751. Why Dawkins is right and his critics are wrong

Comment #234996 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 10:47 am

designsoda-

Although I've gotta ask, would Diacanu consider any conservative/right-wing intellectual an "intellectual giant?"

Probably not.

How about a libertarian intellectual?

Hmm, maybe.

Libertarianism has some good core ideas, but it almost always seems to mutate into extreme Randian wacko stuff, and the more Randian and wacko, the "smarter", the libertarian intellectuals are deemed.

Camille Paglia is alright.
Her personality (sometimes), and infatuation with the lamest of pop culture makes me roll my eyes, but on other topics she seems to be bright and on the ball.
A bit too much in love with religion's impact on art for my tastes, but, meh.

752. Why Dawkins is right and his critics are wrong

Comment #234987 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 10:31 am

Meadon-

Tch, shameless blog plugger.

http://dickynoo.blogspot.com/

753. Pastor Michael Guglielmucci spun gospel of lies

Comment #234984 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 10:27 am

Roger Stanyard-

Repoly to EvidenceOnly

That typo has a musical rythm to it.
What a happy accident indeed.
The song that continues from it is writing itself in my head as I speak.

Too bad I can't read or write music, I could've made a mint...

754. Black holes 'dodge middle ground'

Comment #234982 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 10:24 am

Ishruul-

I hereby declare your avatar to be the greatest that ever lived.

755. Why Dawkins is right and his critics are wrong

Comment #234978 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 10:20 am

Oh, and I heard some right-wing dildo proclaim William F. Buckley Jr. as "an intellectual giant".

I eyeroll at that phrase now.

It's officially become meaningless.

756. Why Dawkins is right and his critics are wrong

Comment #234975 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 10:17 am

He's ( The archbishop) often advertised as an intellectual giant.

Y'know who thinks he's an intellectual giant?

Mental midgets.

*Pats self on back for that line*
:)

757. Pastor Michael Guglielmucci spun gospel of lies

Comment #234950 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 9:50 am

Steve Zara-

Well, okay, evidence a caveman or a 2 year old would find impressive.
Can't blame sensible adults for rounding it down to none.

758. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234733 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:40 am

...you're out there, David, I can smell you breathing.

759. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234732 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:36 am

Steve Zara-

D'oh, sorry. :P

Me am clumsy.

760. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234725 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:28 am

David A. Robertson-

*Snide comments to Philip*

Well, did I call that, or what?

761. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234724 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:25 am

Steve Zara-

because it could be used as a method of encouraging patriotism.

Far as I'm concerned, patriotism IS a religion.

Other religions are the tinder that can get it lit faster, but it's yet another mindless, tribal, propagandized, heap of human made, prime cut, grade-A, bullshit.

762. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234722 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:23 am

Philp-

*Laughs through nose*
Don't expect much better from Davey but a snarky comment, and a total evasion of your points/questions.

Ah, well, least you got a good spleen venting in.
Feels good, don't it?

763. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234715 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:14 am

Steve Zara-

We recently had a story posted here in which a vicar said he loved Jesus more than his wife.

*Actually acid refluxes*

Don't get me going, C.S. Lewis pulled that shit.
I had a whole rant about it, and I could get going again with little provocation.

Shit like that is a fundamental violation of one's humanity at one's deepest core.

I think I'd actually take a prison raping over handing over my humanity like that.

It would be bad enough, but people actually see being that bad off of a zombie as a VIRTUE.

*Grimaces back another gurgle of acid*
Ghah.

764. A flea we missed?

Comment #234711 by Diacanu on August 22, 2008 at 12:05 am

Irate-

That's a very good point, but what I'd like to say is, that what I'd like to say is, that what I'd like to say is...

765. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234709 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:58 pm

Philip-

So will you PLEASE stop with this idea that atheist is the route of all evil and that without religion how can we be good people.

He CAN'T stop.
It's his job security.

