Jim the Pleb Made Me Do It

[TheMudbrooker]

You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.

I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee.

Yeah, but when the terrorists shoot out the windows and the floor is covered with broken glass, you're fucked.
Oh, and Justin, don't worry about the vast expanses of shark infested waters, if you survive the crash hypothermia will kill you long before the sharks start showing up. :D

[ThreeFlangedJavis]

I've been over the pond quite some times: here are some tips, that worked for me.

• Try to sleep during the flight. Depending on when your flight goes: In the early morning, make an all-nighter before. This works especially well on your way back to the US. You have a shitty half day afterwards but normally you're anyway excited to be in a new country, so that should carry you through the rest of the day. Force yourself to stay wake during the "normal" hours (i.e. like you normally would), especially back home, which makes it easier to get into the local rhythm.
• Some people place confidence in a sleeping pill. Consider it. You should something against headache (but they should also have that on-board).
• Sweatpants or something comfortable are great during the flight. It can get really uncomfortable, don't make it worse. Forget about vanity, nobody cares anyway. Don't use a belt. You always have to put it off and on during the check-ins. Likewise, a sweater with a hood or something is great, so you can just pull it over the head to sleep.
• They come around and provide drinks. You can shamelessly order two and get away with asking for e.g. a coke and water (or any other combination). The air can get really stuffy and you can't always get out of your seat, so it's always a good idea to have something at hand.
• I was usually overprepared with stuff to do, took too much books I didn't read then and was mostly fine with the films they provide in-flight. Yet, don't rely on it.
• If you know someone with a noise canceling headphone, you must borrow it. Neck cushion, perhaps, too (your choice).
• Mark your luggage. Really. Everyone uses the same stuff. Use large stickers, neon shoelace around the grip etc.

http://lifehacker.com/5565403/five-tact ... ce-flights
http://lifehacker.com/5561002/top-10-st ... -airplanes

Point 1. Not unless you are 100% sure you can sleep on a plane, because you will end up arriving in an achey-boned stupor if you can't. The more tired you are the less you will be able to handle the discomfort of a cramped plane seat. Ear plugs; the background noise can get tiring.

Sweatpants, great idea. The seams in a pair of jeans are murder after a few hours.

Always try for an aisle seat, or the seat next to the door(no seat in front of it). Failing that, get the seat at the very rear of the plane. Check in early for a good seat if not allocated when booking.

Don't assume hold luggage is secure. You might find the lock drilled out or cut when you pick it up.

[Gumby]

Because it isn't activism.

I also think the image that they have of anyone that isn't them is hysterically funny. Anyone who is not them is just an old stodgy white guy who has no comprehension of technology, apparently. Internet? I don't need no stinkin' internet! It's just a fad! Now get me my Morse code transmitter so I can contact Richard Dawkins!

LOL. Zvan and Co. think they're being so cutting-edge by... whining on blogs and Twitter. Vive le activist revolution!

[welch]

I've been over the pond quite some times: here are some tips, that worked for me.

• Try to sleep during the flight. Depending on when your flight goes: In the early morning, make an all-nighter before. This works especially well on your way back to the US. You have a shitty half day afterwards but normally you're anyway excited to be in a new country, so that should carry you through the rest of the day. Force yourself to stay wake during the "normal" hours (i.e. like you normally would), especially back home, which makes it easier to get into the local rhythm.
• Some people place confidence in a sleeping pill. Consider it. You should something against headache (but they should also have that on-board).
• Sweatpants or something comfortable are great during the flight. It can get really uncomfortable, don't make it worse. Forget about vanity, nobody cares anyway. Don't use a belt. You always have to put it off and on during the check-ins. Likewise, a sweater with a hood or something is great, so you can just pull it over the head to sleep.
• They come around and provide drinks. You can shamelessly order two and get away with asking for e.g. a coke and water (or any other combination). The air can get really stuffy and you can't always get out of your seat, so it's always a good idea to have something at hand.
• I was usually overprepared with stuff to do, took too much books I didn't read then and was mostly fine with the films they provide in-flight. Yet, don't rely on it.
• If you know someone with a noise canceling headphone, you must borrow it. Neck cushion, perhaps, too (your choice).
• Mark your luggage. Really. Everyone uses the same stuff. Use large stickers, neon shoelace around the grip etc.

http://lifehacker.com/5565403/five-tact ... ce-flights
http://lifehacker.com/5561002/top-10-st ... -airplanes

Depends on the person. I can barely stay awake on a plane, but the Air Force taught me that APU/Engine start = sleepy time. Melissa was impressed the first time we flew together, and I would conk out the INSTANT the safety lecture was over and not wake up until the gear came down.

