Another Goddamned Podcast #45: February 12, 2009

THIS WEEK - Happy Darwin Day!


Original audio source
Evo and SI open this week's podcast with birthday greetings for Charles Darwin. The herd celebrates this event with a discussion of "Seeing and Believing," Jerry Coyne's review of books by Kenneth Miller and Karl Giberson. The question that Coyne and the herd address is whether science and religion are compatible. Evo thinks the answer to this question may differ for scientists and non-scientists, and Chappy thinks that science should be considered as a method of inquiry, or a way of thinking and learning, rather than a body of knowledge about particular phenomena. (00:00)

SI opens this segment by noting another anniversary that occurred recently, then leads the herd in a discussion of Giberson's "argument from convenience" (many thanks to Jerry Coyne for coining that term) for retaining religious beliefs. After chewing on this idea for awhile, the herd discusses Michael Brooks' proposition that people are born with a predisposition to believe in the supernatural. Evo offers some good reasons for agreeing with the proposition, but OG, ever the skeptic, wants more evidence before she'll accept it. (21:05)

After OG reveals the latest poll results, the herd discusses the Freedom from Religion Foundation's latest billboard campaign. Are the billboards part of an atheist meme? SI wraps up the evening with an interesting observation about President Barack Obama's second swearing-in ceremony. (39:31)

Musical Selections:
Opening Music [00:06]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [19:23]: excerpt from "The Atheists's Hymn"
Bridge Music [38:26]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Closing Music [54:25]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Seeing and Believing by Jerry Coyne
Born believers: How your brain creates God
Intelligent design, revisited
Praise Darwin!
Obama's Oath

Another Goddamned Podcast #44: January 22, 2009

THIS WEEK - REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS*
*some conditions apply



Original audio source
SI and OG introduce tonight's topic, one of the Bush Administration's final gifts to the American public: a new set of U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services regulations addressing issues of freedom of conscience for health care professionals. These regulations, which apply to all American health care facilities that receive federal funds, greatly expand the rights of employees to decline participation in the provision of medical goods and services for reasons of personal conscience. Chappy questions whether some of these provisions will endanger people who may not receive essential, critical care. SI discusses the Church Amendments that pre-existed the current regulations and ponders whether the new rules are necessary, redundant or dangerously expansive. (00:00)

The discussion continues, as OG, SI and Chappy parse the possible meanings of the term "conscience laws." OG and SI also discuss why this issue is about the reproductive rights of all people, not just women. SI grows increasingly irritated throughout the discussion and questions the validity of tying funding for institutions to the ways in which individuals within institutions exercise their legal rights. He calms down later, as he notes why President Bush may not have had the last word on the matter after all. (19:10)

Find out the latest poll results, then listen as OG reveals why she was pissed off all day. Hint: follow the link to Godtube - if you dare. (38:15)

Musical Selections:
Opening Music [00:06]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [17:49]: excerpt from "Interlude 2" by Encephalophone
Bridge Music [37:02]: excerpt from "Interlude 3" by Encephalophone
Closing Music [48:12]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie except as noted)

This Week's Goddamned Links
DHHS Proposed Rule
7 States Sue Government Over U.S. Abortion Rule
Anti-Abortion Nurse Removed IUD Without Permission
Monstrous Women on GodTube

Another Goddamned Podcast #43: January 15, 2009

THIS WEEK -"...so help me god!"



Original audio source
(00:00) In keeping with the Inaugural festivities today, the Herd discusses the recent Complaint for an injunction to prevent the government from requiring president Obama to end his oath of office with words acknowledging the Christian god. Did the Plaintiffs have standing to complain? Is the Inauguration a government function?

(19:22) The Herd continues to discuss the ruling of the Court in the Newdow case, and the ramifications for the inaugural proceedings. SI analogizes the ceremony with that of a wedding. Does that analogy apply? You decide.

(34:45) SI reminds the Herd about, and they marvel at, the recently published report of the House Committee investigating the abuses of the Bush Administration. It's a long report. Philly then vents against Atheism's inability to develop a pleasing persona.

