Comments by Raiko

251. British schools are falling for the pseudoscience of Brain Gym. Why fill kids' heads with nonsense?

Comment #160756 by Raiko on April 14, 2008 at 11:20 am

Honestly, I think we did that somewhere in highschool, or something similar to it. Our religion teacher made us do it. But at least it was done in the name of relaxation and massage; nothing about energy flow and 'unexplained' scientific phenomena.

252. Richard Dawkins' secular army must be stopped. God is behind some of our greatest art

Comment #160749 by Raiko on April 14, 2008 at 11:07 am

I love how there are so many creationist claims (and so many rebuttals of The God Delusion) that you could simply answer by giving out page numbers from The God Delusion itself.

253. Richard Dawkins on The Big Questions

Comment #159794 by Raiko on April 13, 2008 at 7:01 am

Oh, it's good I only have dial up. I'd want to see this, for the sake of Richard's skills and that smile that people mentioned in the comments, but I do have a similar blockade against debates as Vadjong, too. Dial up takes the decision from me, but kudos to Richard for not only watching such cringe-worthy, insane talk, but exposing himself to it, too.

254. Anti-evolution bill clears another hurdle

Comment #159788 by Raiko on April 13, 2008 at 6:43 am

I don't trust all parents' abilities as parents, either.

...which is why we have a crappy social system here that is supposed to make sure that children at least aren't mistreated. It fails often enough, though.

As my cousin said: When you have a child, you're suddenly expected to be able to parent.
(Her daughter really was quite something to deal with)

255. 'Expelled' ripped off Harvard's 'Inner Life of the Cell' animation

Comment #159781 by Raiko on April 13, 2008 at 6:16 am

Not likely. First, it is likely to be another group of laywers (i.e. trial lawyers). Second, if they...

Oh, of course. I obviously didn't think that one through... thanks for setting me straight.

256. Ancient serpent shows its leg

Comment #159780 by Raiko on April 13, 2008 at 6:13 am

Mitchell Gilks,

that's so strange! The kanji look alright in "my comments", but now I went here and I can see they're all scrambled.

All I said was (probably not completely correct): "The snake's legs are cute, but probably useless." Nothing essential, I just wanted to properly reply to someone with a like-minded icon. Seems that failed. *laugh*

And where are the FOUR-legged snakes ? Bah humbug. We are still missing transitional fossils.

That really had me laughing. :D

257. Ancient serpent shows its leg

Comment #159606 by Raiko on April 12, 2008 at 3:51 pm

Kawaii! Hebi ashi ga kawaii desu.

蛇の足がかわいいですが、無益な足も思える。

258. 'Expelled' ripped off Harvard's 'Inner Life of the Cell' animation

Comment #159529 by Raiko on April 12, 2008 at 12:11 pm

Let me get this straight... they are such good lawyers that the intentionally recommended that their clients try to make something look like someone elses in order to get sued for the publicity?

I think he means the producers did it without the lawyers. If not, it either doesn't speak for their lawyers knowledge because they should know it is too similar to the original, or it really speaks for the lawyers being cunning because if there's a trial, the lawyers will get money... if that's what counts for them.

259. Anti-evolution bill clears another hurdle

Comment #159201 by Raiko on April 11, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Geoff: Thank you for the link. I'm not at all familiar with homeschooling, so this helps a lot.

---

RationalistHomeTchr:

I guess in that case, the tests must be updated or the expectations changed. I still think there should be some standard, though I admit I am at a lost as to what it should look like.

And I think something I find important is that children are not only exposed to the people we chose for them. School is a good ground for that, or at least some schools are.

In short, I see the benefit in homeschooling, but I don't trust all parents' abilities as teachers and socializers.

260. The List: The World's Worst Religious Leaders

Comment #159165 by Raiko on April 11, 2008 at 2:20 pm

Out of curiosity, who's the worst atheist leader we know?

261. Inadequate, private and late apology with grotesquely inadequate excuse

Comment #159133 by Raiko on April 11, 2008 at 1:28 pm

She should actually apologize to the American people for openly violating the Constitution.

262. 'Expelled' ripped off Harvard's 'Inner Life of the Cell' animation

Comment #159127 by Raiko on April 11, 2008 at 1:19 pm

The sublimely ridiculous claim that EXPELLED uses completely original animation, in light of copying our work so closely that a budget was reserved to pay for an infringement suit by Harvard, is delicious!

I went to the link. I read that:

(Headline: "Harvard University Seeks Injunction Against Ben Stein and EXPELLED" �" you think that might generate interest in the movie?)

