1. Ben Stein 1, Yoko Ono 0 in 'Expelled' copyright spat

Comment #188179 by happyatheist on June 3, 2008 at 10:05 am

I still wouldn't PAY for the film...just like I don't BUY religious texts...I borrow them from the library or from religious friends...read them and return them...My books by Dawkins and Dennett, et al., take center stage. :)...There are other ways of seeing the film without putting money into the pockets of Ben Stein and those who helped make the propaganda film...Like someone suggested...download it...or wait for it to be posted on YouTube. OR...someone here could "take one for the team."...Whichever one of you buys the film...post it somewhere for the rest of us to view. LOL!

2. The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing, ed. Richard Dawkins

Comment #181021 by happyatheist on May 16, 2008 at 10:00 am

I pre-ordered this book from Amazon when I first read about it here many months ago. I live in the States and wasn't supposed to receive it til sometime this week...but I was overjoyed when Amazon sent it to me in early April. :) Good reading. :)

3. George Scales, War Hero and Generous Friend of RDFRS

Comment #111389 by happyatheist on January 14, 2008 at 1:54 pm

I feel inspired.

Get well soon, George. :)

4. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96513 by happyatheist on December 10, 2007 at 4:48 pm

Riley: "So then, a sign which used images evoking famously brutal attempts to eradicate religion in 20th century and then linked them to all other attempts to promote a world without religion would be fair-play then. Right?"

Right...but fair isn't always pretty or polite. It's just fair.

I take your points Riley...and what I'm getting is that you don't want ALL atheists to be seen in a negative way thanks to those atheists who are "making trouble" during a so-called "religious" holiday season...But I would gather that "we atheists" are all lumped together anyway in the eyes of the religious....whether we're robbing banks or giving aid to the poor...Not pissing off the religious during "THEIR" holiday season is not going to make them see atheists in a positive way. We're "doomed" to THEM the minute we mention the word "atheist." ...Personal example: I tend to laugh and smile a lot (a trait from my mom)...and that attracts strangers most places I go (I'm in Las Vegas). People generally assume that because I'm smiling and enjoying myself that I must somehow be "religious." You can't possibly be happy AND be an atheist. On more than one occasion I have heard :"You seem like a good Christian" or "What church do you attend?" Etc. ad nauseum. The second I tell them I'm an atheist (no sugar-coating with any of the "less frightful" euphemistic terms, LOL!)...they clam up and move on as if I told them I had a contagious disease. I'm still the same person I was five minutes ago...but I'm the only one who sees it that way. LOL!

5. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96414 by happyatheist on December 10, 2007 at 1:48 pm

Theory: "That is to say, no one puts up a sign like that because they want to provoke deep thought and intellectual debate. They put it up to be provocative and offensive. I'd like to think that the community of rationalists would be above those kind of tactics."

Sometimes in order "to provoke deep thought and intellectual debate" one has to be "provocative and offensive." It works.

6. ...and another FLEA...

Comment #96312 by happyatheist on December 10, 2007 at 10:40 am

I understand the harmful effects that pesticides can have on the environment...but where's that fecking bug spray when you need it?!!

7. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96306 by happyatheist on December 10, 2007 at 10:35 am

LOLOL!

tangerine_tree...I also laughed at the "fighting back with prayer." LOL! I guess talking to one's self is a lot easier for the religious than having to talk to ACTUAL people with opposing views.

8. Holy Nonsense

Comment #95392 by happyatheist on December 8, 2007 at 9:03 am

"eXcommunicate :I'd laugh at Romney's speech if he wasn't running for president."

LOL! Go ahead and laugh...cuz Romney's speech did nothing to move him up in the polls. He can reference JFK and make all the speeches on Mormonism he wants to...but many evangelicals still don't trust him. They smile and applaud out of politeness (he is still a Republican after all)...but when it comes time to vote for him PRIVATELY...they won't do it. Former Baptist minister Mike Huckabee is the one to keep your eye on.

9. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94758 by happyatheist on December 6, 2007 at 1:06 pm

"But I believe that God is the embodiment of Justice, the source of our very conception of justice. Therefore justice will be done. No one will be left without an opportunity to be right with Him, and to be forgiven (and governed, let it be said) by Him - if they want it."

Can you not have THAT PART (what you said above) without having a specific religion...including Christianity, ADH? ...Honestly, this "God" sounds like an arrogant selfish man-made (gender specific) prick to me...worse than that Baal or Jupiter. LOL! "I created you...now you must worship me or else." (My mom is lucky to get a Mother's Day card every year...but constant worship? Nahhhh. LOL!) It's not enough to just "believe in Him"...or to say "Thanks God for giving me life...now feck off while I live it"...you have to become his mindless slave. And for what? To avoid punishment? To gain heavenly rewards? 72 virgins? (that sounds more like work than play anyway...and I'm female, LOL!) A spot next to Jesus at the celestial campfire...playing an air guitar version of "Stairway to heaven"?...I just don't get it...But ADH...I will say that it is actually enjoyable reading your posts. Sleep well. :)

10. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94747 by happyatheist on December 6, 2007 at 12:15 pm

"I agree with the first sentence. The second is a bit of an over-simplification. It's not that "he's the best!" That makes the Christian gospel sound like an advertising campaign."

LOLOL! Saaay...that might actually work as a Christian recruitment tool here in the States, ADH. LOL! We tend to love bumper sticker slogans: "Fight the war on terror"..."Say no to drugs"..."Smoke it but don't inhale." ...Don't rule it out. Ad campaigns do work...and "He's the best!" is much better than "Send your money to me and ye shall be healed." LOL!

11. Sherri Shepherd needs to go away now

Comment #94718 by happyatheist on December 6, 2007 at 10:32 am

"I'm embarrassed to admit I'm American. :-("

Barbara...I find myself saying that a lot lately. LOL! Sherri has to be borderline retarded. First "I don't know if the world is flat or not" and now this drivel. She shouldn't be raising kids at all. How she's on the telly at all is a great mystery to me. And I'd bet any amount of money that Sherri knows whether McDonald's predates Burger King or not.

12. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94358 by happyatheist on December 5, 2007 at 12:56 pm

"I am a Christian because I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that what he said about the human condition and destiny was and is the truth."

I understand the second part of your statement ADH (much has been said about the human condition by many)...but not the first part. Please explain what you mean by "Jesus Christ is the Son of God." If you've explained it before elsewhere in the forum...just ignore this and direct me to the post. LOL!

13. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #93903 by happyatheist on December 4, 2007 at 12:35 pm

"As I remember ADH's posts are usually well spoken, polite and intelligent."

I would agree with that, walk...save for his using the expression "nigger in the woodpile." (Yes...it's because I'm black, LOL!) But as I said...this isn't about manners...or sparing feelings. It's about getting a point across. :)

14. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #93840 by happyatheist on December 4, 2007 at 9:43 am

ADH...people are people...whether atheist or theist/other...and anyone can be be rude OR civil...esp. on the 'net. I suspect most people who come to this website do so out of a sense of community...where like-minded people tend to gather (and even like-minded people don't agree on everything set in front of them). :) You may find some comments (or posters) rude...but so what? Most people don't come here for a lesson on manners. LOL! I'm sure the same thing happens when an atheist visits a religious website to comment. Bruised feelings are a minor risk one takes for the sake of open communication. Not many words or comments will be sugar-coated to spare the sensitive hurt feelings. Some things are said a certain way for emphasis and not solely to take jabs at religion. But then again...some things ARE said mainly to take jabs at religion. LOL! But so what? Like others here have said...stand your ground. Just be prepared for whatever comes your way....whether rude OR civil. If the heat gets to be too much for you, you can always get outta the kitchen. :)

15. Golden Compass author hits back

Comment #91445 by happyatheist on November 28, 2007 at 10:28 am

"The three-part series culminates in an epic battle in which God dies - at the hand of a child."

