See the next generation of USA scientists being educated!!
Monday 3 May 2010
Monday 26 April 2010
Homework for Ratzi in the UK
Launch of 'Benedict' condoms
Review of Vatican attitude on condom use
Bless a civil partnership
Reversal of policy on women bishops/ordain woman
Open an abortion ward
Speech on equality
Statemen on views over adoption (change of stance)
Training course for all bishops on child abuse allegations
Harder line on child abuse—announce sacking of dodgy bishops
Vatican sponsorship for network of AIDS clinics
Meet young unemployed people
Apologize for… …
Canonise/pseudo canonise a group
Announce whistle blowing system for child abuse cases
Go to job centre
Debate on abortion
All catholic schools should be free entry to all
Speech on democracy
Vatican and C of E funded committee on dialogue
Launch helpline for abused children
Review of Vatican attitude on condom use
Bless a civil partnership
Reversal of policy on women bishops/ordain woman
Open an abortion ward
Speech on equality
Statemen on views over adoption (change of stance)
Training course for all bishops on child abuse allegations
Harder line on child abuse—announce sacking of dodgy bishops
Vatican sponsorship for network of AIDS clinics
Meet young unemployed people
Apologize for… …
Canonise/pseudo canonise a group
Announce whistle blowing system for child abuse cases
Go to job centre
Debate on abortion
All catholic schools should be free entry to all
Speech on democracy
Vatican and C of E funded committee on dialogue
Launch helpline for abused children
Thursday 22 April 2010
Frustrate the Mormons
PZ Myers using the hundreds of thousands who read his Pharyngula blog, is trying to frustrate a Mormon campagn to have a Mormon video toprated on youtube -see here to help
International campaign to Frustrate Mormons
Mormon campaign co-ordinated on facebook
International campaign to Frustrate Mormons
Mormon campaign co-ordinated on facebook
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Clever Crows with Tools!
New Caledonian crows have been observed using three tools in succession in order to obtain a treat, scientists say. Fantastic video!
Clever Crows
Clever Crows
Sunday 18 April 2010
Arrest the Pope!
Here's a video of Christopher Hitchens speaking to US news channel MSNBC about what he sees as the legal case against Pope Benedict XVI. (Found via RichardDawkins.net)
Thursday 15 April 2010
SIMON SINGH IS SINGING
Great News for science and free speech - British Chiropractic Assn. admit defeat vs Simon Singh
TIMES ONLINE
Jack of Kent blog
He said he would be pursuing the BCA for his legal costs. “The issue of costs is still outstanding. I suppose it will cost the BCA upward of £300,000, and I want to make sure they end up paying my legal costs, which will be over £100,000. It could be that I don’t get that money back: that explains why people don’t fight libel cases.”
We still need to get Libel Reform so if you haven't signed the petition
sign here - it's now over 50,000
TIMES ONLINE
Jack of Kent blog
He said he would be pursuing the BCA for his legal costs. “The issue of costs is still outstanding. I suppose it will cost the BCA upward of £300,000, and I want to make sure they end up paying my legal costs, which will be over £100,000. It could be that I don’t get that money back: that explains why people don’t fight libel cases.”
We still need to get Libel Reform so if you haven't signed the petition
sign here - it's now over 50,000
Wednesday 14 April 2010
You're the first to meet an intelligent alien species. What are you going to do?
The whole Human race is depending on you
do the right thing
click here for more advice and click on image to enlarge
do the right thing
click here for more advice and click on image to enlarge
Sunday 11 April 2010
Never trust a Murdoch paper!
quoting Richard Dawkins from here
Needless to say, I did NOT say "I will arrest Pope Benedict XVI" or anything so personally grandiloquent. You have to remember that The Sunday Times is a Murdoch newspaper, and that all newspapers follow the odd custom of entrusting headlines to a sub-editor, not the author of the article itself.
Needless to say, I did NOT say "I will arrest Pope Benedict XVI" or anything so personally grandiloquent. You have to remember that The Sunday Times is a Murdoch newspaper, and that all newspapers follow the odd custom of entrusting headlines to a sub-editor, not the author of the article itself.
Friday 9 April 2010
Vote for the Ulster Museum!
A single award of £100,000 is presented to a museum or gallery whose entry, in the opinion of the judges, best meets the Prize criteria through a project completed or mainly undertaken in the previous calendar year.
Click here for more about the prize and vote
The're in second place at the moment!
Click here for more about the prize and vote
The're in second place at the moment!
Tuesday 6 April 2010
New blasphemous art exhibition opens in Dublin
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From atheist.ie
A new art exhibition titled Blasphemous opened (appropriately) on Good Friday in the Irish Museum of Contemporary Art (IMOCA) in Lad Lane, off Baggott Street, Dublin 2. It’s the second art exhibition to highlight and challenge the new Irish blasphemy law, which became active on 1st January 2010.
