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 #42: December 18, 2008

THIS WEEK -Religion in the Workplace



Original audio source

The latest trend in the corporate work environment seems to be pandering to religion. The Chaplain's not happy about this. In fact, she's downright frosty. Isn't there a better way to foster a nurturing work environment than inserting religion? (00:00)

OG wonders what the ramifications of this new found attraction to workplace religion will have with "family values" being pushed by the usual suspects. Is this just another insidious, back door attempt to discriminate? Will religion ironically destroy diversity in the workplace, in the guise of promoting it? (16:56)

Dear Chappy has a brilliant answer for another unsuspecting casualty in the War on Christmas. Also, poll results of the latest poll, and a little science to astound and amaze you. (32:54)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [16:19]: excerpt from "Interlude" by Encephalophone
Bridge and Closing Music [32:35] excerpt from "Arkansas Traveler"
Closing Music [55:38] excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie except as noted)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Religion at Work at SHRM
The War on Christmas
Awesomely horrible at Pharyngula
Baby Foot!

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 #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

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 #33: September 25, 2008

THIS WEEK - Eric Kampmann on The Jewel of Medina


Original audio source

This week we have a web-exclusive interview with Eric Kampmann of Beaufort Books - the company that showed the heart we all wish Random House had. For background, listen to our discussion on how Random House caved into the fear of Islamic reprisal, canceling publication of The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones in Podcast #26: Muslims, Publishers, and Free Speech. We were all hoping someone would come to the rescue and Beaufort, led by Kampmann, did just that.

Ex asks what Eric thought upon hearing of the Random House disgrace. What we get is some real inside-baseball on the corporate politics that may have been behind their decision, as Eric has been in the business many years and knows some of principals involved. He goes on to explain how Beaufort made the decision to get involved. We talk a little bit about what the book is about and why the book may be a "seller", even though Sherry Jones is a first-time author. Find out if Beaufort has any plans in place in the event of terrorism.

Eric talks about the support he has received from retailers. We get a peek inside the publishing industry and the likelihood of self-censorship in the future. Finally, the positive changes that have taken place within the publishing industry - something every free-thinker should be heartened by. Eric gives better than an iTunes 5 Star Review to Another Goddamned Podcast and gets a prize. You can probably guess what it is. (00:00)

We come back from the interview and the Herd and discuss it a little further. Ex wonders which of us is very likely to buy the book. Is a historical fiction about a religion going to be of interest to people like us? Is it bad if there were no real Islamic threats that Random House thought it was OK to use claims of threats as their reason for not publishing? (35:49)

It's puzzle time. Do any of our listeners know how to interpret Faithfreeists and Christians? Then, see what you can do with some biblical names. Ex gives the results of our "God Bless America" poll. Evo has two quizzes this week. One is just for the Herd, but you can play along! It gets better. The one for you is sweet. But click off of the podcast immediately after the quiz or listen to Evo sing. You've been warned. (51:50)

UPDATE: The European publisher of The Jewel of Medina had his home firebombed in an apparent terrorist attack.

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [34:25]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [50:45]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Bridge and Closing Music [1:04:54]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Jewel of Medina at Amazon
Beaufort Books

Puzzling Listeners

Another Goddamned Puzzle:
Krystian Kyhl, Yunshui

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 #27: August 14, 2008

THIS WEEK - "Creation Care," Ethanol ... and Evo Screws Up

Original audio source

We have a special guest this week: Shrike, president of his local Audubon Society chapter and an active environmentalist for more than 30 years. The Herd asks him to tell us about the new green movement among evangelical Christians. Is the fundies' approach to saving the planet different from the traditional one? Do Christian bears shit in the woods? Chew on this phrase: Creation Care. Will the environmental movement be hijacked by a religious agenda? Shrike is willing to use all the help he can get. (0:00)

Or is he? Ex, fretting about religionists' involvement, poses a challenge. Would Shrike be willing to start his Audubon Society meetings with a prayer? The lifetime environmentalist doesn't have to think twice about his answer, but can you predict what it is? We wonder: If evangelicals are around, won't they ... duh ... evangelize? Philly worries what Shrike and others would be called if they walked away. (14:20)

SI finds a Creation Care website that looks mighty religious to him. After our disclaimer about Democrat bashing, we bash Obama. On ethanol. Shrike is not happy with this bogus response to the energy/environmental crisis. He likes his corn flakes and hopes a Democratic Congress will resolve this. The cynical Herd doubts that it will happen. (26:04)

Another Goddamned Puzzle, Poll and Quiz. Atheists need poetry, huh? Well, at least a different combination of those letters. Is Evo actually bright enough to be testing our listeners? We give a marginal thumbs-up to Atheist Nexus. Our conclusion: Join, but don't expect any miracles! However, do feel free to become a member of our group there. Not surprisingly, it's called ... ta-da ... "Another Goddamned Podcast." (49:11)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [12:57]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [25:00]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Bridge Music [39:24]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie"
Closing Music [51:50]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Creation Care
Christian Care Students Abroad
Wikipedia on Evangelical Environmentalism
Washington Post on The Greening of Evangelicals
E.O. Wilson: The Creation
David Pimentel: "Biofuel Skeptic Extraordinaire"
John Stossel report on Ethanol
Alternative Energy Source: Vertigro

Puzzling Listeners

Another Goddamned Puzzle:
Aly, J-Mil, Question Everything, Venjanz, Yunshui

Evo's Science Quiz:
Aly, Derek, EnoNomi, IsThatLatin, J-Mil, Konradius, Paul (shudd3r2th1nk), Question Everything

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 #25: July 31, 2008

THIS WEEK - Angry Atheists

Original audio source

We welcome Chappy back, and then immediately attack her. Why? Well, she's been on the warpath lately and we'd like to know what she's so angry about. It turns out that OG and SI are mad about the very same thing. The other three of us may be even more furious, but for different reasons. Philly and Evo articulate theirs. Listeners are urged to form a circle and join hands. (0:00)

Ex, great sage that he is, tells us all why we're really pissed off, and we see that there are "three flavors of our discontent." OK, so how do we deal with our anger? Does our rage make us "strike out" at religionists, both in the blogosphere and in real life? Urging calm, some members of the Herd argue that we should remain logical. Philly makes an insightful point about theist arguments, which leads us to discuss the role of education in deconversion. (14:26)

Higher education is our continued focus, and we find out how it freed OG. Can it work that way on others? Ex remains rankled. Does religion require ignorance of worldly knowledge? Evo points out that there's probably nothing more worldly for a theist to do than ... what? (29:44)

Another Goddamned Puzzle is solved, but Venjanz needs a shave. Sean sends an audio file, complete with gratuituous wisecracks. In our new poser: No man is an island, but someone gets stuck on one. Evo offers a little Science Quiz, for which fantastic prizes will be awarded! (Well, our definition of "fantastic" might be a little different than yours.) Philly explains how Scientology is like the Mafia. Finally, we award a mini-medal of honor - to one of our own listeners. Find out what she did to earn it. (46:22)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [13:45]: excerpt from "Highway 45"
Bridge Music [28:42]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Bridge Music [45:35]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie"
Closing Music [1:00:53]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Is Scientology a Crime Syndicate?
Superintendent's Letter to yinyang
Sing Along with Evo
Sing Along with Philly
Sing Along with Chappy, OG, & SI
Sing Along with Ex

Puzzling Listeners
InTheSkyGirl
Sean
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