Comments by Podaar

Comment #163937 by Podaar on April 19, 2008 at 10:09 am

Santi;

Having kids while young who give me grandkids while young has kept me young. I know it sounds strange but has worked out for me.

-- Gregg

252. The Child Preachers

Comment #163935 by Podaar on April 19, 2008 at 10:06 am

MPhil,

Please move to America and run for office. I'll help you campaign.

-- Gregg

253. The Child Preachers

Comment #163929 by Podaar on April 19, 2008 at 9:50 am

Santi,

That little darlin' is my middle granddaughter Tessa. She's 4 and a quite a little shit :)

Thank you for assuming I'm young enough to have children that young. *blows a kiss* Most of my children are closer to 30.

254. The Child Preachers

Comment #163892 by Podaar on April 19, 2008 at 8:56 am

Santi,

You claim children are more resilient than we give them credit for. You hold up compelling examples and personal anecdotes. Others on this site repeatedly do the same...which is fine.

Do you allow for the possibility there may be anecdotes and examples of where indoctriniating children was harmful? Do you think, if evidence was gathered, the majority of children would be harmed or helped?

I'm not saying I know the answer, only that my experience is the opposite of yours.

255. Flea of the week

Comment #163592 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 3:19 pm

BigJohn;

I've known people who don't desire to visit Hawaii too. Funny, they're always the ones who've never been. :)

256. Flea of the week

Comment #163582 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 3:03 pm

Paula,

I'll be here http://www.maunalani.com/ next month for a golf tournament. If you want to meet me and the Mrs. there, I'll buy you a 'beach comber' and shake your hand.

-- Gregg

257. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163446 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 11:07 am

Comment #163440 by epeeist

"Night of the Living Prophets"

258. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163435 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 10:58 am

Comment #163432 by cordura5

Maybe I missed something but was there a question about 'evolution by natural selection' in there?

259. Yoko Ono, Filmmakers Caught in 'Expelled' Flap

Comment #163426 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 10:41 am

Santi

Oh, my mistake then. I thought you were making a separate point about the general audience for Expelled.

I agree that we could all be more open to new ideas--I don't think ID qualifies though[edit], as a new idea[/edit].

260. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163422 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 10:34 am

Bonzai,

I don't necessarily agree with him, but check out this post by RM I stumbled across today.

http://www.richarddawkins.net/articleComments,623,Do-stop-behaving-as-if-you-are-God-Professor-Dawkins,Alister-McGrath-The-Mail,page3#21198

:)

261. Gods and earthlings

Comment #163410 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 10:12 am

they drop the science-fiction fig leaf and expose themselves

Thank you Professor, that made my day.

262. Yoko Ono, Filmmakers Caught in 'Expelled' Flap

Comment #163382 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 9:13 am

Comment #163379 by Santi Tafarella

People who are sucked in by propaganda deserve to be sucked in by propaganda

Even if they are legislators for your city, county, state or country?

263. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163345 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 8:18 am

Comment #163341 by Bonzai

It is often not as your own example of RM shows.

As I said before, I find your arguement compelling. I concede the point; 'often'.

264. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163343 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 8:14 am

Al,

You are an extremely intellingent person and self-confident in the extreme. I have no doubt you would have an easy time breaking free of childhood indoctrinating (as would Bonzai) Other people with less capacity probably have more difficulty. :)

265. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163335 by Podaar on April 18, 2008 at 8:02 am

Comment #163313 by Bonzai

Children do have their own minds and agency.

I think you are projecting. Your comments over the past months have raised my consciousness that we must not generalize about indoctrinating of children, but the evidence is pretty clear it works for a majority of religions on the majority of children.

If you suspend your skepticism enough, I think you'll see what I mean. RM is a clear example. I know, first hand, the kind of brainwashing he went through as a youth and as a missionary. His search for a suitable substitute is pretty common and I'm convinced he wouldn't be having such a difficult time if he wasn't raised a Mormon.

