The Worst Diet Promotions of 2008
snag 20th Annual Slim Chance Awards
HETTINGER, ND – Healthy Weight Network released its 20th annual Slim Chance Awards today, highlighting both the hidden dangers of diets and supplements that often contain unknown ingredients and sometimes potent drugs, and the merely ridiculous.
To call 2008 a typical year in the weight loss field would be too easy. This year’s awards go to an infamous huckster of diet infomercials, known for his outrageous disregard of injunctions against him; $139 body-shaping jeans impregnated with substances that supposedly reduce cellulite; a pill that’s “proven” to make your belly fat vanish; and a dangerous starvation diet launched recklessly on the Internet with false promises of safe, fast and permanent weight loss.
All in all, a typical year that synthesizes all that is deceptive and exploitive in this field. So, here they are, the 20th annual Slim Chance Awards:
MOST OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM: Kevin Trudeau infomercials. It’s rare that regulatory agencies look at books, given our free speech laws, but the infomercials for Kevin Trudeau’s weight loss book and his repeated violations were just too much for the Federal Trade Commission, and this past August he was fined over $5 million and banned from infomercials for three years. In “willful efforts” to deceive, Trudeau told listeners they could easily follow the diet protocol at home, even though his book calls for human growth hormone injections and colonics that must be done by a licensed practitioner. The tortured case began in 1998 when FTC charged Trudeau with false and misleading diet infomercials. In 2003 he was charged with false claims; in 2004 he was fined $2 million and banned from infomercials. Again in 2007 a contempt action said he misled thousands with false claims for his weight loss book “in flagrant violation” of court orders.
WORST GIMMICK: Skineez jeans ($139). A new item in the fight against cellulite, Skineez jeans are impregnated with a so-called “medication” of retinol and chitosan, a shellfish product once claimed to cut fat absorption in the stomach (see 1999 Slim Chance Awards). Friction between the jeans and skin supposedly triggers release of the substance, which goes to work on fat when absorbed through the skin. Reportedly a big hit in Europe, the “smart fabric” is also used in lingerie. Ironically, the creators of Skineez, Clothes for a Cause, profess to raise funds for breast cancer and “a wide range of other socially conscious charities.” So while the company exploits and deceives women with an expensive pair of jeans, it assures them they can “do good with every purchase … As our sales grow, so will our ability to help others.” FTC, however, is clear about such gimmicks, emphasizing that products worn or rubbed on the skin do not cause weight loss or fat loss.
WORST CLAIM: AbGONE. Throughout 2008 full page ads assaulted the eye in daily newspapers across the country touting AbGONE as “proven to promote pot belly loss.” Claims are that AbGONE increases “fat metabolism” and calorie burn, promotes appetite suppression and inhibits future abdominal fat deposits. These are drug claims that, if true, would alter the body’s regulation, but unlike drugs, the pills are sold as food supplements not requiring FDA approval. The bold ads feature the obligatory before and after shots of models, cut-away sketches of the abdomen with and without belly fat, and a white-coated researcher with chart purportedly confirming success of 5 times reduction in fat mass, 4 times lower BMI, 4 times greater weight loss than placebo. No added diet and exercise needed – well, except, you may want to heed the fine print disclaimer at the bottom that reminds us “diet and exercise are essential.”
WORST PRODUCT: Kimkins diet. It must have seemed an easy way to get rich quick. Founder Heidi “Kimmer” Diaz set up a website and charged members a fee to access the Kimkins diet, boasting they could lose up to 5 percent of their body weight in 10 days. “Better than gastric bypass,” there was “no faster diet,” and in fact she herself had lost 198# in 11 months. Stunning “after” photos were displayed. In June 2007 Women's World ran it as a cover story, and that month alone PayPal records show the Kimkins site took in over $1.2 million. Then users began complaining of chest pains, hair loss, heart palpitations, irritability and menstrual irregularities. This was not surprising since Kimkins is essentially a starvation diet, down to 500 calories per day and deficient in many nutrients (shockingly, laxatives are advised to replace the missing fiber). In a lawsuit, 11 former members are uncovering a vast record of Diez’s alleged fraud. They found that the stunning “after” photos, including one of Kimmer herself, had been lifted from a Russian mail order bride site. According to a deposition reported by Los Angeles TV station KTLA, Diaz admitted using fake pictures, fake stories and fake IDs, and a judge has allowed the litigants to freeze some of her assets.
“Today’s economic downturn can remind us how foolish it is to waste money on unsafe, ineffective and energy-draining weight loss efforts,” said Francie M. Berg, a licensed nutritionist and adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, whose organization Healthy Weight Network started the Slim Chance Awards 20 years ago. The National Council Against Health Fraud, for which she is coordinator of the task force for Weight Loss Abuse, co-sponsors the awards.
They’re part of the lead-up to “Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day” during Healthy Weight Week, which falls from January 18 to 24 in 2009.
With the New Year upon us, resolutions freshly on our minds, Berg is advising people to skip dieting and move ahead with healthy habits that last a lifetime.
From:
http://www.healthyweightnetwork.com/
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Now for something completely different....
Enough with the religious tits and union asses. If this doesn't make you smile, call 911, cus you're dead mate. From what's probably the best sit-com in the history of television, I give you your daily smile (be sure you're sitting down, dad):
Sunday, November 30, 2008
My Top 10
Top Ten Signs You're a Fundamentalist Christian:
10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours.
9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God.
7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees!
6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky.
5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old.
4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.
2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God.
1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian.
10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours.
9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God.
7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees!
6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky.
5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old.
4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.
2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God.
1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Islamists attack schoolgirls with acid.
Schoolgirls and teachers were attacked with acid by Islamists in Afghanistan. The Islamist nutjobs were hired to conduct the attack by the Taliban. See, the Taliban (probably correctly) assume that Mohammed wouldn't want girls to go to school. Why? Cuz they're girls.
link
Here's the same question that comes to mind every time I read about this sort of thing: is the 1500 year old ramblings of a polygamous, semi-literate pedophile a really good guide for social behavior in the 21st century? (let alone the 6th?)
And as usual, the silence from the Islamic world is deafening. Their whining about the West's disgust with such actions will be much louder. It always is.
link
Here's the same question that comes to mind every time I read about this sort of thing: is the 1500 year old ramblings of a polygamous, semi-literate pedophile a really good guide for social behavior in the 21st century? (let alone the 6th?)
And as usual, the silence from the Islamic world is deafening. Their whining about the West's disgust with such actions will be much louder. It always is.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Take your job and shove it.
