1. Black Holes Preceded Galaxies, Discovery Suggests

Comment #314861 by ggab7768 on January 7, 2009 at 3:33 pm

Is a supermassive black hole a combination of 'regular' black holes? Maybe a black hole that has consumed many stars (and/or other such material)?
I really should know this. Never occured to me that I didn't.

2. Ancient African Exodus Mostly Involved Men, Geneticists Find

Comment #312226 by ggab7768 on January 4, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Wrong perspective.
It was a handful of cave-hotties that wandered off looking for a sale on mammoth furs.
Naturally, they were followed by thousands of horny men.
Only those that could fashion stylish but comfortable shoes from ivory and leather were chosen as mates.

3. Origin Of Life On Earth: Simple Fusion To Jump-start Evolution

Comment #305783 by ggab7768 on December 23, 2008 at 3:22 pm

I'm not educated enough to join in this conversation, but I wanted to jump in and say this anyway.
COOL

Now watch my monkey dance!

4. Harun Yahya's Dark Arts

Comment #301068 by ggab7768 on December 13, 2008 at 9:56 am

DamnDirtyApe
Don't worry, Yahya didn't get my 25 bucks.
The money went to someone that was given the book as a joke.
I wish that I could trace the history back to make sure it started as a free copy, but the trail goes cold a little before that point.
Regardless, the seller was reasonable and certainly has no connection to Yahya.

5. Harun Yahya's Dark Arts

Comment #301049 by ggab7768 on December 13, 2008 at 8:58 am

DamnDirtyApe
Twenty five bucks, and worth every penny.
Now i can whip this thing out as proof of how far creationists will go to try to deny science.
Just try to claim that creationism is science when I have this beauty to shove in your face.
The fishing lure is the slam dunk of course.
I may put together an evolution of the fishing lure presentation, just to get a giggle.

6. Harun Yahya's Dark Arts

Comment #301032 by ggab7768 on December 13, 2008 at 8:07 am

I got my copy of Atlas Of Creation the other day.
It is freaking huge!! Even with all the warnings, I was stunned at the size of this beast.
I e-mailed to ask Richard if he would be willing to autograph it for me, but haven't heard anything back yet.
I think that would be hilarious, but outside of the Douglas Adams thing, we don't seem to have a shared sense of humour. I hope he wasn't offended by the request.
At the very least, I intend to go through it with permanent marker and make corrections.

7. Hubble Finds Carbon Dioxide on an Extrasolar Planet

Comment #299948 by ggab7768 on December 10, 2008 at 4:42 pm

Eshto
I would be afraid to guess.
Short and stout makes sense in terms of our structure in stronger gravity.
Who knows what we'll find out there.
I suppose, if height were advantageous, I can't help but think that evolution would find a way.
Anyone with any real knowledge available to answer this one?
What about increased density? Would that allow for height in stronger gravity? Or less density for less gravitational effect?
We need smart people here. I'm unqualified.

8. Here Be Dragons - The Movie

Comment #299307 by ggab7768 on December 9, 2008 at 11:46 am

Decius
I have reason to believe that skep was involved with 9-11.
I'll show you proof as soon as I figure out the new photoshop tools.

9. Here Be Dragons - The Movie

Comment #299303 by ggab7768 on December 9, 2008 at 11:42 am

Okay, let's get specific on this one.

"In ancient times unexplored regions on maps would often be given fearsome legends, like Here Be Dragons."

I saw someone point out that they often used "Here be lions" and that's all I need so let's ignore the rest for now.

Is "Here be dragons" "like" "Here be lions"?
Absolutely it is.

Would "Here Be Lions" be a good title and opening point?
It would be alright, but dragon works much better.
We're all familiar with the phrase and it's got a cool ring to it.
We know it was used. Does it matter what was used more? Does it matter what maps have or have not survived?
It's a good title. It's a good point. It's a phrase we've heard since we were kids, so it catches the eye.
You know what, I love it.

Get over yourself and move on.

