1. Was the new finger a 'natural' miracle?

Comment #174578 by LeeLeeOne on May 2, 2008 at 7:28 pm

If this article is supposed to be a push for science, it falls flat on its face.

No miracle here - just natural regeneration.

Lost the tip of my long finger in a screen door mishap. Grew back just fine with sensible care. And yes, I do have touch sensation in the tip. My embroidery needles remind me frequently.

2. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #174577 by LeeLeeOne on May 2, 2008 at 7:22 pm

retro: Your comments are offensive to say the least but they are also a tad bigoted (all persons on this planet should look exactly alike - teeth included?). Most importantly, nothing you said is relevant to the discussion. Cease and desist order has been issued.

3. Does science make belief in God obsolete?

Comment #173129 by LeeLeeOne on April 30, 2008 at 12:02 pm

The original question: Does science make belief in God obsolete?

Answer: Yes.

4. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #169744 by LeeLeeOne on April 26, 2008 at 5:04 pm

Comment #169739 by Cartomancer on April 26, 2008 at 4:48 pm

My grandmum topped her bread pudding with finely crushed pecans mixed with raw sugar sprinkled on the top before baking to give it a bit of a crunchy top. But she did not use croissants.

Thanks for the idea!

5. Rep. Davis: The Worst Person in the World

Comment #158306 by LeeLeeOne on April 10, 2008 at 10:08 am

Davis hits Keith Olbermann's Worst Person in the World list again!

Thank you to RD and Quill, PZ, and their readership for the responsive deluge of phone calls, letters, and E-mails to Ms. Davis, and bringing this representative's behavior to light.

6. Rep. Davis: The Worst Person in the World

Comment #157586 by LeeLeeOne on April 9, 2008 at 9:57 am

Windweaver, I second the comment about your article being excellent. Reading it, I felt all of the human emotions; from disgust, to realization, to tears, to empowerment and energy. Thank you for your article.

7. Rep. Davis: The Worst Person in the World

Comment #157251 by LeeLeeOne on April 8, 2008 at 7:11 pm

Swish!

Ahhh, those short but albeit important words Worst Person in the World - Thank you Keith Oberman!

Excellent, just excellent.

BTW: PZ has a link on some guy named Scalzi. This Scalzi is one sick puppy....

EDIT: I was listening to the short segment and he was talking about Bill Orraally ... thank you for pointing this out. (sorry - eek)

8. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156536 by LeeLeeOne on April 7, 2008 at 7:12 pm

People don't surprise me these days. I got called an atheist beeeeaach (bitch) when walking to my car. har har har. (Guess they spotted my FSM window stickers and my OUT campaign t-shirt, which as we all know secretly means we are here on this planet to corrupt and pillage.) The passenger then threw their cup of Coke and ice from McDonald's at my feet spraying my pants, shoes, and car. yuk yuk yuk. Such wasteful little twats - throwing away a perfectly good Coke and then littering to boot!

BTW: Sent my EM to the National Democratic Party Headquarters. Thanks diocletian for the link! Thanks Prof. Dawkins for the suggestion.

9. John Templeton: God's sugar daddy

Comment #149085 by LeeLeeOne on March 25, 2008 at 5:21 am

Dr. Benway and Irate:

Succinct and minimalistic. Perfect! Once again, education is not shown in the 'volume' of words proffered.

Fewer selective spoken words which are insightfully chosen and placed forces one to seek and self-educate.

10. US military accused of harboring fundamentalism

Comment #127932 by LeeLeeOne on February 15, 2008 at 6:32 pm

Just listen,

please, just listen

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/02082008/watch.html

11. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127049 by LeeLeeOne on February 14, 2008 at 7:53 pm

Loopey.... loopey?! .... LOOPEY?!!

Sorry to everyone, esp to Prof. Richard Dawkins and anyone who follows this site...

Ms. Madeline Bunting totally lost any and all respect from me as to anyone of any credibility when she proclaimed that anyone contrary to her reasoning as being loopey. What does she mean by that?