Dear Jesus: Please kill Chrysler, GM, and Ford.
Thanks in advance,
Scott.
So a crappy company puts out an inferior product, and I should pay for it via my taxes? Let's get something straight here. The product wasn't good enough for me the first time around. Why the f*ck should I pay for it now? Seems GM, CAW, and the US government all have the same business plan: redistribute money from successful companies and give it to shitty ones. That's just brilliant. And the CAW has said that they'll not take any reduction in pay. I mean, heaven forbid they make less than $30/hr doing a job that a retarded baboon or George W could do after a few hours of training. I guess making $25/hr is a fate worse than losing your job and finding out you're actually not qualified to make more than $11/hr.
Thanks in advance,
Scott.
So a crappy company puts out an inferior product, and I should pay for it via my taxes? Let's get something straight here. The product wasn't good enough for me the first time around. Why the f*ck should I pay for it now? Seems GM, CAW, and the US government all have the same business plan: redistribute money from successful companies and give it to shitty ones. That's just brilliant. And the CAW has said that they'll not take any reduction in pay. I mean, heaven forbid they make less than $30/hr doing a job that a retarded baboon or George W could do after a few hours of training. I guess making $25/hr is a fate worse than losing your job and finding out you're actually not qualified to make more than $11/hr.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Colon Hucksters Fingered.
Update - there is nothing to update you with in regards to the email I sent the alternative (fake) medicine group in Lindsay - they never replied to my inquiries.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Reflexology up your arse.
An unruly colon can cause poor eyesight, hearing loss, acne, and asthma, among other symptoms. Did you know that? No? Well, don't feel bad. It's not true. However, in a flyer I just recieved from the "Shoppes of Peterborough", there was a newsletter from "Alternative Health Care", an alternative medicine (a bogus term) outfit in Lindsay. Here's what they say about the colon:
What is Colon Therapy?
Colon Therapy (colonics) is a holistic approach to restoration of abundant health. It combines colon irrigation, natural supplements, counscelling and proper diet.
What is The Colon?
The Colon is the large intestine. It measures approximately five feet in length and two and one half inches in diameter. It ascends from the secum on the right side of the body where it joins the small intestine, then travels across the abdominal cavity and descends down the left side of the rectum.
What is the Colon's Function?
The Colon is more than the body's sewer system. It is one of the most neglected organs in the body. It completes the digestive process by absorbing water from the digested residue of food we have eaten and discharge toxins and waste material from the body.
Symptoms of a Poor Colon
Fatigue • Chronic Diarrhea • Gas • Chronic Constipation
Headaches • Skin Problems • Irritability • Negative Attitudes
What do These Symptoms Indicate?
If allowed to continue, these symptoms manifest themselves into more serious health problems such as colitis, diverticulitis, polyps, arthritis, diminished eyesight, behavioural problems and cancer.
What is Autointoxication?
It is the absorption of toxins into the blood stream and lymph system from an unhealthy colon. It is the poisoning of our internal "eco-system".
What are the Health Risks?
The buildup of putrefaction and fermentation in the colon is one of the most pernicious health hazards facing Western humanity. This corruption, if allowed to remain in the body, prevents any possibility of attaining any degree of vibrant health. Because of the danger of toxemia present in corrupt matter, failure to expel fecal waste probably ranks as our most serious health risk.
Why Don't People Know the Dangers?
Since the build-up of toxins is gradual, most people fail to realize the peril colon neglects causes. Furthermore, modern medicine tends to treat sypmptoms of disease, not the root cause. Drugs and surgery have become the norn, instead of promotion of preventative health.
What is Colon Irrigation?
A gradual irrigation flushing of the large intestine with filtered water. A machine that uses gravity fed water pressure allows water to flow into and out of the colon via an applicator. The treatement is safe, painless and far more effective and comfortable than an enema.
Can I be Constipated and Still Have Daily Bowel Movements?
YES! A constipated colon is much like a water pipe that is partly obstructed by mineral deposits and corrosion. Some water may flow through, but it does not mean that it is clean. Eventually the opening becomes narrower and narrower as waste builds up to the point where it closes - implaction. This condition often results in unnecessary colostomy surgery.
Who Administers Colon Therapy?
Professionally trained certified colon technicians, who are competent in a wide range of natural health techniques that emphasize a drug free, non-surgical alternative way to better health.
Is Colon Irrigation Habit Forming?
NO! The purpose of cleasing the bowel is to allow it to relax and rejuvenate itself.
Colon Therapy Helps
Colon therapy emphasizes prevention, but also promises relief from these afflications and more.
• Constipation • Arthritis
• Fatigue • Colitis
• Poor Eyesight • Diabetes
• Hearing Loss • Colds
• Prostate Trouble • Asthma
• Indigestion • Allergies
• Diverticulitis • Acne
Will Colonics Help Prevent Cancer?
A clean, healthy colon tract naturally detoxifies the body allowing the lymph system and deep tissues to properly drain. We are marvellously designed. Our bodies can heal themselves if given the proper chance.
Cancer of the colon ranks next to heart disease as the most frequent cause of death in our country!!
A health colon tract is a major step towards good health. Cancer cannot attack a healthy organ!
Why Can't I Just Take Laxatives?
Instead of encouraging normal peristalisis, a laxative acts as an irritant to the muscle lining of the colon, causing convulsive action that overpowers and exhaust the colon muscle. LAXATIVES ARE HABIT FORMING AND DANGEROUS. A $400+ billion a year laxative industry in North America significally constributes to our general state of poor health.
Colon Therapy is not covered by OHIP. Preventative health care assumes a low priority for conventional medicine.
Summary
The colon is where all your waste goes. It's your very own sewage system. Without the colon, waste material and toxic substances would circulate throughout the system and poison you. If your colon is toxic, where else can the poisons go but back into the system? But when the colon is clean, the liver and kidney's can detoxify, the lymph system drains, the lungs can breathe, the skin clears up, and the rest of the body responds positively.
The fastest and easiest way to clean the colon is to gently flush out toxic waste with water. This is commonly know as a colonic. The process helps to break up and release weeks, months and sometimes years of hard encrustment that has adhered to the inside of the colon walls. And it's a simple procedure.
A sterilized devise called a "speculum", is lubricated and inserted into the rectrum (in a safe, easy and painless, five second maneuver). Attached to the speculum is an intake hose and an exit tube. A colon therapist gently fills your colon with tepid water and once full they gently massage the colon to release waste through the exit tube. A colon therapist should be able to tell you if your chewing your food properly, if there are any blockages, and whether the colon is sluggish. Peristalsis is the urge you feel when its time to have a bowel movement. Peristalsis action is essential, as the colon must contract and push the stool throughout its length to help you eliminate.
