Secular Yakking

We had a wonderful discussion with Jeff Stilwell when he returned from his Peace March for Humanity. We learn about his trip and his new project Peace Cities USA. http://peacecitiesusa.org/

How you can help firefighting and disaster relief efforts in Washington State http://www.tricityfreethinkers.org/2015/08/how-you-can-help-firefighting-and-disaster-relief-efforts-in-washington-state/ Some you may have noticed that most of Eastern Washington is on fire. We may joke a lot about that area, but this is serious situation. The Tri-city freethinkers are asking that any physically fit person with some experience in disasters contact them. If you are able and willing to go help, send an email to jennifer@tricityfreethinkers.org to be put in touch with this volunteer. You can donate $10 by texting “redcross” to 90999. For more information on how to donate to or volunteer with Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.org/support. California: Land Purchase Saves Veterans’ Memorial Cross in San Diego http://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/california-land-purchase-saves-veterans-memorial-cross-san-diego A 27-foot-tall cross, positioned on top of Mount Soledad in San Diego’s La Jolla neighborhood, which served as a veterans’ memorial, is no longer threatened with being removed, after the half acre property on which it is perched, worth $1.4 million, was recently sold to a private group called Mount Soledad Memorial Association. The completion of the sale makes the group, which has maintained the property since 1954, its sole decision-maker for the first time in its history. WARNER BROS. HEADS TO THE COSMOS WITH CARL SAGAN BIOPIC http://www.tracking-board.com/tb-exclusive-warner-bros-heads-to-the-cosmos-with-carl-sagan-biopic/ Warner Bros. is developing a biopic about astronomer Carl Sagan, with his widow, Ann Druyan, among the producers. No plot details have been revealed, though Zach Dean (Deadfall) has been announced as the film’s screenwriter. Sagan was a best-selling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and in addition to his scientific work he is also known as co-creator and host of the 1980 public television series Cosmos. That show was revamped into an Emmy-winning updated series in 2014, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Victoria (Australia) Finally Scraps Religious Indoctrination Classes from State School Curriculums http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/08/20/victoria-australia-finally-scraps-religious-indoctrination-classes-from-state-school-curriculums/ Australian public schools have been offering “special religious instruction”. The intention was to expose children to different religions. However in most cases it exclusively Christian. IN one case they used a worksheet to find hidden letters that spell out the name Jesus. According to Fairness in Religions In Schools, http://religionsinschool.com/cre-curriculum/vic/, whose mission is to provide an “inclusive school curriculum” in the SRI instruction and to stop evangelizing during class, many programs not only ignored non-christian religions but also actively evanalized to the kids. Victorian schools will scrap special religious instruction from class time, with changes to the state’s curriculum throwing the future of the controversial program in doubt. The Andrews government has ordered that the weekly 30 minute program move to lunchtime and before and after school in 2016 to make way for new content on world histories, cultures, faiths and ethics. “Extracurricular programs should not interfere with class time when teachers and students should be focused on the core curriculum,” the government said in a statement. Federal prisons agree to recognize humanism as religion http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150727/NEWS03/150729102/1035/Federal-prisons-agree-to-recognize-humanism-as-religion

