Wayne Laugesen, the editorial page editor of the Colorado Springs Gazette, has a piece in which he chides the atheist movement as a whole. He says we had a good run, but we’re committing a comedy of errors: … The organization Atheist Agenda, at the University of Texas-San Antonio, draws attention by offering pornography in exchange for Bibles, Torahs, Korans and other religious texts. Here’s some unsolicited advice for the college atheists: Grown-ups don’t think it’s cute, and you don’t… Read more
That’s the latest rumor floating around, courtesy of Michael Middlebrooks: Last night as I was leaving a pizzeria in Downtown St. Pete, I ran into a small group of people around Florida Governor Charlie Crist who was campaigning for a US Senate run. So, I walked over waited a moment to gain his attention and shook his hand. As we were shaking hands I asked him if he really believes that the letters he sent to Jerusalem prevent hurricanes from… Read more
Alright, I’m jealous that Dan Barker has met Jason Jones. They’re mocking FFRF. But it’s pretty damn funny. Dan Barker comes off looking intelligent and level-headed and reasonable about what they are trying to accomplish and what they reasonably can accomplish. Ooh… Barker now comes off attacking Mother Teresa. Which is tough to do without sounding kooky. The editing is good. “Tentacles”?! “Conspiracy”? Oh, this isn’t good. This Da Vinci Code tangent isn’t funny… Hm. Not all that funny. I… Read more
The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Dan Barker may make a brief appearance on tonight’s episode of The Daily Show. Segments change depending on the news so it’s not a done deal, but keep an eye out for it tonight. The question I don’t know the answer to: Why will he be on there…? Any theories? Read more
Joe Zamecki and fellow atheists in Austin, Texas have been helping the homeless several times over the past year — yesterday was their 10th such giveaway: I love it when they do this. It’s a helpful, easy-to-do program that any group can copy. If you want to help them continue with this project, feel free to donate here. Read more
Yesterday, I was at a church (Willow Chicago) to talk with the pastor on stage about what Christians can learn from outsiders about how Jesus-followers and churches appear to the rest of us. The talk was brief but it went well, I thought. And the people who stopped me afterwards were sweet and genuine with their questions — I didn’t get the feeling they were trying to convert me. If audio becomes available, I’ll post it. I’ve done this sort… Read more
Saturday was Skepchicamp and it was awesome. Props to Skepchick Elyse and the entire planning committee for a wonderful job: What exactly happened at this event? 75 skeptics crowded into a Chicago pub to listen to a bunch of short talks dealing with everything from superstitions in the world of opera to how even rational people can behave irrationally. I’ve been going to events in Chicago for years and I’ve *never* seen so many young atheists and skeptics in one… Read more
I’m giving a couple talks this week and you’re welcome to come. In fact, I demand that you do. Or else. This Wednesday night, I’ll be speaking at Beloit College in Wisconsin. The event is in Richardson Auditorium beginning at 8:30 p.m. And this Friday night, I’ll be at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Noyes Lab at 7:00 p.m., courtesy of the Atheists, Agnostics, & Freethinkers group. Come say hello. Bring me your babies. Buy me a root beer…. Read more
The Chicago Tribune’s Mary Schmich has a nice column today about actress Julia Sweeney. It focuses on what we already know (and love) about her: she’s left Los Angeles (physically and mentally) to become a mother/wife in the north suburbs of Chicago and she’s thrilled about it. She’s still an atheist, too. But just as she left her celebrity status in LA, the article points out she’s ready to drop her status as an atheist poster girl, too: When “Letting… Read more
There’s an atheist bus ad making the rounds in Argentina: The article (translated here) says this is all in promotion of an atheist conference taking place next month. I love how this meme is spreading worldwide. What other countries need to get in on the action? (Thanks to Facundo for the link) Read more