[welch]

Because it isn't activism.

Because you're a stupid daft bint with delusions of adequacy whose only useful purpose is as a cure for insomnia, and happy dreams.

[Mykeru]

You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.

I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee.

Justin,

You may not be aware of this, but even on a moderately long flight your fellow passengers get bored and really, nothing does more to up everyone's energy and inspiring a sense of camaraderie like you getting totally drunk off your ass, knocking down a stewardess during drink service and taking a big messy shit on the cart. Helps to be a pre-9/11 investment banker though.

More helpful tips. You may want to bring a baby for the diaper one. If you don't have one handy, don't worry, mothers in airports tend to nod off and it's easy to make off with one.

[bovarchist]

Because it isn't activism.

Secularism isn't failing women, women are failing secularism.

[Mykeru]

Because it isn't activism.

Secularism isn't failing women, women are failing secularism.

"Old Guard" = Those people who actually did something that made the community worth being preyed upon by opportunistic carpet-baggers such as The Manatee.

[Cunning Punt]

https://a-plus-scribe.com/doku.php?id=a ... 58;mission

We will strive to honestly, accurately, and completely transcribe as many inaccessible resources as we can.

https://a-plus-scribe.com/doku.php?id=media:start

Number of videos transcribed in 2013 so far: 7

Considering they're inaccessible, that's pretty good. They probably had to go all Indiana Jones to get them.

[Cunning Punt]

I've been over the pond quite some times: here are some tips, that worked for me.

• Try to sleep during the flight. Depending on when your flight goes: In the early morning, make an all-nighter before. This works especially well on your way back to the US. You have a shitty half day afterwards but normally you're anyway excited to be in a new country, so that should carry you through the rest of the day. Force yourself to stay wake during the "normal" hours (i.e. like you normally would), especially back home, which makes it easier to get into the local rhythm.
• Some people place confidence in a sleeping pill. Consider it. You should something against headache (but they should also have that on-board).
• Sweatpants or something comfortable are great during the flight. It can get really uncomfortable, don't make it worse. Forget about vanity, nobody cares anyway. Don't use a belt. You always have to put it off and on during the check-ins. Likewise, a sweater with a hood or something is great, so you can just pull it over the head to sleep.
• They come around and provide drinks. You can shamelessly order two and get away with asking for e.g. a coke and water (or any other combination). The air can get really stuffy and you can't always get out of your seat, so it's always a good idea to have something at hand.
• I was usually overprepared with stuff to do, took too much books I didn't read then and was mostly fine with the films they provide in-flight. Yet, don't rely on it.
• If you know someone with a noise canceling headphone, you must borrow it. Neck cushion, perhaps, too (your choice).
• Mark your luggage. Really. Everyone uses the same stuff. Use large stickers, neon shoelace around the grip etc.

http://lifehacker.com/5565403/five-tact ... ce-flights
http://lifehacker.com/5561002/top-10-st ... -airplanes

Point 1. Not unless you are 100% sure you can sleep on a plane, because you will end up arriving in an achey-boned stupor if you can't. The more tired you are the less you will be able to handle the discomfort of a cramped plane seat. Ear plugs; the background noise can get tiring.

Sweatpants, great idea. The seams in a pair of jeans are murder after a few hours.

Always try for an aisle seat, or the seat next to the door(no seat in front of it). Failing that, get the seat at the very rear of the plane. Check in early for a good seat if not allocated when booking.

Don't assume hold luggage is secure. You might find the lock drilled out or cut when you pick it up.

If you bring toothpaste etc with you on the flight, keep it all in a ziplock bag so they can see it. And use a small tube. +1 on the aisle seat. You can't see anything out the window anyway, and you can get up whenever you want without climbing over someone.

[ConcentratedH2O, OM]

It's a great point. I've searched long and hard for any indication that these organizations (or Richard Dawkins, or James Randi) have ever heard of "The Internet". Seems not.

Don't worry, Ophelia, they'll catch up with your futuristic vision one day.

[Skep tickle]

Because it isn't activism.

Secularism isn't failing women, women are failing secularism.

"We [atheist/secular women] are...predominantly online" - is that even true?

*doubt seethes from me; confirmation is sought but is unlikely to be offered*

[curriejean]

So apparently anyone who says PZ is banning/doxxing people for disagreeing, or for making comments he doesn't like, is a "liar." So does this mean if I popped over there to let him know the 'Pit isn't a den of misogyny, he'd let my comment stand? Or would I be banned/blocked as I was on twitter just for asking questions? Gee...

http://www.freezepage.com/1370915919VEEBBFLWGB

[deLurch]

You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee.