What else would he DO with his life?

I've asked him that one, he refuses to answer.
Could it be because he doesn't know?
He could correct me by answering.
Until he does, I'll assume yes, he doesn't know.

It's like how an addict's brain thinks it will die without its addiction.

Except his needle is Jesus.

Sad little man.

766. A flea we missed?

Comment #234702 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:48 pm

For no reason, let's listen to the Cherry Poppin daddies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KHqfsoCQKc

Yhep, they'll be doing the soundtrack to Harry the movie in 2020.
You'll see.

767. A flea we missed?

Comment #234701 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:47 pm

Lol, thanks. :)

768. A flea we missed?

Comment #234694 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:26 pm

Well, it's just you n' me, Phil.

Hey, the new comic is out!

http://dickynoo.blogspot.com/2008/08/harry-hembock-minisode-6.html

769. A flea we missed?

Comment #234691 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:21 pm

(Sings softly to self knowing no one will hear)

III kiiill threeeads.

I kill the threads for yooouu.

I kill 'em,....I kill 'em...with my lack of social graces...I kill the threads...that you want-ed to liiive...I kill threads, cuz I'm a weird sonovabiiiitch...

*Tumbleweed blows by*

*Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*

770. A flea we missed?

Comment #234690 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:13 pm

mordacious1-

Sorry, the cricket bat thing went on for months without anyone saying anything, until THE DAY she went on vacation. Coincidence?

I didn't know she was going on vacation, I was ready to do battle if need be.

Wouldn't be MUCH of a battle, cricket bat versus acid spit, and heat vision, but still....

771. The rise of Miliband brings at last the prospect of an atheist prime minister

Comment #234686 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 11:02 pm

David doesn't believe the argument-ad-Stalinium propaganda he spews, he's just politic-ing for his flock.

It's all politics.
He's a political animal, nothing more.

When pressed on how much he believes his superstitions, he runs away.

He doesn't believe it, folks.
Don't play into that.

He's a conman protecting his racket.

Which is what a fucking politician is.

772. Scientists Create Blood From Stem Cells

Comment #234591 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 5:09 pm

shanek-

Now, where in there is funding for stem cell research?

...setting the scope of the remaining powers...

Doing anything necessary and proper to put the rest of the above into action.

There, that was easy.

773. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234184 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 12:30 am

Oh, and...

Bucketchemist-

The sentence you highlighted was stupid and barely worth responding to,

Are you American?

Cuz see, I am.
I live amongst the BS here, and I hear this "you don't like (insert whatever) you can gyeet the hayul out!!", crap all the time.

It wears on you after a couple decades.

You'd crack after awhile too.

774. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234181 by Diacanu on August 21, 2008 at 12:17 am

bucketchemist-

Meh, he took no offense, and we parted on seemingly neutral terms, so no harm, no foul.

*Shrug*

I'm a prickly character, I admit, but no one's lost an eye yet.

I'm not for ages 5 and under, but they don't come here.

775. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234107 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Alrighty then. :)

776. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234102 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:42 pm

So, you fellers don't think I went too over the top with that rant, do ya?

I'm never sure....

777. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234100 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:35 pm

GordonYKWong-

The fairyist.

Man, that's just begging to be made into a spy show with David Caruso as the lead.

778. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234097 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:29 pm

Eh, not really, but the release feels good, and I figure it might be a catharsis for somebody out there.
:)

779. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234095 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:25 pm

Marshall1-

(Rewinding a bit)

If our "Christian Nation" is so offensive to Atheists there are plenty of other places they can go.

Yeeeaah, maybe I just might.
Get the scratch together, and get the fuck out of here.

Go to Canada or Britain or someplace.

Someplace with no gun wielding, superstitious, backwards, redneck, fucking idiots.

Somewhere the transmissions for the shitty fucking shows can't reach.
Fucking MTV that fucking murdered music, and fucking American Idol that rapes the fucking corpse in its maggot ridden holes.

