1. The History Channel might do something right

Comment #176175 by HappyPrimate on May 6, 2008 at 7:31 pm

I will definitely watch this series and hope there is something I can learn from it. Unfortunately, I would guess that 99% of the people who would benefit greatly from watching will not watch any of it. Too bad.

2. Bill Good Interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #173418 by HappyPrimate on April 30, 2008 at 6:46 pm

Always so great to hear RD in a public venue. The more exposure the general public gets to any of the Four Horsemen, the better. These poor callers are simply parroting what they've been brainwashed with and when they hear someone like RD, they simply regurgitate the lines they were fed by their parents and/or religious instructors. Fortunately RD can and does give them a reason to reach out beyond the indoctrination they have been clinging to for all these years. That seed of doubt planted will sometimes grow into reason and rationality.

3. Soldier Sues Army, Saying His Atheism Led to Threats

Comment #169639 by HappyPrimate on April 26, 2008 at 1:00 pm

I would love to be able to at least give this guy some emotional support. Anybody have a way to send him a message of support and let him know we are out here for him?

4. Judge orders La. school district to stop Bible giveaways

Comment #167282 by HappyPrimate on April 23, 2008 at 8:14 pm

There is a House bill waiting to go to the state Senate in Louisiana (where I live) which will allow public schools to teach ID. I am happy to see another ACLU member posting. I have contacted the entire Education Committee about the bill. Louisiana is mired in evangelicals and catholics and they are pushing very hard to put religion of the xian kind in public schools. Allowing the Gideons on a public school campus is too typical. I suffered a measure of fear for putting a Darwin fish sticker on my car. I am now getting up the nerve to put an RD sticker on there too. These people would think nothing of property damage for their religion. I still hold out hope however and I do agree that actually reading the bible from cover to cover is the best way to understand how silly the whole thing is.

5. Responses to 'Gods and Earthlings' by Richard Dawkins

Comment #166089 by HappyPrimate on April 22, 2008 at 6:15 pm

I wish these responders to Richard's article would check out Stephen Hawkings recent talk on TED.com. He talks about the time before the Big Bang. Amazing stuff from Hawkings as usual.

6. Evolution fray attracts top scientist

Comment #162382 by HappyPrimate on April 16, 2008 at 8:10 pm

If anybody here is living in or from Louisiana. I got this from Americans United for Separation of Church and State today
Science education in Louisiana is under attack! TOMORROW, the Louisiana Senate Education Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Senate Bill 561, the Louisiana Academic Freedom Act. Masked as an attempt to protect "academic freedom" when discussing "some scientific subjects, such as biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming, and human cloning," this bill's actual aim is to undermine real science by creating a place for non-scientific concepts in the classroom. Courts have long held that creationism and its derivatives, including intelligent design, are unconstitutional and therefore inappropriate for public schools, yet Louisiana's legislators are attempting to allow teachers to give weight to these religious ideas in public school classrooms.

Backed by the Louisiana Family Forum, this bill could empower teachers to teach religion in the classroom and avoid any kind of penalty. By identifying certain "controversies" and allowing teachers to "explore scientific questions," this bill opens the public classroom door to views that are unsubstantiated by the scientific community. There is no controversy among scientists regarding evolution; rather, evolution is the only scientifically accepted theory regarding the origins of life. SB 561, however, may allow religious doctrine to be taught in Louisiana's classrooms.

The bill's sponsor, Senator Nevers, has publicly stated that the Louisiana Family Forum favors this policy so that creationism can be taught throughout the state. Please let the Senators on the Education Committee know that you will not tolerate non-science in the classroom! Louisiana's children deserve a science education that is rigorous, thorough, and consistent with scientific research. Click here to take action now to urge the Senate Education Committee to vote NO on SB 561! If your Senator is not one of the members of the Education Committee, you will be notified after entering your zip code. Although only constituents are able to contact committee members, this is an important bill that will affect all Louisianans if passed! If you are interested in taking action but your Senator is not on the committee, e-mail Beth at kurtz@au.org for tips on contacting the Committee.

Then please pass this on to friends so they too can make their voices for sound science heard.

