B2S1: 018 Zymurgists for 9-11

018 Zymurgists for 9-11

12 September 2009 Show Notes: Episode 18 Zymurgists for 9-11

The Macintosh Prayer

(Let Us Pray)

Steve Jobs, who art in Silicon Valley

Ubiquitous be thy Apple

Thy iPhones surfs, Thy iPods sync

To PCs as they do to Macs

Give us this keynote our yearly revolution

And forgive us our transgressions, as we forgive them that proselytize Windows

And lead us into temptation

But deliver us from Microsoft

For Apple is the dreamer, the designer, the doer, forever and ever.

[Command+Click]

We're back, baby! ...with less fail this episode! Since we lost so much recording last week, we're giving Adraw & Alienation a second chance to rock our background music scene! After a quick prayer to keep this show fail-free, we jump right in with Rain talking about her puppy Chevron (Chevy). While it will not be revealed to the end of the show, we'll spoil it now and say that Kitty-Kat and Rain are now official co-hosts of the show! [Kermit Flail] First on our agenda (or lack thereof) is talk of ShoWare Stadium in Kent, Wa. and its hosting of the new (lingerie) football team, The Seattle Mist! (Who won their debut game, to boot!) Also making its debut at the stadium was Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (which also made an appearance at its traditional stop at the Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center). Pimpage then occurs for all (most) of the big Seattle sports teams (though we'll pimp the one's we missed as well in the show links below) in the area. While Glacier Wulf takes (naughty) photos of Kitty-Kat, Osyris and Johnny-B reminisce about a drunken escapade that ended in thong wearage! We then get into the brewing of the IPA & Amber Alt Ale from last week and Johnny-B's modified Ale brew this week. During the talk, we pimp an upcoming video podcast special about our brewing and a possible visual tour of the studio... so stay tuned for that! During the double batch brew fest, we had a marathon of Basic Brewing Video™ in the background! We also get sidetracked by Glacier Wulf and his mead brewing. Ending the brewing topics is a upcoming trip to Leavenworth, Wa. for Octoberfest! (See our episode art work for the final brew topic!)

In our next major topic, we discuss the events 8 years ago on 11 September 2001 (and we observe a moment of silence). We give our two-cents on the subject and its aftermath before misquote President Thomas Jefferson; because it was Benjamin Franklin who truly said, “Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Unlike the misquoting we used on the show, the quote here in the show notes is the correct one. On the same post-9/22 line, we then get into the issues of Homeland Security, the TSA, and buses of powers by "security guards". Osyris makes points regarding South American and African leaders in context while Johnny-B notes the issues Adam Curry had entering the country (USA). Plus we recall our own personal first reactions to hearing of the attacks. We then go into the meat of what happened and why the buildings went down. After this, we switch to the Organ State football player who acted like a jackass and disgraced his university, LeGarrette Blount. That churns into Osyris' role in UWT (Butt-Scratcher!?) before devolving into an Family Guy/Adam West/God discussion. Getting into the show stats, we make another John C. Dvorak sighting before going into the nuts and bolts of our small listenership. Going ever further into the ditch, we have a talk about wood. We then bitch at our listeners for not reviewing the show and e-mailing us. Then Johnny-B gets mad over 3-D Home Entertainment Systems before telling us the story of MST3K-ing Passion of the Christ with his brother! We then explain the origins of Honeymoon (Mead). This evolves into breading out atheism.

We cream out pants over the new Beatles Rockband & digitally re-mastered discography of all the band's works. [Kermit Flail!] We pimp the 9/20 Sakura-Con meeting at the WSCTC and give info about what is happening in the next couple episodes, including Osyris going back to TWU. Making the podcast school credits? We'll see! Butt-Scratcher! Our new co-hosts (officially) are announced! Huzzah! After this, since Johnny-B had to be at work (Sunday) at 0700(am), we finally end the show.

Send your replies, rebukes, retorts, and/or rebuttals to: radioosyris@gmail.com

Show Links:

1. ShoWare Stadium - Official Website


2. Official Website - Seattle Mist - Lingerie Football League


3. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus


4. Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center


5. The Official Site of The Seattle Mariners | Mariners.com: Homepage


6. Seattle Seahawks - The Official Site of the Seattle Seahawks


7. The Official Site of The Seattle Thunderbirds


8. Everett AquaSox: Home


9. Home - Seattle Sounders Football Club


10. Seattle Rainiers Home Page


11. Larry's Brewing Supply


12. Basic Brewing™ : Home Brewing Beer Podcast and DVD - Welcome


13. Basic Brewing Radio™


14. Basic Brewing Video™


15. Visit Leavenworth Washington - The Official Site


16. Party Bus TV


17. Those who would give up Essential Liberty - Wikipedia


18. Boise State's Petersen wants Blount's punch to be a lesson for others


19. TV Makers Pushing 3-D at Home - Dvorak Uncensored


20. The Beatles™: Rock Band™


21. The Beatles: Remastered


22. Sakura-Con 2010

Music Alley Feature: Alienation

• Beggars and Kings (Original Mix)


• Beggars and Kings (Chill Out Mix)


• Firefly


• Hobie Beach (Chill Out Mix)


• Imagine A Star 2007


• Mad World (ft. Marty B - 2007 Remix) (Chemical Mix)


• When Angels Cry 3

Music Alley Feature: Adraw

• Bridge to Trance


• Guardian Angel (Final Mix)


• Look


• Shine


• Specialty


• Stranger


• Synergy

Podcast Album Art: "ZYNRGY" by Jon Morrow

Send your comments, suggestions, ideas, critiques, satire, and/or improvements to: radioosyris@gmail.com

B2S1 017 Non Fui Non Sum Non Curo

5 September 2009 Show Notes: 017 Non Fui, Non Sum, Non Curo

Show title translation from Latin, "I Was Not, I Am Not, I Care Not." It was the old-school Greek version of Rest In Peace. Okay, peoples, I'll give you the skinny: we brought our Mac Pro to its knees; literally! So, while Wild-Reto & Rain are back (Huzzah for Reto!!!) we had several recording fuck-ups during the two hours (and when we tried to shut the computer down after recording, it crashed... Mac black screen of death!). We lost a total of 57 minutes of material! FUCK!!! So we're just gonna give you the links this episode; you'll have to listen to the show to get the scoop... and no, there is no Centennial malt; just like the dueling churches over dog souls stories were indeed created & thus are fictitious. Sux. :(

Send your replies, rebukes, retorts, and/or rebuttals to: radioosyris@gmail.com

9/11 Conspiracy Theories Proved Wrong

Colorado Activists Confront CDC Official on Mandatory Vaccinations

Now, in this case of H1N1, I do NOT think mandatory vaccinations are necessarily required. Why? Because as yet this flu as not shown itself to be more deadly than the "seasonal flu". Furthermore, due to the over-hype surrounding this flu, I fear there is much more propaganda than information about this new virus. Now, I think there will be benefit for some to have these new vaccines but there does not seem to be rationale outside the realm of speculation of what this new strain might do. I would argue that the seasonal flu has just as much chance of becoming a monster as this flu given its current performance. Now, are there some shady things going on in the background that may be scrupulous? Maybe, but I doubt what is in the vaccines wil be anymore "evil" than what is already in the normal vaccines (of which there is no "evil"). Still, something new and rushed to boot by a industry that is not looked well upon is bound to get some negative attention, warranted or not. Still, you must decide for yourself what to do in this matter and in order to do so, I suggest making it know that mandatory vaccinations for this flu are a bit extreme and should not be considered in those (US) states which have not decided yet on a course of action. As for those whom have, you can still make your voice known.

As a side note, I do NOT agree with the gentlemen in this video who says kids are "over-vaccinates". That statement just shows a ignorance of how the immune system and vaccines work.

