Archive for the ‘News’ Category

In support of Rebecca Watson

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Several months ago there was a little ‘scandal’ that rocked the sceptical world that came to be known as Elevatorgate (gawd I hate it when people add ‘gate’ to the end of things). To anyone who is at all involved in the sceptical community they will already know what happened and I have no desire to go over the events here.

As someone who exists largely on the fringes of the sceptical and atheist communities I pretty much stayed out of the debate.  I figured that it was all just a storm in a tea-cup and would blow over soon enough. Indeed, as the weeks turned into months the story slowly faded from my sight, only occasionally popping up. Just as any big story does in the press.

Because I wasn’t really paying attention, and I usually switched off when I realised a blog post was about this event I never fully understood the levels of depravity some dirty low-life scum were still sinking to, and how there were treating Rebecca.

Until I decided to read this post:

http://skepchick.org/2011/09/mom-dont-read-this/

I am in utter disgust with the way that some people are treating not only a fellow human being, but also a fellow sceptic. The hate that Rebecca has had directed her way is utterly deplorable, and completely uncalled for.

If sides are being taken, and I really wish they weren’t, then I want to make it publicly known that I am absolutely, 100%, behind Rebecca Watson here.

Christian foster couple lose ‘homosexuality views’ case

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

So, a couple from Bristol have lost a court case against their local council because the council wouldn’t consider them suitable for fostering kids because their ‘Christian’ views prohibited them from saying that a homosexual lifestyle was acceptable.

From:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-12598896

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Geordies Burning Korans

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

When I first read about this on Thursday it left me steaming mad. So much so that I decided to go and steam in the sauna at the local gym and think about it for a few days before posting.
So, it seems that a bunch of lads from Gateshead (not that far from where I was born) decided to burn a Koran in memory of 11th September.

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Great Start there Ratzi

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

So, no sooner has his High Popiness Ratzi landed than he’s spouting off drivel.

http://richarddawkins.net/articles/518808-pope-s-holyroodhouse-speech-transcript?page=1

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His Popiness

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

So, the Pope is arriving in Scotland today which seems to be getting in the news a bit. Even as far as my local radio station Rock FM. The morning DJs made the comment (which is an old joke I admit) about the Pope-mobile having bullet proof glass, and how much faith that shows the Pope has in his creator.

It made me smile.

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Ground Zero Mosque

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Well, this is a little cracker that has been brewing for a while now. The whole brou-ha-ha surrounding the apparent Ground Zero Mosque, so I thought I might as well chip in with my own few thoughts.

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Draw Muhammad Day

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

So today is draw Muhammad day and I of course couldn’t resist putting electronic pen to virtual paper. Although I warn you now that I’m not exactly Picasso. ;)
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Simon Singh wins libel court battle

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Science writer Simon Singh has today won his appeal against the libel action brought by the British Chiropractic Association.

Full details here.

*UPDATE*

I was slightly overzealous with the celebrations above. What Simon has won is the right to use his argument that his statements were opinion, something that should be protected under freedom of speech/press.

Hopefully this will allow him to actually overturn the libel verdict that was previously handed down.

*UPDATE 2*

Of course you should all know by now that the BCA has dropped its case. Whoohoo! No Simon just needs to get his money back from them and everything will be straight again. :)

UK Libel Law needs to be ammended

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Libel laws here in the UK are ridiculous. They are vastly skewed in favour of the accuser, with a huge burden on those who are accused. Given that average libel cases run into the millions of £s, it’s an effective way of silencing debate and dissent – just as the recent case brought by the British Chiropractic Association against Simon Singh.

Please visit the Libel Reform Campaign website, sign the petition (it’s not just for UK citizens) and send a message to your MP (if you are a UK citizen).

http://www.libelreform.org/

Haiti Earthquake

Friday, January 15th, 2010

*Updated – see end.

The recent earthquake in Haiti is a major disaster. From the what I have heard and read there are thousands, probably hundreds of thousands dead, and the immediate area is in chaos. Governments and organisations the world over are promising aid and financial assistance, and people of all beliefs are dipping into their pockets to give money to the various aid agencies that have sprung into action.

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Happy Christmas

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Happy Christmas everyone! Hope you are with the people you want to be with, eating the food you want to eat, and receiving the gifts you want to receive.

:)

The Times completely misses the point

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

This is just shoddy journalism of the highest order. I had considered The Times to be a reasonably balanced and reliable news source, but if this article is anything to go by that perception is well off the mark.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6925781.ece

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BHA Please Dont Label Me poster

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Creationism in UK education

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

According to this Poll, 54% of UK Adults support the teaching of Creationism alongside Evolution in science classes!

GAH!

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How do you know they’re nutters?

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Breaking news story from the USA, Jaycee Lee Dugard who was kidnapped 18 years ago has been found alive and being held captive by one Phillip Garrido.

Link to Times Online article

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Just a quick note…

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

today I am celebrating the completion yet another circumnavigation of the star Sol without dying. (It’s my birthday). :)