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Comments by Podaar


101. Tribute to a Beloved Mentor

Comment #191753 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 3:36 pm

34. Comment #191750 by richard_dawkins

That was truly offensive.

102. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #191729 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 2:16 pm

668. Comment #191710 by advocatus_diaboli

People not shown to have the ability to give informed consent, such as the young, would be limited in the scope of what they could do until they were shown to be reasonably competent to understand(as well as anyone can that is) the scope and ramification of their actions. That is really as far as any set of laws need go and no organization is required except in dealing with offenders which would be a community issue.
With large population densities in modern times, this sounds problematic. All members of the community would necessarily need to be involved otherwise you'd need some kind of central authority/government all over again.

Small communities might be able to pull this off but I'd envision clans or tribalism would be the end result and tribalism has a long history of ingroup/outgoup prejudice.

$.02

103. New Online Survey

Comment #191599 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 9:33 am

Eelis,

Nearly every page had instructions indicating it wasn't necessary or even desirable to answer every question. I remember it suggesting you skip any questions you were uncomfortable with. Your lack of response could have given them useful data.

Oh, well.

104. New Online Survey

Comment #191593 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 9:17 am

Finished.

It was interesting and even a little fun.

Al,

I missed the 'air force' as a race answer...hopefully FF will get a chance to answer that :)

-- Gregg

105. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #191541 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 6:50 am

6913. Comment #191533 by phasmagigas

unless god had special 'cat putty' to make all the cats from and 'mantis putty' to make........etc
Good imagery there. I got almost as good of a laugh as when I read this;

6914. Comment #191537 by The Reverend Dark
Sure, he may not feel the shame, much like a baboon feels no shame at publically jerkin' his gherkin.

Or does he...
Rev. where were you when everyone was debating Appleby.

Your posts are always educational and funny. Thanks.

-- Gregg

BTW, Rev. your voice (in my head) always sounds like the "Reverend Theodosius Atrocious" from the Amboy Dukes.

106. The 14-year-old Afghan suicide bomber

Comment #191538 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 6:41 am

67. Comment #191497 by ssssss

I have that book on my coffee table and never get around to reading it. Maybe this weekend.

107. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #191535 by Podaar on June 11, 2008 at 6:37 am

Another followup article.

OBSCENITY_OR_ART?

-- Gregg

108. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound

Comment #191150 by Podaar on June 10, 2008 at 9:45 am

I'm reminded of Sam Harris saying the real problem with Moderates (of any faith) is that they don't really know what it's like to have FULL faith in their own doctrine. That's why they look so surprised when someone flys a plane into a building.

-- Gregg

[edited to clear up stupidness]

109. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound

Comment #191131 by Podaar on June 10, 2008 at 9:19 am

251. Comment #191103 by larhule

You obviously don't need it but consider this a handful of encouragement for pinning responders to their words!
"What we have here...is failure...to communicate."

I may be way off base here but it looked like what Styrer was doing was 'pinning responders' for HIS words (meaning) not theirs.

Peace all. Faith in gods = bad. Agreed? :)

110. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound

Comment #190894 by Podaar on June 9, 2008 at 8:37 pm

Max,

You were being clear. Diacanu was clear. I thought Steve and Frankus were quite clear as well. The religious tend to pay lip service to faith while desperately flailing around for evidence.

Not to worry.

-- Gregg

[edit: Ascaphus was clear too. I don't mean to overlook anyone. :) ]

111. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound

Comment #190850 by Podaar on June 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm

167. Comment #190847 by Diacanu

None of 'em have faith, IMHO
Truer words have never been spoken.

Truth Hunter D is the sage of RD.net :)

112. Faith no more as World Youth Day fans flames of disbelief

Comment #190848 by Podaar on June 9, 2008 at 5:57 pm

61. Comment #190385 by John Pritzlaff

Has anybody read Austin Dacey's The Secular Conscience?
Yes! I enjoyed Austin's reasoning and found myself nodding a great deal. I've found that it's more difficult to follow his advice, in practice, than it sounds. Still, his central point about open public discussion between the religious and irreligious is a sound one.

Ascaphus,

I recommend it too.

-- Gregg

113. The day of judgment

Comment #189600 by Podaar on June 6, 2008 at 3:46 pm

15. Comment #189597 by MelM

Yikes...

114. Hints of 'time before Big Bang'

Comment #189594 by Podaar on June 6, 2008 at 3:25 pm

36. Comment #189580 by Steve Zara

I am going to work hard, however, to try and avoid this syndrome again:
http://xkcd.com/386/
Steve,

I can so relate with that goal. My second marriage ended because of distance between my spouse and me partially brought on by my fascination with the growing internet communities of the time (1987 or so). Too many nights of letting your spouse go to bed with out you (regardless of the reason) can make for a permanently empty bed.