WTF?!

I could listen no further...

12. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126287 by LeeLeeOne on February 12, 2008 at 9:42 pm

Jaster, if you have not read fully the current Humanist manifesto, much less agree with any of them, why would you claim yourself to be a humanist?

Why not just ____________ (you fill in the blank).

13. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126266 by LeeLeeOne on February 12, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Oh, but jaster, I DO know you, from the venom in your reply.

BTW: Which one of you replied?

The honed, polished, and perfected military?

Or the Humanist you claim to be?

You should read the Humanist Manifesto III. There is no mention of any level of acceptable torture.

14. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126235 by LeeLeeOne on February 12, 2008 at 6:09 pm

jaster - by your thinking, you justify your ability to reconcile the deplorable with the "tide of our days" simply by "serving my country and doing two tours."

This is how leaders, people, citizens, nations, countries, nationalities, races, etc., collectively or individually "justify" or "legitimize" inhumane action.

You personally stated you would stop torture at a level that is not defined in current legal documents, Geneva conventions, agreements, contracts, etc.

Why must anyone accept or tolerate any form of torture, defined or not, documented or not?

Jaster, you claim to be an atheist. However, I beg to differ. You have a 'god' of sorts in your heart and soul. It is that of nationalism and patriotism - bottom line, you define the worth of a human being by the borders within which they live or are born into. You state you served your country by doing two tours of the middle east, but have you ever bothered to ask yourself - did you serve humanity?

Torture, is torture, is torture, is torture, is torture... no matter what name you place upon it.

To sacrifice the many for the lives of the few? To sacrifice the few for the lives of the many?

You would choose torture, for you 'may' get worthwhile information? - sacrifice the few (the life of the tortured as well as the sanity of those who carry it out) for the mere possibility it would positively affect the lives of an unrealized many?

Perhaps you also would choose capital punishment - yes, you will get your finality; who cares if a few innocent are sacrificed in your search for 'justice.'

Your thinking, jaster, is part of brainwashing militarism. Do not discount me because you may feel I may have not 'served' personally for the country in which I live. You have no idea what the meaning of servitude is. My 'serving' goes much deeper and more heart wrenching that mere service. It started in World War II and has gone through every decade and every military action since.

War is war, torture is torture, inhumanity is inhumanity - no matter how one tries to justify their actions in the end.

Please don't cloak your justification for torture with the ribbons upon your chest for military service while beating your drum that claims you feel you are an atheist.

15. Biology teacher fired for referring to Bible

Comment #124175 by LeeLeeOne on February 8, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Thank you Bonzai! Thank you Steve! I am a born, recognized, accepted, and cherished "BI", which makes me fortunate and unfortunate on many fronts.

It is difficult for me to vocalize my contempt for those who disguise their bigotry with claims of tolerance.

You have done well.

16. Christopher Hitchens Debates Timothy Jackson

Comment #122630 by LeeLeeOne on February 5, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Hitchens' humor... priceless!

17. Some non-Christians feel left out of election

Comment #122089 by LeeLeeOne on February 4, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Do we vote for the lesser of many evils? do we vote with our gut? do we vote for whomever? do we vote for whatever who gives a rip?

do we vote?

Yes - as a US citizen, and with ample time to make our initial decisions we should and must vote, because we are given this opportunity!

When the final day comes in November, do we vote?

Yes, because whether we feel our individual vote will influence the final outcome, flawed or not, US citizens eligible to vote for US elections can exercise their constitutional right to vote, regardless of predicted outcome.

The bottom line - did you even TRY to make a difference?

18. Happy Birthday Josh Timonen!

Comment #119595 by LeeLeeOne on January 31, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Josh,
Lá breithe shona duit!

Thanks for your work on this site, my daily fix next to my cuppa'!

19. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #118445 by LeeLeeOne on January 30, 2008 at 5:04 pm

Blackballs: come on, your mistress/mastress must have taught you better begging that this!

20. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #118441 by LeeLeeOne on January 30, 2008 at 5:01 pm

MarkG & Goldy!