"Back 2 Square 1" New Episode 015

Back 2 Square 1 has a new episode: 015 Islamic Influence

Saturday 22 August 2009 Show Notes:

We're back & with a reduced crew again; just Osyris Diamond (who has flu-like symptoms... though I doubt it's a cool as "Swine Flu" or known as "Mexican Flu" for international listeners. He'll be blowing his nose throughout the show), Johnny-B, & the Kitty Kat! PKP is back in the house for our background music & starts off where we last left off with their track "Northbound". Joining us in the studio this evening is my new Bengal kitten, Lexus Ton-Ton (pronounced Tän-Tän) a.k.a. Crouton. Check out some more videos here: Lexus Ton-Ton a.k.a. Crouton. We discuss some of the (not-so) highlights of having her since Tuesday before Johnny-B goes into a mini-rant on "rabbit pooh" constipation. Osyris is "hating life" for lack of sleep & sanity but has yet to regret getting his $200.00 kitten (inflated to at least $500.00 with cat stuff & the first round of vet appointments). We give a shout-out to our missing comrades (Wild-Reto, Dark-Lilith, Dutchie Dutchmen, Glacier Wulf) before explaining how sick Osyris really was & how it relates to the B.S. at Iron Mountain, whose management can't properly assign replacement employees for open shifts. He explains his revelation of why he's all too often sick during the school season then the work ethics of his male family predecessors. We then talk about the other cat in-residence Taximus Maximus Meridius Kittius & his origins.

Johnny-B then segways into his co-worker from France who is dealing with an identity-crisis between being French & Algerian & Muslim. He goes on about some misconceptions of Islam & the Koran before Osyris relates this conversation to the proposed revamping of Paris: "Greater Paris" (see link above) & how it relates to dealing with the issues facing the city regarding its upper-class center and lower-class suburbs. He notes the 1995 movie "la Haine" (which is French for "Hate", though Osyris cannot recall the movie by name during the recording) as a reference for this tension (see links above). He also relates it back to the issues with Israel & Palestine discussed last week's show & relating it to the origins of "ethnic nationalism" as a consequence of European colonialism & western interference in the 19-20th century. Johnny-B brings it back to the Islam integration issue (globally) & discusses its role as the dominant social, economical, political, cultural, artistic, scientific, mathematic, & spiritual leader several centuries ago. Osyris brings up the 2005 movie "Kingdom of Heaven" (though once again he failed to remember it's name while recording) and its ending sequence in relation to this historical topic (see links above). From Wikipedia, "Privately, Saladin picks up a cross that was thrown off and puts it back on the table as well as refusing to step on the stones carved with crucifixes." We also touch on the US/USSR cold war effects on the Middle Eastern region & the rest of the world for that matter (with hints of capitalism). We then end the long rant with a little poking of the western educational system.

Changing topics, Johnny-B updates us on the home-brew (based on Alaskan Amber Ale) before pimping a new place call "The Beer Essentials" store down in Lakewood, Wa. Check out their website & visit their locale if you're in the area (see link above). He then updates us on the software he's working on for home-brewing (embedded system-based)! Osyris then updates everyone on the spikes in downloads for episodes 014 & 013, thanking Glacier Wulf for pimping the show to new people while on the job!). Welcome all new listeners! (New start e-mailing us, damn it! ...email is below.) We then talk about the changing nature of the podcast (B2S1) & where is might and should go in the future (your help, listener, is always appreciated and encouraged).

Then Osyris does something obscene before we get around to bugging our pseudo-co-host Kitty-Kat about what her point in life (let alone the podcast) is. This leads into (and was in-part a product of) a discussion of some background issues brought up by (currently) nameless co-hosts & the role of insults, touchy topics, & apologies (or the lack thereof). (We then remember to pimp PKP on the show.) We then plot to get Telefon Tel Aviv (see links above) as the background music (& maybe on the podcast itself) before ragging on Kitty Kat again in an attempt to get her talking. (It should be noted at the time of the recording of this podcast, we were unaware of the passing of Cooper. RIP) Osyris & Johnny-B sing Happy Birthday to Kitty Kat! We then rag on Iron Mountain again. We round out the show by visiting Failblog.org & Dvorak Uncensored with a great (old) Daily Show report on spamming. Osyris then sings us out... before failing & then we pimp the email before signing off.

Send your replies, rebukes, retorts, and/or rebuttals to: radioosyris@gmail.com

Lexus Ton-Ton a.k.a. Crouton

Below are some videos of my baby Bengal, whom some of you met in a previous entry. Now she is home with me and adjusting (rather well) to her new environment. All video thus taken (including the aforementioned video) were shot with a Sony DSC-S650 digital camera. She now has a full name: Lexus Ton-Ton (pronounced Tän-Tän). Her nickname will be "Crouton". I figured Lexus was a classy name for a kitten with lots of spunk and vigor. Crouton was taken from an incident where a crouton was dropped on the floor and she attacked it like no tomorrow. Unable to eat the crouton, her playfully gnawed on it in a most cute way. This is where Ton-Ton is derived. She is, of course, a pure-bred Bengal hybrid a couple generations removed from the original crossing. She cost $200.00 and was born 27 June 2009, making her 8 weeks old this Saturday. She weighs 1.4lbs and is in the process of getting her shots and the like in order. She loves to play and gives the vet all shorts of hell, even to which they can't take her temperature. She's a feisty one, alright. That's mah girl kittah! =3

Back 2 Square 1 Episode 014 posted!

Back 2 Square 1 has produced yet another episode: 014 Brewer's Aftermath

Show Notes: 15 August 2009
Take 3! (Again!) Only an hour this time... brewing took too much out of the others & Osyris was recovering from a bad case of McDonald. The studio fridge is finally operational! Johnny-B & Glacier Wulf discuss the latest home-brew, first in the new place (& in two years or so). [Correction: there was 14.5lbs of malty grain used in the brew, not 12lbs.] We talk -again- about whom Osyris is likely a "Bi-In-Denial" & female issues. "Crouton", which is the given name currently for my girl Bengal cat. Lava lamps (yes, we now have two!) in da studio! We don't have the doom dice tonight, or Dutchie or Dark-Lilith, so we're winging it. First, we head to Dvorak Uncensored blog & listen to American President Obama make a great gaff about the U.S. Postal Service. We also browse several other blog posts before switching to Failblog & skim through three pages of fail. Among other topics, we give our two-cents about child discipline & spanking. Then we watch an epic fail unicyclist via Failblog before Osyris goes into a "reverse racism" rant. Due to the day's events, we consider a 20min. break before deciding not to & check out the BBC World Service News & ranting briefly about the red cards give out at the Sounders/Galaxy MLS match (2-0w). After stumbling through a mini-rant about the bullshit surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma/Myanmar, & briefly talking about Secretary of State Clinton (& her more famous husband) Osyris finally give Israel hell (again) about the Palestine conflict. Wanna come on the show & give us a piece of your mind? E-mail us & we'll make it happen! (See address below...)

Send your replies, rebukes, retorts, and/or rebuttals to: radioosyris@gmail.com

Back 2 Square 1 Episode 013 posted!

"Hey, you guys!"

Back 2 Square 1 has a new episode, 013 Dark-Lilith Visitation.

Show Notes:
While you guys won't necessarily notice the difference, though B2S1 tries to be posted by Monday. we recorded this show on Sunday and this explains a Tuesday posting. Dark-Lilith returns! ...well, for at least most of the episode before she leaves to help a friend. Glacier Wulf also jets at the same time, too. We bitch as usual about a bunch of things. There is a lot of "fuck" in this episode. We figure out what iTunes categories this show should be on and discuss Osyris' sexual orientation- again. Osyris also goes off on the debate about the Universal Healthcare legislation in Congress. Through the wisdom of the digital Doom Dice & List, we speak on XBOX-360, Steve Jobs' new iLiver 2.0, and other game related topics, we touch on the Rorschach Test/Wikipedia controversy, Osyris poorly explains "Cold Reading", the Shit List is visited, we tried to explode Kitty Kat's head, he give a shout out to the crew of "That Damn Red Boat", Osyris and Johnny-B compare bra sizes, we watch some Jimmy Justice and comment on "The Beer Summit", Buddy causes some minor mayhem, we talk about movies (Brüno, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, District 9), Kirkland Signature Beer is brought up, under the topic Government, we discuss the Supreme Court and its role in America, then we role over into the ethics and production of podcasting in general and verses traditional radio (including how B2S1 is made and its content), we give you a preview of things to come on B2S1 and the logic the will effect future episodes, we give a shout out to Reto, long-lost B2S1 co-host likely still battling the Battle Cat, The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, Reasonable Doubts, and No Agenda are uses as a contrast to B2S1, after Johnny-B takes a piss, we move into the stalled housing developments around Auburn, Kent, and Covington, Wa. and have a trip down memory lane about our old high school Kentlake. There, of course, if a bunch of other material covered not mentioned in these notes so listen to the show to get all the juicy goodness!

