901. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283562 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Brian - I have excellent driving skills, especially in the non-avoidance of kangaroos.

902. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283558 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:06 pm

Comment #283546 by Goldy

I think it's a good idea for the Antipodean branch to have a meeting in Australia before the big event in Dublin. It'll give me valuable practice time. Which pub, Brian?

903. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283542 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Comment #283538 by Brian English

Yeah, Brian - he might even meet up with Dubya there. I heard he didn't know the difference. Once, when I was in the U.K., I ran into a couple of American tourists. When I told them I was from Australia, the guy congratulated me on my command of English!

904. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283536 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:56 pm

The 10th, wp - Quetz is correct. I'll be coming into Dublin on the 9th from Germany. The conference has been organised by us - it's not an "official" Dawkins bash.

Excellent that you'll be there. That's great news. So far, I think about a dozen or more have put their hands up for it. Unfortunately, isthatclear can't make it.

905. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283519 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:44 pm

I might possibly bring some water along for that, as well. Plus a hat to protect me from the sunshine. I'm thinking a trilby.

906. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283516 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:41 pm

wp - July 9, next year - Dublin. A formidable bevy of the RD crew will assemble for a conference to discuss the pressing issues of reason and godlessness in an unreasonable and godly world. And we'll be knocking back the equivalent of the Irish GNP in Guinness. Be there!

907. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283511 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:38 pm

Ya gotta love New Zealanders, mate - a fearless race. At a time of global financial meltdown, who do they elect as prime minister? A merchant banker.

908. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283507 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:35 pm

One of those scientists who courageously submits himself to the experimental method in the interest of knowledge. I dips me lid, son. Besides, you'll need to be fully hydrated for the Simpson Desert crossing.

909. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283498 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Comment #283496 by Quetzalcoatl

Hmm... sounds like the experimental trial will be Dublin 09, Quetz.

910. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283497 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Thanks, wp - I try.

Goldy - explains your vote for the conservatives, then. :) :)

911. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #283490 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:20 pm

I thought Al's condition was classified as "Fuck you."

912. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283042 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 4:12 am

Titania - "glorious" is the correct word. Trust me - I teach English.

913. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283041 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 4:09 am

Titania - you tell 'em, girl! Mike - you have no choice now (see where that denial of free will leads, buddy?)

Titania - it has to be "IRATE", surely? (Which means that Irate, himself, will have no excuse but to front up.)

914. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283037 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 4:01 am

No, it annoys the fuck out of me too, Quetz. For idiots like Green to arrogate to themselves the right to pester booksellers to cave in to their neanderthal notions makes me puke.

915. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283031 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:41 am

PBUM - thanks for the link - how disgusting is this?

916. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283025 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:18 am

No need for floaties, though!

917. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283023 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:14 am

Yep. On our last trip, we both kept a comprehensive diary. Be aware that what you will see of Australia will be 90% sand :)

(From all accounts, though, the big deserts of the Centre are some of the most remarkable features in the world.)

918. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283019 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:08 am

Comment #283014 by MPhil

Tell them to get fucked, Mike - you've got more important things on that week, and if they have any interest in discovering a few new and awesome ideas in philosophy, they can just put it back a week.

All I can say is: Guinness? Master's? Easy!

919. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283018 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 3:02 am

As you say, Quetz - it's a big trip. Phenomenally big. We were going to limit it just to the two of us, but I'm figuring that a third person would offer extra security in tough times (you just don't know what you will face out there, and I won't deny there's an element of danger in it.) But I was thinking that a "third voice", especially one that had no experience of the outback, might be valuable. We intend to film the trip, and I'm planning on a book to accompany it. Let's talk about it seriously in Dublin.

920. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283009 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:48 am

Quetz - you're a very good boy! BTW, Leigh and I are planning a big adventure, driving straight across the middle of Australia, from Sydney to Broome, in 2010. You up for it? I'd love to have a writer of your stature come along.

921. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283003 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:39 am

Mike - have you been hiding???? The great RDnet shindig - Dublin, July 09 - come on, man; your presence is REQUIRED!

922. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #283001 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:36 am

Quetz - when you come down under, there are certain cultural activities that are inescapable. I suggest you use the Guinness training to your advantage.

OK - I'll boil the billy for you, occasionally.

923. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #282993 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:17 am

Comment #282982 by AllanW

Allan - Titania seems to be taking the organisational reins on this one - suggest you PM her.

P.S. "Guinness fuelled" seems like a wonderful incentive, IMHO :)

924. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #282991 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 2:13 am

Mike - I'm very acquainted with Vai. However, I'm not a fan, as you are. Vai, to me, is a wonderful, workmanlike musician - I mean, let's face it; the guy's a virtuoso. But I'm not as convinced as you are of his imagination and inventiveness. There are many other guitarists I consider "great" before Vai. Perhaps you and I will have a collegial discussion about this subject on your blog or mine, eh?

925. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #282978 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 1:48 am

As a by the way, how many of you are going to Dublin to meet the glorious Titania?



... and me?

926. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #282977 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 1:43 am

Comment #282971 by AllanW

Sorry, Carto - purely for your own benefit, I take back everything I said. (Thanks, Allan.)





;)

927. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #282975 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 1:40 am

Dianelos - what a heap of junk you attempt to foister. You want god to exist - the onus is on you to prove its existence, not to demand anything of the skeptic. My skepticism is as simple as one can get:

There is no scientifically verifiable evidence for a [designer, deity, your choice of nomenclature].

I therefore doubt the existence of such entity.

P.S. Your last syllogism in the previous post is a straw man - think about it.

Pretty fucking simple, mate. (Oh, and please don't take any cheap shots about being "simple"; you'll get a thorough kicking for that shit.)

928. In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents' Genes Are in Competition

Comment #282969 by Laurie Fraser on November 13, 2008 at 1:24 am

Carto - you are a legend on this forum. Get used to the accolades, mate; they are well deserved. In Australia we have an acute therapy for your problem: we say "Wake up to yourself." Sorry if this sounds insensitive, but you are a hell of a bloke, and have no right to wallow in self-pity. Part of our sense of self is the sense of what others think about us; I, for one, think you're a champion.

929. Catholic bishops warn Obama they'll fight on abortion: Statement to focus on 'opposing evil'

Comment #282801 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 6:43 pm

Jabber - welcome. What Steve said. As you go, you'll get used to the regular characters on this net. Steve, for instance, is like a cute old avuncular teddy-bear - with an encyclopaedic mind like a steel trap. DP, on the other hand, is just a teddy-bear.

930. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #282758 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 5:24 pm

What say you, DP' What obligation does the government have to the poor people of NOLA who lost everything in Katrina'

931. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #282751 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 5:11 pm

Actually, my brain is so tired at the moment I'm barely able to keep up with my students, who are all working their butts off to complete theses, etc. Hate this time of year. Come on Dec 4th!

932. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #282746 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Comment #282738 by Titania

OK, Titania - razor wit coming up:

DP - you doo-doo head!

933. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #282736 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 4:59 pm

Titania - I'm snowed under with work. Haven't had the time to write my brilliantly comic devastation of DP. Please accept my apologies, and just give me the prize - you knew it was going to be brilliant, anyway.


Didn't you'

934. Obama will move to veto Bush laws

Comment #282290 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 1:13 am

Mmmmmm.... mead! Haven't had any for yonks. You do it in the traditional manner?

935. Obama will move to veto Bush laws

Comment #282285 by Laurie Fraser on November 12, 2008 at 12:52 am

Goldy - forget oil! You just need some lavender oil for massaging Mrs Goldy's limbs during the upcoming labour. Any action, yet?