=^0

^^ tee hee hee snicker

O my!

I wonder if vox and blackballs are one of her "regulars"?

21. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #118415 by LeeLeeOne on January 30, 2008 at 4:41 pm

""I'll pop back when people have read the book - I will be interested in SOME of your comments.""

See.... told you so!

one, two, three, four ---- the other troll's coming

22. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #118410 by LeeLeeOne on January 30, 2008 at 4:37 pm

Regarding commented #212 on this thread: I know I have seen this before, just can't find it. It was used last year. Same framework of saying "one of your own" (i.e. "popular" atheist) has agreed that such-and-such book is great. Asks that Prof. Dawkins, Sam Harris, Chris Hitchens, and Dr. Dennett read their book and then dares them to find fault with it. Gets into chatty, petty, ignorant, evasive, vague arguments. Then they disappear into nothing and have another troll pounce in trying to push everyone's buttons into reading their book.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzap!

23. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116069 by LeeLeeOne on January 25, 2008 at 12:47 pm

Dec 11, 2007 - 08:50:50 CST
By SARA KINCAID
Bismarck Tribune
A Simle Middle School teacher has been suspended without pay after parents complained about a video he showed in a class.

Superintendent Paul Johnson outlined the investigation and discipline at the Bismarck School Board meeting Monday.

Teacher Michael Nider will be on unpaid leave starting today until Jan. 1. He showed a video called "A Letter from Hell" that he had found on Godtube.com in his fourth period eighth-grade health class Wednesday. It was not shown in any other classes.

In addition to the unpaid leave, Nider also must take a sensitivity training class by May 30. A letter of reprimand is part of his personnel file, and if he violates the school policy again, he will be fired. A new teacher will be assigned to the fourth period eighth-grade health class.

This is the first time in the four years Nider has taught with the district that he has been disciplined, and he has had good evaluations. He has taught 20 years prior to coming to the Bismarck district. Two messages were left Monday night on an answering machine at Nider's home. He did not attend Monday night's meeting.

Parents Steve and Hannah Balaban heard about the video from their daughter, who was in Nider's class. They sent a letter of complaint to the teacher, principal, school board, superintendent and other community members, because of their concerns about its religious content. Their daughter was told it was to teach about the dangers of drunken driving, Steve Balaban said.

"I would like to thank the board for addressing this," Steve Balaban said. "I'm not here to discuss taking down Christmas trees or to tell other people which religion is right or wrong."

In addition to Steve Balaban, two other people spoke about the video during public comment. United Tribes Technical College teacher Brian Palecek said he liked the outcome but still had some concerns.

"The results of his actions have caused unnecessary divisions among students and staff," he said.

The video is about a boy who dies and writes a letter from hell to a friend and asks him why he didn't share Jesus with him. The boy died in a drunken driving accident. A disclaimer at the beginning of the video said it is meant to help teens share Christ with their friends. The video can be viewed at the bottom of the page.

Nider was disciplined for violating school district policy on selection of instructional materials. The policy gives guidelines on age, religion, ethnicity and gender, among other things to consider when selecting material. The video also needed to meet the supplemental material policy. The policy addresses how to select books, movies and other material for class. He violated this policy because the video was not relevant to the course content and he also needed to seek permission from the principal before showing the video in class and did not do that, Johnson said.

The district started responding to the Balabans' concerns about the video Thursday after board member Dan Kuntz contacted Johnson, who in turn contacted Simle Principal Russ Riehl. Nider was put on administrative leave that afternoon.

"I would like to extend our apologies to you (the Balabans), your daughter, the entire health class," Kuntz said. "It (the video) is offensive to anyone."

He continued to say that he felt the video was a violation of Title IX, which provides a safe learning environment for students.

The Balabans have received apologies from the superintendent and the principal, and Nider will be writing letters of apology to parents, their daughter and the class.

