I'm keeping this post simple. Just two things from the RRS main HQ, (or bunker, for those that get that joke).

I'll be back tomorrow with a slew of new info to share, I'm sure.

So, keep it rational, all, and may the LSD bus get lost on the way to your house.
(Sorry, another inside joke...)
Jack,
and the RRS MI team

The Rational Response Squad has officially started its leap into a new frontier: The Rational Response Squad Academy.

A project the RRS heads have been working on for a long time, the idea is to have free classes given by experts in all sorts of fields. From physics, biology and chemistry, to history and bible courses, even psychology and logic classes. These courses are designed to be on college level. For the time being all of these courses will be free of charge, and open to everyone. We are able to spend this time giving back as a result of your financial assistance. If you are able to subscribe, please do so. If we get overcrowded classes, we may need to limit it to only subscribers. Classes will be held in a video room.

This edition may be coming out a little late in the evening, but here goes.

I'm going to get right to the point tonight. I'll start with some interesting links I've found, then get to the things I've received today.

This first link is (again) from the National Geographic site. It's concerning the supposed claim of the discovery of the tomb of Jesus.

Jesus' Tomb Found in Israel, Filmmakers Claim

Now, the inevitable backlash from that.

Jesus' Tomb Claim Slammed By Scholars

Here's an article concerning a possibly habitable planet found outside our solar system.

First Habitable Earthlike Planet Found, Experts Say

Next, an article about the future of our universe.

Future Universe Will "Stop Expanding," Experts Suggest

One more article, this one concerning a previously unobserved, but predicted type of star death.

"Brightest Supernova Ever" Reveals New Kind of Star Death

This is the video (part 1 and 2) that Ohio RRS head healthy addict made on her trip to the Creation "Museum" that opened last week in Kentuky.

Here's the best of the posts I've received today.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: ATHEISTS AGNOSTICS SKEPTICS & HUMANISTS ON MYSPACE
Date: Jun 4, 2007 7:53 AM

Ken

Creationism in a NUT shell
The URL :
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2016282072


The Video:
Creationism in a Nut Shell

Good day readers. Today was a bit light on interesting posts, so I will supplement with some original material I've been holding for just such an occasion. First, I would like to say that I hope you all checked out the top link I posted in the last edition. The transitional form debate has been raging for quite some time, and the finding in that article proves that there has been a transitional form, or "missing link", found linking Homo Sapiens to their primate ancestors. I realize that when presented with this evidence, most creationists will probably either say, "Satan planted that!", or the moderates will say, "That only proves there was a creature that resembled a human, maybe it was just a physically deformed Human!", among other responses like running away or burrying their head in the sands of the Bible. Since I accidentally deleted it, (yeah, I suck) I did save it for anyone who would like it. Here's that link again.

Oldest Homo Sapiens Fossils Found, Experts Say

This first thing I wanna post was sent to me by one of my members here in MI. It's the story of his encounter with the Way of the Master foot soldiers in Grand Rapids, Michigan at an art festival. Thanks dEd Grimley, this is what he had to say,

"I apologize if this gets a little long, but I thought you all could use a good testimonial. Today, RRS probably saved my life... or my sanity, one of the two.

For those of us in West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Festival of Arts is a very popular event. Apparently, this year it was popular for a group of people who call themselves, "The Way of the Master." There were several of them wandering around looking for people who, I assume, look like me, in that they don't look like traditional Christians, or are some sort of rebel or something. I got picked off by two, one of whom I debated. The first one wanted to ask me questions about Jesus, and I thought he ended up being kind of a prick, but when he started the, "Do you think you're a good person" spiel, I thought it all sounded very familiar. So I told him I was done, and moved on. But then, as I was sitting down to eat later, another one came by, and opened with a semi clever joke, that had nothing to do with religion. And he really wasn't a douche. So I heard him out. Fortunately, as I had seen the debate on YouTube of the RRS v. The Way of the Master, I pretty knew what to expect. In fact, I answered most of his questions as soon as the first word or two came out. So anyway, he eventually saw that he wasn't making any headway on me, and I probably put a bit more doubt into him, so he moved on.
The moral of the story is, if you haven't seen the debate, please do so. I'll stop now, since this has gone on long enough.
And Kelly is hot."

