Back in black

Well, it's been an extremely long time since I've posted anything here, but I figured I'd attempt once again to escape from facebook and share some of my longer and more offensive rants here ;)

I am currently re-watching Dr Bart Ehrman's lecture entitled "Misquoting Jesus", while on a book tour promoting his book of the same name.   Re-watching for probably the tenth time :)   here's the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0zWbL8Uqfw

I posted this on FB after getting particularly excited and passionate over the issue, thinking deeply about a few things he had said.   Another reason I decided to post over here again is that I haven't taken my lithium, cipralex or clonazepam for nearly a week and I think part of the reason for the speed and tone of my writing and thoughts can be contributed to this.  I'm working and feeling truly hopeful for the first time in many years, but I know I need to take them again.  Anyways, here's the rant. take care.

C.K.


--- I've often wondered, as have many others, why I even care about religion. If I don't believe any of it's tenets, then why am I obsessed and trying to push these ideas? (somewhat ironically, like a preacher haha). Ehrman puts it very simply near the beginning of his lecture "Misquoting Jesus". The Bible is "one of the most thoroughly misunderstood books," as well as "the most important book in the history of Western civilization". Even to agnostic/atheists like myself. It has helped to form a framework within each of our minds and many of our ancestors'. "It continues to be used in public debate, over abortion, gay rights" and other decisions like whether or not to invade a foreign country. I was never on this "crusade" because I was angry at God, or miserable and seeking company in that. I isolated myself for a decade, which most ppl can't even begin to fucking imagine....and I finally awake and start to come out of my shell and I'm greeted by a world full of lunacy and absurdity. It's the most important discussion we can have, because it influences so much...even moreso in other countries like Iran. Religion doesn't give power OR glory to God.....it gives power to the people who shepherd the faithful and often take advantage of people's discomfort and fears about mortality. In closing, no one can say(at least no one with any intelligence), that there can't be some sort of higher power and that there's absolutely no chance of some sort of creative force which created the universe(s). But anyone who tells you what to do, how to think,l who to fuck or in what position....well, maybe I should stop there  peace

Sectarian war in Syria / al-Qaeda

It's been quite a while since I've written anything.   Things have been much better personally, however the same cannot be said for the following area.   Here is a link to a video clip on the bombing mentioned below -

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/06/2012627132722216959.html

The Arab Spring still resonates with me as a chill-inducing series of events, representing the great human struggle for freedom and happiness.    But like any major upheaval of the status-quo, things are bound to get messy.    Syria, a puppet of the thugs in Iran, also borders Iraq, Lebanon and other countries which are either threatened by or creating increased tension in the region.   Now Turkey, another bordering nation, has had a recon plane shot down by Assad's forces, threatening to bring further conflict and increased fears over regional instability.

As sectarian violence (now committed on all sides) continues in Syria, it opens a terrible window of opportunity for groups that would take advantage of the chaos to gain power and oppress the masses, as we have seen in Iraq.    A recent bombing of a pro Assad media outlet is a frightening proof.   No mercy or thought for civilian life.  

al-Qaeda is undoubtedly crossing the border from Iraq and attempting to cut off media and establish a new base under the disguise of "rebellion" against the dictator Assad. For 18 months Assad claimed "terrorists" were behind the protests and violence......well now they are actually there. There's a possible offer of exile and amnesty if he gives up power. All things considered I think it's worth letting him go. But like Saddam, he is unlikely to even consider giving up his power.

I sincerely hope this does not morph into a stage for another massive international conflict.....

C.K.

Threat of nuclear blackmail much bigger than Iranian attack

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/18/iran-nuclear-ambitions-middle-east?newsfeed=true

I don't think the real danger is Iran nuking someone. But the worry of nuclear blackmail is almost worse. They can slaughter their own ppl and annex Syria/Bahrain and just say to the West...."what are you gonna do now?". Look at North Korea and the stalemate there. A crazy leader with a nuke, who may not use it, but still holds the world hostage regardless. They do missile tests during famines, essentially for the purpose of blackmailing the U.S. and others to provide aid in exchange for nuclear talks. People are spouting off about this being another Zionist/American imperalist scheme.  Fuck that.....they can't have nukes.   Period.   Not until they can at least offer their people some basic rights and freedoms and step away from destructive dark age religious dogma.

