51. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135407 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 11:15 pm

LOL...Somehow Hitchens can say something and put fresh words to something and shine a completely different light on something that makes one have to say, wow, hadn't though about it that way. Although, sometimes Hitchens can be quite, well, blunt. I fear the 'confictions' he tends to underline. That being said though, he is still one of my favorite authors with a great deal to teach.

As far as the war. That's all I can come with as well. I am still not convinced on the whole oil thing. Though it does give a reason. Was it the primary motivation though? Maybe, I certainly haven't ruled it out. I'm just not convinced yet. I see your point on my simplistic outlook. It is in this case. I just don't understand. Ever heard of Gaslighting? A type of psychological abuse? Ever read any books on psychological abuse? Interesting stuff. You have to wonder if this administration, any administration, uses these tactics. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking Pinky?" Thanks for your thoughts ;) Makes me feel good I am not crazy =)

52. Evolving Mistakes

Comment #135393 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 10:43 pm

Oh yes, Penn and Teller, love em. And I've already seen that episode. I own the DVD's I am shameless.

53. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135386 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 10:33 pm

Then what are your thoughts LoreinRyan? Because all I hear from people here, there, and everywhere is say,"It's bad." Well, yeah, it IS bad. That is a true statement but it is not a solution.

I would say that I am at least of average intelligence. As far as this war goes, it makes no sense to me. Again, we're there, it is done, its happening, what now? Impeach Bush? Love to...didn't happen.

However, one GOOD thing came out of this. I think after Bush got elected a 2nd time, the reports of voters between 18 and 25 are of record numbers. Perhaps the youth here have learned a powerful, costly lesson.

54. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135379 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 10:25 pm

Again, I am not for this war. But war is not nice. I'd like to get the fuck out. I'm just saying, if you are going to go against everyone to have this chaos then freakin' do it. Don't pussy foot around and pretend you are in one. That's all. It's a double edge sword for which I have no other configuration in my brain. I've been around and around trying to know the best possible outcome. When I began reading about past wars, these are my present conclusions. But Blair and Bush = al-qaida... It is really easy to say, "We/you should never have gone into Iraq." He did though, so what now?

55. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135378 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 10:20 pm

ooooo, nice blow, if I do say so myself

56. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135374 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 10:10 pm

Ok, so Sokal is a finger pointing prick! Sorry, I think my finger flung out there. Redacted. But, let me just read this one more time when he says,

Rather than dispassionately using intelligence information to help evaluate policy options, Bush and Blair's operatives pressured their intelligence agencies to find "evidence" - exaggerated, tendentiously interpreted, or simply fraudulent - supporting a predetermined policy. The result is the mess we're now in. Globally, the Iraq war has helped recruit a new generation of militants for al-Qaida; in the Middle East, it has strengthened Iran

I love how he unflinchingly blames Bush and Blair for Al-Qaida. Like these militants are some innocent victims defending their right to kill their own people and invade other countries. Ha ha ha. I DID NOT, agree with the war to begin with. I don't agree with the war now. But strengthening Iran, please. America is in a PERFECT place to control Iran. We are surround the "effing" country. Weapons of mass destruction? Who knows, we'll never know. I think it is very probable he did have something. Does that equate invading Iraq. Fuck no. Does anyone really feel sorry for Hussein? You know, Bush, in my opinion is about as stupid as they come, but blaming him and Blair for al-Qaida is again, refocusing the blame on those who don't deserve it. It is reasonable to say that al-Qaida is evil because IT is evil. And, I AM GOING TO GET HATE COMMENTS ANY MINUTE, when Bush declared war the plan should have continued to bomb the fuck out of Iraq and get the fuck out. It sounds heartless, it is a bit a heartless, but Bush has actually tried to be nice to these people to the demise of our own soldiers. For a time of war, I think he is being too nice. Either be willing to wage it or leave it the fuck alone (I am of the mind to NOT wage it). I believe it also note worthy to mention that America bomb the Hell out of Japan and Germany. Both countries poor prior to American invasion. But now, post bomb, they are among the richest countries in the world. Does this correlate, I believe it has influences. Does it make it right, probably not. But, I don't think the answer lies in this paper. Sorry, let predicted hate comments pour in...perhaps I will learn something.

57. Dispatches: Holy Offensive

Comment #135358 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Bonzai,

That is hilarious...What is an observation wheel? Are you just looking over the city?

Steve Zara,

I know! It is ashame I won't get to see the country. It looks gorgeous on those nice advertising pictures on travel sites. We were actually going to skip England because it is going to cost an insane amount of money to stay there and get into Paris by train. But, it is like 4 hours away, so we just can't pass it up. Really though, you guys gotta do something about making Europe and England coincide with, at least, the commute. England on everything is separated from everything making it intensely expensive to see and see Europe as well. AH! At least I am a student, so I get cheep airfare...thanks for that ;). As a place to crash...any suggestions?

58. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #135353 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 9:24 pm

Kevin A Jones
I believe we can work in the murderous fur balls into our ultimate truth. I must confer with the -GOD of THE GOD-GOD. You may still be pissing outta your ears for a while though. You must learn guilt.

EPEEST,
I am and the we are GOD-GOD. I know of no wooter. Is this some strange Jewish God of yours? If so Repent!! Now! Before you I release the the giant rabi, oops Rabbies stricken fur balls. Their bite is bigger than their meow. Muhahahaha

RICHARD MORGAN,
So we meet again =) I miss the winking teddy bear. It....was.....quite a winker!
As far as the transplant...I will just make me another one, but you must take this on faith! Throw down your banjo and become the disciple of the digirredoo (sp?).

59. Dispatches: Holy Offensive

Comment #135343 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 9:11 pm

I wonder if we could do a trade. we'll stop making fun of them when they stop telling us there's an uncomfortably warm place waiting for us if we don't believe their particular brand of fairytales.

LMAO, you make a nice point.

Dragonfiremix,

I say let them have their fantasy. Let the bigot racist speak his mind. As long as they are ONLY opinionated. I have met only a few atheists in my life, although I suspect my dad may be one. And, MOST of the people I have run across (after leaving the church) seem to have a fairly level head, other than their strange delusion of God. By and large they protest "religion". I can respect these outlooks. They just haven't been able to manage the "no god" view into their personal dissonance. I cannot make qualms with these personal configurations, how can I? They make no attempt to intrude my personal freedoms. However, people like my brother, ahhhhhhhh going into seminary graduate study, while a good person, I believe is not able to separate god as a mere choice, if that makes sense. These are the types of people I fear.
What I find ethically, morally, and emphatically wrong and the one true "sin" is when people get violent or strip the right of one with an opposing view because they are offended. Those who are peaceful about their opinions, no matter how ignorant, racist, bigoted, or wrong, have a right to the freedom of speech. Just as I have the right to speak out against them. When the offended attribute their actions of violence and/or threats to their particular offending party is when things start to come to a pounding halt. Even more so, when people, like the women for Racist Equality in this video, directly accuse a group of people peacefully expressing their own personal beliefs as vindictively TRYING to cause a riot as the actual trigger for the ensuing chaos is like giving a bomb to a terrorist because it is their religious dogma to blow things up. Why are they protecting the plaint psychopaths? Well, if someone is indeed saying something quite controversial, especially if one is racist, I think some see this as so fervently wrong they somehow grow sympathy for the offended. But, the offended have the right to be offended, how do you measure anything as subjective as one's idea of insulting? One cannot. I can, however, verify violent acts and/or threats. Punishing the peaceful because one cannot handle controversy is airing on the side of the intolerant. It also makes them feel like they have the right to take away a life, or another's right to simply have a space on this planet. Does anyone else think that people have the tendency to place blame on everyone but the actual perpetrator?
I think dogma just seems to be a magnet for those with an exceptional obsessive need to belong to something, anything. It is all fear. Somehow though, the racialists seem to be able to wave the religious card vigorously around enough and they are miraculously above the law of the law abiding
majority.

Steve Zara

You've disappeared!

60. Dispatches: Holy Offensive

Comment #135304 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 7:49 pm

LOL, thanks Goldy...London is where we will be. It is really pathetic, but I can think of a million things in Rome and Paris I have always wanted to see and explore. Yet, I've always wanted to visit England, but thinking about what I want to do, besides see the changing of the guards, is drawing a huge blank. Britain looks so beautiful, but we won't get out to the country side. Actually, I think just walking around and letting the feet just take us anywhere to see all the modern and historic architecture and listening to that accent will be quite pleasurable. LOVE ACTUALLY! Yes, yes, where it is the guy who said, all American women love a British accent! Indeed, we do!

61. Dispatches: Holy Offensive

Comment #135259 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 7:01 pm

Is anyone on this thread British, and if so, would you describe "religious offensives" this dramatic on a frequent scale, meaning seen almost daily?

