Comments by Nails

1. Astronomers Aim to Grasp Mysterious Dark Matter

Comment #308523 by Nails on December 30, 2008 at 3:09 am

8. Comment #308141 by gazzaofbath on December 29, 2008 at 2:21 pm

@Nails
There are several lines of evidence to indicate strongly that there is more matter in a galaxy than can be measured via luminous matter (eg bright stars) and several options for this 'dark matter' exist. The current favourite is a new form of sub-atomic particle. I used to favour a modification of gravity over long distances but that doeesn't seem to work.

Just because we cannot measure it, doesn't mean it's not there.
But it also does not mean that it is there.

I'm still sceptical, on the face of it I would still assert that the model may be wrong - however unikely this is because it seems to be right on virtually everything else.

2. Astronomers Aim to Grasp Mysterious Dark Matter

Comment #308149 by Nails on December 29, 2008 at 2:36 pm

Thanks for the info and links guys.

It's not that I'm just sceptical, but the article is not very well written (IMHO).

Looks like I have a bit of reading to do....

3. Astronomers Aim to Grasp Mysterious Dark Matter

Comment #308081 by Nails on December 29, 2008 at 11:43 am

Dark matter can't be seen. Nobody even knows what it is. But it must be there, because without it galaxies would fly apart.

I'm not a physicist, so please correct me if I'm wrong: but that seems like circular reasoning to me.
If your model of the universe requires something that has not been seen or otherwise detected, is it possible that your model is wrong?

4. Wanted: More science and math teachers in the US

Comment #308079 by Nails on December 29, 2008 at 11:38 am

I wish they would offer some finalcial inentives to train to teacscience in the UK.

I would love to change jobs - teaching is what I originally wanted to do but financial pressures forced me to abandon doing a PGCE after my degree.

And as for now, how can I train in a new job with a mortgage to pay?

But I hope this scheme works - good science teachers are in short supply, and a shortage is what leaves people with a life-long fear of science.

Especially if the poor bugers are taught by a non-scientific teacher (ie creationist....)

5. For scholars, a combustible question: Was Christ real?

Comment #308055 by Nails on December 29, 2008 at 11:06 am

An interesting article, but nothing new unfortunately.

The results stunned – and angered – millions. The scholars decided Jesus uttered just 31 sayings, or 18 per cent of what is attributed to him in the Bible. A similar rate was found for the deeds ascribed to him: Just 29 of 176 acts were certain or likely.

The Seminar also rejected the very foundations of Christianity: There was no virgin birth, no resurrection or transfiguration, and Jesus performed no miracles. He was little more than an itinerant Jewish sage who preached a social gospel using parables and aphorisms.

The truth hurts, doesn't it?
The sooner these guys (the general population that is) wake up and smell the coffee, the better for us all.

he project aims to examine and date all relevant sources – not just the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but also the Dead Sea Scrolls, found in 1948, and the "lost" or Gnostic Gospels, unearthed at Nag Hamada, Egypt in 1945, and which depict a very different Jesus than the New Testament.

One set of resources I would loveto know more about, if only I had the time and the resources.....

There's one sure thing in a field fraught with uncertainty: This won't be the final word on the subject.

Only if they conclude he didn't exist....

6. Richard Dawkins: On The Big Questions this week

Comment #307178 by Nails on December 27, 2008 at 10:39 am

I agree, it would be nice to take part.

But why is RD billed as 'the renowned atheist' as opposed to a world-renowned evolutionary biologist?

Note that Rose Hudson-Wilkinis billed as Queen's chaplain, and not a renowned theist.

If it were up to me, I would rather be advertised according to hard-earned titles rather than contemptious comments used to display a contrast among the guests, as if they were expecting trouble....

7. Most 'do not believe in nativity'

Comment #304569 by Nails on December 21, 2008 at 10:19 am

"Jesus was born while Augustus was emperor of Rome just before Herod died... we're talking about events that are anchored in real history not in ancient Greek myths."

Nice one Simon, and even if you could reference that and back it up with fact, it is still a million light years away from the son of an alleged god walking around.

