301. Russian woman put on trial in Dubai for drinking juice in public

Comment #254713 by Hellene on September 26, 2008 at 6:22 am

Hypoglycemia anyone?

302. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #253736 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 9:19 pm

328. Comment #253569 by berkopath


THANK YOU!

I was very moved by your the words that you wrote. My grandfather attended Robert College in Istanbul during the bad times around WW I. He met my grandmother there. His family lived on a small island and were Turkish citizens of Greek origin. My grandfather rescued the Dean and The President of the college when they drove there car into the Bosphorus by mistake one night. He never once said anything against the Turkish other than he was glad he didn't have to serve in the Turkish army, since he was a student. Being an ethnic Greek in the Turkish army at the time was not a good idea. My grandmother told me "We never had any problems with the Turkish people, only with the Turkish army".

I feel for you having to be afraid of "The men in the uniforms". They are supposed to protect it's citizens, not terrorize them. I feel for your not being able to write or speak freely. I have learned some things from different people. One of my best friends is a Creek Indian (Native American). His great-grandmother was on "The trail of Tears". After weeks of walking with "The uniforms" watching, she was forced to swim across the Mississippi river. With a child on her back, in the winter time. Another time I had volunteered my time as a videographer at a holocaust museum. I met a Greek woman from Thessaloniki who was Jewish. She told me the story of how local Greeks had collaborated with the Nazis to send the Greek Jews to the camps. A horrific story. When she showed me the "tattoo" I nearly cried.

One day I wish to go back to the island in Turkey and walk were my Grandfather walked.

The Turkish people are not stupid or ignorant.
You my friend, are proof of what my Grandmother taught me.

EDIT: If you are not familiar with the trail of tears...

CLICK HERE

303. Cathedral seminar to equip clerics to deal with Dawkins

Comment #253725 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 8:23 pm

Cathedral seminar to equip clerics to deal with Dawkins

304. Catholic maternity wards 'face closure' if abortion law passes

Comment #253718 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 7:54 pm

216. Comment #253703 by SnowyDoc

Thank you sir, my sentiments exactly. I don't like abortion personally. I don't feel it should be illegal. I am however a proponent of birth control on demand. And the sex education to match. No more "abstinence only" nonsense.

And the free market thing. We have a "mixed economy" if I'm not mistaken. Probably for a reason. Too many people going hungry at once is not a good idea. They tend to get pissed off and... do things.

305. 'All Terrorists are Darwinists': An Interview with Harun Yahya

Comment #253540 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 2:24 pm

Oktar: There are over 100 million fossils that prove creationism. And these fossils have never changed. A fish has remained a fish, a shrimp has remained a shrimp. You can find these fossils all over the world. We've put them on display in Turkey too, and people have seen them with their own eyes. That is clear proof.

306. When Atheists Attack

Comment #253232 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 7:59 am

Turan Dursun, Turkish Atheist;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turan_dursun

307. When Atheists Attack

Comment #253226 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 7:56 am

Turan Dursun, Turkish Atheist;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turan_dursun

308. When Atheists Attack

Comment #253199 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 7:33 am

Turan Dursun, Turkish Atheist, RIP;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turan_dursun

309. Zehirli Yilanlar, Kaygan Yilanbaliklari ve Harun Yahya

Comment #253192 by Hellene on September 24, 2008 at 7:28 am

41. Comment #253182 by agsonmez


"I wish my country's name were pronounced for other things here... "

Turan Dursun, Turkish Atheist;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turan_dursun

And


http://www.turandursun.com/index.php?categoryid=4&p2003_articleid=1

310. When Atheists Attack

Comment #252488 by Hellene on September 23, 2008 at 7:26 am

Fresh from pharyngula,

Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights:

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/09/an_islamic_assault_on_human_ri.php#comments

FANUSI let this speak for itself. Don't say a word. Ah.... don't talk... Ah... Ah... Sh... I have a whole box of sh......

311. Secular schools of thought tainted

Comment #252286 by Hellene on September 22, 2008 at 7:12 pm

31. Comment #252284 by Dispiracist

Wow!

What a great Idea!

Gather every Sunday and have a lecture on Science, History, or philosophy.

How do I make this happen?

312. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #252270 by Hellene on September 22, 2008 at 6:20 pm

308. Comment #251943 by TheFishInRakiBottle

Turan Dursun: CLICK HERE

Nazim Hikmet: CLICK HERE

Tevfik Fikret: CLICK HERE



Stay safe.

313. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251906 by Hellene on September 22, 2008 at 10:07 am

Comment #251861 by David A Robertson , And "Sarah Palin"



"Kimish kal ferdovit, mer tagflin per ilma segumiach."


OK?

314. Religion and Child Abuse

Comment #251637 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 8:02 pm

99. Comment #251632 by common sense2zz


god was always there. Then he got bored and lonely. And made us? With prostates? Gee thanks...