The board accepted Johnson's report on the investigation. No vote was taken, and no one spoke of behalf of Nider.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid.) @bismarcktribune.com

24. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #116059 by LeeLeeOne on January 25, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Does anyone remember the day way back when the word "fag" meant you were talking about a hand-rolled cigarette? (or does this mean I am waaaay tooo old for this website?! =0

25. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116053 by LeeLeeOne on January 25, 2008 at 12:15 pm

This was actually shown in a "health class" to emphasize the effects of driving drunk allegedly.

By JENNIFER RING
Fargo
America is the "land of the free and the home of the brave." For two weeks, we all have been discussing the showing of "A Letter From Hell" at Simle Middle School in Bismarck.

But one key point seems largely forgotten: One young lady and her parents exhibited those values and deserve our admiration.

It's not easy to stand up for your beliefs. When you know others will disagree with you, it's harder. But when you are young and those others include your teacher, it takes real courage.

Mara Balaban was in her public school classroom when her teacher showed a video that taught that only one set of beliefs - not her faith - was true. It portrayed those with other beliefs "condemned to hell forever" and described in detail a fiery, tortuous, eternal damnation. A warning posted by the creators on GodTube said the video was: "intended for believers."

She could have accepted that her religious beliefs, the beliefs her parents have taught, were in error. She could have avoided embarrassment and tension by not mentioning or even by denying her beliefs. She did not. Instead, she told her parents and, together, the family put the issue before the school board.

Their actions were brave, they upheld the law, they preserved everyone's freedom. Parents decide what religious beliefs to teach their children. Public schools may study religions. Students may pray and form religious groups. But, as the school district knew immediately, this showing was patently illegal. The teacher not only violated unambiguous school district policy, he also violated the U.S. Constitution. The framers of our Constitution decided that individuals, not the government, should determine their own religious beliefs.

So the framers did well by guaranteeing our freedoms. The school board did well with quick and decisive action to protect all of our kids. And most of all, Mara Balaban did well for being courageous enough to stand up and defend our freedoms. The bravery of people keeps this "the land of the free" in which we are so lucky to live.

(Ring is executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of the Dakotas. - Editor)

26. We're All Going to Hell (Music Video)

Comment #114285 by LeeLeeOne on January 21, 2008 at 6:46 pm

I've already gone to hell in a hand-basket, and plan on visiting again soon! So much fun!

27. Interview with Neil Shubin, author of 'Your Inner Fish'

Comment #112679 by LeeLeeOne on January 17, 2008 at 6:58 pm

Colbert-Shubin - what a hoot! Actually not a bad "inter"view. I really want to get the book Your Inner Fish from Neil. Oooh, I feel a budget splurge set for next month!

28. Richard Dawkins on The Late Edition with Marcus Brigstocke

Comment #110443 by LeeLeeOne on January 11, 2008 at 7:12 am

To APPlet: Your example, sharing information, is what I crave! Thank you for opening my eyes to yet another rich source of views and information - the name Stetson Kennedy, and the "reintroduction" of Jonathan Swift. Thank you for posting on THE Richard Dawkins site.

I can say awesome, but as my "kids" have pointed out - "awesome" is so "outdated". OK... Does simple "awe struck" or "from the heart, thank you" suffice?!

BTW: your choice of your avatar is one of the best!

29. Richard Dawkins on The Late Edition with Marcus Brigstocke

Comment #109877 by LeeLeeOne on January 10, 2008 at 1:45 am

This site is the reason I "preach" that you need to rid yourself of traditional TV and traditional information sources.

If not for this website, I would have never been aware of the wonderful interview:
George Strombulopoulos on CBC "The Hour", or http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/video.php?id=1563

What a great interview!

Prof. Dawkins, once again I thank you and your staff for this website, and your supporters, readers, proponents and opponents. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION is endless. But only if those who have sought actually choose to teach (share, comment, lecture, etc.).

Education - this is what I, personally, consider the "circle of life", in the totally nontraditional, nonreligious sense. Education is forever as education is passed to the next generation, and to theirs, and theirs, etc. Education is really evolution.

And yes, I would love to have one of those Dawkins Dolls - what a hoot!

