Following on from my post by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, YouTuber philhellenes gives his take on the subject.
Ramp up the quality, make it full screen and enjoy...
Dust That Sings [12:37]
Grow into these trousers... >>
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
![[Stumble Upon]](http://cdn.stumble-upon.com/images/16x16_su_3d.gif)
Sunday, 12 February 2012
A thought for a Sunday - only moments late
"It may not be said that there is no god.
It may be said that there is no reason to think that there is one."
Christopher Eric Hitchens (1949 – 2011)
Grow into these trousers... >>
It may be said that there is no reason to think that there is one."
Christopher Eric Hitchens (1949 – 2011)
Grow into these trousers... >>
Saturday, 17 December 2011
This is how I want to remember Hitch
Christopher Hitchens has died and the world has lost one of the greatesat speakers in the debates for rationality and human rights. May the spirit of his words endure...
This, I think, is Hitch at his best Debating free speech laws at the University of Toronto in 2006. The motion is: 'Be It Resolved: Freedom of Speech Includes the Freedom to Hate.'
"Stay cool" Grow into these trousers... >>
This, I think, is Hitch at his best Debating free speech laws at the University of Toronto in 2006. The motion is: 'Be It Resolved: Freedom of Speech Includes the Freedom to Hate.'
"Stay cool" Grow into these trousers... >>
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Thursday, 19 May 2011
It's the end of the world as we know it!
Judgement Day is a' comin', Saturday 21st May. Wow that's like... this weekend!I thought it was going to be just before Christmas 2012, according to the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar, but Christian preacher and radio broadcaster Harold Camping thinks otherwise.
The long-awaited Rapture, when all good Christian souls will drift off up to Heaven, will be on Saturday and conveniently arranged for 6pm in all time zones around the world (not sure about Samoa). The rest of us folks will be 'left behind', milling about incoherently or something. But not me, I have a plan: if you think you will be Raptured simply post your address in the comments below and leave your front door open. I promise someone will visit your ex-home as soon as they can to feed the dog, cat, budgie, goldfish etc, water any plants and generally take care of things. Car keys, bank account details and passwords left in obvious places will all help provide this service.On the night itself I have a gig at a local pub where, the last time we played there, the entire valley had a power cut plunging all into darkness. The band has always joked that it was all our fault for ramping up the volume but it could be an omen. If we have time to play 'knocking on heaven's door' I'll be happy. In fact, I feel fine...
It's the end of the world as we know it
Grow into these trousers... >>
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Sorry if this spoils your day
But it needs to be widely understood that slaughtering animals for human consumption is a nasty business. However it need not be a prolonged, inhumane, barbaric ritual.
The video description begins:
In my time at work I visited many abattoirs to collect things like spleens, brains, adrenal glands and blood for research and teaching. I have watched as cows, sheep and pigs were killed by bolt gun in front of me. Never did I witness scenes like these.
If your religious conviction demands that animals for food have to die slowly in great pain while obviously concious then
The video description begins:
"This video starts by showing the Western humane "Bolt Gun" method of instant slaughter. The remainder of the video then shows the Islamic Halal method of slaughter. Halal is the Sharia Law prescribed method of ritual killing involving the cutting of animals throats and letting them bleed to death".Meet your Meat, the Barbarity of Halal Slaughter
In my time at work I visited many abattoirs to collect things like spleens, brains, adrenal glands and blood for research and teaching. I have watched as cows, sheep and pigs were killed by bolt gun in front of me. Never did I witness scenes like these.
If your religious conviction demands that animals for food have to die slowly in great pain while obviously concious then
BECOME A VEGETARIAN YOU FUCKING HEARTLESS CUNT.
Grow into these trousers... >>
Friday, 4 February 2011
Sometimes I despair at religious 'logic'
BBC news reports on the troubles in Egypt quoting Issam al-Aryan, spokesperson and reputedly "A senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood":
BANG! <head explodes>
Grow into these trousers... >>
"We want a civil state, based on Islamic principles. A democratic state, with a parliamentary system, with freedom to form parties, press freedom, and an independent and fair judiciary,"Which sounds fine except for the 'Islamic principles' bit which which denies such rights if you happen to be female, or gay, or follow another religion, or you are an apostate, or a non-believer, or an alcohol imbiber, or a cartoonist, or a pork eater, or a dog owner or...