Have a laugh, Click on the link below:

CLICK HERE

315. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251619 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 6:23 pm

Palin's nothin...

Next McCain is going to introduce his lesbian, atheist, Mexican, gardner.

"See.... I hire minorities".

316. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251615 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 6:17 pm

Edit: This one was waaaaaay over the top.

317. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251610 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 6:10 pm

But, mah heighbors out here in the country keeps a tellin' me heeees a Muuuslim.

318. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251606 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 6:05 pm

He's black...

Black I tell you!!!!

319. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251604 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Obama is a Muslim!

A Commie!


And a closet athiest!

320. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #251449 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 1:16 pm

299. Comment #251334 by goTurk

So the "Triangle" seems to be:

Military - Islam - Secularism.


In Greece the triangle is:

Cheat - Steal - and when all else fails... use Bureaucracy!

321. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251412 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 12:43 pm

317. Comment #251391 by Vinelectric


Project for the New American Century:


http://www.thefourreasons.org/pnac.htm


This is not the Republican party.

322. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #251226 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 8:18 am

294. Comment #251223 by AntiM


"A call to people who care.. "

I think what you are doing is very brave. I wish you well.

323. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #251209 by Hellene on September 21, 2008 at 7:47 am

292. Comment #251197 by goTurk


"Westerners are not as experienced in dealing with emotions since their thinking system is built on individualism and rationality."

324. Art teacher made student pray to Jesus for forgiveness

Comment #250961 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 11:10 pm

56. Comment #250958 by Mitchell Gilks

Mitch,

As a teacher I am very careful about physical contact with students. Even a pat on the shoulder.

If there was any physical contact at all during the incident, technically that teacher is screwed. She's pretty much up the creek as it is. All it takes is an attorney like Tatania. She gets that case and she's gonna pile it on to make sure it sticks. Exactly the type of person I'd have represent me.


Edit: "People are pointing out that if it were religious people they would freak out...so?"

With you on that one. Tip toe around Jesus? I think not!

325. Art teacher made student pray to Jesus for forgiveness

Comment #250957 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 10:46 pm

Hey guys.

Just caught up to some of the posts.

If any of us had been forced to kneel and pray by an authority figure, lets say your boss or a policeman, I wonder what our reaction would have been.

Does a thirteen year old deserve less consideration?

326. Art teacher made student pray to Jesus for forgiveness

Comment #250956 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 10:32 pm

Titania,

Sorry no. Originally they outsourced to a company. We had a fellow come in and we did a four hour seminar. He was a former judge. Nowadays they they do it electronically. Its tailor made for our school and has a scatter gun approach. We have to do all the modules wether they apply to our position or not. I can't access the site remotely. And to divulge yadda yadda... You get the picture.

I can check and see which company make the modules next time i'm at work.

327. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #250947 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 9:30 pm

288. Comment #250935 by Vinelectric

"Armenian genocide is somehow divisively smuggled into a discussion about a completely non-related topic. "

Well yes and no. I see your point. But this is about censorship right? Article 301 of the Turkish penal code makes it illegal to insult Turkey. Hrant Dink was brought to trial three times and eventually murdered for writing about it (in 2007).

Yes I understand that Oktan is not representative of the Turkish population. But the law in place that allowed him to do what he did is a problem. Ask any of the clear thinking Turks who come to this site.

328. Art teacher made student pray to Jesus for forgiveness

Comment #250942 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Titania

I just ran through (in my mind) what would happen if I had done that to a student. I don't think my feet would touch the ground on the way out. I have students from all over the world, and any kind of "Art Student" culture you can imagine. Actually I think they would "baker act" me.

329. Art teacher made student pray to Jesus for forgiveness

Comment #250939 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 8:53 pm

Titania,

I teach at a private college. Every year we have to take ethics/harassment training. This after our "higher ups" screwed up and got fired (among other things).

She needs to be fired, and the rest of the faculty/admin needs to raked over the coals so it doesn't happen again.

And my sympathies for having to watch "left behind" movies. I tried to watch one and switched it of after about 5 mins. I had to watch "A touch of evil" four times to get the bad photons out of my eyes.

330. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #250931 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 8:41 pm

2976. Comment #250901 by mordacious1

Rhonda Storms used the same language when she tried to have the "Academic Freedom Act" passed in Florida. She refused to state what her beliefs were when asked on the Florida Senate floor. As if there was anyone who didn't know.

331. Religion and Child Abuse

Comment #250924 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 8:18 pm

95. Comment #250916 by common sense2zz

" This website brought to you by Atheists...

... eliminating the middle man between you and the Universe since 1.5 million B.C."

332. Religion and Child Abuse

Comment #250919 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 8:08 pm

94. Comment #250913 by Diacanu

GodCo (tm)

Makers of the "pocket universe creator".