... this is- wow. I can't even wrap my mind around it. Dembski is apparently lacking enough conscience to only think "yay publicity!" instead of considering any moral implications such an act would have. He's obviously fully aware that they're engageing in illegal activity for this - and happy with it.

Before you think the producers of EXPELLED are idiots, you might think that they are chess players who have seen several moves ahead.

He somehow forgets to mention that some of their moves involve letting the knight run straight!

263. The simple falsehood at the heart of Expelled

Comment #158383 by Raiko on April 10, 2008 at 12:12 pm

The 'highest' Xian worshippers - priests, monks, nuns, - are supposed to practice absolute abstinence. They're trying to keep homosexuals from raising children together, but not from making any the heterosexual way (thus allowing the spreading of any genes that might have to do with homosexuality).

Facing that, it's comes as almost no surprise that they seem to have little to no grasp of the concept of heritage... at least not beyond plants and pets.

No. I am not entirely serious.

264. Anti-evolution bill clears another hurdle

Comment #158123 by Raiko on April 10, 2008 at 5:15 am

Comment #157852 by mundusvultdecipi :

Ah, thank you for letting me know. I'd have an interesting story to return - in some smaller town here in Germany some parents also withheld their children from any official school, sending them to a 'school' that they had made up instead (only elementary, I believe). It existed for years.

Because the education at that school was good and many good students had come out of that school (and none had any unusual problems within their successive schools), they got a really minor punishment. That immediately sprang to my mind at your comment.

Back on topic, it seems to me that it's mostly the case in the USA that homeschooling = religion-based schooling with an extra class in indoctrination... even though I know a perfect example from Texas (!) where homeschooling lead to the smartest person I have ever met.

In general, I have nothing against homeschooling, neither here or there - even if it's not for medical reasons. But I would expect and demand that homeschooled children are tested regularly whether they're up to their normally schooled peers' standards. Though I do find it's a bad idea to keep children from the social interactions they can only get in a real school.

265. Expelled producers accused of copyright infringement

Comment #157974 by Raiko on April 9, 2008 at 11:16 pm

I was waiting for that to happen. And now it even happened with perfect timing.

266. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #157761 by Raiko on April 9, 2008 at 2:03 pm

My other comment got eaten when my dial up logged me out, so here I go again in short form:

Why are Atheists so angry?!!

... that's like walking into a group of metal fans who are discussing James Blunt and Celine Dion - and then point at them and call them "angry".

If you want non-angry atheists, I suggest not going to a place that discusses religious bigotry.

267. The Atheist Next Door

Comment #157647 by Raiko on April 9, 2008 at 11:27 am

#39:

the tone of that piece is a bit odd, its almost like atheists are some curiosity, normal on the outside but behind the curtains have something they hide suitable for a circus side show. Once again, redundant questions on trust and goodness, thats all they have left, straws to clutch.

What I find more odd is that they somehow make believe that this secretivity is the atheists' fault. What should follow such a presentation is why, within their society, these people seem like they need to hide something that should need absolutely no hiding. It's not like there's something wrong with someone not believing in God. Rather, a society that can't deal with that needs to reflect upon itself.

268. Anti-evolution bill clears another hurdle

Comment #157642 by Raiko on April 9, 2008 at 11:21 am

Oh my Dog! Someone talking about something that isn't American! How did that happen?

It was surely a more pertinent point being made about education that which side had the prettier uniforms in the American civil War, wouldn't you say?

Uh... hi there, random bad mood outburst?

I was wondering why the commenter thought of Germany in particular (as opposed to any other country), being that s/he's apparently not from Germany, but Ireland, and it hadn't come up before. I thought there was something to it, and being that I am German, I was interested in that.

If you'd rather be in a bad mood than have a conversation, go for it. Whatever makes you feel good. :)

269. Anti-evolution bill clears another hurdle

Comment #157390 by Raiko on April 9, 2008 at 3:21 am

mundusvultdecipi:

My understanding is that homeschooling is not permitted in Germany, for example, as the authorities have taken the position that traditional out-of-the-home education is not solely about academic instruction but is also necessary for the proper socialisation of children and to ensure they are exposed to a widely diverse range of other people and views.

We have a requirement here for kids to attend a real school. Private schools are possible (and more and more kids go there), but it must be a school nevertheless, as far as I know.

... but why are we suddenly talking about Germany, anyway? I'm just curious how that came up.

270. The Atheist Next Door

Comment #157333 by Raiko on April 8, 2008 at 11:51 pm

What do you place your trust in during time of need?