If a person has traditionally eaten foods that are bottle, boxed, packaged, processed or refined, these foods become "sticky" and build up over time in the colon. The build up inhibits nutrient absorption from the colon to the bloodstream. If you don't chew your food properly and big pieces of food get into your system, you won't absorb your nutrients properly and you will simply eliminate whole pieces of food. Improper chewing is the major cause of poor digestion.
Increasing fibre intake can help scrape out sticky foods. The more animal products take into the body, the more thought should be given to intestinal cleansing. For a generally healthy person, a series of six colonics (one a week for six weeks) is suggested. For optimum results an oral cleanse using fibre and/or herbs should be taken during the six weeks. And during any cleansing program, be sure to replace the bad bacteria in the colon with good bacteria by taking an acidophilus/bifidus combination. A common myth is that your colon can become lazy after colonics. But the exact opposite happens. Your persistalsis muscle is activated and pushes waste out - thereby exercising it and restoring the peristaltic action. It's like suing a free weight to strengthen your arm - sooner or later your going to build up your biceps!
If you think you smell shyte, that's your bs detector going off. This is nothing more than reflexology of the ass. It doesn't work with feet, it ain't working with the colon. Notice they dance around the "cancer' issue. They don't actually say anything tangible about a connection, other than saying "cancer cannot attack a healthy organ", which is a bold-faced lie.
I've emailed this group, asking 1)what, exactly, are these "toxins" and 2) why these mysterious "sticky" turds don't show up on a colonoscopy. We'll see what response I get.
I suggest that if your colon is causing you to have poor vision and hearing loss, maybe you should pull your head out of there.
What is Colon Therapy?
Colon Therapy (colonics) is a holistic approach to restoration of abundant health. It combines colon irrigation, natural supplements, counscelling and proper diet.
What is The Colon?
The Colon is the large intestine. It measures approximately five feet in length and two and one half inches in diameter. It ascends from the secum on the right side of the body where it joins the small intestine, then travels across the abdominal cavity and descends down the left side of the rectum.
What is the Colon's Function?
The Colon is more than the body's sewer system. It is one of the most neglected organs in the body. It completes the digestive process by absorbing water from the digested residue of food we have eaten and discharge toxins and waste material from the body.
Symptoms of a Poor Colon
Fatigue • Chronic Diarrhea • Gas • Chronic Constipation
Headaches • Skin Problems • Irritability • Negative Attitudes
What do These Symptoms Indicate?
If allowed to continue, these symptoms manifest themselves into more serious health problems such as colitis, diverticulitis, polyps, arthritis, diminished eyesight, behavioural problems and cancer.
What is Autointoxication?
It is the absorption of toxins into the blood stream and lymph system from an unhealthy colon. It is the poisoning of our internal "eco-system".
What are the Health Risks?
The buildup of putrefaction and fermentation in the colon is one of the most pernicious health hazards facing Western humanity. This corruption, if allowed to remain in the body, prevents any possibility of attaining any degree of vibrant health. Because of the danger of toxemia present in corrupt matter, failure to expel fecal waste probably ranks as our most serious health risk.
Why Don't People Know the Dangers?
Since the build-up of toxins is gradual, most people fail to realize the peril colon neglects causes. Furthermore, modern medicine tends to treat sypmptoms of disease, not the root cause. Drugs and surgery have become the norn, instead of promotion of preventative health.
What is Colon Irrigation?
A gradual irrigation flushing of the large intestine with filtered water. A machine that uses gravity fed water pressure allows water to flow into and out of the colon via an applicator. The treatement is safe, painless and far more effective and comfortable than an enema.
Can I be Constipated and Still Have Daily Bowel Movements?
YES! A constipated colon is much like a water pipe that is partly obstructed by mineral deposits and corrosion. Some water may flow through, but it does not mean that it is clean. Eventually the opening becomes narrower and narrower as waste builds up to the point where it closes - implaction. This condition often results in unnecessary colostomy surgery.
Who Administers Colon Therapy?
Professionally trained certified colon technicians, who are competent in a wide range of natural health techniques that emphasize a drug free, non-surgical alternative way to better health.
Is Colon Irrigation Habit Forming?
NO! The purpose of cleasing the bowel is to allow it to relax and rejuvenate itself.
Colon Therapy Helps
Colon therapy emphasizes prevention, but also promises relief from these afflications and more.
• Constipation • Arthritis
• Fatigue • Colitis
• Poor Eyesight • Diabetes
• Hearing Loss • Colds
• Prostate Trouble • Asthma
• Indigestion • Allergies
• Diverticulitis • Acne
Will Colonics Help Prevent Cancer?
A clean, healthy colon tract naturally detoxifies the body allowing the lymph system and deep tissues to properly drain. We are marvellously designed. Our bodies can heal themselves if given the proper chance.
Cancer of the colon ranks next to heart disease as the most frequent cause of death in our country!!
A health colon tract is a major step towards good health. Cancer cannot attack a healthy organ!
Why Can't I Just Take Laxatives?
Instead of encouraging normal peristalisis, a laxative acts as an irritant to the muscle lining of the colon, causing convulsive action that overpowers and exhaust the colon muscle. LAXATIVES ARE HABIT FORMING AND DANGEROUS. A $400+ billion a year laxative industry in North America significally constributes to our general state of poor health.
Colon Therapy is not covered by OHIP. Preventative health care assumes a low priority for conventional medicine.
Summary
The colon is where all your waste goes. It's your very own sewage system. Without the colon, waste material and toxic substances would circulate throughout the system and poison you. If your colon is toxic, where else can the poisons go but back into the system? But when the colon is clean, the liver and kidney's can detoxify, the lymph system drains, the lungs can breathe, the skin clears up, and the rest of the body responds positively.
The fastest and easiest way to clean the colon is to gently flush out toxic waste with water. This is commonly know as a colonic. The process helps to break up and release weeks, months and sometimes years of hard encrustment that has adhered to the inside of the colon walls. And it's a simple procedure.
A sterilized devise called a "speculum", is lubricated and inserted into the rectrum (in a safe, easy and painless, five second maneuver). Attached to the speculum is an intake hose and an exit tube. A colon therapist gently fills your colon with tepid water and once full they gently massage the colon to release waste through the exit tube. A colon therapist should be able to tell you if your chewing your food properly, if there are any blockages, and whether the colon is sluggish. Peristalsis is the urge you feel when its time to have a bowel movement. Peristalsis action is essential, as the colon must contract and push the stool throughout its length to help you eliminate.