One interesting point, god only wrote one thing down - the ten commandments. After seeing circa 2,000 years of his teachings being abused by his chosen people, would he not have learned a lesson and started writing the important stuff down?

But those early Jews must have been really dumb.
1st time they turn their back on god he floods the world and kills nearly all of them. Then he resues them from slavery with some pretty unsavoury punishments - and let's not forget Sodom....

How many times do they need reminding?

8. Jimmy Carr on Richard Dawkins

Comment #304565 by Nails on December 21, 2008 at 10:05 am

Nice one Jimmy, welcome to the winning team.

I used to be a quiet tolerant atheist as well, but it is futile really.

Had a lot of laughs this weekend going to work in my new God Dilusion t-shirt - some of the reactions have been priceless.

9. Earth Not Center Of The Universe, Surrounded By 'Dark Energy': Cosmologists Report

Comment #303856 by Nails on December 19, 2008 at 2:14 pm

The thing that always made me laugh about this 'centre of universe' idiocracy is that there is nothing special about being in the centre.

If there was, would our brains or even our hearts be in the centre of our bodies?

Would we live in the centre of the earth instead of on the surface?

And hence shouldn't a statue of Jesus/Yahweh/Whatever bein the centre of a church, and not on the back wall?

10. How to stop creationism gaining a hold in Islam

Comment #300537 by Nails on December 12, 2008 at 3:27 am

Personally, I don't think that evolution leads directly to atheism.
It is a major piece of the jigsw puzzle for sure, but history, archaeology and the bible itself is enough counter evidence to dismiss religion.

Looking back, I think my personal turning point was being slappeed in church by my gran as a teenager for asking why god needed money.
That single event raised more doubt for me than any single piece of evidence because really evolution just reduces Genesis 1 & 2 to mythology or allogary rather than literal word of god.

11. Odontochelys, a transitional turtle

Comment #294829 by Nails on December 1, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Thanks PZ, I read this article a day or so ago and I feel so much more informed having read your opinions on it.

How lucky we should consider ourselves not just to be able to access such research, but also for learned men such as PZ to share his insights and knowledge with us for no cost and no personal gain.

12. God No!

Comment #294812 by Nails on December 1, 2008 at 12:07 pm

23. Comment #294515 by Sally Luxmoore on December 1, 2008 at 6:09 am

Listening to this just makes me realise yet again how very different the US is from the UK. There would just not be this kind of upset over here. If they ran the same poll (who would you NOT want your son / daughter to marry) I am absolutely certain that atheists would hardly figure on the list at all. It's just not something that bothers people over here.
-- Thank Goodness!

Although not directly answering your question...
I recently read a yougov poll that shows: 20% of the UK regularly/occasionally prctice the faith they were born in, 21% rarley practice it, 36% do not practice their faith, 3% have changed faith, and 19% were not born into any faith.

This I find extremely encouraging.

I can't find a link to the survey but i will happily email you a copy if you PM me. Note that there is only one question on religion, but a couple on climate change which are also encouraging: 48% of people think climate change is happening and is a direct consequence of human activity. 65% would also change their mind if convincing facts were produced.

Just to stick another finger up at the US, 59% of us brits think that gay couples should be able to marry and have the same legal status as straight marriages - only 18% think that gay couples should not marry at all.

At this point, I would like to point out to moderators/admin that the survey is copyright of yougov plc and reproduced without permission.

13. How to sell science to the Big Brother generation

Comment #293956 by Nails on November 30, 2008 at 12:17 pm

3. Comment #293947 by True Unbeliever on November 30, 2008 at 11:47 am

What about a social networking site that poses simple scientific problems for users to collaborate and solve. Some supporting material could be provided withthe problem and people could work it out. The solutions that they eventually find would explain certain scientific concepts and those that succeed could move on to the next level and so on. Just thinking out loud

There are many such forums, on here and on faith-based forums.
What you tend to find is scientists or those of science-based knowledge provide evidence and citations to support their arguments, and theists just wave their hands and post scripture.
Shame, it's a great idea but I can't see it working. Too many mindless cretins will swamp it with irrelevant and outdated dogma.