10. Here Be Dragons - The Movie

Comment #299298 by ggab7768 on December 9, 2008 at 11:24 am

Apologists for Dunning eh?
I actually never heard of the guy before watching this video, but I'll support him on this.
I mean, at least he's trying to do something useful, perhaps even helpful.
It's not like he's just some whiney stain on a forum trying to pretend he's the only one who really gets it.
How awful would that be? Y'know, to be a useless shit like that.
I'll be looking for your introduction to critical thinking video. I'm sure it will be fantastic.
I'll watch it critically of course.

11. Here Be Dragons - The Movie

Comment #299286 by ggab7768 on December 9, 2008 at 10:57 am

Great video
For those wondering why so many are critical of it, here is my take.
When I helped run nightclubs my boss decided to have a night devoted to goth music. He did it because there were a lot of faithful customers who were goth and didn't have anywhere else to go.
He lost money on that night every week but continued the theme for them.
Week after week, these kids would just complain about anything they could think of.
I tried to tell them that he was willing to lose money as long as they would try to cut him some slack. No matter what, they would just find new things to complain about.
Eventually, we changed the format on that night.
I realized at the time that it wasn't about anything actually being wrong; it was about being goth. If you're goth, nothing is ever right and everyone is always against you. No one ever understands you man.
Some of the people that post here remind me of the goth kids at the club.
It's not so much about Mr. Dunning being wrong.
It's more about an opportunity to be pretentious and whiney.
Of course their free movie that offers an introduction to critical thinking would be much better, just like their nationally released comedy/documentary on religion would be far superior to Bill Maher's.
Of course, there is no evidence to support that hypothesis. Hmmmmm...curious.

12. Odontochelys, a transitional turtle

Comment #295103 by ggab7768 on December 1, 2008 at 7:15 pm

The plastron shows that they spent a significant amount of time on the surface of the water.
Death from below and all.

13. Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson Debate

Comment #295098 by ggab7768 on December 1, 2008 at 7:10 pm

I believe in miracles because miracles happened.
I believe the bible because the bible says to.
Nothing new in that little loop.
I can't understand how they can say such things without shame.

14. Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson Debate

Comment #295024 by ggab7768 on December 1, 2008 at 5:10 pm

I agree that there were missed opportunities, but that will always be the case.
There are noticably fewer missed opportunities than similar debates from a few years ago.
Hitch seems to be just warming up.
He loves the debate and i can't wait for the future refinements.

15. Is Obama the Antichrist?

Comment #286754 by ggab7768 on November 19, 2008 at 10:28 am

They're right. That's not nuts, it's batshit, danger to those around you, bar the doors, hide the children crazy.
I'm still working on my plan to burn the stupid as fuel.

16. Uncertain times for US Religious Right

Comment #285043 by ggab7768 on November 16, 2008 at 3:36 pm

68% of republicans want Palin in 2012.
I would hazzard a guess that 100% of democrats want the same.

17. Islamic Theologian's Theory: It's Likely the Prophet Muhammad Never Existed

Comment #285040 by ggab7768 on November 16, 2008 at 3:32 pm

He's certainly got a pair.
I hope his research is as strong as his commitment.
It's got me curious.

18. Hitchens v Albacete - Excerpts

Comment #285036 by ggab7768 on November 16, 2008 at 3:15 pm

I can't help but feel that the V in the heading wasn't really needed.
I'm a little familiar with this particular friar.
He tends to be unusually sensible.
He has some looney moments but is generally likable and borders on reasonable.
You get the impression that he could toss out his faith any day now.

19. Church Preaches The Music Of Beethoven

Comment #284613 by ggab7768 on November 15, 2008 at 1:44 pm

That is a "movement' I could get behind.
Big fan of the B-guy.

20. Prediction: self-promoting hype meets interdisciplinary ignorance

Comment #282797 by ggab7768 on November 12, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Random???
Blind watchmaker???

Oh my. Are they sure these people are scientists and not scientologists?
They seem to be... lacking.

21. ELECTION DAY IN THE USA. GO VOTE.

Comment #278277 by ggab7768 on November 4, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Another Ohio voter for the socialist, muslin terrorist!!
It would be sweet for Obama to take Ohio. I'll be a little less ashamed of my state.
I propose a new system of one vote per tooth.