If a person has traditionally eaten foods that are bottle, boxed, packaged, processed or refined, these foods become "sticky" and build up over time in the colon. The build up inhibits nutrient absorption from the colon to the bloodstream. If you don't chew your food properly and big pieces of food get into your system, you won't absorb your nutrients properly and you will simply eliminate whole pieces of food. Improper chewing is the major cause of poor digestion.
Increasing fibre intake can help scrape out sticky foods. The more animal products take into the body, the more thought should be given to intestinal cleansing. For a generally healthy person, a series of six colonics (one a week for six weeks) is suggested. For optimum results an oral cleanse using fibre and/or herbs should be taken during the six weeks. And during any cleansing program, be sure to replace the bad bacteria in the colon with good bacteria by taking an acidophilus/bifidus combination. A common myth is that your colon can become lazy after colonics. But the exact opposite happens. Your persistalsis muscle is activated and pushes waste out - thereby exercising it and restoring the peristaltic action. It's like suing a free weight to strengthen your arm - sooner or later your going to build up your biceps!
If you think you smell shyte, that's your bs detector going off. This is nothing more than reflexology of the ass. It doesn't work with feet, it ain't working with the colon. Notice they dance around the "cancer' issue. They don't actually say anything tangible about a connection, other than saying "cancer cannot attack a healthy organ", which is a bold-faced lie.
I've emailed this group, asking 1)what, exactly, are these "toxins" and 2) why these mysterious "sticky" turds don't show up on a colonoscopy. We'll see what response I get.
I suggest that if your colon is causing you to have poor vision and hearing loss, maybe you should pull your head out of there.
Friday, September 19, 2008
In Case You Missed It...
Here's the video that led to the murder of a number of people, including Theo Van Gogh: SUBMISSION.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thanks Richard.
Richard died a few nights ago after a short battle with cancer.
In honour of Richard Wright, the keyboard player and founding member of the greatest band in the world (Pink Floyd), I thought I'd put this up:
(thanks Richard. Saw you in Toronto. It was an honour.)
So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from Hell,
Blue skys from pain.
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you to trade
Your heros for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
I'll not compromise my values.
I promise.
In honour of Richard Wright, the keyboard player and founding member of the greatest band in the world (Pink Floyd), I thought I'd put this up:
(thanks Richard. Saw you in Toronto. It was an honour.)
So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from Hell,
Blue skys from pain.
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you to trade
Your heros for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
I'll not compromise my values.
I promise.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tut tut, it looks like rain.
Ok, for my buddy Wayne who sent me the latest silliness from the most recent Creationist who insists on taking the biblical flood story seriously...
Some problems with the biblical Flood story:
Wood isn't very good for building ocean-going craft. Not without being reinforced with iron straps. The largest ones still suck - stress opens seams and they have to be pumped constantly, or they'll sink.
Gathering the animals. What, are you serious? How long did they wait for the sloths to show up? Penguins and polar bears don't travel so quickly over land either, nor do snails or mules. How'd the kangaroos get there? There is a reason why Gila monsters, yaks, and quetzals don't all live together in a temperate climate. They can't survive there. How'd they keep the heat-loving creatures separated from the cold-loving ones, and how did they simulate the many various environments? Some anthropods can only survive in 100% humidity. How did all those different species of bacteria and viruses live? Many can't live without human hosts. This family musta been the sickest, most disease-ridden people in the history of the world. So... how'd the kangaroos get back to Australia?
Where'd they keep the dinosaurs and all the other extinct animals? There's more species of those than what we have in the world now. There'd be barely enough room on such a boat for all the known species of insects, arthropods, and birds on the planet, and they'd be eating each other from the get-go. Worms musta been there. They couldn't survive outside of the ark for long.
Neither could many species of plants, for that matter. We'd have to bring in those as well. There's certainly no room for poop now! How'd the freshwater fish survive? Bring them on the ark too? So far, the ark is about the size of Great Britain, and now we need fish tanks (and filters, air compressors, and fake lighting). What about coral? It's pretty sensitive stuff.
Oh, and all the mayflies are dead by day 2.
Why didn't the other civilizations notice all the water? By counting back so many generations, the bible puts the ark at around 1300 years before the building of the first temple by Solomon. That's at 'round 950 bce. So that places the bible at around 2250 bce. Egyptians and Mesopotamians didn't notice any flooding around that time. Not even "significant" flooding. You'd think they might have recorded something like "lookit all the fucking water!", but no, we hear nothing from them. The bible puts the building of the tower of Babel at around 110 to 150 years after the flood. How did humans bounce back so fast from just one family, to the point of having such a large population to undertake building cities and towers?
Why don't we see various mountain ranges with the same amount of erosion? Obviously, the Appalachians and the Rockies aren't the same age. There's no evidence of a flood in ice core sampling. Where would the ice caps go anyways? Why isn't there suddenly large amounts of debris laid down in one layer of the ocean floor? Tree rings go back more than 10,000 years. That's right - I said 10,000. There's no sign of a catastrophy in the ring histories (there shouldn't even be trees older than the flood, but I suppose that's nit-picking). Know what a varve is? It's the layering of sediment that goes on in lake beds, and they're consistent. There's no sign of a global flood in their history.
Weird, eh?
Some problems with the biblical Flood story:
Wood isn't very good for building ocean-going craft. Not without being reinforced with iron straps. The largest ones still suck - stress opens seams and they have to be pumped constantly, or they'll sink.
Gathering the animals. What, are you serious? How long did they wait for the sloths to show up? Penguins and polar bears don't travel so quickly over land either, nor do snails or mules. How'd the kangaroos get there? There is a reason why Gila monsters, yaks, and quetzals don't all live together in a temperate climate. They can't survive there. How'd they keep the heat-loving creatures separated from the cold-loving ones, and how did they simulate the many various environments? Some anthropods can only survive in 100% humidity. How did all those different species of bacteria and viruses live? Many can't live without human hosts. This family musta been the sickest, most disease-ridden people in the history of the world. So... how'd the kangaroos get back to Australia?
Where'd they keep the dinosaurs and all the other extinct animals? There's more species of those than what we have in the world now. There'd be barely enough room on such a boat for all the known species of insects, arthropods, and birds on the planet, and they'd be eating each other from the get-go. Worms musta been there. They couldn't survive outside of the ark for long.
Neither could many species of plants, for that matter. We'd have to bring in those as well. There's certainly no room for poop now! How'd the freshwater fish survive? Bring them on the ark too? So far, the ark is about the size of Great Britain, and now we need fish tanks (and filters, air compressors, and fake lighting). What about coral? It's pretty sensitive stuff.