How you can help firefighting and disaster relief efforts in Washington State http://www.tricityfreethinkers.org/2015/08/how-you-can-help-firefighting-and-disaster-relief-efforts-in-washington-state/ Some you may have noticed that most of Eastern Washington is on fire. We may joke a lot about that area, but this is serious situation. The Tri-city freethinkers are asking that any physically fit person with some experience in disasters contact them. If you are able and willing to go help, send an email to jennifer@tricityfreethinkers.org to be put in touch with this volunteer. You can donate $10 by texting “redcross” to 90999. For more information on how to donate to or volunteer with Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.org/support. California: Land Purchase Saves Veterans’ Memorial Cross in San Diego http://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/california-land-purchase-saves-veterans-memorial-cross-san-diego A 27-foot-tall cross, positioned on top of Mount Soledad in San Diego’s La Jolla neighborhood, which served as a veterans’ memorial, is no longer threatened with being removed, after the half acre property on which it is perched, worth $1.4 million, was recently sold to a private group called Mount Soledad Memorial Association. The completion of the sale makes the group, which has maintained the property since 1954, its sole decision-maker for the first time in its history. WARNER BROS. HEADS TO THE COSMOS WITH CARL SAGAN BIOPIC http://www.tracking-board.com/tb-exclusive-warner-bros-heads-to-the-cosmos-with-carl-sagan-biopic/ Warner Bros. is developing a biopic about astronomer Carl Sagan, with his widow, Ann Druyan, among the producers. No plot details have been revealed, though Zach Dean (Deadfall) has been announced as the film’s screenwriter. Sagan was a best-selling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and in addition to his scientific work he is also known as co-creator and host of the 1980 public television series Cosmos. That show was revamped into an Emmy-winning updated series in 2014, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Victoria (Australia) Finally Scraps Religious Indoctrination Classes from State School Curriculums http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/08/20/victoria-australia-finally-scraps-religious-indoctrination-classes-from-state-school-curriculums/ Australian public schools have been offering “special religious instruction”. The intention was to expose children to different religions. However in most cases it exclusively Christian. IN one case they used a worksheet to find hidden letters that spell out the name Jesus. According to Fairness in Religions In Schools, http://religionsinschool.com/cre-curriculum/vic/, whose mission is to provide an “inclusive school curriculum” in the SRI instruction and to stop evangelizing during class, many programs not only ignored non-christian religions but also actively evanalized to the kids. Victorian schools will scrap special religious instruction from class time, with changes to the state’s curriculum throwing the future of the controversial program in doubt. The Andrews government has ordered that the weekly 30 minute program move to lunchtime and before and after school in 2016 to make way for new content on world histories, cultures, faiths and ethics. "Extracurricular programs should not interfere with class time when teachers and students should be focused on the core curriculum," the government said in a statement. Federal prisons agree to recognize humanism as religion http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150727/NEWS03/150729102/1035/Federal-prisons-agree-to-recognize-humanism-as-religion

On this episode: Two suspected Islamists arrested over killing of secular Bangladeshi blogger http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/14/two-suspected-islamists-arrested-over-killing-of-secular-bangladesh-blogger Florida principal tries to quietly ban book to appease Christians http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/florida-principal-tries-to-quietly-ban-book-to-appease-christians-sets-off-shtstorm-instead/ Anti-Science Trolls are Starting Edit Wars on Wikipedia http://gizmodo.com/anti-science-trolls-are-starting-edit-wars-on-wikiped-1724422402 No collarbones allowed http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2015/08/draconian-dress-code-shames-public-school-students-in-kentucky/ A petition on change.org https://www.change.org/p/sbdm-council-baord-members-help-our-students-change-woodford-county-high-school-dress-code) has been started by the students to get the dress code changed. There is also a documentary produced at the end of last year by a Woodford Student called Shame: a Documentary on School Dress Code (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDgAZO_5U_U) Don’t forget about the Potter award!

On this episode: Two suspected Islamists arrested over killing of secular Bangladeshi blogger http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/14/two-suspected-islamists-arrested-over-killing-of-secular-bangladesh-blogger Florida principal tries to quietly ban book to appease Christians http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/florida-principal-tries-to-quietly-ban-book-to-appease-christians-sets-off-shtstorm-instead/ Anti-Science Trolls are Starting Edit Wars on Wikipedia http://gizmodo.com/anti-science-trolls-are-starting-edit-wars-on-wikiped-1724422402 No collarbones allowed http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2015/08/draconian-dress-code-shames-public-school-students-in-kentucky/ A petition on change.org https://www.change.org/p/sbdm-council-baord-members-help-our-students-change-woodford-county-high-school-dress-code) has been started by the students to get the dress code changed. There is also a documentary produced at the end of last year by a Woodford Student called Shame: a Documentary on School Dress Code (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDgAZO_5U_U) Don't forget about the Potter award!