14. Just a little jab, won't hurt

Comment #289235 by Nails on November 23, 2008 at 10:54 am

Nice one.

Anti religious vaccine would be errr.... a god send, really.

But they'll just find something else to winge about, must be a unifying theme to increase numbers or moral or something - like the old woman next door who has to complain about something, no matter what.

There's always something to complain about......

15. Puncturing the Acupuncture Myth

Comment #286259 by Nails on November 18, 2008 at 12:12 pm

So, when a trained medic performs acupuncture on you and tells you it works, is ancient etc. then he is not just lying, he is being fraudulent and incompetent?

Get me the number of a lawyer, I'm off to see my doctor....

16. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #280476 by Nails on November 7, 2008 at 3:04 pm

Maybe atheism is different in the UK because I give blood regularly (for nothing), I give a little to charity and I am as happy as anyone I know, if not happier.

So the question that I need answering from this article is why are American atheists so bloody miserable?

Does it have more to do with the know-it-all religious freaks that dominate the landscape?

17. Bad Faith Awards 2008: Vote now

Comment #279853 by Nails on November 6, 2008 at 1:29 pm

I voted for Oktar.

The pictures from his book made Palin look quite sensible in my opinion.

And in all reality, the others are just harmless crackpots with more power and air time than any civilised world should ever allow.

But Oktar has money as well, and that makes him really dangerous - especially when he pays his lawyers.

18. A slow but certain demise

Comment #274904 by Nails on October 30, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Comment #274843 by a non e-moose

If you really are an atheist, what on earth is there to feel guilty about in declaring yourself as such'

15. Comment #274845 by Ian Bamlett on October 30, 2008 at 12:33 pm

I don't see to much guilt on this website. :-)

Maybe that's why we appear to be a bunch despised by so many in the curch, as they are constantly tortured with their fear of hellfire and sin; being able to look but not touch (and still have to repent).

It makes me wonder why they bother at all.

19. The Joke's on Him: Bill Maher could use a lesson in civility from Michael Moore

Comment #265417 by Nails on October 16, 2008 at 4:29 pm

Just makes me wanna watch it all the more.....

20. Atheist group sues Bush over national prayer day

Comment #260177 by Nails on October 4, 2008 at 8:11 pm

I understand the conflict with the first ammendment, my point was more along the lines of why do they need a national prayer day?

But yes, to give an inch is to concede a mile.

I guess I'm just not thinking straight today....

Sorry!

21. Opiate of the masses - and evolutionary aid

Comment #260150 by Nails on October 4, 2008 at 6:46 pm

Religion has prospered because it fosters ignorance and creates a framework for social control.

Hence the 'ruling class' have always been able to 'put the fear of god' into the little people and keep them in check.

Unfortunately in some parts of the civilised world, this still happens.

15. Comment #260122 by qomak on October 4, 2008 at 5:06 pm

I'm not a biologist but doesn't existence of ceremonially buried Cro-Magnon's imply the "goofy" beliefs are actually very old?

Either that or they clicked on to the fact that scavengers will eat their dead or dying relatives. Which, except for the mother-in-law, might not be a nice sight.
Then sprinkle a few flowers on the grave to hide the smell - from them and you.
Also, if these burial grounds where near a settlement, it might help to keep the foxes and wolves away.

* note - I do appreciate that many ancient burial sites have been far away from any known settlements, so maybe some 'goofy' ideas about spirits have been around a very long time or scavengers were attracted to the inhabited areas, possibly for available food etc.*

22. Atheist group sues Bush over national prayer day

Comment #260149 by Nails on October 4, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Whilst it is wrong to legislate againt non-believers, isn't this just being a bit silly?

For me, they can have their national prayer day, just don't expect me to join in. I'll be the one stood at the back laughing at ya all.

That said, they have a prayer day every bloody Sunday, Christmas and Easter so what the hell else do they want?

