http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress Question. Think. Decide. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:36:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 2007-2011 john@americanfreethought.com (American Freethought) john@americanfreethought.com (American Freethought) atheism 1440 http://www.americanfreethought.com/images/podcastlogo144x144.jpg http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress 144 144 Question. Think. Decide. An atheist podcast. freethought, atheism, skepticism, religion, secularism, philosophy, atheist, skeptic American Freethought American Freethought john@americanfreethought.com yes no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/02/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-2-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/02/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-2-of-3/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:18:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3073 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/02/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-2-of-3/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/30/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-1-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/30/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-1-of-3/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:01:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3065 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/30/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-1-of-3/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:40:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2536 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/feed/ 1 0:38:10 Alabama’s new governor Robert Bentley has wasted no time courting controversy.  On his inauguration day (which also happened to be federal Martin Luther King Day holiday), Bentley spoke at a church and artlessly proclaimed that non-Christians[...] Alabama’s new governor Robert Bentley has wasted no time courting controversy.  On his inauguration day (which also happened to be federal Martin Luther King Day holiday), Bentley spoke at a church and artlessly proclaimed that non-Christians were not his “brothers and sisters.”  He quickly apologized, but it probably wasn’t necessary: the rank-and-file of the Alabama voter base are likely to give him a pass on this one. The University of Kentucky has settled a lawsuit brought against them by astronomer Martin Gaskell.  Gaskell happens to be an Intelligent Design nutjob, but he sued UK for denying him a position because of his religious beliefs.  Perhaps $125,000 is a small price to pay to allow Gaskell to slip back into obscurity. Senator Charles Grassley has called off his investigation of six “prosperity gospel” megachurches, despite the fact that four of them refused to cooperate with his requests for information.  Now he’s recommending they self-regulate themselves.  Whatever. The Roman Catholic Church is set to beatify the late Pope John Paul II, claiming he cured a nun who prayed to him about her Parkinson’s disease.  Trouble is, the evidence is so flimsy it would be laughed out of any court.  Rest assured the Church will scrounge up a second miracle so the dead pontiff can be declared a saint. Announcements: David will be speaking to the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) on Saturday, January 22nd. John and Allison will be in attendance at the Southeast Regional Atheist Meet in Huntsville, Alabama, Januuary 29th and 30th.  Be sure to say hello. John will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia on March 20th.  The topic of his talk will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 19, 2011.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:58:48 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2491 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/feed/ 1 1:13:57 The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse t[...] The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse that AIG plans to expand, building an “Ark Encounter” amusement park.  The worst part is the state government is offering millions of dollars of tax incentives to what amounts to a religious indoctrination center that peddles anti-scientific folderol.  But wait–there’s more!  Turns out that state officials never even saw the alleged feasibility study, and AIG isn’t sharing so much as the executive summary with the media.  Science academics in Kentucky are none too happy with the state’s implicit support of bad science for the sake of a few dozen low-paying jobs.  And AIG’s Ken Ham’s none too happy with the intellectual ass-whoopin’ he’s been getting. 2. Astronomer Martin Gaskell has gone to court with the University of Kentucky, claiming he was denied a position at the new observatory because of his religious views.  Given that Dr. Gaskell has been giving public presentations like this, in which he condemns the atheistic worldview as a path to destruction, and given that this new job has a very public face, it’s no wonder UK turned him down. 3. A judge recently ruled unconstitutional a Kentucky statute requiring the state’s Director of Homeland Security to recognize “Almighty God” in the department’s annual report.  The state is appealing, and nearly all the state legislators have signed on to amicus briefs in support of the law! 4. Finally, drivers in the Commonwealth will soon have the option to sport the national motto “In God We Trust” on their license plates.  Joy. Plus:  The Holey Scripture!  We continue our exploration of the psychedelic creepiness that is the Book of Revelation. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 21, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, history, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:44:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2036 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/13/mr-deity-and-the-science-advisor/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/13/mr-deity-and-the-science-advisor/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:49:02 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1570 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/13/mr-deity-and-the-science-advisor/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/08/bob-wright-on-the-behe-brouhaha-mea-culpa/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/08/bob-wright-on-the-behe-brouhaha-mea-culpa/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:39:14 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1333 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/08/bob-wright-on-the-behe-brouhaha-mea-culpa/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/02/more-fallout-from-the-behe-bloggingheads-tv-brouhaha/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/02/more-fallout-from-the-behe-bloggingheads-tv-brouhaha/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:55:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1319 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/02/more-fallout-from-the-behe-bloggingheads-tv-brouhaha/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/the-behe-brouhaha-at-bloggingheads-tv/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/the-behe-brouhaha-at-bloggingheads-tv/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:27:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1308 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/the-behe-brouhaha-at-bloggingheads-tv/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:26:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1183 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:01:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1090 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/feed/ 6 1:08:27 “Ufologist” and Young Earth Creationist Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International presented “Aliens, UFOs and the Bible” on July 18th at the Sewell Mill Baptist Church in Marietta, GA.  We (John and Allison) were there[...] “Ufologist” and Young Earth Creationist Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International presented “Aliens, UFOs and the Bible” on July 18th at the Sewell Mill Baptist Church in Marietta, GA.  We (John and Allison) were there, but the building did not spontaneously burst into flame, nor were there any clear-skies lightning strikes to manifest the ire of YHWH at the presence of infidels.  As for Bates…thanks a LOT, Australia!  For general creationist debunkage visit TalkOrigins.org.  [Late-breaking Bonus:  If you can stomach it, you can listen to Bates's entire baloneython in podcast format at the church's website--including the very session we sat in on!] American Atheists president Ed Buckner delivers the invocation before a meeting of the Cobb County (Georgia) Board of Commissioners in Marietta.  Yes, we know that “atheist invocation” is an oxymoron, but Ed used the opportunity to go meta, delivering a four-minute invocation on the idiocy of invocations.  Go get ‘em, Ed! More Cobb Craziness: Pelphry v Cobb – The ACLU (with Ed Buckner among the plaintiffs) sued the county over sectarian invocations before meetings of the BOC.  The ACLU lost, but the BOC has loosened up on who may deliver the invocation. Evolution Stickers – The county was sued–and lost–over stickers placed in school biology texts that read “Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things.  The material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.” Olympic Scandal – In the mid-1990s the BOC passed a resolution declaring that homosexuality was “incompatible with the standards to which this community subscribes.”  After gay rights activists threatened to disrupt the Olympic Torch Relay (which was scheduled to go through Cobb on its way to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta), the Olympic organizers rerouted the torch.  Cobb rescinded the anti-gay resolution in 1997. Annette Kesting – Cobb’s first black Commissioner got in hot water for stating, while speaking at a black church, “I love my enemies.  I pray every day with my enemies because I have to go up on the third floor and work with white women,” and “You would be amazed seeing the people I work with at the county.  They are not Christian people.”  Kesting lost the next election to Woody Thompson; to exact revenge, Kesting hired a South Carolina voodoo priestess to put a curse on Thompson that would kill him.  The curse failed; actually, it was never cast, since both of Kesting’s checks bounced.  In July 2009 Kesting and her husband were arrested for allegedly stealing a truck they had borrowed from a friend and failed to return. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dragon*Con is only a month away!  Four day memberships are $90 (plus Ticketmaster charges) through August 15th.  After that, you’ll have to buy tickets at the door ($100 for four days, less for other packages).   American Freethought will record a live podcast at 11:30AM, Saturday, September 5th with the Skeptics Track. We (meaning John and David and respective redheads) will also be attending the Star Party at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA on Thursday, September 3rd.  The Star Party is organized by the Atlanta Skeptics, will feature dinner, drinks, an opportunity to chat with Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy) and Pamela Gay (Astronomy Cast podcast), and stargazing through the Bradley Observatory telescope.  Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Jeff Medkeff (Blue Collar Scientist). Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, [...] atheism, christianity, evolution, history, news, paranormal, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/12/what-does-francis-collins-mean-for-the-nih/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/12/what-does-francis-collins-mean-for-the-nih/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:51:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=990 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/12/what-does-francis-collins-mean-for-the-nih/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/mcleroy-out-as-tx-boe-chair/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/mcleroy-out-as-tx-boe-chair/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 19:18:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=796 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/mcleroy-out-as-tx-boe-chair/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/27/squeaker-in-texas/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/27/squeaker-in-texas/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:38:24 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=475 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/27/squeaker-in-texas/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:01:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=180 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/feed/ 1 0:39:08 As we look forward to 2009, we take a moment to review the success and progress of the American Freethought Podcast in 2008.  What was our best episode?  What could we have done better? We also unveil a new contest for our listeners with an impressi[...] As we look forward to 2009, we take a moment to review the success and progress of the American Freethought Podcast in 2008.  What was our best episode?  What could we have done better? We also unveil a new contest for our listeners with an impressive stack of cool prizes.  Tune in to find out how YOU could be the recipient of this treasure trove of nifty freethought-ish tchoch. Finally, Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education (NCSEweb.org) gets the last word on Ben Stein’s ridiculous “Evolution = Nazi Holocaust” documentary Expelled.  This 5-minute segment of conversation was trimmed from our interview with her in episode #31 (in which we talked about the Texas BOE putting out-of-state creationists on the committee that reviews the science curriculum).  It was intended for inclusion in our coverage of the Expelled DVD in episode #34, but… we forgot (okay, I forgot – David shares none of the blame!).  Anyway, we thought it was worth hearing, even it we’re delivering it a tad late. ANNOUNCEMENTS We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs.  Sport your support for patriotism through rational thought! A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link].  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 18, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. evolution, interviews, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:31:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=160 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/feed/ 2 1:12:31 Interview with Mel Lipman (approx. 42 minutes into the show), president of the American Humanist Association (and, incidentally, the father of Lori Lipman Brown, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for American, whom we talked to in podcast #23).  We[...] Interview with Mel Lipman (approx. 42 minutes into the show), president of the American Humanist Association (and, incidentally, the father of Lori Lipman Brown, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for American, whom we talked to in podcast #23).  We talk to Mel about the AHA’s holiday ad campaign, which puts the message “Why believe in a god?  Just be good for goodness’ sake!” on buses in Washington, DC. But first!… Carl Raschke (Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Denver), commenting on fans of the role-playing game Playing Gods (created by Ben Radford, editor of Skeptical Inquirer), compares (some) atheists to jihadists. We discuss the new DVD release of Expelled.  Basically, refried baloney is still baloney.  If you must buy it, buy it at Amazon.com through us.  Also, a lover of science has created a way to insert fact-checking subtitles as you watch Expelled on your computer.  Here’s how. It’s three weeks after the elections, but there are still undecided Senate races around the country, including an upcoming runoff in Georgia between incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) and challenger Jim Martin (D). Gay rights advocates around the country are protesting the passage of California Proposition 8 (which bans gay marriage via amendment to the state constitution).  Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich characterizes these protests as “fascist”. The Supreme Court hears a lawsuit seeking to force a Utah town to post the “Seven Aphorisms of Summum” next to the Ten Commandments. USA Today publishes a rare article that shows atheism in a positive light. We’re giving away a copy of Guy Harrison’s book 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God.  The first person who posts a request on our Facebook wall gets it. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found. Recorded November 20, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:05:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=143 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/feed/ 1 0:51:00 We talk to Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) about the recent action by the Texas Board of Education [www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe] that places three creationists on the six-member committee that r[...] We talk to Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) about the recent action by the Texas Board of Education [www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe] that places three creationists on the six-member committee that reviews science standards [link].  How damaging could this move be to the rest of the country? For more about NCSE visit NCSEweb.org – consider becoming a member, since the NCSE operates part on membership dues. Also visit the Texas Freedom Network at TFN.org, one of the major pro-science groups within the state. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded October 23, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/is-sarah-palin-an-idiot/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/is-sarah-palin-an-idiot/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:20:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=99 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/is-sarah-palin-an-idiot/feed/ 7 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/29/louisianas-jindal-signs-stealth-creationism-bill/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/29/louisianas-jindal-signs-stealth-creationism-bill/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:11:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=86 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/29/louisianas-jindal-signs-stealth-creationism-bill/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/28/american-freethought-podcast-20/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/28/american-freethought-podcast-20/#comments Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:46:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=85 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/28/american-freethought-podcast-20/feed/ 1 1:30:13 Barbara Forrest - We talk to Dr. Barbara Forrest about SB 733 [link], the so-called Louisiana Science Education Act, a piece of legislation sitting on the desk of Governor Bobby Jindal that, if signed, would enable teachers and administrators in sta[...] Barbara Forrest - We talk to Dr. Barbara Forrest about SB 733 [link], the so-called Louisiana Science Education Act, a piece of legislation sitting on the desk of Governor Bobby Jindal that, if signed, would enable teachers and administrators in state schools to sneak Creationism/Intelligent Design in under the radar.  Dr. Forrest is a professor of philosophy at Southeastern Louisiana University, the co-author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse [link], and was one of the star witnesses in the celebrated Kitzmiller v. Dover court case.  She’s also a co-founder of the Louisiana Coalition for Science [lasciencecoalition.org] and active in defending science against religio-political encroachment at the national level. Happy 150th Birthday, Evolution! – In 2009, the thinking world will celebrate Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his Origin of Species [link].  But we’re popping the cork early - a landmark in the history of science occurred on July 1, 1858.  That’s the day that the theory of evolution by natural selection had its first public reading (at London’s famous Linnean Society).  We’ll talk about how Charles Darwin and his associates gave naturalist Alfred Wallace the subtle shaft, ensuring that religious nutjobs in the 21st century would be railing about “Darwinism” instead of “Wallacism”.  (For an excellent analysis of this episode, read Robert Wright’s fantastic book The Moral Animal [link].) Independence Day- Now, here’s a holiday even the grumpiest atheist can get behind.  Everybody knows that on July 4th, 1776, the American Colonists told the Brits where they could shove it.  Sort of.  We’ll look at some of the myths surrounding the birth of America, and revisit that pesky semi-religious language that has the fundies crowing about how this is a Christian Nation. Goodbye, George Carlin- The skeptical world lost one of its funniest and most adamant stars.  Carlin fought for free speech (and even pissed off politically correct left-wingers in the process) during the course of his five-decade career.  He will be missed. Announcements Penn Jillette chimes in on the ongoing Atheist/Agnostic debate [link]. We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track.  No schedules are finalized yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as they are. Check out episode #10 of the SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast], featuring an interview with Sci-Fi&Fantasy satirist (and freethinker) James Morrow.  His latest book, The Philosopher’s Apprentice [link], is a send-up of everything from human cloning to abortion to global capitalism.  What can I say?  The man swings a wide scythe. And if you like science fiction, you can pre-order the upcoming anthology Aberrant Dreams I: The Awakening (which includes a short story written by American Freethought co-host John C. Snider) from publisher HD-Image [link].  Visit hd-image.com/store. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] will have new episodes soon. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded 06/28/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, evolution, history, humor, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/21/american-freethought-podcast-16/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/21/american-freethought-podcast-16/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:50:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=78 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/21/american-freethought-podcast-16/feed/ 5 0:52:58 Expelled – We discuss Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, the new crock-umentary starring Ben Stein.  