If there's a "God" to kill then it's not an "atheist" film but an anti-religious one. "God is dead." Yay! LOL!

16. Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial

Comment #88390 by happyatheist on November 16, 2007 at 12:34 pm

I saw this on tv the other night and enjoyed every minute of it. I was happy to see the science teachers standing up to the board members who wanted to push them to teach "intelligent design" in their SCIENCE classes. LOL!

17. Pat Robertson Says Giuliani Presidency Appears in Book of Revelation

Comment #86831 by happyatheist on November 10, 2007 at 8:55 am

Did Pat ever apologize for his comments about 9/11? For agreeing with Falwell rather than standing up against his stupid comments? Does it really matter if he did since he's a liar and a hypocrite anyway? If he really believed a word of what he was spewing,Pat would have endorsed Mike Huckabee...the conservative Christian who "doesn't believe in" evolution. Pat said he was NOT endorsing Giuliani cuz he thought he was the candidate most likely to defeat Clinton should either win their primary. Everyone knows that's a lie. Giuliani is a twice divorced Catholic who is liberal on social issues...particularly abortion and gay rights (he even marched in SIX gay pride parades dressed in drag, LOL!). Had it not been for 9/11...he would not even be in the race. Pat just doesn't wanna see a Democrat in office. Why not just admit it instead of lying? Polls don't mean much unless people go out and actually vote...but thus far every poll I've seen puts Clinton ahead in the primary and in the general election...albeit by a small margin in the latter. She has my vote no matter what her flaws are or how big a whore her hubby is. They are ALL politicians anyway. But since I live in America and politicians have the power to alter my lifestyle (can you say "draft" if we keep attacking other countries?)or the Constitution, ergo, my "rights"...I'll vote for the lesser of two evils. Polls also show that an overwhelming majority of Americans are tired of a fruitless war and how the Bush Admin has run America into the ground. If Giuliani happens to become the next president, I don't have a problem with that (esp. since he does "believe in" evolution, LOL!). I think it's a shame Schwarzenegger can't run. LOL! At this point I'll settle for anyone who isn't George W. Bush. I just hope none of the front-running candidates invokes "God" at every debate. Four more years of "God told me to take this path" and I'll move to New Zealand. LOL!

18. Jury Awards Father $11M in Funeral Case

Comment #84205 by happyatheist on November 1, 2007 at 12:18 pm

"(a cemetary is not public -- you cannot merely set up a picnic in a cemetary when or where you like, for instance), "

LOL! That is true. My sis and I had a picnic in a cemetery when we were teens...cuz it was the only quiet and green place we could find. LOL!...But we had to "look out" for anyone who might see us...as we KNEW we were trespassing. Thanks for the memories, gr8hands. LOL!

19. American kids, dumber than dirt: Warning: The next generation might just be the biggest pile of idiots in U.S. history

Comment #81866 by happyatheist on October 25, 2007 at 10:11 am

Me like TV...TV good. LOL! For the most part I agree with the content in this article...but I will defend the telly by saying that as long as it isn't watched 24 hours a day...it can be pretty useful. There are things I've learned from programs and documentaries on the Science Channel, Discovery Channel and PBS that I didn't learn in school (yes, I'm American, LOL!)...Some things weren't known or discovered until AFTER I had already finished my formal education...and I like to keep abreast of current events. TV and internet can help one catch up fairly quickly. :)..I will admit that the "educational" programs aren't all I watch ('Survivor' is a fave)...but I do know when to turn the telly off and open a fecking book. LOL!

20. God Talk on 'The View'

Comment #72106 by happyatheist on September 20, 2007 at 10:54 am

When Sherri ("the world is flat") started talking...all I could think was "please shut up...please shut up...PLEASE!!!" Cringe-worthy stuff. I'm American (also black and female...and I was embarrassed on all three of those levels while watching this clip, LOL!)...I don't watch 'The View.' And I see I'm not missing much either.

