551. Atheists want God out of Ky. homeland security

Comment #295970 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 5:04 am

I can't believe you didn't know what a chook is. BWAHAHAHA!

552. Atheists want God out of Ky. homeland security

Comment #295967 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 5:03 am

Stone the crows, strike me dead and starve the lizards! Here I am, flat out like a lizard drinkin', and youse bastards come along palaverin' like you're three poofters short of a parade!

Now, lads and lassies, let's get a grip on things, please?



........Ya bastards.

553. Atheists want God out of Ky. homeland security

Comment #295929 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 4:17 am

Sorry LAURIE. Can't imagine why I thought you were of the feminine inclination, LAURIE. I must have gotten the wrong idea LAURIE from somewhere LAURIE. I wonder why I thought you were a girl. . . LAURIE.

554. Atheists want God out of Ky. homeland security

Comment #295904 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:41 am

Jebus, Evilcor - that was really crook, china. I think you need to borrow my dictionary off Titania. (Sheilahs are female, mate.)

555. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295903 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:39 am

Originally from the Australasian Journal of Philosophy, I think, Alan. (I don't have anything on it handy - just remember it from uni.)

556. Atheists want God out of Ky. homeland security

Comment #295901 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:36 am

Evilcor - you are the duck's guts, fair dinkum, mate.

557. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295896 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:32 am

I'm afraid I'm only up to debating apologists like isthatclear, Alan. Heavyweights like DG are just way too much for my tiny brain ;)

558. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295888 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:23 am

Mark - Mackie's "A Refutation of Morals" is a neat place to start in understanding the vacuity of the idealist/theological argument. I think you'd probably find it on the net - it was written in about 1945 - 46.

559. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295883 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:18 am

I struggled most understanding the Berkeley idealism

560. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295864 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 3:02 am

Dienalos - just read the "Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844" (the so-called "Paris Manuscripts"). Enough ethics in there to last you a lifetime!

Sorry, Mike ;)

561. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #295841 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 1:55 am

Comment #295837 by Brian English

I just refuse to accept ANY prejudice against gays, women, different "races" (a term I can't even stand, Brian). When someone says we should either actively or passively discriminate, and NOT actively work towards the unwinding of that discrimination, I just see red. I'm too old now, and have lived through the second half of the twentieth century seeing a "two steps forward, one step backward" progression of equality, to tolerate bigotry anymore.

562. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #295840 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 1:49 am

Goldy's put up a bunch of photos on his Facebook, Steve. Suggest you go there - he's got a grin from ear to ear in one of them. Little Isabelle's a cracker!

563. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295833 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 1:45 am

Superb, epeeist.

564. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #295829 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 1:43 am

Comment #295825 by Brian English

Neither will I, Brian - that's my final word on the subject, and if Bernstein's too obtuse to see his error, too bad.

565. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #295820 by Laurie Fraser on December 3, 2008 at 1:34 am

Just got in from work, and reading the last couple of pages has made me ask just what is Bernstein's ideological apparatus here. Let me tell you mine, Bernstein. The reason that people stick up for minorities - those who are oppressed, who are denied natural justice, who bear the brunt of the ignorance of backward-looking creeps who wish to select the model of a society that suits their own purposes and prejudices, who are given the short end of the stick when it comes to employment, equality of social rights, and the company and tolerance of broad society, is that we are able to put ourselves in the place of the downtrodden and victimised. And it matters not one whit what the basis of that oppression is: racism, sexism, homophobia or any other disgusting prejudice. We are able to ask "How would I feel if this were happening to me?" The answers to this question provide, for the reasoned mind, a rational imperative that cannot be ignored. We have no rational choice but to stand and say "l AM Spartacus".

566. Richard Dawkins and Aubrey Manning

Comment #295651 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 4:28 pm

This was excellent. Thanks for posting, Josh.

567. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295637 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Nice, ss. *claps*

568. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295596 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Have a great time, Brian. I'm at Byron every Easter for the Bluesfest. It's about the only reason I thank the Lord for being crucified.

569. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295593 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Comment #295588 by secondsoprano

My thoughts, ss - the interweb thing is sometimes a burden for we antipodeans. However, as we live smack bang in the middle of the best coastline in the world, I'll suffer it.

570. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295314 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 4:12 am

Comment #295306 by Quetzalcoatl

A simple diversion tactic, Quetz. Doesn't want to answer my, or your, or Steve's or Phil's, or Decius's, or Diacanu's, or PBUM's, or Mark's, or ..........'s

FUCKING QUESTIONS!

571. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295299 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 3:53 am

Too easy, DG. Now, are you going to answer my question?

572. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #295292 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 3:46 am

Could you elaborate on any of those "truly sublime truths", DG? And, if you'd like, tell us how such truths demonstrate the hand of god?

573. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295289 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 3:41 am

Logicel - I think "fucktopus" is the neologism of the year! All hail the mighty Quetz.

574. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295265 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:51 am

Comment #295259 by robotaholic

Sorry, mate - I was just giving Titania a rev up. We love you too - blue hair and green eyes and all :)

City lights will always muck up your viewing. Grab a pair of decent binoculars, head out to the bush on a nice clear night, and prepare to be amazed. (Better still, come to the southern hemisphere where there are about three times as many stars to see. Awesome.)

575. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295253 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:30 am

i reeely liek this cristopher huthens video - i hope i don't get deleted cuz i repasted it u may or may n/ot have sein it

576. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295249 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:26 am

Sorry, robotaholic; I don't get what you're referring to.

577. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295247 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:23 am

See you, Brian. Save up for a good telescope - it's worth it!

578. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295245 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:19 am

Nice photos, btw, Brian. That's god enough for me! My family has a nice 12" Schmidt Cassegrain, which gives lovely viewing of a variety of objects. The sombrero galaxy is one of my favourites:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.extinctionshift.com/sombrero_galaxy_big.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.extinctionshift.com/SignificantFindings.htm&h=1024&w=1404&sz=74&tbnid=Pi6nDRtAFPsJ::&tbnh=109&tbnw=150&prev=/images?q=sombrero galaxy&usg=__LP0JV8kdPVOacdwaulpYr7dLb_w=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1

Edit: Nice article about gravitational lensing, too.

579. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295243 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:12 am

*sighs* Always a mistake to give a Yank education in the glorious English language, Brian.
*hangs head in shame*

580. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295236 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:08 am

"stukered"? BWAHAHAHAHA! Send that book back immediately, girl.

Stone the fucking crows! What have I created?

581. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295233 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:05 am

"dim sum"??????? Quetz - chuck that straight-jacket to me. You pin her down. Brian - get the tablets.

582. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295227 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 2:03 am

Leave her alone, you blokes - a sheilah has to practise, doesn't she?

583. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295222 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:56 am

Titania - I LOVE YOU!!!!!

584. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295212 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:45 am

You can tell it's Jupiter 'cause it's round and bright, Quetz.

585. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295210 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:42 am

Yep - Jupiter.

586. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295205 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:33 am

epeeist - oh, wow, what stunning photos. Who needs a god when you've got that?

587. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295204 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:30 am

That's a great comment, Titania - "you tell Isabelle her first story about how people all around the world cheered her birth and showered her with good wishes."

Priceless. I hadn't thought of that. I'm so happy for our mate.

thanks, Epeeist - I'll give it a try now.

588. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295195 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:20 am

Can't get that link, for some reason, Epeeist.

Brian - one doesn't need drugs to appreciate the majesty of this:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=VcnBE9kfRTU

589. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295188 by Laurie Fraser on December 2, 2008 at 1:11 am

Comment #295186 by Quetzalcoatl

And playing lots of Zappa!

590. Does Religion Make You Nice?

Comment #295164 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Good on you Goldy, Mrs Goldy and little Isabelle! Much goodness, warm wishes and hugs from Laurie, Chris, Isabel, and Tia Isabel!

591. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294500 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:50 am

Got to hit the hay, folks - goodnight Titania, wp, Quetz, Phil, Decius, Mike, Vaal and DIANELOS!

592. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294495 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:46 am

Time to resurrect the bat, wp.

593. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294490 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:43 am

Comment #294485 by Vaal

Goes without saying, Vaal - after all, cricket was invented by god.

Edit: HUGE win over New Zealand today. Suck on that, 8teist and Goldy!

594. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294484 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:37 am

A tear to the eye, Titania? Damn, woman - you're an atheist. You must show no emotion, haven't you heard? (Actually, I was in heaven when she came in and jumped into my lap; I can't express what she means to me.) Jeebus, what is it with us atheists acting like normal, god-fearing folk? Could it be that our love and nurture of our little ones doesn't actually have anything to do with a sky fairy? Shocking thought, I know.

595. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294479 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:28 am

The Goldys have picked "Isabelle", which just happens to be my mother's middle name, my daughter's first name, and my grand-daughter's middle name. Aren't there enough Isabelles out there? What's wrong with "Gay"?

Quetz - no, I just belted her for being drippy!

596. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294471 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:21 am

Thanks, Titania - I fear the Dublin conference will devolve into a maudlin spectacle of drunken atheists hugging. I saw my grand-daughter today for the first time in a week - the longest time we've been separated. She flew into my arms and cried "Granddad, I've missed you so much!" As an atheist, of course, I have no time for those sorts of emotional shenanigans :)

597. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294464 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:11 am

Tell it like it is, Alan!

598. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294462 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:08 am

Comment #294459 by decius

Excellent, Decius - that makes five of us at Lords. You get to entertain Bernstein!

599. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294460 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:07 am

Mike - yep, sorry, should have explained myself better. I still don't see the distinction, though. I probably meant consciousness as the inherent ability of brain-states to make computational decisions about conscious continuity, etc. In other words, reductionism with flavour. :)

600. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #294458 by Laurie Fraser on December 1, 2008 at 5:00 am

Decius - I haven't forgotten you. "A hug, comrade", remember? Well, Steve is just gonna have to man up and bear it. We new-age Aussie blokes are very cool with the manly hug - that way we can slip a pair of handcuffs on them and cart them off to Lords for the cricket!