The secret to long air travel is that people get bored. Really bored. And they are really really shy because they are surrounded by a bunch of people they don't know. The people that really help flights go easier are the sociable people who like to strike up long interesting conversations with the people around them to help everyone pass the time. Everyone loves to hear a debate on long flights. See if you can do some interviews while you are on your flight.

[deLurch]

Because it isn't activism.

Secularism isn't failing women, women are failing secularism.

Bullshit. You cannot lay this lump of a mess all on women. You have a handful of women & men leading the hysteria brigade doing the gender equivalent of "think of the children," and too many secular leaders and the vast majority of the secular population is too afraid to call bullshit when they flog their excuses to justify any number of hypocritical actions.

[mordacious1]

So apparently anyone who says PZ is banning/doxxing people for disagreeing, or for making comments he doesn't like, is a "liar." So does this mean if I popped over there to let him know the 'Pit isn't a den of misogyny, he'd let my comment stand? Or would I be banned/blocked as I was on twitter just for asking questions? Gee...

http://www.freezepage.com/1370915919VEEBBFLWGB

And here’s what’s incredibly annoying about it, too: I don’t ban that many people, and those that I do kick out, I try to be open about it, listing their names on the Dungeon page.

Ha ha ha. This from the asshat who banned the entire Slymepit at one time (nearly 700 people).

[justinvacula]

[youtube]s52g93ic4kQ[/youtube]

[bovarchist]

I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took a night class in Women's Studies.

[mordacious1]

by Skep tickle » Mon Jun 10, 2013 6:54 pm • [Post 29952]
"We [atheist/secular women] are...predominantly online" - is that even true?

I don't think so. I've been wondering how many atheists/secularist/etc. are on the FFTB side of this issue. Most that I speak with know Richard Dawkins and many know PZ (mainly from Crackergate), but few know who Benson, Svan or any of these other characters are. I think these clowns are a minority within a minority (the minority is atheist/secular people who follow more than one site about that subject, the minority in a minority are people who know about Elevatorgate and these bloggers trying to seek internet fame through it). Tempest in a teapot really, but annoying to those of us that do follow these issues (sigh).

[welch]

I've been over the pond quite some times: here are some tips, that worked for me.

• Try to sleep during the flight. Depending on when your flight goes: In the early morning, make an all-nighter before. This works especially well on your way back to the US. You have a shitty half day afterwards but normally you're anyway excited to be in a new country, so that should carry you through the rest of the day. Force yourself to stay wake during the "normal" hours (i.e. like you normally would), especially back home, which makes it easier to get into the local rhythm.
• Some people place confidence in a sleeping pill. Consider it. You should something against headache (but they should also have that on-board).
• Sweatpants or something comfortable are great during the flight. It can get really uncomfortable, don't make it worse. Forget about vanity, nobody cares anyway. Don't use a belt. You always have to put it off and on during the check-ins. Likewise, a sweater with a hood or something is great, so you can just pull it over the head to sleep.
• They come around and provide drinks. You can shamelessly order two and get away with asking for e.g. a coke and water (or any other combination). The air can get really stuffy and you can't always get out of your seat, so it's always a good idea to have something at hand.
• I was usually overprepared with stuff to do, took too much books I didn't read then and was mostly fine with the films they provide in-flight. Yet, don't rely on it.
• If you know someone with a noise canceling headphone, you must borrow it. Neck cushion, perhaps, too (your choice).
• Mark your luggage. Really. Everyone uses the same stuff. Use large stickers, neon shoelace around the grip etc.

http://lifehacker.com/5565403/five-tact ... ce-flights
http://lifehacker.com/5561002/top-10-st ... -airplanes

Point 1. Not unless you are 100% sure you can sleep on a plane, because you will end up arriving in an achey-boned stupor if you can't. The more tired you are the less you will be able to handle the discomfort of a cramped plane seat. Ear plugs; the background noise can get tiring.

Sweatpants, great idea. The seams in a pair of jeans are murder after a few hours.

Always try for an aisle seat, or the seat next to the door(no seat in front of it). Failing that, get the seat at the very rear of the plane. Check in early for a good seat if not allocated when booking.

Don't assume hold luggage is secure. You might find the lock drilled out or cut when you pick it up.

If you bring toothpaste etc with you on the flight, keep it all in a ziplock bag so they can see it. And use a small tube. +1 on the aisle seat. You can't see anything out the window anyway, and you can get up whenever you want without climbing over someone.

But, the window seat is the easiest for sleeping.