Oh, and all the mayflies are dead by day 2.
Why didn't the other civilizations notice all the water? By counting back so many generations, the bible puts the ark at around 1300 years before the building of the first temple by Solomon. That's at 'round 950 bce. So that places the bible at around 2250 bce. Egyptians and Mesopotamians didn't notice any flooding around that time. Not even "significant" flooding. You'd think they might have recorded something like "lookit all the fucking water!", but no, we hear nothing from them. The bible puts the building of the tower of Babel at around 110 to 150 years after the flood. How did humans bounce back so fast from just one family, to the point of having such a large population to undertake building cities and towers?
Why don't we see various mountain ranges with the same amount of erosion? Obviously, the Appalachians and the Rockies aren't the same age. There's no evidence of a flood in ice core sampling. Where would the ice caps go anyways? Why isn't there suddenly large amounts of debris laid down in one layer of the ocean floor? Tree rings go back more than 10,000 years. That's right - I said 10,000. There's no sign of a catastrophy in the ring histories (there shouldn't even be trees older than the flood, but I suppose that's nit-picking). Know what a varve is? It's the layering of sediment that goes on in lake beds, and they're consistent. There's no sign of a global flood in their history.
Weird, eh?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I'm Special, too.
What's with Aaron and Lloyd?
I think it's going to be worth the $149 to change my name to Sscott. (are we supposed to say "Aaron" and "Lloyd" with a stutter?)
I think it's going to be worth the $149 to change my name to Sscott. (are we supposed to say "Aaron" and "Lloyd" with a stutter?)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
I'm pissed.
From a discussion forum: a question posed by a curious Christian, and my answer.
I understand.
So why are you so emphatically pissed all the time that so many of us believe differently than do you about all this?
My answer:
I'm pissed because I can't understand how one can put their sensibilities on hold to make themselves feel better. I'm pissed that those of us who do approach the topic in a rational manner couldn't get ourselves elected to a public office if people knew our approach. I'm pissed that so many smart people have absolutely wasted precious time, energy, and resources groveling at the feet of a deity that has no more evidence for its existence than Loki or Neptune. I'm pissed that so many of our supposedly democratic governments still pay such huge amounts of lip service to highly superstitious people to the point of actually arguing over the value of a few cells the size of a fly's brain compared to someone's dad. I'm pissed that governments are so fearful of superstitious lobbyists who, with a straight face, try to get their fairytales taught as fact in a science class, even though they have no more supporting evidence for their beliefs than if they were trying to get a flat earth system taught in a geography class. I'm pissed because so many people, as my bro suggests here, cry foul when someone dares to take a closer look at their highly public superstitions. I'm pissed because your superstitions can make so many otherwise smart people become addle-minded to the point of bashing the very democracy that allows them to voice their opinion while our soldiers are busy fighting people that do the same thing, only with guns. I'm pissed because the hands-off approach to religion that results from the ingrained social rule that gives your superstitions a free pass in public means that we as a society don't take the fringe nutjobs seriously enough to prevent social strife and personal suffering that results from their spiritually insane activities. I'm pissed because people can use their religion as a trump card if they want to carry a dagger into a highschool, if they don't want to wear a motorcycle helmet, or if they don't want to provide the basic necessities of life to their children. I'm pissed that my elected public officials still waste my tax money while they argue over who's superstitious chant will open the next House of Parliament session (and I'm the bad guy when I point out the bleeding obvious). I'm pissed because so many superstitious people are not honest about their beliefs, and they'll do anything to make their holy writings say things they actually don't. I'm pissed because it's so easy for dishonest people to attain tax exempt status for an organization that is irrelevant at best. I'm pissed because so many superstitious peoples can't keep their noses out of the personal lives of others, and so many highly superstitious guys bash gays at every chance they get in the attempt to hide the fact that deep down, they really want to suck off their accountant or mechanic. I'm pissed because psychics now have to display a "for entertainment purposes only" disclaimer and Benny Hinn doesn't. I'm pissed that you don't see why it's insulting to both God and starving people when you say grace (which actively condemns God as one who plays favorites, and starving people as not being as valuable as yourself). Likewise, I'm pissed that people are dumb enough, and arrogant enough, to publicly insult several others by thanking Jesus when they win an award or survive a plane crash. I'm pissed that I'm not allowed to bitchslap people who talk in tongues.
Oh, I'm pissed, and I'm just getting warmed up.
Originally Posted by BrotherBrian
.... You don't believe in God, and you especially don't want to believe in the God of the bible who seems to be more than just benevolent to all people at all times and in all places.I understand.
So why are you so emphatically pissed all the time that so many of us believe differently than do you about all this?
My answer:
I'm pissed because I can't understand how one can put their sensibilities on hold to make themselves feel better. I'm pissed that those of us who do approach the topic in a rational manner couldn't get ourselves elected to a public office if people knew our approach. I'm pissed that so many smart people have absolutely wasted precious time, energy, and resources groveling at the feet of a deity that has no more evidence for its existence than Loki or Neptune. I'm pissed that so many of our supposedly democratic governments still pay such huge amounts of lip service to highly superstitious people to the point of actually arguing over the value of a few cells the size of a fly's brain compared to someone's dad. I'm pissed that governments are so fearful of superstitious lobbyists who, with a straight face, try to get their fairytales taught as fact in a science class, even though they have no more supporting evidence for their beliefs than if they were trying to get a flat earth system taught in a geography class. I'm pissed because so many people, as my bro suggests here, cry foul when someone dares to take a closer look at their highly public superstitions. I'm pissed because your superstitions can make so many otherwise smart people become addle-minded to the point of bashing the very democracy that allows them to voice their opinion while our soldiers are busy fighting people that do the same thing, only with guns. I'm pissed because the hands-off approach to religion that results from the ingrained social rule that gives your superstitions a free pass in public means that we as a society don't take the fringe nutjobs seriously enough to prevent social strife and personal suffering that results from their spiritually insane activities. I'm pissed because people can use their religion as a trump card if they want to carry a dagger into a highschool, if they don't want to wear a motorcycle helmet, or if they don't want to provide the basic necessities of life to their children. I'm pissed that my elected public officials still waste my tax money while they argue over who's superstitious chant will open the next House of Parliament session (and I'm the bad guy when I point out the bleeding obvious). I'm pissed because so many superstitious people are not honest about their beliefs, and they'll do anything to make their holy writings say things they actually don't. I'm pissed because it's so easy for dishonest people to attain tax exempt status for an organization that is irrelevant at best. I'm pissed because so many superstitious peoples can't keep their noses out of the personal lives of others, and so many highly superstitious guys bash gays at every chance they get in the attempt to hide the fact that deep down, they really want to suck off their accountant or mechanic. I'm pissed because psychics now have to display a "for entertainment purposes only" disclaimer and Benny Hinn doesn't. I'm pissed that you don't see why it's insulting to both God and starving people when you say grace (which actively condemns God as one who plays favorites, and starving people as not being as valuable as yourself). Likewise, I'm pissed that people are dumb enough, and arrogant enough, to publicly insult several others by thanking Jesus when they win an award or survive a plane crash. I'm pissed that I'm not allowed to bitchslap people who talk in tongues.
