Comments by Gregg Townsend

301. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #238744 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 2:28 pm

7. Comment #238711 by Eshto

I understand your anger and agree there is a long way to go with gaining equal rights for gay and lesbian couples.

I was encouraged when Ted Kennedy said he finally sees an opportunity to end discrimination against homosexuals in his endorsement speech. At least the Dems talks openly about the issue and applaud when a leader calls for an end to discrimination.

I would have loved to see Ted (or anyone) say the same about non-believers.

302. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238668 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 1:03 pm

758. Comment #238662 by Sargeist

Sarg,

I like the buzz myself but I like the way it makes the Missus positively aggressive even more. :)

303. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238658 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 12:55 pm

Bonzai,

This is the wine that will be flowing in paradise.

304. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238637 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 12:35 pm

742. Comment #238620 by al-rawandi

In Islamic law you can beat your wife so long as it doesn't leave visible marks

This must be what the burka is for... to cut down on the visibility.

I think I'm gonna go lose my lunch now.

Sick As A Dog

305. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238513 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 9:48 am

Ibn al-Rawandi enlightened me with;

Taha was executed as an apostate.

Yikes. I guess I should have known.

In the Name of God

306. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238494 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 8:40 am

Al,

How wide spread is this type of thinking or how much influence does one person (Mahmoud Muhammad Taha) really have over the thinking of Muslims in general? In your opinion, is there any real hope that this could spread?

307. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238485 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 8:24 am

Geez, Can't please anyone these days.

In honor of the Aussies in the room and His Majesty's imminent hunting trip;

Big Gun

308. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238455 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 7:25 am

Good morning all!

As my first offical selection for the court I turn to that paragon of modern progressive (hippie) rock.

Transatlantic

Edit- It goes well with tea and biscuits.

309. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238133 by Gregg Townsend on August 27, 2008 at 3:48 pm

672. Comment #238131 by thewhitepearl

Ah, but His Majesty is!

Al once said that Metallica is the theme music of his life. I find that reading his more acidic posts always fits with a bit of this genre.

310. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238119 by Gregg Townsend on August 27, 2008 at 3:28 pm

653. Comment #238107 by thewhitepearl

By way of bribing the King, I offer this selection in his honor.

Master of Puppets

;)

311. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238083 by Gregg Townsend on August 27, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Al,

I petition the court for a position of Commissar of Music.

Please(?)

312. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #237851 by Gregg Townsend on August 27, 2008 at 9:58 am

571. Comment #237850 by severalspeciesof

Sorry, I guess I was stating the obvious. ;)

I was agreeing with MPhil that definitions are very important to discussions (although he was talking about the definition of civilization).

*gets his coat*

313. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #237849 by Gregg Townsend on August 27, 2008 at 9:44 am

MPhil,

Previously, I understood multiculturalism to be like the American reality of people from different cultures (who celebrate their roots openly) but have come together under one system of government and an agreed on code of conduct under the rule of law. I'm not saying the American system is perfect or without culture clashes but for the most part, immigrants and descendents of immigrants (myself included) still tend to identify as Americans.

When I started reading this site, I began to realize that multiculturalism can also mean adjusting society and the rules of law to fit imported values not conducive to individual freedom and the rule of law. I think this definition should be resisted diligently.

[edit]Disclaimer, I'm no expert. I have no credentials to claim authority on any of the above statements.

But, Al said I could so there[/edit]

314. Porn pastor's wife vows to stand by him

Comment #237486 by Gregg Townsend on August 26, 2008 at 2:54 pm

71. Comment #237484 by Beusfalus

The beauty of any thread, blog, website, whatever, means that anyone and everyone has the freedom to leave if they are not interested in the subject matter or the direction the discussion is heading.

...and to offer up the opinion that the discussion is pointless and morbid. Gotta love the internet!

:-)-~

315. Porn pastor's wife vows to stand by him

Comment #237342 by Gregg Townsend on August 26, 2008 at 11:09 am

4. Comment #237321 by David A Robertson

The glee, self righteousness and pompousness of this triviality is bad enough

emphasis added.

I think what we are seeing is a little backlash against perceived self righteousness in the religious. Posting the article here seems to satiate peoples desire to say, "Religion isn't a reliable or automatic path to morality."

That being said, I tend to agree with you. The article doesn't belong here.