[Skep tickle]

[img] http://i.imgur.com/DLPDn5B.jpg [img]

My passport has arrived. Irish eyes will be smiling :) Thanks again to gracious donors who contributed and supporters who promoted my fundraiser!

Your mouth beard will be arrested on the borders for impersonating a dead slug. But you should get through. Don't forget the visa (which I think you may not need)

Good point on possible visa need. Turns out people from USA (as from many other countries) are exempted from that requirement for entry into Ireland, see the chart here.

[Badger3k]

I see that PZ has had to backtrack (in a way) on his comment policy (here)

He claims he will not expose the addresses of those who simply make comments he doesn't like, as if people can't read his blog and see that that is exactly what is happening. I do think he is a little rude to people like Jerry Coyne (I assume he is one of the "usual mythologizing twits" (the link in the original goes to something that thimbledick wrote, so I'm not even going to repost that). After all, if your post is so easily misunderstood that people like Prof Coyne feel the need th reiterate that they will never expose people's addresses to the general commenters, then...I guess that means that they are stupid or ignorant, or willfully distorting. Couldn't be that he's a bad writer or else that people can just see what he's been doing all along and finally speaking up?

Nah, got to be the haters.

[Badger3k]

Oh, and I did forget to mention that the ironically titles that blog post "No More Mr Nice Guy" (Sorry Alice Cooper!). PZ hasn't been nice, well, since he started blogging, at least.

[CommanderTuvok]

Aretha Franklin's song about the Baboons.

[youtube]-rwvH7Y4RG8[/youtube]

[dogen]

I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took a night class in Women's Studies.

Surely, you took an arrow in the cunt, no?

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

:o
[heavy snip]
and why the battle ground has been contained to UHMURRIKA, the bacon-eating primary power base of the Patriarchy.

We had bacon this morning. Bastard eluded me for years, until I found out I could just cook it in the oven. Lay a piece of tinfoil on your oven tray, put the slices on there, put in the oven, start the oven at thermostat 6/7 (do NOT pre-heat), wait 16/20 minutes, and voila! Pancakes and mapple sirup are a good addition, of course...

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/storie ... shVula.jpg

Oh, compulsive hoarding! I used to suffer from that, then my girl came in, and these days I only compulsively hoard forum comments.

Really, it was a nightmare, to the point where I was almost unable to get into the small attic I was living in because of all the trash. Beer cans, wine bottles, take-away wraps, you name it.

I think I got that from my father who, until last year, still had four non-working TV sets in his house. He kept them "just in case". In case of what?!?

Or maybe that picture is just one messy kitchen.

[Skep tickle]

http://freethoughtblogs.com/amilliongod ... ts-really/

Avicenna in a blogpost titled "Women aren’t Feminists? Really?" It's long, and gets into MRM (apparently equating AVfM with it, and any actual "men's rights" work with feminism). I did not read the AVfM open letter he seems to be referring to. I won't try to quote or address anywhere near the whole thing, but here are a few clips (all bolding added by me):

<snip>

I know I get readers from MRA movements here. So I will explain this as simple as possible. While women have it easy in some ways compared to men, men have it easier in more ways and in more important ways....

Yes ["Kicking a man in the groin or outright threatening to castrate him" is] acceptable comedy in the same way that laughing at stuff that white people do is acceptable comedy.

Do you know “why”?

Because if the most misandric thing about society is laughing at simulated violence against men then your life is “Fucking Awesome”.

Because the majority of violence is perpetrated by men. The biggest kickers of testicles are possessors of testicles.

<snip>

Don't they all know they need to shut up and listen to the women?

There's now a 4th comment, from someone who will likely be called an MRA:

June 10, 2013 at 10:09 PM (UTC 5.5) Link to this comment

Well, I was with you up until the following… when you attempt to defend the indefensible.

Jennifer Aniston recently kicked a guy in the nutsack just to get more “hits” for a Smartwater ad and not only does #Fbrape not care, they helped deliver the predicted “likes.” It is selective tunnel vision on the part of this campaign.

Yes it’s acceptable comedy in the same way that laughing at stuff that white people do is acceptable comedy.

No, it’s not. It’s frankly disgusting. Or do you now think rape jokes are A-OK as long as the victim is male?

Do you know “why”?

Do you know “why not”? It is because men have as much right to a life free from violence as women.

Because if the most misandric thing about society is laughing at simulated violence against men then your life is “Fucking Awesome”.

It is not “Fucking Awesome”. It is an indicator that society, in fact, doesn’t take violence against me seriously.

Because the majority of violence is perpetrated by men. The biggest kickers of testicles are possessors of testicles.

SO WHAT???

[Ape+lust]

http://i.imgur.com/KB2ooYG.jpg

[sacha]

Ape+lust - hahahaha!