All the stupid shit that passes for this country's culture, just to get away from all of it, and be able to breathe again.

No more fucking talk radio, no more fucking lying fucking sold out corporate fucking media, no more fucking trailers full of cross eyed fucking mutant children.

Fucking right that sounds nice.

Sick of being told my options are a culture of fucking lies and bullshit, and a third world cesspool full of boiling blood.
It ain't fucking true.
There's better places to be.
There are.
It's a round fucking world.

This fucking country's spinning in a big fucking toilet flush.
I'm getting out.
Getting the fuck out of here.

You're right Marshall.
You're the first useful christian I've run into here.
You've helped me see the light.

America is a big fucking turd burger shilled by a cartoon mascot.
And it doesn't even give a shit anymore.
So why should I?

Enjoy your fucking elections for all the good they'll do you.

You're fucked, America.

Byyye.

Byyye.

Bye, assholes.

Fuck you.

Byyye!!

Eat shit, you corporate owned soul-dead conformist pieces of redneck shit!

Byyye!!

780. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234084 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Goldy-

Oh, like he's going to read.

781. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234078 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 9:03 pm

marshall1-

According to Goldy's numbers that's like 33 cents for each Atheist.

Hmmm....*evil grin*....

782. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234074 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:54 pm

marshall1-

Hmm, so whomever has the most money wins, eh?

Well, it's a capitalist value, but not exactly a christian one.

But, this country has had the virus of the hypocrisy of trying to be capitalist and christian at the same time forever, despite that they mix as much as oil and water.

But, that's a rant for another time....

I just don't follow your logic.

Nah, I didn't think you would.

783. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234072 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:49 pm

marshall1-

Remind me who elected Jim Lehrer, Bob Schieffer, Gwen Ifill, and Tom Brokaw, the secular moderators?

*Shrug*
Your point?
I think the whole thing was a farce that shouldn't've existed.

784. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234069 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:46 pm

Marshall1-

inhibit believer's rights to be heard and participate in the political process.

Hey, you have a vote.
Same as I do.
I don't see anyone trying to take that away.

You want to know more about the candidates, so read a website like I have to.

You want a special dog and pony show for religion, you gotta do it for all of 'em, or none.

785. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234066 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:42 pm

marshall1-

Well of course they can. It is called a FREE country!

I see, so, if the Satanist can't rustle up the cash to get that going, who's palm can they grease?
I mean, the christ-heads gets all that free money when they need something.
Where's the tap for that?

You're right this ain't Iran. It's America. Can't prohibit the free exercise of religion.

So, a fatass rev (who I never fucking voted for) gets to probe the candidates I get to vote for.
I never asked for that shit.
What about MY exercise of NO religion?

I don't acknowledge the "authority", of people I didn't fucking vote for.

Did you vote for that fatass?
Where were the elections?
Hmm?
None?
That's right, no one elected that fatass.
Not even you.
I'd think you'd be irritated along with me.
Unelected idiots thinking they have the right to make the candidates jump through hoops.

All because said fatass got "paster", put in front of his name.

So what?

Why does that deserve automatic respect?
Hmm?
No one can seem to explain that one to me.

786. Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley

Comment #234061 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:33 pm

So, in regards to getting Clearwooter re-banned, should I tell Josh, or take it right up to the Dawk?

I hate to be a snitch, but I seem to recall Dawk personally booting the louse last time, so, that kinda sets the precedent that he don't want Wooty in his bar.

787. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #234058 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:25 pm

marshall1-

Christians have every bit as much right to question their potential leaders as anyone else.

How about people who don't belong to your cult?
Can the Satanists get their own little dog and pony show on CNN?
The Wicca?
The Muslims?

You don't care, cuz it's your cult that gets ass-kissed.

If our "Christian Nation"...

Ah, blow it out your ass, wouldja?