BANG! <head explodes>
Grow into these trousers... >>
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Richard Dawkins on faith schools
I post this without comment as most people will know my views anyway.
A Channel 4 documentary I haven't seen before. Note: Vimeo's embed code seems a bit wonkey so follow the link instead.
Faith School Menace?
------------
Via Unreasonable Faith. Grow into these trousers... >>
A Channel 4 documentary I haven't seen before. Note: Vimeo's embed code seems a bit wonkey so follow the link instead.
Faith School Menace?
------------
Via Unreasonable Faith. Grow into these trousers... >>
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Religious survey results not good for American Christians
Earlier this year the Pew Forum on Religion and Public life conducted a survey on religious knowledge among the American populace. The newly released results were not surprising, to me at least. In the 32 question survey atheists and agnostics scored the highest, closely followed by Jews and Mormons who were way ahead of the average Christian believer. There's a summary of the results here.To test yourself, click on the image for a shorter sample of the questions asked. I scored 14 out of 15 and am kicking myself for dithering over the one I got wrong rather than going with my first thought.
The New York Times reportsOn average, people who took the survey answered half the questions incorrectly, and many flubbed even questions about their own faith.What is it about religion that suppresses what should be no more than basic general knowledge? Grow into these trousers... >>
Those who scored the highest were atheists and agnostics, as well as two religious minorities: Jews and Mormons. The results were the same even after the researchers controlled for factors like age and racial differences.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Dude, you have no Quran
I'm sure we all remember the Quran book burning threat from a couple of weekends ago. I wanted to comment at the time but other commitments got in the way. Now I have a quieter day so here we go:
Note, I am not saying that all books are sacred, or that any are. Nor am I saying that an individual is forbidden to destroy a possession, so long as it is legally their own or they have suitable permission. But each book has a value greater than that printed on the cover and the combined writings of humanity have a value greater than the summed content of the individual books. That value is context.
Important texts from times past are often difficult to interpret without contemporary texts to set things in a social or linguistic structure. Structures which, 2000 years ago say, have no modern counterpart for comparison. We need the legacy of books from all ages to understand ourselves and how our societies have developed.
Burning any book has the potential to rob the future of a storehouse of historical knowledge. Just think of the attacks on the Library of Alexandria where humanity lost forever texts which, even then, were of great antiquity.
Of course the unadulterated word of Allah has been a previous victim of book burning, and surprisingly Moslems themselves were responsible, as this news report from 653AD informs us. An incalculable loss to religious scholars and historians of every generation since.
So I am glad that the September 11th Quran burning fizzled out into a non-event: except for one incident in Amarillo, Texas.
Some religious nutter was planning to burn a copy in an Amarillo park when Jacob Isom rescued the kerosene dowsed volume from a barbeque and ran off. In an interview for the local News Channel 10, Isom said he snuck up behind the organiser, David Grisham, liberated the book and said “Dude, you have no Quran”.
The book was delivered unsinged to a local Muslim leader and Jacob Isom is now an internet hero. Well done Sir!
Dude You Have No Quran AUTOTUNE REMIX
----------------------
Via Unreasonable Faith Grow into these trousers... >>
Burning books is stupid and ignorant.
Note, I am not saying that all books are sacred, or that any are. Nor am I saying that an individual is forbidden to destroy a possession, so long as it is legally their own or they have suitable permission. But each book has a value greater than that printed on the cover and the combined writings of humanity have a value greater than the summed content of the individual books. That value is context.
Important texts from times past are often difficult to interpret without contemporary texts to set things in a social or linguistic structure. Structures which, 2000 years ago say, have no modern counterpart for comparison. We need the legacy of books from all ages to understand ourselves and how our societies have developed.
Burning any book has the potential to rob the future of a storehouse of historical knowledge. Just think of the attacks on the Library of Alexandria where humanity lost forever texts which, even then, were of great antiquity.