21. RELIGULOUS: A Conversation with Bill Maher and Larry Charles

Comment #69977 by happyatheist on September 13, 2007 at 12:59 pm

"Tumara Baap: Every ingredient from your toothpaste, shampoo, to the dyes in your clothing have undergone animal testing."

Not EVERY ingredient. MOST natural ingredients (mint and baking soda, for example...ingredients for natural toothpaste) with a long history of existence...don't and didn't get tested on animals. But if your point is that PETA supporters,like anyone else, can't claim to be purists...I agree. PETA even has an animal shelter which puts down/kills unwanted animals...so they can hardly claim to be purists on the issue of "animal rights."

"None of us are well informed on every conceivable topic."

Now THAT I completely agree with . LOL! But back to Bill Maher's film. LOL!

I'll definitely check out this film whenever it's released. :)

22. RELIGULOUS: A Conversation with Bill Maher and Larry Charles

Comment #69948 by happyatheist on September 13, 2007 at 9:42 am

I watch HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher' every Friday. :) Maher is definitely an atheist and he won't deny it...as evidenced by last week's episode when he discussed politics and religion with guests Cornel West (a self-proclaimed Christian) and rapper/actor/activist Mos Def (a self-proclaimed Muslim). I may not agree with all of Bill's views (though I am a vegan)...but I love it when he stumps the religious nuts. LOL!

23. The Flea Circus Invites a Newcomer!

Comment #61674 by happyatheist on August 6, 2007 at 9:32 am

>>>All I am saying is that it is very unwise to make sweeping historical and sometimes hysterical statements based upon the most limited research. Anyone can google - not everyone takes the time to examine the evidence<<<

Now see...I actually agree with you there, Wee Flea/David. LOL!

24. The Flea Circus Invites a Newcomer!

Comment #61030 by happyatheist on August 3, 2007 at 11:30 am

>>>I'm happy to have him here, because his presence keeps the dialogue fresh and interesting, as dissenting opinions are supposed to do.<<<

I agree with Daksian regarding David. LOL! I actually look forward to ALL of the comments.

And yes, Wee Flea/David...I'm still the happy atheist. LOL!

25. CNN Debate on Koran in Toilet

Comment #61021 by happyatheist on August 3, 2007 at 10:54 am

>>> 72. Comment #60580 by crimsonhawk on August 2, 2007 at 10:06 am
I have to say, this has been something I've been worried about for a long time. The very notion of a "hate crime" is terrifying. That, in the eyes of the law, it is worse to commit a crime because of "hate" than for another reason. Hate is a thought or emotion, similar to love or fear. Creating laws against, and prosecuting someone for hate, in addition to the actual crime (like assault or vandalism), is creating a class of thought crimes. It is a terrifying road to start down, one that lends itself to the same kind of abuse of power as warrant-less wiretaps. Why do we need additional laws against hate crimes, if it is already illegal to harm or intimidate someone for any reason? How is it even possible that in the modern world that we can outlaw thoughts, even hate? Thoughts?<<<

I agree with this. "Hate crime" laws are pretty sticky in the States. I live in Las Vegas, and about three years ago a white man was initially charged with a hate crime for beating a Mexican man...after the Mexican man crashed into his car while driving the wrong way on a road. The crash was pretty horrific and the wife of the white man was killed...even though both men were able to walk away from the scene with their lives. The white man, outraged by the accident, commenced to beating the Mexican man, all the while yelling racial slurs as he did so...with witnesses present. The case was controversial because some people thought that there was no "hate crime"...just the crime of aggravated battery. I assume had the white man not yelled any racial slurs (or kept his thoughts to himself)...he may have even walked away with misdemeanor charges or no charges at all...Some people thought he was justifiably angry after the crash, given that he had lost his wife. The "slippery slope" with "hate crime" laws is that nearly everyone has biases and prejudices whether they like to admit them or not. But when these prejudices surface in tense situations: caution. The "hate crime" charge was dropped after all the evidence was presented. The white man in this case was not trying to incite others to commit violence against Latinos...The man was pissed off and his stupidity surfaced. I guess if "hate crime" laws have to be, it has to be on a case by case basis. One cannot assume that just because people of different races or religions are involved in a case or complaint that a "hate crime" must naturally be present. There's a lot to be said for "intent."