I only visit internet communities at work now. That way the only thing I have to loose is my job. :)

-- Gregg

[edited to fix my terrible spelling]

115. Blogger spreads the gospel of science

Comment #189478 by Podaar on June 6, 2008 at 10:36 am

I've driven the 700 miles from Paris to Moscow in less than 9 hours before.

Idaho.

116. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #189106 by Podaar on June 5, 2008 at 1:12 pm

1260. Comment #189103 by Bonzai

Bravo.

117. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #189100 by Podaar on June 5, 2008 at 12:55 pm

Diacanu,

Strangely, he seems to be asserting that 'scientific' discovery may prove one group superior to another regardless of how people morally feel. Then he seems to think that is a good arguement for being repulsed by homosexuality and not repulsed by bestiality.

I think. He's kinda hard to follow.

118. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #189044 by Podaar on June 5, 2008 at 9:15 am

Appleby,

1. The sheep have long eyelashes to keep dust out of their eyes, not to entice you.

2. The don't run away because their hind legs are in you boots.

3. They only push back because they don't want to go over the cliff.

119. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188808 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 3:41 pm

1156. Comment #188806 by Mitchell Gilks

I don't remember suggesting that anyone should risk their lives, or do anything unreasonable.
You didn't. I'm not being clear in my questions. It's not important anyway.

Feel free to ignore me. :)

120. The Great Evangelical Decline

Comment #188804 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 3:20 pm

28. Comment #188803 by Christine Wicker

Welcome to RD.net. Thanks for the article.

-- Gregg

121. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188801 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 3:13 pm

1151. Comment #188795 by Mitchell Gilks

I'm either dense or I've been working too long today, because I didn't really understand your post prior to this quote.

I don't think that just answering this question is very productive though without first discussing what we based our moral and ethical views on to begin with.


I thought the moral/ethical view I described was; I value my childrens' and other motorists lives over any animals they may encounter on the road. I've instructed my children to not swerve or break and go ahead and hit the animal in an attempt to maximise their survival.

I was asking you for your moral/ethical view in this situation.

Again, I'm not judging, just trying to understand...although, I'll admit it is difficult.

122. The Great Evangelical Decline

Comment #188788 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 2:42 pm

22. Comment #188786 by Quetzalcoatl

they see that things are declining, and want to make them appear otherwise.
This reminds me of Mormon leadership's tactics. They claim 12 million (or more) members worldwide, but they count every person who's ever been baptised and are still alive. Rumor has it that the active membership is much lower.

False bragging rights.

123. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188785 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 2:33 pm

1144. Comment #188779 by Mitchell Gilks

Depends on what you mean by "regard". I would suppose you hold different people at different levels of regard, depending on their qualities. I know that I do.
I meant value. It's true that I don't value a stranger as much as my wife.

In your opinion, should I value the life of any animal as much as the stranger on the street? I've scolded my children for breaking and swerving their vehicles to miss animals or birds on the road because I value my children's and the other motorists lives more than the animals. Am I wrong?

124. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188763 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Frankus,

To quote Emeril, "Pork fat rules!"

125. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188759 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 1:49 pm

1135. Comment #188755 by al-rawandi

I prefer dogs to toads.
I find dogs stringy and toads too sour. Frog legs are good though.

126. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188756 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 1:46 pm

Samir,

I've had the impression that animal rights people are appealing to reason and feel that we humans (as higher reasoning animals) should be able to rise above our feeding instincts and deal as fairly with animals as we do with people. We have the technology to survive without munching on other living, sentient beings so therefore we should. I think that is the point they are making(?) I was fishing for verification from Mitchell.

Your point about 'in species' favoritism could be used against his stance but I'm not interested in refuting...just understanding.

Al,

I'm listening to Dream Theater's cover of the Master of Puppets album right now...damn, you were right!
:)

127. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188744 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 1:18 pm

Al,

I've met others with his core belief about animals and try as I might, I just don't get it. Mitchell is brighter than most people I've met with this view so I'm hoping to get a better understanding of where he's (they're) coming from.

-- Gregg

edited for clarity

128. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188742 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 1:12 pm

Mitchell,

I'm trying to understand you position, so the following question is not loaded at all.

Are you saying that my cat (whom I love dearly partially because of her personality) should be held in the same regard (by me) as, say, my wife or children? If not them, my neighbor who I don't know very well?

-- Gregg

129. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188597 by Podaar on June 4, 2008 at 8:35 am

1049. Comment #188589 by al-rawandi

Is he making the case for bestiality.