Oh, I'm pissed, and I'm just getting warmed up.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Talking to agnostics
I keep hearing from people on an agnostic's forum that they are not atheists because they can't say they're 100% sure that no god exists. They may, and probably do, have other reasons for avoiding the label "atheist", but the one above is bogus. Here's my response to the above "reason".
The atheist's position is really as simple and easy to understand as I've made it out to be. Some people around here are making it into something it is not. As I've said: No atheist I have ever met or read has not held a falsifiable position. This is the difference between atheism and theism, and the main reason why the agnostic notion that "we cannot know" is absurd.
In other words, 1) we have been given reasons for belief by believers, and these reasons are indeed testable. If you want to say that it gives you comfort to believe in a higher power, or that the universe cares about you, and there is a purpose to it, or that you believe you'll see your dead ancestors again, then fine. But once positive claims have been put forth as facts, we've entered a new realm - my realm - one in which such claims can be tested.
2) that we can prove that many of the specific claims about specific gods are not true, or are in direct contradiction of each other, does not rule out the possibility that there may really be a higher power that has so far not been described as yet. There may well be a supreme being that simply doesn't want to be detected by us. However, this is not the god that is familiar to us in the religious literature we're most familiar with, nor would it be a being worth worshipping.
The existence of such a being would be irrelevent to us.
To sum this up - we've been given enough "evidence" to make a reasonable call on what's been claimed and laid upon the table thus far. This means, among other things, that we can reasonable claim that God doesn't exist (a falsifiable claim). What I mean by stating that I'm an atheist is that I'm aware of the claims regarding gods and, thus far, there is no compelling evidence that warrants a belief in any of the claims.
The atheist's position is really as simple and easy to understand as I've made it out to be. Some people around here are making it into something it is not. As I've said: No atheist I have ever met or read has not held a falsifiable position. This is the difference between atheism and theism, and the main reason why the agnostic notion that "we cannot know" is absurd.
In other words, 1) we have been given reasons for belief by believers, and these reasons are indeed testable. If you want to say that it gives you comfort to believe in a higher power, or that the universe cares about you, and there is a purpose to it, or that you believe you'll see your dead ancestors again, then fine. But once positive claims have been put forth as facts, we've entered a new realm - my realm - one in which such claims can be tested.
2) that we can prove that many of the specific claims about specific gods are not true, or are in direct contradiction of each other, does not rule out the possibility that there may really be a higher power that has so far not been described as yet. There may well be a supreme being that simply doesn't want to be detected by us. However, this is not the god that is familiar to us in the religious literature we're most familiar with, nor would it be a being worth worshipping.
The existence of such a being would be irrelevent to us.
To sum this up - we've been given enough "evidence" to make a reasonable call on what's been claimed and laid upon the table thus far. This means, among other things, that we can reasonable claim that God doesn't exist (a falsifiable claim). What I mean by stating that I'm an atheist is that I'm aware of the claims regarding gods and, thus far, there is no compelling evidence that warrants a belief in any of the claims.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Your coffin, my nail.
A perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing being would want for nothing. ~ Scott, summer of 2008.
This should be obvious, yet it dismantles, at the very least, all three Abrahamic religions (the religions founded by the actions of the lying, cheating, pimping, moronic asshole called Abraham). Their god is needy ++. I rest my case.
If you disagree, please make use of the "comments" feature on this blog, but I warn you - show your work. Otherwise, I'll assume you still go to church to either check out the women in the choir or you're there for the cookies (or both).
This should be obvious, yet it dismantles, at the very least, all three Abrahamic religions (the religions founded by the actions of the lying, cheating, pimping, moronic asshole called Abraham). Their god is needy ++. I rest my case.
If you disagree, please make use of the "comments" feature on this blog, but I warn you - show your work. Otherwise, I'll assume you still go to church to either check out the women in the choir or you're there for the cookies (or both).
Friday, June 27, 2008
Talking to Muslims.
Here's an exchange on a discussion board that was kinda fun. Well, for me at least. A Muslim poster was citing all the reasons why Muslim women had it so good. His post is in green. My response follows. Enjoy:
QUOTE decent-lord:Following are some rights, which Muslim women have!
1. The RIGHT and duty to acquire education.
2. The RIGHT to have her own independent property.
3. The RIGHT to work [job or business] to earn money, which she keeps it.
4. The RIGHT to equal reward for equal deed and/or work.
5. The RIGHT to express her opinion.
6. The RIGHT to argue and/or advocate her cause or opinion to be heard.
7. The RIGHT to vote since 1,421 years.
8. The RIGHT to provisions from her husband for all her needs and more.
9. The RIGHT to negotiate marriage terms of her choice.
10.The RIGHT to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she simply don't like him. In Islaam divorce is suppose to be last resort.
11.The RIGHT to keep all her own money. [She is not responsible for maintenance of family].
12.The RIGHT to get sexual satisfaction from her husband.
13.The RIGHT to get custody of her children in case of divorce [unless she is unable to raise them for valid reasons]
14.The RIGHT to choose husband of her choice.
15.The RIGHT to refuse a proposed and/or arranged marriage.
16. The RIGHT to re-marry after divorce or after becoming widow.
- Even when they are menstruating, on special days, like the two Eid festivals, they are still allowed to come to the Eid prayers, and menstruating women can take part in most of the actions of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Name any other religion, political theory, or philosophy which offers such a comprehensiveness to women by giving her total control of her life and affairs???
NONE
end QUOTE
Let's take a look, shall we?
you said: "- Even when they are menstruating, on special days, like the two Eid festivals, they are still allowed to come to the Eid prayers, and menstruating women can take part in most of the actions of the Hajj pilgrimage. "
Big deal. Would someone actually check them as they entered? What actions of the Hajj can't they take part in if they have their period? The horseback riding and the syncronized swimming?
you said: "Name any other religion, political theory, or philosophy which offers such a comprehensiveness to women by giving her total control of her life and affairs ??? NONE"
Yep. None. Oh, except for the ones employed by that little group, known as The West. You may of heard of it. It's been in all the papers.