I live in America and at times it can get pretty heated over religious topics, abortion, evolution being among many. There are a various few (mostly older but some younger) who protest "God" being taken out of the schools. We are by no means free of religion, but I mostly find that 90% of the time I express my views, as long as it is not in a professional setting, I am still respected as a human-being (even if the conversation is being hotly debated, of course I have never said anything on a wide public scale either). I have never heard of such laws as blasphemy laws...so if anyone has first hand experience I would love to hear your point of view.
That being said, I still think America has some religious issues to iron out among the radical faiths, mainly Christian, and in need of higher critical thinking. But, as far as being concerned about offending religious parties is not a legal threat, only mild annoying harassment from citizens. However, religion is still in places where it should be separated but I (strictly from my own experiences) seeing America dynamically (rather than in a straight narrow line systematically) progressing rather than digressing.
The one priest in this movie who invited the "Jerry Springer Opera" singers was an oddity of his kind with his authority. I can dig him, he can be delusional with his members because he doesn't seem to be preaching bible thumbing. He is actually teaching quite the opposite and this may be a transitional way of thinking for many of the religious to ween them off fantasy.
Yet, there is the 10% still out there that cause 90% of the damage to the world. Religion, like the crack dealer, seem to gather a huge sect of people who need something to belong.
I have encountered fanatical thinking, and those who want to teach "Abstinence Only" education. These aren't necessarily the Bin Laden radicals, but rather simplistic and ignorant, "Jesus Loves You," type. Yet, what damage, or (at this point) communal disease do they allow to continue by feeding the minds of curious, developmentally rebellious, hormonal teens? One would think that the textbooks on human growth and development were never opened.
Now that I have talked this out, the dramatization of religion in this BBC program is perhaps showing the end product of 'the snow ball effect'.
Does anyone else have thoughts?

Also, and completely off the subject...I am visiting Europe this Summer (1st time woo hoo!), what is a must do in England. As I will only be there for 2 days and spend the rest of the 2 weeks in Paris and Rome. Does anyone have any suggestions?

62. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135196 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Gymnopedie,
The FDA is has launch a new initiative to define and oversee supplements like herbs and vitamins (which is currently not law). You can go to the FDA website to read about it =). Okay, and about acupuncture and alternative medicines...I have absolutely never heard of insurance companies supporting these, insurance also won't cover chiropractors. If you come across an insurance company that does I would be extremely surprised. I've never heard of such a claim. However, I have heard of doctors doing "mild" acupuncture for various reasons, I want to roll my eyes. But, I've never ever met a doctor in my state that claimed he practiced any type of acupuncture interventions. If I do run across one I would be extremely weary of the ethics of such a person. I don't even think it has a medical diagnosis that it would be correlated. If anyone knows differently I would love to hear about it so that I can educate myself and patients.

63. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #135106 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 2:32 pm

LMAO...Earwig tea...mmmmmmmmm what was in this cosmic recipe? Char grilled fireworks are absolutely fabulous! I must say, we need to do that one more often...nothing like supper flinging from below your feet. It's like eating snow flakes! LMAOROTFL MmmUUUuuuHAHAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahaha

64. Evolving Mistakes

Comment #135010 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 12:42 pm

hello,

I found a load of stuff in an instant by googleing "evolution of sexual reproduction"

65. Evolving Mistakes

Comment #135007 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 12:39 pm

good question...um let me go look around

66. Are they running for President or Pastor-in-Chief?

Comment #134489 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 9:55 pm

ok double bass atheist,

I'm going to hold you responsible for my sleepiness tomorrow! Great article suggestion on Evolution mistake =) I just had to put in my 2 cents hehe

67. Evolving Mistakes

Comment #134481 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 9:26 pm

Thanks double bass atheist, my favorite subject! Microbiology. I tutor micro and nutrition. Article is on target. Very interesting idea about what ASHTONBLAKE quoted. Makes sense to me, I'd love to read more about that.
ASHTON BLAKE:
I am just hypothesizing here, but human cells create a substance known as interferon (helps with cancer, but especially viruses) Just a little quick simple virus lesson before proceeding...viruses are made up of either DNA or RNA. They are NOT an organism. The virus may have a protein coat over their prescribed nucleic acid (NA) or they may just be a piece of DNA or RNA laying around. Once making themselves available on objects that hopefully their host will touch. See, they have to get into their target host, by manipulating the cell wall to invite them in, and indeed, once a virus has made it to a defenseless cell, the cell invites them in and makes them 'feel' at home.
Once inside, the goal is to take over. Viruses have to use YOUR cell's machinery to reproduce itself. So, with its little piece of DNA or RNA (with an RNA it will start building protein...DNA communicates with RNA...not important right now)If it is DNA, it can insert itself into your DNA and take control of the cell's 'mother board'. Essentially, the cell will swell so much from being so full of viruses that the cell as no more room and will burst open (there are other ways, but this is the concept). At this point all the viruses are no longer contained by the cell's bilayer phospholipid and are now free to roam and invade other cells. 1 virus is now a 100 (probably A LOT more; viruses are tinni tiny). Well, if 1 cell is invaded, its future is inevitable. It's gone (our cells have but few resistances to viruses), it's dead, vanito, no hope, poor cell is going to die. And, so here is where that interferon stuff I was talking about earlier comes into play.
While the invaded cell has the unfortunate doom of death, it can send a signal to surrounding cells that stimulate them to "tighten ship", consequently, the surrounding cells stop movements of 'stuff' from going in or out. Meaning, the virus can not get through (even though the cell may want to let it in, like a bad boy a girl can't resist ;))
Cool eh?
Well, I am hypothesizing that the said proposed ideas mentioned in your qoute would be a little like treating cancer. You have to have a patient on a host of meds. If you can get the virus at a time in which healthy viable cells of the human body have seen minimal damage to surrounding tissue then perhaps making these viruses mutate to extinction in confined areas of the body (before they have reached 'pandemic' status of the body) and using only few body cells as sacrifices (since they are super speeding the mutation)then perhaps they can kill off, say a million viruses. Perhaps there would be a vast amount still left, however, remember the copying is so fast (like a copy of a copy of a copy) that the "popeye" viruses are few and far between. Placing a person on interferon therapy (and probably a lot more too) and keeping their body in excellent nutrition status (helping the body to make their own interferon which is way better) then the body might be able to fight off those few and far between 'he-man' viruses much much better in a much much smaller area. Being able to control these situations are really just helping the body do ITS job much more efficiently.