I may be wrong; I think he's trying to get someone, anyone, to say bestiality is scientifically wrong because it isn't capable of producing offspring. Then he can use the same argument to justify his homophobia.

I've seen this crap before and it still doesn't address the adoption issue since there are plenty of hetero couples not physically capable of producing offspring and thus choose adoption.

-- Gregg

[edit] It looks like irate already beat me to the punch. Also edited for spelling.

130. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188201 by Podaar on June 3, 2008 at 10:43 am

793. Comment #188198 by Bonzai

Bonzai,

Regardless of the quality, or lack, the moral of the Bird Cage is caring parents who shouldn't be ashamed of who they are.

[edit]...and, I thought the John Wayne walk was hilarious!

131. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188192 by Podaar on June 3, 2008 at 10:23 am

Appleby,

Now that the thread is winding down a bit, I'd like to throw in my two cents:

I think you're a victim of your own imagination. It appears you are confusing your distaste for specific sexual activity with the people. If you think about it long enough I suspect you will see that it's not helpful in the context of adoption. Presumably you are reviled by the thought of your parents getting it on, or your grandparents, but does that preclude them from being good at raising children?

There are many homophobes who confuse orientation with promiscuity. I don't know if that describes you but keep in mind, the people who are looking to adopt are loving, caring, COUPLES in monogamous relationships.

What really is important is the ability of the couple to protect, feed, nurture and to prepare the child to be an adult.

You might do well to watch 'The Bird Cage." I can think of many reasons why Nathan Lane's character is a better role model than my own Mother...not least of which, he's a better dresser. :)

-- Gregg

132. The Challenge of the New Creationism

Comment #188062 by Podaar on June 3, 2008 at 7:28 am

54. Comment #188008 by epeeist

Given the current paranoia in the UK lots of people would look askance at your picture
Really?! Man that's disgusting.

I use that picture because it is an accurate representation of me. I live in the U.S., I'm a devoted family man (that's my granddaughter), I love the out doors, and have impeccable taste in shirts.
Go for it, just so long as your name isn't Appleby...
Quite the opposite, really. I only said I'd laugh at your Avatar to make a point. Truth, in fact, your mustache kinda turns me on.

Do you have curly hair in your ears? mmmmm.

133. The Challenge of the New Creationism

Comment #187998 by Podaar on June 3, 2008 at 6:13 am

50. Comment #187921 by epeeist

Why?
Spoken like someone who's never been objectified.
In spite of all your knowledge, cleverness, wit and wisdom, epeeist, I'm only here to laugh at your avatar.

134. The Challenge of the New Creationism

Comment #187770 by Podaar on June 2, 2008 at 3:38 pm

44. Comment #187767 by thewhitepearl

I'm going to politely ignore the comments about my avatar
In contrast to my earlier comment; the oogling of women is the one of the bad things about visiting this site daily.

I can only speak for myself, but I'm sorry you have to put up with that crap and it's discouraging that so-called 'rationalists' can be just as boorish, racist and homophobic (as witnessed on another thread) as the rest of the world.

-- Gregg

135. The Challenge of the New Creationism

Comment #187603 by Podaar on June 2, 2008 at 10:54 am

These types of videos and the scientists who make them are the best reason for visiting this website daily.

I'm very glad I didn't miss this one!

136. Louisiana's latest creationism bill moves to House floor

Comment #185809 by Podaar on May 28, 2008 at 4:05 pm

41. Comment #185556 by kryss187
46. Comment #185590 by davemei

A couple of weeks ago I would have felt exactly the same way about an article like this. What changed?

Mrs. Podaar and I went to Washington D.C. on vacation and hit all the sites. What was uplifting was all the young people in the National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Not only were the youth engaged and interested but while eavesdropping they seemed well versed...well beyond my level at least.

I'm talking about seeing hundreds of thousands of youth over the week we were there. I find that encouraging.

137. Car dealership advert tells atheists to 'shut up'

Comment #185792 by Podaar on May 28, 2008 at 2:42 pm

I'm surprised at the variety of explanations for what FORD means…my brothers always told me it meant Found On Reservation Dump.

I guess that only makes sense if you've been to a native American tribal reservation.

138. $271 Million for Research on Stem Cells in California

Comment #178118 by Podaar on May 10, 2008 at 2:27 pm

32. Comment #178033 by scooternyc

It was me being off topic. I was just pointing out that your being on topic wasn't addressing Nova's theocracy point that I took exception too. For what its worth, I agree with you and think you spoke elequently to your points.

