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Comments by Ian Bamlett


101. Why Darwin matters

Comment #125892 by Ian Bamlett on February 12, 2008 at 8:25 am

Comment #125113 by Steve Zara:

Now, Steve, will you end the suspense, please?

Patience :)




Come on.. throw us a bone here!

102. Why Darwin matters

Comment #125861 by Ian Bamlett on February 12, 2008 at 7:28 am

Comment #125855 by Steve Zara:

Reading phrases like that is one of the reasons I really love this site.


Now, I had not read the original post when I read yours. I immediately went to find it and I knew, I tell you I just knew it had to be either:

a) Diacanu
b) The Reverend Dark

Simple observational evidence built up over some time allowed me to make this amazing prediction!

Made me laugh anyway, nice one 'Dark

103. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125842 by Ian Bamlett on February 12, 2008 at 6:53 am

oin the BNP and be proud to be British.



No thanks.

I do just want to make the point though that a rise in support for the likes of the BNP is exactly what you are going to get unless mainstream political parties and their leaders get a spine and start confronting some of these issues.

I am not advocating that rise. I am just saying it's going to happen.

104. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #125816 by Ian Bamlett on February 12, 2008 at 5:35 am

Bah Humbug!



(Oh come on, someone had to)

105. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125788 by Ian Bamlett on February 12, 2008 at 4:06 am

Comment #125744 by Steve Zara

I have to say it feels a bit weird to come "face to face" with someone {who} dislikes me that much


Well Steve in a way I find that heartening, if this is your first time having to confront such a moron then Britain isn't so bad after all. Here in the good 'ole USA I could have you turn on the radio and virtually guarantee an anti gay diatribe on certain stations at certain times.

In fairness though, perhaps that is more a product of the 1st amendment and much weaker libel laws than any substantive difference between the two countries. Still, it does leave a nasty taste in the mouth when you hear stuff like that - I wouldn't wish it on you.

106. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125484 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 12:37 pm

I just can't figure out the Jewish obsession with mensturation. I simply don't follow.


It's not just the traditional Jews.

First check this out :
http://drnirmal.tripod.com/Journal1.pdf

There are alot of theories but from what I have read it boils down to the religious males fear of the life giving power of the women. Ancient tribal societies made the obvious causal relationship between blood and life force. Add to that the connection made between pregnancy and menstruation. Women are life givers. Creators of new life. Some men just hate women for that. They fear and loathe that creative power which they cannot have. Explains alot I think.

107. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125481 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 12:25 pm

I can't help but think that Williams can't be so stupid that he hasn't seen this


It's possible. I'll have to check my encyclopedia.

No, sorry - under, "Liberal ivy tower nincompoop disconnected from reality" there is still a picture of Rowan Williams.

108. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125461 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Alas, I've lost my faith in their creed.


I became disenchanted with the faith when I found out it was really all about how may midi-chlorines you had in your bloodstream.

Seemed a bit unfair to those of us not genetically pre-disposed to have them. A little too close to the idea of Aryan Bloodlines if you know what I mean.....

109. Christopher Hitchens on Books & Ideas

Comment #125432 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 11:02 am

I was asking the same thing the other day...where the hell is Benway? She is well missed.


It's not just the good Doc who is AWOL, Brian Coughlanworldcitizen hasn't been around for a while and I miss him too.

I just hope the both of them are ok.

110. Exorcism undergoes a revival across Europe

Comment #125397 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 10:08 am

I'd give anything to be alive in 50 or 100 years time.

Religion will still be with us, but maybe by then some of us will have the option of pissing off to Mars or something.

This planet is just getting embarrassing.

111. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125275 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 7:06 am

However, the message to other muslim women would be sent loud and clear.


Barbara,

Yes, this is a valid point and I take it onboard fully. But you have to make a stand. Fifty years ago you might be beaten up in the street for being overtly gay. Now, try that shit on a gay pride march and you are the one who is going to get your ass kicked. Muslim women have to be empowered. The only way I can see that this will happen is if they are no longer muslim.

I accept this is very hard to accomplish though.

112. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125269 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 6:52 am

Comment #125256 by AllanW:


yeh, Ian; that sounds great from societies point of view but not so good from the individual concerneds.