[Ape+lust]

Ape+lust - hahahaha!

Awesome! Thank you so much, Sacha :D

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

So apparently anyone who says PZ is banning/doxxing people for disagreeing, or for making comments he doesn't like, is a "liar." So does this mean if I popped over there to let him know the 'Pit isn't a den of misogyny, he'd let my comment stand? Or would I be banned/blocked as I was on twitter just for asking questions? Gee...

http://www.freezepage.com/1370915919VEEBBFLWGB

And here’s what’s incredibly annoying about it, too: I don’t ban that many people, and those that I do kick out, I try to be open about it, listing their names on the Dungeon page.

Ha ha ha. This from the asshat who banned the entire Slymepit at one time (nearly 700 people).

And telling lies about them. Myers, buy yourself a conscience, it will do you some good.

[sacha]

I've been over the pond quite some times: here are some tips, that worked for me.

• Try to sleep during the flight. Depending on when your flight goes: In the early morning, make an all-nighter before. This works especially well on your way back to the US. You have a shitty half day afterwards but normally you're anyway excited to be in a new country, so that should carry you through the rest of the day. Force yourself to stay wake during the "normal" hours (i.e. like you normally would), especially back home, which makes it easier to get into the local rhythm.
• Some people place confidence in a sleeping pill. Consider it. You should something against headache (but they should also have that on-board).
• Sweatpants or something comfortable are great during the flight. It can get really uncomfortable, don't make it worse. Forget about vanity, nobody cares anyway. Don't use a belt. You always have to put it off and on during the check-ins. Likewise, a sweater with a hood or something is great, so you can just pull it over the head to sleep.
• They come around and provide drinks. You can shamelessly order two and get away with asking for e.g. a coke and water (or any other combination). The air can get really stuffy and you can't always get out of your seat, so it's always a good idea to have something at hand.
• I was usually overprepared with stuff to do, took too much books I didn't read then and was mostly fine with the films they provide in-flight. Yet, don't rely on it.
• If you know someone with a noise canceling headphone, you must borrow it. Neck cushion, perhaps, too (your choice).
• Mark your luggage. Really. Everyone uses the same stuff. Use large stickers, neon shoelace around the grip etc.

http://lifehacker.com/5565403/five-tact ... ce-flights
http://lifehacker.com/5561002/top-10-st ... -airplanes

Aneris is spot on.

I get dehydrated on a plane, so I always ask for a few extra bottles of water. You can also ask the flight attendants for beverages when the beverage cart is put away. I don't think aspirin can be provided by the airline any longer, bring some, and some hard candy for dehydration as well.

the temperature will fluctuate, so layer a bit (tee-shirt, hoodie, thick socks) comfort is key, I always bring a big hooded sweatshirt to snuggle up in, and a big scarf to roll up and use as a pillow.

I always ask for an aisle seat, (I have to get out of my seat here and there, and at least stretch a bit - plus I pee more than most people) you should request either aisle or window as soon as possible, the airlines assign seats prior to boarding. You do not want to be in a middle seat on a long crowded flight. You will have more room with an emergency exit seat, they ask that you be able to help others in case of emergency in order to sit there. It's a good spot for long flights.

you will be uncomfortable, everyone is. I'm small and I am extremely uncomfortable (mostly because the seats are made for an average sized person, and the padded head rest is in such a spot that it puts pressure on my neck, and I have a really, really bad neck.)

I prefer a muscle relaxer to a sleeping pill, because it helps with the discomfort.


If you are prepared, it's not too bad. I'm more uncomfortable than most, you will certainly be better off than me.

[sacha]

Ape+lust - hahahaha!

Awesome! Thank you so much, Sacha :D

that is now one of my favourites

[sacha]

Justin, you may want to refrain from using the term Trolly Dolly

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

Justin, you may want to refrain from using the term Trolly Dolly

Or "bomb". You never go full bomb.

[ConcentratedH2O, OM]

http://i.imgur.com/KB2ooYG.jpg

Perfect. (this, a thousand times this, etc.)

[sacha]

for all of you cat lovers, this San Francisco cat was rescued from a shelter

ham2-thumb-550x547.jpg

(53.48 KiB) Downloaded 169 times

http://instagram.com/hamilton_the_hipster_cat#

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

for all of you cat lovers, this San Francisco cat was rescued from a shelter

ham2-thumb-550x547.jpg

http://instagram.com/hamilton_the_hipster_cat#

Aaaaaaawwwwww!!!

[bovarchist]

Wait...Did PZ just say that he intends to dox 12 yr olds?