30. It was a bad year for God.

Comment #109269 by LeeLeeOne on January 8, 2008 at 5:25 pm

Thanks Prof. Dawkins! I took the liberty of printing a bunch of copies from the pdf file and plan on passing them out and hanging them where paper notices are allowed.

Now in this neck of the woods, anyone want to guess how long they'll stay up?

BTW: It's fun to watch the resident trolls dig their little troll-holes a little deeper. Sigh, but they still seem to crawl out. Damn!

31. Sam Harris debate with Rabbi David Wolpe

Comment #107609 by LeeLeeOne on January 4, 2008 at 8:17 pm

Any theist claiming that one must have a metaphysical guide in their life in order to be civilized is demonstrating just how uncivilized theism is. This is the one point (amongst many) that really angers me in any theistic discussion. "You don't believe and you are not good. You don't believe and cannot ever be good." The rabbi is a narcissistic pompous ass.

If this metaphysical guide was so great, why create something in the first place only to make it suffer and then destroy it? The theistic answer, which is what the rabbi gave - god is so great and so unknowable that we as mere dumb and ignorant and juvenile humans could never possibly understand. Theists love circular reasoning.

Did anyone notice Mr. Harris' raised eyebrow? What a classic look! Love it.

Good program - thanks to RD.net for bringing this to us!

32. What We Believe: Atheism

Comment #104851 by LeeLeeOne on December 29, 2007 at 5:14 pm

It's a pity and I suspect quite deliberate on the owners/editors of the paper that one has to register to make a comment under such rigorous details! Well, perhaps this tells me something about the freedom of the press for the Tri-City publications.

There are so many more stories out there (intimate experience speaking here, everyone) that are not being told. I congratulate Fernando Aguilar, his family, and friends for their support for his courage. And, albeit somewhat reluctantly, I appreciate Tri-City publications for actually publishing this article.

33. 'Gospel of wealth' facing scrutiny

Comment #104099 by LeeLeeOne on December 27, 2007 at 10:06 pm

Pity the ignorant and the gullible, for they can be fleeced for every ounce of their self-worth.

Should this not be added to the 23rd psalm?

34. Functional Neuroimaging of Belief, Disbelief, and Uncertainty

Comment #97877 by LeeLeeOne on December 12, 2007 at 6:48 pm

Is this the first of Sam H's publications towards his doctorate? is this a first taste of his doctorate thesis? if not, does Sam H have a publication date, list of scholarly inquisitors, and argument date for his thesis presentation?

35. Keith Olbermann talks about the Romney 'Religion' Speech

Comment #97039 by LeeLeeOne on December 11, 2007 at 10:18 am

I made a comment on the romney website under "contact", with my real name and real address and real E-mail address.

How many of you, meaning legally voting US Citizens, have done the same?

Romney sucks, yes. But if you scream loudly in a lead-lined box, no one will hear you!

If you are to scream, scream loudly in no BOX! Scream loudly to the masses who will "hear" you!

36. Bah, Hanukkah

Comment #94070 by LeeLeeOne on December 4, 2007 at 5:22 pm

What I have found, through much of history, is that the human memory is clay - it is short, it is finite, it is pliable, and it is more often than not but a mere image of what we imagine, not reality. I have never been one to trump-up (i.e. participate in) traditions and Hitchens' observations of "traditions" reinforces my personal convictions. These very convictions I was able to demonstrate (not force, not threaten, not demand) to my progeny. I am fortunate to live in these enlightening times. Thank you Mr. Hitchens, and Dr. Dawkins for this site! For added insight, perhaps more readers should listen to the Thomas Jefferson Hour on NPR.

37. Stem cell breakthrough

Comment #90587 by LeeLeeOne on November 25, 2007 at 4:52 pm

Stem cell research has been fraught with controversy. But time is endless for all of us. Eventually we ALL are affected with clinically deduced or scientifically proven genetic afflictions. Sociologic, environmental, or hereditary constructs of any affliction; be it cystic fibrosis, alzheimer's dementia, polycystic ovarian disease, schizophrenia, TB, scleroderma, synesthesia, familial colon polyps, acne rosacea, bipolar disorder, diabetes, cancer, depression, addiction, etc., this list is seemingly endless.