...and the ozone layer depletion spray.

"Just spray it on top of your globe. No one can tell the difference!"


Brandy: read your link.

333. Religion and Child Abuse

Comment #250907 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 7:47 pm

84. Comment #250897 by common sense2zz




*yawn*

And who *yawn* created "god"?

*yawn*

EDIT: added third yawn.

334. Art teacher made student pray to Jesus for forgiveness

Comment #250890 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 6:25 pm

Hmmmnnnn........

I think the faculty of the school should have to take ethics and religious sensitivity training with a test at the end of it to receive certification. No certification, no teaching. And make it annual.

335. Turkish edition of The Ancestor's Tale sells out within a day!

Comment #250865 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 5:02 pm

46. Comment #250863 by TurkishAtheist

I raise my glass to you my friend.

336. How can the Earth be so perfectly suited for life by coincidence?

Comment #250797 by Hellene on September 20, 2008 at 11:06 am

Life has adapted to the conditions of this planet. But if did so perfectly it would not be constantly evolving, would it?

337. Turkish edition of The Ancestor's Tale sells out within a day!

Comment #250549 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 10:32 pm

Great news! I salute free thinking Turks.

338. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #250537 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 9:36 pm

Diacanu,

Fascist fun. They are in every country apparently.

339. Look Who's Irrational Now

Comment #250527 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 8:50 pm

I'm sorry... I can't remember... Didn't Reagan have an astrologer?

340. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #250522 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 8:26 pm

My last words on this matter:


http://www.armenian-genocide.org/


http://www.greek-genocide.org/press.html

341. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #250510 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 7:35 pm

259. Comment #250502 by dogacyavuz

"Armenian Genocide is an issue that needs to be enlightened by an academic research."

"So there is actually nothing to accept or deny, but unproven claims."

I disagree. My relatives who lived through it disagree. The ones that died during that time are not alive to disagree.

I have no desire for retaliation. But is it too much to ask that their deaths are not swept under the rug?

I make no judgement on Turkeys' bid to the EU. I do not judge Turkeys' people by Adnan Oktars' "behavior". He is a leader of an Islamic cult. He deserves ridicule. That much everyone seems to agree on. I have seen many different opinions as to what is "wrong" in Turkey. This is good. People are thinking.

I wish all of you well.

342. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #250478 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 6:34 pm

254. Comment #250436 by Erklig

Very interesting revisionist history.

I'll start with one fact.

There where never 300 million Native Americans alive in North America. I believe that number to be incorrect

But Americans for the most part own up to the fact that they did kill many of the Indians.

And many question the wisdom of the nuclear bombs used in Japan.

And many of us question the war in Iraq.

And though we did put Japanese and Germans in camps during WWII we did not kill them. Or put them in the army and work them to death in work camps, like the turkish did . Or march them into the desert to die. Up to one million Greeks and up to six million Armenians. It's documented by reporters and foreign diplomats that were in Turkey during that time.

343. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #250441 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm

"You realize of course this means war..."

Bugs Bunny

344. The real difference between liberals and conservatives

Comment #250397 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 3:44 pm

"...developing a cheap oil substitute"

I want an electric car that charges in five minutes, with a 500 mile range.
Internal combustion is so passe'.

345. Creationist Britain (would you Adam and Eve it?)

Comment #250327 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 12:31 pm

64. Comment #250236 by thatgingerscouser


"There's a difference between God and Santa? "

Yep. Eternal damnation or a lump of coal. I'd go with the coal.

346. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #250315 by Hellene on September 19, 2008 at 11:34 am

"...but you cannot insult people."

Oh but I can and will...

Adnan Oktars moustache looks like old mold I once saw in a toilet.


To the free thinking Turks who come here. I salute you and your love of freedom.

347. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #249962 by Hellene on September 18, 2008 at 7:19 pm

double post

348. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #249961 by Hellene on September 18, 2008 at 7:14 pm

"Ah, Pronoun trouble..."

-Daffy Duck, "Rabbit Seasoning"-



Brandy Spears is a woman.

Pronoun = She.

349. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #249943 by Hellene on September 18, 2008 at 6:22 pm

And while I'm at it. Since I live in a free country, and I do have the right to offend....


Adnan Oktar, your moustache looks like a black hairy caterpillar...
with a fish hook in it.

350. Turkey bans biologist Richard Dawkins' website

Comment #249933 by Hellene on September 18, 2008 at 6:02 pm

167. Comment #249926 by WilliamP

"They actually have laws against insulting religion in Turkey?"

They have laws against insulting "Turkishness".

They will not admit to the genocide of Armenians and Greeks circa WWI. They pressured the American government when the US legislature tried to officially recognize that the event happened. I feel for the rational Turks who are stuck in that neurosis.