7. Russell T Davies: Return of the (tea) Time Lord

Comment #156078 by HappyPrimate on April 6, 2008 at 4:21 pm

Loved the article and am looking forward to seeing Richard in the series. I've been a fan of Doctor Who for decades. We in the states will not get the current series until next year. I'll be waiting anxiously. We get your last year's shows here starting in a couple of weeks. Just so as you'll know, I'm a 56 year old heterosexual female. Doctor Who is indeed timeless and ageless.

8. Upside-down church sculpture on hit list

Comment #155738 by HappyPrimate on April 5, 2008 at 1:09 pm

I had not heard anything about this but after viewing the pictures, my impression was that it looked like a church steeple being used to penatrate the earth (saying nicely), if you get my drift. May not have been what was intended by the artist, but was my first impression nevertheless.

9. Protests no concern for outspoken atheist

Comment #155685 by HappyPrimate on April 5, 2008 at 8:42 am

Looking forward to watching the video. Thanks to Paula for the brief overview. So glad things went well. I am of Scottish decent on my mother's side and her father (a Douglas) was very outspoken on being a conservative protestant. He would have loathed Richard. I, on the other hand, have so enjoyed Richard's books and talks. I find Richard's tours and lectures so very valuable for those of us who need a bit of a push to stand up and speak out about rational thought and against the tyranny religion brings to the individual. His books and talks have given me the courage to answer back when confronted with religious propositions of god-did-it or assume that I must have a religion. We nonbelievers do not have to stay silent anymore in the face of religious bigotry. I am so excited that this wonderfully liberating message is being spread far and wide.

10. Sean Carroll on the Today Program

Comment #154171 by HappyPrimate on April 2, 2008 at 7:42 pm

Well don't you know that a new bill is being introduced in the Louisiana State legislature to allow the teaching of creation science in Louisiana's public schools, along side evolution of course. Insert four letter words here.
Maybe I can send the good state senator a link to this interview?

11. I always aim to misbehave

Comment #151995 by HappyPrimate on March 29, 2008 at 11:01 pm

The older crowd, ones who remember WWII, were indoctrinated with the idea that Hitler was a big fan of Darwin and used Darwin's books to come up with the famous eugenics idea. My parents who lived through the war as teens use Hitler to critize Darwinism as bad and evil. While I obviously disagree with them, I can see where the film Expelled would resonate with people like my parents who have already been fed the lies for years. It never occurs to these people to actually read Darwin's books when they have people like these ready to back up the misconceptions. This film is dangerous if it is allowed any credibility.

12. Happy Birthday, Richard Dawkins!

Comment #150382 by HappyPrimate on March 26, 2008 at 7:46 pm

Very Happy Birthday to Richard Dawkins from way down in south Louisiana. Many thanks for all you do.

13. Two More Fleas

Comment #142559 by HappyPrimate on March 12, 2008 at 6:14 pm

I think we need a can of flea spray.

14. Special Guest: Richard Dawkins

Comment #142551 by HappyPrimate on March 12, 2008 at 5:53 pm

Delightful interview. So disappointed I am not able to attend any lectures on this tour but looking forward to at least some of them being posted here. It is so great that RD is making this tour and I hope he makes more. I think he is making a difference for the better.

15. Missing link found in Sydney Harbour

Comment #130952 by HappyPrimate on February 21, 2008 at 2:34 pm

One of my pet peeves is the language used, even by scientists themselves, when explaining aspects of how organisms evolve. Any reference to modification/adaptation as a choice is just plain wrong and gives the mistaken impression to those who know nothing or very little about the process. Words should be chosen carefully so as not to mislead the general public. There is far too much confusion about evolution by the under-educated to add any seemingly credible doubts about the facts.

16. The Lava Lizard's Tale

Comment #130942 by HappyPrimate on February 21, 2008 at 2:18 pm

I really enjoy this sort of posting from Richard. Looking forward to the other two. I'm almost finished reading Ancestor's Tale. Long book, but very interesting. Learned much I didn't know, which of course is why I appreciate Richard's books so much.

17. Bill Moyers Interviews Susan Jacoby

Comment #129919 by HappyPrimate on February 19, 2008 at 6:44 pm

Great interview. Loved her book Freethinkers. Always enjoy Bill Moyers. He interviewed SJ on Freethinkers also. Worth watching.