26. The Flea Circus Invites a Newcomer!

Comment #60583 by happyatheist on August 2, 2007 at 10:45 am

"31. Comment #60281 by happyatheist on August 1, 2007 at 1:10 pm

" That would be akin to donating money to the church. Why would an open-minded, rational atheist wanna do that? LOL!"

Why would an open-minded rational atheist want to buy and read a book that disagreed with him? I guess that question is an excellent summary of how open minded you are!"

LOL! Nice...so now you know me personally? LOL! I've read plenty of books that differ from my views...I just don't PAY for them...But there you go again...trying to get me to PAY for YOUR book. Why didn't you quote my entire post? I did mention MAYBE trying to find your book in a local library...but PAY for it? Why would I wanna make you rich? Oh who cares? I'm not even gonna look for your book in the library. It would be a waste of my time (your posts here are sufficient for me). Call me close-minded then. Coming from you, I'll take it as a compliment. LOL!

27. CNN Debate on Koran in Toilet

Comment #60288 by happyatheist on August 1, 2007 at 1:34 pm

Exactly what scooternyc said. LOL! I'm black and female. A "hate crime" against me would be a group of neo-Nazi skinheads kicking my arse simply cuz I'm a black female. A white female kicking my arse is NOT a "hate crime" just cuz I'm losing. LOL! I suppose if racial slurs were spoken from either one of us, then either one of us could be charged with a "hate crime." ...Flushing a religious text down the toilet (or burning it...or crapping on it...etc.) is NOT a "hate crime"....even if some people find those acts of expression tacky or tasteless.

28. The Flea Circus Invites a Newcomer!

Comment #60281 by happyatheist on August 1, 2007 at 1:10 pm

"Almost everyone who comments on this website will manage to disparage all of the flea books without having read a single one of them.

Yet despite all this there will be a bout of self-congratulation, mockery and self-righteousness. You will all go away feeling justified and immensely thankful that you are part of the new enlightenment and that you have nothing to do with fleas.

Such is the rationality and open-mindedness of the New Atheism."

LOL! Is this supposed to be "reverse psychology" so that atheists will run out and buy these books? LOL! Nice try. MAYBE I'll see if any are at the local library...but I won't waste a penny of my hard-earned cash buying one of 'em. That would be akin to donating money to the church. Why would an open-minded, rational atheist wanna do that? LOL!

29. Convict sues God for broken contract

Comment #57165 by happyatheist on July 18, 2007 at 12:43 pm

LOLOLOL! This is classic stuff. LOL! More people should join in with this lunatic and bring a Class Action suit against god. Forget OJ...This would be the new "trial of the century." You think god will defend/represent himself or have one of his co-pilots do it? Who's gonna televise this event? What would Jesus do? Can god pay up with 72 virgins if he loses? So many questions. LOL!

30. Islamic Creationist and a Book Sent Round the World

Comment #57151 by happyatheist on July 18, 2007 at 12:15 pm

LOL! Good point denoir.

"Perhaps it could be filed under 'C' for 'crapola' --- or maybe it could be used as a door stop?"

Don't rule out recycling it as cat litter either, Barbara. LOL!

31. Bill Moyers interviews E.O. Wilson

Comment #54970 by happyatheist on July 9, 2007 at 1:55 pm

I saw this on PBS this past Friday and I too was fascinated with E. O. Wilson. He told Moyers that he's secular-humanist...and I could tell that Moyers' questions were pushing him to say he was atheist...but Wilson didn't go that far. LOL! Not once did he mention "God." He did however allude to believing in the natural rather than the supernatural.

32. Won't anyone stand up for God?

Comment #54637 by happyatheist on July 8, 2007 at 9:50 am

Atheists are here...we're queer...get used to it!! LOL!!! "Stand up for God." What a bunch of horse sh-t. There are probably still more believers than non-believers the world over. Plus "God" has George Bush as "His" official spokesman. What more does "He" need? LOL!