Since then, the Irish Justice Minister has responded to the campaign against the law by saying that he will propose a referendum, later this year, to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Irish Constitution, thus enabling the blasphemy law to be repealed.
This makes the new exhibition in IMOCA not just a challenge to the blasphemy law, but also a celebration of artistic freedom, and freedom of expression generally. The exhibition runs until 25 April and is open from 12 noon to 5 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment through contacting IMOCA.
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From atheist.ie
A new art exhibition titled Blasphemous opened (appropriately) on Good Friday in the Irish Museum of Contemporary Art (IMOCA) in Lad Lane, off Baggott Street, Dublin 2. It’s the second art exhibition to highlight and challenge the new Irish blasphemy law, which became active on 1st January 2010.
Since then, the Irish Justice Minister has responded to the campaign against the law by saying that he will propose a referendum, later this year, to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Irish Constitution, thus enabling the blasphemy law to be repealed.
This makes the new exhibition in IMOCA not just a challenge to the blasphemy law, but also a celebration of artistic freedom, and freedom of expression generally. The exhibition runs until 25 April and is open from 12 noon to 5 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment through contacting IMOCA.
.
Monday 5 April 2010
The State is beginning to see the merits of the humanist perspective, writes DICK SPICER
Irish Times Mon, Apr 05, 2010
Dick Spicer is chairman of the Humanist Association of Ireland
EQUALITY AND parity of esteem for the non-religious community is being achieved – but at a pace so slow it can sometimes evoke justifiable impatience. On the other hand, it is important to balance this disappointing rate of progress against the backdrop of the more pressing efforts of the State over the past couple of years to avoid national bankruptcy.
That said, however, the State and its institutions have made significant beginnings in areas requiring reform. Those registering progress are education, health and law reform. Of these, the key problematic area in our State has long been securing the rights of children in primary education.
Dick Spicer is chairman of the Humanist Association of Ireland
EQUALITY AND parity of esteem for the non-religious community is being achieved – but at a pace so slow it can sometimes evoke justifiable impatience. On the other hand, it is important to balance this disappointing rate of progress against the backdrop of the more pressing efforts of the State over the past couple of years to avoid national bankruptcy.
That said, however, the State and its institutions have made significant beginnings in areas requiring reform. Those registering progress are education, health and law reform. Of these, the key problematic area in our State has long been securing the rights of children in primary education.
Thursday 1 April 2010
The Simon Singh Song
Sciencefilms — 22 March 2010 — Support libel reform and sign up at www.libelreform.org/sign
Ariane Sherine sings 'The Simon Singh Song" backstage at the Big Libel Gig, 14 March 2010. Find out why Ariane and 40,000 others are backing libel law reform.
Update - 2:30pm
Simon has won the right to rely on the defence of fair comment in the libel action, in a landmark ruling at the Court of Appeal.
see here
Shakespeare in the Psikhushkas
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This is an advance review by Brian McClinton to be published in the May/June edition of Humanism Ireland
Contested Will • James Shapiro • 2010 • Faber • 367pp • £20
DELIA BACON, the 19th century American bluestocking who believed that Shakespeare was written by a group led by Francis Bacon, eventually went mad. The founder of the Oxfordian authorship theory was a man called Looney. And, according to most literary scholars, anyone who doubts that Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare is probably more or less insane. The whole notion, it is said, belongs in the manic realm of flat-earthers, Princess Di conspirators and holocaust deniers.
In the Soviet Union dissidents were sent to psychiatric hospitals called psikhushkas because the authorities were afraid that the people might listen to them. In the ‘free’ west there is no need of psikhushkas for dissidents because derision and indifference are more effective in stifling their opinions.
This is an advance review by Brian McClinton to be published in the May/June edition of Humanism Ireland
Contested Will • James Shapiro • 2010 • Faber • 367pp • £20
DELIA BACON, the 19th century American bluestocking who believed that Shakespeare was written by a group led by Francis Bacon, eventually went mad. The founder of the Oxfordian authorship theory was a man called Looney. And, according to most literary scholars, anyone who doubts that Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare is probably more or less insane. The whole notion, it is said, belongs in the manic realm of flat-earthers, Princess Di conspirators and holocaust deniers.
In the Soviet Union dissidents were sent to psychiatric hospitals called psikhushkas because the authorities were afraid that the people might listen to them. In the ‘free’ west there is no need of psikhushkas for dissidents because derision and indifference are more effective in stifling their opinions.
Saturday 27 March 2010
Thursday 25 March 2010
Trick or Treat?