Musical Selections:
Opening Music [00:06]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [18:09]: excerpt from "Child of the 80s"
Bridge Music [33:37]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian Hidden Atheist"
Closing Music [54:30]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie except as noted)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Newdow Injunction Ruling report
Newdow Won't Appeal
Who Pays for the Inauguration?
Inaugural Schedule
House Judiciary Report On The Imperial Presidency
Washington Post Ad
Dawkins Interview

Another Goddamned Podcast #41: December 4, 2008

THIS WEEK - Good News & More



Original audio source

Philly starts the discussion by pointing out a novel argument for removing the phrase, "under God," from the Pledge of Allegiance. The herd discusses this and some other rationales until OG reminds everyone of the best reason of all for removing the phrase. (00:00)

Segueing smoothly from the Pledge of Allegiance to a discussion of Good News clubs, the herd is frustrated that churches are using elementary schools to advertise their programs. Should non-school groups be allowed to advertise in schools? Moving on to more good news, the herd notes that the state of Kentucky has enlisted God into the Kentucky Dept. of Homeland Security. SI enlightens everyone about some of the legal issues involved in both of these matters. (14:20)

Philly digs down deep into the mailbag and pulls out a Dear Chappy letter that she is uniquely qualified to answer. After that discussion winds down, the herd considers a letter that prompts them to consider what documents, if any, a newly-elected atheist should use to take the oath of office. (39:22)

OG shares the latest poll results, then closes with her thoughts about a judicial decision that the state of Florida got right. That really is good news. (59:49)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [12:56]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge and Closing Music [38:18] excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Closing Music [1:09:53] excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
It's Time to Update the Pledge
Evangelical group sues Haverford district over fliers
Anti-terror law requires God be acknowledged
Atheists sue to take God out of Kentucky terrorism law
Kentucky Homeland Security Update at Friendly Atheist
Gay Adoption: The Real Agenda

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 #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

Another Goddamned Podcast #36: October 23, 2008

THIS WEEK - Should Atheists Tread Lightly on Theist Toes?


Original audio source

A subcommittee of the Herd considers Philly’s query whether atheists should avoid language that provokes the ire of theists. Should we take pains to avoid provocation? SI wonders if we should be responsible for theists' insecurity. Chappy seems to attract more ire than the other two, and tells you why. (00:00)

Philly tells us about the recent advertising showing up on the sides of London buses as a potential form of provocation against theists. Are atheists damned if they do and damned if they don't? Are they damned, period? (12:58)

The most recent poll results (Where ARE the other members of the Herd?) and some baseball talk. (26:42)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [11:41]: excerpt from "Child of the 80s"
Bridge Music [25:55]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie"
Bridge and Closing Music [33:20]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
"NO GOD" slogans on English buses
Telegraph story on the UK buses
Prof. Dawkins on the UK bus (not literally)
Devil Ray's name change

Another Goddamned Podcast #35: October 16, 2008

THIS WEEK - Court Cases, Religion, and Reproductive Rights for Men


Original audio source

The Herd gets right down to business discussing the court case of Lucero v. Texas where the foreman read a verse from the Bible and appears to have changed the jury's decision. Chappy is disappointed, but with whom? And are SI and OG too comfortable in their own opinions? (00:00)

Legal discussions aside, some court cases are too comedic to be taken seriously. Is it possible to sue a god? And can there be a lawsuit that's completely frivolous? What happens when men sue for reproductive rights? And should OG just lighten up? (18:03)

We find out the scientific reason behind the cancellation of the Jewel of Medina by Random House and what we really do with those votes you cast in the poll. (39:36)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [16:47]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [38:20]: excerpt from "Disco Is Not Dead"
Bridge and Closing Music [40:59]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Scripture Influences Jurors
Suit Against God
Men's Reproductive Rights Case

Another Goddamned Podcast #34: October 9, 2008

THIS WEEK - Should Atheist Issues Take a Backseat?


Original audio source

What's happened to half of The Herd? Are they deep undercover somewhere? Choose your Conspiracy in the poll.