... some people have trustworthy friends and family. Really.

It almost seems like that's a novel concept to the people who made this program.

271. Anti-evolution bill clears another hurdle

Comment #157326 by Raiko on April 8, 2008 at 11:32 pm

I am not familiar with American laws on schooling, so could someone tell me whether there's some sort of test that homeschooled children have to undergo to evaluate their education?

Because of parents prove incapable of properly schooling their kids, the children SHOULD be forced into a real school - not to punish the parents, but to grant the children a right for proper education.

---

And this might be incredibly old news, but it's shockingly fascinating that there is political quarrel, lawmaking and bill-passing going on, purely based on the thoughts of people who just don't understand what they're talking about.

I mean... that's amazing, isn't it?

272. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156568 by Raiko on April 7, 2008 at 10:13 pm

- Teachers, go to your schools, play this file and and explain to your student what an 'ad hominem' attack is and why it doesn't work.

""This is the Land of Lincoln where people believe in God," [...]

- How can someone like this get elected, when she has no grasp of history or the foundations her country was built upon?

[sarcasm] Right. I forgot that this was in the Official Atheist Handbook: [...]

- Where can I get this handbook? [/sarcasm] My conscience is so annoyingly strong, I can't go a day without apologizing for potential wrong-doings, feeling guilty for something or wondering 'How can anyone with a working conscience do that?' about people (often religious people). [sarcasm] It would be very convenient to not have so much moral!

[/sarcasm]

273. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #155944 by Raiko on April 6, 2008 at 11:37 am

Does it not bother you even slightly that Sally Kern is onto us? Does this point to infiltration within the Enclave?

I think Cartomancer has a good grip on the backgrounds of this. I have to cheer for Sally Kern (I think I figured her name within the organization is Kelly Sarn) for her marvelous job at playing the homophobic, ignorant, religious idiot without any worries for her eternally ruined reputation outside of the organisation. That's true sacrifice! *teardrop*

Don't tell a soul, but I'm working on something spectacular for Yellowstone...

Oh, awesome! Don't forget to take pictures; you know how important that is.

(We plan on asking a creationist museum employee to photograph us while we kiss. I am sure they'll be delighted to help us.)

274. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #155814 by Raiko on April 6, 2008 at 12:47 am

Cartomancer, I am so glad to hear you've got connections. I would be really scared if I ended up at a hearing before The Sodomic Congress (I hear the Grand Stratego of All the Lesbians usually takes the lead), despite the fact that my girlfriend is, coincidentally, just buying Doc Martens right now and would look particularly stunning. We only have connections with The Male Make Up League, but we're hoping we'll move up in rank soon, due to our selfless acts.

275. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #155736 by Raiko on April 5, 2008 at 12:57 pm

I thought we decided that Liberty "University" wasn't important enough to attack at the last meeting of the Secret Conclave of Sodom? Did I miss the reversal of that decision while the hot dancing boys were on?

No, you're right. That was decided, but we just can't resist the temptation. We plan on wearing angel wings for that one, and stand right by the mislabeled fossils.

But now I am really worried! What if the conclave expelled us for this? It would ruin my life!

276. Colouring book warns kids of pedophile priests

Comment #155676 by Raiko on April 5, 2008 at 7:43 am

Is anyone here actually concerned about child abuse? Other than to just use it to hit the church? If this colouring book keeps just one child safe it's existence is praiseworthy.

You're right and you're wrong at the same time, I would say. There are by far better ways to save many children from abuse where this book will maybe save one. Instead of putting time and money into a real project to save many children, it was wasted on some sort of insurance ("Yes, we did something to tackle the problem...") and on saving a few - while the rest of the many children will still get abused. So this book might save a couple of children - but at the expense of how many?

277. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #155596 by Raiko on April 5, 2008 at 3:21 am

Diabolical. Where will you strike next?

Being good terrorists, we have several attacks planned. You know we can't give you the schedule as it is a secret operation, but the Vatican, Discovery Institute and Liberty University are on the schedule.

Unfortunately, I have no virgins waiting for me, and now Jesus washed my future sins clean with his blood, so I suppose all I'll get are really awesome kisses. :)

278. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #155580 by Raiko on April 5, 2008 at 1:07 am

Republican state Rep. Sally Kern was denounced by gay and lesbian groups after she was recorded telling a recent gathering of fellow Republicans that homosexuality poses a bigger threat to the nation than terrorism.