23. Bill Maher's Religulous Opens Today

Comment #259354 by Nails on October 3, 2008 at 9:33 am

I really want to see this too. I tried to find listings for the UK yesterday but couldn't find anything.

Great artwork, it'll sure fire up a few people.

Wonder if we will see protests against it?

I do hope so, as any publicity is good publicity...

24. Cartoons from Turkey

Comment #255297 by Nails on September 27, 2008 at 8:54 am

Not very witty, but at least it shows that the point is getting across!

25. YouTube Removes Viral Video on Palin's Churches For Inappropriate Content

Comment #248279 by Nails on September 16, 2008 at 2:51 am

Is it just me, or do these people look and act like they are totally stoned?

edit - loved the second vid from NBC!!

26. Have We Ever Faced An Enemy More Stupid Than Muslim Terrorists?

Comment #246950 by Nails on September 13, 2008 at 2:57 pm

23. Comment #246932 by Fanusi Khiyal on September 13, 2008 at 2:35 pm

Correction - these loonies have killed people in England, but they are not anymore.

Excellent article, lets all hope they stay stupid.

27. Knowledge regained

Comment #245738 by Nails on September 11, 2008 at 11:38 am

Pussy-footing around this is not a great tactic.

Creation is wrong, full stop.

And if the Muslims are too child-like to accept this, then tough.

28. Anthropologists Develop New Approach To Explain Religious Behavior

Comment #245216 by Nails on September 10, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Religion also answers questions that children always ask - like where did I come from, why does it rain etc.

My 4 year old wonders why she wasn't made in a factory like her favourite doll.

One sticking point to the closing paragraphs - religion may be used to provide kinship, but they have (in the last few hundred years) become increasingly divisive.

Let's hope they do fade out in time.

29. 'Big Bang' experiment starts well

Comment #245210 by Nails on September 10, 2008 at 12:19 pm

Maybe the press will lay off the scare mongering stories for a while then?

I hope this proves to be a great success, if only to stick two fingers up to those who criticised the use of such large sume of money.

30. Origin of the specious

Comment #244817 by Nails on September 9, 2008 at 1:30 pm

12. Comment #244784 by squinky on September 9, 2008 at 12:52 pm

-- Did the dinosaurs die in the Biblical flood? If so, why didn't Noah take some of them 2 by 2?

Genesis 7 (New International Version)

14 They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. 15 Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark.

(emphasis mine)

What about Archeopteryx?
I really don't know how intelligent people can reconsile such obvious flaws in their worldview without feeling very silly indeed.

31. Face to faith

Comment #243597 by Nails on September 6, 2008 at 10:51 am

The creed makes Christianity the religion of deception. Either you deceive yourself into believing in the virgin birth and the resurrection as literal fact, or you know they are a metaphor, but you mouth the words to deceive the gullible that they must believe them.

Short, sharp and to the point.

The religion of deception, I will rememeber that one.

I only hope that this retired teacher was as forthright in his class - and if so, many others should follow suit.

32. Mammoths moved 'out of America'

Comment #242866 by Nails on September 4, 2008 at 3:40 pm

If the mammoths died out 10,000 years ago, how have they collected DNA samples from 4,000 to 40,000 year old samples?

33. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241567 by Nails on September 2, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Shit, I am really late on this one!!

Sorry Richard, I thought it was really funny. The guy is so quick on his feet and can send anyone up.
But I thought Lori handled it quite well, she knew she was on to a hiding for nothing so played safe by keeping quiet. I would have been tempted to slap him, or at least walk out.

But in all fairness the funniest part is in knowing its a wind up - because theists don't have a good argument, and that really is all there is to it.

34. No atheist burials in Co Donegal

Comment #239310 by Nails on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 pm

Let's think about his rationaly.

Here is a little video (2 mins long) you might find useful:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce0UEb05DXI

35. Kamikaze bacteria illustrate evolution of co-operation

Comment #238653 by Nails on August 28, 2008 at 12:49 pm

150. Comment #237517 by J Mac on August 26, 2008 at 4:12 pm

Great link, thank you.