$.02

266. Sexpelled: No Intercourse Allowed

Comment #162913 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Inferno

I think because sex theory involves being touched by appendages and FSM has noodly ones? I forget.

267. Sexpelled: No Intercourse Allowed

Comment #162883 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 4:05 pm

Comment #162877 by Paula Kirby

Everyone KNOWS babies are found under gooseberry bushes.

You meant cabbage patch, yes? Please tell me Gran wasn't wrong!

268. Victims: Pope Benedict Protects Accused Pedophile Bishops

Comment #162865 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 3:41 pm

MPhil

Don't shoot me...I'm just the piano player.

269. Victims: Pope Benedict Protects Accused Pedophile Bishops

Comment #162848 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Comment #162846 by MPhil

...otherwise they wouldn't vote for a president and in general a government that doesn't give a shit about it.

You give us Americans too much credit. You assume we know enough about our candidates to guess what they would do (torture, wire-tapping, etc).

They just need a nice smile and a religious background.

270. Yoko Ono, Filmmakers Caught in 'Expelled' Flap

Comment #162836 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 2:31 pm

Comment #162778 by Santi Tafarella

I suppose that you support numerous evils everyday, from child labor to environmental pollution, just by casually going around walmart and buying a few things.

Comment #162830 by Santi Tafarella

You got on your high horse and proceeded to flog a straw man, then made a flamboyant defense of your commitment to evidence and reason (isn't that ironic?) and moral product purchasing.

It looks like you laid the bait.

271. Victims: Pope Benedict Protects Accused Pedophile Bishops

Comment #162817 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Comment #162815 by Steve Zara

I suspect you are correct. Either way, I would argue that getting rid of the suppression would be a step in the right direction.

-- Gregg

272. Victims: Pope Benedict Protects Accused Pedophile Bishops

Comment #162811 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 1:45 pm

Comment #162802 by Steve Zara

I don't think it is reasonable or acceptable to say that supressed sexual activity can lead to rape. People are, in general, better than that.

I'm sorry to say Steve, I have some pretty compelling anecdotal evidence that suppression may lead to rape. I think the subject deserves study.

I am delighted that you think people are better than that. I hope you never have to meet the ones who aren't.

-- Gregg

273. Yoko Ono, Filmmakers Caught in 'Expelled' Flap

Comment #162759 by Podaar on April 17, 2008 at 12:13 pm

Comment #162756 by Santi Tafarella

Good post. [edit]I agree that strong opinions should be derived from personal experience[/edit]When Moore's 911 movie came out, I really wanted to see it without supporting him monetarily (I'm not a fan of his 'schtick') so I paid to see a Disney movie and just went to his instead.

That could be a reasonable solution to some who want to watch this film.

-- Gregg

274. Science Debate 2008

Comment #160781 by Podaar on April 14, 2008 at 11:41 am

Thank you for posting this. I was out for drinks last Friday when one friend complained about another religious debate between the candidates being eminent. We all agreed we'd love to see a science debate.

I'll be passing along this link.

275. Richard Dawkins on The Big Questions

Comment #159196 by Podaar on April 11, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Comment #159138 by Cartomancer
Thanks! That made my day.

Comment #159191 by Eric Blair
Exactly. I don't get it either. I grew up with a kid who was always going on about needing to build bunkers. That way he could hold out against the government when they came to get him.

I think part of the problem is people are egotistical enough to think "They" actually care about him.

276. Inadequate, private and late apology with grotesquely inadequate excuse

Comment #159093 by Podaar on April 11, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Comment #159080 by BFKate

I think calling for Ms Davis' resignation for expressing an opinion is a punishment and a type of ban, as well as a form of censorship.

Because representatives are part of the legislative body, their "personal" prejudices have relevance. Her JOB is to uphold the freedoms and rights of all citizens. Calling for the resignation of a bigot is appropriate.