Send your replies, rebukes, retorts, and/or rebuttals to: radioosyris@gmail.com

Conspiracy Theories: Moon Landings | Cracked.com

The post makes a lot of good points. However, as one commenter put it, "There are great points in this article. However, the average dolt that visits this site will use it as an excuse to never question authority ever. 'Go back to bed America' -Bill Hicks". -WisdomPersona That does sum up a large concern with this rationale. Basically, while the points above (and in the linked post) I believe are very valid, it appears on the surface to be an "argument from authority" fallacy. However, it's not merely saying, "Because NASA and the other said so". The point here is many people and organizations not only support the idea but have also provided much evidence that also supports the notion of the moon landings happening. It is also noting the qualification disparity between the accuser, the hoax supporters, and the accused, those who did/helped/observed the landings and subsequent related science. This is to say that while I, for example, might be knowledgeable enough to make an informed guess or opinion, when someone who is an "expect" or specialist in a given field or topic, then unless I can show discrepancies that cannot adequately accounted for with sufficient evidence and a plausible explanation to account for it (though this latter point is not as needed), the expert's knowledge, when verifiable, will trump my stance. As you can see from that lengthy explanation, it has more to do with the evidence behind the person rather than the person. To this end, and seen from this angle, then the argument above is very legitimate.

Back 2 Square 1 Episode 012 posted!

Back 2 Square 1, a podcast I host, has just posted its latest episode: 012 Lamentations. Check it out!

Show Notes:
So, this is by far the second or third longest episode to date. Osyris, Johnny-B, Dutchie, Kat, and Glacier Wulf bitch a lot in this one about everything from bad bosses and scripting languages to getting older and Adam Curry. We have entertaining moments with “The Matrix Runs On Windows XP” and we get to hear a preview of my new Bengal kitten! Huzzah! =3 Technetium provides the killer trance tunes in the background while the beer keeps flowing! The Mega Doom Dice is still MIA but the new and improving Doom List is back in action this episode! Many links above to check out and there is a contest for the first listener who correct guesses the color scheme of our lava lamp: base & cap, liquid, and the lava itself.

Send your guesses, along with your replies, rebukes, retorts, and/or rebuttals, to: radioosyris@gmail.com

New Bengal Kitten

Here she is! I know this has nothing to do with the usual content of this blog, but she was too cute not to show to the few who read this blog. She is a Bengal Breed. I won't have her home for another month or so but by then she'll be litter box trained and eating solid food. She is a month old right now and still getting use to this world. I saw her and her three siblings (two males, another female). The female is the only one not officially taken. If you want to inquire about her, let me know and I'll get your message to the seller. I have some photos of them at a week old on my deviant page: Osyris' Gallery. Not sure which one's are which in these. I will likely be posted more of them that I shot about a week before. Still can't really tell her from the others, though I am getting better at it. Not sure when the new pics will be up but hopefully soon. When she gets home, or just before, I'll have her into the vet for shots and the like. Once she is a little older, I'll get her fixed. This seems a bit out of character for me since I am one who wants to adopt cats, but this will be my one kitten I'll buy and it allows me to have a "pure breed". Won't know what to name her for a while more but she's my little darling. More info about Bengals, you can check out these websites: Bengal cats & kittens - The International Bengal Cat Society (TIBCS), Marechal Bengal Cats, Bengal Cats of Adventure Beach, The International Bengal Cat Connection - Bengals Illustrated Magazine.

Christian right aims to change history lessons in Texas schools

State's education board to consider adding Christianity's role in American history to curriculum

The Christian right is making a fresh push to force religion onto the school curriculum in Texas with the state's education board about to consider recommendations that children be taught that there would be no United States if it had not been for God.

Members of a panel of experts appointed by the board to revise the state's history curriculum, who include a Christian fundamentalist preacher who says he is fighting a war for America's moral soul, want lessons to emphasise the part played by Christianity in the founding of the US and that religion is a civic virtue.

Opponents have decried the move as an attempt to insert religious teachings in to the classroom by stealth, similar to the Christian right's partially successful attempt to limit the teaching of evolution in biology lessons in Texas.

"Christian right aims to change history lessons in Texas schools"
Chris McGreal in Washington
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 22 July 2009 18.28 BST
---

Hey, you skeptics, atheists, critical thinkers, historians, and anyone with a brain in Texas, please get on this and slap some sense into these twits! Srsly, ppl. Look, while I admit there were likely many American colonists who were Christians who helped in the fight for independence and some even helped form and run our new government, they were not all Christian and furthermore who do we need to even mention the "role of faith" in the revolution? Separation of church and state mean just that, including schools. If you really want that angle, that's why there's religious-based private schools. Funny thing is most Catholic school give a better education of evolution and other subjects than public schools... but I digress. The point is this is just another attempt to put God (the Christian verity) into public schools and that is just not right. Some of these idiots needs to read the Jefferson Bible before spouting this crap. If we are gonna do this, what about the help through faith of other religions? I know such things happened so why not praise those efforts, too? Oh, wait, those religious faiths are false? Well, no more false than the Christian type...

Cronkite's Sucessor

Well, it makes sense to me. What does it say about the state of news in America? ...a lot. As to what, I'll leave that to you.

Reflections...

You know, I'll never get any blog to the point where people consistently read it; and that's okay with me. Why? Because it's really too much work. Unless you're already a notable person or someone with no life, most people don't have the time to put into blogging, or the pimping of it on other related sites. I dislike reading skeptical forums, for example, because I get very little out of them and I can usually contribute even less. Read other blogs is okay but I often don't comment so who is gonna know about this? Not enough that it will matter, but here I can express myself in an open way and not care too much because not enough people know about it to make a difference; and I'm fine with that...

So, with school out there's nothing really to talk about on that end and honestly, there's not been much on the religious end either. I've listen to the latest "Reasonable Doubts" but haven't heard much to blog about. So what about skepticism? Well, what is there to say? For all that it is a marked improvement from Christianity, of which I partook my reality for most of my life, sometimes I wanna bang my head against a wall. When I listen to the skeptical angle, most of the time I agree with it, and when I listen to the believe end, I usually end up scratching my head. Still, there are times where I think the believe makes a good point while I wanna slap the crap outta the skeptic. I know nothing is perfect or always puts its best foot forward but sometimes I wonder where one draws the line.

For example: Sasquatch. While I am a "Bigfoot Hopeful", as Brian Dunning put it, the likelihood of its existence thus was is slim to none in my book. When you listen to enough of the believer's side, you begin to question things; which is good. Still, I have yet to be persuaded to believe anything more than whatever people are experiencing or think they are experiencing is something worth investigating, even if it is all in the mind. It's not that Sasquatch does not exist per say, it is that when one starts with a null hypothesis, the end conclusion for the creature is dubious at best with an inconclusive or negative. Yet, ask a random skeptic and their likely answer will be laughter or a very confident no. Granted, I, too, am confident in my stance but the stance refereed to above is one of total confidence, like the type you give to gravity. They don't even give it a second thought; and perhaps not without understandable reasons.

Is this proper skepticism? No, and I'm not the first skeptic to discuss this. My angle on the topic is this: the arrogance I get from how certain topics are handled by certain skeptics, skeptics in general, or groups of skeptics, reeks of the same B.S. that got me to despise church and Christianity in general. Yep, I went there. Now, I fully understand the human limitations in play here and I don't expect perfection from no one, but it bugs me when I try for something different and it's seems less than a 180 and more like a mirror: reversed views, same stank subject. While I enjoy listening to the skeptical and believer podcasts, sometimes I just wanna slap 'em both. While I try to be interactive in the MABRC forum, the discussions I've come across on the JREF forums and others lead me to the conclusion that I will just get upset if I interact with those sites and likely cannot contribute anything worthwhile to them. Pessimistic? Maybe, be I think more realistic.

I'm not that well verses in any particular subject, I just know enough to keep pace in most conversations. I'm opinionated and can speak my mind but little that will do with people who are very superior debaters. That is another factors that tweaks me. It seems most things in life have NOTHING to no with right & wrong, truth & fiction, etc. but rather how one present an argument. Thus, you can be completely wrong yet win an argument and thus be "right". Facts appearently mean little in this world of believers and skeptics. Even if Sasquatch is real, for example, because of the lack of evidence and such one can successfully argue against a unknown truth. Conversely, those who peddle woo and other BS can win over their case with sly wording or better debate skills. What is the point then of someone like me in all this? I can mark the odd comment about what works and what doesn't or cast doubt or insight onto a random topic but sowing seeds is not my cup of tea. Most of my seeds die anyway...

