Creationist Clip ‘n Save

Humor • Views: 2,847

LGF reader Zimriel created this handy dandy model form letter for creationists driven into a seething frenzy by an LGF post, to help them put together that dramatic flounce-off email with a minimum of effort:

CREATIONIST FORM LETTER

Dear Charles,

I’m a
[] longtime poster with 0-3 comments since January 2008
[] longtime lurker
[] sockpuppet

who just read your post on
[] that fossil disproving another talking point
[] a speech by: [] Hitchens [] PZ Myers [] Dawkins [] the Pope
[] a picture from the Hubble
[] a Discovery Institute “senior fellow” saying something dumb
[] some politician stepping on his dick
[] Bobby Jindal

and I am feeling
[] upset
[] saddened
[] betrayed, befuddled, bewildered
[] so angry I could spit

I am not a creationist. I have a degree in
[] biochemistry
[] something
[] science
[] *mumble*

and according to the noted scientist
[] Michael Behe
[] Phillip Johnson
[] Ron Paul

there are too many unanswered questions. What about
[] the bacterial flagellum?
[] no transitional fossils?
[] Darwin’s NAZISM!

Huh? I’m just saying we can’t know everything. In conclusion
[] you’re doomed to burn in eternal torment
[] I’ll be praying for you
[] Just sayin’
[] Please delete my account

Best regards,
[your signature here]

Jump to bottom

397 comments
1 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:01:36pm

An all-time classic.

2 Killgore Trout  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:01:52pm

Glad to see Ron Paul got a mention.

3 Nevergiveup  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:02:01pm

OK now that’s funny

4 screaming_eagle  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:03:05pm

And how many letters actually fit that?
True is the funniest.

5 The Other Les  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:04:17pm

Are we now going to descend into joke warfare?

/sarcasm

6 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:04:28pm

re: #2 Killgore Trout

Glad to see Ron Paul got a mention.

It’s 2009. It’s all the rage.

7 Summer Seale  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:04:29pm

That was brilliant. =)

8 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:05:25pm

BritInJapan (I think that was the nic) also has a great little creationist playbook post somewhere, I’ll see if I can find it.

9 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:05:51pm

Saw this the other day. Absolutely spot on and frakkin’ hilarious.

10 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:05:58pm
11 Sharmuta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:06:47pm

One of the funniest comments ever. And instant classic.

12 Steffan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:07:21pm

I can’t help but think this might be beyond some of them to comprehend.

Shoulda done it in crayon.

13 brookly red  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:07:26pm

It will be even funnier when someone actually send it in :)

14 Hhar  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:07:50pm

my personal favorite is when someone says “I’m a researcher” and then gets all evasive about grants, degrees and suchlike. Or starts quoting Werner von Braun to support the idea that Troo Psyunce Is Really Creationism while maintaining that Darwin=Hitler in the next breath. Or when they start talking about the famous English scientist Dr Dawking. had that happen a few times.

15 Soona'  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:08:40pm

Got to go. See ya’s later.

16 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:08:56pm

re: #14 Hhar

my personal favorite is when someone says “I’m a researcher” and then gets all evasive about grants, degrees and suchlike. Or starts quoting Werner von Braun to support the idea that Troo Psyunce Is Really Creationism while maintaining that Darwin=Hitler in the next breath. Or when they start talking about the famous English scientist Dr Dawking. had that happen a few times.

Is Dawking the love child of Hawking and Dawkins?

17 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:09:00pm

Delete your own @#$*** account!

18 jaunte  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:09:10pm

A degree in (mumble)!
Hilarious.

19 Sharmuta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:09:47pm

I love that Zim hit the biochemistry. And they seem to like physics too.

20 researchok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:11:04pm

Actually, someone on behalf of Ron Paul said that in a newsletter and then signed Paul’s name.

He had no idea.

21 Dar ul Harb  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:11:05pm

Dear Charles,

I’m a
[X] longtime poster with *mumble* comments since January 2008

who just read your post on
[X] picture from the Hubble

and I am feeling
[X] awed at the majesty of the cosmos.

I am not a young-Earth creationist. I have a degree in
[X] microbiology

and according to the noted scientist
[X] Stephen Hawking

there are still many unanswered questions. What about
[X] quantum gravity

huh? I’m just saying we don’t know everything. In conclusion
[X] Please keep up the good work.

Best regards,
Dar ul Harb

22 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:11:30pm

re: #8 Slumbering Behemoth

Apparently that’s not the nic, ‘cuz I found nothing.

23 Hhar  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:11:42pm

re: #16 SanFranciscoZionist

I think so. There’s also “As a dentist/engineer/obstetrician I have a thorough training in science.” Uh…..

24 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:11:43pm

re: #19 SharmutaWho was the asshat we had for a while that ‘claimed to be a scientist of some kind. This would be right up his alley.

25 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:12:23pm

You are going to burn in HELL!

I tell you this because I love you!

Sincerely….

26 Noam Sayin'  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:12:28pm

Charles, you absolutely must turn that into an interactive contact form.

27 Sharmuta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:12:46pm

re: #24 pingjockey

Who was the asshat we had for a while that ‘claimed to be a scientist of some kind. This would be right up his alley.

Which one?

28 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:13:15pm

It’s excellent and superb, but could use a little tertiary tweaking on the edges. For instance, the pseudoscientist William Dembski could be added to the list including Behe, as could the ICR (Institute for Creation Research) and Answers in Genesis to the mention of the Disco Dewdz.

/Just in the interests of more completely reflecting the creationist flameouts we’ve witnessed, ya unnershand…;~)

29 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:13:18pm
30 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:13:48pm

re: #27 Sharmuta
Oh crap! Make me think. He was quite a poster for a while, claimed to have published papers and wouldn;t say what/where etc…

31 Sharmuta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:14:54pm

re: #30 pingjockey

Oh crap! Make me think. He was quite a poster for a while, claimed to have published papers and wouldn;t say what/where etc…

Spar Kling?

We’re all still waiting to see these supposed papers he claimed existed.

Imagine that.

32 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:15:01pm

re: #30 pingjockey

Oh crap! Make me think. He was quite a poster for a while, claimed to have published papers and wouldn;t say what/where etc…

I remember that poster. Now it’s driving me crazy too. Argh.

33 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:15:40pm

re: #31 Sharmuta
That’s possible. Damn, I hate CRS!

34 Dar ul Harb  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:15:45pm

re: #26 Noam Sayin’

Charles, you absolutely must turn that into an interactive contact form.

There should be a version for Ronulans and other political fringe types, too.

35 screaming_eagle  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:15:52pm

I am not a creationist. I have a degree in
[X]*mumble*

even makes

I am not a creationist. I have a degree in
[X] Bullshit

sound cool

36 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:16:27pm
…there are too many unanswered questions. What about….

Number answered questions?
A lot.

Number of unanswered questions?
A whole lot more.

Applies to both the Bible and Science.

37 lawhawk  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:16:50pm

Well, that definitely helps speed the exit interview process.

38 CynicalConservative  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:16:59pm

I’m waiting for Charles to open registration to go along with this post. ;-)

39 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:17:34pm

re: #38 CynicalConservative
Heh. That has happened a couple of times.

40 Jack Burton  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:18:03pm

The best part of that is the “Best Regards” at the end. Hate mails that end in “Best Regards” or “Sincerely” or some variation of “Blessings be upon you” are always a knee-slapper.

Why do you hate teh Christans! Darwinism gave us Hitlerism! Why have you changed! You used to hate teh liberal muslimz who wanted to get rid of the Christmas tree at the mall. I hope you burn in hell!

Best Regards,
Dr. Bag, Douche, esq. PhD in Creation Science

41 albusteve  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:18:08pm

who’s a monkey?


42 CynicalConservative  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:18:11pm

re: #39 pingjockey

Heh. That has happened a couple of times.

Yep, gives me a good chuckle every time.

43 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:18:11pm

Zim, you magnificent bastard!

44 solomonpanting  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:18:12pm

Good job, Zimriel. Now, was this letter a spontaneous creation or did it go through many incarnations before its present form?

45 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:19:05pm

Zimriel!

/stands, applauds wildly
//looks around, notices no one else is standing
///sits down, kind of embarrassed
////awesome, man, really

46 screaming_eagle  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:19:21pm

re: #38 CynicalConservative

I’m waiting for Charles to open registration to go along with this post. ;-)

What this letter wasn’t enough of a laugh for you? :)

47 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:19:34pm

re: #23 Hhar

I think so. There’s also “As a dentist/engineer/obstetrician I have a thorough training in science.” Uh…..

A lot of them think like my high school freshmen. They don’t distinguish between sources well.

48 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:19:37pm

re: #38 CynicalConservative

I’m waiting for Charles to open registration to go along with this post. ;-)

Reminds me of this joke:

Q: What does a 500 lb canary in a dark alley chirp?

A: Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

49 CynicalConservative  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:20:18pm

re: #46 screaming_eagle

What this letter wasn’t enough of a laugh for you? :)

Must have more!

50 researchok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:20:27pm

Was Einstein a Muslim?

Will Jewish/Christians go along?

51 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:20:36pm

re: #5 The Other Les

Are we now going to descend into joke warfare?

/sarcasm

No—not the “Killer Joke”…

52 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:21:00pm

“Jocularity, Jocularity”! Fathe Mulcahy, MASH.

53 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:21:03pm

re: #47 SanFranciscoZionist

A lot of them think like my high school freshmen. They don’t distinguish between sources well.

I haven’t met an engineer like that. Good thing, since much of my career was in aerospace. 40,000 ft is a lousy place to fail to validate your conclusions.

54 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:21:36pm

re: #40 ArchangelMichael

The best part of that is the “Best Regards” at the end. Hate mails that end in “Best Regards” or “Sincerely” or some variation of “Blessings be upon you” are always a knee-slapper.

I added that part, because so many hate mails I receive do end like that…

55 looking closely  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:21:44pm

I want a car swarm thread.

56 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:04pm

Aha! Here it is, from Brit In Japan:

1. Pump-action fake.
“This is boring / unimportant. / What is this? / Let’s talk about Islam!”
Counterplay: Nice try buster. Go get your own blog.

2. The fake handoff.
“Stop bashing Christians / conservatives!”
Counterplay: Millions of conservative Christians around the world, including the Pope, accept the facts of evolution. Which cult are you in?

3. The screen.
“You cannot prove life sprang from nothing. / They haven’t recreated life in a lab!”
Counterplay: Wrong argument (again and again). You are talking about biogenesis. The facts of evolution do not explain how life came into existence in the beginning, so scientists do not even try to explain it (though some do have atheist hypothesis). This is exactly why Christians accept the facts of evolution as well as God being the creator.

4. The run and shoot.
“Irreducible complexity! / Cambrian Explosion! / Transitional forms! / Other canard!”
Counterplay: Easily blitzed (they are all directly quoted from Deception Institute websites), and Charles / Sal / Sharmuta have the links where they have been destroyed. The purpose here is not to convince any lizards (far too thorough!), but just to repeat the lies often enough perhaps to sow some confusion in occasional, less-well-informed readers. It can be a lengthy process as they ignore each refutation and just leap into the next lie, with getting the last word in as the objective, so we can just wait for Sal. Or use Ludwig’s hammer.

5. The retreat.
“Ok, adaptation occurs but not speciation!”
Counterplay: Stop laughing first, then ask where they learnt about species. This stance involves an imaginary invisible line where evolution suddenly halts. The finches are enough refutation, but now we can reproduce speciation, and watch it in real time, with e-coli. Ask the creationist: What would you call a fish? A lizard with gills, or a fish?

6. The Hail Mary Bomb.
“Jesus said blah blah blah…”
Counterplay: Dogmatic literalism is the easiest to counter: “Jesus said, ‘with God, all things are possible.’”

7. The punt.
“You are evil / agree with Hitler if you believe in evolution.”
Counterplay: GAZE

8. The self-destruct.
“Well I can’t see any good evidence for evolution, so you must all be crazy and believe in it like a religion!” (No further argument offered)
Counterplay: Go on, you believe the Flintstones is real, right? (You can have fun at this stage)

9. The white flag.
“I’m not a creationist.”
Counterplay: Well, you must be happy now that we have pointed out how you say and believe exactly the same lies, so you can accept the facts of evolution now.

10. The utter surrender.
“Well, I have to go take the giraffe for a walk now (etc).”
Counterplay: You win. Reset for the next evolution thread.

Two new plays observed!

11. The honest run down the middle.
“Yes, it’s all a load of rubbish, but let’s teach it to the kids anyway and let them decide.”
Counterplay: There is so much wrong with this it is hard to know where to begin. How can someone advocate knowingly teaching falsehoods to kids? Ask the creationist: How about we also teach an alternative history in which we lost WWII? Let the kids decide!

12. Can we play baseball instead?
“It’s no use fighting against creationists, it only helps their cause!”
Counterplay: I make it a personal extension of Godwin’s law not to compare people to islamist fascists, but this is so eerily similar to the rhetoric moonbats use to condemn Israeli attacks on Hamas it is hard to ignore.

57 researchok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:05pm

Meant to say ‘Will Jewish/Christians Creationists go along?’

58 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:10pm

re: #55 looking closely
I miss the rooster.

59 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:14pm

re: #55 looking closely

I want a car swarm thread.

Nostalgic this evening?

/

60 Killian Bundy  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:38pm

re: #48 Salamantis

Reminds me of this joke:

Q: What does a 500 lb canary in a dark alley chirp?

A: Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

/careful what you wish for

61 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:46pm

re: #58 pingjockey

I miss the rooster.

He was delicious.

62 lawhawk  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:22:58pm

re: #54 Charles

I added that part, because so many hate mails I receive do end like that…

I would have gone with Cheers! instead. It’s just all so much more cheery when you end a letter like that with Cheers!

You know, after you call someone a scum sucking bottom dwelling knuckle dragging Darwinist, nothing tops ending things with Cheers!

63 Noam Chumpski  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:23:02pm

That’s good. Gonna save time. That available as a PDF download with form fields? lol

64 hialeah007  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:23:07pm

Don’t forget an option for something like “And my account was deleted for making a COMPLETELY innocuous comment.”

This seems to being said on comments elsewhere quite often lately.

65 jaunte  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:23:24pm

re: #55 looking closely

How’s this:
news.com.au

66 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:23:29pm

re: #61 OldLineTexan
Did ya Bar B Q him?

67 Hhar  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:23:31pm

re: #47 SanFranciscoZionist

That’s true. The common defense of the ICR bulletins: “Evolutionists have their peer reviewed literature, but creationists also have their own peer reviewed literature.”