18. 'Frog from hell' fossil unearthed

Comment #129916 by HappyPrimate on February 19, 2008 at 6:39 pm

A frog with teeth. Now that is awesome.

19. Bart Ehrman, Questioning Religion on Why We Suffer

Comment #129915 by HappyPrimate on February 19, 2008 at 6:38 pm

Interesting interview. I think I will buy his book and after I read it, I will pass it along to my family.

20. Atheists An Increasingly Outspoken Minority

Comment #129878 by HappyPrimate on February 19, 2008 at 5:39 pm

Speaking as one of the old atheists (32 yrs into it at age 55), it has often been an intimidating position living in the deep south of the U.S. Here children are taught that atheists are satan worshippers so that makes it hard to be open with it. My mother's reaction to my non-belief was to ask who then could I appeal to? Of course, the obvious answer was no one but myself and that I did not have the need to appeal to the invisible and nonexistant. She still does not get it. My sister thinks I am surely going to hell. With that said, I still have more peace of mind with my life than either of them. I am thrilled with the recent upturn of the atheist voice speaking out. I am convinced there are tons of us still to come out.

21. Hitchens and Boteach Debate on God

Comment #126256 by HappyPrimate on February 12, 2008 at 8:04 pm

This was well worth watching. Loved Hitchens. He ate that Rabbi's lunch. For the rabbi to say he had prepared for a debate with an evolutionary biologist like Dr. Dawkins, what the dickens did he read? The rabbi knows less about evolution than a kindergarden grade child. He should at least check out Kenneth Miller's video lecture which thoroughly explains the evolution of the eye. I think Hitchens loves this sort of banter, even though it gets his dander up. Since Hitchens won the bet, I hope the dear rabbi's religious friends enjoy their new book.

22. The New Atheist Movement

Comment #123276 by HappyPrimate on February 6, 2008 at 7:21 pm

For those of us who were inculcated with their nonsense from infancy and who have read their holy books, why should we subject ourselves to further literature filled with what we now understand is pure myth and man-made tales? They are the ones who require additional reading material of a type contrary to what they profess. We are the ones who stepped out of the box and saw true enlightenment, shed the blinders from our eyes. We have heard ALL of their arguements and satisfied ourselves they hold no weight or evidence. What more is there to learn of a dead myth?

23. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #122572 by HappyPrimate on February 5, 2008 at 1:45 pm

I bought this DVD and I am thrilled with it. I highly recommend it to everyone. I hope there will be future DVDs of this sort. I'd love to have one of Galapogos trip with all the talks with Dr. Dawkins. A collection of his book tour talks would be wonderful also.

24. Christopher Hitchens Debates Timothy Jackson

Comment #122555 by HappyPrimate on February 5, 2008 at 12:49 pm

Waiting for the day when schools of theology no longer exist in legitimate colleges and universities. Not an educational subject anymore than schools of astrology. Otherwise I really enjoyed Hitchens in his usual good form.

25. Pacific Islanders' Ancestry Emerges in Genetic Study

Comment #113628 by HappyPrimate on January 20, 2008 at 8:11 am

Really enjoy anything on paleoanthropology. Very interesting indeed.

26. Religious scholars mull Flying Spaghetti Monster

Comment #88442 by HappyPrimate on November 16, 2007 at 4:46 pm

I never considered myself *militant* but since I have a Darwin fish on the rear of my car I suppose that is the way I am perceived. Also, I must then consider all those with the *Jesus Saves* etc stickers are *Militant* Xtians?

27. Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial

Comment #85977 by HappyPrimate on November 7, 2007 at 4:42 pm

I will definitely not miss the program. I hope it is accurate and not too dramatized. NOVA has such a good reputation for science programing, it should be a great show. Too bad most of the fundie bible thumpers will not see it. They gotta watch out for that lightening strike from Sky Daddy.

28. When Congress Interferes With Science, Who You Gonna Call? (Hint: It's not Ghostbusters)

Comment #85975 by HappyPrimate on November 7, 2007 at 4:31 pm

I'm a member and heartily recommend signing up to all non-theist as well as theist who support separation of church and state. I am proud I played my part by emailing Sen. Vitter (I live in Louisiana) about that earmark. He called us hysterical, but it was taken out. I was alerted by the SCA emailing me the information. Great job!