Agreed, I have no argument with that. But if people are nervous about pursuing choices in life for fear of someone else committing an illegal act then we really are in deep shit. I am not saying the choice to renounce Islam is the smart thing to do in Saudi Arabia - but in Britain for goodness sake?

113. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125248 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 6:07 am

Comment #125234 by Barbara

She seems to want to make changes (for the better) from within this vile religion


Barbara, I know where you are coming from but I have to disagree. Surely a greater impact could be made by someone with Yasmins profile renouncing the faith and then saying loud and clear why. It would give courage to others that they can just walk away. In Western countries they are not going to be 'hunted down and killed' for doing this; or if they are their murders should be treated as such and their killers prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Perhaps she is a real believer though and feels that's why she has to try and effect change from within. She will fail. The powers pushing her religion in the opposite direction have all the money, all the power and all the appeal.

114. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125243 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 5:43 am

Comment #125231 by Tyler Durden:

Actually, I was singing "I've just met a law named Sharia" from West Side Story :)


Oh, that's a good un! I didn't think of that.

115. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #125214 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 4:27 am

Although Oxford has an unbreakable rule that incumbents have no say in the choice of their successor


Well Richard, just send us all your suggestion by private message and we'll do the rest with a covert campaign.

All strictly hush hush of course.

:-)

116. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125201 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 4:05 am

Comment #125197 by jaytee_555

...jaytee, excellent: exactly where I would have gone with my comment 9 above if I had been as smart as you.

:-)

117. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125188 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 3:50 am

the Archbishop of Canterbury has been chorusing: how do you solve a problem like Sharia?


Alright everybody with me...

(Think, 'sound of music', Julie Andrews and the start of the movie)

"how do you solve - a problem like Shareeeahhh?"

La la la lahhh la lahh la lah la lahhhhhh...

118. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #125184 by Ian Bamlett on February 11, 2008 at 3:45 am

Whilst I appreciate the article I was left with one dominant thought: Yasmin if this is all so abhorrent to you why the hell are you a part of it? Just get OUT and renounce the whole rotten filthy barrel.

Ah, but of course, no matter how much an enlightened muslim she may be, she still 'believes in belief' doesn't she. Am I being to harsh? All preceding comments seem to be entirely favourable - I am left with a bitter taste in my mouth.

119. Conservative Rabbis to Vote on Resolution Criticizing Pope's Revision of Prayer

Comment #124801 by Ian Bamlett on February 10, 2008 at 9:47 am

Fantastic!

This has made my day.

120. The challenge of finding peace in Lourdes

Comment #124788 by Ian Bamlett on February 10, 2008 at 8:50 am

I am still waiting for that double amputee to grow back their legs after they visit Lourdes.

Waiting.....

Still waiting.

EDIT - LoL, Steveroot beat me to it four minutes before me...

121. Christopher Hitchens on Books & Ideas

Comment #124785 by Ian Bamlett on February 10, 2008 at 8:35 am

American military spending is a subject that really gets my goat. So called 'conservatives' wax lyrical about lower taxes and smaller government but then when pressed won't countenance a single cut in their precious military.

Most Americans simply have no idea what a huge leviathan the US military is. There is simply no need to keep a fleet of 18 Ohio class ballistic nuclear submarines, any one of which could vaporize a significant portion of the world’s major cities. I am not against a nuclear deterrent - keep three or four by all means but 18! And we haven't even got started on the aircraft carrier groups, the bomber wings, all horrendously expensive and all about as much use in An war Province against Al Qaeda as a machine gun against a swarm of bees would be. Emergent 'potential' threats such as Iran and China are a canard - add up all the world’s military budgets together and you still don't come close to the USA.

I consider myself a Libertarian, but compared to Scooter a somewhat wishy washy one I suppose because if it was down to me I would slash the US military budget. Unfortunately it just won't happen in the present environment. The USA has adopted far too much of a martial philosophy - exalting the military is de rigueur and I don't see it changing soon.

122. Christopher Hitchens on Books & Ideas

Comment #124378 by Ian Bamlett on February 9, 2008 at 9:17 am

"Well, everyone does have a book in them, but in most cases that's where it should stay"


Ahh, Hitchy with your 1980's style aviator sunglasses and fag hanging off of your alcohol sodden lips. I love you man.

123. Inventor Doesn't Dare Say 'Perpetual Motion Machine'

Comment #124013 by Ian Bamlett on February 8, 2008 at 6:58 am

I believe it.

