Talking Points

Posted on August 26, 2004 by Paul

I’ve added Talking Points Memo to the list at right. Particularly good coverage at the moment of the Swift Boat Veterans for ‘Truth’ excitement, as the site tries to keep up with the number of people lying about it.

More memeage

Posted on August 25, 2004 by Paul — 4 Comments ↓

*Religion Definition*
are you mono or polytheistic?	Atheistic
do you subscribe to a major religion?	No
how do you feel about Jesus?	I don’t feel about Jesus
what holy book do you feel is most accurate (Bible, Koran, etc)	OED
do you believe in reincarnation?	No
do you believe in the traditional heaven and hell?	No
do you believe in ANY heaven and/or hell?	No
do you think the god(s) are vengeful or nice?	I believe they are inventions
do you believe in angels?	No
do you believe in miracles?	No
do you believe in predestination?	No
do you believe in original sin?	No
do you believe in freedom of will?	For individuals, yes; as a religious concept, no
do you believe in souls?	No
what do you think will happen to you when you die?	bacteria, worms, mould, compost
do you think there will be an armageddon?	Not in the religious sense, but there’s a good chance of a people-ending event
why do you think we exist?	There is no why
do you believe in life on other planets?	Yes
do you believe in evolution?	Yes, in the same way that I believe in trees or light
do you think religion and science will always oppose the other?	Probably
what would you say to God if you met him/her/them today?	Who are you?
anything else we should know?	I think we should have ‘ohnotheism’ for people who really object to the idea of religion

{via Pharyngula}

Posted on August 24, 2004 by Paul

What all news should be like

Outrage Roundup

Posted on August 23, 2004 by Paul

Here’s a couple of things for you to get your underwear in a bunch about:

Archy points out that Bush thinks sovereignty is something you are given, rather than an innate right.

Michael Bérubé highlights the fact that Bush claims to have served in the Air Force, though that’s not what the Air Force thinks (also via Digby.

Taking first

Posted on August 21, 2004 by Paul — 1 Comment ↓

The GB Men’s coxless four (yes, more rowing talk) has taken gold in the Olympics, by the startling margin of 0.08 seconds. Here’s an inspiring quote from Matthew Pinsent, who has now won gold in the last four Olympics, on how the difficulties they’ve had in the run-up to the games affected his aims:

“I have rowed so badly as not to have deserved a medal, I have rowed myself and the crew into a tired and dejected position where winning was impossible, but gone out to try to win a silver?

“No. Never.”