[sacha]

for all of you cat lovers, this San Francisco cat was rescued from a shelter

The attachment ham2-thumb-550x547.jpg is no longer available

http://instagram.com/hamilton_the_hipster_cat#

Aaaaaaawwwwww!!!

his moustache is splendid

Hamilton.jpg

(53.73 KiB) Downloaded 171 times

[AndrewV69]

You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee.

The secret to long air travel is that people get bored. Really bored. And they are really really shy because they are surrounded by a bunch of people they don't know. The people that really help flights go easier are the sociable people who like to strike up long interesting conversations with the people around them to help everyone pass the time. Everyone loves to hear a debate on long flights. See if you can do some interviews while you are on your flight.

Just in case someone takes this seriously, I am going to let you folks know that this is a really good way to get murdered.

(or at least raise the profound desire to do so)

[Skep tickle]

http://freethoughtblogs.com/almostdiamo ... ve-equity/

Have to catch my breath from laughing. Zvan says we will know we have equity in the movement when:

We’ll know we have gender equity when we can be as cranky as the guys. We’ll be allowed to have bad days or say something intemperate without people insisting it become and forever remain part of our official biography so everyone knows we’re not perfectly nice 100% of the time. Snapping at someone when our patience has proved not to be inexhaustible won’t be presented as a reason we should never be taken seriously again. ...

We’ll know we have gender equity when the people who speak about us are expected to treat our words, actions, and selves with the same principles of accuracy and charity that our complaints are held to or that the complaints against someone like Richard Dawkins or Sam Harris are held to. ...

We’ll know we have gender equity when our anger and our passion are put to use instead of being flinched from. The confrontationalist versus accommodationist wars will be settled in favor of the pluralism that is its destiny. We will no longer be the group to whom it’s acceptable to say, “But really, you need to spend your time and energy educating in a pleasant, non-threatening manner.” Our anger will be welcomed, validated, and channeled into productive political action, as anger is in political movements.

Oh, but when I & others challenge (angrily, passionately) their words & actions as lacking in accuracy and charity, we're the lowest excuse for human beings that ever lived. :roll:

We’ll know we have gender equity when we have equal ownership stake in this movement we’re contributing to. We won’t be told we can’t have “their” atheism. We won’t be told that our atheist work is appropriation of atheism. Our contributions and our ability to contribute more will be weighed alongside those considerations we ask for. When someone tells us to get out, the first question asked in return will be a skeptical “What can you offer to replace her?”

LOL, particularly since Myers and Carrier have said (in other words) that they want their version of atheism to become mainstream atheism. And I don't even understand that last line.

We’ll know we have gender equity when our work is recognized. Those of us who write will be linked and recommended. Those of us who speak will be remembered when the time comes for invitations–and when the time comes to decide where to spend atheist convention money. Those of us in leadership positions will be consulted and mentioned when leadership openings occur. More than either of those, though, the work of volunteers won’t go unnoticed and unremarked but will be given its full value when we talk about who and what is important in our movement.

Mmmm. Anything I say in response to this would likely be seen as uncharitable.

We’ll know we have gender equity when interference with our work is scrutinized and minimized. People who want to see this movement go forward will get angry at the constant interruption of our work. The noise of continual attacks and constant pettiness will be decried as an attack on the work of the movement. The people who wage those attacks will lose credibility instead of gaining it. Those who libel us will be the problem of all who want this movement to succeed, not just the targets of libel.

Oh, puh-leaze. If you would ignore trolls, allow discussion, and stop being self-aggrandizing, I suspect things would go much better. And if you think you're being libeled, get a lawyer, don't whinge about it on your blog.

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

Justin, I hope you'll get a good kick out of the take-off acceleration. This is one of my favorite parts of a flight (the other being the drink-wagon. And safe landing, of course).

Commercial flight lost its appeal to me for a while when I was activelly skydiving, but in recent years I've found the appeal is back. Mind you, I also love train rides (taking the TGV on tuesday next for some work in the north of France). Booming around at more than 300kms/hour on ground is extremely cool.

[Skep tickle]

You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee.

The secret to long air travel is that people get bored. Really bored. And they are really really shy because they are surrounded by a bunch of people they don't know. The people that really help flights go easier are the sociable people who like to strike up long interesting conversations with the people around them to help everyone pass the time. Everyone loves to hear a debate on long flights. See if you can do some interviews while you are on your flight.

Just in case someone takes this seriously, I am going to let you folks know that this is a really good way to get murdered.

(or at least raise the profound desire to do so)

I have been quite enjoying deLurch's understated humor, particularly noticed it on a couple of occasions today.