Of course the unadulterated word of Allah has been a previous victim of book burning, and surprisingly Moslems themselves were responsible, as this news report from 653AD informs us. An incalculable loss to religious scholars and historians of every generation since.
So I am glad that the September 11th Quran burning fizzled out into a non-event: except for one incident in Amarillo, Texas.
Some religious nutter was planning to burn a copy in an Amarillo park when Jacob Isom rescued the kerosene dowsed volume from a barbeque and ran off. In an interview for the local News Channel 10, Isom said he snuck up behind the organiser, David Grisham, liberated the book and said “Dude, you have no Quran”.
The book was delivered unsinged to a local Muslim leader and Jacob Isom is now an internet hero. Well done Sir!
Dude You Have No Quran AUTOTUNE REMIX
----------------------
Via Unreasonable Faith Grow into these trousers... >>
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Protesting against the Pope
Richard Dawkins does a remarkable shakedown. Brief, to the point and utterly true.
Richard Dawkins' Speech at Protest the Pope March
<rant> Perhaps this should have been today's Sunday thought... My use of the English language is far from perfect; but I protest against something, or I protest in favour of something. Or if someone makes a statement with which I disagree, I can say "I protest" in reply.
I do not protest something!
I do not protest the Pope. I protest against the Pope and will never protest in favour of him. </rant> Grow into these trousers... >>
Richard Dawkins' Speech at Protest the Pope March
<rant> Perhaps this should have been today's Sunday thought... My use of the English language is far from perfect; but I protest against something, or I protest in favour of something. Or if someone makes a statement with which I disagree, I can say "I protest" in reply.
I do not protest something!
I do not protest the Pope. I protest against the Pope and will never protest in favour of him. </rant> Grow into these trousers... >>
Friday, 17 September 2010
This is made of awesome
Over the next weekend BlogTV is to present an interactive, 24 hour, non-stop fundraiser in aid of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders - international links), a very worthy charity. Starting on Saturday 18th September at 4pm BST (click for your local time) the lineup is... Well, awesome. The live broadcast will be here:
http://www.blogtv.com/People/dprjones
Watch the promotional video!
Roll Call - who's on the show?
Sadly Michael Shermer only did the promo clip and won’t be involved, but those who will feature include a whole bunch of my favourite YouTubers such as:
ZOMGitsCriss
NonStampCollector
LaciGreen
AronRa
Thunderf00t
DonExodus
Matt Dillahunty and the Amazing James Randi are involved and I also understand that PZ Myers will be sticking his oar in.
Donations to MSF can be made safe and secure using JustGiving (PayPal or cards) or FirstGiving (cards only).
That's my weekend sorted! Grow into these trousers... >>
http://www.blogtv.com/People/dprjones
Watch the promotional video!
Roll Call - who's on the show?
Sadly Michael Shermer only did the promo clip and won’t be involved, but those who will feature include a whole bunch of my favourite YouTubers such as:
ZOMGitsCriss
NonStampCollector
LaciGreen
AronRa
Thunderf00t
DonExodus
Matt Dillahunty and the Amazing James Randi are involved and I also understand that PZ Myers will be sticking his oar in.
Donations to MSF can be made safe and secure using JustGiving (PayPal or cards) or FirstGiving (cards only).
That's my weekend sorted! Grow into these trousers... >>
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Pope? Pap!
So the Ratman arrives in Edinburgh and immediately contradicts himself. The BBC reports him saying he wants to "extend the hand of friendship" to the whole of the UK during his visit. Hmm, OK...
He continued:
How anyone can think that this fallible, ignorant, old man is the spokesperson on Earth for an all-powerful, benign creator defies my understanding.
This comes after one of his 'advisors', Cardinal Walter Kasper, espoused that
Ratman, don't lie. Your own book of lore says this (see Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 5:20), how can anyone form any respect for an individual who says one thing and does the opposite?
Admit the truth Ratman, you are human, you were not appointed by a deity, you are not even a head of state but the elected leader of a vastly wealthy organisation dedicated to self-preservation at the expense of billions of ordinary people.
Until then I exercise my freedom to repeat...