C.K.

Attempted suicide bomber arrested in D.C.

http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2012/02/17/suspected_suicide_bomber_arrested_near_u_s_capitol.html?from=rss/&wpisrc=newsletter_slatest

It's a matter of when, not if someone will attack the U.S. or Canada....but everyone's so paranoid about the government, I worry ppl will blame the gov. Either in the form of the inevitable conspiracy theory, or similar to Iraq/Afghanistan where there was a constant and common moan about Western aggression being to blame. Really? 1993, 1998 and 2000 (b4 Bush was elected) are good examples. It's not so much what we do, as who we are that they hate. Freedom of expression, capitalism and religious freedoms go against their ultimate goal of repression. We shouldn't have our rights compromised, but it is a very real and important issue. I hear alot of ppl suggesting otherwise.

C.K.

Sam Harris - The word Atheist is unnecessary

Harris makes a very valid point...that the word atheism is unnecessary and even harmful. We don't feel the need to call ourselves a-unicornists, or non-astrologers. We don't identify ourselves as being opposed to Zeus or other myths. Those of us who are in opposition (or in league), need only to think and live for ourselves.....

Labels only serve as a divisive instrument, one of my main reasons for opposing religion as well.   

Here's the link :   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH005Zi7nvg&feature=related

 

C.K.

Iranian Nukes / Just like Saddam

These guys are acting just like Saddam... acting like they are hiding something and taunting the IAEA and the rest of the world. I wouldn't care if they wanted nukes, as long as they demonstrated an ability to treat their own citizens and the world with respect. Any regime that believes the end of the world is a good thing and chases nuclear technology, is our enemy.....and a barrier to our advancement and survival as a species.

http://rt.com/news/iran-nuclear-program-achievements-411/

C.K.

Hitchens & Sharpton / Unconstitutionality / West Bank "purge"

Below you will find a link to a debate between Christopher Hitchens and Al Sharpton on the existence of God and the authority of religion.   Hitch is brilliant as always in his critique of religion, but I was especially impressed with what he said regarding Israel.  I believe he talks about that in part 4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvbeLhExaas&feature=related

It is highly unconstitutional for the States to fund efforts to settle the West Bank in an effort to fulfill prophecy and bring on armageddon. For starters, if you already know what the "prophecy" is, then it isn't all that magical for you to fulfill it. Secondly, America has separation of church and state and therefore can not legally use taxpayers money to fund a foreign crusade like that.

It's one thing to support our ally...it's quite different to support kicking poor, desperate and uneducated people off their land just because old books say we should. They aren't the amalakites.

Also, here is a paraphrased version of something Hitch said during the debate regarding human progress.

‎"Where alchemy ends, chemistry begins. Where astrology ends, astronomy begins."

I would also add the following :  Where superstition ends....our future begins.   Only by letting go of primitive and familiar beliefs can we ever hope to evolve as a species.

C.K.

Hitchens is dead

This past Thursday, December 15th 2011, brought a heart-breaking headline, although it was somewhat expected.   Christopher Hitchens, one of the most intelligent and controversial writers in the world passed away after a lengthy fight against the odds.  After a life of chain smoking, drinking and other vices, he finally succumbed to cancer, yet offered no regrets for his choice of lifestyle which hastened his demise.  I think his only regret was not having more time to spend with his family...and possibly not being able to debate religion again.   He said publicly that he wouldn't change anything if he could do it all over again.

Never before has one person transformed and galvanized my opinions on such a wide variety of issues.  He will be dearly missed.   On the bright side however, I do feel that his death will bring his work to the surface even more, hopefully reaching people who would've never heard of him or challenged their beliefs before.

Hitch was sometimes arrogant and aggressive in his views, but a deep and reaching legacy is now his for all time.  There are a million pieces online eulogizing Mr. Hitchens and I think it's fair to say I can't give a very good or accurate rendition of the man's life.  But he certainly changed mine.  :)   R.I.P.

Below are two quotes of Hitch speaking about Mother Teresa and religion.   Controversial yet true no matter how uncomfortable to challenge convention.