He went on in an E-mail to say,

"...one thing I found interesting about my conversation with the guy was that he mentioned that he was given certain things to discuss with people when he does this sort of... aggressive missionary work, I guess you could call it... similar to talking points. It just seems to me that the country on the whole seems to be resorting to this preset set of words, (I'm speaking in the most part about the current federal government. If you watch the Daily Show and see the montage of the administration saying the exact same key words on the various news talk shows on the same days.) and more specifically the political right.

I think it really kind of defeats the purpose of spontaneous debates if one side can answer a question before its asked, or respond to a comment that hasn't been made. While talking points might work well for... Oh, let's just be nice and call it propaganda and not say brainwashing... they don't seem to help these guys out when put on the spot."

Keep the stories like this comming guys! If any of you has an interesting story of a close encounter with fundies, send me a message or a comment. With your permission, I will post it.

So, now on with the linkage and other posts I've received today.

This first link is to a debate between Sam Harris and Rick Warren, a Christian Pastor and the founder of the "Saddleback" chuch in California. It's a bit lengthy, but a good read.

The God Debate

This next article was written by the most recent rising star of the atheist movement, Christopher Hitchens. His views on Mother Teresa.

Mommie Dearest

This is where we go into the video section of my additions, lol. This first one is one of my favorites, it's on the RRS MI page, but I just wanted to share it again. Goerge Carlin on religion! All praise Joe Pesci!

This is a clip from Real Time with Bill Maher where he interviews Dennis Kucinich, my personal favorite democratic Presidential candidate. He comes off as very honest, which is precisely why he won't get the nomination, unfortunately, lol. That and he says he wants to de-criminalize marijuana, that alone will kill his chances. Regardless, I like the dude (despite the fact that he's a vegan!), check out his interview.

I thought I'd throw this in for shits and giggles. One of my favorite bands doing a song for one of my favorite movies. A Perfect Circle did a song for the Constantine soundtrack. I give you, "Passive"!

Now, on to the best of what I've received today, enjoy!

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: The A-Team
Date: Jun 3, 2007 12:34 AM

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Cheryl
Date: Jun 2, 2007 10:42 PM

The A-Team and we approve this message.

Hello, to all you atheist heathens! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend! My additions to todays post, again, are mostly scientific. I am adding a couple of humorous videos as well, though. I urge you ALL to take a look at the first link I've posted!

This first link is to the National Geographic site (yet again). This one is a fascinating article about a species of hominid so close to us on the evloutionary tree they've given it the name "Homo Sapiens Idaltu"! Idaltu means "elder" in the native language of where it was discovered. Can anyone say "transitional form" or "missing link"?

Oldest Homo Sapiens Fossils Found, Experts Say

Upright Walking Started in Trees, Ape Study Suggests

New Fossils Help Piece Together Human Origins

Universe's "Missing" Matter May Lurk in Dwarf Galaxies

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: ria
Date: Jun 2, 2007 5:56 AM

From:

First off today, I want to invite you all to the first RRS MI meeting on July 4th! Consider it an informal meet-and-greet/bbq party. I will be cooking the main courses which will include baby back ribs, a variety of different fish, chicken, some game, burgers and hot dogs (and, for those of you that didn't know, I am a chef that has been in fine dining for ten years). This will be a byob event, and if anyone wants to bring a side dish to add to the spread, I won't object! I will be posting more info as an event invite tomorrow. So I hope to see all of you locals here, and you schmucks in Canada too!

Anyhow, on with the show!

I was poking around the internet last night and came across a slew of interesting things to post today. Much of this is for the science buffs, concerning human evolution and astronomy. This first one is from the National Geographic site, it's an interactive "tour" of human evolution. I recommend that you explore it completely, facinating and very informative!

Atlas of the Human Journey

Sun's "Ring of Fire" Stoked by Sound Waves"

Many "Earths" Are Out There, Study Says

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: ATHEISTS AGNOSTICS SKEPTICS & HUMANISTS ON MYSPACE
Date: May 31, 2007 9:59 PM

Rational Animal

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: ATHEISTS AGNOSTICS SKEPTICS & HUMANISTS ON MYSPACE
Date: May 31, 2007 10:47 PM

Cheryl

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: The A-Team
Date: Jun 1, 2007 7:15 AM

I guess this destroys those rumors that Carson was a born again. And who knew Carson still had a show? Anywho, good job, Carson. Thumbs up.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Brian the Dilettante
Date: May 31, 2007 3:25 PM

The A-Team and we approve this message.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Rational Response Squad So. California
Date: May 30, 2007 10:21 PM

Help to find a cure for Autism. I get emails daily from atheist who want to find a way to do good in the name of atheism, well here is your way. Donate in the name of atheism now. Better yet, donate and then look up to see when a Walk to find a cure for Autism will be near you and join in.