Tim Minchin - Pope Song (Warning - Offense Possible)
Grow into these trousers... >>
He continued:
"Today, the United Kingdom strives to be a modern and multicultural society. In this challenging enterprise, may it always maintain its respect for those traditional values and cultural expressions that more aggressive forms of secularism no longer value or even tolerate".Well fuck you Ratman, I do respect the traditional values and cultural expressions of others so long as they don't impose them on those who see the world otherwise. Sing to the clouds and eat magic crackers all you like but don't expect me to do the same and never, NEVER EVER, try to tell me how to behave. My morals are not dictated to me by invisible magical spirits but by a genuine care for all of humanity. In fact I care for all life on this beautiful planet which gave me birth. How about you respecting my values, my expression, and my right not to believe?
How anyone can think that this fallible, ignorant, old man is the spokesperson on Earth for an all-powerful, benign creator defies my understanding.
This comes after one of his 'advisors', Cardinal Walter Kasper, espoused that
"when you land at Heathrow you think at times you have landed in a Third World country".Walter is not accompanying the Ratman to the UK and the Vatican issues the ludicrous claim of 'ill-health'.
Ratman, don't lie. Your own book of lore says this (see Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 5:20), how can anyone form any respect for an individual who says one thing and does the opposite?
Admit the truth Ratman, you are human, you were not appointed by a deity, you are not even a head of state but the elected leader of a vastly wealthy organisation dedicated to self-preservation at the expense of billions of ordinary people.
Until then I exercise my freedom to repeat...
Tim Minchin - Pope Song (Warning - Offense Possible)
Grow into these trousers... >>
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Another reason to like Hitch
I was saddened to hear recently that Christopher Hitchens has been diagnosed with cancer. I wish him well.
Hitch is not a 'light in time of darkness' but a small glow of rationality which, I hope, may herald a sunrise. I like his wit, erudition, honesty and unshakable self confidence. Even in illness he is a wise sage:
Christopher Hitchens Interviewed by Anderson Cooper
But Hitch is just Hitch:
Christopher Hitchens - The State of Human Intelligence
Grow into these trousers... >>
Hitch is not a 'light in time of darkness' but a small glow of rationality which, I hope, may herald a sunrise. I like his wit, erudition, honesty and unshakable self confidence. Even in illness he is a wise sage:
Christopher Hitchens Interviewed by Anderson Cooper
But Hitch is just Hitch:
Christopher Hitchens - The State of Human Intelligence
Grow into these trousers... >>
Friday, 23 July 2010
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Not much provokes me...
But this does.
I find all religion to be a trivial, disgusting or violent parody of reality; but too often these days those people who carry this cultural disease cause harm to the non-infected.
It seems that a young air traffic controller (a good
profession which implies a certain level of intelligence), who came from a Moslem background in the Maldives, was driven to suicide after being rejected by his society, friends and family for coming out as an atheist.
His name was Ismail Mohamed Didi and he was just 25 years old. It is alleged that "Ismail had refused to follow religious sermons". In emails Ismail said “[I] foolishly admitted my stance on religion” to workmates, and then:
“A lot of my close friends and girlfriend have been prohibited from seeing me by their parents. I have even received a couple of anonymous phone calls threatening violence if I do not repent and start practising Islam”
But he was true to what he felt:
“I cannot bring myself to pretend to be I am something I am not, as I am a staunch believer in human rights. I am afraid for my life here and know no one inside the country who can help me.”
If there were a God and prayer worked, this young man would have mine tonight.
-----------------------------
Sources: The Freethinker and Minivan News Grow into these trousers... >>
I find all religion to be a trivial, disgusting or violent parody of reality; but too often these days those people who carry this cultural disease cause harm to the non-infected.
It seems that a young air traffic controller (a good
profession which implies a certain level of intelligence), who came from a Moslem background in the Maldives, was driven to suicide after being rejected by his society, friends and family for coming out as an atheist.His name was Ismail Mohamed Didi and he was just 25 years old. It is alleged that "Ismail had refused to follow religious sermons". In emails Ismail said “[I] foolishly admitted my stance on religion” to workmates, and then:
“A lot of my close friends and girlfriend have been prohibited from seeing me by their parents. I have even received a couple of anonymous phone calls threatening violence if I do not repent and start practising Islam”
But he was true to what he felt:
“I cannot bring myself to pretend to be I am something I am not, as I am a staunch believer in human rights. I am afraid for my life here and know no one inside the country who can help me.”