It's how the UFO's work after all. A more advanced version anyway.

124. Richard Dawkins on The Big Debate

Comment #117815 by Ian Bamlett on January 29, 2008 at 5:50 pm

Ricey,

What the hell are you talking about? The host was Jonathan Dimbleby.

Me thinks you just made a wanker out of yourself mate.

125. Launch of 'Atheists in Foxholes' Book Anthology

Comment #116101 by Ian Bamlett on January 25, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Comment #116070 by Aaron:

I didn't want to hurt anyone. I just wanted to make sure what is written on that piece of paper isn't ignored.


That's fair. I expected a bit of a kicking. I still wouldn't put on a uniform and go 'over there' though. I'm only signing up if they are coming 'over here'. I know, 9/11 was over 'here' - not enough for me.

126. Launch of 'Atheists in Foxholes' Book Anthology

Comment #116063 by Ian Bamlett on January 25, 2008 at 12:40 pm

I am conflicted about this.

As someone who sees arbitrary allegience to a flag as not much better that arbitrary allegience to a God, (both being, in almost all cases, a product of the geography of your birth), I can't understand the mindset of the military mind. I'll probably get slammed for that; and rightly so I suppose in many ways.

Still, all the best to them.

127. The real danger in Darwin is not evolution, but racism

Comment #115547 by Ian Bamlett on January 24, 2008 at 10:04 am

and simply means that you are using a different definition of 'race' to me.



Well quite. This is why I am confused.

128. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #115543 by Ian Bamlett on January 24, 2008 at 10:00 am

Can we all just agree the WBC is beneath contempt and move on?

Here's one vote we never have anything about them posted on this site ever again.

129. The real danger in Darwin is not evolution, but racism

Comment #115537 by Ian Bamlett on January 24, 2008 at 9:51 am

I refuse to give my race, for forms, documents etc other than "human race"

Am I being incredibly naive? Unrealistic? Sorry for just lurking but many of your excellent posts have confused me. Isn't arguing the meaning of 'race' akin to arguing the meaning of 'god' - and therefore meaningless?

My head hurts I need help.

130. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115394 by Ian Bamlett on January 24, 2008 at 6:31 am

With the parallel development of genetic engineering and nanobot type technology, how many generations before evolution by natural selection is done for and we chart are own path?

Just think a Borg with bat Wings. You know, that kind of stuff.

Fun times ahead!

131. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115379 by Ian Bamlett on January 24, 2008 at 5:49 am

Isn't a mouse with bat wings... A Bat???


Ahh... good point!

:-)

132. The real danger in Darwin is not evolution, but racism

Comment #115173 by Ian Bamlett on January 23, 2008 at 5:38 pm

I'm sorry but you have all thus far missed the most amazing revelation in this article.

Clinton had a pastoral counselor!

Wow.

133. Death Sentence for Afghan Student

Comment #115135 by Ian Bamlett on January 23, 2008 at 4:26 pm

I doubt the sentence will be carried out. Too much bad PR for the American backed government.

134. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115126 by Ian Bamlett on January 23, 2008 at 3:51 pm

So glad you like my bum.

Does my head look big in it?

:-)

135. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115089 by Ian Bamlett on January 23, 2008 at 2:30 pm

Ha! Nice one shemp333 (comment 4)

That's a good one liner I will try and use on the next theist who uses the 'scientists playing God' line.

Just wanted to give due credit before I use it!

:-)

136. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115045 by Ian Bamlett on January 23, 2008 at 1:11 pm

By outfitting mice with a chunk of DNA that directs wing development in bats


Come on everyone admit it; when you read up to there you already had an image in your head of a mouse with bat wings!

:-)

137. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114736 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 4:32 pm

I was not just uncomfortable. This was George from Blackadder looking slightly grizzled and with stubble, and looking hot. It was disturbing, I can tell you.


Indeed. My wife has the hots for him too. I may have to sit her down and force her to watch episodes of Blackadder the third some day to cure her of this infatuation.

Prince George: I must say, Blackadder, that was a close shave! Why on earth would an anarchist possibly want to kill *you*?

Edmund: I think it might've been *you* he was after, sir.

Prince George: Oh hogwash! What on earth makes you say that?

