Disturbingly Accurate Portrayal of Indoctrination

I just found this on Facebook and had to share it with you:



I don't know who the artist is, but it's pretty obvious they understand the way indoctrination works.

Here are some other comics and images to amuse you:

Philosophy Airlines:

What Makes Us Uniquely Human?

The other day, I watched a 3 part special about what makes us uniquely human from the rest of the animals on the planet, namely chimps. It was very interesting and I wanted to share it with you. I'm linking to each full length video and then below I will link to Science Talk's interviews with Alda about the show and other interesting things.

Here's some information from PBS:

After some three and a half billion years of life’s evolution on this planet – and after almost two million years since people recognizable as human first walked its surface – a new human burst upon the scene, apparently unannounced.

It was us.

Until then our ancestors had shared the planet with other human species. But soon there was only us, possessors of something that gave us unprecedented power over our environment and everything else alive. That something was – is – the Human Spark.

What is the nature of human uniqueness? Where did the Human Spark ignite, and when? And perhaps most tantalizingly, why?

In a three-part series broadcast on PBS in January 2010, Alan Alda takes these questions personally, visiting with dozens of scientists on three continents, and participating directly in many experiments – including the detailed examination of his own brain.

The Greatest Destruction of Knowledge

Cyril of Alexandria was born around 376CE and rose to power as the Pope of Alexandria during the peak of the Roman Empire's rule there. He is credited with leading the charge against Nestorius in the First Council of Ephesus, where the divinity and caricature of Jesus Christ were debated. The Roman Catholic church eventually bestowed sainthood upon him, counting him among the 'Church Fathers' and 'Doctors of the Church', and also titling him as a Pillar of Faith and Seal of all the Fathers.

History might credit him with a much darker deed though, not surprisingly one the church usually fails to mention or attempts to brush under the rug. Although not official of course, some have referred to him as the patron saint of arsonists. His leadership possibly brought about what is probably the single most destructive annihilation of knowledge in human history.

Its Time For Some New Currency

Oh what a mistake it was adding 'In God We Trust' to the United States currency.



It started with coins in 1864, gained new legs with the motto in 1956, then made its debut on paper currency in 1957.

Duelity: A Different Take on Creation Versus Evolution

Duelity provides a different take on creation versus evolution. With a slightly humorous, and definitely ironic reversal of roles. The creation story is told in a very scientific manner, while the big bang and evolution story is told in a poetic religious manner.



Besides this seeming like a fairly unique idea, the creators have made the two videos so that you can watch them separately, or at the same time.

Thus: Duelity
Check it out!

Skeptics Can Be Funny Too

Tim Minchin is an Australian singer, pianist, comedian and writer. I first saw him on Graham Norton. He has a .. shall we say.. distinctive look that frankly set me back a bit. But he won me over quickly. He was on the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe (episode 184) because he's also an atheist and a skeptic. I had forgotten his name but his act is quite memorable so I was delighted to learn more about him. There isn't much on youtube of him. On the SGU he was talking about a 9 minute piece of beat poetry but I can't find it anywhere. If you know where to find it, let me know! Tim has his own site at TimMinchin.com

If You Open Your Mind Too Much...
This is good stuff about skepticism and atheism.

Richard Dawkins "Rose From The Dead"

From NewsBiscuit

via RichardDawkins.net

O rly, Ya rly!

Farm Fountains and Aquariums

How about a self contained living river ecosystem in your living room? I love the idea of combining art into something practical, useful and also great for the environment, so this really fits the bill.