I hope I am not coming off like a "know-it-all". But, it would seem to me along those lines.

Another thing I find interesting about bacteria and viruses is how virtually all new 'biotherapy', insulin, and all the gene therapy they are discovering are, 1, is the backbone of evolution, but, 2, by watching bacteria transfer genes, viroids, and all their other mutations, has been the initiator of medical science to say, "Hey what if we did it just like that?" And they did! Freakin' A!
When I first walked in to school (a bumbling idiot) I had no clue how the hell insulin was made. They use 'extra' DNA contained within bacteria to (just how a virus would) insert the human gene for insulin. So, here we have a HUMAN gene in bacteria, and...bacteria freakin' make it! Insert bacteria with the human gene for insulin, put the critters in a little tube in solution, let em' make it, "hey we don't need this shit", bacteria spit it out in the solution, burn the solution down (poor bacteria), and vuala, you have insulin. Sounds so easy!
EFFING creationists! Beat that!...........God come down and looks around, and poof, a bunch of people standing around scratching their heads...thinking about it this way, how many people have died by suppressing technology? Does that mean Christians still kill? OK OK, I cannot directly equate it...or can we? I don't know. And people wonder why we resist god.

68. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #134444 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 7:46 pm

LorienRyan,
Well, I suppose you're right. (swooshes hair back and forth, smiles, oh no no, please, yes I am sooooo pretty, ahh you are too kind!) I JUST GOTTA HAVE ME! Just kidding of course!

DOUBLE BASS,
Chemistry got me off track...oops. I'm going to check out the read right before I go to bed, which will be in like 20 minutes, sounds interesting! Seems we've been having the same ideas here recently. You know what they say don't you? It is scientifically proven...two great minds think alike ;) You must talk, admire, and laugh with yourself too! =) (diabolical grin, muhahahaha)

69. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #134425 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Holy shit, we are aVOIDing the real topics hahahahahahaha....it seems that I am talking and laughing with myself...oolala

70. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #134421 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 7:03 pm

You know, at that point I think the GU system can release the H ion....Ahhhhhh and a student makes the connection....sometimes it just takes looking like a jackass on the Dawkins site to figure out one's homework =))))

71. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #134419 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 6:57 pm

LOL Steveroot,

I must not have gotten to that section yet, don't scare me! 20 HCO3- to 1 H2CO3. As far as how it exchanges the hydrogen (cause the 1 h is still out there) I have no clue. Wouldn't the release of H produce more acidity? Do you know? Because I can not figure this out...the chemical equations just are not working on my side of the internet

"effing" chemistry

72. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #134415 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Dr. Nev,

It's a global thing.

73. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #134412 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Padster1976,

Break open a chemistry book and read about the kyoto project PLEASE.

74. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #134411 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 6:34 pm

JAC12358,

Well, I agree with you 98% because I have no problem learning religious beliefs and really really try to understand their perspective. I've read things from their suggested authors and titles. Sadly, I've not found one that proves their point by anything less than negative evidence or outright falsities. You have to believe in the bible or koran or whatever to be taken in my their "Science". When I suggest an author or a title, those of whom I speak usually refuse. I find most Christian authors to hinge on a simplistic thinking that is easy to understand. Therefore, it doesn't challenge anyone to research further. Scientific authors usually demand a bit of knowledge and >critical thinking which is much more challenging. I know myself, can only take in so much at one time. I think it is more convenient to stay "holy". You know?

75. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #134409 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 6:26 pm

STEVEROOT:

Yes, that's the easy part ;) It's all the systems and buffing, and labs and a bunch of symptoms and interventions and number to memorize ahhhh! It AFFECTS EVERYTHING!

76. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #134396 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 5:57 pm

Quetzalcoatl

Cheers! Wrath shall plague Kevin A Jones: "Behold, Kevin A showith the world the fins of envy and he was spit upon by all toothless peasants for his finnings. And, as they saw his punishment the looked upon out creation and said, "Boy, that's not-so-good." For now he must eat from his ear and urinate from his mouth. And the GOD-GOD was praised for Her-His mercy. And God-God sent out an damsel to THE UNOMonosquid-thingy and he held up two posty notes with cute swirly thinga-mig-chigs and it statith, "Thou shall wither if they make up stupider religions" Frankus1122 wrath is soon to appear one late night with Immodium AD and a box of cherry flavored laxatives...stay tuned

KEVIN A JONES:
You must now believe and throw down your cute murderous kitties. You can reverse this curse for a small fee...1) A gift certificate to a massage pallor and 2) join the God-God fore you can feed a man a day if you just give him bon-bons but if you teach him how to trim his toe nails he will walk in comfort for his whole life. And o ew o ah! Julia Childs is R'ingIP with Quetzacoatl and Juxta THE GOD_GOD
Yes, and lets not forget: A furious noodle came to all of those that refused Quetz and Juxta--THE GOD-GOD

MAX D
ALL ARE WELCOME, whom ever should lay down their dukes and carry blueberries, chains, and cracker jacks instead! Oh yeah...and a tithing. We accept all major credit cards in their totality ;)

As far as Frankus1122
And so it was said, "Frankus1122 hath fallen from that puckered hole in the sky with 12712 prickly horns. From the rectum he tumbled to the dirt and crawled about on his hands and knees and became a lover of the dirty earth and all its lowly beings. Tempting and seducing all the pebbles to follow him. This fallen wing nut was known a Frankenstein-Jesus in the West and Franki alla Allah in the east, and some rubbed his belly." Verse pulled:from:juxta's:ass:5jr034hjf

77. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #134313 by JuxtaMonkey on February 27, 2008 at 3:15 pm

Kevin A Jones,

YES! I have a really hard time bitting my tongue sometimes. It's that feeling that you have something to say and you're in the midsts of saying "it" but somehow it never comes out right. "What can I say to help you see?" But, there really IS nothing you can say up to a certain point. I realize just how hard it is to go from one way of thinking to another--it turns one's world upside down and what was reality is no more. It was hard for me to gulp down the change. It's ignorance and fear all rolled up into one nice explosion of turmoil. I live in the South of United States and the evolution debate is a heated discussion among a few. I love when they try to prove it wrong to me after they have read some Christian science debunker. I always go for something that hits straight at home and simple. There is a facial expression especially for dissonance. A look of disgust, dumbfounded, bewilderment, and wonder all at the same time. Like, "Oh, I think I get it," or "well that explains a lot." It's the resistance to learning that has been groomed in so many of the religious that I personally find quite perplexing. How much further advanced might we have been if people would stop clinging to God? The thing is though, they really have no idea how ridiculous they sound. Ah!

78. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133516 by JuxtaMonkey on February 26, 2008 at 9:25 am

Kevin A Jones,

Oh yes, seen. The whole murder of Van Gogh and now with Aylaan threats--kind of proves the point of what she was saying. Unfortunately....and these are the people who have a "peaceful" religion...we're so intolerant.
I meet so many people who are flabbergasted by "religious hate". I have a stock pile of "Infidel". They refuse to read the pages, assuming that it just isn't wholesome! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the frustration! No wonder they are so happy.

79. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133513 by JuxtaMonkey on February 26, 2008 at 9:19 am

Kennykyles

Child Down!!!! I mean Chill!

80. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133207 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 8:44 pm

So why can I still not pull up the whole movie?

81. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133206 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Thanks Toomanytribbles

I redact the, "You Tube stood by their tertiary followers, sealing the silver tape to their mouths." Much apologies...I so hate it when I assume, when I don't mean to..duoh!

82. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #133188 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 7:09 pm

There were like, totally 7000 witnesses and lashes...not only was it seen, it was felt...like...okay...O.K.--okay

83. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #133186 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 7:08 pm

Kevin A. Jones,

You ARE SO INTOLERANT! My religion, the Ultimate truth, states in Quetzalcoatl 4:69:87:577:fuck:34-It was upon the dawn when the chocolate drops were released from the lips of lions. And all rejoiced. "It is thy Juxta and thou Quetza who fillith our bellies with chocolaty and that sugar dough with milk. We worship you from the dirt as surely you are the God-God. The baker and the chefer. It is to you we give all praise and beg for your mercy for thy whippings of merciless pleasure!"

84. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133180 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 6:53 pm

LMAO CShepGuy! Nice!

85. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133179 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 6:51 pm

I say we have a "Burn all muslim countries flag day"! Why do I want to burn my country's flag? That's just what they want! Ekkkk. But, yes, we can if we want to, and that is the point! I fucking hate any religion the intrudes on MY freedom to watch a flick if I want to watch a movie. It is ironic that Islam shuts down a movie that is expressing the very point of what they are indeed DOING by blocking the movie that is sooooo intolerant. "Bend to our will or we will kill you!"..."Oh yeah, YOUR intolerant." -Signed Allah touki poots a lot.

86. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133153 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 5:57 pm

Link to Ayaan Hirsi Ali defending dutch film

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/01/25/video-ayaan-hirsi-ali-defends-dutch-mps-anti-koran-film/

87. Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous video

Comment #133151 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 5:44 pm

The small big haired Dutchmen stood looming in the shadows, with his fingers bouncing off the other, waiting, watching for his diabolical plan to unfold riots across Pakistan and soon...the whole of Islam. His well orchestrated evilness was soon approaching and under his breath one could softly hear, "Muhahahaha." But, as Sunday came, no response, no reply...no fucking blood bath riots. "What," he pondered, "could be making Islam so peaceful!?" Perhaps he was wrong about Islam, maybe they were a tolerant people able to take another's opinion. "G O O G L E" he slowly typed and then, aiming the missile of free speech, his finger plopped down and depressed that rectangular button, "Enter". Pakistan counter attacked his mission before it even leapt from the ground. Islam, the writers of peace and tolerance, saved the world from blasphemy once again. The intolerant sneer and throw up their middle finger, "Fuck-you," they exclaim, but You Tube stood by their tertiary followers, sealing the silver tape to their mouths. Alas, tolerance and peace win again over free speech.

88. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #133121 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 4:11 pm

Quetzacoatl,

Yes, it sound superb. We can have whippings on Tuesdays ;), danishes on Thursdays, and "worship Us" days on every other day. I call a 9 day week and let the other seven be for just worshiping our greatness ;).

89. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #132953 by JuxtaMonkey on February 25, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Radesq,

I'm sorry =(I am a night owl. Sadly, I have to stop my hard work and flit in on my little mini breaks ;)...homework that is.

Brian English,

Smoking? Marlboro lights. They must be different here in the south =)

Lorien Ryan,

LMAO. Yes, what a happy medium

Bonzai,

Whatever I have is absolutely not going anywhere near that pucker face's rectum...emp...that's sinful!

Quetzalcoatl

YOU UNDERSTAND...COME and join my religion...trust me ;)

90. Evidence can't shake your faith if your faith excludes it as evidence

Comment #132491 by JuxtaMonkey on February 24, 2008 at 8:57 pm

Green monkeys ate a 6 pack of post-it notes and the water ran down the drain like a pen writes on the roof but it's all silly because we all know the bear and the stars have to watch the falling igloo.

This is what it is like arguing with you people! You sit down and with a flash of light you know how to philosophically awe strike yourself. I much prefer masturbation but if you like vomiting this crap, tinkle your fancy. Each to their own said the women who kissed the cow.

91. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #132329 by JuxtaMonkey on February 24, 2008 at 3:46 pm

Shrommer,
If you want to quote the bible as historical reference and try to prove the validity of Christianity then I'd suggest you turn to the source of where "Holy Bible writing" began. If you hold the truth, the Ultimate Truth, then why don't you learn about staunchly dissonant evidence? You can still choose to believe in God as you wish. And, what you are interested in does not = truth. I'd prefer not study ABGs in nursing school, but as this is vitally important to my patients (and perhaps you one day) wouldn't you like to know I took a detour from the more interesting things to the more mundane? If this doesn't interest you, fine; learn anyway. Then tell me what you think =) Perhaps challenge your cognitive dissonance. If you do not know what that means, google "cognitive dissonace". One will never learn if they do not challenge themselves against more uncomfortable subject matters. Perhaps you could be the link in tying your message versus counter evidence. However, you'll never be the solution if you can't learn the other side. It's a win win situation for you really.

92. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #131660 by JuxtaMonkey on February 23, 2008 at 12:31 am

Shrommer,
Have you ever given as much time reading the history of Christianity? Google Paul of Tarsus, then google when the bible was written. A good website is

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CHRIST/PAUL.HTM

It also gives you a drop down box to look a further history...after rummaging through that site, google Roman history, specifically "The Fall of Rome" perhaps include Constantine. Then, think about what you have just read. Tell me what you think.