Stem cell research must be congratulated and encouraged.

Has anyone noticed that it seems the persons who are "knee-jerk" reactors/detractors, not only to stem cell research, but to any type of change, are those who seem either to be the least educated or, "education" aside, are those who are the least self-secure, self-reliant, and self-assured?

38. Eddie Tabash at AAI 07

Comment #84165 by LeeLeeOne on November 1, 2007 at 10:50 am

While I may mostly agree with the general intent of this video, the language used to describe certain entities I find purposefully inflammatory and thus not needed. All persons struggling to get their "ideas/ideals" across should have learned by now that inflammatory labeling may not be effective. It may virtually turns the listener(s) brains to an "off-mode."

Lawyers, psychologists, historians, etc., surely understand that LANGUAGE may be the effective key to communication.

There are situations which do require "generalized labels." However, when attempting to reach a wide audience, generalizations, albeit explained or defended, descriptive labeling, i.e., the term liberally used - right wing, may reflexively cloud the subject matter, thus rendering the conversation useless.

(additional i.e., It could perhaps push a listening audience "beyond" their listening capability.)

Once again, while I understand and appreciate the subject matter discussed, is there a way to discuss such matter without labels so as not to inflame or demonize the substance of such subject matter?

39. Internet used to target extremism

Comment #83923 by LeeLeeOne on October 31, 2007 at 4:50 pm

Helping ANY one in the name of another, i.e., AHA giving funds in their name for the AFL-CIO, NPR supporters giving funds to NPR which in their name may fund indirectly BCC, or the AA giving funds to the NCFP, etc.; this is why we have ELECTED boards of directors!

When, as individuals, give ANY funds to any group that we as individuals choose to belong to, we automatically assume the elected or appointed board of that entity will follow our intent.

Be responsible PEOPLE! Do your research! If you don't like the agenda the board supports, speak up and/or don't support.

On the other hand, if you do appreciate what the board does for the purpose(s) you give your money to, LET THEM KNOW!

40. Sam Harris at AAI 07

Comment #83831 by LeeLeeOne on October 31, 2007 at 12:31 pm

While we (meaning those of same thought) would love the idea of living life without a "label", this is not reality. Every event has a label - it is rare that it becomes a norm in society so as not to need a label. We are not a fortunate group, meaning we - as nonbelievers, humanists, atheists, anti-theists, whatever!, do not live in a day where no label of our stance is preconceived nor understood without explanation. We do not have this luxury.

Ergo, anti-theist, atheist, humanist, any label we must endure for the next generation or (unfortunately) the next beyond....

41. Shalom Auslander, Voicing a Comic 'Lament'

Comment #79273 by LeeLeeOne on October 16, 2007 at 4:35 pm

For those persons wishing to find absolution in their personal decision to make a decision for their newborn or infant males - ultimately there is no "absolution."

All of us make a choice - to do or not to do, and based on religion - there may have been a reason for circumcision in pre-enlightenment times - because a few of the "elders" may have found urination or ejaculation difficult, nearly impossible, actually impossible, or even painful - thus they incorporated circumcision into their religious doctrine.

This choice is based on ignorance of humans at this level of understanding of anatomy, physiology, and prevention.

As a modern-day parent, we may or may not choose to have this procedure done regarding our newborn sons, also out of ignorance, which includes any religious basis.

But should modern-day mutilation practices be based upon ancient text, rites, rituals?

I think not.

This interview does not condone the practice of male circumcision, it merely demonstrates the vulnerability of parents who have a critically ill child - their previous education or indoctrination weighing heavily on their minds as they make a permanent decision, perhaps to give their child the edge to live if they follow what they've been brainwashed with, that this procedure will ensure their son's place, if not in life, but at least in death.