316. Plan to exhume cardinal is 'homophobic'

Comment #237239 by Gregg Townsend on August 26, 2008 at 8:43 am

12. Comment #237205 by larhule

Surely, the lyrics should be:

"As he prays
He preys on you!"

:)

317. The Darwin Lectures

Comment #237210 by Gregg Townsend on August 26, 2008 at 7:57 am

I very much appreciated the lecture. To me, the speaker was elegant and his subject inspiring.

Thank you RD.net and Gary Walsh for the link.

318. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #234329 by Gregg Townsend on August 21, 2008 at 7:34 am

419. Comment #233814 by Teratornis

Tera,

Thank you for post. Two questions; are you married? Have you ever been married?

319. Sincerity no substitute for evidence

Comment #233993 by Gregg Townsend on August 20, 2008 at 5:15 pm

99. Comment #233798 by kaiserkriss

After unsuccessfully treatment for back muscle spasm using conventional practices, my other half persuaded me to try acupuncture.

Your experience mirrors the experience of a very good friend of mine named Mark... with one added twist.

He told the story of his cured back pain at a party that included a licensed physical therapist. When Mark beamed about how great acupuncture was, the therapist named Tonua giggled. He was naturally upset and challenged her for being a skeptic. Tonua calmed him down and explained to him that the acupuncturist had actually helped him by getting him to relax. She challenged him to perform some simple relaxation techniques when his back pain returned and also advised Mark to clench his stomach muscles while doing bench presses (Mark is an avid weight lifter).

Mark has never returned to the acupuncturist because he hasn't needed to.

320. A flea we missed?

Comment #233938 by Gregg Townsend on August 20, 2008 at 3:43 pm

David,

Well Greg you are going to have to read it again. None of your three statements are true. None of them are what I believe and none of them are what I have written.

Thanks for that clarification. I'll try to read your posts with more care, but please forgive me... I was simply trying to boil down your views into a more digestible bite.

The part of my post you quoted was more in the nature of thinking out loud. Still, I notice you didn't address the question I specifically asked you, which was;

Robertson, you seem to lack faith in your faith. If it's such virtue, why seek validation in logic, science, history, academia, and especially in the company of atheists?

Emphasis added. I'm still intensely curious about your answer, if you would be so kind.

321. A flea we missed?

Comment #233171 by Gregg Townsend on August 19, 2008 at 8:27 am

Ok, I fought back my gag reflex and read all the posts since yesterday afternoon. I don't typically read what Robertson says in detail (it's usually more fun to read the responses to him).

What I got from his arguments is;
(1) Christians are on firm ground because the can imagine the supernatural as real.
(2) Atheists are 'close-minded' because they insist on evidence.
(3) Insisting on evidence is dogma and simply another belief system.

That's it?

I know I've said it (probably too many times) before, but why not just play the faith card and leave it at that?

Robertson, you seem to lack faith in your faith? If it's such virtue, why seek validation in logic, science, history, academia, and especially in the company of atheists. Why do you care what we think of you and your flock?

322. A flea we missed?

Comment #232731 by Gregg Townsend on August 18, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Quetz,

I think it's obvious he's speaking of me. But since he is beneath me, unknown to my circle and generally unwashed, I'm ignoring him.

/sarcasm

323. A flea we missed?

Comment #232637 by Gregg Townsend on August 18, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Steve Zara,

Good posts. I applaud your willingness to speak your mind. For the reasons you've mentioned, I've been browsing the forums lately. There seem to be plenty of places for the nonsensical among us to post and socialize. (I include myself in this statement)

Those who can stay on topic and add to conversations should be encouraged to continue posting in the comments.

This reason, more than any other, is the reason I've limited my posting during the past month.

324. Petrol pump pilgrims keep faith

Comment #232504 by Gregg Townsend on August 18, 2008 at 8:22 am

53. Comment #232488 by root2squared

My wife just switched from an SUV to a small car. She made an interesting comment yesterday that is relevant to your tailgating comment. She said that since she's moved to a smaller car she must give more room between her car and the car in front because of visibility. She can no longer watch the traffic ahead of because the car before her blocks her view.

It made me realize that drivers of big vehicles may tailgate simply from overconfidence from seeing so far ahead. It's likely they don't realize how frightening it is to the tailgatee

As a passenger, I'm much relieved to not be constantly pushing my right foot into the floorboard.

325. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #232494 by Gregg Townsend on August 18, 2008 at 8:02 am

irate,

I'm sure that you're making fun of my poor sentences, but I'm too dense to understand.

I'm honored though! :)

326. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #232484 by Gregg Townsend on August 18, 2008 at 7:39 am

398. Comment #230970 by Steve Zara

I edited comment 230951 to clarify my question. I apologize for my (consistent) lack of clarity.

Not that it matters.

327. Enemies of Reason: Available now on DVD!

Comment #231032 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Mord,

You waskowy wittow wabbit...

"He picks up a bus and fwose it back down as he wades thwew the twaffic in the centa of town. Godzi-wa."

328. Enemies of Reason: Available now on DVD!

Comment #231029 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Mord,

Elmer Fudd. Read the bible with an Elmer Fudd accent... then sing Godzilla by BoC in the same accent. Guaranteed to provoke a laugh at parties.

"Godzi-wa"

329. Enemies of Reason: Available now on DVD!

Comment #231025 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 2:42 pm

I've never heard this "tone" to TGD issue before.

I thought the tone was refreshing and amusing. I found myself laughing a great deal of the time. Of course, it may have helped that I just finished Letter to a Christian Nation at the time.

The tone of Sam's little book (in my head) was scathing and I absolutely loved it! I actually cheered out loud a few times while reading it. TGD seemed mild in comparison. :)

330. Enemies of Reason: Available now on DVD!

Comment #230988 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Durant,

Professor Bigot

any sober, non-fanatical reading of the propagandistic TGD

charlatan and dogmatist

You write with such anger about Richard Dawkins, as if you've been personally injured by him. I assume you feel justified in your hyperbole so, in what way has Richard Dawkins's activities injured you and yours? I'm genuinely interested.

331. Enemies of Reason: Available now on DVD!

Comment #230959 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 1:10 pm

Bonzai,

Agnostic about the invisible stream-of-consciousness running through the forest that gives it that spooky feeling when you walk beneath the canopy at dusk.

But when it comes to wood-sprites, ha! I'm aspritist in the extreme.

/sarcasm

332. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #230951 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 1:00 pm

Steve,

How about the character Carell played in the movie '40 year old virgin' but played by Don Knotts instead?

Yes. I think that's much closer to the mark.

[edit]TWP,

Noted. :)

[edit, edit]Clarity

333. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #230925 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 12:36 pm

TWP,

I always see Steve Carell in my mind when I read Tera's comments. Probably not fair or accurate but the 40 year old virgin left an imprint in my mind of middle-aged-bike-riding-awkwardness.

334. Enemies of Reason: Available now on DVD!

Comment #230907 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 12:22 pm

105. Comment #230901 by Durant

A positive assertion was made by Brian: we only know of creative intelligence that has evolved.

My response: really? where's the argument for this?

Unless I'm missing something, the creative intelligence is us; the evolution of which is documented in science. At least this is how I would interpret Brian's comment.

Still, there are a few hours before the Aussies wake up. It's early Saturday there. I'm sure he'll clarify his statement then.

Thanks

335. Big-brained Animals Evolve Faster

Comment #230845 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 10:20 am

Steve,

When my cat wants anything (from food to attention) she can communicate it to me instantly. She seems painfully aware of herself and what she needs to be happy.

336. Big-brained Animals Evolve Faster

Comment #230843 by Gregg Townsend on August 15, 2008 at 10:06 am

We may be a particularly interesting species in that we have self-awareness, but I do wonder how much self-awareness we really do have. Most of us operate most of the time on gut feelings (I know I do). We know that most of our mental activity is unconscious.

My emphasis.

I think this is a fascinating comment. I've often suspected my self-awareness isn't any more profound than my cat's (more detailed perhaps).

edit-I also am the designated household cook. Pistachio crusted halibut with cilantro chimchuro is on the menu for tonight.

337. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #230507 by Gregg Townsend on August 14, 2008 at 6:47 pm

337. Comment #230240 by Teratornis

I agree, but I probably define "socially inept" quite a bit more broadly than you do. For example, I'd include every divorced person.

I find this is a curiously sweeping generalization from someone who prides themselves on being logical.

Are you saying divorced people are socially inept overall or just in the tradition of marriage? Are they destined to fail at all social situations? Does the fact they are divorced show they were already inept?

Could you please clarify what you mean? I think you are wrong but I wouldn't want to be accused of misrepresenting you.