Gee, the problem isn’t what to say when someone says that, the problem is “Where do I start?”.

68 NonNativeTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:23:34pm

I just can not bring myself to mock people who for the most part are decent, kind , caring people.

69 rightymouse  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:24:25pm

re: #21 Dar ul Harb

there are still many unanswered questions. What about
[X] quantum gravity

I read that as ‘quantum gravy’. Probably couch time for moi.

70 screaming_eagle  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:25:02pm

re: #54 Charles

I added that part, because so many hate mails I receive do end like that…

Geez, The humor in your life when you get a letter that says:


Charles,
piss up a rope..
..
..
best regards,

71 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:25:05pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan
They’re also dangerous.

72 yochanan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:25:14pm

I am not a young-Earth creationist. I have a degree in
[X] microbrewing

73 Gus  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:25:21pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan

I just can not bring myself to mock people who for the most part are decent, kind , caring people.

Uh, this isn’t about “decent, kind, and caring people.” It’s about douche bags that write hate emails to Charles.

74 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:25:40pm

Bruins goal Phil Kessel!

/has there ever been a better time to be a Boston anything fan?

75 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:27:00pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan

I just can not bring myself to mock people who for the most part are decent, kind , caring people.

I hear you. No sense in debating with them either, it just upsets them and if they like you, they worry about your soul. Tragic.

76 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:27:03pm

re: #66 pingjockey

Did ya Bar B Q him?

Gazan rooster and honco dumplings.

Feeds 8-12, or twenty-nine oppressed victims of Zionist world domination

77 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:27:08pm

re: #72 yochanan

I am not a young-Earth creationist. I have a degree in
[X] microbrewing

You can get a degree in that? Damn I wasted all that time on bio-chem!

78 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:27:13pm

Jay-zuss….Bruins Goal Micheal Ryder! Montreal trails 4-1. I don’t even think that was 30 seconds of playing time…..

79 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:28:01pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan

Albeit that many are as you describe. Others are so insecure in their faith and values that they forgot the central tenants of Christianity (no—not every man for himself) and want to stone Charles for heresy —but claim they love him just the same.

Then there are those people who really just don’t get it and never will. They fail to see the larger picture.

Here’s the question you ask these people. “You say you want prayer back in public schools? OK then—who is going to teach your kids how to pray and for what?” That’s why there’s separation of church and state.

80 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:28:03pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan

I just can not bring myself to mock people who for the most part are decent, kind , caring people.

Do na trouble yourself, I’ll do it for ye, laddie.

/

81 Fat Jolly Penguin  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:28:21pm

Amazing that it’s been up for almost half an hour and no down-dings yet.

Nice work, Z!

82 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:28:35pm
I am not a creationist. I have a degree in
[X] Early 21st century girls in prison flicks

You mean they don’t offer degrees in that?

83 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:28:41pm

re: #77 jcm

You can get a degree in that? Damn I wasted all that time on bio-chem!

Molecular biology … I coulda had a Russian Imperial Stout?

/slaps forehead
/

84 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:28:41pm

re: #60 Killian Bundy


That is a big cat…..sterile?

85 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:29:06pm

re: #67 Hhar

That’s true. The common defense of the ICR bulletins: “Evolutionists have their peer reviewed literature, but creationists also have their own peer reviewed literature.”

Gee, the problem isn’t what to say when someone says that, the problem is “Where do I start?”.

“Well, scientists don’t know everything.” Science is not a matter of opinion. On matters of religion, or literature, or even some politics, I will happily conclude that there are many good people with whom I do not agree about how the universe works, and we can go on without trouble.

On the matter of science however, my opinion is not as good as Stephen Hawking’s, say. It just isn’t. Neither is that of some guy with a doctorate from Itsallgreektome Theological Seminary, unless he is also a world-class physicist. It’s kinda like that.

86 Hhar  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:29:24pm

another good sign off line (after telling you yer gonna buuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnn ) is

“peace”

87 researchok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:29:43pm

re: #72 yochanan

I have a degree in brew appreciation.

Work hard and you too will succeed.

88 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:30:11pm

re: #72 yochanan

I am not a young-Earth creationist. I have a degree in
[X] microbrewing


Brewed any lately? What’s your fav style?

89 solomonpanting  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:30:36pm

re: #82 Fenway_Nation

I am not a creationist. I have a degree in
[X] Early 21st century girls in prison flicks

You mean they don’t offer degrees in that?

Perhaps you can file a lawsuit for accreditation. Look to Texas.

90 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:30:38pm

Crap, where are my manners? Great form letter, Zim. Two thumbs up!

91 thebigolddog  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:30:53pm

re: #74 Fenway_Nation

They have been unbelievable tonight! Reminds me of the Middleton/Petterson day. That goal broke the Habs’ back.

BTW, see this?

Habs’ Gainey tells Montreal fans to quit booing U.S. anthem

“I feel like there’s a confusion there with our fans,” [Coach] Gainey said Tuesday. “They feel like booing the anthem is supporting our team, in that the anthem represents the Boston team.

“And I think if they could separate those two things, then we could respect the anthem of the United States of America and they could still participate loudly in whatever way they want to disrupt the Bruins.”

Many fans booed the U.S. anthem at the Bell Centre on Monday night, even though others tried to drown them out with chants of “Go Habs Go.”

Similar booing has been heard during the playoffs in recent years. In the past, the Canadiens responded with a taped appeal on the scoreboard from Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau, asking fans to respect the anthems of the U.S. and Canada. That curtailed the booing somewhat at subsequent games

92 yochanan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:31:02pm

re: #88 BignJames

barley wine barrel aged

taste tester

93 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:31:53pm

re: #87 researchok

I have a degree in brew appreciation.

Work hard and you too will succeed.



My homework…….

94 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:31:55pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan

I just can not bring myself to mock people who for the most part are decent, kind , caring people.

Ya know, if my husband’s grandma, who is a Bible-believing lady and one hell of a good shot, decided to throw all this stuff at me, I would listen politely, and never say a word against her.

You get on the web and start acting silly, you start flaming out on websites where you knew this wouldn’t fly, you start messing with American education—I’ll be right there arguing. And laughing, when merited.

If they don’t want to play, I would never dream of making them.

95 Sharmuta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:32:28pm

re: #56 Slumbering Behemoth

7. The punt.
“You are evil / agree with Hitler if you believe in evolution.”
Counterplay: GAZE

That one’s so right on.

96 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:33:04pm

re: #69 rightymouse

I read that as ‘quantum gravy’. Probably couch time for moi.

I corrected an essay today that informed me that in Act Four of Much Ado About Nothing, there is ‘wonton confusion’. Very bright kid, felled by Spellcheck.

97 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:33:26pm

re: #92 yochanan

barley wine barrel aged

taste tester

Old Guardian.

98 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:34:13pm

And right on cue, a classic hate mail arrives. An amazing number of these creeps like to put friendly-sounding titles on their email, because they think it will trick me into reading it and that’s the most important thing to them — that I read their “thoughts.”

This one uses the (phony) return address “erdogan@serbia.org” with the title “Hello”…

“… will he really take such an enormously unpopular (in the US) step?”

But not unpopular with you, eh Chuckie!

There are shitheads Chuckie, and then there’s you, the ultimate whinny
shithead.

Oh sorry, didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Perhaps another supportive
comment from some fascist or Leftist blogger will make you feel better.

“The ultimate whinny shithead!”

If it wasn’t so crass, it could be a rotating saying.

99 researchok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:34:16pm

re: #93 jcm

A sacred site, indeed.

Bend’s a great place (People’s Republic of Oregon notwithstanding).

100 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:34:34pm

I prefer, “I am appalled,”

101 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:34:41pm

re: #92 yochanan

barley wine barrel aged

taste tester


AG? I’ve been trying to perfect a rye IPA…..even the failures are good.

102 screaming_eagle  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:15pm

re: #98 Charles

Best regards?

103 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:22pm

And what does hate buy you?

104 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:33pm

These asshats really think “Chuck” is an insult.

105 jaunte  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:35pm

Whinny? Neigh, say it ain’t so.

106 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:40pm

re: #91 thebigolddog

Hah! Price just did a pretty good Patrick Roy impression!

Last year they had a ceremony honoring Willy O’Ree at the Garden in a game against the Rangers. It was an OK ceremony except for the gaggle of Rangers fans who took it upon themselves to keep chanting ‘Let’s Go Rangers’ throughout the whole ceremony…

I’m not surprised at our anthem getting booed, especially by French Canadians…..

/advancing to the next round is the best revenge.

107 Hhar  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:54pm

re: #68 NonNativeTexan

I just can not bring myself to mock people who for the most part are decent, kind , caring people.

You know, I don’t think people should be mocked because they are creationists. I agree with that completely. But if you act anonymously, make a turkey out of yourself in public, and wish others ill, mockery is a good way to put a stop to that.

108 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:54pm
109 Dar ul Harb  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:35:56pm
FASCIST APOLOGIST FORM LETTER

Dear Chuckie,

I’m a
[] longtime poster who’s stunned at your new direction
[] lurking downdinger
[] sockpuppet

who just read your post on
[] the British National Party
[] Robert Spencer
[] Pamela Geller
[] someone who once appeared on The Political Cesspool
[] Eurofascism
[] Gates of Vienna

and I am feeling
[] defensive
[] saddened
[] betrayed, befuddled, bewildered
[] so angry I could spit

I am not a fascist apologist. Some of my best friends are
[] neo-Nazis
[] blood-and-soil Europeans
[] neo-Confederate skinheads
[] *mumble*

and according to the great
[] Alex Jones
[] Lew Rockwell
[] Ron Paul

there are too many of those people. You know who I mean.

What about
[] Zionazis?
[] 9-11 was an inside job?
[] mass deportations?
[] the central bankers?
[] racial holy war!

Huh? I’m just saying we have to fight jihad. In conclusion
[] you’re an Obama stooge
[] I’ll be praying for you
[] Just sayin’
[] Please delete my account

Cheers,
[your signature here]

110 rightymouse  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:36:00pm

re: #96 SanFranciscoZionist

I corrected an essay today that informed me that in Act Four of Much Ado About Nothing, there is ‘wonton confusion’. Very bright kid, felled by Spellcheck.

Too funny! lol!

111 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:36:36pm

Taxes, death and creationists….somehow fit together…….

112 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:37:00pm

re: #108 buzzsawmonkey

Wonton confusion—and he landed in the soup.

But at least he fried.

Did you ask him to take a bao?

113 solomonpanting  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:37:01pm

re: #98 Charles

Perhaps another supportive
comment from some fascist or Leftist blogger will make you feel better

That certainly runs the gamut.

114 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:37:07pm

re: #60 Killian Bundy



/careful what you wish for

Interestingly enough, when a male tiger is bred to a female lion, the offspring, known as tigons, are smaller than either parent.

This indicates that in tigers, males carry the genes that regulates growth, while in lions, the growth regulation gene is carried by the female. That’s why ligers grow so big; they don’t get a growth regulation gene passed on from either parent.

115 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:37:15pm

re: #108 buzzsawmonkey

Wonton confusion—and he landed in the soup.

But at least he fried.

Actually, in the next essay, I learn that Hero and Claudio’s marriage was presided over by a “Fryer”.

116 calvinista  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:37:19pm

This post goes well with the Google -Anger Management Ads-. Court certified!

117 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:37:43pm

re: #97 jcm

Old Guardian.


How’s that proposed 1900% tax increase going?

118 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:38:11pm
119 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:38:28pm

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost

Deep Ecologists push radical depopulation, perhaps to as few as 500 million people worldwide, as the best medicine to cure the human infection and again permit nature — as opposed to us — to flourish. The implications of pursuing such a radical depopulation are obviously genocidal, although Deep Ecologists surreally suggest that voluntary birth control could do the trick. Some yearn for a catastrophic pandemic to thin our ranks so we won’t have to do the dirty work ourselves.


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.

120 Ojoe  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:38:37pm

re: #103 DistantThunder

And what does hate buy you?

Diseases.

121 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:39:12pm

re: #119 doppelganglander

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.

But if they die, who’s going to encourage the rest of us to follow? They have to live, to supervise everyone else dying. Or something like that.

/

122 thebigolddog  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:39:23pm

re: #106 Fenway_Nation

And Lucic scores a one punch knockdown! Bwahaha!

It’s so flipping nice to be on this side of the table for once…

123 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:39:45pm

re: #98 Charles

Didn’t use the form letter? FAIL.

I like how the impotent little turd thinks he could actually hurt your feelings with his infantile little rant.

124 yochanan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:39:46pm

re: #104 pingjockey

These asshats really think “Chuck” is an insult.

only if chuck was the middle name

125 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:39:53pm

re: #119 doppelganglander
Tom Clancy book, Rainbow six, eco-nuts mutate ebola and plan to “thin the herd”.

126 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:39:55pm

re: #117 BignJames

How’s that proposed 1900% tax increase going?

That OR brew tax, haven’t seen a follow up.

127 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:40:01pm

re: #119 doppelganglander

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.

“Kill yourselves, save the planet”? This has been a public service announcement.

128 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:40:21pm

re: #119 doppelganglander

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.


Lacking conviction?

129 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:40:44pm

re: #125 pingjockey

Tom Clancy book, Rainbow six, eco-nuts mutate ebola and plan to “thin the herd”.

Left ‘em naked in the jungle… fitting.

130 Ojoe  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:40:57pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

What an insult to the Creator, these ec0-crazies’ rejection of human life.

BBL

131 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:40:59pm

re: #109 Dar ul Harb

Excellent! I put that one in my favorites.

132 pingjockey  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:41:11pm

BBL must do dinner!

133 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:41:16pm

re: #128 BignJames

Lacking conviction?

You go first, no you go first, no you go first,

134 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:41:36pm

re: #127 DistantThunder

“Kill yourselves, save the planet”? This has been a public service announcement.

V.H.E.M.T.

135 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:41:39pm

re: #122 thebigolddog

And Lucic scores a one punch knockdown! Bwahaha!

It’s so flipping nice to be on this side of the table for once…

I blinked and I missed it….hahahaha!

Of course, the 3rd period’s gonna be nothing but cheapshots from the Habs.

136 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:42:33pm

re: #119 doppelganglander

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.

The author of that article is a “senior fellow” at the anti-evolution Discovery Institute, and the purpose of the article is to build support for their agenda. I’m only surprised that he held back from mentioning Charles Darwin.

137 The Other Les  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:42:34pm

re: #119 doppelganglander

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.

They feel that the Earth really belongs to them and they don’t want to share it.