936. Gay Marriage Outlawed in California

Comment #282262 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 10:57 pm

Comment #282258 by cerebate

Not lying low, mate - working like a dog, and not able to get onto RDnet as much as I'd like. Yeah, disappointing series; Australia hasn't got its selection correct. There are a few excellent players here I'd love to see bumped up into the test squad, but it's mainly politics that holds them back. Congratulations to India, though - a thoroughly deserved victory.

937. Obama will move to veto Bush laws

Comment #282255 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 10:49 pm

Excellent post, LGS. I concur with your observations on oil companies. Not only are the majority guilty of unfair trading, collusion and price gouging, but one only has to look at the record of Shell in Nigeria to see the effect on human rights for the sake of big capitalism.

P.S. I have not retired. :)

938. Gay Marriage Outlawed in California

Comment #282253 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 10:44 pm

Cerebate - heartiest congrats on your upcoming nuptials. Welcome to the club. 2 - please, no jokes about cricket - I'm depressed enough!

939. Hitchens Debates Rabbi Wolpe on God

Comment #281905 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 3:24 am

Comment #281901 by irate_atheist

Big call, mate - might I mention DP, the various wooters, etc etc?

940. Islamic radicals make mockery of hate laws

Comment #281899 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 3:03 am

Mockery is, as we've often discussed, an effective weapon for keeping the fence-sitters on side. I'm not sure of its efficacy on the full-blown religoid - although I don't know if anything can be effective once they've got to that stage.

941. Islamic radicals make mockery of hate laws

Comment #281898 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 3:00 am

My attitude towards those who profess their "submission to Allah" is to regard them as either infantile or mentally ill. That judgement needs to be publicised more often.

942. Islamic radicals make mockery of hate laws

Comment #281894 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 2:56 am

The best way to deal with such people is publicity and effective use of the rule of law

943. Islamic radicals make mockery of hate laws

Comment #281884 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 2:07 am

Completely correct, Allan. Let them be hoist on their own petard.

944. What is the role of free will to an atheist?

Comment #281862 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 12:53 am

Thanks, chaps - Goldy, how long has Mrs Goldy got to go? How do you know that tiredness is not just a manifestation of the Dasein that is she? Transference, son - as Brian has pointed out.

So, Brian - what's with the moocows?

945. What is the role of free will to an atheist?

Comment #281855 by Laurie Fraser on November 11, 2008 at 12:45 am

Hello boys - what the fuck are you guys talking about now? When I left it was a nice little philo conversation about free will, and it has become some arcane weirdness about serial cows and horses. Goldy - you're sane; help me out here!

946. What is the role of free will to an atheist?

Comment #281632 by Laurie Fraser on November 10, 2008 at 6:00 pm

2 - I've been gnawing away at this one for years. At the moment, I have to get to work. If you're still around in about 4 hours I'll catch up.

947. What is the role of free will to an atheist?

Comment #281604 by Laurie Fraser on November 10, 2008 at 5:41 pm

So, 2, are you saying that if the universe is completely deterministic, then free will cannot exist; and, if it is not, then free will must exist'

948. What is the role of free will to an atheist?

Comment #281599 by Laurie Fraser on November 10, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Comment #279510 by spiritfilled75
What nonsense. You claim that you have free will insofar as your deity has allowed it to exist. That's the quickest reductio ad absurdum I've ever had to perform!

You're lucky, Goldy. My wife extirpated any semblance of free will in me many years ago. She started at the testicles, and worked northwards.

I'll go and hide now.

949. ELECTION DAY IN THE USA. GO VOTE.

Comment #281208 by Laurie Fraser on November 10, 2008 at 1:30 am

Evening, chaps - hot and sultry in Sydney tonight. Steve, that is exactly the look I get when contemplating a pint. It says "Man, that looks good."

950. ELECTION DAY IN THE USA. GO VOTE.

Comment #280955 by Laurie Fraser on November 9, 2008 at 2:28 am

Strange isn't it that all those economic rationalist reptiles on Wall St. become fine, upstanding socialists, climbing over each other to get their hands on money the taxpayer has put aside to help out those in trouble.