(Assuming I'm reading him right, which might not be the case - that's part of what makes understated humor so delicious IMO)

[Gefan]

You wanna know the secret to surviving air travel? After you get where you're going, take off your shoes and your socks then walk around on the rug bare foot and make fists with your toes.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy. Trust me, I've been doing it for nine years. Yes sir, better than a shower and a hot cup of coffee.

The secret to long air travel is that people get bored. Really bored. And they are really really shy because they are surrounded by a bunch of people they don't know. The people that really help flights go easier are the sociable people who like to strike up long interesting conversations with the people around them to help everyone pass the time. Everyone loves to hear a debate on long flights. See if you can do some interviews while you are on your flight.

Just in case someone takes this seriously, I am going to let you folks know that this is a really good way to get murdered.

(or at least raise the profound desire to do so)

I make a point of very conspicuously putting in earplugs as soon as someone sits next to me. If that doesn't work, and they still want to introduce me to Jesus, the inner workings of their extended family in Des Moines, or what they heard this morning on Fox and Friends, I explain, in the most ludicrous "Swedish Chef" accent I can manage, that "my English ist wery bad" and "no understand".

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

The "best" talk I've had on a commercial flight was with someone who tried to get me into a pyramid scam. These days I just go with earplugs and read a book.

[Gefan]

For those of you keeping score, the last page contained; five photoshops of Obama as Hitler, five photos of the inside of Mykeru's colon (one with a gerbil photoshopped into it), and a discussion on "torture porn".

And still, the insight into the mind of Sally Strange was the most disturbing thing on the whole page.

[Skep tickle]

The "best" talk I've had on a commercial flight was with someone who tried to get me into a pyramid scam. These days I just go with earplugs and read a book.

I've found it helps to open up a book containing full color plates of skin diseases.

[Gefan]

Justin, I hope you'll get a good kick out of the take-off acceleration. This is one of my favorite parts of a flight (the other being the drink-wagon. And safe landing, of course).

Commercial flight lost its appeal to me for a while when I was activelly skydiving, but in recent years I've found the appeal is back. Mind you, I also love train rides (taking the TGV on tuesday next for some work in the north of France). Booming around at more than 300kms/hour on ground is extremely cool.

We took the TGV from Paris to Avignon in 2004 and were seriously impressed.
Having experienced American attempts at rail travel, it left us with a bit of the sense of revelation Eastern Bloc residents must have had the first time they were allowed access to the West.
Similar thing happened the first time I experienced Singapore's dazzling airport and then returned to LAX with its broken escalators and abundant security personnel asking for your papers every two meters.

[Skep tickle]

I know several people quoted Carrier's letter to CFI ~3 days ago, but I just read the text more carefully today and saw his response to Ryan Long's comment at his blog.

Richard Carrier's letter contains this line (bolding added):

[Ron Lindsay] doesn’t have a good grasp of how to maintain a positive rallying message for all worthwhile members of the movement.

There are 3 comments, all of which disagree with Carrier.

The first is by Ryan Long, to which Carrier says (in part):

I know you would rather we be silenced. But it’s people like you who are ruining this movement.

The second is from "Me Too", who says (after quoting part of Carrier's post:

I agree 110% – Lindsay needs to have visible, wholehearted agreement and endorsement. Face it, your 15 minutes are up. The various communities are past smiling politely and staying quiet.

The third is from "gingerbaker", who says:

I hate that you are writing letters with this sort of mean-spirited tone and vindictive purpose. I hate that atheistic feminism is becoming a synonym for an aggrieved juggernaut quashing criticism through the use of personal vilification and political leverage.

Carrier removed his mention of emaiing Eddie Tabash from his blogpost, without (as far as I can see) mentioning there that he was making an edit. The (current) last comment is Carrier's, presenting the Tabash email thing as if it simply turned out to be unnecessary and less efficient to use that email than the official approach:

Update: Contrary to my original suggestion, it is unnecessary to send anything to Eddie Tabash; it’s more efficient to send everything through Tom Flynn (address now in first paragraph of the article). Please send all correspondence on this issue to him.

:)

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

I have a comment awaiting moderation at Michael Nugent's blog. I'll just past it here for safety:

Pogsurf:

The comments on that particular thread don’t exist anymore (as far as I know, and I can’t even remember which post it was. Sci Blogs anyway). But the full story goes like this:

I was in a discussion about the use of certain words like “cunt” or “bitch”, and the way it applies in different countries (ie: not US-centric). I was called a fuckwit and other assimilated nicknames. One commenter mentioned that she was called a “cunt” and a “bitch” by her rapist, to which I pointed out that I was told to “shut the fuck up, you little fucker” by mine. Then some other commenter called me a liar about my rape(s) being real.