138 whiterasta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:42:50pm

re: #127 DistantThunder

Happy Lenin’s Birthday. Now go kill yourself.

139 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:42:58pm

re: #134 jcm

V.H.E.M.T.

I read an article about them in a San Francisco paper. Where else?

140 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:43:13pm

Oops, looks like all the Apple-haters will be choking on this news for the next three months:

Apple profits soar even during economic slump

Apple continued to defy the tough economy, reporting today that fiscal second-quarter earnings and revenue were its best ever for a non-holiday period.

Apple posted net income of $1.21 billion ($1.33 per diluted share) on revenue of $8.16 billion for the quarter ended March 31. That compares to earnings of $1.05 billion ($1.16 a share) during the same period last year. Revenue in the same quarter last year was $7.51 billion.

“We’re delighted to report 43 percent revenue growth and the strongest March quarter revenue and earnings in Apple’s history,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a statement.

Every other computer maker in the world is grappling with serious declines in sales.

Microsoft is right to be nervous. Apple is back in the big leagues. And now that Oracle has just bought Sun, there’s yet another major player looking to dismantle the other half of Microsoft’s business model.

Competition is good for innovation. Now we have Oracle/Sun, Apple, Microsoft, Adobe and Google in a major duke-out to see who can wow the most people in the shortest time with the most intuitive interface. This can only be great news for the consumer, as each company will have to create fantastic software products if they want to survive.

This is much much better than the old Microsoft/IBM/Intel monopoly system of the ’80s and ’90s.

141 lawhawk  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:43:21pm

re: #118 buzzsawmonkey

Whole Friars—39 cents a pound!

It’s a ROAST! Burn Him!

142 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:44:13pm
143 reine.de.tout  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:44:48pm

re: #62 lawhawk

I would have gone with Cheers! instead. It’s just all so much more cheery when you end a letter like that with Cheers!

You know, after you call someone a scum sucking bottom dwelling knuckle dragging Darwinist, nothing tops ending things with Cheers!

I like “Love and Kisses” myself.

144 jim in virginia  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:44:54pm

re: #79 calcajun


Here’s the question you ask these people. “You say you want prayer back in public schools? OK then—who is going to teach your kids how to pray and for what?” That’s why there’s separation of church and state.

Would a Southern Baptist in Salt Lake City support prayer in schools?

145 lawhawk  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:45:11pm

re: #142 buzzsawmonkey

Auto de fe? It’s what you oughtn’t do, but you do anyway…

146 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:45:23pm

re: #139 DistantThunder

I read an article about them in a San Francisco paper. Where else?

Well, SF has a very low kid-to-population ratio, but I think that’s mainly because it’s so damn expensive.

/

147 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:19pm

These folks who claim religious victimization while at the same time trying to abuse the machinery of government to force the indoctrination of other peoples’ kids in their own pet religious dogmas in public high school make about as much sense as barbequed fish.

148 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:19pm

re: #142 buzzsawmonkey

The French-language version of Elton John’s Candle in the Wind failed to make the charts because the French don’t like that bougie-wougie music.

149 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:25pm

re: #136 Charles

The author of that article is a “senior fellow” at the anti-evolution Discovery Institute, and the purpose of the article is to build support for their agenda. I’m only surprised that he held back from mentioning Charles Darwin.

I had absolutely no idea. I suppose I should read the italics at the end of the article. I think the article makes some good, factual points about environmentalist extremists and the Hollywood directors who love them. If you can show me where in the article he is supporting the DI agenda, I’d appreciate it.

150 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:31pm

re: #140 zombie

Oops, looks like all the Apple-haters will be choking on this news for the next three months:

Apple profits soar even during economic slump

Every other computer maker in the world is grappling with serious declines in sales.

Microsoft is right to be nervous. Apple is back in the big leagues. And now that Oracle has just bought Sun, there’s yet another major player looking to dismantle the other half of Microsoft’s business model.

Competition is good for innovation. Now we have Oracle/Sun, Apple, Microsoft, Adobe and Google in a major duke-out to see who can wow the most people in the shortest time with the most intuitive interface. This can only be great news for the consumer, as each company will have to create fantastic software products if they want to survive.

This is much much better than the old Microsoft/IBM/Intel monopoly system of the ’80s and ’90s.

Lame PC commercial disses Apple as all about style. My daughter has had her college computer a laptop MAC for the last 5 years. All her roommates PC’s died years ago - and almost all the girls replaced their PC’s with MAC’s. Disclosure:Mr DT used to work for Apple in Cupertino. He hired the engineers and dealt with the unstable ones - you know who you are.

151 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:54pm

re: #140 zombie

I think Apple was smart to get into other high demand product lines (iPod, iPhone), and have been quite successful at doing so. I don’t know for sure, but I bet that has at least a little to do with their current success.

152 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:58pm

re: #118 buzzsawmonkey

Whole Friars—39 cents a pound!

Did you hear about the cannibal who got sick after eating the missionary? He boiled him and he was a friar!

153 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:46:59pm
154 jim in virginia  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:47:27pm

re: #98 Charles

didn’t mean to hurt your feelings


Are these people so clueless that they think you’re that sensitive?

155 Hhar  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:48:26pm

“#96 SanFranciscoZionist

I corrected an essay today that informed me that in Act Four of Much Ado About Nothing, there is ‘wonton confusion’. Very bright kid, felled by Spellcheck.

You know, I have mild dyslexia, and I simply cannot see most of the mistakes I make. But that one is classic.

A pathologist colleague of mine recieved a placenta in the lab: the midwife thought the mother had acute chorioamnionitis, so the “Clinical History” portion of the requisition was filled in with the words “Placenta. Pussy”. Presumably, the midwife meant to write “purulent”……….

156 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:48:39pm

re: #147 Salamantis

I agree that it doesn’t make sense, but why the dig at BBQ’d fish. I ‘qued some fresh bass a while back that was “da bomb”.

157 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:48:51pm

re: #154 jim in virginia

Are these people so clueless that they think you’re that sensitive?

It not for Charles, it’s to sooth their own conscience.

158 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:49:32pm

re: #100 DistantThunder

I prefer, “I am appalled,”

goes with ‘shocked.’ It’s like PB&J or milk and cookies.

159 jaunte  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:49:33pm

re: #127 DistantThunder

The author of that piece, Wesley J. Smith, also wrote this:

The idea that we are just part of nature and nothing to celebrate is gaining traction in these nihilistic times. But beyond the esoteric, there are practical reasons to reject Derbyshire’s perspective. The way we act often depends on how we perceive ourselves. If we are nothing special, Jefferson’s assertion that all men are created equal—by which he means we have equal moral worth—becomes essentially untenable. Indeed, if we are nothing special, we are thrust back into a purely materialistic Darwinian world of tooth and claw, where might makes right. And that opens the door to all the evils that have plagued human history.
firstthings.com


I disagree with him that having a moral sense is somehow untenable for a sufficiently advanced animal. I also disagree with his suggestion that the ideas supporting evolutionary biology lead inevitably to “all the evils that have plagued human history.” This is not borne out by the evidence that history provides.

160 Killgore Trout  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:49:52pm

re: #98 Charles

Spencer’s been pushing the Serbia/Kosovo thing lately.

161 CEQAttorney  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:49:56pm

Dear Charles,

I am a sock puppet.

Yay!

Don’t judge me because I’m a sock puppet!

162 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:50:27pm

re: #149 doppelganglander

I had absolutely no idea. I suppose I should read the italics at the end of the article. I think the article makes some good, factual points about environmentalist extremists and the Hollywood directors who love them. If you can show me where in the article he is supporting the DI agenda, I’d appreciate it.

The DI agenda is to promote the view that science and rationalism have led to a degradation of the culture, and that the solution is to bring religion back into schools and government. And by “religion,” they mean THEIR version of fundamentalist Christianity.

It’s a profoundly un-American agenda, in my opinion, going directly counter to the intent of the founding fathers who wrote the Constitution specifically to separate church and state. And that’s why I am so steadfastly opposed to their machinations.

163 Gus  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:50:41pm

re: #160 Killgore Trout

Spencer’s been pushing the Serbia/Kosovo thing lately.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

//

164 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:50:56pm

re: #144 jim in virginia

Would a Southern Baptist in Salt Lake City support prayer in schools?

Interestingly, the LDS church has release time seminary in Utah, ARizona and Idaho. It means that the LDS high school kids can take a religion class during an elective period, but they have to walk across the street to a separate building to take the class. Seems to work well. Kids still manage to do band, cheerleading, and meet all the other state and national requirements. It think the school day is longer.

165 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:51:07pm

re: #151 Slumbering Behemoth

I think Apple was smart to get into other high demand product lines (iPod, iPhone), and have been quite successful at doing so. I don’t know for sure, but I bet that has at least a little to do with their current success.

From the article:

“Apple sold 2.22 million Macs during the quarter, a 3 percent decline from 2008. The company also moved 11 million iPods, up 3 percent, and 3.79 million iPhones, which represent a 123 percent improvement over the year before.”

That’s completely insane — those kind of sales figures in just three months? No wonder they’re making money hand-over-fist. The profit margin on each item is huge.

But yes, it confirms your theory: iPhones and iPods are becoming a much bigger share of their overall sales.

166 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:51:25pm
167 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:51:29pm

re: #154 jim in virginia

Are these people so clueless that they think you’re that sensitive?

It’s projection. These types are overly sensitive themselves, which is why they lash out like petulant little children. And they’re clueless.

168 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:52:09pm

re: #160 Killgore Trout

Spencer’s been pushing the Serbia/Kosovo thing lately.

What does he have to lose at this point by going whole hog in favor of fascists?

169 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:52:42pm

re: #156 Slumbering Behemoth

I agree that it doesn’t make sense, but why the dig at BBQ’d fish. I ‘qued some fresh bass a while back that was “da bomb”.

I’ve never tried such a thing, and in fact, have never heard of it being done before now.

170 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:52:56pm

In honor of Earth Day, this YouTube classic of sobbing hippies:

171 Shay4l  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:53:43pm

re: #140 zombie

Oops, looks like all the Apple-haters will be choking on this news for the next three months:

Apple profits soar even during economic slump

Every other computer maker in the world is grappling with serious declines in sales.

Microsoft is right to be nervous. Apple is back in the big leagues. And now that Oracle has just bought Sun, there’s yet another major player looking to dismantle the other half of Microsoft’s business model.

Competition is good for innovation. Now we have Oracle/Sun, Apple, Microsoft, Adobe and Google in a major duke-out to see who can wow the most people in the shortest time with the most intuitive interface. This can only be great news for the consumer, as each company will have to create fantastic software products if they want to survive.

This is much much better than the old Microsoft/IBM/Intel monopoly system of the ’80s and ’90s.

It’s the Ipods making the money, Look at their financials before and after introduction. Sorry!

172 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:53:58pm

re: #151 Slumbering Behemoth

I think Apple was smart to get into other high demand product lines (iPod, iPhone), and have been quite successful at doing so. I don’t know for sure, but I bet that has at least a little to do with their current success.

Also, while still proprietary, they aren’t as militant about it as MS. This image has helped them along with a damn fine operating system.

173 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:54:15pm

re: #165 zombie

I prefer PCs myself, but I say good for them. Competition almost always benefits the consumer.

174 Gus  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:54:36pm
175 jim in virginia  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:55:18pm

re: #141 lawhawk

It’s a ROAST! Burn Him!


Popeye’s used to have a promotion once a month. Huge banner behind the counter:

Ask about our breast trade up
176 Shay4l  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:55:20pm

re: #171 Shay4l

Oops, forgot to add Iphone.

177 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:55:22pm

I’m seriously considering dropping everything and becoming an iPhone app developer. I’ve heard so many insta-riches stories, it’s sooooooo tempting.

Of course, I have no idea how to program, but they’re makiong that easier too. Maybe Charles could make a few quick millions by coming up with a snappy little iPhone app. With his skilz, it’d be easy…

178 Sharmuta  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:55:23pm

re: #109 Dar ul Harb

FASCIST APOLOGIST FORM LETTER
Dear Chuckie,

I’m a
[] longtime poster who’s stunned at your new direction
[] lurking downdinger
[] sockpuppet

who just read your post on
[] the British National Party
[] Robert Spencer
[] Pamela Geller
[] someone who once appeared on The Political Cesspool
[] Eurofascism
[] Gates of Vienna

and I am feeling
[] defensive
[] saddened
[] betrayed, befuddled, bewildered
[] so angry I could spit

I am not a fascist apologist. Some of my best friends are
[] neo-Nazis
[] blood-and-soil Europeans
[] neo-Confederate skinheads
[] *mumble*

and according to the great
[] Alex Jones
[] Lew Rockwell
[] Ron Paul

there are too many of those people. You know who I mean.

What about
[] Zionazis?
[] 9-11 was an inside job?
[] mass deportations?
[] the central bankers?
[] racial holy war!

Huh? I’m just saying we have to fight jihad. In conclusion
[] you’re an Obama stooge
[] I’ll be praying for you
[] Just sayin’
[] Please delete my account

Cheers,
[your signature here]

That was awesome.

179 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:55:29pm

re: #165 zombie

From the article:

“Apple sold 2.22 million Macs during the quarter, a 3 percent decline from 2008. The company also moved 11 million iPods, up 3 percent, and 3.79 million iPhones, which represent a 123 percent improvement over the year before.”

That’s completely insane — those kind of sales figures in just three months? No wonder they’re making money hand-over-fist. The profit margin on each item is huge.

But yes, it confirms your theory: iPhones and iPods are becoming a much bigger share of their overall sales.

And the reason they’re so successful is that their products really do deliver on the promises they make. My iPhone has become a seriously useful tool in my life.

180 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:55:29pm

re: #171 Shay4l

It’s the Ipods making the money, Look at their financials before and after introduction. Sorry!

Going thing for me, Apple a big customer for my companies computer chips, we have a chip in every iPod, in fact every Apple product.

181 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:56:20pm

re: #177 zombie

I’m seriously considering dropping everything and becoming an iPhone app developer. I’ve heard so many insta-riches stories, it’s sooooooo tempting.

Of course, I have no idea how to program, but they’re makiong that easier too. Maybe Charles could make a few quick millions by coming up with a snappy little iPhone app. With his skilz, it’d be easy…

I heard there is a hair app that tells you the level of humidity predicted for the day so you know what to do with your hair and it makes suggestions.

182 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:56:40pm

And the iPhone almost never annoys me, unlike a lot of the other gadgets I own.