With all of the issues going on in the news about the US election and economic crisis, should atheist issues be put on the back burner? Philly and OG weigh in on why the religious crazies haven't been making news and Chappy reminds us why activism is still important. (00:00)

Who's afraid of the big, bad Atheist? Why, Elizabeth Dole is. The Herd weighs in on her smear campaign against Kay Hagan and why she's been able to get away with it so far. (13:44)

After spending most of the podcast on US-centric news The Herd turns its attention to the UK. Are they completely capitulating to religious wackos? And are their religious crazies worse than ours or do we both have something to worry about? (31:30)

Find out the poll results from last week and what's been going on with one of our listeners from down under. Also, has Chappy mastered Evo Mathematics? (42:15)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [12:46:]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches"
Bridge Music [30:19]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [41:56]: excerpt from "Arkansas Traveler"
Bridge and Closing Music [44:44]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Palin's Protection from Witchcraft
Times Online on Palin
Elizabeth Dole's Ugly Campaign
Crazy Calvinists

Another Goddamned Podcast #31: September 11, 2008

THIS WEEK - 9/11 and Its Religious Ramifications

Original audio source

So the U.S. is attacked and the very first thing Congress does is sing "God Bless America." Great for freethinkers, eh? Ex wonders whether fundy political clout increased after 9/11. Did lots of people believe that our country was attacked specifically because we're a "Christian" nation? Chappy thinks that for many conservative Jesoids, Christianity is conflated with Americanism. Philly says the ever-growing atheist community should thank George Bush. Is he right? (00:00)

Evo sees an ugly face peeking out of an open window. Relax, though -- it's probably not you. In response, SI teaches the Herd about the "buttfer" test. Ex asks: Is it possible to imagine a world free of religion? Philly can imagine something, but it involves flatulation and butterflies. OG, channeling evangelicals, compares rejecting religion to rejecting Americanism. Are moderate-to-liberal theists partially responsible for the acts of 9/11? Or does the morality of a society shape its religion rather than vice versa? And what does a Chinese menu have to do with anything? (14:10)

Which came first: the disgusting chicken or the rotten egg? Are nationalism and religion related? Who's persecuting whom? More important question: Can people ever stop playing "the Game"? And why does everybody hate atheists -- particularly Chappy?(30:22)

Another Goddamned Puzzle is solved with the help of some fictional characters, but Ex imagines having to console some puzzlers about his con job for next week. Talk about wack-a-doo ideas: Amazingly, 51% of the world's population believes that Evo exists. Whoever "Evo" is, he (or she) poses a science question about climate change. Why not give it a try while you're still comfortable? (48:19)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [13:10]: excerpt from "Waltz of the Dead"
Bridge Music [29:05]: excerpt from "Child of the 80s"
Bridge Music [47:17]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Bridge and Closing Music [1:03:57]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Sing along with the U.S. Congress (start around 4:10)
George Bush talks about a crusade
FFRF full-page ad in The New York Times
Hey, Sean, your check is in the mail!

Puzzling Listeners

Another Goddamned Puzzle:
Krystian Kyhl, J-Mil

Evo's Science Quiz:
Krystian Kyhl

Another Goddamned Podcast #30: September 4, 2008

THIS WEEK - Funny, She Doesn't Look Woo-ish

Original audio source

Sarah Palin likes shooting defenseless animals. Let's see if she can handle the Herd! Does experience matter? If so, how? Philly and Evo argue that Palin used her little bit of experience in a very authoritarian way, but Ex calls "bullshit" on them. Who's right? Meanwhile SI doesn't think 120,000 total votes and being governor for a year and a half is much experience. Ex sees an insidious strategy that the GOP may be using. (00:00)

OG would rather talk about issues than experience, and the Herd agrees. Obviously, that's a signal for a segue to a conversation about Palin's religiosity. How might her love of Jesus inform her decisions? What will be its effects on separation of church & state? Is (are?) the Assemblies of God scary? (Do moose shit in the woods while they're hiding from Sarah Palin?) Chappy and Evo sound very, very afraid. Believe it or not, Ex tries to assuage their fears. How fucking reassuring do you think that is? Yikes! (19:00)