Is there any parent on this planet who, when reaching that horrific line - death - would not choose to do something, even if it is insane - to save the life or the "soul" of their child, out of desperation? How many of us can relate to the death/near death of a child?

I have no use for genital mutilation - I find the practice cruel and inhumane. But education is the key to stopping this horrific practice, and this means education of the MEDICAL FIELD as well as those who consider themselves a believer in a supernatural power. This relates to both male AND female practices of genital mutilation.

Keeping quiet - no. Understanding - yes. Educating - now that's prevention!

42. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #74579 by LeeLeeOne on September 29, 2007 at 3:33 pm

I like the idea of a response to a crisis! However, to go along with the ol' "something is better than nothing" ideal, even where religion, creationism, ID, censorship, and the like are challenges, RRS just does not quite 'make the grade.' The levels of conversation, "rational thought", their use of the available English vocabulary (as their info/websites are in English), added to the alleged level of education and experience the RRS has, quite frankly leaves myself, and obviously quite a few others, less than full of praise and the "atta boy" response.

If it is the "youth of today" they are trying to reach, then I say they are dumbing down the youth, speaking in intellectually demeaning tones. Is this how they thing all youth all over the world think today? If it is, that is pathetic. If that truly is the case - that our youth cannot understand words and phrases that are nothing more than knee-jerk reactions without any true thought behind the response, then it is a sad time for humanity.

Why would any person enjoy being spoken to in this way? Why would any youth react with any personal fervor if they were spoken down to in this manner?

The RRS needs to give more respect and intellectual credit to the abilities of our young members of society as well as give more of the same to us "older folk."

Is this type of 'something' really better?

Is there anything that anyone who believes in education, free speech, evolution, atheism, etc., can do as either an individual or as a community to ensure the intellectual level of youth (as well as adults) is not so insulted?

Could RRS do a better job? Yes, I think so.

Also, as RRS has solicited funds for their endeavors, I think that this alone calls upon the "RRS Squad" to have a bit more forethought into their own personal self-education which could enhance their presentation, communication, and relationship skills.

While our presentation of anti-theism needs a continuous push into the mainstream media and public, belittling the very persons whom we seek to educate to speak up is, at the very least, counterproductive.

43. Critical Analysis of Case for a Creator

Comment #72557 by LeeLeeOne on September 21, 2007 at 4:21 pm

This "video" representation for or against any argument has probably been the WORST! ever!

This is pathetic, it is choppy, fully of euphemisms and colloquialisms that have NOTHING to do with science!

I could not withstand completing the first video offered much less the second.

This type of "discussion", which obviously was based on reactionary juvenile emotionalism versus hard-hitting scientific information, is useless.

44. In Depth: Christopher Hitchens

Comment #72293 by LeeLeeOne on September 20, 2007 at 4:53 pm

This has given me a new respect for the opinions, the thoughts, the reasoning behind CH's ideals. Once again, I fully respect RD and am grateful!, and for and CH for allowing/giving these discussions.

They are not the 'product of... they are the result of...'!

Marxism is a METHOD of thinking....

CH's personal challenge for "debate"! going against the traditional "book trails."

I respect CH and RD for allowing this!

I could go on for "many points" regarding positives. But I want everyone, if you want to LEARN about CH, and then perhaps RD.

Frankly, the only negative I have is my personal inability to find an effective way to pause, to re-listen to all points.

CH - and therefore RD brings these many points, these many ideas to the forefront.

I am in favor of reproductive choice, and agree that this should be the LAST option, but should still be kept as an option, CH and RD have never represented themselves as being ANTI-choice or PRO-life. It seems to me that both are pro-choice.

This discussion also brings to light that financial independence (which is the ultimate survival mechanism - if you can't sell, you can't buy, if you can't buy you can't sell) for any country, for any society currently. A lot of societies are based upon GREED, self-preservation, versus communal or societal preservation.

So many points, so "little" time!

45. Taking exception to Jake

Comment #71854 by LeeLeeOne on September 19, 2007 at 7:16 pm

Thank you, PZ.... and thank you RD!