183 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:56:53pm

re: #171 Shay4l

It’s the Ipods making the money, Look at their financials before and after introduction. Sorry!

iPods — and iPhones and iTunes downloads — that’s where the money is being made. Computers are more expensive to make, so the profit on each one is not nearly as good.

184 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:58:01pm

re: #177 zombie

Sounds much more lucrative than my hare-brained idea of winning the vending-machine concession to a couple of places and stocking them with ultra-cheap snacks purchased from Amazon grocery…..

185 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 5:58:12pm
186 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:00:22pm
187 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:00:40pm

Apple’s commitment to “Humane interface design” reflects the company’s commitment to understanding and implementing the designs that best works with the natural tendencies of the human brain and our physical interface with the world. The history of this is fascinating, and transformed my appreciation of design.

188 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:01:01pm

By the way, this might be a good moment to announce that LGF is now an iTunes affiliate. The ‘Now Playing’ section in the left sidebar has always contained a link to iTunes Music Store, but now if you click on that link and buy music, LGF gets a small cut.

189 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:01:33pm

re: #181 DistantThunder

I heard there is a hair app that tells you the level of humidity predicted for the day so you know what to do with your hair and it makes suggestions.

I read recently that the guy who came up with the ludicrously simple iPhone App “Big Words” — which simply displays whatever you type in a larger point size — made enough money to retire in just six months. And he didn’t even program it himself — he just handed over that detail to a for-hire app-programming company.

190 CEQAttorney  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:02:02pm

Just for my edification (I don’t follow the whole creation/evolution debate), what is the rule for LGF?

Personally, I think that evolution did happen but a higher power (aka God) did have a guiding hand in ensuring that we came into being rather than cockroaches dominating the Earth.

From my perspective, there are just too many random chances that came up perfect for us. It’s like rolling craps a billion times and getting the hard six every damn time. At one point, you have to say “well, someone was watching over us.”

But, I’m not such a fool to deny the scientific community and it’s results of years of study.

191 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:02:05pm

re: #169 Salamantis

Oh, it’s great. Put some butter and garlic inside, maybe some onions or peppers if you like, wrap it in foil and throw it on the grill. You don’t even have to scale/skin (or whatever you call it) the little bastards, that comes right off with the foil.

If you buy it instead of catch it, cuts like this work great on the grill. Or you can use planks, which is also freaking awesome. I did some fish on a cedar plank soaked in pineapple juice that turned out great.

/pats self on back

192 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:02:32pm
193 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:02:57pm

re: #187 DistantThunder

Apple’s commitment to “Humane interface design” reflects the company’s commitment to understanding and implementing the designs that best works with the natural tendencies of the human brain and our physical interface with the world. The history of this is fascinating, and transformed my appreciation of design.

I love ergonomics as a concept. If I could do my college career all over again, I’d focus on ergonomics, not _____ like I foolishly did.

194 wiffersnapper  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:03:01pm

Scientist Ron Paul, rofl

195 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:03:01pm

re: #182 Charles

And the iPhone almost never annoys me, unlike a lot of the other gadgets I own.

Have you downloaded Bump yet?
/

Obama “Fist Bump” Inspires iPhone App

Remember the Obama fist bump?

How about an iPhone app, one of them suggested, that lets you easily send data from one phone (or iPod Touch) to another?

With that Bump Technologies was born.

The application is a lot like that old analog tradition of trading business cards.

Here’s how it works: You download the free app, choose the information you want to send, and then give the other person (holding his or her phone) a fist bump.

196 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:03:10pm

re: #182 Charles

And the iPhone almost never annoys me, unlike a lot of the other gadgets I own.

Annoyance is almost always the fault of product design and not user incompetence. Good design makes accommodation for the user learning curve.

197 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:03:41pm

re: #189 zombie

I read recently that the guy who came up with the ludicrously simple iPhone App “Big Words” — which simply displays whatever you type in a larger point size — made enough money to retire in just six months. And he didn’t even program it himself — he just handed over that detail to a for-hire app-programming company.

BOGGLES.

198 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:03:46pm

re: #188 Charles

By the way, this might be a good moment to announce that LGF is now an iTunes affiliate. The ‘Now Playing’ section in the left sidebar has always contained a link to iTunes Music Store, but now if you click on that link and buy music, LGF gets a small cut.

Cool, I’ve bought several albums that have been in the now playing section.

199 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:03:55pm

re: #188 Charles


You sure you don’t wanna go with a run-of-the mill radio station? Looks like both the WLGF and KLGF call signs are vacant….

200 HoosierHoops  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:04:22pm

re: #179 Charles

And the reason they’re so successful is that their products really do deliver on the promises they make. My iPhone has become a seriously useful tool in my life.

I just got my new World edition Blackberry phone today..It is really cool

201 OldLineTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:04:23pm

re: #168 Charles

What does he have to lose at this point by going whole hog in favor of fascists?

Whole hog is so yesterday. He should go whole “Hitler’s cows”.

/

202 medaura18586  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:05:00pm

I didn’t know this side of Zimriel: namely, the hilarious side.

203 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:05:48pm

re: #188 Charles

By the way, this might be a good moment to announce that LGF is now an iTunes affiliate. The ‘Now Playing’ section in the left sidebar has always contained a link to iTunes Music Store, but now if you click on that link and buy music, LGF gets a small cut.

Excellent.

In my observation, Apple will soon basically control the music industry. iTunes has destroyed the CD. And now that iTunes mp4s have no RMD (is that the right acronym? I.e. now they can be played anywhere with no restrictions), the digital file is the default standard music format. And iTunes totally dominates digital downloads.

204 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:05:51pm

re: #170 Alouette

In honor of Earth Day, this YouTube classic of sobbing hippies:



Hmmm…..them folks ain’t from ‘round here.

205 Killgore Trout  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:06:04pm

re: #190 CEQAttorney

God guided evolution is pretty common here.

206 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:06:12pm

re: #190 CEQAttorney

Just for my edification (I don’t follow the whole creation/evolution debate), what is the rule for LGF?

Personally, I think that evolution did happen but a higher power (aka God) did have a guiding hand in ensuring that we came into being rather than cockroaches dominating the Earth.

From my perspective, there are just too many random chances that came up perfect for us. It’s like rolling craps a billion times and getting the hard six every damn time. At one point, you have to say “well, someone was watching over us.”

But, I’m not such a fool to deny the scientific community and it’s results of years of study.

The hand of good is a good hunch, but you can’t prove it with a science experiment, so it shouldn’t be part of science class. Great debate for Sunday School or a comparative religions class.

207 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:06:37pm
208 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:06:56pm

re: #181 DistantThunder

I heard there is a hair app that tells you the level of humidity predicted for the day so you know what to do with your hair and it makes suggestions.

Like how much spit I should use on my comb? Heh.

209 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:07:35pm

Hand of good=Hand of God

PIMF (preview is my friend)

210 Right Brain  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:07:53pm

Nature selects for creationists.

On Darwinian terms we can tell what nature is selecting for by what reproduces and what controls the resources

Throughout the world those who reproduce, the religious right, and those who control the resources, the religious right, do not believe in Darwin.

Ergo, nature selects for creationists.

211 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:08:08pm

re: #192 AMER1CAN

I dunno if anyone book marked LGF on the home screen on the iphone but I did awhile back and you get a cool looking green football! Try it if you have an iphone!

I did try it and had the LGF football on my iPhone home screen for a while, but then someone suspicious of me saw it there and became even more suspicious, so now I’ve created a second “home screen” and moved the LGF icon over there, to hide it from prying eyes.

212 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:08:26pm

re: #204 BignJames

Hmmm…..them folks ain’t from ‘round here.

From “round here” you mean, from earth?

213 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:09:11pm

re: #166 buzzsawmonkey

A sock’s garter do what a sock’s garter do.

Hey Buzzsawmonkey, given this topic could I request a repost of your Moby-banning classic “Flounce to the Exit”?

214 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:09:25pm

re: #211 zombie

I did try it and had the LGF football on my iPhone home screen for a while, but then someone suspicious of me saw it there and became even more suspicious, so now I’ve created a second “home screen” and moved the LGF icon over there, to hide it from prying eyes.

Maintaining a secret identity must be really tough.

215 MJ  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:09:55pm

So this is where the brave leader of Hamas was hiding out during the Gaza incursion:

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh operated a command and control center inside Shifa Hospital in downtown Gaza City throughout Operation Cast Lead in January, the IDF revealed on Wednesday.

IDF probes opened following the offensive discovered that Haniyeh and other senior Hamas commanders took over a ward of the hospital, the Gaza Strip’s largest, and set up a command center for the duration of the campaign.

Hamas believed that Israel would not target the hospital due to the high risk of collateral damage.

Guards were posted at the entrance to the ward and field commanders took advantage of the humanitarian corridor and cessation of action that the IDF instituted every day for several hours, to enter the hospital and meet with senior Hamas officials to receive instructions.

jpost.com

216 NonNativeTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:09:59pm

re: #203 zombie

Excellent.

In my observation, Apple will soon basically control the music industry. iTunes has destroyed the CD. And now that iTunes mp4s have no RMD (is that the right acronym? I.e. now they can be played anywhere with no restrictions), the digital file is the default standard music format. And iTunes totally dominates digital downloads.

I always heard CDs are better quality. Is that still true?

217 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:10:10pm

re: #207 AMER1CAN

This certainly won’t get Apple any good PR. They already have a problem with getting apps approved in a timely matter, yet, this gets approved and made it into the store? Steve hasn’t been gone that long has he? Gesh!

Apple approves ‘Baby Shaker’ for App Store

They did remove it earlier today, but only after it started to spread viral that Apple had let through such an idiotic application. Yet other applications wait in the pipeline.

It’s amazing to me that a bunch of adults sat around and said this was a good idea.

218 BignJames  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:10:56pm

re: #212 Alouette

From “round here” you mean, from earth?


Yeah….North Carolina…United States…North America…Western Hemisphere..Earth

219 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:11:00pm

re: #190 CEQAttorney

Just for my edification (I don’t follow the whole creation/evolution debate), what is the rule for LGF?

Personally, I think that evolution did happen but a higher power (aka God) did have a guiding hand in ensuring that we came into being rather than cockroaches dominating the Earth.

From my perspective, there are just too many random chances that came up perfect for us. It’s like rolling craps a billion times and getting the hard six every damn time. At one point, you have to say “well, someone was watching over us.”

But, I’m not such a fool to deny the scientific community and it’s results of years of study.

Genetic mutations are random, but environmental selection is nonrandom. 3 1/2 billion years is 1.75 million times the span from Jesus till now; plenty of time for evolution to work.

But evolution itself is an empirical fact. Whether you want to believe that your particular God was behind it or not is up to you, and that is a metaphysical and extra-empirical issue, and a religious one, not a physical or empirical issue, so science does not address it one way or another. And so, being outside the purview of science, it shouldn’t be taught either way in public school science class.

220 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:11:00pm

Damnit Sal! You’ve gone and made me hungry with all this grillin’ talk, and I don’t have a damn thing thawed out. Gonna go make me a PB&J :grumblegrumble:

Later Lizards.

221 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:11:12pm

re: #211 zombie

I did try it and had the LGF football on my iPhone home screen for a while, but then someone suspicious of me saw it there and became even more suspicious, so now I’ve created a second “home screen” and moved the LGF icon over there, to hide it from prying eyes.

Undercover. I wonder if “they’ll” ever have us wearing armbands with little green footballs.

222 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:11:28pm

re: #211 zombie

I did try it and had the LGF football on my iPhone home screen for a while, but then someone suspicious of me saw it there and became even more suspicious, so now I’ve created a second “home screen” and moved the LGF icon over there, to hide it from prying eyes.

I just got my i phone and I am having a hard time logging in and getting the comments to come up - any suggestions?

223 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:12:11pm

re: #207 AMER1CAN

This certainly won’t get Apple any good PR. They already have a problem with getting apps approved in a timely matter, yet, this gets approved and made it into the store? Steve hasn’t been gone that long has he? Gesh!

Apple approves ‘Baby Shaker’ for App Store

They did remove it earlier today, but only after it started to spread viral that Apple had let through such an idiotic application. Yet other applications wait in the pipeline.

How did I know someone would post that at LGF?

This is a very obvious attempt to sabotage Apple’s profit announcement.

224 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:12:49pm

re: #214 Alouette

Maintaining a secret identity must be really tough.

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

225 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:13:34pm
226 reine.de.tout  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:13:36pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

For real?
That must be exhausting!

227 irongrampa  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:14:33pm

re: #224 zombie

You HAVE to be suffering a good deal of emotional stress.

228 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:14:34pm

re: #216 NonNativeTexan

I always heard CDs are better quality. Is that still true?

Yes. But mp4s are high enough quality now that it takes a real expert ear to discern any difference. For 99% of users, they are indistinguishable.

229 Dar ul Harbarian  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:14:39pm

I was just cleaning out my junk mail filter and realized that, given the massive volume of email for “Vigara by Mail”, “Lose Fat the easy way”, and “Hot women want to meet you” any future civilization doing a forensic analysis of the magnet and optical artifacts of our culture will have to base their conclusions about us based on what is easy for them to find….Lots and lots of SPAM.

230 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:14:44pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

I admire your self control. I can only hear so much moonbat nonsense before my head starts spinning. The last thing that set me off was the problem with violent American men - the proof - FOOTBALL.

231 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:15:23pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

It keeps peace in the family ranks.

232 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:15:27pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

You need to write a book about your experiences.

233 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:13pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

I’m gonna assume there’s a very good reason you can’t come out. Take good care of yourself, OK?

234 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:17pm

re: #232 Bobblehead

You need to write a book about your experiences.

Yes, Undercover Sanity.

235 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:19pm

re: #222 monkeytime

I just got my i phone and I am having a hard time logging in and getting the comments to come up - any suggestions?

Sorry — I defer to Charles on that question. I’m no expert.

236 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:29pm
237 Vicious Babushka  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:40pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

That has to be scary. Is there anyone in “meat space” that knows who you really are, that you can confide in?

238 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:53pm
239 Dar ul Harbarian  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:16:57pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

The philosophy that dare not speak it’s name.

240 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:18:00pm
241 itellu3times  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:18:02pm

re: #56 Slumbering Behemoth

8. The self-destruct.
“Well I can’t see any good evidence for evolution, so you must all be crazy and believe in it like a religion!” (No further argument offered)
Counterplay: Go on, you believe the Flintstones is real, right? (You can have fun at this stage)

Really, that’s the hot one.

“I believe, you believe, so we must teach both”.

Counterplay: I don’t care what you believe, and evolution isn’t true because I believe it, but it’s worth teaching because it describes what we see.