So I liken to shows like "No Agenda" and see a lot of what I learned in my communication classes about the bs that appears to dictate and govern this planet. Monsanto might be evil, but it's certainly not unique. I listened to the "Skeptoid" episode about Monsanto and all the type around it, as I have the one about Wal-Mart, and while Dunning brings up good points every conspiracy theorist should take heed, he does seem to miss out on the real negative impacts these places are having. While I agree mostly with his arguments presented during the episodes, he seems to miss the point about black listed farmers and government manipulation of health standards. Unique? No, but just as dangerous as ever. Is the danger over-hyped by these people who see Monsanto as the "Great Satan"? Perhaps, but these same conspiracy theorists often bring up great points that are all too often overshadowed by more ludicrous claims.

Even if they feel it true, it might behoove them to keep out the more fringe elements of their beliefs to focus on topics of concern that they can get the most people to back, thereby bolstering their desires to overturn the evil empires of the planet by getting more people to be proactive in their governments. "No Agenda", for example, time and again does a lot of good informing the podcasting public about a lot of bs in North America, Europe, and other places that needs to be addressed. However, its host Adam Curry likes to go off the deep end with some extreme world government fears. While I agree with John C. Dvorak more often than not, he does not seem to provide a larger balance to Curry's agenda. While I have no problem with what Curry thinks, I fear his holistic world view scares off too many listeners. He needs to focus more on what can be done rather than lamenting most episodes how he and his listeners will only live longer but cannot escape our impending doom.

While most skeptics might balk about supporting such a show as "No Agenda", again it proves as a good example of good information being present along with a lot of bs anti-vaccination rhetoric and NWO scare-tactics. Yet, when one looks into things like the Lisbon Treaty, the current rushed trials for Swine Flu/Mexican Flu vaccines, the proposed US health care reform bill, etc. and how all of these are being handled and their contents, it should give anyone cause for pause. I would write Adam and John about these concerns but I'd likely be labeled a government shill and at best just ignored. It was a remains a good show with good information but as of now and for a while now "No Agenda" has been a lacking in a lot of way towards content, objective analysis, and believability. This said, it has a record of observations that cannot be ignored.

What is a skeptic to do? What is a communication student to do? "Skepticality" and "Skeptics' Guide to the Universe" are great escapes back to sanity and science yet sometimes I wonder whether all this critical thinking, skepticism, and the like is really being put to good use. Fuck the conspiracy nutters, there is a shit-ton of negative stuff going on that anyone with half a brain and realize and understand. While I support the school focus and anti-woo and pro-science focus that skepticism had currently I think it needs to refocus its efforts on reforming government. Why? Because just like with humanity destroying this planet in various ways, we need to clean up things locally and then move up to larger projects, as such will make the bigger things no so challenging. Corruption needs to be addressed, as does a lot of political overburden and bs. Adding to these efforts will help expose the lack of evil empire plus do something even the believers can get behind. The same efforts to get homeopathy loopholes fix also helps towards cleaning up the government in general (this statement and some others are more US-centric but they can also apply internationally).

Skeptics need to listen to "Rage Against the Machine" more and realize that there are things that need to be addressed that have multiple positive outcomes, including the often more narrow focuses taken by a majority of skeptics. Skeptics should be going over government documents, like the Lisbon Treaty, Patriot Act, etc. and helping to expose the bs and helping their fellow countrymen/women understand what is going on. It is not enough just to go after 9-11 truthers. In fact, I would go as far as to say most skeptics should ignore them, for there are enough who will address them, and focus instead on holding the government to account over the inconsistencies and sidestepping that the US government has done about the topic and help expose the real truth that is being hidden by political double-speak and legislative wording. Such can be applied to other areas that skeptics love or loath to tread. How do you make skepticism sexy, marketable, and truly successful? You make its output practical, progressive, and productive to the wider world.

Newsweek Questionable Cover Choice

So, while I am always dubious of conspiracy claims, as a Communication student, akin to a journalist student but in a much broader sense, this is more in line with reality than many people, including skeptics, realize or like to admit. While I do not know the specifics of this example, I will say I question why this apparent choice was made. Now, is this same article in the US version? Maybe. (I would hope so.) Whether this is the "evil" US government trying to keep its people ignorant, or a business choice by Newsweek to keep its profits up, it is a disturbing trend that should be openly discussed... if you can get enough Americans interested. It has been my experience during class that the exploitative nature of capitalism in America is sickening yet the one thing more so is what sometimes appears as the apparent complacency of the American public. That is to say, Americans would rather keep read the human interest story than the more dire implications of the failed handling of the Afghanistan war. How very sad indeed...

Zicam maker pulls products, but affirms safety

"Upset with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Zicam maker Matrixx Initiatives Inc. has withdrawn two of its cold remedy nasal products even though company officials maintain the products are safe.

The FDA said it received more than 130 complaints from consumers saying they have lost their sense of smell after using the products.

[...]

William Hemelt, acting president and chief operating officer of Matrixx, said the FDA action was taken without reviewing research he would have been more than willing to provide.

“We think the science does not support this allegation at all,” he said. “Quite honestly, we would not be selling the product if we thought it was unsafe.”

Zicam products use a homeopathic remedy called Zincum Gluconicum 2x, which means they require FDA approval.

[...]

Brett Berty, a senior recall strategist at Stericycle Inc. in Lake Forest, Ill., is coming to Phoenix this week to meet with Matrixx officials to see if he can help the company with damage control.

Usually, he said, companies will voluntarily recall a product before the FDA gets involved. That’s not how it happened with Matrixx. The FDA stepped in and warned Matrixx that it had received more than 130 consumer complaints and that the company needed to stop marketing the product until it can put a warning label on its packaging that it could cause anosmia.

[...]

When the FDA sent the warning letter to Matrixx and advised consumers not to use certain Zicam cold remedies, on June 16, Matrixx’s stock plummeted 70 percent to $5.78 a share. It bounced up a bit to $6.13 a day later, but nowhere near its 52-week high of $19.74, near its trading point before the FDA sent the warning letter.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, Matrixx reported $13.8 million in net income on $112 million in net sales, up from $10.4 million in net income on $101 million in net sales a year ago.

Hemelt said he will be meeting with FDA regulators to discuss the issue. He also scheduled a conference call with investors.

The FDA advises against using:

Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs-Kid Size"

Zicam maker pulls products, but affirms safety
Phoenix Business Journal - by Angela Gonzales
Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 2:49pm MST | Modified: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 5:33am
---

Well, besides the fact that Zicam is not homeopathic because it has an active ingredient (So why hasn't ANYONE tried suing them over false advertisement/mislabeling/misleading labels/etc.!?), this goes to show you that such a mentality that either exploits to tries to ascribe their products to homeopathy are not to be trusted. Granted, legitimate drugs have the same issue and the damage control the parent company is doing is not uncommon or unexpected. Still, since the general public often fails or cannot distinguish between science and bullshit, I can only hope this goes to showing the "dangers" of the practice; insomuch as it is not a perfect wonder-alternative. Maybe a good dose of "reality" will help towards the eradication of this bile. Likely not the most skeptical or scientifically valid stance on the matter but I hope you are smart enough to get what I mean.

Atheism + Utilitarian = Vegan Conspiracy? [EDIT]

Reasonable Doubts: Episode 43 Stewards of this Earth

So while the rest of the show I agreed with as usual, the whole Atheism + Utilitarianism = Vegan/Vegetarianism thing just baffles me. Now granted when it was explained in the episode it made slightly more sense but I still call bullshit on it as the only logical conclusion. Some of you (all 0 of my readers) might question why I should case as I label myself agnostic. Well, others says agnostic is a descriptor rather than a stance/belief; I say you can doubt the existence of any divinity and lean in an atheistic direction without being an atheist. Honestly, it is the usual fence-sitter accusation that I find more childish than productive or meaningful; but I digress. Back to the topic at hand, I can now see why some promote the idea of a Vegan Conspiracy Theory. I'm gonna post my reaction of their episode blog post then repost it here. I honestly hope they follow up this notion with some more in-depth explanation. It is the only thing that I have ever heard from these guy or any other skeptical person that made me cock my head an say, "What the fuck!?" Here is my responce:

I certainly hope we get a follow-up podcast, even if it is a 10min blip explaining this idea of Atheism + Utilitarianism = Vegan/Vegetarianism. I will say this upfront: if eating meat is indeed my only sacred calf, then I'm doing well; but I digress.