[edit]Oh, and I've never heard of the Mormon leadership speak out against stem cell research. The voting practices of Utah Mormons would lead you to believe they are against it though. I'll have to research to find out if they have an official theological position.[/edit]

33. Comment #178107 by Nova

didn't mean theocracy in the legal sense I meant in the sense that thats what its sometimes like in practice...
I thought that was what you meant, but it's nice to hear you spell it out. Living in Utah, I'd have to agree with you that it can feel like a theocracy...at times. However, in practice Utah is much less restrictive than it appears on the surface. While I wish Mormon theology would get flushed down the toilet of bad ideas, at least they don't (theologically and in practice) deny evolution.

139. Scientists Know Better Than You--Even When They're Wrong

Comment #178023 by Podaar on May 10, 2008 at 9:30 am

56. Comment #178021 by FightingFalcon

Was it the Supreme Court? My recollection was that only a Dover Pennsylvania court had ruled that. If so, I have more hope than I did before.

140. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #178022 by Podaar on May 10, 2008 at 9:25 am

268. Comment #178019 by clearmind

That last link was interesting (not). Clicking on the 'just the facts' page presents a phoney court record. The irony buzzer goes off when you read a fake court record that is supposed to prove an 'evolution hoax'

141. Scientists Know Better Than You--Even When They're Wrong

Comment #178020 by Podaar on May 10, 2008 at 9:07 am

22. Comment #177915 by Barry Pearson

She stresses the importance of getting religious people vocally on the side of Evolution so that religious parents need not fear science, especially Evolution


Here is a link to an op/ed piece by a religious person who agrees.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_9213639

142. $271 Million for Research on Stem Cells in California

Comment #178001 by Podaar on May 10, 2008 at 8:14 am

Comment #177951 by scooternyc

I agree with everything you posted in 177951. I'm not sure what it has to do with Nova calling Utah and Texas theocracies, but it is on topic. :)

143. $271 Million for Research on Stem Cells in California

Comment #177891 by Podaar on May 9, 2008 at 10:55 pm

23. Comment #177773 by scooternyc

Interesting. From the data it looks like; if you want a good education and income level, being Hindu is a good start. :)

Utah and New York have the same level of religiousness, but Texas is quite high.

Oregon appears to be America's utopia of freedom from religion at 27%.

Thanks for the info! I'll be very interested in the 'theocracy' evidence when it arrives.

144. $271 Million for Research on Stem Cells in California

Comment #177756 by Podaar on May 9, 2008 at 3:55 pm

12. Comment #177620 by Nova
Interesting statements you've made.

theocratic states like Texas and Utah
Opinion or do you have evidence?
funny the more religious states are usually the poorest
Opinion or do you have evidence?

I'd love to see your evidence, if you have it.

145. Faith in Britain today

Comment #177070 by Podaar on May 8, 2008 at 2:09 pm

41. Comment #177063 by Diacanu

Oh, and there is the bit about him shaking his friend's hand while politically stabbing them in the back.

A lovely thinker though.

146. Faith in Britain today

Comment #177043 by Podaar on May 8, 2008 at 1:48 pm

That was a difficult read.

As always, the interesting question about atheism is 'what is the theism that is being denied?' Have you ever met anyone who believes what Richard Dawkins doesn't believe in? I usually find that the God that is being rejected by such people is a God I don't believe in either. I simply don't recognise my faith in what is presented by these critics as Christian faith.
It might be nice if someone pointed out that it's not necessary to believe in not-belief.

Crazyness.

147. An Atheist Goes Undercover to Join the Flock of Mad Pastor John Hagee

Comment #176885 by Podaar on May 8, 2008 at 8:49 am

36. Comment #176635 by MPhil

I even got the opportunity to talk to and get autographs from 6 musicians I consider to be among the best in writing complex, beautiful music and instrumental virtuosity: All Members of Dream Theater and Steve Vai...
Ok, now THAT got my attention. I would give almost anything to talk with John Patrucci, Mike Portnoy, and Jordan Rudess! I don't think a day has gone past in the last 15 years that I haven't listened to some DT. "Home" from SFAM is playing on my computer right now.

You have my envy Sir.

148. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #176864 by Podaar on May 8, 2008 at 7:38 am

240. Comment #176855 by ligfietser

fear of muslims IS de facto used as a disguise for racism
Ah, that clears up the confusion for me. Thank you.

149. Shaw TV Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #176582 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 4:12 pm

158. Comment #176581 by Teratornis

Thanks dude! I can head home with a smile now.

By the way, I understand your view on peak oil. Really I do. I think most regular readers of this site do. I think most readers probably agree with you...but, I also think you're loosing your audience.

And no, I'm not angry.

Good night.

150. Anti-Evolution Film Misappropriates the Holocaust

Comment #176578 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Apathy,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noam_Chomsky

[edit] Don't forget to follow the links on his critics too. It's interesting reading.

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