Then you get 8B - “But beliefs are what separate us from beasts and Nazis”, which you then must parse out, “Beliefs are what make Nazis in the first place, and heck, don’t try to separate me from any beasts, OK?”

242 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:18:15pm

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

243 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:18:33pm

re: #229 Dar ul Harbarian

I was just cleaning out my junk mail filter and realized that, given the massive volume of email for “Vigara by Mail”, “Lose Fat the easy way”, and “Hot women want to meet you” any future civilization doing a forensic analysis of the magnet and optical artifacts of our culture will have to base their conclusions about us based on what is easy for them to find….Lots and lots of SPAM.

Don’t forget penis enlargement. My personal favorite and every father’s dream to have his 9 year old daughter ask him how that works.

244 Salamantis  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:18:55pm

re: #224 zombie

Every minute of every day I’ve got to be on my toes. To this minute, not a single friend or family member has the slightest clue I’m anything other than what they are — raving moonbats. I’ve been in “stealth mode” for over 7 years.

That just how Zombie moles!

/Couldn’t resist; hope you have proven coping mechanisms.

245 itellu3times  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:18:57pm

re: #216 NonNativeTexan

I always heard CDs are better quality. Is that still true?

There is a slow migration to offering your choice of quality, for a few pennies more.

246 jcm  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:19:07pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

Burned and effigy of Ira Einhorn soaked in toxic oil.
//

247 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:19:18pm

re: #226 reine.de.tout

For real?
That must be exhausting!

For real.

re: #227 irongrampa

You HAVE to be suffering a good deal of emotional stress.

Actually, no. I’ve settled quite comfortably into my schizoid life.

248 irongrampa  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:19:27pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

Burned 2 old tires.

249 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:19:33pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

I’m working on my plans to sell Carbon Credits. I’m trying to decide how much I should charge for every tree seed I plant.

250 itellu3times  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:19:39pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

I generated some extra methane, proving fat people do really cause global warming.

251 Dianna  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:20:05pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

I refilled my gas tank.

252 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:20:06pm

re: #162 Charles

The DI agenda is to promote the view that science and rationalism have led to a degradation of the culture, and that the solution is to bring religion back into schools and government. And by “religion,” they mean THEIR version of fundamentalist Christianity.

It’s a profoundly un-American agenda, in my opinion, going directly counter to the intent of the founding fathers who wrote the Constitution specifically to separate church and state. And that’s why I am so steadfastly opposed to their machinations.

From reading this particular article, I would not have known that. The only pseudo-science I see here comes from the people who think plants are sentient beings. I think it’s legitimate to point out that Deep Ecology is a very sick, amoral, and anti-human belief system, and to examine its influence on popular culture.

I agree with you completely about the Disco Institute. If I were the editor of NRO, I would not have offered him a platform. Viewed in the larger context of the DI agenda, I could see where Smith or others could extrapolate from this article an argument that belief in evolution inexorably leads to the plant equality movement and voluntary human extinction. I don’t think this particular article makes that argument explicitly. But next time, I’ll check the italics.

253 NonNativeTexan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:20:08pm

re: #247 zombie

Actually, no. I’ve settled quite comfortably into my schizoid life.

You said to your other self.

254 Dar ul Harbarian  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:21:08pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

I let an uncontained fart into the atmosphere.

255 Dianna  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:21:29pm

re: #247 zombie

It must feel strange, living so doubled in your own head.

256 irongrampa  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:21:37pm

re: #247 zombie

I admire you.

257 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:21:53pm

re: #254 Dar ul Harbarian

I let an uncontained fart into the atmosphere.

is it CO2 ? Quick .. cap it before it reaches an iceberg or something !

258 razorbacker  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:22:29pm

re: #229 Dar ul Harbarian

I must have the most boring email in western civilization. I never get those marvelous Nigerian come-ons, not one viagra ad, and it seems that not a single hot babe in the world wants to met me.

I checked my spam filter, and had one catch. From HP.

I’m feeling a mite unloved, right now.

259 Dar ul Harbarian  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:22:34pm

re: #257 Buster Bunny

is it CO2 ? Quick .. cap it before it reaches an iceberg or something !

Methane. That’s why they burn when you light them.

260 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:18pm
261 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:25pm
262 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:33pm

re: #259 Dar ul Harbarian

Methane. That’s why they burn when you light them.

Better then .. natural gas. Store it in a jar and wait for the Russians to run out of natural gas. Then you’ll be rich !

263 Fat Jolly Penguin  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:46pm

re: #242 Bobblehead

OT
What did all you Lizards do to celebrate this glorious Earth Day? I took the long way home from work, thus spewing just a tad more exhaust into the atmosphere.

I considered texting “Happy Earth Day Lenin’s birthday!” to my moonbat sister, but I decided against it because I didn’t want to start a fight.

264 researchok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:52pm

re: #246 jcm

Burned and effigy of Ira Einhorn soaked in toxic oil.

That’s the line of the day.

265 DistantThunder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:53pm

Jef RAskin of Apple wrote the book on Humane Interface Design

The Human Interface

read the introduction……

266 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:23:56pm

re: #258 razorbacker

I must have the most boring email in western civilization. I never get those marvelous Nigerian come-ons, not one viagra ad, and it seems that not a single hot babe in the world wants to met me.

I checked my spam filter, and had one catch. From HP.

I’m feeling a mite unloved, right now.

Get a yahoo email address. I get tons of spam - some of it is even from myself.

267 Dar ul Harbarian  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:24:07pm

re: #258 razorbacker

I must have the most boring email in western civilization. I never get those marvelous Nigerian come-ons, not one viagra ad, and it seems that not a single hot babe in the world wants to met me.

I checked my spam filter, and had one catch. From HP.

I’m feeling a mite unloved, right now.

Just post your email address on some website somewhere…Love will find you!

268 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:25:13pm

re: #240 AMER1CAN

Well, it had to be approved by Apple before going into the itunes store, I guess you could say they shot themselves in the foot.

Bad publicity can be good. If this makes the evening news people that barely know anything about IPhones will find out about all the cool APPS available. You can’t buy publicity like this. I doubt they planned it that way though.

269 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:25:21pm

re: #258 razorbacker

I must have the most boring email in western civilization. I never get those marvelous Nigerian come-ons, not one viagra ad, and it seems that not a single hot babe in the world wants to met me.

I checked my spam filter, and had one catch. From HP.

I’m feeling a mite unloved, right now.

Cheer up .. somewhere out there is a fake Rolex site with your name on their mailing list.

270 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:25:34pm

re: #233 SanFranciscoZionist

I’m gonna assume there’s a very good reason you can’t come out.

The answer is partly in the preceding comment:

re: #231 axegrinder

It keeps peace in the family ranks.

But the main answer is the sheer volume of death threats and violence threats I get. The moonbats don’t have the nerve to do anything themselves but would love to offer me up as a fodder to the slavering Islamic fundamentalists who hate me with an unrelenting passion due to the Mohammed Image Archive. Add to the mix creationists and ACT-UP radicals, among many others, and it’s real hate-fiesta around my in-box.

Safest course: Stay under the radar.

271 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:26:06pm

re: #268 axegrinder

Bad publicity can be good. If this makes the evening news people that barely know anything about IPhones will find out about all the cool APPS available. You can’t buy publicity like this. I doubt they planned it that way though.

I love my I Phone. Is there something bad I should know about them?

272 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:26:35pm

re: #249 monkeytime

I’m working on my plans to sell Carbon Credits. I’m trying to decide how much I should charge for every tree seed I plant.

I’m still trying to figure out a way I can get people to pay me to not fly.

273 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:26:42pm

re: #252 doppelganglander

From reading this particular article, I would not have known that.

And that’s how deceptive organizations like the Discovery Institute advance their agenda — by finding ways to appear reasonable. In this case, it’s a critique of Hollywood movies that plays into the anti-AGW movement, without ever mentioning evolution — but if you realize that their true goal is promoting fundamentalist creationism, it’s pretty easy to see what they’re up to. The Discovery Institute is one of the most mendacious “think tanks” currently operating in America.

274 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:26:42pm

re: #238 buzzsawmonkey

Thank you, Charles.

Thank you, BSM, for writing it.

275 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:26:48pm

re: #237 Alouette

That has to be scary. Is there anyone in “meat space” that knows who you really are, that you can confide in?

Some details need to be kept secret. Even the detail about what needs to be kept secret!

276 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:27:10pm

OT .. is anyone else finding this prosecuting previous administrations for torture .. a little disturbing? I am shuddering as to how far they can take it.

277 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:27:26pm

re: #272 axegrinder

I’m still trying to figure out a way I can get people to pay me to not fly.

If you didn’t fly - how would you travel?

278 Dar ul Harbarian  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:27:41pm

re: #275 zombie

Some details need to be kept secret. Even the detail about what needs to be kept secret!

Keep the unknown unknowns unknown.

279 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:27:59pm

re: #278 Dar ul Harbarian

Keep the unknown unknowns unknown.

I didnt know that.

280 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:28:23pm

re: #276 Buster Bunny

OT .. is anyone else finding this prosecuting previous administrations for torture .. a little disturbing? I am shuddering as to how far they can take it.

Are they really sure they want to start this game? They won’t be in power forever.

281 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:28:24pm
282 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:28:48pm

re: #258 razorbacker

I must have the most boring email in western civilization. I never get those marvelous Nigerian come-ons, not one viagra ad, and it seems that not a single hot babe in the world wants to met me.

I checked my spam filter, and had one catch. From HP.

I’m feeling a mite unloved, right now.

Just sign up for one of those ‘free iPod’ offers. The spam will follow with a vengeance.

283 Rancher  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:28:59pm

The form letter is missing one thing…

Hi!

284 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:29:07pm

I wish to commend all lizards for their deep and abiding belief in all things “green”.

BTW
I listened to a tape of Charlton Heston reading the introduction to “Jurassic Park” on Rush today. Good stuff.

285 vxbush  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:29:28pm

re: #252 doppelganglander

And to go completely off topic: your turn to play, dear.

286 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:30:08pm

re: #283 Rancher

The form letter is missing one thing…

Hi!

I think I would also add

I am:
a conservative
someone who voted for McCain
a loyal Lizard but….

287 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:30:12pm

re: #277 monkeytime

If you didn’t fly - how would you travel?

Astral projection.

288 jaunte  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:30:15pm

re: #273 Charles

Looking at some of the articles listed in this Google search for ‘Wesley J. Smith on Darwin’ gives a clearer picture of the point of view he’s pushing.
google.com

289 MJ  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:30:22pm

re: #270 zombie

But the main answer is the sheer volume of death threats and violence threats I get. The moonbats don’t have the nerve to do anything themselves but would love to offer me up as a fodder to the slavering Islamic fundamentalists who hate me with an unrelenting passion due to the Mohammed Image Archive. Add to the mix creationists and ACT-UP radicals, among many others, and it’s real hate-fiesta around my in-box.

Safest course: Stay under the radar.

I guess I won’t tell them that your real identity is actually Ron Paul.

290 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:30:31pm

re: #280 monkeytime

Are they really sure they want to start this game? They won’t be in power forever.

They start it and they wont ever be in power again. Politics is a double edged sword, and most EXPERIENCED politicians know that. So to play authoritarian over a previous administration … you will stir up more trouble than you can possibly imagine.

291 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:31:05pm
292 srb1976  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:31:09pm

Evening folks, I just got a new little pug puppy last night, and seeing the latest thead go me thinking, how can anyone who has seen the zillions of variations on a single species that is the domestic dog, continue to deny that natural selection can make huge differences over time?

293 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:31:50pm

re: #284 Bobblehead

I wish to commend all lizards for their deep and abiding belief in all things “green”.

Soylent was green too.

294 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:05pm

re: #288 jaunte

Looking at some of the articles listed in this Google search for ‘Wesley J. Smith on Darwin’ gives a clearer picture of the point of view he’s pushing.
[Link: www.google.com…]

These people are very, very sneaky.

295 Killian Bundy  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:11pm

re: #276 Buster Bunny

OT .. is anyone else finding this prosecuting previous administrations for torture .. a little disturbing? I am shuddering as to how far they can take it.

With “Leaaky” Leahy leading the charge.

/how ironic

296 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:30pm

re: #282 axegrinder

Just sign up for one of those ‘free iPod’ offers. The spam will follow with a vengeance.

Or any online contest. I think Publishers’ Clearing House has a site.
After that, you’ll get ads for buying college diplomas, free v1*gra, work at home scams, debt reduction scams, and Nigerian email scams filling up your inbox.

BTW, I got one of those Nigerian scam letters as a physical letter left in a roadside mailbox. No stamp; someone drove around sticking them in mailboxes. This was before email was big. I knew it was a scam, but didn’t know how it worked.

297 irongrampa  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:31pm

re: #290 Buster Bunny

That would elate me. The thought of these idiots wandering in the political wiilderness is a comforting thought.

298 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:43pm

re: #281 buzzsawmonkey

What does ACT-UP have against you? Did you have the temerity to point out that they were responsible for thousands of deaths by virtue of their insistence that the baths and backroom bars stay open in the early days of the AIDS epidemic?

They just hate me for bringing a camera to Folsom St. and posting what I saw. You would not believe the vitriol I’ve gotten because of that. Many threats of legal action, too.

It’s not just ACT-UP; other militant groups and individuals have joined in as well. They really, really hate me for those two reports (Folsom and Alley). A sort of blind, incoherent logic-free rage. I’ve long since learned to not respond to anything they write to me.

299 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:47pm

re: #290 Buster Bunny

They start it and they wont ever be in power again. Politics is a double edged sword, and most EXPERIENCED politicians know that. So to play authoritarian over a previous administration … you will stir up more trouble than you can possibly imagine.

Seems that way to me. Unless they are extremely sure that another party will never get control, I don’t think they want to start this stinking mess.

300 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:32:57pm

re: #287 axegrinder

Astral projection.

He’ll fly his astral plane…
—- The Moody Blues

301 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:33:16pm

re: #280 monkeytime

Are they really sure they want to start this game? They won’t be in power forever.

If they have sense, they’ll leave it alone. Unlike a lot of people around this neck of the woods, I am opposed to waterboarding and such, (although caterpillars I am basically OK with), but I acknowledge some huge and amorphous gray areas in all of this.

We can’t start playing a game where each new administration prosecutes its way through the CIA and legal council for the last administration. That’s poison.

I still have some hope that Obama’s team gets that, but I wish they’d quit waffling publicly about it.