This kind of makes me wonder whether people like Sally Kern ever bother to think twice about what they're saying - or think the thought all the way through to begin with.

I never knew that my girlfriend's and my idea to kiss inside the creationist museum in Kentucky would be considered a terrorist attack. *g*

Ah well, at least Sally Kern inspired me to make an avatar.

279. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #155572 by Raiko on April 4, 2008 at 11:36 pm

The girl has three siblings, ranging in age from 13 to 16, the police chief said.

"They are still in the home," he said. "There is no reason to remove them. There is no abuse or signs of abuse that we can see."

What? No reason to remove them?
Common sense tells every thinking being that there's a huge reason to remove the children.

... sometimes I am thankful that this actually is a crime here in Germany (homicide by failure to render assistance), and that in this case the other children would luckily be taken away.

280. Upside-down church sculpture on hit list

Comment #155336 by Raiko on April 4, 2008 at 10:47 am

Wait until a preacher comes and says: "Oh, but no matter how it is presented, it's a house of god... do not destroy the houses of the lord."

.... then everyone will do a 180° and say "KEEP IT! KEEP IT!"

Well, I suppose if enough preachers say it.

281. Cult leader Pyotr Kuznetsov tries suicide after realising he was wrong about doomsday

Comment #155328 by Raiko on April 4, 2008 at 10:34 am

Am I missing something fundamental, or is it only April right now?

How did he figure out that he was wrong?

282. Dawkins warns of human extinction

Comment #155310 by Raiko on April 4, 2008 at 10:13 am

"If the God of the Bible does indeed exist, there might be a very strong case for being prepared to meet him, don't you think? If he does not, not all that much is lost by believing in Him."

I think maybe you should read Dawkins' books, Artful_Dodger, before you attack those who have read it. Then at least you wouldn't end up making yourself look so foolish.

We'll spell it out for you once more:
You're probably better off 'betting' on no god at all than betting on the wrong god - at least if every god is as childishly jealous as the bible's... You know, mental celibacy instead of the wrong partner.

283. CEAI Action Alert for Science Teachers

Comment #154386 by Raiko on April 3, 2008 at 6:56 am

This is only mildly related, but I am always half amused and half-confused with their chosen terminology as 'pro-marriage' and 'pro-family' people. Their point is, after all, to prevent certain marriage and family formations that don't please them, so they're decisively anti-marriage and anti-family. Calling themselves 'pro' either seems like self-mockery.

284. Thy will be done

Comment #154279 by Raiko on April 3, 2008 at 3:29 am

My initial reaction was - what a stupid thing to waste argument time about.

On the other hand - what IF people wait at the corridor? Isn't then, yet again, a label slapped onto them as non-believers that might actually - consciously or subconsciously - influence their position in the meeting?

285. My quest to get de-baptised

Comment #153962 by Raiko on April 2, 2008 at 9:17 am

Here in Germany, we pay taxes for being part of either the catholic or the lutheran church.

I'm just a student, but I decided after moving to the location of my diploma thesis, I should take the opportunity to leave the church - because once I earn money, I'd have to pay taxes for an organisation I absolutely do not support.

I found out that leaving the church (even though I was baptised before I could legally make decisions on my own), will also cost me - not considerably, but enough for a student to think 'later' when low enough on money, disregarding the statistics.

Reading this, though, I am glad I CAN sign out at all, and I sincerely hope that I will not only be taken off the tax list, but also off the church's lists altogether.

I guess in some places, leaving the church can be about as difficult as leaving any other cult. Maybe people should try changeing their baptism to that of the church of the flying spaghetti monster. Maybe changing cults is easier than getting out of them altogether.

286. Expelled from Expelled: PZ story goes global

Comment #152463 by Raiko on March 31, 2008 at 5:21 am

"Ha! What was Mathis thinking?"

I don't think he was thinking at all. At the sight of PZ Myers, he was probably more like a mindless deer in headlights (actually, I assume a deer in headlights has more of a mind and certainly more moral to begin with).

I think Expelled will, to the majority of people following this, be exposed for the piece of propaganda it is, not last because of the publicity of this happening. Those who DON'T see through the immoral activities of the producers and the blatant lack of moral of Mathis, Stein and followers are most likely those who wouldn't believe it if Jesus himself told them they're wrong.

287. Expelled Overview

Comment #150116 by Raiko on March 26, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Let's hope that all legal issues - such a stealing music and harvard videos - will stop this movie from getting very far. They could play something useful at the theatres instead - something truly educational and intelligent.

More Pages: Previous | 1 2 3 4 5 6