93. Are the 'New Atheists' avoiding the 'real arguments'?

Comment #131658 by JuxtaMonkey on February 23, 2008 at 12:23 am

Diacanu,
LOL, you always make me laugh historically!

94. Over half of Britons claim no religion

Comment #131649 by JuxtaMonkey on February 22, 2008 at 10:11 pm

Dragonfirematrix,

LOL, Nice!

95. Cutting Edge: Baby Bible Bashers

Comment #131085 by JuxtaMonkey on February 21, 2008 at 11:23 pm

Thanks Double Bass Atheist, education and research could do a lot for these "parents".
I have a question that I cannot make peace with. Why do relatively, "could be smart" people willingly remain...well, dumb (I suppose I am a bit bias). It irritates me because a lady I work with claimed that her diabetes was in god's hands and that there was no way she could deal with this disease with out "him". So, I tried to explain evolution and the process of making insulin...she sent her child away from her side and told me, "You shouldn't provoke (the biggest word she used) god, especially in front of my child." I was dumbfounded. Not only because without the "theory" of evolution her so called "god" controlling disease wouldn't be "dealt" with, but also that her child was 14. Keeping your child stupid IS abuse.

96. The argument from oranges

Comment #130934 by JuxtaMonkey on February 21, 2008 at 2:05 pm

LMAO, some people still need the fruit pictorials to equate a sum. 1 nut 2 oranges = a great topping for my salad --> its evolution, using dumb ass's theory.

97. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130833 by JuxtaMonkey on February 21, 2008 at 11:21 am

Goldy and Bonzai,
Surely, you have taken antibiotics. Where the hell did Polio go? What about the people cured of cancer and never went back into remission? I guess they never took medications that pharmaceutical companies produced b/c pharmaceutical companies just wouldn't dare cure an illness. We live longer on sure coincidence. All technology is moving toward manipulating DNA to prevent many illnesses. If we really analyzed pharmaceutical companies perhaps they are not bad. Perhaps, they don't have some evil vindictive plan to purposefully not cure disease. Just because it doesn't make sense to you that people get sick and never are cured and that it isn't the pharmaceutical company's fault, doesn't mean they are holding a stock pile of cures. Actually, I know the cure to ALL human illnesses, I will share my vindictive secret...kill all the humans on the plant. It's nonsense and is just not practical. Just because people make money not does equate some evil vindictive plan. I am assuming that you work for a company, your own company, or somehow you make money, does that mean your vindictive? So, people make things that make money. They wouldn't make that money unless consumers wanted to buy said product. True, some corporations have viciously lied about a product to solely to make money. Vitamins, herbs, and supplemental companies have overwhelmingly misrepresented their product's benefit. Oddly, they are not regulated (in America anyway, which the FDA is beginning its process on regulating these now and giving them official definitions). I trust the FDA--they've been pretty trustworthy so far and drugs and food that have had ramifications on the public using said product has been overwhelmingly minimal. In this light, pharmaceutical companies ARE highly regulated, unlike the "all natural" aforementioned supplements. Pharmaceutical companies spend BILLIONS upon BILLIONS of dollars to research 1 drug and its effect on its intended consumer. After years and years and years upon years and years and years and then some more years if research, that 1 drug may never make it to market because the risks outweigh the benefits per FDA regulation. But, who's out of pocket? Not a person who refuses to take medications. No wonder trade name drugs get to own rights to a drug for so many years. I don't blame them and I wouldn't dream of taking that away from them because then I wouldn't have the companies who make vindictive profits off my illness to do the damn selfish research to treat me. Let's think about it in another way--No one will make booger implants for those who suffer from less aesthetic boogers than someone else because NO buyer would want them. Even though mucous is healthy and provides a trap door for organisms to stay away from more vital organs. Should I hate the pharmaceutical companies for not inventing this "healthy" ideal. Which ties me into GMO's and the proposed regulation you have suggested. Well, GMO's are HIGHLY regulated and have been around for some years before they they went to market. But radical environmental hippie wannabes still dub their accusations as "fact," giving misinformation to the public. Before the HIGHLY overseen, EXTREMELY researched GMO's went to markert more than 10 years ago, the FDA approved their worthiness for human consumption as all research must finally make it to the public at large. All these years of research and biotechnology actually made it to the market out of all the ones that get turned down. WOW! >10 years later the FDA has continually and overwhelmingly approved their safety for human consumption while they continually oversee and retest GMO's. That's a pretty good indication of their validity as a crop. You seem to hate the highly researched regulated pharmaceutical companies, why would you think GMO's need anymore testing than the extensive amount they have already undergone, including their >10 run with feeding MILLIONS of people. I haven't seen, heard, or read about anyone suddenly dying from a diagnosis of GMO nutrition. If you find one, I hope you will let me know so that I won't look so stupid. Until then, great, my comfortable constant stays intact and I still trust the FDA.
As far as the waistline, being morbidly obese is healthier (and I would say it is emphatically healthier) than a person with hardly any caloric intake. I assure you that the person who can not get up from their couch because they are too fat from eating McDonalds is healthier and has a better quality of life than the child that just died from hunger. I really don't want to be either of these people, so thankfully I am lucky enough to live in a country where I can eat my GMO vegetables and not drive into McDonalds for my next fatty dinner, and my friend can spend her paycheck on a 4 dollar organic orange. Big waistline does not = an evil McDonalds, it = stupid choices. If these people want to be fat, cool, it's their body let them do with it what they wish. People should have the right to make stupid choices. There is no way for the FDA to regulate stupid people. As far as developed countries go, people CAN take the responsibility for their choices. No one is telling these people that McDonald's is the the pillar of a healthy diet nor is it their claim. McDonald's, by the way, can indeed be incorporated into a healthy diet, as can chocolate and soda. Actually, (I've just lost 65 lbs. and I am also in Nursing school so I feel educated on this topic)I find that when a food is restricted a person will be want for that food more. It's o.k. to eat chicken nuggets every once and a while and may keep you from diving into the deep end of gluttony. So, yes, McDonald's DOES have some health benefits. For the ill who have lost satiety, getting them to eat ANYTHING is healthy. To get them to eat, often time one has to spike their appetite. FAT tastes good. It would stand to reason, that a person who loves a Big Mac and is in dire need to eat, would stand quite a bit of health benefits from eating McDonald's. In said situations, educated health dietitians would offer McDonald's, or whatever "unhealthy" food for this person's health. Wouldn't you?
Why can't we regulate organic food? How do we know they are safe if they haven't had all this regulation, because their "natural"? Arsenic is natural and I don't see anybody running out and buying "all natural" arsenic supplements. I don't think most pro-organic, anti-pharmaceutical activists are bad people. I truly think they are people who are concerned about the world and have all the best intentions, but their intentions, I believe, are driven by an ignorant tunnel vision perspective. Perhaps, conspiracy theorist is the proper adjective. But there is a popular saying out there that states, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." I would put the term, "Ignorant," before the "good intentions" punch. Moderation is the key to EVERY thing, not just food--if I drank 2 gallons of water in 5 minutes, you might see some horrible consequences to my health, but would any dare say, "Don't drink clean water?"

98. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130800 by JuxtaMonkey on February 21, 2008 at 9:53 am

Bonzai,
You find it suspicious that a few people with misinformation leads an entire country to have to use the resources they have without giving them a choice so they HAVE to use past technology?

99. Cutting Edge: Baby Bible Bashers

Comment #130522 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 7:06 pm

More people = more sinners?

100. Cutting Edge: Baby Bible Bashers

Comment #130520 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 7:02 pm

Using Piaget:
"The preoperational stage lasts from about two to about seven years old. Now that the child has mental representations and is able to pretend, it is a short step to the use of symbols"
Similarly, younger children center on one aspect of any problem or communication at a time.

The concrete operations stage lasts from about seven to about 11. The word operations refers to logical operations or principles we use when solving problems. In this stage, the child not only uses symbols representationally, but can manipulate those symbols logically. Quite an accomplishment! But, at this point, they must still perform these operations within the context of concrete situations.

Using Eric Erikson
Initiative Versus Guilt (Purpose):
During these years, the healthily-developing child learns: (1) to imagine, to broaden skills through active play of all sorts, including fantasy (2) to cooperate with others (3) to lead as well as to follow. The negative outcome occurs when, immobilized by guilt, the child is: (1) fearful (2) hangs on the fringes of groups (3) continues to depend unduly on adults and (4) and is restricted both in the development of play skills and in imagination.

Industry Versus Inferiority (Competence/Self-Esteem)
Erikson believes that the fourth psychosocial crisis is handled, for better or worse, during what he calls the "school age," presumably up to and possibly including some of junior high school. Here, the child learns to master the more formal skills of life: (1) relating with peers according to rules (2) progressing from free play to play that may be elaborately structured by rules and may demand formal teamwork, such as baseball and (3) mastering social studies, reading, arithmetic. Homework is a necessity, and the need for self-discipline increases yearly. The child who, because of successive and successful resolutions of earlier psychosocial crisis, is trusting, autonomous, and full of initiative will learn easily enough to be industrious and emerge with a sense of competence and high self-esteem. However, the mistrusting child will doubt the future and is likely to experience defeat and feelings of inferiority

They say it all so much better