Yes, the current system of meat production is unacceptable. However, such flaws are not necessarily grounds for abandoning meat as a diet staple. I will be the first to admit agricultural and livestock farming needs reform. This said, the current state of the meat industry is not going to change by merely altering one's diet. This is sidestepping the issue rather than addressing it. While I can applaud and/or understand the desire to move towards rabbit food the reasons listed during the show appear lacking. Personal choice is just that so I don't have beef (bad pun!) with this though I do hold reservations about this is the apparently logical conclusion that a rationally-minded Utilitarian skeptic should come to (or maybe I’m horribly misinterpreting the podcast).

What should happen: everyone demand drastic improvement towards the treatment of livestock. Would this mean a reduction in the quality and quantity? Yes; but well worth it. If I am going to use an animal for food, the least I can do is give it a good life in the meantime and kill it with as little pain as possible. Even if it were a wild animal, I would still demand such. If someone is going to use me for food (i.e. vampires, cannibals, zombies, etc.), besides warning them of the health risks of such an unhealthy meal, all I want is to go out peacefully and in a good mood. Once dead, I'm worm-food anyway.

Shortages from such a radical change would be great and likely economically painful. How then do we feed such a large growing world population? Well, firstly we need to stop that growth and downside our numbers. This aside, a redistribution of overall omnivorous diets worldwide might help to ease the demand of meats, which is Utilitarian in principle. Those on the extremes, vegans would not affect the balance of the system. Supplements of nuts and other protein sources would supplement the rationed meats. The more Utilitarian approach of meat production would spill over to agricultural, which further increased efficiency to feed the (decreasing) population.

Now, realistically, such efforts are improbable, if not impossible. So where does that leave me? I've watch the slaughterhouse videos and while my (liberal) heart bleeds in compassion it also burns in anger, I still crave my meat and enjoy every immoral unethical hypocritical bite. I can also apply this to most things I stuff into my mouth. As 2 Gryphon said (paraphrased), 'There's nothing more exciting than a psychotic clown selling me cow death for my face!' If we really wanted to be Utilitarian about things, humanely (boy, is that a deceptive term) terminating a sizable chuck of itself would be a very good way to assure the most benefit for the most living things, human or otherwise. If we are to do this, I suggest not letting such good stock go to waste.

Speaking of which, at least when one eats meat it is not still alive. True, while leafs off a lettuce are like fingers removed from a body, eating a carrot is a bit more macabre. Though one can argue plants cannot feel pain, I find it morbid that Vegans enjoy eating fresh plants that are still alive at the time. While I partake in this grisly buffet, it is ironic for primary plant eaters who promote non-meat diets as more ethical. For my part, Atheism + Utilitarianism = moderation & respect. Even if we were to be lords of our domain, why should we be pricks about it? Just because you're a king doesn't mean you have to be a dictator or authoritarian. Conversely, you can be atheistic and utilitarian without forgoing meat or giving up on a sadistic industry. I'm not sure if this is a rant, rebuke, lampoon, or something more constructive. Feel free (anyone) to pick out the flaws in this diatribe, as it will help me to better articulate my argument and sense of humor.

[EDIT] I changed all the misused "Unitarianism" to "Utilitarianism". Fuck!

Military Hush-Up: Incoming Space Rocks Now Classified

"For 15 years, scientists have benefited from data gleaned by U.S. classified satellites of natural fireball events in Earth's atmosphere – but no longer.

A recent U.S. military policy decision now explicitly states that observations by hush-hush government spacecraft of incoming bolides and fireballs are classified secret and are not to be released, SPACE.com has learned.

The satellites' main objectives include detecting nuclear bomb tests, and their characterizations of asteroids and lesser meteoroids as they crash through the atmosphere has been a byproduct data bonanza for scientists.

The upshot: Space rocks that explode in the atmosphere are now classified.

"It's baffling to us why this would suddenly change," said one scientist familiar with the work. "It's unfortunate because there was this great synergy...a very good cooperative arrangement. Systems were put into dual-use mode where a lot of science was getting done that couldn't be done any other way. It's a regrettable change in policy."

Scientists say not only will research into the threat from space be hampered, but public understanding of sometimes dramatic sky explosions will be diminished, perhaps leading to hype and fear of the unknown."
Military Hush-Up: Incoming Space Rocks Now Classified
By Leonard David, SPACE.com's Space Insider Columnist
posted: 10 June 2009 05:35 pm ET

Great, now all the government conspiracy proponents will have more in their arsenal. Anyway, well, this sucks! I often wonder who is more paranoid, the "conspiracy theorists" or the government. Granted, both should be mindful of things but not to the point of paralysis. Another loss for science and humanity in general...

"Nebraska Loess Man" Original Research

So a while back I did some real investigative work. Yes, it was online but I was able to search out primary sources to resolve (in my opinion) a question about certain skull finds back in 1906. Not to be confused with the Nebraska Man, which is a fabrication that used pig's teeth to suggest early humans or proto-humans or ancestors to humans lived in North America (and certainly before the arrival of Clover people or traditional Native Americans). You can find my original postings on the MABRC forum (though I am unsure with the current politics if non-members can even read them): Primitive Man in the U.S. [MABRC forums down due to hacking issues. Will post links once forums are properly restored.].

Some cryptozoologists have cited this page -Some Fossils- for interesting clues to possible homo ancestors in North America. A drawing of one skull found on the site is labeled as "A Kow Swamp skull" (seen at the top of the page). The site relays information an article in the journal Science (yes, THAT magazine) back in 1906 about skull discoveries in Nebraska ["Discovery of an early type of man in Nebraska" Barbour, E.H., and Ward, H.B.; Science, 24:628, 1906]. After emphasizing sever key passages, the page author give this commentary: "Comments : the two obviously different populations were burried in the same structure, most probably by the same people (presumably the higher, "modern" one) at, roughly, the same period. The "lower people" could be slaves or any kind of associates of the "higher people"." The original source the page cites by Barbour, E.H., and Ward, H.B. I found though my online scholarly access of UWT. Sadly, that bars me from making the content accessible to the public but my point was merely to verify the cited source, which I did and the text is "word for word" with the magazine article. Another relating article I did find through public means is NEBRASKA "LOESS MAN" by B. Shimek (Geological Society of America). It give a more updated and detail account of the skull finds than the Science article and photos of the skull(s) in question to boot!

Now, originally, at this point I got confused with the "Nebraska Man" mentioned above and after LSurf (MABRC Organizational Field Researcher, Project Marker Team Member) pointed out to me the (now) obvious error is my original conclusion, I furthered my investigation. (Praise be to Google Book!) This is when I made the distinction between the 1917 "Nebraska Man" (pig's teeth hoax) and the 1906 "Nebraska Loess Man" skulls. Another article I could only access via my UWT account was ON THE TRACK of PRIMITIVE MAN AND HIS ANCESTOR; Prehistoric Skulls Found in Nebraska Prove Antiquity of Race in America Berlin Academy of Science Sends Expedition to Java to Search for Missing Link [New York Times December 23, 1906, Sunday]. More article citing the 1906 article can be found here: Google Book Search. The following are my finding relating to the 1906 skulls:

"I have concluded that the Nebraska "Loess Man" was indeed a real find and the only thing truly hampering an age range was the lack of stratification feature of the loess mounts (loess by its very definition and nature is un-stratified). To find more information, just type into a Google search "loess man" (include the quotations while searching for the best results). However, in addition to the age of the burial being questioned, which if further hampered by the possibility of a reburial many many decades or more later, there was a growing notion that the bones were very much human:

The bones of the "loess" man discovered two years ago in the mounds of Nebraska offer "no insurmountable obstacle" to the assumption that all are comparatively recent. Most of these American skeletons resemble closely the bones of the modern Indian. The higher primates (gorillas and chimpanzees) which are considered to have differentiated from the ancestors of man are, or at least have not been found among us, but have existed only in Asia Africa and Europe. Here should be a source of pride to the native American, that his primitive ancestry was indigenously human and not at all Simian.
"The Earliest Man", Medical Times. January-December 1909

This is further supported by another article in 1915:

In cooperation with the University of Nebraska, Poynter studied the remains of over one hundred skulls taken from graves on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River near Omaha. Poynter’s interests lie in studying the entire group of a "lower ordered" ancient type of man. Specifically, Poynter calls this group the Nebraska Loess Man...