"[Mother Teresa] was not a friend of the poor. She was a friend of poverty. She said that suffering was a gift from God. She spent her life opposing the only known cure for poverty, which is the empowerment of women and the emancipation of them from a livestock version of compulsory reproduction." - 


“Religion is man-made. Even the men who made it cannot agree on what their prophets or redeemers or gurus actually said or did.” -


** photo and quotes taken from : http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/12/201112169397371919.html




C.K.

Stem Cell Research / Sam Harris / Gaddafi : Endgame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LpIeJSkLEg&feature=related

Above is a link to a lecture given by Sam Harris, entitled The End of Faith.  Which is also the title of one of his many books I believe.   He delves into the "logic" behind arguments against stem cell research, which shows such amazing promise for our species.  This video obviously also deals with religion and it's impact on the human brain and the world, by shining light on important subjects such as the preaching in Africa that condoms are essentially evil.  I would say that helping contribute to the further spread of aids and the deaths of millions, is not only immoral, but also criminal.

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Here is an excellent documentary series done by the Al Jazeera network entitled "Gaddafi : Endgame".

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/gaddafitheendgame/2011/12/201112874023937788.html

It follows the Libyan ppl as they were rising against the late Libyan dictator and shows things from the perspective of those fighting for their freedom.

   

C.K.

Largest Black Hole yet / Earth-like planet confirmed / Assange wins right to appeal

http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2011/12/05/new_black_hole_discovery_uc_berkley_scientists_find_largest_black_hole_yet.html

Above is a link to an article about astronomers finding the largest black-hole to date.  A super-massive BH that weighs as much as 21 billion times the weight of our sun.

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Also, an earth-like planet has been confirmed about 600 light-years away with an average temperature of 22 degrees celcius.  It would be a perfect candidate to host liquid water, although it is not yet known if the planet is made of mainly liquid, rock or gas.

Article here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16040655

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http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2011/11/02/wikileaks_founder_loses_extradition_appeal.html

Above is an update on Julian Assange and his attempts to remain in Britain, so he is not extradited to Sweden where he can be questioned for alleged sexual assault (but mainly because the U.S. will likely try to bring him to the States to face charges)

I don't have much sympathy for Mr. Assange, even if he is innocent of the charges in Sweden. Sure, his group helped to promote more transparency in governments...but they also directly contributed to the deaths of soldiers and under-cover operatives by releasing troop positions/strategies and secret information on spies working abroad.

Also.... despite the millions of classified documents released, I can't think of any huge names that have been exposed or any big cases brought against ppl for their crimes. Maybe I just haven't heard about them?   Still I have to ask myself was it worth it?? 

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Finally is an article by Dr Michio Kaku, giving an update on the neutrinos that seemed to out-race a beam of light.  

http://bigthink.com/ideas/41222

‎"A couple of months ago, physicists at CERN, Switzerland, claimed they had found a fatal flaw in Einstein's theory of relativity........... After some criticism, they refined their experiments this week, made more precise measurements, and still confirmed their original findings. "

This is pretty huge, although it all does seem to come down to the GPS (which uses relativity itself, to calculate the differences in time between earth and space).  Apart from possibly punching a hole in much of Einstein's theory, if relativity is wrong, so is string theory and the possibility of other dimensions/universes is diminished.

C.K.

Anti - American sentiment - West is not to blame for Islamic extremists

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBxj-uhKx4I&feature=related

Above is a link to another very good clip by Christopher Hitchens in debate, when he is accused of supporting the United States' "crimes" in Iraq and elsewhere, while his opponent is basically saying the West is to blame for creating terrorists.

Hitch schools this poor bastard as usual, giving a razor sharp rebuttal on how this is absolutely untrue.  He can be somewhat hard to follow at times because he's so hyper-articulate and intelligent, but the last few minutes are such and important and accurate reflection of my own thoughts on us in the West....and the people who seem to jump on the bandwagon against this.

Below is Hitch again in an interview, explaining why it was right to invade Iraq.   There, of course, are many different sides to every story, but Christopher Hitchens seems to cover most of them....at the same time.  :)

Get well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E96-2BftzGE&feature=related



C.K.

