Comment #20443 by dinoboy on February 2, 2007 at 1:50 pm

I guess I'm confused by tall penguin's statement above...

So these people possibly understand that a blood transfusion will save their babies, but because they have chosen a set of beliefs that is against such treatment they must "put on a show" to make it look like they oppose this medical procedure (so they aren't shunned)... while all the time really hoping it will be done?

Is this a plausable argument? They might realize how ridiculous (or dangerous) their position is but they still go along with it to "save face" with their community?

I think I like the "blind ignorance" defence of christian scientists better; still sad, but at least rational, if from a mistaken premise.

In either case, doctors should never be sued for trying to save anyone in their hospital, period (it might just convince them it ain't such a good idea after all).

12. Creationism special

Comment #17709 by dinoboy on January 15, 2007 at 3:35 pm

Hi Guys (and gals) new poster here...

I'm saddened to see that those in the UK must now face what we teachers in the states are already combating (where I.D. is concerned).

I have taught evolution to 6th graders (@ 10 year olds) here in the states. They (for the most part) got it, and were even eager to learn more. My only limitations came from administration constraints and, I must admit, fear from parental backlash if I went into too much detail (maybe one day...).

I feel it is important to get students exposed to such scientific ideas as early as possible to begin countering any false religious claims. After all, the church usually gets them from birth.