Atheists in the Pulpit
In a new study co-authored by Daniel C. Dennett and Linda LaScola and funded by Tufts University preachers open up on their non-belief
“I went to college thinking Adam and Eve were real people. And I can remember really wrestling with that when my Old Testament professor was pointing out the obvious myths and how they came to be. And I kind of joked at the time that I prayed my way all the way to atheism. Because in the early days, it was wrestling with God; praying to God.”
continue reading the Fascinating report here - pdf
.
In a new study co-authored by Daniel C. Dennett and Linda LaScola and funded by Tufts University preachers open up on their non-belief
“I went to college thinking Adam and Eve were real people. And I can remember really wrestling with that when my Old Testament professor was pointing out the obvious myths and how they came to be. And I kind of joked at the time that I prayed my way all the way to atheism. Because in the early days, it was wrestling with God; praying to God.”
continue reading the Fascinating report here - pdf
.
Friday 19 March 2010
Ireland to have referendum on blasphemy
Ahern, who was criticised for increasing the fine for blasphemy to €25,000 last year, said he never regarded the provision in the new Defamation Bill as anything more than a short-term solution. “There was a lot of nonsense about that blasphemy issue and people making me out to be a complete right-winger at the time,” he said. “There was an incredibly sophisticated campaign [against me], mainly on the internet. I was only doing my duty in relation to it, because clearly it is in the constitution. The attorney general said ‘there is this absolute, mandatory thing… it is an offence, punishable by law.” A final decision on a blasphemy referendum rests with the cabinet, but if Ahern remains justice minister after this month’s reshuffle, he is likely to propose that it be added to the autumn list. The government is already committed to referendums on children’s rights and establishing a permanent court of civil appeal.
Let's have another look..........
Let's have another look..........
Sunday 28 February 2010
PZ Myers on Sunday Sequence
William Crawley has eventually broadcast the interview with PZ Myers recorded when he recently visited Ireland -
listen to it here
Read PZ's blog
listen to it here
Read PZ's blog
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Monday 8 February 2010
Visit the Blasphemy Exhibition in the Oonagh Young Gallery
The blasphemy exhibition in the Oonagh Young Gallery continues until Saturday 27 February, and is open from 12 to 6pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s a fascinating show, and well worth a visit.
Oonagh Young Gallery
1 James Joyce Street
Liberty Corner
Dublin 1
Friday 5 February 2010
Thursday 4 February 2010
"Voodoo Histories": When smart people believe dumb things
Salon spoke to Aaronovitch by phone about the Internet's role in spreading conspiracy theories, our new golden age of paranoia, and the dangers of believing Naomi Klein.
Read interview with David here
Read interview with David here
Wednesday 3 February 2010
We are not alone!
This effort is part of a coordinated nationwide campaign that began last year. In December it included billboards in Baltimore, Houston and Tulsa. Each billboard is sponsored by a local, multi-organizational coalition of nontheistic (atheist and agnostic) groups.
MAKE CHURCH PAY FOR RATZI'S VISIT
I's reported that it will cost the taypayer £20m
The National Secular Society has a petition to make the nasty old bigot who opposes equality legislation, pay for his own trip.
The National Secular Society has a petition to make the nasty old bigot who opposes equality legislation, pay for his own trip.
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Monday 1 February 2010
PZ Myers in Belfast - QUB
Neil Reid - Humani Chairman has managed to persuade P Z Myers to give a lecture this Friday evening
He's not often in Ireland and this will be a must attend event for many people - Creationists and Evolutionists!!
'Complexity and Creationism' Promoting evolutionary biology to non-specialists
Peter Froggatt centre (Room G06) QUB
6pm Friday 5th Feb 2010
PZ Myers
Professor of Biology, University of Minnesota Morris
American Humanist Association's 'Humanist of the Year 2009'
Science Blog http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/
Opponent of Creationism and Intelligent Design
He's not often in Ireland and this will be a must attend event for many people - Creationists and Evolutionists!!
'Complexity and Creationism' Promoting evolutionary biology to non-specialists
Peter Froggatt centre (Room G06) QUB
6pm Friday 5th Feb 2010
PZ Myers
Professor of Biology, University of Minnesota Morris
American Humanist Association's 'Humanist of the Year 2009'
Science Blog http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/
Opponent of Creationism and Intelligent Design
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Bill of Rights for N. Ireland
Show your support for a strong Bill of Rights for N. Ireland in the public consultation
http://www.billofrightsni.org/support/index.php
http://www.billofrightsni.org/support/index.php
Friday 15 January 2010
Humani Darwin Day Dinner
The Humani Darwin Dinner, Friday 12th February, 7 30 for 8 pm, Malone Lodge Hotel, Eglantine Avenue, Belfast. Cost: £22.50 (same as last year). Cheques etc payable to Humanist Association of Northern Ireland and posted to Brian at 25 Riverside Drive, Lisburn, BT27 4HE. It is important that you send the money to him so that he know exactly who has paid and also let him know your INDIVIDUAL menu choices. Payment should be sent beforehand rather than paying on the night (HAI attenders may pay on the night but let him know your menu choice now).