...Poynter suggests, there is no need to consider these as separate races or to assign them to any great civilization of the past. He does suggest, however, that the entire cranium collects are from different tribes. Using ‘craniometric’ standards Poynter draws the conclusion that these groups have a close relationship with other peoples of America.
Poynter, C. W. M. A Study of Nebraska Crania. American Anthropologist 1915 Vol. 17:509-524. @ publicanthropology.org
ROBERT WASYLYK York University (Naomi Adelson)

You can read the full texts (via the links) to get a fuller picture of how these conclusions were made. From what I have read, it seems the conclusions of the "loess man" was modern human. Taking a look at the photos of the skill(s) in the "Preliminary Report on the Primitive Man of Nebraska" report, I can see how both conclusions could have been reached. I find these two (quoted) articles above as persuasive. Thus, I would reasonably conclude that the Nebraska "Loess Man" finds are indeed that of modern humans."

LSurf still thought there was room for doubt, citing a drawn overlay of the skull with a human skull photo. In response, I posted this:

"True; that's why I said "Thus, I would reasonably conclude that the Nebraska "Loess Man" finds are indeed that of modern humans." Even the 1909 article uses the phrase "no insurmountable obstacle". This said, I take more stock in the photos provided of the skulls in the follow-up article than the drawings at the website, which I have not found a source for. It would have been much easier to argue the case if the photos had the complete skull face rather than just the cranial dome. Still, the photos do not show anything too abnormal. However, the 1915 article seems to account for this abnormal skull dimensions when taken into context with other North American skulls,

"In cooperation with the University of Nebraska, Poynter studied the remains of over one hundred skulls taken from graves on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River near Omaha. Poynter’s interests lie in studying the entire group of a "lower ordered" ancient type of man. Specifically, Poynter calls this group the Nebraska Loess Man. Careful analysis of the skulls allows Poynter to draw conclusions about these ancient human beings. However, blatant disregard for the cultural and social significance of the descendants of these borrowed bones is not an issue. [...] The first group is the Wallace Mound Group; Poynter notes the artificial deformation in the form of occipital flattening. This deformation is similar in most of the skulls in the study. Of the twenty-six skulls studied, all of them had accentuated "brachycephaly" relating to the length of the head. [...] Forty-two members of the [second] group were measured and compared. Poynter notes that the ‘sutures’ are complex, but not as intricate as in whites. Further analysis of this group shows they have an inter-nasal articulation that is arched as in the Roman-type nose, summarizing that this group of crania is distinctly Indian in character. [...] The third group is the Fort Lisa group. The most characteristic feature of the group is their long narrow shape, indicating that this group might have had premature synotosis (the formation of the skull bones). Poynter also notes that this group resembles the Australian aborigines. [...] This [fourth] group was badly preserved and was difficult to remove. Poynter notes that this group of skulls exhibited crania that was characterized by an inferior frontal development and, therefore, "may be considered as belonging to a low order racially". All the groups studied showed similar features. Therefore, Poynter suggests, there is no need to consider these as separate races or to assign them to any great civilization of the past. He does suggest, however, that the entire cranium collects are from different tribes. Using ‘craniometric’ standards Poynter draws the conclusion that these groups have a close relationship with other peoples of America."

Frankly, while I still admit room for "doubt", it seems more 'grasping for straws' trying to keep this example open to the Bigfoot angle."

LSurf did not respond.

There was another post that confused the two Nebraska finds and I quickly pounced on with the same (more concise) argument: nebraskaman skull depiction [MABRC forums down due to hacking issues. Will post links once forums are properly restored.]. Again, the discussion stopped there once I was able to link to the list forum thread. So that is one of my contribution to skepticism, science, the MABRC, and cryptozoology. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Appeals court rules Ten Commandments monument violates Constitution

"DENVER -- An appeals court ruled Monday that a Ten Commandments monument at the county courthouse in Stigler violates the Constitution because its primary effect is to endorse a religion.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 in a challenge to the monument brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma and by a county resident.

"We hold that the [Haskell County commissioners'] actions in authorizing and maintaining the monument . . . had the impermissible principal or primary effect of endorsing religion in violation of the Establishment Clause" of the Constitution, the judges wrote in a 52-page decision.

Haskell County Commissioner Mitch Worsham said he didn't have a comment at this time about the decision.

A message left for Commissioner Kenneth Short Jr., has not been returned and Commissioner Paul Storie could not be reached for comment.

On May 18, Gov. Brad Henry signed a measure to place a privately funded monument of the Ten Commandments at the Capitol.

The week before, the Senate gave final approval to House Bill 1330, By Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, and Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso.

The monument is to be placed where there are numerous
monuments, the measure said.

The measure passed despite concerns that it could draw a costly legal challenge and could be interpreted as the state's endorsement of a religion.

"I am disappointed they ruled that," said Ritze. "I don't know that much about the Haskell County display."

Ritze is the author of House Bill 1330, which calls for the placement of a privately funded Ten Commandments monument at the Capitol.

Ritze, who will provide the funding for it, said the Oklahoma law was based on a law in Texas which withstood constitutional scrutiny.

He believes the Oklahoma law will survive a legal challenge.

Henry, who signed the measure into law, declined to comment on the court's decision."
By ROBERT BOCZKIEWICZ, World correspondent and SARA PLUMMER, World Staff Writer
Published: 6/8/2009 4:08 PM
Last Modified: 6/8/2009 8:59 PM

No surprised here. While I hate this B.S. going on and on and on and on and on... I am glad to see when things are said as much. Srsly, people. Keep your god out of my government and I might consider keeping my government out of your Church... which should be taxed, mind you.

Liberty University Should Lose its Tax Exemption

Taken from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster:

"Americans United for Separation of Church and State has asked the IRS to investigate whether Liberty University - the church school founded by Jerry Falwell - is in violation of tax law.

Liberty shut down the school’s Democratic club (because of unGodly support for gay rights, pro-choice views, etc.) The school’s Republican club is still intact and receiving school support.

AU says that’s bullshit since, as a tax-exempt institution, Liberty is barred from showing preference for one political party over another.

An excerpt from the letter AU sent the IRS:

'By banning a Democratic club while permitting a Republican club to exist and offering funding to the latter but not the former, university officials appear to be operating in violation of federal tax law.'"

Liberty University should lose its tax exemption

You can click the title link about to read the PDF. Yeah, that is bullshit and imo a clear violation. Will anything be done about it? Likely not. The best I can honestly "hope" for is the liberal group is allowed to conduct itself again, though having the LU paying taxes would kick more ass. The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster give its owns view on the topic in general, which basically sums up my own views on this topic: "Our view: the Church of FSM believes religious organizations should not be exempt from paying taxes." It goes on to rant about the long process for tax exemption and reveals a wish that the CFSM was tax exempt. If we cannot have all religions paying taxes, the least we can do is give followers of FSM a big break!

Why Skeptics Should NOT Hoax

So I was listening to SasquatchWatch Radio on my iPod and the 25 May 2009 edition talked about hoaxing and who people do it. It is a mildly informative episode certainly worth taking a listen to. (Yes, I am a fan of the show. What!? A skeptic can't enjoy a Bigfoot radio show!?) Anyway, the topic of skeptics (or others) preforming hoaxes, usually for the purposes of proving that humans, or specifically believers, can easily be fooled. One of the more well known and recent examples if the Pen and Teller stunt for their HBO show Bullshit!. (I believe it was highlighted on the first episode of season 4 entitled "Cryptozoology".) The discussion of the topic in general and of this example in particular gave me cause to pause.

Why do skeptics hoax?