[edit]spelling

338. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam

Comment #230151 by Gregg Townsend on August 14, 2008 at 11:22 am

Now for your listening pleasure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVI2m6cbYtI

339. Poll: Should the motto 'In God We Trust' be removed from U.S. currency?

Comment #230147 by Gregg Townsend on August 14, 2008 at 11:14 am

Maybe those being polled misread it and thought the question was "Should the motto 'In God We Trust' be on the U.S. currency?"

Wishful thinking on my part.

340. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam

Comment #230140 by Gregg Townsend on August 14, 2008 at 10:49 am

*The earth says helloooo...*

Damnit, D! Now I can't stop humming that stupid song.

*clicks on media player to search for CoC*

341. The God Delusion

Comment #230059 by Gregg Townsend on August 14, 2008 at 7:56 am

211. Comment #230054 by AllanW

I just read that entire thread and have come here to cleanse my palate. The atmosphere on this site has changed as of late.

Maybe she will come to realise just how foolish she appears.

I doubt it. I've seen this 'badge-of-honor' anger before.

Sad really.

342. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #228227 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 4:15 pm

Decius,

That might be a good thing in some cases. Myself included.

343. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #228223 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Ah, ha! While skimming earlier I thought there were way too many posters deleting their comments. It especially seemed uncharacteristic of Bonzai. Must be evidence of the bug?

[edit] Wierd. Mord, if I click on previous comments by you, the site only lists two!!!

344. Charles Darwin investigated whether blondes have more fun

Comment #228217 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 4:07 pm

Corylus,

I'm partial to "mousy brown". Don't change a thing!

345. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #228216 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 4:05 pm

257. Comment #228213 by decius

Decius,

Does this bug include nuking everyone's avatars? I'm getting tired of seeing all those red x's.

346. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #228184 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Al,

}:-)-~

347. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #228158 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 2:41 pm

226. Comment #228151 by Quetzalcoatl

Quetz,

It made me laugh too.

All,

This discussion makes me want to watch the animated classic "Heavy Metal"...

"I don't know Honey, I don't think this human/cyborg marriage will work out. I'm just scared I'll come home one day and find you screwing the toaster."

and

"Earth women who experience sexual ecstasy with mechanical assistance always tend to feel guilty!"

:)

[edit] Correcting and adding quotes.

348. Richard Dawkins replies to Libby Purves

Comment #228123 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 2:03 pm

238. Comment #228112 by thewhitepearl

Weary? No not at all. Nanna and Papa (that's us) are the favored grandparents. Our Daughter and son-in-law know our views and trust us to be appropriate (not preachy) and besides how can they object to Ranger Rick magazines and nature hikes.

My daughter was sitting next to me on the couch when my oldest granddaughter said, "Papa, you don't go to church, huh?" I said, "No, honey. Papa doesn't believe the stories they tell you in church so he doesn't go. It's similar to not watching a Disney movie that you don't like." She said, "I don't like The Sword in the Stone." and promptly went back to playing with her little sister. My daughter just smiled and winked at me.

What we worry about is when she gets baptized next year (she'll be eight) what should we do. We don't want to support it because we think she is too young to make that kind of decision but we don't want to make any of them feel belittled... if that makes sense.

349. Richard Dawkins replies to Libby Purves

Comment #228103 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Mitchell,

I'll take your experience as inspiration. April and I have been struggling with the indoctrinating of our granddaughters (their parents are Mormons). This is a more ticklish problem than it sounds at first blush. We don't want to alienate our daughter and son-in-law so we must tread carefully.

We'll just keep supplying age appropriate science education and encouraging them to ask questions. Like your father, I hope my granddaughters learn to think about it.

Thank you!

350. Richard Dawkins replies to Libby Purves

Comment #228091 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 1:08 pm

213. Comment #228075 by Sargeist

According to the book "Human Biology and Health Studies" by Givens and Reiss...

I'm concerned with these statistics not because they seem unlikely but because of the gathering methods.

The oncologist who treated my father for lung cancer listed his death as complications from lung cancer due to smoking. My Dad is a statistic that is taken as fact. The only problem is... my Dad never smoked a cigarette in his life. He spent his whole life surrounded by non-smokers so second hand smoke isn't realistic either.

Now, the oncologist has a good reason to hate smoking but how is it helpful to deliberately load the statistics? It makes it hard to trust what we read, in my opinion.