Can Democrats attack Palin on her fundy ideas? Or have they painted themselves into a church corner? Philly would like to see the Dems go straight for her craziness, but understands it ain't happening. Instead, he offers a few politically feasible tactics. Can Obama/Biden just practice what they preach and let the public judge the difference between their particular god and Palin's? And do atheists have to bite the Christianized bullet? (Will it bleed if we do so?) (33:44)

Three Goddamned Solvers cracked last week's puzzle, one with the help of his ... well, we can't give everything away in these notes. Hint: zombies were not involved. Want to be deliriously happy for the rest of your life? The results of our poll may tell you how! And Evo wonders: Where are the science lovers in our audience? (Possible answer: getting happy?) (49:40)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [17:37]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [32:32]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [48:37]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Bridge and Closing Music [1:02:31]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Sarah Palin's Acceptance Speech
Sarah Palin Church Video, Part 1
Sarah Palin Church Video, Part 2
Assemblies of God: "Our 16 Fundamental Truths"
[Update] Reason Magazine: "Tracking the Palin Rumors"
Sarah Palin Action Figures

Puzzling Listeners

Another Goddamned Puzzle:
Derek, EnoNomi, Krystian Kyhl

Evo's Science Quiz:
No one

Another Goddamned Podcast #29: August 28, 2008

THIS WEEK - Atheist Woo?

Original audio source

Do non-theists believe their own sets of weird things? The Herd says "yes," but you don't have to take our word on faith; just listen. First of all: Does Evil exist? Chappy falls into Ex's evil trap. SI says it's just an adjective, but Evo isn't willing to go even that far. Wasn't Hitler evil? Find out why Evo would answer "no". (00:00)

How do conspiracy theories fit into our question? Are some conspiracies worth being agnostic about, while others are clearly fantastic? We learn from Chappy why people might either believe in a god, or some other form of woo — but not both. What is it about the human mind that makes even us rationalists seem to need some sort of woo? Ex tries to put words in SI's mouth, but SI spits them up and demands a break. (13:55)

SI believes that we're hardwired to believe something. Was he the subject of an anal probe? Ex hears many faith-based statements — and not necessarily the ones that mention "faith" or "God" — at the political conventions. Chappy sees that kind of "faith" as just wanting to be with the winning team. One of us fulminates about the irrationality of sports fans. [Hint: It's not Philly.] Does Jesus have anything on Roger Maris? (29:08)

Ex reveals that we had no correct answers to Another Goddamned Puzzle. Evo says there was a similarly empty email bag on the Science Quiz. Even the poll results were closer than normal. SI thanks god for sunshine, while Evo thanks a listener for a plug. Only one of them gets a "you're welcome," though. Can you guess which one it is? (45:02)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [12:45]: excerpt from "Child of the 80's"
Bridge Music [28:31]: excerpt from "Middle Earth Shortened"
Bridge Music [44:21]: excerpt from "Highway 45"
Bridge and Closing Music [59:04]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Live Science Article: "Monsters, Ghosts and Gods"
Yeti and Bigfoot: a Genuine Photo
Roger Maris's Record Explained
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Anal Probes
What Problem of Evil?

Puzzling Listeners

Another Goddamned Puzzle:
No one

Evo's Science Quiz:
No one

Another Goddamned Podcast #28: August 21, 2008

THIS WEEK - An Unusually Happy Episode

Original audio source

Ex surprises The Herd by asking if we're happy. Find out exactly why Chappy is. What do we make of various studies "showing" a greater happiness for woo-ists than others? The first one we look at claims higher levels of mental disorder for women who have eased up on their lifelong religious practice. Is there gender stereotyping involved? How much of church-going is about socializing? Oh, and Philly: We love you man! (0:00)

Another study. Is it science? And, more importantly, what does it prove? Philly knows lots of things besides religion that make people "happy." Evo wonders if Christians are like people with mental handicaps. We briefly pay homage to various cheery animals. Chappy, quoting Paul, tells us why slaves might be happy. But what about us atheists? Does skepticism make people somewhat uncomfortable? (14:01)

Is OG floating in limbo, or does she have a purpose driven life? What's the 4-Point Plan for Happiness — and why is it brought to us by a scientist? Are any of our brave listeners willing to volunteer to be part of SI's social network? (27:58)