If you do not know someone who has been diagnosed with autism, then please donate in honor of Jinxi and my amazing nephew Devon Silvas. He is a great kid. He was diagnosed with autism 6 years ago. The strength and courage that it takes to raise a child with autism is amazing to me. Do what you can now to help.

Since there is no after life you will not be rewarded after you die, but you will feel damn good knowing that you helped today.

This fundraiser is being sponsored by www.dangeroustalk.net and if enough people donate, then it will make it on the home page of the website and millions of people will see that atheist care and love just as much as theist do.

Do what you can and make a difference TODAY, as it is the only today you will have.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: ATHEISTS AGNOSTICS SKEPTICS & HUMANISTS ON MYSPACE
Date: May 30, 2007 10:51 PM

Cross-Reference: Gen 38:24; Lev 19:29

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: ATHEISTS AGNOSTICS SKEPTICS & HUMANISTS ON MYSPACE
Date: May 31, 2007 10:57 AM

Creationist Opposer

Darwinism and Its Discontents Chapters 1-5

thanks
Rational Atheist Book Club

May 7th – June 16th Darwinism and its Discontents By Michael Ruse

Darwinism and Its Discontents Meet the Author Darwinism and Its Discontents Chapter One Darwinism and Its Discontents Chapter Two Darwinism and Its Discontents Chapter Three Darwinism and Its Discontents Chapter Four Darwinism and Its Discontents Chapter Five

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: The A-Team
Date: May 31, 2007 12:50 PM

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Jeff
Date: May 31, 2007 11:29 AM

Revival time with the village atheist
May 25, 2007 (http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070525-124030-2881r.htm)

The jobs don't pay a lot, and you take most of your pay in self-esteem, but somebody is always trying out for village idiot or village atheist. Often they're one and the same.

Lately we've seen fresh pursuit of these positions, fueled by a rash of books about atheism, or more accurately, irrational screeds mocking those who have the faith the authors clearly envy. Atheists are organizing. They have their registered lobbyist now on Capitol Hill, and they're planning a revival meeting in Arlington in September.

No tents, no hymns, and there won't be sawdust on the trail, but big names in the godless firmament are nevertheless promised, including Prof. Richard Dawkins, the recognized Elmer Gantry of the movement; Christopher Hitchens, the author of witty books about his latest visions, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, famously abused by Islamist thugs. Madelyn Murray O'Hair, the lodestar of the movement, however, is still dead. But there will be a screening of "The Life of Brian," the Monty Python tale that has become "The Passion of the Christ" for hip heathen; caricature artists "captur[ing] convention moments of your choice" (at $15 per moment), workshops on "secular parenting," and sessions on "how to organize, develop and maintain an Atheist Meet-up," which is presumably where skeptical singles meet, greet and gaze dreamily into each other's not-so-heavenly eyes.

Merely driving by a church to shake a fist at the steeple on a Sunday morning is no longer enough to make an atheist tingle. They're taking tips from the televangelists they affect to despise. Prof. Dawkins, the Oxford don turned shill for the thrill of believing in nothing, has an Internet site that Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker would have envied, with a button to click to contribute money to support proselytizing for the cult of unbelief. The professor, who sits in something called the Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford when he is not jetting hither and yon to search for opportunities at Atheist Meet-ups, is trying to get his co-religionists to call themselves "Brights," as opposed to what one of his admirers call the "knuckle-dragging morons" whose lives have been touched by divine fire.

One of the most fervent evangelists is Christopher Hitchens, whose book "god is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" is currently for atheists what Chairman Mao's Little Red Book was for the Chinese millions only yesterday. (Note that God gets only a small-g in the title; Hitch is an overflowing font of cleverness.) Hitch particularly despises the legacy of Mother Teresa, whom he calls "the ghoul of Calcutta," and when the Vatican opened proceedings to make her a saint he was invited to testify as a devil's advocate. Since such witnesses for the prosecution are no longer called "devil's advocates," Hitch volunteered to "represent the devil pro-bono."