29. You big, fat pile of bacteria

Comment #84933 by HappyPrimate on November 4, 2007 at 9:34 am

As one who if it were not for antibiotics, would not be writing this today I can say that you really do not want to push the line too far with bacteria exposure. After being hospitalized with chills and fever at age 45 (10 years ago) and told I had a micro-organism infecting my blood which was about to take my life, I began to wear garden gloves while working in the dirt. Were it not for a cocktail of antibotics over a four day period going directly into my blood to help my own body kill off the invader, I would have died like so many hundreds of thousands did before antibotics were discovered. There again, while I wear my gloves in the garden, I am not a disinfectant freak in the house. Still - soap and water cleanliness is only a fairly recent idea if you think about it. None of my great grandparents had indoor plumbing. Mine was the first generation in my family to be born at a hospital. I can remember when polio was a REAL threat to children here in the U.S. and knew kids who got it. Germs have caused me great fear and I respect their killing power but I realize we cannot ever avoid them totally or should we.

30. Huge Black Holes May Hold Keys to Galaxy Formation

Comment #84336 by HappyPrimate on November 1, 2007 at 7:20 pm

Aquilacane - If you come back to this comment thread, please know that I almost fell over when I read your comment. I too have thought almost exactly your scenario on black holes. Why could not have the Big Bang been an accummulation of overstuffed black holes? Bang - new universe. May be not but as a layman, not familar with the physics necessary to explain it or not, I have never said anything. Hope someone competent in that area (Stephen Hawking?) could explain if it might be possible. If we are wrong, okay. Just would like to know.

31. Huge Black Holes May Hold Keys to Galaxy Formation

Comment #83949 by HappyPrimate on October 31, 2007 at 7:20 pm

I find this sort of information extremely fascinating. It is so exciting to know that we are learning so much about the universe every day. Wish Carl Sagan could have lived longer so he could have been a part of it. He was so great at presenting this stuff to the general public on a level that could be easily understood and appreciated.

32. Lessons in hate found at leading mosques

Comment #83663 by HappyPrimate on October 30, 2007 at 8:26 pm

This is a serious subject and we really must get the closet atheists out and talking and making noises loud enough to be heard over the den of these people who just want to tolerate this hateful stuff being drummed into children day in and day out. The xians are not seeing that they are in fact enabling this to go on by insisting we acquiese to their beliefs on social issues based solely on biblical writings and what their authoritative preachers and priests tell them.
Speak up and speak out now. Every voice counts. Enough emails/phone calls and correspondence to the Louisiana senator sponsoring it enabled us to stop federal funding of a religious charity herein Louisiana. A small start but you cannot sit back and just give up or yes, cockroaches will inherit our planet.
On a lighter side. Have you seen this guy? He is so funny. Gotta laugh sometimes too.
Achmed The Terrorist
http://www.break.com/index/achmed-the-terrorist.html

33. A new website addition: Debate Points

Comment #83659 by HappyPrimate on October 30, 2007 at 8:07 pm

Topic suggestion: Best ways to discredit the holy books thus removing the platform upon which theists make their stand.

34. Evolution to be taught in SA schools

Comment #83349 by HappyPrimate on October 29, 2007 at 6:38 pm

Fundamental religion preys on the uneducated and emotionally stressed very effectively. It got its foothold on that basis. How appealing to be told that you can give all your troubles over to a big sky daddy - nevermind that your situation never improves or gets worse, you will get your reward after you die. Looks really attractive to the poor and downhearted. So what can be done to shine the light on this bull? It will be difficult if we cannot demonstrate how they can improve the one life they have right now. Education is only the first step but I think we need to do much more. That is why we need to organize so we can have a positive impact on aspects of society much the way the fundamentalist do but without all the bull. With a real plan to show people they can do it themselves with a little help from their fellow humans who don't rely on supernatural intervention. If we don't organize, the fundies will continue to spread their bizarre ideology without check. I applaud Dr. Dawkins forming the Richard Dawkins Foundation and intend to contribute so that it may become a standard for us in the world. We really do care and are willing to do something to show it. We aren't the bad, selfish, chaotic breed that wants the world to become communists - because that is what most think. We can change that perception and really make a difference.