46. Childhood Origins of Adult Resistance to Science

Comment #69983 by LeeLeeOne on September 13, 2007 at 1:38 pm

Question, why does rely on anything that is considered "easier" or "better" when it comes to education.

I have been one who has purposefully "experienced the life of hard knocks" but just because I choose this particular learning curve, does it mean everyone should? or must?

Some people may learn with the "softer" approach, observe those before (without question as to circumstances) and take to heart - accept.

There is no ONE right way to learn.

Everyone learns at their own speed, their own pace, their own memory, their own resilience, their own environment, their own research.

I beg anyone to discontinue putting everyone "in the same basket."

Are we not all individuals? Pattern seeking aside, we still have our own brains; not brains with prerecorded intelligence or ideas embedded at birth.

The human mind is beautifully complex, why reduce it to a few "yes" or "no" opinions?

47. Mind Over Manual

Comment #69981 by LeeLeeOne on September 13, 2007 at 1:27 pm

oxytocin - love the name... too bad more do not understand the name and the symbol.

as a phd student (for my second) excuse abbrv and shorts... time is expensive!

psych. is a baby when it comes to science, and this is where neuroscience has failed miserably. we understand the mechanisms of dna and are discovering more and more literally minute by minute.

science has failed perhaps one of the most important aspects of all of live - of HUMAN evolution - the brain.

science has not even tried to play "catch-up" though. we desperately need scientists, engineers, chemists, any researchers. we desperately need funding for this research. yet without immediate, clearly visible (i.e. tumor shrinkage or disappearance as in cancer therapy), no funding is found.

no one realizes the long-term social and financial benefits to understanding the human mind. (i.e., schizophrenia - a potential life-time of dependence on resources that include public assistance for therapy, supervision, housing, daily living, education, medication, monitoring).

if science could really pinpoint the cause, a treatment plan may be as simple as a single gene therapy treatment, a single (i stress single because the majority of schizophrenics are on multiple drug therapies which fail more often than not) yearly/monthly/weekly/ or even a single daily medication without all of the horrible side effects.

science - where are you? where is the financing? where are the drug companies, the universities, the alumni, etc.?

48. Christopher Hitchens and Bill Donohue on Mother Teresa

Comment #66316 by LeeLeeOne on August 29, 2007 at 5:12 pm

The education of the many (mass public availability for information) outweighs the need for education of the few (i.e., behind closed doors disclosures).

This relates to all political, environmental, social, economical, etc., entities. Information and education of ALL must take priority, even at the expense of a "precious memory of the beholden" (as I was once verbally reminded of).

Truth teaches. Lies deceive.

To hold honesty and I mean rock-bottom, deep-down honesty, up to the test of "rose-colored glasses", what ultimately teaches more? Honesty to lies - which is better for humanity?!

Truth teaches, even hard-to-swallow, teaches truth.

Lies, even white-innocent-lies, teaches lies.

Ultimately, in the betterment for humanity, for the betterment of everything, which is best?, and I do not speak of short-term gains, I'm talking about the 'long haul', perhaps even billions of years!

49. Teresa, Bright and Dark

Comment #66309 by LeeLeeOne on August 29, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Please, for the love of reasoned, educated, and insightful thoughts that are regularly (albeit not consistently) posted on this site, do not "pick an agenda", i.e., abortion. Yes, Hitchens may or may not agree that abortion is an "abomination." Yes, Hitchens may or many not agree with "pro-choice" or "pro-life" stance.

What Hitchens is TEACHING all of us is to think FOR OURSELVES in this entire article! Can anyone else see this?!

BTW: Pro-choice does NOT mean pro-abortion! There is a HUGE difference! Does ANYONE understand?!

50. PZ Myers sued for a negative review in a blog post

Comment #65069 by LeeLeeOne on August 22, 2007 at 8:05 pm

Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot. Pivar is a litigious crackpot.

I suppose this does not "count."

So how many times can I get sued?

ONLY once?!!

dammit, dammit, dammit....