302 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:33:58pm
303 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:34:02pm

re: #291 buzzsawmonkey

Thanks. I don’t think it comes close to “A Modern Liberal Democrat”—which, aside from the effort it took, got a record number of updings, so I have a particular affection for it—but there really hasn’t been a good moment to re-post that one.

Uh, yeah there has. Right now.

304 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:34:30pm

re: #292 srb1976

Evening folks, I just got a new little pug puppy last night, and seeing the latest thead go me thinking, how can anyone who has seen the zillions of variations on a single species that is the domestic dog, continue to deny that natural selection can make huge differences over time?

Are most of those variations natural selection, though, or are they breeding by humans? I had thought the latter.

305 Randall Gross  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:34:31pm

If you get a chance to watch see if you can catch this show on PBS:

kcpt.org

It covers:

The first shots of the civil war in 1855 before it was declared
The first and second Republican Presidential Candidates
The first time Democrats stuffed ballot boxes with immigrant votes
Why there’s still bad blood between Kansas and Missouri
The First beating of a Senator on the Senate floor
Why that college BB team is called the Jayhawks

306 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:34:35pm

re: #301 SanFranciscoZionist

Give him his time for his waffles.

307 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:34:56pm

re: #298 zombie

I don’t know how you mange to contain your feelings. Surely it takes a toll on your psyche. How do you cope?

308 Unakite  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:35:03pm

re: #52 pingjockey

“Jocularity, Jocularity”! Father Mulcahy, MASH.

I love M*A*S*H, and still remember that show.

309 Fenway_Nation  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:35:14pm

Fade to noir, les bleu blanc & rouge,,,,,

310 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:35:58pm

re: #298 zombie

They just hate me for bringing a camera to Folsom St. and posting what I saw. You would not believe the vitriol I’ve gotten because of that. Many threats of legal action, too.

It’s not just ACT-UP; other militant groups and individuals have joined in as well. They really, really hate me for those two reports (Folsom and Alley). A sort of blind, incoherent logic-free rage. I’ve long since learned to not respond to anything they write to me.

I’m sorry that they are so hateful to you but those articles/pictorials are valuable. No one believed me about the Folsom Street fair until I showed them the link to your site. I just sent it to my partner last week. Now he believes. It is a big service.

311 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:36:02pm

re: #308 Unakite

I love M*A*S*H, and still remember that show.

You do not want to see a recent pic of Alan Alda. It will make you feel REEELY old. And dated too.

312 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:36:08pm

re: #306 Buster Bunny

Give him his time for his waffles.

You can’t rush waffles.

313 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:36:29pm
314 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:36:30pm

re: #296 Kosh’s Shadow

Or any online contest. I think Publishers’ Clearing House has a site.
After that, you’ll get ads for buying college diplomas, free v1*gra, work at home scams, debt reduction scams, and Nigerian email scams filling up your inbox.

BTW, I got one of those Nigerian scam letters as a physical letter left in a roadside mailbox. No stamp; someone drove around sticking them in mailboxes. This was before email was big. I knew it was a scam, but didn’t know how it worked.

I never understood it myself. “I have a boatload of cash I can’t spend. Give me your checking account number and I’ll give you a bunch of it.” Yeah, right.

315 razorbacker  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:36:37pm

Let us run a little mind-experiment regarding the good Mr. Waxman’s stated intention to see that America’s dastardly emissions are cut by twenty percent. Carry it to it’s logical absurdity, as they say.

Now the big things, your pollution-spewing SUV, your coal-fired power plants, your unneeded trips to the convenience store…well…of course you’re going to have to give those up. And my wood-burning stove, yeah, I see that. Okay.

But consider your pet dogs, horses, cats, llamas, donkeys. All of these critters eat. And fart. Do you really need those?

What about your kids? Vile spewers of noxious gases. They breathe, you know.

Perhaps if we lock down the borders and let no one else in, cut the present population by twenty percent, and take turns breathing we might be able to cut emissions.

Come on, folks. Do it for your Mother Earth.

316 Jack Burton  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:36:43pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

But if they die, who’s going to encourage the rest of us to follow? They have to live, to supervise everyone else dying. Or something like that.

/

That’s basically the same “logic” used by jihad “leaders” and enablers.

If they strap bombs to themselves and blow up infidels, who will stick around to make sure other good jihadis do their part?

317 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:37:18pm

re: #285 vxbush

And to go completely off topic: your turn to play, dear.

Thank you!

318 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:37:22pm
319 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:37:51pm

re: #306 Buster Bunny

Give him his time for his waffles.

Cogito eggo sum

320 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:37:56pm

re: #310 monkeytime

I’m sorry that they are so hateful to you but those articles/pictorials are valuable. No one believed me about the Folsom Street fair until I showed them the link to your site. I just sent it to my partner last week. Now he believes. It is a big service.

I love Zombie’s site to death, (ha ha), but how are those particular reports ‘valuable’? I mean, they’re kind of alarming to look at, but…

?

321 vxbush  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:37:58pm

re: #311 Buster Bunny

You do not want to see a recent pic of Alan Alda. It will make you feel REEELY old. And dated too.

But I like seeing actors as they age. It’s the timelessness of film that is annoying. When I saw Chevy Chase this week I applauded him for acting at his age. People can whine and complain that “so and so isn’t aging well,” But then I am definitely NOT aging well.

It’s nice to know that the “famous” ones have the exact same gravity affecting them, too.

322 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:38:19pm

re: #319 Bloodnok

Cogito eggo sum

Aha, ha, ha, ha,…..

323 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:38:51pm

re: #302 buzzsawmonkey

Ah. So it’s OK to do things as long as everyone pretends not to see them. Got it.

It the same logic as the Islamists. They act as would-be tyrants, saying to Zombie: “You will see what what we tell to see about what we do and you will report it as we say to report it. On penalty of death if you defy us!” The proper answer to such demands is further exposure and ridicule. For to have such dictators-in-waiting brought low by honest reporting well fulfills that wise saying that Virginia has for her motto: Sic Semper Tyrannus.

324 Zimriel  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:39:01pm

Aww. *snif*

325 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:39:20pm

re: #305 Thanos

If you get a chance to watch see if you can catch this show on PBS:

[Link: www.kcpt.org…]

It covers:

The first shots of the civil war in 1855 before it was declared
The first and second Republican Presidential Candidates
The first time Democrats stuffed ballot boxes with immigrant votes
Why there’s still bad blood between Kansas and Missouri
The First beating of a Senator on the Senate floor
Why that college BB team is called the Jayhawks

I think it’s time to bring back defenestration as a viable protest method.

just sayin’

326 vxbush  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:40:15pm

re: #319 Bloodnok

Cogito eggo sum

I cogitate; therefore I eat.

327 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:40:40pm

re: #311 Buster Bunny

You do not want to see a recent pic of Alan Alda. It will make you feel REEELY old. And dated too.

Last time I saw Alan Alda he was playing the Republican nominee on the last season of West Wing. A really good role, BTW. He should have won. I believe they were actually going to end the series that way, except the gentleman who played Leo McGarry died, and apparently they thought fans would freak if they had to deal with both losses.

I could have handled it. I didn’t like Santos.

328 jorline  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:40:41pm

Dear Charles,

I’m a stealth down-dinger who just read your post on “Sesame Street, The First Generation and I m feeling….horny confused. I am not a creationist. I have a degree in Hamburgerology from McDonald’s Hamburger University and according to the noted scientist Algore there are too many unanswered questions. What about the life cycle of vegetable oil? Huh? I’m just saying we can’t know everything. In conclusion please allow me to continue playing with myself.

Best regards,
Ron Paul

329 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:40:47pm
330 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:42:19pm

re: #307 Bobblehead

I don’t know how you mange to contain your feelings. Surely it takes a toll on your psyche. How do you cope?

I actually have about seven different “personas” going the moment. And “zombie” is actually only the third-most-well-known, as two others have moved to the forefront in recent months. In fact right now I have to dash out and be famous under a whole different identity. (Which itself is not my “real” identity.)

I’m used to this kind of thing. Been doing it most of my adult life.

Gotta run!

331 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:43:08pm

re: #328 jorline

Dear Charles,

I’m a stealth down-dinger who just read your post on “Sesame Street, The First Generation and I m feeling….horny confused. I am not a creationist. I have a degree in Hamburgerology from McDonald’s Hamburger University and according to the noted scientist Algore there are too many unanswered questions. What about the life cycle of vegetable oil? Huh? I’m just saying we can’t know everything. In conclusion please allow me to continue playing with myself.

Best regards,
Ron Paul

Do you need to actually EAT the food to graduate from that class?

332 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:43:14pm

re: #292 srb1976

Twerent anything natural about it. Most of that was selective breeding after the animal—probably a wolf—was domesticated several millennia ago.

333 monkeytime  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:43:22pm

re: #320 SanFranciscoZionist

I love Zombie’s site to death, (ha ha), but how are those particular reports ‘valuable’? I mean, they’re kind of alarming to look at, but…

?

THey are valuable because people don’t believe that people can put on such parades in front of children. When they see the pictures - then they believe.

334 Unakite  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:43:23pm

re: #115 SanFranciscoZionist

Actually, in the next essay, I learn that Hero and Claudio’s marriage was presided over by a “Fryer”.

Don’t you fry wontons? :)

335 srb1976  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:44:07pm

re: #304 SanFranciscoZionist

Are most of those variations natural selection, though, or are they breeding by humans? I had thought the latter.


Sure they are breeding by humans, my point was simply that with nothing but a basic species to start with, all of these variations have come about by encouraging breeding for specific traits.

336 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:44:11pm

re: #330 zombie

I actually have about seven different “personas” going the moment. And “zombie” is actually only the third-most-well-known, as two others have moved to the forefront in recent months. In fact right now I have to dash out and be famous under a whole different identity. (Which itself is not my “real” identity.)

I’m used to this kind of thing. Been doing it most of my adult life.

Gotta run!

An enigma wrapped in a mystery wrapped in and enigma.

337 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:44:54pm

re: #333 monkeytime

THey are valuable because people don’t believe that people can put on such parades in front of children. When they see the pictures - then they believe.

HUH? Are there any kids present in those photos? I only looked at a couple of them.

Never been to FSF myself, but none of the people I know who go would be OK with kids being around, I wouldn’t think.

338 jorline  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:44:57pm

re: #331 Buster Bunny

Do you need to actually EAT the food to graduate from that class?

Only on Tuesdays. :)

339 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:44:57pm

re: #300 Kosh’s Shadow

He’ll fly his astral plane…
—- The Moody Blues

If he’s not careful with the astral plane, he’s liable to get spiritual snipe. Then he’ll need the astral table saw to cut that piece down before putting it on the astral joiner.

340 Bobblehead  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:45:01pm

re: #329 buzzsawmonkey

buzz..You’re good!

341 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:45:13pm

re: #334 Unakite

Don’t you fry wontons? :)

No .. you torture the little suckers. I believe first you waterboard the heck out of them .. THEN you fry the battered pieces of dough and vegetable matter.

That’ll teach them.

342 srb1976  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:45:44pm

re: #335 srb1976

Sure they are breeding by humans, my point was simply that with nothing but a basic species to start with, all of these variations have come about by encouraging breeding for specific traits.

even more as some breeds can no longer reproduce without intervention… just noting the large differences made by slective breeding

343 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:45:51pm

re: #336 Bobblehead

An enigma wrapped in a mystery wrapped in and enigma.

lightly killed, steamed, cleaned, then lovingly covered with glucose

344 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:45:56pm

re: #341 Buster Bunny

No .. you torture the little suckers. I believe first you waterboard the heck out of them .. THEN you fry the battered pieces of dough and vegetable matter.

That’ll teach them.

When you consider their history of wonton violence, it’s only what they have coming.

345 Zimriel  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:46:05pm

re: #44 solomonpanting

Good job, Zimriel. Now, was this letter a spontaneous creation or did it go through many incarnations before its present form?

It was a post by buzzsawmonkey that sparked it… I recalled similar “form letters” from UseNet which people “filled out” to lambaste trolls. buzzsawmonkey showed me that too many of our trolls use such formulaic comments, which get dissected within half a minute by the lizards here (because they’ve all been seen before).

It took about five minutes to type up. But most of the material was provided by our trolls, so it can’t call it an act of ex nihilo creation. More like a Greek form of Creation, with the raw materiel right at hand.

346 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:46:09pm

re: #334 Unakite

Don’t you fry wontons? :)

If you don’t your wonton will freeze before you reach the first marker.

347 razorbacker  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:46:22pm

re: #282 axegrinder

Just sign up for one of those ‘free iPod’ offers. The spam will follow with a vengeance.

I’ve never clicked through on any of those ‘free anything’ offers. I’m too old to believe that I’m going to get something for nothing.

348 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:46:32pm

re: #343 calcajun

lightly killed, steamed, cleaned, then lovingly covered with glucose

Garnished with lark’s vomit…

349 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:47:12pm

re: #329 buzzsawmonkey

Oh! Bravo. WSG would be proud.

350 alegrias  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:47:16pm

Speaking of dogmatic beliefs that defy reality,

Just returned from local city council debates in which the 5 Democrat incumbents INVOKED BUSH & BASHED BUSH and tried to smear the new GOP candidates as being BUSH-like and wanting to try BUSH policies that “don’t work.”

Alexandria, VA is 100% democrat controlled, has been for years, and still blames Bush for its rats, trash, lousy public schools and the open-air drug market in its 80-year old big public housing.

351 Buster Bunny  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:47:24pm

re: #348 SanFranciscoZionist

Garnished with lark’s vomit…

Do you realise how hard it is to get the lark to watch Ron Paul in the first place?

352 [deleted]  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:47:26pm
353 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:47:38pm

re: #330 zombie

I actually have about seven different “personas” going the moment. And “zombie” is actually only the third-most-well-known, as two others have moved to the forefront in recent months. In fact right now I have to dash out and be famous under a whole different identity. (Which itself is not my “real” identity.)

I’m used to this kind of thing. Been doing it most of my adult life.

Gotta run!

Am I the only one who thinks this is really strange, but intriguing? Who else is zombie? In the spirit of the post, check one:

[ ] Nancy Pelosi
[ ] Lady Gaga
[ ] Gavin Newsome
[ ] Naked Cowboy
[ ] George Lucas
[ ] Ron Paul!

354 pink freud  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:47:51pm

re: #324 Zimriel

Aww. *snif*

I’ve just logged on so I don’t know if this is your first post on the matter ….but ….Congratulations!