For a thorough critique of Expelled, visit Expelled Exposed. Also mentioned in the podcast: A follow-up regarding our report of the Creation M[...] Expelled – We discuss Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, the new crock-umentary starring Ben Stein.  For a thorough critique of Expelled, visit Expelled Exposed. Also mentioned in the podcast: A follow-up regarding our report of the Creation Museum, including info on The Unicorn Museum and the YouTube sensation Charlie the Unicorn Goes to Candy Mountain.  As penance for blowing $20 at the Creation Museum, John Snider has sent $40 to Science Debate 2008. More on stem-cell research – find out what US and state policies are at hinxtongroup.org. The Atlanta Freethought Society is now holding meetings in their new un-church facility!  Donate to the cause by visiting AtlantaFreethought.org. Visit us online at www.AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 4/20/2008. atheism, commentary, evolution, history, movies, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:37:02 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/feed/ 1 0:49:29 Creation Museum – We discuss a recent expedition to the Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky.  You can read more about it in John Snider’s report titled “The Creation Museum Is Full of Sh!t”.  We’ll also talk about [...] Creation Museum – We discuss a recent expedition to the Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky.  You can read more about it in John Snider’s report titled “The Creation Museum Is Full of Sh!t”.  We’ll also talk about “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Separation of Church and State but Were Afraid to Ask”, a recent event co-sponsored by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Interfaith Alliance Foundation. In other news, AF’s John Snider and David Driscoll are guests on the most recent Reason Driven Podcast, and will be guests on an upcoming episode of Skepticality! Visit us online at www.AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 4/2/2008. atheism, christianity, evolution, history, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/#comments Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:59:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/feed/ 10 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:15:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/feed/ 1 1:04:46 Darwin Day 2008 – Charles Darwin‘s birthday is February 12, which is as good a day as any to celebrate his achievements and those of science in general.  We talk to evolutionary biologist, philosopher and popular science writer Massimo P[...] Darwin Day 2008 – Charles Darwin‘s birthday is February 12, which is as good a day as any to celebrate his achievements and those of science in general.  We talk to evolutionary biologist, philosopher and popular science writer Massimo Pigliucci of the State University of New York in Stony Brook, the organizer of SUNY’s Darwin Day events, and who organized the University of Tennessee’s first Darwin Day in 1997.  Massimo maintains several web presences, including RationallySpeaking.org, PlatoFootnote.org, and GenotypebyEnvironment.org.  We’ll also feature a special “scientific gospel” song from the California based band The Galapagos Mountain Boys. Massimo’s books include Tales of the Rational, Denying Evolution and (with Jonathan Kaplan) Making Sense of Evolution. If you live in metro Atlanta, you might consider celebrating Darwin Day at Darwin’s, a jazz/blues club in Marietta (“Where Great Music Evolves”).  [PLEASE NOTE: We discovered after the podcast was recorded that Darwin's will NOT be open on Tuesday, February 12th!] Also, the audio problems with show #10 have been corrected.  If you had problems with that episode, you can now reload it and it should be fine.  Our apologies for the glitch. Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 2/5/2008. atheism, evolution, interviews, music, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:50:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:50:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/feed/ 3 0:51:47 Recorded 12/01/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Show Notes: Flock of Dodos – We discuss the independent documentary film Flock of Dodos, which explores the tactics used by both sides of the Intelligent Design/Evolution debat[...] Recorded 12/01/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Show Notes: Flock of Dodos – We discuss the independent documentary film Flock of Dodos, which explores the tactics used by both sides of the Intelligent Design/Evolution debate.  Read our review here.  Look for the film on Showtime and at film festivals, or purchase the DVD.  Visit the official website at www.flockofdodos.com. Randy Olson – Interview with the writer/director of Flock of Dodos.  Randy is a former evolutionary ecologist who left a tenured position in academia to become a fulltime filmmaker. Judgment Day - We also discuss the two-hour PBS documentary from NOVA – Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial, which delves into the recent court case Kitzmiller vs. Dover, PA.   The DVD is already available for advance purchase. Feedback – Email your comments to contact@americanfreethought.com and we might read ‘em on the air (attach “voicemails” in mp3 or wav format). Discuss – We’ve set up a message board at Yahoo Groups. Theme music by Body Found. atheism, commentary, evolution, interviews, movies, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:33:55 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/feed/ 3