The Speaker is Dr Neil Reid, Queen’s University, Belfast, on
The Importance of Biodiversity and Conservation Science
(2010 is UN International Year of Biodiversity)
Please let me know your choice by e-mail asap (letters only); e.g. BD.
Menu below fold
The Speaker is Dr Neil Reid, Queen’s University, Belfast, on
The Importance of Biodiversity and Conservation Science
(2010 is UN International Year of Biodiversity)
Please let me know your choice by e-mail asap (letters only); e.g. BD.
Menu below fold
Thursday 7 January 2010
Humanist funeral ceremony for Jim Jackson
Condolences to the Jackson family who conducted a Humanist Ceremony for Jim in PortstewartWednesday 6 January 2010
Humanist funeral ceremony for Justin Keating
Posted by Brian
Alan and I attended the funeral of Justin Keating and expressed Humani's condolences to his wife Barbara Hussey. There was a large gathering at his farmhouse in Ballymore Eustace and later at Eadestown Cemetery near Naas.
As well as the family, the mourners included Brian Lenihan, former Taoiseachs Liam Cosgrave and Garret FitzGerald, Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore, and Pat Rabbitte, Michael D Higgins and Ruairi Quinn. Brian Whiteside of the HAI conducted the ceremony in the house as Justin lay in a sunlit room in a cardboard coffin looking out on a snowy landscape, which echoed with the sounds of cows mooing, horses neighing, hens clucking and dogs barking. His children and grandchildren spoke of a generous and affectionate man who inculcated in them the pleasures of the natural world. Barbara Hussey said that although he made his footprint on earth as light as possible, that did not make him grim. “He loved food and wine and he loved to cook . . . But first and foremost he was a scientist. He liked to say ‘if you show me better, then I must change’ . . . Though he was vehement in anger and didn’t shirk from saying the hard word, either publicly or privately, he was a peacemaker . . . To misquote the poet Whitman: he was large, he contained multitudes". There was singing and flute playing and the house ceremony ended to the strains of Edith Piaf singing 'Je ne regrette rien'.
At the graveside Ruairi Quinn gave the oration, describing how he had held UCD students of 1967 spellbound by his stature, oratory, charm and erudition. Above all, he was a great communicator, who sought to convey a love of truth, justice and comradeship.
RTE reort here
Alan and I attended the funeral of Justin Keating and expressed Humani's condolences to his wife Barbara Hussey. There was a large gathering at his farmhouse in Ballymore Eustace and later at Eadestown Cemetery near Naas.
As well as the family, the mourners included Brian Lenihan, former Taoiseachs Liam Cosgrave and Garret FitzGerald, Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore, and Pat Rabbitte, Michael D Higgins and Ruairi Quinn. Brian Whiteside of the HAI conducted the ceremony in the house as Justin lay in a sunlit room in a cardboard coffin looking out on a snowy landscape, which echoed with the sounds of cows mooing, horses neighing, hens clucking and dogs barking. His children and grandchildren spoke of a generous and affectionate man who inculcated in them the pleasures of the natural world. Barbara Hussey said that although he made his footprint on earth as light as possible, that did not make him grim. “He loved food and wine and he loved to cook . . . But first and foremost he was a scientist. He liked to say ‘if you show me better, then I must change’ . . . Though he was vehement in anger and didn’t shirk from saying the hard word, either publicly or privately, he was a peacemaker . . . To misquote the poet Whitman: he was large, he contained multitudes". There was singing and flute playing and the house ceremony ended to the strains of Edith Piaf singing 'Je ne regrette rien'.
At the graveside Ruairi Quinn gave the oration, describing how he had held UCD students of 1967 spellbound by his stature, oratory, charm and erudition. Above all, he was a great communicator, who sought to convey a love of truth, justice and comradeship.
RTE reort here
Sunday 3 January 2010
He's not the Messiah, he's just a naughty boy!
Michael Nugent of atheist.ie writes
From today, 1 January 2010, the new Irish blasphemy law becomes operational, and we begin our campaign to have it repealed. Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine.
In response, we have published a list of 25 blasphemous quotes, which have previously been published by or uttered by or attributed to Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Mark Twain, Tom Lehrer, Randy Newman, James Kirkup, Monty Python, Rev Ian Paisley, Conor Cruise O’Brien, Frank Zappa, Salman Rushdie, Bjork, Amanda Donohoe, George Carlin, Paul Woodfull, Jerry Springer the Opera, Tim Minchin, Richard Dawkins, Pope Benedict XVI, Christopher Hitchens, PZ Myers, Ian O’Doherty, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Dermot Ahern.
You can read the quotes on the website here
Happy New Year.
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