35. Eugenie Scott on Intelligent Design and Young Earth Creationism

Comment #81461 by HappyPrimate on October 24, 2007 at 7:04 pm

Great talk. I've also heard an interview with Barbara Forrester on the Dover case. I am certainly going to add the upcoming DVD to my collection. Thanks for posting all the talks from the AAI for us who could not attend. Much appreciated.

36. Eddie Tabash at AAI 07

Comment #80977 by HappyPrimate on October 23, 2007 at 7:23 pm

I have not had the opportunity to hear Eddie Tabash before. His talk was fantastic. I can tell you from reading Joe Biden's book that he firmly believes in separation of religion and state and was instrumental in keeping Bork off of the Supreme Court to the point that he had to drop out of running for the presidency to make sure Bork did not get through the senate. While Biden is a catholic, he does not want any religion in government. I think most of the democrats running, if not all, hold this view also. Emails do work on senators as recently Sen. Vitter of Louisiana had to back off a funding request for a faith-based charity he wanted to put through because he was hit with so much email and other communications against it. Even here in RED Louisiana, we can make a difference. Vitter did call us histerical however but it worked and it was not funded. So don't be shy about getting the word out to your senators when the issues come up. And lastly, PLEASE VOTE!!!! It is not only a hard won privilege, it is also our civic duty. Kudos to Eddie.

37. Ayaan Hirsi Ali at AAI 07

Comment #79012 by HappyPrimate on October 15, 2007 at 9:58 pm

Thanks for the posting of this talk. She is a hero of mine. Her book Infidel was so very enlightening. If you have not read it, please do. I have passed my copy to other women and all have said it was fantastic.

38. A problem for Israel's farmers: The seven-year hitch

Comment #74524 by HappyPrimate on September 29, 2007 at 9:18 am

This is simply men reinterpreting the man-made nonsense of thousands of years ago to fit what they want to do. If any of them really and truly believed any of this was fact, then there could be no negotiation of the terms. Since they KNOW it is man-made crape, it is up for re-negotiation and loop-holes can safely be slipped through with no ill effects. It is more like club rules made up a long time ago. They like their club but some of the rules have become cumbersome.

39. There Go The Dinosaurs

Comment #74521 by HappyPrimate on September 29, 2007 at 8:37 am

I had never heard of this guy Chick before so I truly thought the cartoons were satirical in nature and looked for the punch line which never came. Then I realized this is supposed to be used to actually convert people to Xianity! The part about the flood burying the dinos in mud (along with the bad humans) is so incredible. Common knowledge is that no humans have ever been found in the same layers as the dinos. That sort of find would definitely put a crimp in science, but this has never been found. I can't see where this cartoon could stand credibility with anyone but the totally ignorant. Of course that is just the sort of people Xianity is looking for. The gullible ignorant who can be led to believe total nonsense with no evidence. So - guess this might be useful for their cause. So sad.

40. Talking Action Figure Jesus

Comment #73327 by HappyPrimate on September 24, 2007 at 6:41 pm

I sort of like this idea of bible characters as toys. I think this will backfire on the parents that buy them. It puts the notion in their dear little ones heads that these characters are play things and as we all know, when you grow older, you tend to put the toys away. Maybe the next generation will be able to put away religion itself easier and with less stress if it was all just something to play with as a child.

41. New Rules: A Religious Test

Comment #72747 by HappyPrimate on September 22, 2007 at 3:47 pm

Great clip. Bill says it all with such gusto. I like that the percentage is rising.
As for the question of what to put on a medical form, I always put NONE. Not sure if I have been treated any differently than other patients because of that, but I refuse leave it blank. Hopefully they will see more and more NONEs on these forms until the question itself goes away.

42. God Talk on 'The View'

Comment #71872 by HappyPrimate on September 19, 2007 at 8:14 pm

I agree with TheHardProblem. The conversation was leaning toward the truth of science not being able to be ignored. It is a small step, but a step nevertheless. I embraced evolution as a process directed by god before I was able to then drop the god. But I had to read and learn to do so. Most have to take it in steps. I liked that Barbara was positive about what science has to say. Overall, from where I sit now in what I've learned, it was disgusting. But never give up hope. They are at least talking about science as a truth-in-fact.