More Bullshit! - Psychics / Talking to the Dead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb39htpY6dU

People who exploit people's grief, hopes, religion and fear are among the ppl I loathe the most.   100% of it can be explained scientifically.....through psychology, cold and hot reading as well as other methods.   And these days with the internet or cheap P.I.'s, it's so much easier for these "mediums" to get extra info to fish with.

Sure it may leave you walking away feeling better, thinking you connected with someone who's passed..... but that doesn't change the fact that it's a scam.  These bastards get rich off of people who are feeling weak and are looking for someone to turn to in their time of need.   Instead of dealing with their issues and grief, they are handed a big steaming pile of bullshit...which might make them feel a bit better at the time, but it's essentially a band-aid solution that only masks the problem.    Those issues with grief and fear are going to recur....and then it's time to go back to the fraud.

Magicians and illusionists like Penn and Teller, Copperfield or any other famous magic act never claim to actually have supernatural powers.  And that's because they feel it's immoral to do so.   A magician or mentalist could do the exact same thing a psychic does, except they won't bullshit you and tell you it's real.   Psychics just further the issues of denial and grief...and then they prey on the knowledge that person or their friends will come back.

Some may say it's harmless or fun.   Personally, I think it's time our society outgrows this primitive nonsense.

image of Sylvia Browne  found at: http://www.corporatenarc.com/sylviabrownescam.php
(she looked two parents in the eyes on Montel once and told them their child was dead and even said where to look...they then found the kid alive and well, being kept by some sick f***)

  

More BULLSHIT - PETA & Ingrid Newkirk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kXUPy-dCx4&feature=related

I'm all for the ethical treatment of animals.  Who isn't?   But I have always been rather against their methods and extreme exaggerations of the way things are.   There are always people that commit atrocities against animals and people...and those are the videos they like to show to gain support and sympathy.   They show the one guy in a thousand that beats the shit out of his dog....or makes the cow's last few minutes on earth even more miserable before it's turned into a tasty burger. just kidding (well...kinda)

We all are disgusted by these things and would like them to stop.  But violence against people like the humane society manager in this video.....or scientists trying to come up with cures for many of the diseases that afflict us is simply wrong and counter-intuitive bullshit.

There is evidence suggesting that PETA's leader Ingrid Newkirk was directly involved in facilitating the fire-bombing of a university laboratory. It is shown in the second part of the above clip.  WTF?!?!?!?!  They don't want animals hurt, but they have no problem if some janitor working midnights gets hit by a molotov cocktail?????  F*** that!!!

I have to say in conclusion that I do respect some aspects of the animal right and environmentalist movements.   Increased awareness is needed in many areas.   But I also find it revolting how so many people are so extreme in the beliefs of animal rights, but seem completely indifferent on issues like mental health. You just know these are the sort of people that would walk by a homeless person, sneering and judging them... or worse.    I think we all need to do our best to protect nature and all the creatures of this earth.   But in the interest of evolution (and common sense) we should be more focused on human rights and ensuring that no human being on this planet goes through what these animals sometimes do.   It's still happening, more than most people know.... or would like to admit.

Penn & Teller : Bullshit - Global Warming

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yb56lLnyyE

"Man made Global Warming is BULLSHIT !!! See how and why you are sold the lie of global warming to enslave you into a system of feudal serfdom."


- OK. First off, the above description of the youtube video is way too much...sounds exactly like one of those conspiracy movies. haha but it's somewhat true.  We could all be wiped out by a comet tonight and the earth would continue heating up and cooling down in accordance with the sun cycle.

Normally i dont trust tv shows or movies for information, but this seems right on...and it's a point I've been trying to make for years (same with the middle east and I've been called a fool for that too lol) i might be a fool in many ways, but I think I'm right about these issues (of course).

Here's a fun little fact for ya : 97% of all Carbon Dioxide emissions are from nature.....volcanoes and the like. Even today with 7 billion ppl, we only account for 3%!!!!