22. Fred Phelps's son is an atheist: Running from hell

Comment #277329 by ggab7768 on November 3, 2008 at 12:16 pm

Cerad
When my grandfather used to come home from a late night with the boys and a couple bottles of shine, my grandmother would beat him with a butcher knife. Obviously. she turned it sideways, but I still don't know how she did it so often without an accident.
I'm quite sure Mr. Phelps wasn't swinging as hard as he could with the pick handle, and he probably didn't literally hit him 200 times.
By the way, my grandfather stopped drinking for fifty years. Didn't have a drop until my grandmother passed.
That kinda scare sticks with you a while.

23. Fred Phelps's son is an atheist: Running from hell

Comment #277286 by ggab7768 on November 3, 2008 at 10:31 am

I would hope that Nate is aware of this sight.
It seems as though he needs to do things in his own time, but I'm sure it would help him to know that we all wish the best for him.
My upbringing came nowhere near what his was like. I just can't get my brain around that kind of torment.
That Nate is certainly a strong man, to pull himself away from it. Something to admire.

24. All aboard the atheist bus campaign

Comment #270068 by ggab7768 on October 23, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Sure it's a little wishy-washy, but look at the response.
our strength shines through in the donations.
I hate the "probably" but I love the fact that this is happening at all.
Every time I visit the page and see the new total, I start singing John Lennon songs in my head.
I can't help but feel a little proud of us.

25. Convert or we will kill you, Hindu lynch mobs tell fleeing Christians

Comment #266580 by ggab7768 on October 19, 2008 at 11:16 am

aquilacane
I don't think that's really relevant.
Obviously, forcing someone to convert from one religion to another would be far more difficult.
The rituals actually mean something to believers.
Rationally, we could go through whatever conversion ritual they like and it would mean nothing to us. We could simply cruise through and figure out how to attack it after.
Having said that, I would still go out swinging from the start.
I've always had a bit of a temper.

26. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #266295 by ggab7768 on October 18, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Steve
Now that I've gotten more detail, I think I understand your position quite a bit better.
Not that you've won me over, but I may be able to meet you half way.
Maybe it's the artist in me, or maybe I'm just a stubborn prick.
Probably a little of both.

27. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #266266 by ggab7768 on October 18, 2008 at 1:50 pm

infuriated
Actually, it wasn't really anyone here that got my panties in a bunch. I came to the site in a bad mood from another site and spouted off in an emotional way.
When I came back to this thread, it seemed to have started what I thought was an interesting conversation, so I decided to wait it out and see what others had to say.
Since the conversation has drifted to King Kong, my fun is over and I can fess up to being a little bitch now.lol
You see, I'm an antikongist so I can't really take any of this seriously.
Sorry if I offended you InfuriatedSciTeacher, I was just venting.
I do, however, stand by my later statements. I still think the imaginative leaps can not only be intriguing, but also essential to discovery.

28. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #265963 by ggab7768 on October 17, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Nothing more American that APPLE pie!!
...except maybe creationism...okay, bad example.

AHAH!! An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

29. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #265917 by ggab7768 on October 17, 2008 at 2:13 pm

cerad
"Why would anyone argue this? Oranges are clearly superior."

Do you agree that Arthur C. Clarke helped to make ORANGES interesting and accessible?
I look at it the same way. There is certain poetic licence involved, but it is fascinating and APPLEISH in it's approach.
Great ORANGEists are also great APPLEists in that great ideas begin with what can best be described as APPLEistic leaps in thought. Grand ideas always play a part in grand ORANGES.
If you want dry APPLES, grab a textbook.

Wasn't sure if that would come out as funny as I hoped. I think the "dry apples" part saved it.

30. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #265908 by ggab7768 on October 17, 2008 at 1:45 pm

P.S.
"I disagree. I think Kaku does harm to popularising science because he doesn't popularise facts, but wild ideas that bear no relation to real science, and the limits of our current understanding."