-- Gregg

277. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #158491 by Podaar on April 10, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Comment #158490 by black wolf

Oh, man... black wolf that little girl was the same age as my oldest granddaughter. I'm completely sick.

278. Cult leader Pyotr Kuznetsov tries suicide after realising he was wrong about doomsday

Comment #157917 by Podaar on April 9, 2008 at 6:22 pm

Wait a minute!!! Dr. Benway is a woman?!

What was with the man avatar standing in front of the building, then.

I need to pay closer attention...I think I skim too much.

279. Richard Dawkins: 'Growth in creationist beliefs a problem for schools'

Comment #156872 by Podaar on April 8, 2008 at 10:54 am

Al, No arguement here.

280. Richard Dawkins: 'Growth in creationist beliefs a problem for schools'

Comment #156861 by Podaar on April 8, 2008 at 10:40 am

Al speaks wisdom.

Only when I found happiness in being alone (after my second devorce) was I able to put myself out there and accidentally find a lasting relationship.

281. Richard Dawkins: 'Growth in creationist beliefs a problem for schools'

Comment #156851 by Podaar on April 8, 2008 at 10:25 am

Comment #156838 by Bonzai

I think I am too much of a cat person.

Ah, I am also a cat person. As you well know, it is impossible to coerce affection from a cat and it will only offer its love after it trusts you completely.

282. Richard Dawkins: 'Growth in creationist beliefs a problem for schools'

Comment #156831 by Podaar on April 8, 2008 at 10:01 am

Comment #156823 by Bonzai

Please explain why.

Bonzai;

I've been on both ends of that stick. Neither provided a recipe for a successful relationship in my case. If forced to make a choice I'd say (B) because you haven't ruled out the possibility for creating an equal friendship and trust hasn't been destroyed. Trust is a HUGE issue for me and for April (my wife).

-- Gregg

283. Richard Dawkins: 'Growth in creationist beliefs a problem for schools'

Comment #156821 by Podaar on April 8, 2008 at 9:52 am

Comment #156808 by Bonzai

I want to be ugly and gross with you, and you only..

I can see how it's tempting to think this way--especially when you're young. I even wonder everytime I look in the mirror how the Mrs. can be attracted to me... The truth be known, neither one of us are the physical specimens we once were. The deep loving friendship that Steve describes enhances the outward appearance of your significant-other and the attraction lives on.

In my experience, anyway.

284. Richard Dawkins: 'Growth in creationist beliefs a problem for schools'

Comment #156813 by Podaar on April 8, 2008 at 9:37 am

Comment #156806 by Quetzalcoatl

Oh, man. I feel bad for RM...when I read his post on the Cult Leader thread I thought, "Thank you Bishop Morgan," but never posted because it would have just added fat to the fire.

Richard, if you read this; I sincerely hope you find some local like minded people to spend time with. Internet friendships are bound to be unfulfilling to many.

-- Gregg

285. Cult leader Pyotr Kuznetsov tries suicide after realising he was wrong about doomsday

Comment #156532 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 6:54 pm

...content and style are secondary matters.

I have no problem with D's content and style.

286. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156530 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 6:46 pm

Comment #156526 by kaiserkriss

No offense to you or other United States citizens intended.

Ok, cool. For a minute there I thought us lazy Americans were being berated for not taking our civic responsibilities seriously...or quickly enough. :)

287. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156528 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Comment #156523 by CargoShip359

Isn't it Rob Sherman that thanks Monique Davis and not the chairman as has been suggested.

I got the same impression by reading the Chicago Tribune article.

I'm not sure about flooding his email? This seems a bit harsh.

Ah, come on. All us sycophants say "how high" when we're told to jump.

-- Gregg

288. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156516 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Comment #156489 by kaiserkriss

Okay, all you citizens of the United States of America, PAY ATTENTION, do you have any answers to RD's questions posted above?