I will try to post some more facts as I come across them, but for now this will have to do.   We all still need to do our part to preserve our environment, obviously.  But the amount of guilt forced on us is ridiculous and it's just another cash grab by many people.  And even worse...as these ppl gain power and money, they then gain more influence in politics.   If you think their only agenda is saving the earth...well, I don't know what to say.  There are many genuine environmentalists out there who do a lot of good work, but these are not the ppl like Gore who are trying to win power and more money through the process.

Threats against Nato from Iran / Syria ignores Arab League requests

Iran is saying they will attack NATO's missile defense bases in Turkey if there were to be an attack from Israel or the States.   Things are heating up, although they have been for a long time.   And there is still the issue of Syria that the international community is likely going to have to take care of first.    It's good to see The Arab League taking more of a role in these sanctions and threats against Syria though.....takes some of the work off of the U.N.'s hands.   But ultimately I think the withdrawal from Iraq and gradual reduction in Afghanistan will just free up more soldiers for these next interventions.   Hopefully with the help of NATO and the U.N. like in Libya.
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Iran:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iran-threatens-to-target-nato-missile-shield-in-turkey-if-attacked-by-us-or-israel/2011/11/26/gIQA1R7jyN_story.html

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Syria :
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/world/middleeast/syria-lets-arab-league-deadline-on-observers-pass.html

The Oldest, Largest Body Of Water In Existence--In Space / Explosions in Iran

http://www.fastcompany.com/1769468/scientist-discover-the-oldest-largest-body-of-water-in-existence-in-space

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/mysterious-explosions-pose-dilemma-for-iranian-leaders/2011/11/23/gIQA8IsSvN_story.html

9/11 Conspiracy Theories & A beautiful picture of M78 Nebula

Penn & Teller : Bullshit - Debunking 9/11 Conspiracy Theories
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcrF346sS_I

For 10 years now I have been completely against these theories and recently have felt quite vindicated seeing people like Christopher Hitchens talk about and give evidence that goes against the bullshit found in films like Fahrenheit 9/11 and Zeitgeist ( many of the OWS protesters I've seen are making the same points that are given in these disproven movies).  THis clip is from Penn & Teller's TV series Bullshit and again, amkes me feel happy that I always stuck to my guns about these issues, despite being called a fool and many other things  :)  

This is only one 9:00 portion of a longer episode on Conspiracy Theories and doesn't really go into much of the evidence....it's just a common sense rebuttal.  Which is really all you need to see through most of the theories and accusations.....like the "explosions" or windows blowing out (gas lines and air pressure).  Or the controlled demolition theory (If you take out support for the top 20 floors, that would be thousands of tonnes of pressure which can not be supported by the already damaged structure below....one floor goes, then a pancake effect follows as the weight on top steadily increases....maybe why it doesn't fall exactly at free fall speed, as some say)

This is why I’m so against Alex Jones/Zeitgeist/Michael Morre and the like.   Assholes like this convince 50% of the population to fear the government and cause possible unrest in the future.   This shows that at least part of the above-mentioned movies/ppl are ful  of shit....so I give no attention to the rest of what they say.  They’re just as bad and corrupt as the ppl/governments they try to attack.  F*** em!!!

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M78: About 1,600 light-years away and nestled in the nebula rich constellation Orion

 http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110127.html

Piff the Magic Dragon vs Penn and Teller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rey_FNWQx-8

Piff the Magic Dragon and Mr Piffles the Levitating Chihuahua try to fool Penn and Teller on their U.K. game show.   Soooo funny   hahahah    

:) 8?P (:

Radiohead/Beatles : I Will

An amazing track by Radiohead followed by an equally awesome track from the Beatles, both with the same title.... I Will :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euzLGUmb2MM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8muJIOznsg

Facebook post transfer to the old blogski

For the last 6-8 months I have really been unable to control my excessive and somewhat crazy posting on Facebook.   In an attempt to focus more on writing about my experiences with bipolar, I'm going to start a running list of news stories with comments on those and many other things, that I would normally post on FB.   Hopefully that will help reduce the constant bombardment of posts that take up the news feed, I'm sure.

Also thinking this will be easier to look back on, to trace my moods and thoughts.  I guess I'll start with the posts from the last couple days and post from now on over here.   or try at least :)

:) 8?P (:

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