43. The Bili Apes Are in Trouble!

Comment #71434 by HappyPrimate on September 18, 2007 at 7:02 pm

USA_Limey - You may not be far off. An article on BBC.com tells of a metorite that hit in Peru and is causing severe illness in people and a bull has died. It appears there are gases coming from the impact site. Could there be more of those out there heading our way right now? Maybe, maybe not. BTW I'm with those who feel humans need more humility and empathy for our fellow creatures. But as long as most of us think we were special creations, it's not going to happen.

44. Larry King Interviews Kathy Griffin

Comment #71429 by HappyPrimate on September 18, 2007 at 6:50 pm

I'm sorry I missed the show when it aired. Kudos for Kathy and Sally. Don't be afraid to ridicule religion or unnecessary war when you are given a public platform. Kathy's remarks were so full of truth and it was so obvious that that is what upset Xians. People can be starving around the world but they want to believe a prayer will be answered for their every little whim. Funny as funny can be. Loved it! Great she is getting a lot of mileage out of it as well.

45. Open letter to YouTube video

Comment #70481 by HappyPrimate on September 15, 2007 at 5:22 pm

I am very disappointed in YouTube. What or who caused RichardDawkins.net to be banned?
Normally I do not listen to rap, but if the volume is low and the words are intelligent, it is not too bad.

46. The Atheists Interviews

Comment #69550 by HappyPrimate on September 11, 2007 at 5:12 pm

Being raised in a religion that tells you from craddle on that you will be tempted by the devil to betray your religious beliefs, it is hard to stand up one day and say I don't believe any of it. Like Julia Sweeney, I declared to myself my disbelief and then went back to religion and finally left for good about 30 years ago. I cannot say it was easy and my family has just recently been informed of my non-theist position to their horror. I've lost friends as well. However, I know I will now never go back into fantasy land and love reality and if people around me aren't happy about it, sorry. I've found new friends and am loving this website. It helps to know you are not alone. There are sane people in the universe. I look forward to reading all of the interviews and hope each person will feel welcome to share how and why they came into the light of reason.

47. The Rise of Atheist America

Comment #68971 by HappyPrimate on September 9, 2007 at 10:54 am

The author of this article refers to atheist beliefs as if we have a dogma or ideology which is competing against Xianity. That is misleading and just plain wrong. Claiming Dawkins, Hitchens et al are arrogant and angry is simply voicing what this writer feels as a result of having his fantasy unveiled. He is the one who is angry and arrogant at being confronted with those of us who have for far too long kept silent as his kind marched through demanding all bow down. The books he sites are not angry, they are in-your-face however and the author of this article has no good defense. You cannot defend a falicy, at least not well. So he tells us Dawkins and Hitchens are arrogant and angry. Ha!

48. Court bans Christian cross on private land in public park

Comment #68586 by HappyPrimate on September 7, 2007 at 5:03 pm

There are several private homes in my neighborhood that have religious symbols promiently placed in their front yard (or gardens as they call them in the UK) and I am perfectly fine with that. Also the numerous churches in my city have huge crosses on their property and signs avertizing their programs and services. Again, I'm fine with that. But when they post them on public ground or government owned property, I am NOT fine with that. Public and government property belongs partly to me and to other people who do not suscribe to the Xian religion and it is therefore an affront to us and our Constitution guarantees that we should not be subjected to such. I also must note that should I feel the desire to display an atheist symbol on my private property, I would have to suffer fear of having my house burned and/or bodily harm done to me. How's that for Xian Love!

49. We need a more intelligent religion debate

Comment #68582 by HappyPrimate on September 7, 2007 at 4:30 pm

That article was such utter nonsense, drivel and the most unintelligent thing I have read is quite a while. I hope he is not supposing to head up any sort of line of debate. My eyes are still rolling around in my head. Is he saying that atheists cannot argue their points because there are too many varieties of religion to fill any sort of hole in the falsehoods we explain? What? Has this man ever met a Xian fundamentalist or a Muslim? or an Orthodox Jew? or a Morman? or a Jehovah's Witness?

50. Christopher Hitchens on BookTV

Comment #67531 by HappyPrimate on September 3, 2007 at 6:02 pm

Watched the whole thing twice yesterday on C-Span. It was a very good interview and was truly in-depth on Hitchens. They talked about all his books, current events and his personal life.