I will now shut up, I didn't consider it to be anywhere near so high.

36. Museum in censorship row over Darwin sign

Comment #238646 by Nails on August 28, 2008 at 12:42 pm

8. Comment #238639 by NormanDoering on August 28, 2008 at 12:36 pm

You think that's pandering? When I was growing up our local planetarium used to have special "Star of Bethlehem" shows just to rake in the cash from the tickets.

* shakes his head some more *

No way, that's got to be in the good ol' US of A, right?

But hey, we've all seen how stupid religious people are with their money.
Creationist museums, giving to Jesus etc.

37. Museum in censorship row over Darwin sign

Comment #238613 by Nails on August 28, 2008 at 12:15 pm

* hangs his head in shame *

I can't believe that in a civilised society we should have to pander to the opinions and over-sensitivities of the crackpots.

One wonders if this is the same council that advocates 'Muslim only' swimming sessions so they don't have to endure our semi-naked women and we don't get a glimpse at theirs.

Losers.

# edit - maybe they should have written something blasphemous instead, it no longer being a crime and all.... #

38. Manitoba dig uncovers 80-million-year-old sea creature

Comment #238609 by Nails on August 28, 2008 at 12:10 pm

Good work folks, keep these fossils coming!!

I can't get enough of them myself; the more we find the more we learn.

If only it had some 'flesh' on it (for protein extraction & analysis).....

39. Atheism could be science's contribution to religion

Comment #238436 by Nails on August 28, 2008 at 6:47 am

47. Comment #238400 by ColdFusionLazarus on August 28, 2008 at 5:25 am

Does anyone else admire a spiritual person?

I have a deep respect for the Archbishop of York (or for York, as he prefers to be described).
He is one who practices what he preaches and is not afraid to get his hands dirty to raise money for charity - he is also not afraid to speak his mind even in the face of the establishment.

wikipedia.org/John_Sentamu

It is such a shame that his head is full of bullshit, otherwise he would be a top bloke.

40. Porn pastor's wife vows to stand by him

Comment #237531 by Nails on August 26, 2008 at 4:58 pm

81. Comment #237519 by J Mac on August 26, 2008 at 4:18 pm

Yes, but that was all in the other article. I don't think he was making money off of his porn obsession which was the only topic covered in this article

THE wife of fraud pastor Michael Guglielmucci has vowed to try to save their marriage, despite the humiliating revelations of his cancer hoax and pornography addiction.
Speaking exclusively to The Advertiser, Amanda Guglielmucci, 29, defended her husband, who faked a two-year battle with cancer.

"He just went through it �" where it had started, everything in his life as a young kid, the patterns. He was crying, sobbing actually, absolutely sobbing, he just said `I don't have cancer' .

However, she maintained his real symptoms �" vomiting, hair loss and apparent pain �" never gave her reason to suspect otherwise.

Mrs Guglielmucci even quit work to look after her ailing husband. "In the middle of the night he was in so much pain I would put towels in the microwave to try and give him some relief in his back," she said.

However, she never attended doctors' appointments with him, a move she now regrets.

"Before I stopped working to care for him, I was busy, he'd have doctor's appointments when I couldn't be there and he would say `it's fine you don't need to be there'," she said.

"Or I would just drop him off at the hospital."

I think you'll find more references to the ancer hoax than to porn....
But granted, not many.
The title may set the tone, but doesn't always refect the content.

41. Central Texas Man's Death Sentence Upheld Despite Bible In Jury Room

Comment #237524 by Nails on August 26, 2008 at 4:48 pm

in the UK it costs more to keep someone in maximum security jails than it does to stay at the London Hilton - so how come the US can house its inmates so cheaply?

Oh yeah, no European Human Rights act which basically prevents us from disciplining inmates in fear of breaching their friggin' human rights.

For example, the mass-prostitute slayer known as the Yorkshire ripper attempted to use said act as a route to freedom, claiming that not been given a release date breached his human rights.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/7400324.stm

Funny how such legislation becomes used to feed the legal profession...