In the Qur'an, it says one man witness is worth two women witnesses (2:282). I dunno why.
Well, now that I think about it.... seems to me that two girls together would be able to pay attention to things around them less than if they were alone. You know how they like to yak and giggle amongst themselves. Ok, so this one makes sense.
What, exactly, is "lewdness"? It must be bad, because if a woman is found to be guilty of lewdness, she's to be placed under house arrest for the rest of her life. What the penalty of lewdness for a male is, I dunno. He becomes a busboy at Red Lobster? (man, that guy was rude).
I guess it's good that you can't inherit a woman. Unless she's lewd! Man, there it is again. (4:19) Who the heck would want her anyways? It's not like she can leave the dang house ever again.
The next verse is important 'cause it lays out the rules for exchanging wives. Now there's something the Hindus never thought of! Backwards Hindus. They must hate their wives.
Then there's the part about not being able to have sex with a married woman unless she's a captive/spoil of war. (4:24) This only makes sense on the surface because she'll probably end up being lewd. Then your troubles really start, Abdul.
The instructions in (4:34) are exceptionally useful. It explains how Allah (pb&j) made men to be in charge of women, but the useful part is how you're to punish the bad woman - you don't sleep with her. That'll learn her! Become the penis nazi. "No Johnson for you!" She'll quickly lose that rebellious streak.
Then there's the practical instructions on how to clean yourself if you've touched a woman found in (4:43). You can't go to prayer if you're drunk, dirty, or have touched a woman. We all know that. But here's a helpful household tip: if you don't have any water, you can always wash yourself in clean dirt. I think I saw this bit on the Martha Stewart Show once. Mmmm... clean dirt... available in Spring Mould scent or Original Dusty.
I must mention, however, that a Muslim poster once pointed out that I was silly to mention this passage, since "touch" meant "have sex with". I dunno... rubbing dirt on my wee wee just doesn't leave me with that all-day fresh feeling. Maybe Mr. Happy is just extra dirty. Hey, maybe she was a lewd one!
(24:4) tells us that if you want to accuse a woman of adultery, you gotta bring 4 witnesses.
"pssst... meet you in our usual place at midnight. My husband will be asleep"
"Ok. Can my friends watch?"
"Yeah, but only 3. I may be lewd, but I'm not stupid".
QUOTE decent-lord:Following are some rights, which Muslim women have!
1. The RIGHT and duty to acquire education.
2. The RIGHT to have her own independent property.
3. The RIGHT to work [job or business] to earn money, which she keeps it.
4. The RIGHT to equal reward for equal deed and/or work.
5. The RIGHT to express her opinion.
6. The RIGHT to argue and/or advocate her cause or opinion to be heard.
7. The RIGHT to vote since 1,421 years.
8. The RIGHT to provisions from her husband for all her needs and more.
9. The RIGHT to negotiate marriage terms of her choice.
10.The RIGHT to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she simply don't like him. In Islaam divorce is suppose to be last resort.
11.The RIGHT to keep all her own money. [She is not responsible for maintenance of family].
12.The RIGHT to get sexual satisfaction from her husband.
13.The RIGHT to get custody of her children in case of divorce [unless she is unable to raise them for valid reasons]
14.The RIGHT to choose husband of her choice.
15.The RIGHT to refuse a proposed and/or arranged marriage.
16. The RIGHT to re-marry after divorce or after becoming widow.
- Even when they are menstruating, on special days, like the two Eid festivals, they are still allowed to come to the Eid prayers, and menstruating women can take part in most of the actions of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Name any other religion, political theory, or philosophy which offers such a comprehensiveness to women by giving her total control of her life and affairs???
NONE
end QUOTE
Let's take a look, shall we?
you said: "- Even when they are menstruating, on special days, like the two Eid festivals, they are still allowed to come to the Eid prayers, and menstruating women can take part in most of the actions of the Hajj pilgrimage. "
Big deal. Would someone actually check them as they entered? What actions of the Hajj can't they take part in if they have their period? The horseback riding and the syncronized swimming?
you said: "Name any other religion, political theory, or philosophy which offers such a comprehensiveness to women by giving her total control of her life and affairs ??? NONE"
Yep. None. Oh, except for the ones employed by that little group, known as The West. You may of heard of it. It's been in all the papers.
In the Qur'an, it says one man witness is worth two women witnesses (2:282). I dunno why.
Well, now that I think about it.... seems to me that two girls together would be able to pay attention to things around them less than if they were alone. You know how they like to yak and giggle amongst themselves. Ok, so this one makes sense.
What, exactly, is "lewdness"? It must be bad, because if a woman is found to be guilty of lewdness, she's to be placed under house arrest for the rest of her life. What the penalty of lewdness for a male is, I dunno. He becomes a busboy at Red Lobster? (man, that guy was rude).
I guess it's good that you can't inherit a woman. Unless she's lewd! Man, there it is again. (4:19) Who the heck would want her anyways? It's not like she can leave the dang house ever again.
The next verse is important 'cause it lays out the rules for exchanging wives. Now there's something the Hindus never thought of! Backwards Hindus. They must hate their wives.
Then there's the part about not being able to have sex with a married woman unless she's a captive/spoil of war. (4:24) This only makes sense on the surface because she'll probably end up being lewd. Then your troubles really start, Abdul.
The instructions in (4:34) are exceptionally useful. It explains how Allah (pb&j) made men to be in charge of women, but the useful part is how you're to punish the bad woman - you don't sleep with her. That'll learn her! Become the penis nazi. "No Johnson for you!" She'll quickly lose that rebellious streak.
Then there's the practical instructions on how to clean yourself if you've touched a woman found in (4:43). You can't go to prayer if you're drunk, dirty, or have touched a woman. We all know that. But here's a helpful household tip: if you don't have any water, you can always wash yourself in clean dirt. I think I saw this bit on the Martha Stewart Show once. Mmmm... clean dirt... available in Spring Mould scent or Original Dusty.
I must mention, however, that a Muslim poster once pointed out that I was silly to mention this passage, since "touch" meant "have sex with". I dunno... rubbing dirt on my wee wee just doesn't leave me with that all-day fresh feeling. Maybe Mr. Happy is just extra dirty. Hey, maybe she was a lewd one!