If this were a "christian nation", that'd make it a theocracy.
No thanks.
You can be anything or nothing, that's what freedom of religion means.
Get that shit through your head.
This ain't Iran.

788. No credit for creationism

Comment #234054 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 8:12 pm

Jesus86-

No, I'm not a Christian or troll, I'm a philosopher,

Then that's a pathetic state of affairs, because you're the most amateurish logician I've seen on these boards in some time.

789. No credit for creationism

Comment #233991 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Jesus86-

But that doesn't mean that a more articulated version of ID such as I have been sketching..

Translation: I'm another right-wing christian fevered ego fucktard hammering out a shitty book, and this is my "research".

790. Scientists Create Blood From Stem Cells

Comment #233984 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 5:04 pm

So, how many miracles by science are we up to?
A few million?

Religion?
None, right?
*Checks scoreboard*
Yeah, none.

Why are they still in business again?
A business that makes nothing for a product.
Ha ha!
Kooky.

791. No credit for creationism

Comment #233964 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 4:42 pm

Jesus86-

But the goalposts keep moving.

Maybe you should just concede that there are no "necessary and sufficient conditions" for applying the term 'scientific theory'; that 'theory' is a term that admits of degrees: this claim being more theory-like than that one, etc.

Christian plant.

Fuck off.

792. A flea we missed?

Comment #233893 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 2:19 pm

scottishgeologist-

I would not at all be surprised if they prayed about constipation and things like that.

Well, we know for sure that Martin Luther did.

793. Bill Maher on Religion

Comment #233853 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Hey, Crucifiction, howcome your Dawkins videos have your name pop up throughout?

That some kind of anti-theft watermark or something?

It's mildly irritating.
You timed it to be between chapter lulls, so it didn't take me out of it or nothing, but I'm just saying...

794. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #233848 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 1:16 pm

Tiki al-

Of course!

Hell, an atheist black woman would be great, get it all in on one go.

795. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #233834 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm

NormanDoering-

My answer would shock Warren's evangelical audience...

And then you wouldn't get elected.
:P

I know, I know, I did MST3K commentary through the whole thing.
I would've verbally strangled that fat fuck with his unearned presumed authority.

But then, I ain't running for president. :P

796. Pastor Rick's Test

Comment #233827 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 12:50 pm

Yeah, that town hall to appease the biblethumpers made me sick, but whatever.
Necessary evils thrusted on reasonble people by society.
Let's just get Obama in there, then next time, we can get a blacker president in there, then an atheist, and slowly knock all this shit down.

I hate that progress in politics is a dead crawl, but it is.

797. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #233802 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Steve @ 413-

Indeed.

798. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #233784 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 12:05 pm

Steve @ 405 & 407.

Agreed on both counts.

799. A flea we missed?

Comment #233777 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 11:58 am

Jamcam-

No big, we were all newbies once. :)

800. Losing my religion

Comment #233772 by Diacanu on August 20, 2008 at 11:49 am

J Mac-

And I agree this is the problem of religion and some to make the "we need it argument," I suppose the logic (or lack thereof) of that argument is so foreign to me that I tend to forget about it.

The hilarious part, is the religious don't realize how they shoot themselves in the foot when they pull out the "oh yeah? Well Stalin killed MORE people!", argument.

This is meant to show that, again, if religion isn't true, we still need it, because Stalinism results in a secular world.

But, it admits that religion kills shitloads of people, and thus does nothing to make people better.

But then the argument always disintegrates into a tedious sissy slap-fight between a false dichotomy of secularism represented by Stalin, and religion represented by the hordes of inquisitors, witch burners, etc, etc.

It goes nowhere.

What aught to be argued is what is objectively a better philosophy?

The obvious one for me is one based on truth.

That forces a spotlight to shine on that the ones making the "if religion isn't true, we still need it", case are arguing for a philosophy of lies.

Hitchens, you out there?
Take note.