If there were a God and prayer worked, this young man would have mine tonight.
-----------------------------
Sources: The Freethinker and Minivan News Grow into these trousers... >>
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Summer is still winning
I'm still enjoying the long, lazy summer days… If anyone has emailed me and not had a reply, sorry; I will get round to it. 'Till then here are a few things I could have posted about but didn't.
For those with an interest in religion, Philip A. Harland (Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Ancient History at York University, Toronto) has a podcast giving a historical context to The New Testament based on his course lectures. His blog is Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean or you can start with Podcast series 1: Paul and his communities.
Uzza's Notes has a list of Rape Prevention Tips along with the current humorous deconstruction of the Gospel of Matthew.
The first images from yesterday's flyby of asteroid 21 Lutetia by the Rosetta probe are on The Planetary Society Blog. Can't wait to see the hi-res colour!
Finally there's a new piece of wall art with an evolutionary theme:
BIG BANG BIG BOOM - the new wall-painted animation by BLU [9:55]
OK, I’m off to band practice. Have fun! Grow into these trousers... >>
For those with an interest in religion, Philip A. Harland (Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Ancient History at York University, Toronto) has a podcast giving a historical context to The New Testament based on his course lectures. His blog is Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean or you can start with Podcast series 1: Paul and his communities.
Uzza's Notes has a list of Rape Prevention Tips along with the current humorous deconstruction of the Gospel of Matthew.
The first images from yesterday's flyby of asteroid 21 Lutetia by the Rosetta probe are on The Planetary Society Blog. Can't wait to see the hi-res colour!
Finally there's a new piece of wall art with an evolutionary theme:
BIG BANG BIG BOOM - the new wall-painted animation by BLU [9:55]
OK, I’m off to band practice. Have fun! Grow into these trousers... >>
Friday, 21 May 2010
I missed this yesterday
Sure, I knew it was Everybody Draw Mohammed Day. You could hardly miss the promotion all over the tubes, notably: Facebook, YouTube, Wikipedia and Flickr. Which inevitably lead to the sites being banned in Pakistan; the 21st century equivalent of book burning.
To me, childish cartoons based on an ancient fable hardly warrant attention, though I uphold people's freedom to draw whatever they wish. I do not uphold the 'freedom' to issue threats of death or violence against such artists, or indeed anyone else.
I decided not to comment and thought it too trivial... That was until I saw the contribution from a true master:
Game, set and match to JC.
Grow into these trousers... >>
To me, childish cartoons based on an ancient fable hardly warrant attention, though I uphold people's freedom to draw whatever they wish. I do not uphold the 'freedom' to issue threats of death or violence against such artists, or indeed anyone else.
I decided not to comment and thought it too trivial... That was until I saw the contribution from a true master:
Game, set and match to JC.
Grow into these trousers... >>
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Pagan Police get holiday time
"Police officers have been given the right to take days off to dance naked on the solstices, celebrate fertility rituals and burn Yule logs if they profess pagan beliefs".Reports the Times.
This is a good thing and I heartily approve. The old festivals need to remembered and celebrated. Helpfully, The Freethinker has a list of the main Pagan festivals which include:
• Beltane — on April 30/May 1, pagan and Wicca worshippers celebrate the Sun god. In Celtic times it was an opportunity for unabashed sexuality and promiscuityand also
• Litha — or summer solstice. Members drink mead and dance naked to celebrate the harvestIt's good to know what our Police officers do on their days off! Grow into these trousers... >>
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Boobquake Day - a bit of a flop?
No major earthquakes yesterday, nothing but the normal everyday tremors. Go to Blag Hag for the low down and the stats.
News reports and photographs are everywhere.
So Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi you've got what you deserve for babbling your ignorant, primitive beliefs. Utter ridicule all over the world. Let it be an education Mr Sedighi, because you really need one. Grow into these trousers... >>
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