While you were posting this, I contacted my state Democratic Party, sent e-mails to Rep Davis and Senator Obama, and called the Illinois Democratic party headquarters to express my concern about Ms. Davis' comments.

Just because someone posts their outrage on this site doesn't mean they aren't doing other things as well.

289. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156455 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Comment #156453 by Dr Benway

It wasn't always like this. It's not an American quirk. It can happen in your country, too.

Oh, too true. The '70s were completely different...at least the part I can remember clearly. :)

290. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156443 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 2:57 pm

Comment #156439 by Clydey

For your analogy to work, we would have to assume she 'intended' to discriminate against him. My guess is she (wrongly) felt the need to defend herself.

291. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #156441 by Podaar on April 7, 2008 at 2:52 pm

My first thought when hearing her comments was she was in fear. Fear of being discriminated against yet again.

What I think is being missed here is; Christianity (especially the Baptist variety) is part of the 'Black Experience' in America. Being a woman and being dark skinned in America is a pretty good reason to be defensive. She probably doesn't know squat about atheists or what they support or don't support. It seems clear to me that she's being defensive of 'yet another attack' on her.

A bit of education might fix her up.

292. Fleabytes

Comment #155705 by Podaar on April 5, 2008 at 9:41 am

I'm a bit ashamed to admit I used to keep this book on my coffee table to drive off the local Mormon proselytizers. Kind of juvenile of me really.

293. Beware the Believers

Comment #155504 by Podaar on April 4, 2008 at 3:30 pm

Comment #155500 by Corylus

We tend to make moral judgements intuitively rather than rationally.

This is exactly why I prefer to sit on the sidelines and watch this discussion. I'm interested, but my view of the issue is purely subjective...and opinions are like as....., well, you know.

-- Gregg

294. Beware the Believers

Comment #155497 by Podaar on April 4, 2008 at 3:16 pm

Diacanu;

The last few pages have seen him discussing ethics and morality and how they relate to abortion. He's kept bible verse out of the discussion, so I've been interested.

I'd have to vote, no ka-ka.

295. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #154730 by Podaar on April 3, 2008 at 3:59 pm

Diacanu;

The original VHD, or the sequel?

The original (Japanese with subtitles only), oh and the original for Ghost in the Shell as well. I didn't understand the sequel.

And didja know there's a third one coming?

Cool. I'll watch for it.

--Gregg

296. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #154708 by Podaar on April 3, 2008 at 3:29 pm

Comment #154683 by Adam Morrison

...and their color coordination is fantastic.

I believe 'fabulous' is the correct vernacular.

297. Cult leader Pyotr Kuznetsov tries suicide after realising he was wrong about doomsday

Comment #154687 by Podaar on April 3, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Comment #154681 by Darwin's badger

Twice. My boss, in the next room, asked what was so funny.

*clicks on minimize*

298. Expelled Overview

Comment #154662 by Podaar on April 3, 2008 at 2:51 pm

Comment #154617 by Jon_Sociologist

Jared Diamond the author of Guns, Germs and Steel argues that members of New Guinea aboriginal tribes show higher intelligence aptitude than Eurasian people (I don't know what studies he sights, I'm not near the book right now). His reasoning is that hunter/gatherer lifestyles have provided a natural selection of genes that favor intelligence over other kinds of survival strategies.

299. Thy will be done

Comment #154618 by Podaar on April 3, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Comment #154608 by Teratornis:

Well, if a vast majority (theist and atheists alike) could find enough common ground to be comfortably supportive of a 'global subjective secular morality' would it still be necessary to have objective secular ethical argument in support of atheism? Would we still have to live down the nihilist label?

Oh, and I'm just speculating on 'big issue' morality--certainly, there would be local issues of smaller consequence.

-- Gregg

300. Beware the Believers

Comment #154603 by Podaar on April 3, 2008 at 1:47 pm

Comment #154578 by annabanana