If it was back in the day (whenever that is) before such stunts were preformed and the goal was demonstrating that people can be fooled, it might make sense. However, most sensible people already realize the limitations of human perception and if anyone says they cannot be fooled, skeptic or believer, then they are primary target for just chuck a fooling. Still, we are in the here and now and unless you are trying to provide a point that a certain event can be reproduced though trickery, that is one thing and certainly NOT hoaxing. Hoaxing, remember, is (often) a deliberate act to deceive, usually with personal benefits to the hoaxer. (Doesn't sound too dissimilar to lying, does it?) We could argue specifics but let us keep to a base straightforward scenario for this definition.

Should skeptic hoax?

What hoaxing (by anyone) does is expose the limitations on a given piece of evidence, whether that is eye-witness testimony, photo or video images, or even physical signs, items, or features. Beyond that, it does little to reveal anything that most honest believers and skeptics alike don't already know. Most believer in Bigfoot should/do admit the limits of their evidence, but they insist that there is nonetheless evidence. More skeptics should be aware of this and not offhandedly dismiss the topic entirely. If the common skeptical logic is correct and there is (likely) no Bigfoot, then how does one expect to persuade believers if all you do is insult and isolate them from your cause? If the believer is right and there are Bigfoot, then acknowledging the limitations of the current evidence, even if it is more compelling than mainstream science is willing to admit, is key to focusing on new and better lines of evidence.

Answer?

Bottom line here is that skeptics should NOT hoax because there is no point and if anything it further isolates your potential audience of believers and only degrading your stance by insulting those who truly believe something is out there. This, of course, applies to all areas of pseudo-science and cryptozoology. If anything, Bullshit! should have attempted to take up the challenge of a specific person or group that claimed immunity to being duped or could (easily) discern a hoax. Here, a point can easily be made. In its current incarnation, the Bullshit! Bigfoot video is unproductive at best and counterproductive at worse because of its redundant nature and undefined criteria for new net results. This negative effect can also extend into those on the fence or the general public, who will view such repetitive antics as silly or even vindictive, if not dumb and pointless.

Burden of Proof

The concept of "burden of proof" is simple: where or to whom supporting evidence to a position or assertion is assigned. In the scientific method, this burden is placed upon those who make a claim. Why? Science cannot prove a negative; it can, however, prove trends (positives). It is also practical, since any observation, especially those that are extraordinary, can be accurate, incomplete, askew, or intentionally false. This same logic is applied to the US legal system, where the burden of proof is on the prosecution. In the UK, it is the opposite, where the defendant is required to prove their innocence. The logic for this, imo, is from a optimistic since of civility and honesty from people. Basically, a plaintiff is presumed not to speak of otherwise damaging incrimination without due cause. Since a pragmatic look at reality proves this idealized since of (British) honestly to be very much unreliable or outright false, or at least untypical, the system is thus inherently flawed. While the US version, even in pristine condition, is not perfect, it is inherently more logical and just (as defined by modern western ideals of the terms).

Why am I bringing this up? 'Cause some out there like to this the skeptics, dreaded debunkers that we are often accused of (and not necessarily without cause), should be the ones to prove certain claims as false. Srsly? I doubt those in America would like that logic used on them when in our court system. As for people in a UK-based system, I argue that the stance, especially in a scientific endeavor towards the reality of the situation, is lacking in logic, Still, how the court system in either country is set up has no baring on how the scientific methodology works. To this end, I do not understand why anyone who wants to be taken seriously by science would not want to have its evidence accepted by its methods. Considering the track record of the scientific method, minus the human factors for bias or idiocy, the only thing special pleading does is make your argument or claim look that much more like bullshit or half-baked.

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit

" Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a Bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.

"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.

"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.

A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over."

Thursday, May 28, 2009 Fox News
Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit

If we take this article at face value, this is rather disturbing. I'm all for helping remove people's head from the ass of religion but this just sounds funky. If the store is true as presented, this seems like an overstep in interpreting the law and rather discriminatory. On the other hand, depending on how the event is organized and advertised, and how many people really show up, there might be technical legal grounds for the county's actions. Still, this seems like a semantics dispute more than anything. Something tells me we're not getting the whole story on this one. It will be interesting to follow this story and see where it leads.

Wikipedia bans Church of Scientology

Yes, just when you thought the world was going to hell in a hand basket, there comes a glimmer of hope... or something:

" In an unprecedented effort to crack down on self-serving edits, the Wikipedia supreme court has banned contributions from all IP addresses owned or operated by the Church of Scientology and its associates.

Closing out the longest-running court case in Wikiland history, the site’s Arbitration Committee voted 10 to 0 (with one abstention) in favor of the move, which takes effect immediately.

The eighth most popular site on the web, Wikipedia bills itself as "the free encyclopedia anyone can edit." Administrators frequently ban individual Wikifiddlers for their individual Wikisins. And the site's UK press officer/resident goth once silenced an entire Utah mountain in a bizarre attempt to protect a sockpuppeting ex-BusinessWeek reporter. But according to multiple administrators speaking with The Reg, the muzzling of Scientology IPs marks the first time Wikipedia has officially barred edits from such a high-profile organization for allegedly pushing its own agenda on the site.

The Church of Scientology has not responded to our request for comment.

Officially, Wikipedia frowns on those who edit "in order to promote their own interests." The site sees itself as an encyclopedia with a "neutral point of view" - whatever that is. "Use of the encyclopedia to advance personal agendas – such as advocacy or propaganda and philosophical, ideological or religious dispute – or to publish or promote original research is prohibited," say the Wikipowersthatbe."

By Cade Metz in San Francisco
Posted in Music and Media, 29th May 2009 00:23 GMT
Wikipedia bans Church of Scientology

In a related event, France is looking to see if it can outlaw Scientology in a recent court case. Let's wish them the best of luck... err, best prosecuting arguments! Scientology trial opens in France

Rebirth! Or, Phoenix Down & Skill Change

For those of you who care... all none of you... I finally figured out what I wanted to do with this blog. While my livejournal will be left more for random stuff, which you can sill check out to your immediate right in the RSS section, this blog I will try to make into a skeptical/critical thinking/non-theist based endeavor that allows me to take on the skeptical world from my own sad lacking little world. As you might have noted from many of the previous posts, there was more skepticism and other religious (or lack thereof)-based items anyway. So hopefully once school is let out, I will be able to focus on this thing a little more and help gain a name for myself beside an avid podcast listener to such topics. So no more "Writer's Banter". Sorry but I have other places to write the little I have to say on my most enduring and centric hobby of mine. I write stuff, not writing about writing stuff. Once I have time, Back 2 Square 1 will also be getting an overhaul with a lot of stuff so wish me luck as I finish off this Spring Quarter and welcome in the summer (in two/three or so weeks)!

So, why don't I just do things the easy way and use forums to interact with other skeptics? 'Cause I don't need to plunge myself into an ego war. Srsly, like any pseudo-science BBS, many of the same problems I've come to loath across the interwebs is found in both the good guys and bad guys little chunk of the intertubes. While I will likely have to starting being proactive in these cesspools of hate and discontent to start getting any type of readership, I try to avoid them when I can. In fact, about the only forum I am a member of with any regularity is for the MABRC; yep, a Bigfoot forum. It also happens to be the only group I am officially associated with (as their official skeptic, no less!). Maybe it would behoove me to find either a local or regional or national group to join but again I just don't feel the need to join another support group (like church). I've always been a bit of a loaner in this respect (more by necessity than anything) and I have yet to find a skeptical group that I really felt like it was worth taking the time to figure them out and maybe join; and yes, that implies that the MABRC did meet said criteria. It did help that they asked me TWICE to join their organization after I joined their forum (which is right now not publicly accessible due to some spamming and pissing-contect bullshit).

Again, the reasons for (re)starting this blog as simple: when I go to said forum, whether believe or skeptic, I feel rather useless (a topic I have discussed in previous posts). I feel there is no point in me being there as I have (appearently) NOTHING to contribute in any way, shape, or form. While most skeptics would laugh at my sorry attempts to debate Bigfoot proponents over at the forums, I do my best and have done some good work exposing some misconceptions (like the Nebraska-Loess Man v. the Nebraska Man - a topic which I'll highlight in a upcoming post). I need to get back into the swing of things this summer with some rebuttals from some lacking debate with people who appearently think that science is deliberately trying to hide Bigfoot from the rest of the world. Same old story, right? Well, I have some things that will hopefully get a better debate going, though with only member of the MABRC on the forum it will be interesting to see what becomes of my usefulness. I still want to do a Bigfoot expedition. Why? Well, it's not to prove I am a worthy skeptics who is willing to get out into the friend; that argument is just ignorant. No, I want an excuse to camp and satisfy my curiosity as I lament my realization that there is little likelihood of the hairy one out there. Sux!