OG practically steps on other members of The Herd in her excitement to answer a question: Did she ever get self-esteem from god? Ummmm ... does anyone? In any religion? Philly thinks "meaning" a meaningless word. Which brings us to: Would atheist weddings and baby-naming ceremonies make us happy? Not Ex — until SI ropes him back into the Herd. (42:17)

No, it's not poetry; it's the puzzler, huh? We announce Another Goddamned Correct Solution, but not from a listener. The Herd and our audience, champions of free speech, nevertheless do find some books offensive! Which ones? Hint: Voters loved Johnny Evo but hated Dinesh D'Souza. Speaking of Evo, he clears up some fuck-ups from the past, and then goes on to award two of our listeners for getting last weeks' science quiz right. (56:33)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [12:57]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Bridge Music [27:18]: excerpt from "Highway 45"
Bridge Music [40:35]: excerpt from "The Atheist's Hymn"
Bridge Music [55:39]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches"
Closing Music [1:11:52]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Anxious Women (Science Daily)
Are Religious People Happier? (Daily Galaxy)
Happiness and Religion (Psychology Today)
Rise of the Humanist Wedding
Atheist Baby-Naming Ceremony
Sing Along with Evo

Special Announcement


OG will be at Dragon Con from August 28 - September 1. If you plan to attend the convention and would like to give feedback on the podcast, participate in an interview, or get your very own limited edition AGP postcard (lovingly crafted by Philly, and suitable for wall framing or using as a coaster), contact OG. Click on her link in the sidebar under "Contributors," and drop her a goddamned e-note.

Puzzling Listeners

Another Goddamned Puzzle:
Wifeshui

Evo's Science Quiz:
shudd3r2th1nk, Yunshui

Another Goddamned Podcast #26: August 7, 2008

THIS WEEK - Muslims, Publishers, and Free Speech

Original audio source

Islam sucks, OK? And so do some publishing companies. We examine Random House's decision to quash the publication of Sherry Jones's book The Jewel of Medina. Why? The publisher "learned" that the novel might infuriate Muslims. Who's Denise Spellberg, and what was she thinking when she fomented Islamic hysteria? Doesn't the Random House decision just encourage threats of violence? (0:00)

The Herd wonders if there's any book that would deserve banning. It's clear that Random House cancelled publication for one reason only: Can you say "scared shitless," boys and girls? What legal rights does Jones have? We look a little harder at Spellberg and what she had to gain by worrying the editors. Why is it OK to anger other groups, but not Muslims? Philly wants to open up a new front in the so-called "War on Terror." (13:10)

We explore Muslims' responses to Western secular culture — even when they're living in that culture. Evo tells us what Sherry Jones' next move should be. We ask: What might Random House do if it was suddenly besieged by infuriated emails and calls from people who love our freedoms. (That's a hint, listeners.) Or should freethinkers simply threaten violence, just as Muslims would? Question: Is the Bush foreign policy indirectly responsible for the cancelling of Jones's book? (26:18)

Why does Denise Spellberg get us pissed off at liberals? What exactly are our government's Constitutional responsiblities to religion? Then, briefly, it's "Be Kind to Christians" Week. But that doesn't last long! (42:18)

Do we reveal the correct answer to last weeks' puzzle? Dawk! You'll have to finish listening to find out if we're lying or not. A scrupulous puzzle-solver actually turns down his AGP secret decoder ring. And don't you just live for our poll results? Finally, Evo asks: Where the fuck are our science-savvy listeners? (55:29)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [11:57]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [25:17]: excerpt from "Waltz of the Dead"
Bridge Music [41:02]: excerpt from "Child of the 80s"
Bridge Music [54:12]: excerpt from "Disco is Not Dead"
Closing Music [1:05:46]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Asra Q. Nomani's piece in The Wall Street Journal
Denise Spellberg's Letter in Response
Amazon UK's page on The Jewel of Medina
Wikipedia on Aisha (a wife of Mohammed)
Wikipedia on Denise Spellberg (not a wife of Mohammed)
Denise Spellberg's "Liberal" Quote (scroll to bottom of page)
Contact Random House
Extreme Mohammed (nothing here by Denise Spellberg)