Maybe it's just my perspective, and I'm not trying to be snippy, but I think Einstein scowl at you for this statement.
Weren't his ideas wild? Didn't they reach beyond the "limits of our current understanding"?
Let me know if you think I'm wrong, but I've always looked at great scientists as taking big artistic leaps. That's what's great about they're ideas.

P.S.S.
150 years later, thanks to genetics, "our current understanding" is catching up with Darwin's leap.

31. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #265903 by ggab7768 on October 17, 2008 at 1:38 pm

Hi Steve
Do you agree that Arthur C. Clarke helped to make science interesting and accessible?
I look at it the same way. There is certain poetic licence involved, but it is fascinating and artistic in it's approach.
Great scientists are also great artists in that great ideas begin with what can best be described as artistic leaps in thought. Grand ideas always play a part in grand science.
If you want dry facts, grab a textbook. Kaku is spurring the imagination here. How can you think that's bad?

32. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Comment #265883 by ggab7768 on October 17, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Michio Kaku is a fantastic voice in the cause of popularizing science and making it accessible for the average citizen.
You guys can go on nitpicking how he chooses to state things all you like. He'll continue doing good without you.
This is the kind of pretentious bullshit that has kept me from commenting on these articles lately.
Get over yourselves.

33. Leading geneticist Steve Jones says human evolution is over

Comment #262026 by ggab7768 on October 7, 2008 at 8:34 pm

This is one of those subjects (there are many) that I have to rely on others for.
I'm only really beginning to understand evolution on any real level.
This article is being absolutely shredded on other blogs.
Can't seem to find anyone who has found anything valid in it.
These guys are destroying every point made in the article.

34. Big Bang or Big Bounce?: New Theory on the Universe's Birth

Comment #261762 by ggab7768 on October 7, 2008 at 10:29 am

Dude!!
gurgle...drool...gurgle...
I love this stuff.
The bounce theories have been around for ages in one form or another.
This is some exciting stuff here.
We is learnin'.

35. Dawkins: a theologian's perspective

Comment #261312 by ggab7768 on October 6, 2008 at 4:47 pm

Thanks Mitchell

Immediately subscribed to that guy.
Great stuff!

36. Dawkins: a theologian's perspective

Comment #261123 by ggab7768 on October 6, 2008 at 1:01 pm

OH YOUR GOD!

"However, there remain a number of questions. For example, several philosophers have pointed out that it is hard to imagine human language appearing through a simple process of genetic evolution. Evolutionary process would normally expect a new ability to have appeared one individual first: however, it is impossible for language to be individual - it has to involve at least two people who converse together."

He can't really believe this makes sense can he?
THE STUPID!! IT BURNS!!

Does he think we're saying that a cave man suddenly perked up one day after an entirely silent life and said "Well, that sabretooth cat is certainly giving me a curious look."
What kind of people are convinced by this garbage?

37. Bill Maher's Religulous Opens Today

Comment #260633 by ggab7768 on October 5, 2008 at 7:20 pm

I'm going to re-post the same thing I posted on the Pharyngula forums because some of you guys are just killing me here. I hope it pisses some of you off.



I'm going to see it again tomorrow with friends and I'm buying it on dvd.

Sorry if some of you think it may not be perfect.
Maybe just not as good as your nationally released rational observations on religion huh?
"God" forbid someone with some real fame to draw off of tries to help our cause in such a big way without asking us exactly how he should handle it first.
What a jackass that Bill Maher is.
Maybe we should give our money to the church instead.

I wonder why people think atheists are arrogant and whiney?

38. Bill Maher's Religulous Opens Today

Comment #260200 by ggab7768 on October 4, 2008 at 10:09 pm

That creepy Kirk Cameron film is a little ahead of it though.
Are you guys gonna let Ray Comfort win?
Didn't I hear that Kirk brought in his wife to double for certain scenes so that he wouldn't have to kiss a woman he wasn't married to?
That kind of action should be punished.lol

39. Bill Maher's Religulous Opens Today

Comment #260156 by ggab7768 on October 4, 2008 at 7:10 pm

I'm going back to see it again tomorrow with some friends.