Mormon church releases photos of ‘seer stone’ used by founder Joseph Smith http://www.sltrib.com/news/2802019-155/mormon-church-to-release-more-documents Arian Foster publicly declares himself an atheist http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/08/06/arian-foster-is-the-anti-tebow-publicly-declares-himself-an-atheist/ Lincoln County commissioner walks out during Muslim prayer http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/nc-county-commissioner-storms-out-of-meeting-during-muslim-prayer-i-dont-need-no-arab-telling-me-what-to-do/ Listing of Shelley Segal Event in the North West. Everett WA August 17th 7PM Firewheel Community Coffeehouse 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, Washington 98201 https://www.facebook.com/events/789983214456335/ Seattle WA August 18th 8 PM The Triple Door 216 Union St, Seattle, Washington 98101 https://www.facebook.com/events/1032979406733583/ Richland WA August 20th 6PM The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge 1314 Jadwin Ave, Richland, Washington 99354 https://www.facebook.com/events/653774884758286/ Tacoma WA August 23rd 8PM The Swiss Restaurant Pub 1904 S Jefferson, Tacoma, Washington 98402 https://www.facebook.com/events/426780814192752/ Anti-Gay Christian Lawmakers in Michigan Planned Male Prostitute Hoax to Cover Up Their Own Affair http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/08/07/anti-gay-christian-lawmakers-in-michigan-planned-male-prostitute-hoax-to-cover-up-their-own-affair/ Bangladesh blogger Niloy Neel hacked to death in Dhaka http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33819032

Mormon church releases photos of ‘seer stone’ used by founder Joseph Smith http://www.sltrib.com/news/2802019-155/mormon-church-to-release-more-documents Arian Foster publicly declares himself an atheist http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/08/06/arian-foster-is-the-anti-tebow-publicly-declares-himself-an-atheist/ Lincoln County commissioner walks out during Muslim prayer http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/nc-county-commissioner-storms-out-of-meeting-during-muslim-prayer-i-dont-need-no-arab-telling-me-what-to-do/ Listing of Shelley Segal Event in the North West. Everett WA August 17th 7PM Firewheel Community Coffeehouse 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, Washington 98201 https://www.facebook.com/events/789983214456335/ Seattle WA August 18th 8 PM The Triple Door 216 Union St, Seattle, Washington 98101 https://www.facebook.com/events/1032979406733583/ Richland WA August 20th 6PM The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge 1314 Jadwin Ave, Richland, Washington 99354 https://www.facebook.com/events/653774884758286/ Tacoma WA August 23rd 8PM The Swiss Restaurant Pub 1904 S Jefferson, Tacoma, Washington 98402 https://www.facebook.com/events/426780814192752/ Anti-Gay Christian Lawmakers in Michigan Planned Male Prostitute Hoax to Cover Up Their Own Affair http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/08/07/anti-gay-christian-lawmakers-in-michigan-planned-male-prostitute-hoax-to-cover-up-their-own-affair/ Bangladesh blogger Niloy Neel hacked to death in Dhaka http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33819032

Boone Co. Commission draft order: Desert Storm Memorial to be moved from government property http://m.abc17news.com/news/boone-co-commission-orders-desert-storm-memorial-be-moved-from-government-property/34424706 Negro Bill Canyon near Moab Utah may get a new name-http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/us/utah-officials-considering-new-name-for-negro-bill/nm9Q%20%20M/ Listing of Shelley Segal Event in the North West. Everett WA August 17th 7PM Firewheel Community Coffeehouse 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, Washington 98201 https://www.facebook.com/events/789983214456335/ Seattle WA August 18th 8 PM The Triple Door 216 Union St, Seattle, Washington 98101 https://www.facebook.com/events/1032979406733583/ Richland WA August 20th 6PM The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge 1314 Jadwin Ave, Richland, Washington 99354 https://www.facebook.com/events/653774884758286/ Tacoma WA August 23rd 8PM The Swiss Restaurant Pub 1904 S Jefferson, Tacoma, Washington 98402 https://www.facebook.com/events/426780814192752/ Jerusalem Gay Pride: Six stabbed ‘by ultra-Orthodox Jew’ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33726634 Building blocks of life found on Comet 67P http://phys.org/news/2015-07-blocks-life-compounds-comet-67p.html I wanted to give a huge shout out to the Atheists in northen Florida who went protest the Bonifay PD and their new In God We Trust stickers. We talked last week about this in Bay County. Keep at it guys we are behind you all the way. The news covered it as well. http://www.chipleypaper.com/article/20150802/NEWS/150809975 http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Many-Protest-For-and-Against-In-God-We-Trust-Stickers-in-Bonifay-320439722.html http://www.wtvy.com/news/headlines/Protesters-Line-the-Streets-of-Bonifay-for-Protest-of-In-God-We-Trust-Stickers–320441692.html The Potter award and of course lots of yakking. I also wanted to thank the guys over at Heretic Clerics for featuring us on the show last week. These are 4 awesome guys talking about all kinds of topics. We were featured in the Episode 7. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt6RNb2NYuPK3mBo7VLSyCw/featured