Puzzling Listeners
No correct answers this week, but funny ones by:
David Smith
shudd3r2th1nk
Venjanz
Yunshui

Another Goddamned Podcast #24: July 24, 2008

THIS WEEK - The Pompous-Driven Political Campaign

Original audio source

Ex doesn't need any prodding from a man down-under to get pissed off about McCain and Obama making their first joint appearance in a CHURCH! Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? Rick Warren, of The Purpose-Driven Life fame, claims both candidates as friends, and will soon host a pious party from his pulpit. OG informs us about Warren's book, which we urge listeners not to rush out and buy. The Herd, as usual, fulminates. Is this unsubdued enough for you, Sean? (0:00)

Our AGP Fundogelical Correspondent, OG, gives us some deep background on the fleecing of America. Philly reminds us that it's all about power. SI asks: Isn't that why government and religion go so easily hand-in-hand? We all see a number of infuriating church/state conflicts at Warren's Saddleback Church Political Extravaganza. So what can freethinkers do about all of this besides our usual bitching and belly-aching. Evo tells about an excellent idea he tried, but did it work? If you're a proper cynic, you'll guess the answer. (17:22)

Now what? SI wants to use this podcast as a tool. Shall we add it to our atheistic Swiss Army knives? Ex opens a pet shop, and Philly finds a way to compare Saddleback Church to NAMBLA and the American Nazi Party. OG asks the question: Isn't showing up at a Christian Church, and only a Christian Church, a de facto religious test? Doesn't that fly in the face of the Constitution's Article VI? Maybe, but who's gonna sue? (34:23)

Another Goddamned Puzzle. Man, you folks are smart (which our scientific poll later confirms). But you're funny, too! Some listeners work together to give last week's solution, and Yunshui adds a special surprise of his own. Evo awards the 3rd AGP Medal of Honor; find out who got it and why. SI tips everyone off to a good series of articles on evolution. Finally, why we love Darwin — but hate being called "Darwinists." (50:59)

Opening Music [00:37]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [16:19]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Bridge Music [33:49]: excerpt from "Middle Earth"
Bridge Music [50:01]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches"
Closing Music [1:14:40]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
What Got Ex Pissed Off
Wikipedia on Rick Warren and What The Fuck He's Here For
The Purposely Woo-Driven Web Site
Wendy Kaminer on Rick Warren
Yunshui's Poetry
Olivia Judson on "Darwinism"
Sing Along with Evo
Which one is Sean the Blogonaut?

Puzzling Listeners
Aly
InTheSkyGirl
Venjanz
Yunshui

Another Goddamned Podcast #23: July 17, 2008

THIS WEEK - McCain, Obama, Anyone Else? Oh Well, There's Always Beer!

Lately, we've been avoiding having full-blown discussions about politics. But this week we can't resist looking at a few issues related to the '08 elections in the U.S. Ex wants to know if McCain has anything to offer the American people. You might find some of the answers surprising! Would a President McCain still pander to a religious base that didn't support him in the election? Then: Given that we all agree Obama would be marginally better than McCain, why do we tend to give him such a hard time? Can you say "pissed off," boys and girls? (0:00)

Obama's brand: Change. But it now comes with a secret ingredient: No-change-o. Does anyone buy that "change" line anymore? Was his FISA vote a deal-breaker for you? It was for some of the Herd. We discuss why that single vote was so important to us as atheists, freethinkers, and lovers of the Constitution. Some of us theorize about what was behind it, but what the fuck do we know? (15:18)

We look at the American political system and examine why it's so difficult for third-party candidates to get elected. Lots of voters seem to want choices besides the Demopublicans, yet it's hard to find a viable standard-bearer for the great idea of ... what? Can any of us suggest a political position that a potentially successful third party might embrace? Philly explains how he thinks a new party could get off the ground. Ex, though, seems fixated on dogcatchers. (28:18)

Another Goddamned Puzzle and Another Goddamned Poll and Another Goddamned Ten Minutes of Your Life spent listening to this drivel. In our free-for-all ranting segment, our resident artist is annoyed at the reactions to The New Yorker's Obama cover and the resulting controversy about visual satire. We see this as yet another problem fed by the Left as well as the Right. Evo tells about a college instructor who lost his job because he told his class that the Adam-and-Eve story was a fable. Somehow this leads us back to a brief discussion of the tragic and infuriating case of Madeline Neumann. (46:12)

