1. Pedal power takes Islamic shape in Iran

Comment #42102 by solera on May 17, 2007 at 3:52 pm

Jenin said "To associate Iranian and Muslim individuals with terrorism and violence in this manner is hateful and racist."

The article did not refer to 'bicycles for individuals who may happen to be Muslim'. It says "Islamic bicycles". Which group, if any, first comes to your mind when you hear the word 'terrorist'?

I'm also a long-time cyclist, which is what caught my attention. Imagine seeing a 'burka-bike' coming toward you at a checkpoint...

2. Pedal power takes Islamic shape in Iran

Comment #42040 by solera on May 17, 2007 at 2:05 pm

The trick will be finding a concealing material that doesn't significantly impede outgoing shrapnel...

3. Understanding Genetics - Daniel Dennett Interview

Comment #25162 by solera on March 10, 2007 at 2:56 pm

The expected clarity, and an unexpected candidate for a collective term - "sifters". I like it. (from part 2) It's definitely a 'new' term, with little baggage or pretention. Any other atheist/non-theists that like this term ?

"What's your religion ?" - I'm a sifter. We let all the available information and facts flow through the best filters, and look at the results.

Not as controversial as 'bright', yet more positive than 'atheist' ??

Regardless, fun stuff.

4. The Current: Part 3: The Religious Right

Comment #21455 by solera on February 9, 2007 at 8:50 am

It was refreshing to hear someone within the moderate religious masses raise the flag on the scary thought of fundamentalist 'dominionism' as he calls it. His position may help to get more people to see the dangers ?

5. In defense of atheism

Comment #19304 by solera on January 26, 2007 at 7:01 am

Well written article. Here's a link to the actual piece, which seems to differ only in the challenge at the bottom.
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/columnists/story.html?id=bb574c98-cb56-4291-baf1-c98716dd0436

6. Creationism Song

Comment #17658 by solera on January 15, 2007 at 10:23 am

Everyone recognizes the power of 'group dynamics', 'mass hysteria', etc. What I find deeply reassuring is that many of 'us' have experienced similar dynamics, even at a young age, and still understood what was going on.

We intrinsically knew that there was more to the picture than was being shown to us. This particular example could easily create more dissention, than unity, among the stout idiotists.