To be fair to said commenter, they later recanted and apologized, after a big portion of the comentariat told them to. Myers just banned me. And labelled me a MRA, for some reason.

[deLurch]

Since the application of science & skepticism is no longer working out for Rebecca Watson, I think I found a new niche market that focuses on her core competencies.

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

Since the application of science & skepticism is no longer working out for Rebecca Watson, I think I found a new niche market that focuses on her core competencies.

I'd be very ashamed if I ever used their type of sauce for a pizza. Fresh ground tomatoes, garlic, parsley and a bit of oregano. That would do the trick.

The FTB/Skepchick version would include fresh pressed harassement tears, of course.

[Dick Strawkins]

We're all going on a, summer holiday...

http://i.imgur.com/9EmhNS9.jpg

[tina]

So apparently anyone who says PZ is banning/doxxing people for disagreeing, or for making comments he doesn't like, is a "liar." So does this mean if I popped over there to let him know the 'Pit isn't a den of misogyny, he'd let my comment stand? Or would I be banned/blocked as I was on twitter just for asking questions? Gee...

http://www.freezepage.com/1370915919VEEBBFLWGB

And here’s what’s incredibly annoying about it, too: I don’t ban that many people, and those that I do kick out, I try to be open about it, listing their names on the Dungeon page.

Ha ha ha. This from the asshat who banned the entire Slymepit at one time (nearly 700 people).

....The Dungeon is gone. From now on, if you’re a jerk, you just get zapped and disappear forever, with no documentation....

A bit like dropping 'em out of an aeroplane, eh PZ? Bit Chile round your place these days? Crude but ineffective.

[AndrewV69]

Seeing as the topic keeps coming up something related:

http://notthesingularity.com/4892/major ... nder-bush/
http://notthesingularity.com/wp-content ... 0-13-4.png

I am a bit bemused about the recent hoo ha. None of this is really new. Even someone like me who has never paid much that much attention knew that the surveillance was an ongoing thing and was regularly noted in the various news papers over the years.

So why is everyone so shocked all of a sudden?

[windy]

So apparently anyone who says PZ is banning/doxxing people for disagreeing, or for making comments he doesn't like, is a "liar." So does this mean if I popped over there to let him know the 'Pit isn't a den of misogyny, he'd let my comment stand? Or would I be banned/blocked as I was on twitter just for asking questions? Gee...

http://www.freezepage.com/1370915919VEEBBFLWGB

Sure, you wouldn't be banned for disagreeing, you'd be banned for being evil slyme that hates wimmen. You could go there and agree and still be banned!

[deLurch]

I am a bit bemused about the recent hoo ha. None of this is really new. Even someone like me who has never paid much that much attention knew that the surveillance was an ongoing thing and was regularly noted in the various news papers over the years.

So why is everyone so shocked all of a sudden?

When everyone was in fear of the next terrorist attack, people gladly turned a blind eye or pretty much expected it. Now, over a decade later, people are tired of the long lines at TSA airports and no longer feel like they are willing to put up with anything in order to secure their safety. Fear based responses are instantaneous. Rational reasoned discourse takes time to sway people back.

Enough time has passed, and now it happens to be in the news cycle. The only reason it is in the news cycle is because we are no longer assuming this is happening. We have solid evidence and details as to what is going on and people are not comfortable with that. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

[Dick Strawkins]

Seeing as the topic keeps coming up something related:

http://notthesingularity.com/4892/major ... nder-bush/
[img]http://notthesingularity.com/wp-content ... 0-13-4.png

I am a bit bemused about the recent hoo ha. None of this is really new. Even someone like me who has never paid much that much attention knew that the surveillance was an ongoing thing and was regularly noted in the various news papers over the years.

So why is everyone so shocked all of a sudden?

The idea of "watching what the bad guys are doing on the internet" has an inherent appeal to most people, after all it sounds like a perfectly reasonable thing to do - if bad guys are planning atrocities on the internet then why wouldn't the security agencies keep track of them in order to prevent said atrocities.

The trouble is in the method of tracking and recording everything.
For a start what happens if a govenment comes to power that suddenly decides certain things that are now acceptable (for example homosexuality - or atheism) are now deemed unacceptable. Suddenly the term 'bad guys' has shifted to include a lot more people, and evidence is suddenly made available to pursue these bad guys in the same way that evidence of terrorism was in the past.

Or, considering that some of this surveillance is being contracted out to private companies, what if the government are not the only ones who have access to these private files?

Can you imagine having the internet history, internet messageboard comments, private emails etc of everyone?
How much power would that give someone who decides to make use of it.