[NOTE TO SOLVERS of Another Goddamned Puzzle: The podcast is recorded on Thursday nights, 10:00 Eastern time. If the Exterminator has received your correct solution by then, you'll be mentioned in the puzzle segment. If your solution is received after that but before the new podcast is posted (around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, Eastern time), you WILL still be credited as one of the Puzzling Listeners for that week, but obviously — duh! — you won’t hear your glorious name announced. Sorry, Venjanz and Aly, you didn't know. Not that you're a couple or anything. In fact, we don't even know if Aly is male or female. Not that there would be anything wrong with you folks being paired up whichever he/she is. However, the Herd would like to announce officially that it wouldn't wish Venjanz on anyone.]

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [13:54]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [29:22]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Bridge Music [44:56]: excerpt from "Disco is Not Dead"
Closing Music [1:08:11]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
The FISA "Compromise"
Why the FISA Vote Mattered
Bloggers on Obama's FISA Vote
Third-Party Presidential Candidates
The New Yorker's Infamous Obama Cover
The L.A. Times on Editorial Cartoonists
Adam & Steve (Bitterman)
Madeline's Parents: Criminal Complaint & Police Reports (PDF)


Puzzling Listeners
Aly
InTheSkyGirl
Venjanz
Yunshui

Another Goddamned Podcast #22: July 10, 2008

THIS WEEK - For Elitists Only

[NOTE TO PHARYNGULISTAS: We take pride in our "cussing," although we'd never use such a cutesy, low-brow term for "saying 'fuck.'" You might like some of the other words we use, too, as well as the way we string them together to form thought-provoking ideas. If you're not an elitist, though, you may not be able to follow the conversation. Be warned.]

Ex pulls teeth (especially with SI) to get the entire Herd to agree that we are elitists. After brow-beaten SI gives in, we discuss what, exactly, an elitist is. Is it all about greater intellect and finer taste? And what's the difference between elitism and snobbishness? As atheists, are we automatically unholier than thou? Evo says, "if you believe in supernatural causations...I'm superior". And the members of our snooty Herd all agree on that one. Someone forgets to kill the sound during our first break, and we find out which one of us is the most elitist. (0:00)

How do we manifest our elitism in our non-Internet lives? Evo is a smarty-pants. SI is more cagey, except maybe with his wife! Ex thinks he's smarter than the average bear — and more valuable. Why is it a bad thing in our culture to be better at something? Would most Americans rather vote for a person who is a reflection of them rather than someone who is clearly "better" than they are? Once again, the mic runs during our break, and listeners are treated to a short Philly Rant™. (15:13)

Ex wants to know what there is in our elitism that makes us angry at various things in society. Not surprisingly, we're mostly pissed off at the anti-intellectual culture of the United States. Our engineer decided that our arrogance is too delicious to resist, so we have yet another candid break. Evo claims that more damage was done to our society by Bush's response to 9/11 than by the attacks. (33:02)

Ex, always fascinated by whether like-types can spot each other, asks if we can automatically recognize other elitists. We give the answer to Another Goddamned Puzzle from last week and announce the winners of our AGP Secret Decoder Ring. There were two — neither of whom was named Venjanz. Find out why poor Yunshui may not be happy about that. Poll results revealed — and yet ANOTHER reason you may not want Evo singing in your neighborhood. Is it elitist to mention a few items in the news? We think not. (48:57)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [14:00]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [32:25]: excerpt from "Middle Earth"
Bridge Music [47:15]: excerpt from "The Atheist's Hymn"
Closing Music [1:10:34]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Low-brow Quiz: What Kind of an Elitist Are You?
U.S. Political "Elitism" Yesterday and Today
A Typical Elite Type
You Think You're So Smart, SI?
P.Z. Myers on Christian Crackers
The Washington Times on Donohue vs. Myers
Atheist Revolution on Atheist Nexus

Puzzling Listeners
InTheSkyGirl
Yunshui