Oh well, I just want to see what really goes on during these trips and since it is "unreasonable" for me to go half-way cross the country for such a deal and since I do (literally) live on Big Hairy's front doorstep, I might as well see if anyone wants to make a few days of it. I'll keep you all posted on this crazy scheme. Is Bigfoot a sacred calf, as the skeptics say? No, as I continually go after the topic and its faults and do not conclude the current stack of evidence, which is surprisingly more than most skeptics are willing to acknowledge yet still so lacking, is enough. As the great UFO photo says, "I want to believe." However, I think there needs to be another part to that quote, "...but I can't." Why? Lack of solid evidence. Perhaps enough to warrant some minor inquiry but nothing that I would bet the barn on. Still, I think there is something more to this whole deal and I think whatever it is it behooves us skeptics to take the subject from a new angle. Since most other skeptics just brush the subject aside, and usually rightfully so, and it is of great interest to me, why the Hell not? I will stick with what I know and let those who know other things do their stuff.

I would try to join the JREF but they seem as egotistical as the BFF... crikey, I need a bloodly drink before deciding which Hell-mouth to descend into. Until then, I need some sleep; and something to fast-forward time to the summer!

Rethinking Skepticism

This is the body of a latter I sent to a few noted skeptics as a response to Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton's Where Do We Go From Here? and What Do I Do Next?: Leading Skeptics Discuss 105 Practical Ways to Promote Science and Advance Skepticism, which was featured on Skepticality; three times! (Look up episodes 63, 86, & 98).

Firstly, awesome podcast to one and all; and same for the new manifesto, part duo. After reading both works by Loxton (et. al.) and listening to accompanying podcasts, I feel somehow vindicated for my small efforts and pursuits in promoting skepticism and "fighting the good fight" as it were. The 'next steps' list read more like a to-do list that I kept crossing off in certain areas. Granted, this number is quite small compared to the total 105 listed, but the emotional boost was a plus. I would be surprised if no one makes a podcast series out of this, first starting with the original essay and then working through all 105 suggestions. You have a minimum of 106 episodes already, plus any dual-length episodes or expanded topics and possible interviews. By then, the supposed next step in this evolving process of 'evolving skepticism into the modern world' as joked about in the most recent podcast will have been published, allowing for even more content. One might also take up this task from a more "Joe-Skeptic" angle; that is, to take these idea from the perspective of a skeptic not of the ranking of Randi, Dunning, Swoopy, or Watson. It's an idea worth exploring. As for myself, I already try to promote skepticism in my own podcast that covers anything and everything (with commentary all around), in the various postings I make around the interwebs, in my poetry and writing, in my own personal and social life, at work and school, and even am a member of a Bigfoot "research" group as their Official Skeptic (whether or not I'm just the token skeptics is debatable but I'm so-far respected and have not been ostracized ...yet), though so far I have done much of my musing with them through their forums (I'm temped to lead a "field expedition" this summer just for kicks and for the chance to get out into the woods and see what critters and evidence we can 'spook' up!). I'm not making much of a splash but a splash is made and apparently that's what counts.

Some things I have noted in my own interactions with the skeptical movement give me pause to reflect on things. What bugs me to no end about the skeptical movement is the apparent adherence to rhetoric. It is one thing to read a homeopathic claim and have one's doubts, it is quite another to denounce someone's personal experience offhand. It's not that I think they are on to something or should be used as empirical evidence; rather, I fear we as a movement are losing too many potential "converts" due to how many situations are handled. We might not have dogma in the skeptical movement, but you don't need it for others to think that you do. A personal face need to be put back on the name skeptic and believers alike. While shows like "Skeptics Guide to the Universe" are an invaluable resource of information and entertainment for skeptic (and believer), certain talking points and buzz-words, or what appear to be, are all too often sounded-off like at a political rally. While it might better resemble rhetoric as Sophocles and Aristotle knew it, far too often this verbiage resembles the contemporary definition with all its negative and dastardly connotations. As was made clear in an episode of "Skepticality", when a Seattle skeptic overturned many preconceived notions about The Discovery Institute, while affirming others, we skeptics must be careful not to start categorizing believers based on assumed knowledge and stereotypes. Just as skeptics are trying to put a human face back on the movement, there is a very human face to all those who see the world differently, if incorrectly. This effort to re-envision skepticism will utterly fail if the diatribe we speak presents this face-lift as merely a mask to cover an ugly stereotype, which would then prove more fact than fiction. We must be careful to remember that such generalizations are made for a reason, and that the truthful basis for such otherwise bias and narrow-minded views are often much larger than many would like to admit. We must also be sure not to dismiss the concerns or even complaints of believers about skeptics; even the hypocrite can make a valid point. If rhetoric is a "necessary evil", then let it be less about the fundamentals of science as the only way to truth and more about personal relations that bring real change to people who more likely than not truly search for the truth. The rest just comes naturally, as it were. While podcasts and other mass audience forums need a more generalized approach, their model for success should not be the foundation of the "man on the streets", which appears more commons than not.

I find myself less interested in involving myself with most skeptical groupings or events, like forums, local meet-ups, talks, etc., and prefer to listen to podcasts and do my own promotion through my own channels. The reason is simple: I feel stupid and useless in them. It is one thing to expect a certain level of knowledge in a given area, quite another to demand it like a proficiency test to get into MIT or Harvard. Few of us have the time and resources to be adept at a great many things or topics, and certainly for skeptics this broad pool of information is of utmost importance. It is the cornerstone of our ability to understand the world for what it truly is and for how we defend this rational and scientific view of reality. Yet there is a sense of superiority and pompous in many of these skeptical social gatherings that is a major turn off. I do make an effort to acknowledge the failings of the human condition in these instances and admit feeling the arrogance all too often present when one knows that others who are steadfast in their ways are lacking a more clear understanding of reality. This said, when I browse a skeptical forum, I feel I can offer nothing to the conversation and find some of the conversations being had rather disheartening. I also fully admit for sounding off like a bigot on certain religious issues when my banter and opinion gain their peak during my rantings and enjoy inflaming those I might otherwise wish to persuade to my point of view, or at least debate with constructively. However, the line between personal opinion, ranting, and objective understanding are all too often lost in the mix. Like what is seen on any of the news outlets over the last decades, opinion and fact have not been given proper distinguishing lines; such is even more of a problem online. As for the face-to-face skeptical meetings, many reflect the boring features of bible studies from my youth, except there is science in place of scripture and usually beer (both of which I will NEVER complain about). I feel unfulfilled, like with some podcasts. Maybe my experiences are just that ad I do not reflect even a minority of skeptics, but I speak out anyway. While the group gatherings and fellowship with other skeptics is akin to religious believers and church, from a sociological perspective, I think a promotion of "the lone skeptic" might help more become more active in "spreading the faith"... or lack thereof, as it were. Not everyone can serve in such socially-based ways ad it is likely a benefit to have those who are able to go their own way in furthering "the good fight". Standards will always be needed to ensure quality but how they are kept can be done with a lot more heart and a lot less ego by certain individuals. We all are on a never-ending journey to acquire new knowledge ad should never forget it.

I know some of these observations have been touched on in the two essays but I speak them to say my peace. I will continue my own efforts and hope you all will yours. I think these essays are on the right track to breathing new life into the skeptical community. To further this discussion, I will be making then an "open letter", that is, I will also be posting it to a couple of my web-logs. (Just F.Y.I.) Hopefully something worthwhile will come of it all. Until then, thank you all for your time.

Your thoughts?

Damn, another year...

One more trip around the sun and all I get is this odd smell about me. Oh well. Still working on papers for school finals. Should have number two done tonight. Then one more to go. Work today then papers. No enjoying my birthday today. Will get to changing up this blog as some point.

Redesign In Mind

I'm thinking this "writing blog" is not working out. Think I'll convert this into cross-post for my podcast, Back 2 Square 1. I'm using my lj blog more often now for odds n' sods. You'd think I'd be smart and have posted some of those writing prompts from school on this blog. Oh well, I'll figure something out. I'll likely be cross-posting on that blog, too. Thinking of reformatting the show anyway. Hopefully we'll be recording a new show here next week.