Another Goddamned Podcast #40 November 20, 2008

THIS WEEK -The Herd Hijacks the Atheist Bus



Original audio source
Ex is pissed off. So is Philly, but for a different reason. Find out what's got their dander up as the herd dissects the American Humanist Association's current bus ad. Is the campaign a stupid idea, a good idea poorly executed, or something else? After chewing on this issue for awhile, the herd considers whether Christmas is a Christian holiday or a secular one, and whether such a distinction matters. (00:00)

The herd introduces a new feature: Dear Chappy. SI and Chappy share some recently received emails and Chappy dispenses wise (or wise ass) words of counsel to desperate correspondents. Not surprisingly, other members of the herd add their advice too. There is plenty of wisdom to go around.

Stick around and find out the results from the last two polls. OG gathers the data and explains what it all means. (47:54)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [17:40]: excerpt from "The Atheist's Hymn"
Bridge and Closing Music [44:30] excerpt from "So, Thanks" by Tom Smith
Closing Music [1:10:11] excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie except as noted)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Atheist Buses
Fox & Friends on the Atheist Bus Ad
Bill Donahue on Fox & Friends

Another Goddamned Podcast #39: November 13, 2008

THIS WEEK - The Herd Shoots the Shit


Original audio source

This week's sitting members of the Herd find themselves on the same side as a cult, in a recent case involving the Summum. (00:30)

Philly feels some cults have a point, at least when they're on the same side as Pastafarians. Chappy explains where all those granite Ten Commandments came from that seem to be prevalent in public parks around the nation. SI gets pissed off about a recent initiative passed by the voters of Arkansas. (20:04)

The conversation drifts to a discussion about a recent teen declared to be the next Buddha. (24:37)

Philly wants to know the test for Buddhahood. SI believes he qualifies for Buddhahood (sorry, no pictures), but thinks something smells. The logical progression of the conversation then naturally turns to guns. Apparently, the recent election has brought out the gun nuts. The herd chews on some nuts, then turns on Sarah Palin, then goes back to the guns. (33:42)

The Herd finishes up with a basic rag session on theists, especially the one's who show up in the blogosphere. (46:04)

Outtakes. (52:08)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [24.00]: excerpt from "Middle Earth Shortened"
Bridge and Closing Music [51:35: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Pleasant Grove City v. Summum
Wiki article on the Summum case
Wiki article on Ten Commandments monuments
Daily KOS post on Arkansas Initiative
Teen Buddha
Michigan Gun Owners Response to Obama
Gun Nut's Lawn Sign Article

Another Goddamned Podcast #38: November 6, 2008

THIS WEEK - The Post-Election Show: Is It Time to Pop the Champagne


Original audio source

Just in case you missed last week’s headlines, the herd announces the election of a new American president. SI asks if Barack Obama’s election will have positive ramifications for freethinkers, humanists and atheists. OG and Chappy speak their minds and SI pulls their ideas together, then ponders whether the election results will change the role of the Religious Right in American politics. (00:00)

How do you vote? Do you use a touch screen, a slot machine, or a paper ballot? OG, SI and Chappy compare and contrast the methods used in various states and discuss whether vote counting is an additive or subtractive process. (20:18)

Why is OG embarrassed? Find out as the herd discusses Prop 8. Fortunately, she gets over her embarrassment in time to reveal the poll results. (36:55)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [19:46]: excerpt from "Middle Earth"
Bridge Music [36:15]: excerpt from "Highway 45"
Bridge and Closing Music [1:00:13]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
NY Times Election Results
Proposition 8 and other states
Minn.- Franken/Coleman Official Tally (so far)
Voting Machines
Alaska Results
Senator Joseph Lieberman - Democrat or Republican - In or Out?
Catholics and Mormons Back Prop 8
Cancer Patient's Genes Sequenced

Another Goddamned Podcast #37: October 30, 2008

THIS WEEK - The Christian Identity


Original audio source

Why do Christians usually identify themselves as Christians first and any other identity second? Do atheists do the same thing? Are atheists less likely to talk about their non-belief due to social pressures? The Herd weighs in on whether they define themselves as atheists first and rate other aspects as secondary. (00:00)

Five chaplains in Virginia resign their positions after a policy requiring non-sectarian prayers is enacted by Governor Tim Kaine. Christians immediately cry, "Persecution!" But is this really so? Chappy explains the issue in more detail and as SI dives into legalese. Are Christians entitled to the privilege of having their religion supported because they're in the majority? (16:30)

We continue the discussion about the chaplains and how this new policy may keep them from subtle proselytizing. Philly reaches the heart of the matter by asking why we have state-supported chaplains in the first place. We have the poll results from last week and news about "God's team." And SI smells something unpleasant. (33:18)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [15:16]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian, Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [31:57]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge and Closing Music [46:20]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Stand Down for Jesus
SAVE THE CHAPLAINS!!!!
Chaplains Lose Position Over Prayer in Jesus' Name
Phillies Beat the _____ Rays