The Week in Review: Law and Atheism, 1/10/13

Last updated on: January 9, 2013 at 4:22 pm By Anne

Although it isn’t legal news, necessarily, it is related to activism: let’s celebrate that Malala Yousafzai has been released from the hospital in Birmingham, England, pending another round of surgery, which should take place several weeks from now. Word is that her family will not be returning to Pakistan. Since the Taliban has vowed to attack her again, that is probably a very good decision. The breathtaking bravery of this teenage activist for female education should inspire us all. +++++... Read more

American Atheists giving away piles of scholarship cash.

Last updated on: January 9, 2013 at 8:43 am By JT Eberhard

American Atheists is giving away three scholarships. The Founders’ Scholarships grant a first-place award of $2,000 and runner-up award of $1,000 to atheist students going to college. The awards are given every year at the American Atheists National Convention. The Founders’ Scholarship program was founded by Life Members Barbara J. Baldock, Dr. Phillip Butler, Rice O’Dell, Lillian B. Ramsden, and Irving Yablon. American Atheists is proud to also award a $1,000 scholarship for LGBT atheist activism. If you want to... Read more

PZ and I are going to live forever.

Last updated on: January 9, 2013 at 4:55 pm By JT Eberhard

A new study has shown that expressing your anger leads to longer life. Booyah! A new study shows that expressing anger is good for your health. Researchers at the University of Jena, in Germany, found that getting your anger out and being hot-tempered is actually helpful in extending one’s lifespan. See you at the turn of the century, suckahs!. 🙂 Read more

Painkillers rock.

Last updated on: January 9, 2013 at 1:33 pm By JT Eberhard

Hooooooooooo boy. Painkillers: they’re like prayer that works. I spent all of yesterday feeling great! This morning, on the other hand… Anyway, they did my bottom jaw yesterday. Interesting thing about the bottom jaw: it has two primary nerves. Anesthetize those and you’re good to go! So said the dentist’s assistant the other day to set me at ease. Of course, today I get to go in and have the top jaw done, where pretty much each tooth gets it’s... Read more

You just can’t please some people.

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 9:44 am By doctorburger

DrB– Parents of Encinitas Union School District in southern California are upset. The school is leading prayer, and they’re opposed to this kind of religious indoctrination. Rightly so! On Tuesday, seven parents and a lawyer complained to the district’s trustees, claiming the program …. violates religious freedom. Except in this case, it’s not the FFRF that’s providing the lawyer. It’s not the local atheist. Where does the issue come up then, if it’s not an atheist parent who doesn’t want... Read more

Why else would you amputate your brother’s hand?

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 9:55 am By JT Eberhard

The New York Times gives us a snapshot into the Bamako region in Mali. Moctar Touré was strapped to a chair, blindfolded, his right hand bound tight to the armrest with a rubber tube. A doctor came and administered a shot. Then Mr. Touré’s own brother wielded a knife, the kind used to slaughter sheep, and methodically carried out the sentence. “I myself cut off my brother’s hand,” said Aliou Touré, a police chief in the Islamist-held north of this... Read more

Doctor Who wedding?

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 8:50 am By JT Eberhard

Ok…so this may be what mine and Michaelyn’s wedding will look like. Read more

Pope warns of attacks from “intolerant agnostics”.

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 9:44 am By JT Eberhard

Awwww, the Pope is upset about Catholicism being attacked by intolerant agnostics. Pope Benedict said on Sunday that Roman Catholic leaders must have the courage to stand up to attacks by “intolerant agnosticism” prevalent in many countries. Hell, if you think that agnostics are harsh, check out what atheists are saying about the Catholic church. What do these attacks look like? The pope and the Church have come under increased attack because of their opposition to homosexual marriage and women... Read more

American Atheists seeking new communications director.

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 10:02 am By JT Eberhard

Teresa MacBain is leaving American Atheists (on good terms, to be closer to her family). But that means they’ll need a new communications director. Reporting to the President, the Public Relations Director will set and guide the strategy for all public relations messages and communications, including but not limited to website content, blogging, Facebook content, Twitter messages, and other social media to consistently articulate American Atheists’ mission. The Public Relations Director will ensure that American Atheists is viewed as the... Read more

Oh good, the doctor can get me in today…

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 7:47 am By JT Eberhard

Today turns out to be the first day of getting my face carved on. Day two is looking to be Thursday. So…content might be light through Friday. I’ve gotten some submissions for argument-dissection while drugged up, so at least I won’t be bored. 😀 Tell me happy things. Read more