1. Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

Comment #146145 by FSM? on March 18, 2008 at 5:09 pm

One of the great visionaries.

This link seems appropriate for today:

http://indexed.blogspot.com/2008/03/he-knew-science-fiction-didnt-have-to.html

2. Poll finds more Americans believe in devil than Darwin

Comment #92285 by FSM? on November 30, 2007 at 8:21 am

Very disturbing findings, but unfortunately not a surprise. How can more rational thinking become a part of the US mainstream...?

Although I'm very glad to see the efforts of freethinkers and rationalists building quite a momentum lately, the task of relegating superstition to our past is obviously going to be a massive undertaking in the US, let alone in other parts of the world.

3. A Brief History of Disbelief

Comment #35671 by FSM? on April 28, 2007 at 7:16 am

I saw this series online - including the additional interviews - and found it very good. Glad to see it will be getting some airtime on TV here in the US, although from the site above it looks like a very limited release.

4. Here Comes the Fourth Musketeer.

Comment #33707 by FSM? on April 21, 2007 at 9:24 am

I am disappointed in the perceived need (no doubt pressure from the publishers in the US) to tip-toe around religion with regard to the covers on TGD and now Hitchens' book in the US. Why not use a similar emphasis as with the UK versions?

Obviously book covers vary from country to country, but in these cases it seems obvious that there is an attempt being made not to 'offend'.

RD has also stated his dissatisfaction with his TV series being named 'Root of ALL Evil', but the TV company were not willing to accept an alternative.

Naturally it is great to have these books and resources available in bookshops where those who really ought to read them may pick them up, but I can't help but feel a disservice is being done with the way they are being presented in the US in particular.

5. Richard Dawkins: Author of the Year!

Comment #28273 by FSM? on March 28, 2007 at 3:24 pm

Congratulations to Richard! Hopefully now TGD will get similar recognition on this side of the pond!