40. Bill Maher's Religulous Opens Today

Comment #260154 by ggab7768 on October 4, 2008 at 7:06 pm

This movie is well worth seeing. I laughed out loud several times.
Get over the catty bullshit and throw a few dollars toward free expression.

I now totally get the "herding cats" thing.
What?... see my cause furthered AND be entertained?
Pfft! I don't think so.

How many of you spent money seeing any of the Matrix flicks and pretended they were culturally relevant?
Maybe you just get off on being demonized and held down.
GET THE HELL OFF THE CROSS AND GO TO THE THEATER!

41. Earliest reference describes Christ as 'magician'

Comment #258077 by ggab7768 on October 1, 2008 at 12:06 pm

All your sins are forgiven.
TA-DA!!!

42. Do We Live in a Giant Cosmic Bubble?

Comment #257987 by ggab7768 on October 1, 2008 at 10:11 am

Ummm....
Me like big words and sciency stuffs.
Some of this is over my head, but I think I'm getting it. I love that you cats are always here to help.
Thanks you big brained bastards (bows and kisses many rings).

43. Respect for religion now makes censorship the norm

Comment #257529 by ggab7768 on September 30, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Pre-order complete.
Scrape together your pennies guys, this cause is bigger than us. Make the bravery of the publishers mean something.
Put your money where your mouth is.
Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk.
Uh.. additional tired phrases. You get the point.

44. Pullman defiant over US protests against Northern Lights

Comment #257413 by ggab7768 on September 30, 2008 at 11:52 am

V'Ger
The third Matrix was my favorite.
I went to the Matrix films looking for fun and flash.
Just couldn't get my brain around the goth kids gathered in discussion groups outside the theater.
My friends and I had several discussions after seeing Jacob's Ladder years ago, but I still feel that was a more deserving film.
Maybe I'm just getting old.
Even if I found the themes of the matrix deep (didn't) or the ideas original (didn't), I still feel it is best to never have a discussion about a movie that stars Keanu Reeves.
You're just begging for lobes to drop off your brain.

45. The God Delusion's cameo in season premiere of 'Family Guy'

Comment #256694 by ggab7768 on September 29, 2008 at 11:16 am

There was an episode a few years back where Peter finds out that he is technically retarded.
If you pay close attention, when the doctor is showing him his test scores on a chart, he scores below the "retarded" line, and above the "creationist" line.
Love that scene.
The episode is called "Petarded" if anyone wants to look it up.

46. Origins - The BIG Questions: 2008 Skeptics Society Conference

Comment #255313 by ggab7768 on September 27, 2008 at 9:40 am

It is a fact that the TF has injected some much needed money into some much needed areas.
You have to understand the good that they have done. The problem is that they have an agenda to advance and that their money is working to that agenda.
Has Shermer been bought? All I can say is that it is my opinion that he has.
It's a pity, but seems true from my perspective.
Purchasing souls from the soulless is one of their goals, and will always be attainable to some degree.
Money makes the world go round.
I think that the tough part is going to be believing Shermer to be an honest "skeptic" after having been so publicly purchased.
Good luck to Michael with his inherited agenda.
I hope he knows what he's doing.

47. Christian review of the Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing

Comment #253574 by ggab7768 on September 24, 2008 at 3:15 pm

I'm thrilled with the article, and the attitude.
I wonder if it will affect those that need it most.

48. Jewish 'ultras' defend morals with menace

Comment #251530 by ggab7768 on September 21, 2008 at 2:56 pm

Pious Riots was one of the best metal bands of the 80's.

49. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251528 by ggab7768 on September 21, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Enlightenment
HA!! It's welcome to stay?
That's fantastic. Spiders are actually great to have around because the sort of take care of other bugs, but I don't know if he/she will do much good left in the fridge.

50. When Atheists Attack

Comment #251526 by ggab7768 on September 21, 2008 at 2:50 pm

I'm sure I've got it around here somewhere.
I have trouble pealing myself away from the 9th.
Don't get me wrong, I listen to rock also, but man that 9th is powerful.