33. Unorthodox Atheist

Comment #54095 by happyatheist on July 5, 2007 at 10:19 am

That was a nice read...Reed. :)

When I was growing up, my dad encouraged us to read everything we could get our hands on. I can honestly say I was always skeptical of "God" and religions...but my mom and dad had almost every religious text or tome you could think of in our home...for educational purposes...My family was not religious even though they believed in a "higher power." Sundays still mean football to me rather than church. My dad said "read everything and decide for yourself what you believe." I've been a proud atheist ever since. LOL! High school was tough only cuz I had to explain why I wouldn't recite the pledge of allegiance (USA) at school events (only noticeable cuz I wouldn't stand and place my hand over my heart). The ddmin didn't like my reason...but they couldn't do much about it...cuz the Jehovah's Witness parents wouldn't let their kids say the pledge either. LOL! Wouldn't want to discriminate would we? LOL!

34. I believe that there is no God.

Comment #52871 by happyatheist on June 28, 2007 at 10:03 am

Have any of you seen the episode of Showtime's "Penn and Teller's Bullsh-t" where Penn figuratively tears apart the Bible? Penn and Teller BOTH have been longtime atheists...but Teller just never says anything. LOL!

35. The Stupidity of Fox News is Truly Beyond Belief

Comment #52217 by happyatheist on June 26, 2007 at 1:49 pm

"For all you bashing FoxNews-Compare the way Dawkins & Sam Harris were treated on the Bill O Riely show vs CNN's horriblely biased piece on atheists.

It's time to wake up and realize the truth."

LOLOL! I guess you like what you like. Think for yourself.

But have you not seen "Lou Dobbs Tonight" on CNN? Dobbs is the biggest champion of separation of church and state...even had a few atheists as guests...and he's neither liberal nor conservative.

36. Doctors' beliefs can hinder patient care

Comment #51355 by happyatheist on June 22, 2007 at 1:07 pm

"These idiots "practicing" medicine deserve to be exposed and run out of Dodge."

As a female and human being, I completely agree. This all sickens me.

37. Baptists Warned About Islam, Atheism

Comment #49761 by happyatheist on June 13, 2007 at 9:33 am

"" "Islamists," Colson said, "are very different. We will die for what we believe. They will kill for what they believe." "

This is perfect. LOL! I think all those "willing to die" and all those "willing to kill" should just gather in one big coliseum and duke it out. LOL! Whose "god" will win? How many "true believers" will remain standing? (Hopefully none of 'em)...Place your bets folks and don't forget the popcorn.

I'd actually pay to see this. Eternal bliss is my birthright. LOL!

38. We stand awed at the heights our people have achieved

Comment #49606 by happyatheist on June 12, 2007 at 2:33 pm

To The Spaghetti Monster: this article made me sniff to. LOL! It's brilliantly written AND I'm PMSing...That's a double whammy on the hormones. :)

39. Sen. Clinton: Faith got me through marital strife

Comment #48302 by happyatheist on June 7, 2007 at 11:12 am

Ron Paul is a breath of fresh air in these debates. LOL! He's the main reason I watch the Republicans at all. Sure, as with any debate, it's good to hear "both or all sides"...but in the end...I just wanna hear someone making sense...and Ron Paul delivers every time.LOL!

40. Sen. Clinton: Faith got me through marital strife

Comment #48030 by happyatheist on June 6, 2007 at 10:46 am

I actually watched both the debates (Dem and Rep)...and found them fairly predictable (Guiliani being picked on for being pro-choice...Romney being called a flip-flopper for voting along with Democrats...Clinton being chastised for voting for the war in Iraq...etc.). I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but in the follow-up to CNN's segment on faith and politics, prez candidate Joe Biden said (and I'm paraphrasing) he welcomed the faith-based questions because "otherwise the Democrats come off as a bunch of agnostics." I think he spoke volumes with that statement. Hell...I think he may actually BE agnotic. LOL!