Edmund: Well, my suspicions were first aroused by his use of the words, "Death to the stupid Prince!"

:-)

138. Ken Ham in Leicester April 2008

Comment #114664 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 2:27 pm

Forgive me, but who he?


No one you need to listen to. But someone you need to pay attention to.

If you get what I mean.

139. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114662 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 2:24 pm

...Anyway... trying to get back on topic, sort of, if they found a habitable planet within say 20 light years wouldn't you want to sign up for that trip? Even if it means going in suspended animation for a hundred years while you accelerate out there then decelerate at a reasonable fraction of the speed of light.

Ahh.. I know. The assholes left behind will catch you up when they invent warp drive - overtake you and have a fucking prayer rug or baptizing bath waiting for you when you arrive.

Relativity I curse thee!

140. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114656 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 2:18 pm

Oh, I'm a big House fan.

At first I was very uncomfortable with dopey George from Blackadder as a smart wisecracking doctor with a funny accent but it grew on me.

141. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114648 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Well, when Star Trek went down the tubes with "enterprise" and their ridiculous plot lines I defected and became a Battle Galactica fan.

They unashamedly put religion in that show and made it a major plot point. I'm interested to see where they go with it if they ever make the fourth series.

142. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114607 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 1:05 pm

Comment #114605 by tacitus:

A pretty heavy dose of religion if you ask me


You are right! How could I have forgotten that one. Probably because it's a really crap episode. :-)

But yes, that one was pretty awful in its pandering to Christianity.

143. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114596 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 12:52 pm

Welcome BrandonB!

This is the best site in the Alpha Quadrant.

:-)

144. Ken Ham in Leicester April 2008

Comment #114578 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 12:34 pm

Boy, would I like to go to that.

I hope someone in the area from this site can show up and ask some awkward questions!

145. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114568 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 12:25 pm

Ahhh.. Busted! I am a closet Star Trek fan - please don't out me I am not ready to come out yet!

To show how deep the nerdyness runs I refer you to episode 14, season 1 "Balance of terror" which begins with Kirk officiating at the marriage of two crew members. Before the ceremony is interrupted by the Romulans Kirk makes an allusion to faith with the following:

"In accordance with our many beliefs..."

That is the only clear reference to the existence of religion I remember in the Original series. Steve is right to mention that in the spin offs it became much more explicit. Shame really.

146. Life-Forming Chemicals Found in Distant Galaxy

Comment #114537 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 11:30 am

Please God! let me live long enough to be on the first Starship Mayflower off this rock to the nearest habitable planet so I can escape all this religious insanity.

Oh - that's right.

147. Stop revisionist Christian nation House Resolution 888

Comment #114501 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 10:32 am

Comment #114466 by Grumpy Max

Ian, would you be able to direct me to any reading behind your take on the subject?


Yes, but I don't have my library here at work. Also, that would take more time than I have right now. Scouts honor I'll get back to you.

148. Stop revisionist Christian nation House Resolution 888

Comment #114456 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 8:34 am

Anna,

Excellent letter. Believe or not this kind of thing does have an impact if enough people are moved to protest. For example immigration reform was crushed by the tide of negative feedback received last year.

Whether there will be enough in this case though is another matter.

149. Florida in the process of approving new science standards

Comment #114443 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 8:04 am

Comment #114420 by epeeist

Anyway, cricket is the only team game that is worth playing or watching.


Seconded! O/T but you'd be surprised how much cricket there is to be seen these days in the USA. Here I am for example in Pittsburgh, PA heart of the US 'Rust Belt' and I can go see a summer game without a problem.

If you want to know why, just follow this link to the Cricket Club for Carnegie Mellon Uni here in Pittsburgh and then click on the "members" link. Carnegie Mellon is predominently an Engineering / Computer science University.

http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/org/cricket/

Enough said!

:-)

150. Stop revisionist Christian nation House Resolution 888

Comment #114404 by Ian Bamlett on January 22, 2008 at 6:51 am

Comment #114402 by al-rawandi

Ian,

So we had to incinerate two cities full of civilians to get exactly what we wanted. Sounds reasonable.


al-rawandi, I don't like that they were dropped. Really I don't. But there are some very convincing arguments that more lives were saved by dropping them than would have been otherwise. I'm happy to get into them if you or anyone is interested but it would be OT.

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