Boone Co. Commission draft order: Desert Storm Memorial to be moved from government property http://m.abc17news.com/news/boone-co-commission-orders-desert-storm-memorial-be-moved-from-government-property/34424706 Negro Bill Canyon near Moab Utah may get a new name-http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/us/utah-officials-considering-new-name-for-negro-bill/nm9Q%20%20M/ Listing of Shelley Segal Event in the North West. Everett WA August 17th 7PM Firewheel Community Coffeehouse 2727 Colby Ave, Everett, Washington 98201 https://www.facebook.com/events/789983214456335/ Seattle WA August 18th 8 PM The Triple Door 216 Union St, Seattle, Washington 98101 https://www.facebook.com/events/1032979406733583/ Richland WA August 20th 6PM The Emerald of Siam Thai Restaurant and Lounge 1314 Jadwin Ave, Richland, Washington 99354 https://www.facebook.com/events/653774884758286/ Tacoma WA August 23rd 8PM The Swiss Restaurant Pub 1904 S Jefferson, Tacoma, Washington 98402 https://www.facebook.com/events/426780814192752/ Jerusalem Gay Pride: Six stabbed 'by ultra-Orthodox Jew' http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-33726634 Building blocks of life found on Comet 67P http://phys.org/news/2015-07-blocks-life-compounds-comet-67p.html I wanted to give a huge shout out to the Atheists in northen Florida who went protest the Bonifay PD and their new In God We Trust stickers. We talked last week about this in Bay County. Keep at it guys we are behind you all the way. The news covered it as well. http://www.chipleypaper.com/article/20150802/NEWS/150809975 http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Many-Protest-For-and-Against-In-God-We-Trust-Stickers-in-Bonifay-320439722.html http://www.wtvy.com/news/headlines/Protesters-Line-the-Streets-of-Bonifay-for-Protest-of-In-God-We-Trust-Stickers--320441692.html The Potter award and of course lots of yakking. I also wanted to thank the guys over at Heretic Clerics for featuring us on the show last week. These are 4 awesome guys talking about all kinds of topics. We were featured in the Episode 7. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt6RNb2NYuPK3mBo7VLSyCw/featured

On this week’s show we provide an update to the Bay County Sheriff and the In God We trust bumper stickers. We also revisit the Detroit unveiling of the Baphomet Statues. Some good news on GMOs, your feedback and of course the Mr. Potter Award. The statement from Elias about In God We Trust A group consisting of various religious and irreligious belief systems (Muslim, Jewish, Agnostic, Atheist, Pagan, etc.) gathered to protest the Sheriff of Bay County’s decision to place “In god we trust” stickers on our squad cars. We protested this for various reasons: First among them is that this is an obviously dangerous place to promote religious texts as it detracts from the impartial nature of law enforcement that is so vital to the safety of minorities. When government authorities show partiality toward a specific group of within its community it has, historically, nearly always ended poorly for the minorities not represented. Second, it is in clear violation of the separation of church and state. (Regardless of the semantic sleight of hand being thrown around in today’s court systems.) Third, equal representation of constitutents is a necessity for all government organizations if continuity of equality is to be ensured. Realistically, any law enforcement agency should only be representing the populous in matters of law to ensure sensible policy decisions. Fourth, law enforcement offices are public institutions that should never be used for religious or political agendas. While I am not an official spokesperson for any group, I am affiliated with Atheists of Bay County. The statement made here is by no means representative of every member’s opinion. The Baphomet contract I agree that by signing this document under any name, given or adopted, actual or pseudonymous, I am hereby avowing my soul to Satan (aka Abbadon, aka Lucifer, aka Beelzebub, aka The Antichrist). I do so knowing that He (aka The Fallen One, aka The Father of Lies) or any of His representatives may choose to collect my eternal soul at any time, with or without notice. I understand that my signature or mark representing any name, real or made up, upon these papers constitutes a lasting and eternal contract, and that there will be no further negotiations on the matter of my eternal soul. Local coverage of the Bay County In God We Trust protest. http://www.newsherald.com/article/20150724/NEWS/150729645 Bay County Atheists http://www.meetup.com/Panama-Citys/ Baphomet unveiling http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/07/26/to-weed-out-protesters-at-last-nights-event-the-satanic-temple-had-attendees-transfer-their-souls-to-satan/ GMO labeling bill https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1599 New GMO rice http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/new-gm-rice-plant-could-increase-yield-and-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions

On this week's show we provide an update to the Bay County Sheriff and the In God We trust bumper stickers. We also revisit the Detroit unveiling of the Baphomet Statues. Some good news on GMOs, your feedback and of course the Mr. Potter Award. The statement from Elias about In God We Trust A group consisting of various religious and irreligious belief systems (Muslim, Jewish, Agnostic, Atheist, Pagan, etc.) gathered to protest the Sheriff of Bay County's decision to place "In god we trust" stickers on our squad cars. We protested this for various reasons: First among them is that this is an obviously dangerous place to promote religious texts as it detracts from the impartial nature of law enforcement that is so vital to the safety of minorities. When government authorities show partiality toward a specific group of within its community it has, historically, nearly always ended poorly for the minorities not represented. Second, it is in clear violation of the separation of church and state. (Regardless of the semantic sleight of hand being thrown around in today's court systems.) Third, equal representation of constitutents is a necessity for all government organizations if continuity of equality is to be ensured. Realistically, any law enforcement agency should only be representing the populous in matters of law to ensure sensible policy decisions. Fourth, law enforcement offices are public institutions that should never be used for religious or political agendas. While I am not an official spokesperson for any group, I am affiliated with Atheists of Bay County. The statement made here is by no means representative of every member's opinion. The Baphomet contract I agree that by signing this document under any name, given or adopted, actual or pseudonymous, I am hereby avowing my soul to Satan (aka Abbadon, aka Lucifer, aka Beelzebub, aka The Antichrist). I do so knowing that He (aka The Fallen One, aka The Father of Lies) or any of His representatives may choose to collect my eternal soul at any time, with or without notice. I understand that my signature or mark representing any name, real or made up, upon these papers constitutes a lasting and eternal contract, and that there will be no further negotiations on the matter of my eternal soul. Local coverage of the Bay County In God We Trust protest. http://www.newsherald.com/article/20150724/NEWS/150729645 Bay County Atheists http://www.meetup.com/Panama-Citys/ Baphomet unveiling http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/07/26/to-weed-out-protesters-at-last-nights-event-the-satanic-temple-had-attendees-transfer-their-souls-to-satan/ GMO labeling bill https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1599 New GMO rice http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/new-gm-rice-plant-could-increase-yield-and-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions

In this episode we get an update from Jeff Stilwell on his Lightning March for Humanity. We also yak about some to the crazy things Christians have done over the past few weeks. Also an thing happened on TV this weekend so we have to talk about that. We also unveil the latest Mr. Potter award, your phone calls and of course lots of yakking. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Patreon. https://www.facebook.com/secularyakking https://twitter.com/secularyakking https://www.patreon.com/secularyakking As always you can leave us a voicemail 704-802-9255 or send us your fan/hate mail to podcast@secularyakking.com The Potter award winner’s posts here. http://www.inlander.com/Bloglander/archives/2015/07/15/75-more-questionable-posts-by-airway-heights-mayor-patrick-rushing

In this episode we get an update from Jeff Stilwell on his Lightning March for Humanity. We also yak about some to the crazy things Christians have done over the past few weeks. Also an thing happened on TV this weekend so we have to talk about that. We also unveil the latest Mr. Potter award, your phone calls and of course lots of yakking. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Patreon. https://www.facebook.com/secularyakking https://twitter.com/secularyakking https://www.patreon.com/secularyakking As always you can leave us a voicemail 704-802-9255 or send us your fan/hate mail to podcast@secularyakking.com The Potter award winner’s posts here. http://www.inlander.com/Bloglander/archives/2015/07/15/75-more-questionable-posts-by-airway-heights-mayor-patrick-rushing

On this episode we cover prayers in government meetings. We feature an interview with David Williamson the founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community based in Orlando Florida. He is also a co-plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against Brevard County Florida regarding their invocation policy. David was also active in the new website Invocations Online, a site to track prayers at council meetings and provide resources for prospective invocators. We also have our first five star Itunes review and The Mr. Potter Award.

On this episode we cover prayers in government meetings. We feature an interview with David Williamson the founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community based in Orlando Florida. He is also a co-plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against Brevard County Florida regarding their invocation policy. David was also active in the new website Invocations Online, a site to track prayers at council meetings and provide resources for prospective invocators. We also have our first five star Itunes review and The Mr. Potter Award.