Well deserved kudos to you! Enjoy your moment under the spotlight. :-)

355 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:48:39pm

re: #353 doppelganglander

Am I the only one who thinks this is really strange, but intriguing? Who else is zombie? In the spirit of the post, check one:

[ ] Nancy Pelosi
[ ] Lady Gaga
[ ] Gavin Newsome
[ ] Naked Cowboy
[ ] George Lucas
[ ] Ron Paul!

Richard L. Kent Esq.

356 ArmyWife  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:49:08pm

Hi all. Oh just in time for a new thread, but congrats Zimriel!

357 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:49:22pm

re: #329 buzzsawmonkey

Awesome.. Thanks. I posted a link to Pirates of Penzance original a few days ago during the Pirate kerfuffle. Wish I’d of know about this then as well.

358 calcajun  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:49:26pm

re: #355 Bloodnok

That is just…mean.

359 doppelganglander  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:50:49pm

re: #355 Bloodnok

Richard L. Kent Esq.

Now that’s cognitive dissonance!

360 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:51:39pm

re: #353 doppelganglander

Am I the only one who thinks this is really strange, but intriguing? Who else is zombie? In the spirit of the post, check one:

[ ] Nancy Pelosi
[ ] Lady Gaga
[ ] Gavin Newsome
[ ] Naked Cowboy
[ ] George Lucas
[ ] Ron Paul!

You know, I just started to write another jokey Zombie identity and then I suddenly thought, what if, for God’s sake, I was right?

So I won’t post.

361 Gus  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:52:41pm

re: #337 SanFranciscoZionist

HUH? Are there any kids present in those photos? I only looked at a couple of them.

Never been to FSF myself, but none of the people I know who go would be OK with kids being around, I wouldn’t think.

No, it’s not a parade. They do have an odd age requirement at their website however:

Q: I’m 20 years old (or 18 or 19), can I come to the fair?

Of course you can. We look forward to seeing you. While we don’t have any age restrictions at the gates we do inform attendees of the adult oriented nature of our events. We also strictly enforce the 21 or over restriction on beer and liquor sales. So if you are under 21, please don’t try and purchase alcohol. We will card you.

Seems a little too liberal as far as I’m concerned. That’s for the Up You Alley Fair. In consideration of what I’ve seen they should make it a 21 and over event — enforced. Then it would be acceptable as long as it fits in with city regulations. Judging by the above it would be far to easy for underage persons to enter the event. They should get their act together.

362 Dar ul Harb  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:53:38pm

As an antidote to the unmentionable iPhone app, I recommend Koi Pond.

Shake some food into the water for the pretty fish, why don’t you?

363 Kosh's Shadow  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:53:44pm

re: #315 razorbacker

Let us run a little mind-experiment regarding the good Mr. Waxman’s stated intention to see that America’s dastardly emissions are cut by twenty percent. Carry it to it’s logical absurdity, as they say.

Now the big things, your pollution-spewing SUV, your coal-fired power plants, your unneeded trips to the convenience store…well…of course you’re going to have to give those up. And my wood-burning stove, yeah, I see that. Okay.

But consider your pet dogs, horses, cats, llamas, donkeys. All of these critters eat. And fart. Do you really need those?

What about your kids? Vile spewers of noxious gases. They breathe, you know.

Perhaps if we lock down the borders and let no one else in, cut the present population by twenty percent, and take turns breathing we might be able to cut emissions.

Come on, folks. Do it for your Mother Earth.

They’ll get my can of beans when they pry it out of my cold, dead hands!

364 reine.de.tout  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:54:49pm

re: #353 doppelganglander

Am I the only one who thinks this is really strange, but intriguing? Who else is zombie? In the spirit of the post, check one:

[ ] Nancy Pelosi
[ ] Lady Gaga
[ ] Gavin Newsome
[ ] Naked Cowboy
[ ] George Lucas
[ ] Ron Paul!

It’s GOT to be the naked cowboy. No one else could get to those events Zombie has managed to get into.

365 jorline  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:55:00pm

re: #353 doppelganglander

Am I the only one who thinks this is really strange, but intriguing? Who else is zombie? In the spirit of the post, check one:

[ ] Nancy Pelosi
[ ] Lady Gaga
[ ] Gavin Newsome
[ ] Naked Cowboy
[ ] George Lucas
[ ] Ron Paul!

Bartman

366 axegrinder  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:55:15pm

re: #361 Gus 802

Seems a little too liberal as far as I’m concerned. That’s for the Up You Alley Fair. In consideration of what I’ve seen they should make it a 21 and over event — enforced. Then it would be acceptable as long as it fits in with city regulations. Judging by the above it would be far to easy for underage persons to enter the event. They should get their act together.

Doesn’t San Francisco have an age requirement? Everytime I’ve been there I don’t remember seeing many kids. Maybe their parents keep them locked in the basement./

367 Bloodnok  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:56:25pm

re: #359 doppelganglander

Now that’s cognitive dissonance!

If anyone could pull off the personna of the world’s angriest creationist it would be Zombie.

/

368 Zimriel  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 6:57:00pm

re: #206 DistantThunder

The hand of good is a good hunch, but you can’t prove it with a science experiment, so it shouldn’t be part of science class. Great debate for Sunday School or a comparative religions class.

The various anthropic principles are excellent introductions to Greek philosophy. I must again (and again, and again) recommend David Sedley’s book “Creationism and its Critics in Antiquity”.

In fact I am beginning to think that if creationism is NOT taught as part of a basic philosophy course, there is something wrong with that course.

369 Gus  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 7:01:11pm

re: #366 axegrinder

Doesn’t San Francisco have an age requirement? Everytime I’ve been there I don’t remember seeing many kids. Maybe their parents keep them locked in the basement./

There must have a city age requirement for that type of “venue.” I assume most people apply common sense and wouldn’t bring any kids to something that extreme which would be an criminal offense. But the age requirements as I noted gives the appearance of lax enforcement which leaves to much to the imagination. The Zombie photos don’t show anyone that looks to be underage.

370 AlexRogan  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 7:05:54pm

re: #119 doppelganglander

Can we make fun of the eco-crazies, too?

Homo Sapiens, Get Lost


I am kind of amazed that some of these folks haven’t staged a mass suicide, most likely on Earth Day, to draw attention to their agenda. If you want to depopulate the earth, set an example.

You’re right on…if the eco-crazies really believed what they were saying in regards to “population control”, you’d think they’d be the first in line to the death chambers, but that ain’t ever gonna happen. Because, like most leftists, they want to be the ones who are in control and implementing their insane ideas, to the detriment of everyone else. These freaks are power-hungry, thirsting to exercise God-like powers of choosing who lives and who dies…

/*retch*

371 odorlesspaintthinner  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 7:11:09pm

Nice to make their lives easier. Unfortunately debunking this will make them have to work a little:

sciam.com

372 irish rose  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 7:37:46pm

… now thats’ funny :).

373 Lynn B.  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 7:48:58pm

CREATIONIST FORM LETTER …

… priceless!

Bravo Zim!

374 BigPapa  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 8:10:53pm

One’s work on Charles front page. No higher honor. Good job Zim.

...(honco salute)…/

375 Ariel  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 8:41:13pm

Hilarious…

376 hiddenlizard  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 9:01:40pm

PURE GENIUS!

377 Mr Secul  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 10:03:23pm

re: #23 Hhar

I think so. There’s also “As a dentist/engineer/obstetrician I have a thorough training in science.” Uh…..

en.wikipedia.org

378 zombie  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 10:21:56pm

re: #369 Gus 802

There must have a city age requirement for that type of “venue.” I assume most people apply common sense and wouldn’t bring any kids to something that extreme which would be an criminal offense. But the age requirements as I noted gives the appearance of lax enforcement which leaves to much to the imagination. The Zombie photos don’t show anyone that looks to be underage.

There’s a very good reason for that. I in fact did see many underage people at these street fairs, but I didn’t post any pictures of them in my report because I was advised by a lawyer that such pictures are illegal to post — illegal to own, even. So not only did I not include them in my report, but I deleted them from my hard drive as well.

(I’m speaking of pictures that show naked penises and/or sexual acts with an underage person in the picture as well. According to the lawyer, such images count as child pornography, no matter what the circumstance they were obtained in. So, even though I was in no way responsible for either the sexual acts nor for the children visible in the immediate vicinity, it was apparently illegal for me to snap a picture of something that was happening in plain view on a public street. And I’m very glad I did delete those pictures, because after my report made the rounds of the radical gay activist sites, many of them threatened to sue me or file a complaint about my site. But they couldn’t find a basis on which to sue me or file a complaint, so [at least thus far] they haven’t done it. But if I had included just one image of a child on my page, I know for a fact I’d be facing a serious court trial right about now.)

379 Abu Lahab  Wed, Apr 22, 2009 11:04:21pm

That’s very funny, I’m going to save it. Thanks Zimriel

380 Yanqui in Europe  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 12:42:27am

Thanks, Charles. This is brilliant.

Dear Charles,

I’m a longtime poster with 0-3 comments since January 2008 who just read your post on a picture from the Hubble and I am feeling upset. I am not a creationist. I have a degree in biochemistry, and according to the noted scientist Michael Behe there are too many unanswered questions. What about the bacterial flagellum? Huh? I’m just saying we can’t know everything. In conclusion, you’re doomed to burn in eternal torment.

Best regards,
Yanqui

381 Mr Secul  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 5:41:52am

We really need this

[] I have an advanced degree in a scientific subject (engineering)

Perhaps this is more of a historical interest now that creation science has moved past ID and onto strengths and weaknesses of evolutionary science/global warming/ cloning/ stem cell research.

Do we have any creationist scientists who are actually scientist/engineers? Is there an easier way than clicking on an existing post to search a member’s posts for a given phrase? Thermodynamics would be my search term of choice.

382 Captain Faris  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 7:19:06am

I absolutely love it!
Similar response forms are needed for each “hot issue” currently infesting public discourse.
On this form re: Creation, I would add two options under appropriate headings:
[] I think free speech implies not overreacting to every word uttered.
[] I have friends who are a. Darwinist or b. Creationist and they seem alright to me.

Keep up the good work, Charles.
Phil

383 Yashmak  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 7:28:12am

You’re officially my favorite commentor of the day Zim.

Good show.

384 Land Shark  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 8:31:32am

LOL! Funny stuff by Zimriel. Though “betrayed, befuddled and bewildered” is probably sufficient to cover their emotions. And their state of mind.

385 Land Shark  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 12:33:17pm

re: #378 zombie

Wow, I didn’t know any of that. I’m glad you got some good advice there, your blog is too important to lose. Keep up the good work. I’ve been to the Bay Area several times and it’s beyond me how any sane person could live there.

386 Baboon Cheeks  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 1:11:56pm

Excellent!

387 CEQAttorney  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 5:59:32pm

re: #219 Salamantis

Genetic mutations are random, but environmental selection is nonrandom. 3 1/2 billion years is 1.75 million times the span from Jesus till now; plenty of time for evolution to work.

But evolution itself is an empirical fact. Whether you want to believe that your particular God was behind it or not is up to you, and that is a metaphysical and extra-empirical issue, and a religious one, not a physical or empirical issue, so science does not address it one way or another. And so, being outside the purview of science, it shouldn’t be taught either way in public school science class.

I have to disagree with you here.

First, genetic mutations are evolution. A species develops a genetic mutation. If it’s beneficial, that tree of the species will thrive and become dominant. If it’s harmful, that tree of the species will die out.

Second, it is random based on the environmental conditions (or more accurately, it cannot be predicted). While a species will adapt to changing conditions, it is not predictable how the species will change. Scientists are constantly surprised how species have adapted to hostile environments.

From that point, it’s a simple belief system. You could believe that we were the fortunate result of a series of random occurrences that have occurred across the universe. Or you could believe that there was a higher power (aka the Monolith; God; the Source; Xenu; et cetera) guided the process so that we came into being on this particular planet.

Of course that is a pure metaphysics question and not a science question per se (at least not provable science).

388 Salamantis  Thu, Apr 23, 2009 10:58:20pm

re: #387 CEQAttorney

I have to disagree with you here.

First, genetic mutations are evolution. A species develops a genetic mutation. If it’s beneficial, that tree of the species will thrive and become dominant. If it’s harmful, that tree of the species will die out.

No, genetic mutation is only PART of the evolutionary process; if environmental selection based upon sometimes static and sometimes changing surroundings didn’t prune both the baseline and the mutational thickets, there would BE NO replacement of some species by others able to optimise particular environmental niches; they would ALL survive. EVERY mutation would thrive. So there would be massive diversification, but no evolution. But then, there could never be such an environment that would permit such a thing.

Second, it is random based on the environmental conditions (or more accurately, it cannot be predicted). While a species will adapt to changing conditions, it is not predictable how the species will change. Scientists are constantly surprised how species have adapted to hostile environments.

That’s precisely my point; which mutations survive and thrive and which ones don’t ISN’T random, precisely BECAUSE they are selected for and against by obtaining environmental conditions. Food sources, predators, parasites, diseases…we’re not just talking climate here.

From that point, it’s a simple belief system. You could believe that we were the fortunate result of a series of random occurrences that have occurred across the universe. Or you could believe that there was a higher power (aka the Monolith; God; the Source; Xenu; et cetera) guided the process so that we came into being on this particular planet.

Of course that is a pure metaphysics question and not a science question per se (at least not provable science).

If it ain’t empirically testable, it ain’t science. Period.

389 Hhar  Fri, Apr 24, 2009 10:51:44am

re: #388 Salamantis

I agree with most of your post. But this bit:

If it ain’t empirically testable, it ain’t science. Period.

is what I would call a dramatic oversimplification. There are a few ideas is cosmogony that people can’t test, for instance. There are ideasin human biological evolution that are just about impossible to test (Gould and Chomsky’s idea that human speech is an exaptation, for instance).

390 Hhar  Fri, Apr 24, 2009 11:56:47am

Although actually, now that I think on it, this bit:

if environmental selection based upon sometimes static and sometimes changing surroundings didn’t prune both the baseline and the mutational thickets, there would BE NO replacement of some species by others able to optimise particular environmental niches; they would ALL survive. EVERY mutation would thrive. So there would be massive diversification, but no evolution. But then, there could never be such an environment that would permit such a thing.

is also probably untrue, and is termed a hyper-selectionist outlook. In the absence of environmental change, a wide variety of evolutionary processes can take place, many as dramatic as environmental selection. Sexual selection (especially of the Fischerian runaway type), population drift, and even speciation could still be possible (I am thinking of reproductive isolation as achieved via cytogenetic alterations), and all of these could result in one species taking over the niche of another. Not to mention the problem of mutational load.