The death the other day of the Rev. Jerry Falwell put another log on the fire of atheist orthodoxy. Not for the atheists the Roman admonition -- "nil nisi bonum" -- to speak only good of the dead. Hitch has said some of the meanest things about the founder of the Moral Majority, but not all. An editorialist in Arkansas, of all unlikely places, couldn't wait to throw a few rocks. Paul Greenberg, who displays his piety and unction daily in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, went on the attack before Mr. Falwell was even in the cold, cold ground of southwest Virginia. Declaring himself "a survivor of 2,000 years of Christian charity," the sage of Little Rock's Fourche Bayou bottoms likened the reverend to Susan Sontag and Noam Chomsky, and noting that Mr. Falwell "once participated in a civil dialog with spokesmen for homosexual Americans," sneered: "I can't recall him ever falling into decency again."

The atheists reckon they don't have much time. Prof. Dawkins warns that America, with its law, literature and customs rooted in Judeo-Christian religion, is slipping into nothing less than a new Dark Age, with only worthies like himself -- or maybe only himself -- standing between civilization and the abyss. The professor enjoys the reputation of a man who doesn't suffer fools gladly, suffering himself being a full-time job, but the wares of an apostle of despair are not easy to sell. When a debate opponent greeted him not long ago with hand extended for a friendly shake, the professor kept his hands at his side. "You, sir," he said, "are an ignorant bigot." It was a sally worthy of the freshman at the sophomore smoker.

Wesley Pruden is editor in chief of The Times.

===================================
Contact information:

The Washington Times
Washington Times

Washington Times
3600 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002-1947
(202) 636-3000

When contacting the media, please be polite and professional. Express your specific concerns regarding that particular news report or commentary, and be sure to indicate exactly what you would like the media outlet to do differently in the future.

=====================================
I believe Mr. Pruden and the Washington Times owes atheists a public apology, and I have asked for such, and suggest you do the same.

We are The A-Team and we
think Wesley Pruden should get a job at a publication with more class like The New York Post or the National Inquirer.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: The A-Team
Date: May 31, 2007 1:18 PM

I haven't checked out the sites mentioned below myself yet, but this seemed like an important enough bulletin to repost if politcal blogs are under attack.

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Kevin
Date: May 31, 2007 12:29 PM

http://zenkia.sitespaces.net HOOKUP

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Charles Dean Copeland
Date: 31 May 2007, 11:56

The revolution is here, FINALLY!!!

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Pan Man
Date: May 31, 2007 2:33 PM

It looks like the battle for Free Speech has just begun! Maybe a class action suit might get some respect?????
Support our comrade, Nierika!

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: I'M ONE of MANY...
Date: May 31, 2007 1:12 PM

Action Now!

Thanks FREEDOM

RE: nierika has been deleted..she consistantly has gr8 info...

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Trouble
Date: May 31, 2007 10:39 AM

please go to site spaces and register
www.sitespaces.com

----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Matt
Date: May 31, 2007 10:36 AM

MySpace Deletes Political Blogger and Activist Nierika

My good friend Nierika woke up this morning and she received the following email from MySpace:

Your MySpace account has been deleted for violating our Terms of Service.

This is usually due to one of the following:

* Nude images, sexually suggestive or violent photos
* Covering our banner ads with HTML
* Harassing other users
* You do not meet the minimum age requirement
* Spamming the classifieds, forums, bulletins, or other sections of the site
* Attempting to artificially inflate scores
* Scripting the site

Your account cannot be restored. If you choose to return to MySpace, please follow the rules.

This is BULLSHIT. Nierika was deleted because she's by far the most dedicated and hard working politcal blogger and MySpace bulletin poster there is.

Here's a message from Nierika:

"Rebuilding Contacts and Creating Mirrors... As you may already know I was deleted from MeinSpace last night or this morning.

I don't have the time to rebuild this page just yet, but I also will mirror at Guerilla News Networks social networking site.

Please bulletin this on MalevolentSpace as well...

http://nierika.sitespaces.net
http://nierikablog.sitespaces.net

http://nierika.gnn.tv/
Create your own here:
http://www.gnn.tv/apps/login/create.php"

GO CREATE ACCOUNTS AT SITESPACES.NET AND GNN.TV BEFORE ITS TOO LATE PEOPLE

IF MYSPACE DECIDES TO DELETE US ALL, THAN OUR HUGE COMMUNITY WILL HAVE TO REBUILD!!

LETS START THE MIGRATION NOW!!!!

The A-Team and we approve this message.