(24:4) tells us that if you want to accuse a woman of adultery, you gotta bring 4 witnesses.
"pssst... meet you in our usual place at midnight. My husband will be asleep"
"Ok. Can my friends watch?"
"Yeah, but only 3. I may be lewd, but I'm not stupid".
Monday, June 23, 2008
Thanks George
George Carlin died Sunday at aged 71. As a brilliant comedian, he entertained for over half a century, pushing the envelope and kicking problems such as religion and dumb Americans squarely in the balls. I'll be forever indebted to you George, for both entertaining me since my early teen-age years, and for giving me the courage to start kicking, and to continue kicking until I'm dead too.Here's a video - a follow up on his famous original 7 Dirty Words bit. (If dirty words offend you, well, don't click on the link, dummy.)
Thanks George, you crazy motherf*cker.
Friday, May 30, 2008
For Goodness Sake
I was, among others, recently asked the question: "is society better off with or without God?" This was my answer:
I can't think of anything wholly positive that comes from religion that can't be found in the secular world. We can cope well enough without convincing ourselves that we're wretched by default, by drawing unnecessary artificial divisions among us, arguing over who's superstitions are better, and ultimately passing the buck up to an undetectable entity. We simply do not require that baggage to function as a society. Period.
For those who may strive to make a distinction between "god" and "religion", I have no trouble with deism, which only requires one sentence. It's when you begin a second sentence based upon the first that you become demonstrably silly. If you want to use the word "God" as a substitute for the phrase "I don't know at the moment", then go ahead. If you want to use it as a name of a singularity in time & space... that moment right before the big bang, and/or the cause of said bang, then go ahead. (Maybe I'll call it "Gary") However, the bible, starting with the second sentence and onwards, is blasphemous to a deist, and rightly so.
If you're of the opinion that the world would go to hell in a hand basket if we didn't have religion, you're not actually making any observations about society, but you are making a loud and clear declaration of what sort of person you really are.
Most people don't refrain from stealing because of the threat of a hellish afterlife. They don't even do so in fear of our worldly justice systems. They don't steal because they know it's wrong, and that doing the right thing is its own reward.
Otherwise good people will, on the other hand, be willing to suspend their man-made morality for the sake of the conflicting absolute morality that comes from a divine source. The old adage still rings true. Without God, good people will still do good and evil people will still do evil. But for good people to do evil... that requires religion.
To counter this, religious people often point to "atheistic" societies, and the evils dealt against humanity by people such as Hitler and Stalin. I find it highly amusing that people will, as an apparent defence of the history and character of their organization, compare themselves to Hitler and Stalin. This illustrates how people not only suspend their sense of morality on behalf of religious dogma, but suspend their common sense as well.
I can't think of anything wholly positive that comes from religion that can't be found in the secular world. We can cope well enough without convincing ourselves that we're wretched by default, by drawing unnecessary artificial divisions among us, arguing over who's superstitions are better, and ultimately passing the buck up to an undetectable entity. We simply do not require that baggage to function as a society. Period.
For those who may strive to make a distinction between "god" and "religion", I have no trouble with deism, which only requires one sentence. It's when you begin a second sentence based upon the first that you become demonstrably silly. If you want to use the word "God" as a substitute for the phrase "I don't know at the moment", then go ahead. If you want to use it as a name of a singularity in time & space... that moment right before the big bang, and/or the cause of said bang, then go ahead. (Maybe I'll call it "Gary") However, the bible, starting with the second sentence and onwards, is blasphemous to a deist, and rightly so.
If you're of the opinion that the world would go to hell in a hand basket if we didn't have religion, you're not actually making any observations about society, but you are making a loud and clear declaration of what sort of person you really are.
Most people don't refrain from stealing because of the threat of a hellish afterlife. They don't even do so in fear of our worldly justice systems. They don't steal because they know it's wrong, and that doing the right thing is its own reward.
Otherwise good people will, on the other hand, be willing to suspend their man-made morality for the sake of the conflicting absolute morality that comes from a divine source. The old adage still rings true. Without God, good people will still do good and evil people will still do evil. But for good people to do evil... that requires religion.
To counter this, religious people often point to "atheistic" societies, and the evils dealt against humanity by people such as Hitler and Stalin. I find it highly amusing that people will, as an apparent defence of the history and character of their organization, compare themselves to Hitler and Stalin. This illustrates how people not only suspend their sense of morality on behalf of religious dogma, but suspend their common sense as well.
Monday, May 05, 2008
The Evils of Islam
You better watch it while you can. So far, GoogleVideo is the only outlet with the balls and the integrity to allow the short film Fitna on its server. Once again, Islam cries foul against those who claim Islam is not a religion of peace. You must agree that it is a religion of peace, or many Muslims will want to kill you. You aren't even allowed to turn a critical eye to it. Like the loonier Christians among us (sadly, there are many), Muslims demand a free pass.
As usual, Sam Harris nails the issue on the head.
As usual, Sam Harris nails the issue on the head.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Lying for Jesus
Here's a new site that explains what went on when Ben Stein and the producers set about making the anti-science propaganda film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. Check it out.
Either Stein is a lying asshole, or he's a very naive dolt. As with most Creationists, it's a tough call.
Either Stein is a lying asshole, or he's a very naive dolt. As with most Creationists, it's a tough call.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help
WESTON, Wis. — An 11-year-old girl died after her parents prayed for healing rather than seek medical help for a treatable form of diabetes, police said Tuesday. read more...
Ok, so here's the problem. Parents who do this sort of thing should be treated as if they just killed their child because they suspected that she was a witch. But the average quasi-believer can't do that. Actually, he's damned if he does, damned if he don't. He can't condemn someone who has greater faith in his god than he does, yet he can't defend them because he knows he'll look like a retard in doing so. This is why the case won't get the attention it should. These people should be treated, at the very least, as if they were criminally insane... as if they had just drilled holes into her head to let the bad spirits out. But many will give a free pass to this idiocy taken to its inevitable murderous end simply because the brain disease the parents are infested with is religion.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Twitch, My Eye.
Very annoying. It comes and goes, but I've had a twitch in my eye-lid for about a year now. No hit on the head or anything - it just showed up one day. I haven't tried buying aspirin yet. I wonder what the pharmacist will hand me. On the up-side, people ahead of me in line-ups usually let me go ahead of them. While it isn't quite as bad as Inspector Dreyfus's after Cloussaue drove him over the edge, I imagine people in the bank line-up ahead of me withdrawing all their money from the bank, assuming I'm there to hold it up. When the twitch is really bad, I probably don't look like the sort of guy who would treat hostages well.
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