Between ten and fifteen people who’s skin is not pale-pinkish white have been shot by Swedish extremists, mirroring the recent election in Sweden of numerous strongly anti-non-white officials. The most hard to spot stealthy submarine in the British Navy has become the most visible and talked about naval vessel. Biggest news story I didn’t notice this week: The Juan Williams, Bill O’Really, NPR and Fox News WTF.*

What a stupid-ass question.
Continue reading Should we allow Minnesota Teachers to have an annual professional conference? →

Where is Science in the Public Forum Heading? It’s time for a discussion!

Most know Ira Flatow as a science journalist, producer, and as the host of “Science Friday,” broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) every Friday afternoon. But did you know about his Minnesota connection? He was the original host and writer for the Emmy award winning “Newton’s Apple,” which broadcast from the television studios at KTCA in St. Paul, Minnesota. Science communicators Greg Laden and Lynn Fellman will ask Ira about the major changes in delivering science news and the effectiveness of new media for science education. Science is changing our culture and Ira has insights on the value of communicating science through the humanities….

Read the rest here, listen in on Sunday!

And the feds have taken notice…

Pastor Brad Brandon’s loves to talk about the scriptures on his daily radio show, but it was what he spoke from the pulpit of his church, Berean Bible Baptist in Hastings, which has the attention of the federal government.

The 11 candidates he endorsed are listed on the church’s website. The list includes Republican Tom Emmer for Governor, eight other republicans, an independent and a constitution candidate.

Brandon responded to a complaint by the Americans United for Separation of Church and State with the most moronic, idiotic, bone headed response conceivable:

“I think it’s very interesting that the Americans United for Separation of Church and State — that is the name of their organization — and yet what they are asking that the government come in and stop me from saying things? How is that separation of church and state?” said Brandon.

Then, he took his stupidity one step further:

“I’d love to see the IRS do something. I’d love to fight this in court and I would love to see a judge look me in the eye and say that the Johnson Amendment is constitutional,” said Brandon.

Good idea. Taunt the judge. Brilliant.

Although perhaps there is hope for the pastor, even if it is bad news for the rest of us. The IRS has so far failed to pursue any of the 100 or so complaints filed this year by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. WTF IRS?

Source

Hat Tip Jaf.

The NCSE will be representing the good fight at the Evolution at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington DC this weekend.

Continue reading Evolution at the USA Science & Engineering Festival →

Info here.

And her opponent on teaching evolution.

This is why we know civilization is about to collapse. This man speaks the truth, and he is probably the only one up there speaking the truth, but he is considered to be the comic relief.

Tom Bosley, the actor who played Howard Cunningham on “Happy Days” has died at age 83. Interestingly, Barbara Billingsley had died just three days before. There is no meaning to this, but there is metaphor galore.

I see god’s fingerprints all over this fingerprint!!!!11!!

There is a stoning planned for the near future. Wouldn’t it be nice if, instead of shying away from criticizing this barbaric practice to avoid offending anyone’s sensibilities, there was instead a public outrage about it?
Continue reading Iran Infuriated by Film of Woman’s Stoning →

is a web carnival devoted to beetles, their biology and evolution. The current issue is at Beetles in the Bush. Go check it out!