But I agree with you that evolution isn’t random with respect to everything under the sun: all of the processes I have talked about, with the exception of drift, which is a random phenomenon, are definitely non-random. I further agree with you that evolution through deep time is a scientific fact, and not just a metaphysical position. The relative importance of any given scientific fact in one’s epistemology and/or metaphysics is, of course, another question.

391 Salamantis  Fri, Apr 24, 2009 8:34:13pm

re: #390 Hhar

Although actually, now that I think on it, this bit:

if environmental selection based upon sometimes static and sometimes changing surroundings didn’t prune both the baseline and the mutational thickets, there would BE NO replacement of some species by others able to optimise particular environmental niches; they would ALL survive. EVERY mutation would thrive. So there would be massive diversification, but no evolution. But then, there could never be such an environment that would permit such a thing.

is also probably untrue, and is termed a hyper-selectionist outlook. In the absence of environmental change, a wide variety of evolutionary processes can take place, many as dramatic as environmental selection. Sexual selection (especially of the Fischerian runaway type), population drift, and even speciation could still be possible (I am thinking of reproductive isolation as achieved via cytogenetic alterations), and all of these could result in one species taking over the niche of another. Not to mention the problem of mutational load.

All those processes would result in diversification, though, and not extinction, if no genetic mutation was ever environmentally selected against. Remember that other species, and even other members of one’s own species, are part and parcel of the selecting environment.

Of course, reproductive isolation is most often a result of geographic isolation.

But I agree with you that evolution isn’t random with respect to everything under the sun: all of the processes I have talked about, with the exception of drift, which is a random phenomenon, are definitely non-random. I further agree with you that evolution through deep time is a scientific fact, and not just a metaphysical position. The relative importance of any given scientific fact in one’s epistemology and/or metaphysics is, of course, another question.

What seems to trouble hidebound creationists the most is the common descent part of evolution, when it is applied to homo sapiens - the fact that humans and great apes share and evolutionarily diverged from ancient common ancestors. But genetically, there can be no rational or reasonable statistical doubt as to the empirical veracity of such common descent.

392 Salamantis  Fri, Apr 24, 2009 8:45:13pm

re: #389 Hhar

I agree with most of your post. But this bit:

If it ain’t empirically testable, it ain’t science. Period.

is what I would call a dramatic oversimplification. There are a few ideas is cosmogony that people can’t test, for instance. There are ideas in human biological evolution that are just about impossible to test (Gould and Chomsky’s idea that human speech is an exaptation, for instance).

Until such concepts are empirically testable, and experimentally derived or investigationally discovered evidence can be marshalled to support them, they may call themselves scientific theories all that they want, but they will remain uncorroborated hypotheses and conjectures (string ‘theory’, for instance - a mathematically constructed castle in the air utterly lacking empirical foundations).

There is actually some empirical evidence that corroborates the contention that the human capacity for speech is the result of a punctuated equilibrium metamutation that made particular complex cognitive structures that have resulted from millions of years of gradualist evolution of hominid hand-eye co-ordination available to exercise cortical control over the mouth-ear nexus, permitting the production and parsing of complex phonemic speech. See Uniquely Human by Philip Lieberman for a good presentation of the empirical case.

393 Hhar  Sat, Apr 25, 2009 8:19:25pm

All those processes would result in diversification, though, and not extinction, if no genetic mutation was ever environmentally selected against. Remember that other species, and even other members of one’s own species, are part and parcel of the selecting environment.

Oh no, you are quite mistaken. Mutation has a cost intrinsic to physiological dysfunction. Sexual selection has costs unrelated to environment. Please, stop. Think.

Of course, reproductive isolation is most often a result of geographic isolation.


Like many of your other “of course“‘s there is no of course ablout this either. That is an old consensus position that has come under serious question, and should not be stated naively as a fact. There are a variety of sympatric isolating mechanisms that appear to operate in cladogeneasis, and one (sympatric hybridisation) appears to operate amoung diverse species communities such as malawi cichlids. I

wrt Until such concepts are empirically testable, and experimentally derived or investigationally discovered evidence can be marshalled to support them, they may call themselves scientific theories all that they want, but they will remain uncorroborated hypotheses and conjectures (string ‘theory’, for instance - a mathematically constructed castle in the air utterly lacking empirical foundations).

That’s your opinion, and I know others share it, but it isn’t at all clear to me that it has any validity past that. If scientists float such ideas in the peer-reviewed literature, and other scientiost read them and cite them, they are part of science. While it is clear that some science is better than other, and scientific speculation gains value with empirical testing, it would seem just as reasonable to call unsupported scientific speculation “unsupported scientific speculation” and ackowlege that it is part and parcel of the messy process of normal science, then to go off in a huff and say that an idea must be such and so before it gets Olympian Approval and a bright shiny new sticker saying that finally, it is real science.

This: “There is actually some empirical evidence that corroborates the contention that the human capacity for speech is the result of a punctuated equilibrium metamutation that made particular complex cognitive structures that have resulted from millions of years of gradualist evolution of hominid hand-eye co-ordination available to exercise cortical control over the mouth-ear nexus, permitting the production and parsing of complex phonemic speech. See Uniquely Human by Philip Lieberman for a good presentation of the empirical case.
” seems irrelevant to the point I made. Have you read the Gould/Chomsky paper I’m talking about? Few have.

394 Salamantis  Sat, Apr 25, 2009 9:13:53pm

re: #393 Hhar

All those processes would result in diversification, though, and not extinction, if no genetic mutation was ever environmentally selected against. Remember that other species, and even other members of one’s own species, are part and parcel of the selecting environment.

Oh no, you are quite mistaken. Mutation has a cost intrinsic to physiological dysfunction. Sexual selection has costs unrelated to environment. Please, stop. Think.

Sexual reproduction also has environmental benefits; each nontwin offspring born is a unique mix of genes, and this keeps phages from evolving a genetic infectious advantage. And the genetically prdisposed preferences of the opposite sex are part and parcel of the reproductive environment.

Of course, reproductive isolation is most often a result of geographic isolation.

Like many of your other “of course“‘s there is no of course about this either. That is an old consensus position that has come under serious question, and should not be stated naively as a fact. There are a variety of sympatric isolating mechanisms that appear to operate in cladogeneasis, and one (sympatric hybridisation) appears to operate amoung diverse species communities such as malawi cichlids.

I said most often, not always. And ys, I am aware of the cichlids, which are in the same lake, but inhabit different water depths, where color perception, and cichlid coloration, differ.

wrt Until such concepts are empirically testable, and experimentally derived or investigationally discovered evidence can be marshalled to support them, they may call themselves scientific theories all that they want, but they will remain uncorroborated hypotheses and conjectures (string ‘theory’, for instance - a mathematically constructed castle in the air utterly lacking empirical foundations).

That’s your opinion, and I know others share it, but it isn’t at all clear to me that it has any validity past that. If scientists float such ideas in the peer-reviewed literature, and other scientiost read them and cite them, they are part of science. While it is clear that some science is better than other, and scientific speculation gains value with empirical testing, it would seem just as reasonable to call unsupported scientific speculation “unsupported scientific speculation” and ackowlege that it is part and parcel of the messy process of normal science, then to go off in a huff and say that an idea must be such and so before it gets Olympian Approval and a bright shiny new sticker saying that finally, it is real science.

They’re part of the scientific discussion, as are many hypothses and conjectures; that doesn’t render them part of the empirically supported body of scientific theory per se.

This: “There is actually some empirical evidence that corroborates the contention that the human capacity for speech is the result of a punctuated equilibrium metamutation that made particular complex cognitive structures that have resulted from millions of years of gradualist evolution of hominid hand-eye co-ordination available to exercise cortical control over the mouth-ear nexus, permitting the production and parsing of complex phonemic speech. See Uniquely Human by Philip Lieberman for a good presentation of the empirical case.

” seems irrelevant to the point I made. Have you read the Gould/Chomsky paper I’m talking about? Few have.

I just surmised you might find it interesting. Do you have a link to this paper of which you speak? If so, please furnish it to me, as I cannot recall having read it.

395 Hhar  Sun, Apr 26, 2009 12:52:54am

Sexual reproduction also has environmental benefits; each nontwin offspring born is a unique mix of genes, and this keeps phages from evolving a genetic infectious advantage. And the genetically prdisposed preferences of the opposite sex are part and parcel of the reproductive environment.

Yeah, but I weasn’t talking about sexual reproduction: I was speaking od sexual selection.

I said most often, not always. And ys, I am aware of the cichlids, which are in the same lake, but inhabit different water depths, where color perception, and cichlid coloration, differ

You said “most often”, and I pointed out that it is not a matter “of course”. In addition, habitat segregation is not allopatry. And I don’t think you are aware of the emergence of sympatric hybridisation in Cichlids as a mechanism of reproductive isolation, and that’s just one mechanism of symatric speciation. I brought that up only as an example. The fact is that we do not know if speciation is “usually” allopatrick or sympatric. Reasonable distance and respect for the evidence will keep you from overstatement, and I submit that the critics of the value of evolution are acutely sensitive to the overstatements of anticreationists.

They’re part of the scientific discussion, as are many hypothses and conjectures; that doesn’t render them part of the empirically supported body of scientific theory per se.

I agree: they are part of science, like many hypotheses or conjectures/ They are science, and not tested or in some cases even testable. ergo, saying that if it isn’t empirically testable it isn’t science is simply false. You took philosophy of science: surely you are aware of how challenging the demarcation problem has been?

I just surmised you might find it interesting. Do you have a link to this paper of which you speak? If so, please furnish it to me, as I cannot recall having read it.

No, it was published in a book back in the 80’s. It wasn’t Gould’s proudest moment. Left him a sitting duck for his more adaptationist critics.

396 Salamantis  Sun, Apr 26, 2009 6:29:19am

re: #395 Hhar

Sexual reproduction also has environmental benefits; each nontwin offspring born is a unique mix of genes, and this keeps phages from evolving a genetic infectious advantage. And the genetically prdisposed preferences of the opposite sex are part and parcel of the reproductive environment.

Yeah, but I weasn’t talking about sexual reproduction: I was speaking od sexual selection.

I note that the bolded sentence specifically addressed sexual selection.

I said most often, not always. And yes, I am aware of the cichlids, which are in the same lake, but inhabit different water depths, where color perception, and cichlid coloration, differ

You said “most often”, and I pointed out that it is not a matter “of course”. In addition, habitat segregation is not allopatry. And I don’t think you are aware of the emergence of sympatric hybridisation in Cichlids as a mechanism of reproductive isolation, and that’s just one mechanism of symatric speciation. I brought that up only as an example. The fact is that we do not know if speciation is “usually” allopatrick or sympatric. Reasonable distance and respect for the evidence will keep you from overstatement, and I submit that the critics of the value of evolution are acutely sensitive to the overstatements of anticreationists.

“Of course, reproductive isolation is most often a result of geographic isolation.”
This is the sentence, from my post # 391, with which you mistakenly take issue. It is indeed a matter of course that MOST, although, as I noted, not ALL (that’s what MOST means), reproductive isolation has been caused by geographic isolation. I don’t think a few cichlid cases will overwhelm all the differing species that have developed in isolation on many ocean islands - not to mention all those that have diverged on different continents, or separated by rivers or deserts or mountain ranges.. Do you want me to quote you entire chapters of Why Evolution Is True by speciation expert Dr. Jerry A. Coyne on this point?

en.wikipedia.org (look also to the bottom where you can access allopatric speciation, as well as several other types.

They’re part of the scientific discussion, as are many hypothses and conjectures; that doesn’t render them part of the empirically supported body of scientific theory per se.

I agree: they are part of science, like many hypotheses or conjectures/ They are science, and not tested or in some cases even testable. ergo, saying that if it isn’t empirically testable it isn’t science is simply false. You took philosophy of science: surely you are aware of how challenging the demarcation problem has been?

Every discussion of the US Constitution cannot be found in the document as amended (see the Federalist Papers, John C. Calhoun’s A Disquisition on Government and A Discourse on the Constitution and Government of the United States, and countless other commentaries); likewise, every discussion by scientists does not automatically become an empirical science theory. Only when a conjecture or hypothesis is testable, i.e. verifiable/falsifiable, and the empirical data obtained via such testing supports rather than undermines the conjecture or hypothesis or its logically entailed consequences, does it deserve to be elevated to the status of theory in an empirical science context. Empirical science theories must also be internally consistent (not logically self-contradictory) and externally coherent (not contradict well-verified theories in adjacent and relevant disciplines). Although postmodernist notions have endeavored to blur or erase this bright line, they are only convincing to postmodernists, and not to empirical scientists. Alan Sokal has famously and hilariously lampooned postmodernist naivete, credulousness, and gullibility regarding empirical science:

en.wikipedia.org

397 Hhar  Tue, Apr 28, 2009 5:52:23am

1. re: sexual selection: mating preferences of copnspecifics are not part of environmental selection. That’s just wrong: it is abuse of ordinary terminology.
2. Even if they were, sexual selection can produce a physiological load. See above. You are just wrong about this, and wrong in many ways. Complete nvironmental homogeneity can still allow speciation and succession.
3. “Most is EXACTLY the issue, and it has always been the issue, and . At You can quote Andrew Coyne out the wazoo, for all I care. There is no of course about it. I already know what he says. It isn’t a matter of a “few Cichlid species”; it is a matter of the fact that we do not understand how large species radiations take place, and in thiose that are at hand for easy study, allopatry isn’t necessarily the most common speciation mechanism. Do you have any idea how fragmentary our knowlege of this process is, and how heavy the hand of Mayr still lies on evolutionary ecology? No, you don’t.

4. You like to hear yourself talk. I’ve never seen someone spend so much time trying to say “I don’t think what scientists talk about in the scientific literature is science”. I guess you would have to start talking about the constitutution to say that and still seem like you are making sense. Face facts; science doesn’t follow your simple minded dictum. You are confused (and likely demonstrating your prejudice) if you think that by saying “Science is a social endeavor” I am saying that “Science is a purely social construct”. The first is an obvious fact that appears to make you uncomfortable. The second is a lie.


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Create a PageThis is the LGF Pages posting bookmarklet. To use it, drag this button to your browser's bookmark bar, and title it 'LGF Pages' (or whatever you like). Then browse to a site you want to post, select some text on the page to use for a quote, click the bookmarklet, and the Pages posting window will appear with the title, text, and any embedded video or audio files already filled in, ready to go.
Or... you can just click this button to open the Pages posting window right away.
Last updated: 2023-04-04 11:11 am PDT
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