Friday, October 27, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Wired News: Battle of the New Atheism
Wired News: Battle of the New Atheism
Gary Wolf explores various aspects of modern atheism. A good read for the Agnostic/Atheist fence sitter. Unlikely to change the views of a True Believer.
Gary Wolf explores various aspects of modern atheism. A good read for the Agnostic/Atheist fence sitter. Unlikely to change the views of a True Believer.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Bible Should Have 'Fiction' Disclaimer
Da Vinci Code Actor: Bible Should Have 'Fiction' Disclaimer
Concerning the calls from religious groups to put a "This Is Fiction" disclaimer on the film The Da Vinci Code, actor Ian McKellen said:
"Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction."
To paraphrase Sir Ian, "That's a jolly good quote".
Friday, April 28, 2006
Fighting for Separation of Church and State - DefCon: Campaign to Defend the Constitution
Fighting for Separation of Church and State - DefCon: Campaign to Defend the Constitution
DefCon is an online grassroots movement combating the growing power of the religious right. We will fight for the separation of church and state, individual freedom, scientific progress, pluralism, and tolerance while respecting people of faith and their right to express their beliefs.
DefCon is an online grassroots movement combating the growing power of the religious right. We will fight for the separation of church and state, individual freedom, scientific progress, pluralism, and tolerance while respecting people of faith and their right to express their beliefs.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
One small step for a state, one giant leap for Big Brother
N.Y. Adopts Code to Monitor Diabetics
New York is requiring medical labs to provide the results of blood tests for a database of diabetics. The state will use the database to telephone diabetics to nag them about not maintaining their blood sugar levels as well as the state thinks they should.
New York's health commissioner says "We will ensure that the utmost care will be taken to keep people's privacy and information protected." He went on to say "People skittish about their privacy will be allowed to opt out of the program." Details on how that would work, however, are still being developed.
I interpret that to mean that not only will your private, confidential medical information be shared with strangers, but it will be nearly impossible to remove your information from the database. The temptation will be great to reap financial rewards by sharing that data with HMOs, pharmaceutical companies, etc. It will only be a matter of time before an insider sells your private information.
-drjtech
New York is requiring medical labs to provide the results of blood tests for a database of diabetics. The state will use the database to telephone diabetics to nag them about not maintaining their blood sugar levels as well as the state thinks they should.
New York's health commissioner says "We will ensure that the utmost care will be taken to keep people's privacy and information protected." He went on to say "People skittish about their privacy will be allowed to opt out of the program." Details on how that would work, however, are still being developed.
I interpret that to mean that not only will your private, confidential medical information be shared with strangers, but it will be nearly impossible to remove your information from the database. The temptation will be great to reap financial rewards by sharing that data with HMOs, pharmaceutical companies, etc. It will only be a matter of time before an insider sells your private information.
-drjtech
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Skeptic's Annotated Bible
Skeptic's Annotated Bible / Quran (Koran) / Book of Mormon
The Bible is an important piece of literature and cultural icon of western society. Even if you don't ordinarily read works of fiction, I encourage you to read the Bible to be a well informed citizen.
Even the King Jame's Bible is easier to read than Chaucer, and is no more difficult than reading Shakespeare. As in the case with Shakespeare it is handy to have an annotated copy to point out historical and cultural vagaries.
The Skeptic's Annotated Bible is an excellent resource to keep handy while you are reading the Bible and get confused by the alternate versions of events and the multitude of self-contradictions.
While not as important as western cultural icons you may want to read the Quran and Book of Mormon with annotations as well. It pays to be prepared for your next visit by the door-to-door Mormon missionaries.
-drjtech
The Bible is an important piece of literature and cultural icon of western society. Even if you don't ordinarily read works of fiction, I encourage you to read the Bible to be a well informed citizen.
Even the King Jame's Bible is easier to read than Chaucer, and is no more difficult than reading Shakespeare. As in the case with Shakespeare it is handy to have an annotated copy to point out historical and cultural vagaries.
The Skeptic's Annotated Bible is an excellent resource to keep handy while you are reading the Bible and get confused by the alternate versions of events and the multitude of self-contradictions.
While not as important as western cultural icons you may want to read the Quran and Book of Mormon with annotations as well. It pays to be prepared for your next visit by the door-to-door Mormon missionaries.
-drjtech
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
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