42. Porn pastor's wife vows to stand by him

Comment #237518 by Nails on August 26, 2008 at 4:15 pm

I'm not the least bit concerned with his addiction to internet porn - I may be borderline on that one myself!!

;-)

The key point for me about his article and why it is relevant is he lied for himself, right in the face of all the teachings of his beloved book.

Lied to sell more records, lied to gain sympathy and he lied to gain popularity for his church (or to gain more popularity for himself - it matters little).

The man is a liar.

And when you stand up on a pulpit and say to those who seek your guidance that these are the rules you have to follow - then blatantly disregard them for your own benefit?

The sad thing about it all for me though is that he sought medical attention for his non-existant cancer.
Surely he would have seen fit to rely on prayer for a cure?

43. Kamikaze bacteria illustrate evolution of co-operation

Comment #237511 by Nails on August 26, 2008 at 3:55 pm

106. Comment #235727 by D'Arcy on August 23, 2008 at 12:46 pm

JoMo witch doctor of Istanbullshit thinks he's insulting us by calling us "worms". Well, I for one, am proud to share quite a lot of my dna with such creatures, (someone, I'm sure will state the percentage).

111. Comment #235734 by BillySands on August 23, 2008 at 12:55 pm

D'arcy, from memory, the figure is 70%.

With all due respect to my learned friend, I think 70% is a little high for an annnelid!
I am not certain of this however, it just doesn't seem to make much sense.
Bearing in mind that nearly half of human DNA is 'junk' of viral origin....
I do know however that we share some key genes such as cytochrome c and immune system genes, in particular with regards to viral responses.

44. Porn pastor's wife vows to stand by him

Comment #237433 by Nails on August 26, 2008 at 1:16 pm

Mrs Guglielmucci even quit work to look after her ailing husband. "In the middle of the night he was in so much pain I would put towels in the microwave to try and give him some relief in his back," she said.

Ouch, and I thought too much masturbating made you go blind.........

45. Richard Dawkins Lecture at UC Berkeley

Comment #232059 by Nails on August 17, 2008 at 2:39 pm

Another point for the side of reason.

Just like a good vintage wine....

46. The HMS Beagle Project

Comment #228630 by Nails on August 12, 2008 at 9:50 am

But can you imagine what the reaction will be if the ship hits bad weather and/or sinks?

Don't get me wrong, I would love to be on the voyage too, such a monumental acheivment should be celebrated in every way possibly (including a bank holiday - Darwin Day!!!).

I just would hate to see a natural disaster being used as religious propaganda - but in fairness they often are (unless a church is hit by lightening etc...)

47. Neanderthal DNA Shows They Rarely Interbred With Us Very Different Humans

Comment #227182 by Nails on August 9, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Hopefully this figure of 660,000 years will be backed up by the findings of the whole genome sequencing, as it seems to fit with current thinking on the divergence of early humans.

It would be interesting to see what genetic similarities with modern humans come out from this further reseach.

48. Embracing goodness, without God

Comment #223780 by Nails on August 3, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Go Canada!!

Long way to go before the 43% are toppled, but the seeds have been sown.

Unfortunately the article follows the old-fashioned prejudice that useing the term atheist is somehow shocking or disturbing.

Like humanist is any better.....

49. Evangelically Serious Science

Comment #223763 by Nails on August 3, 2008 at 11:32 am

4oD will have it after tansmission; but the instructions state it is for UK & Eire residents.

Not sure how they check, maybe you could just change the coutry settings on your PC?

If anyone wants to try the software is available here:

http://www.channel4.com/4od/get4od/index.jsp

And I am sure to buy the DVD as well, sounds really good.

50. On TV: The Genius of Charles Darwin: Presented by Richard Dawkins

Comment #223534 by Nails on August 2, 2008 at 4:29 pm

For all of those who arn't in the UK, there is a very good chance that this will be available on c4 on demand for limited-time download:

http://www.channel4.com/4od/index.html

Maybe not straight away, I think it should be there after tranmission and available for a couple of weeks after that.