New Humanist Update #80 (6 December 2007)
Come join the festive fun:
This time of year can be difficult for we godless, as it raises the
tricky question of what we should call it. Should atheists refer to
Christmas with ugly euphemisms like "Winterval" or "Festivus" rather
than endorse its associations with that bloke who might not have
existed and certainly wasn't a god (no, not Santa, the other one)?
For guidance why not read humourist Michael Bywater's heated rant on
the subject, published as exclusive web-only content on our website,
specifically for you (and everyone else). Then you will be ready to
vote in our online poll on which name is best (find this on the blog).
Speaking of polls there's another which craves your attention. Our Bad
Faith Awards, dedicated to finding this year's most scurrilous enemy of
reason, has painstakingly narrowed the field to ten. Now its up to you
to choose the winner.
Beware, it's not easy – I mean how do you decide between the Bishop of
Carlisle (the UK's floods were punishment for tolerance of
homosexuality), Chuck Norris (he'd like to tattoo "In God We Trust" on
the forehead of every atheist, apparently) and the Pope (so many, many
reasons)? Some wag has even nominated Richard Dawkins (for crimes
against nonsense no doubt) though we'd like to point out that this was
NOT OUR DOING. Votes are coming thick and fast. Come join the 850+
people who have voted so far and make sure your favourite doesn't get
'left behind'. (Poll is on the blog, results will be published in New
Humanist in January).
Meanwhile back in the Gower Street garret we're hard at work on the
January/February issue of New Humanist. It's going to be a Darwin
special featuring Laurie Taylor interviewing living legend and all
round good egg David Attenborough, and a clutch of Darwinists (is that
the right collective noun?) having dinner with the great man himself.
Really (Well, not really, they will be using their imaginations, but
it'll be good. Promise). Can you think of a better way to start the new
year?
Plus, let's not forget that the current issue is still alive and
kicking, featuring Richard Norman on the New Atheists, philosopher
Tzvetan Todorov on the Danish cartoons controversy, Edna Fernandes on
Deobandi Islam, John Harris on why we have a moral duty to genetically
enhance humankind, and much more. Special mention for Sally Feldman's
piece on chess which has been read by more than 12,000 people online so
far.
Follow the link below to access the full newsletter, the blog and to
request a trial copy if for some irrational reason you are not already
a subscriber.
Finally a note to librarians and academics: New Humanist is now
available online to all your students and staff – follow the link from
the homepage to see our all new Institutional subscription.
Merry FestiSalHanuMas, the New Humanist team
CONTENTS
* Web exclusive: Michael Bywater lays into "Winterval"
* Bad Faith Awards: Vote for the winner now
* Coming soon: Laurie Taylor interviews David Attenborough
* Tzvetan Todorov on cartoons, Edna Fernandes on Deobandi Islam, John Harris on enhancing humans
* FREE trial copy
* The End of the World Cult: 12 December, 10pm, Channel 4
Read the full newsletter:
http://newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter/
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Sign the Petition : Release the Arrested University Teachers Immediately : An Appeal to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh
http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/university_teachers_arrest.htm
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Daily Star publishes an interview with Mukto-Mona
http://www.mukto-mona.com/news/daily_star/daily_star_MM.pdf
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MM site is blocked in Islamic countries such as UAE. Members of those theocratic states, kindly use any proxy (such as http://proxy.org/) to access mukto-mona.
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Mukto-Mona Celebrates 5th Anniversary
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Mukto-Mona Celebrates Earth Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Earth_day2006/index.htm
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Kansat Uprising : A Special Page from Mukto-Mona
http://www.mukto-mona.com/human_rights/kansat2006/members/
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MM Project : Grand assembly of local freedom fighters at Raumari
http://www.mukto-mona.com/project/Roumari/freedom_fighters_union300306.htm
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German Bangla Radio Interviews Mukto-Mona Members:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Darwin_day/german_radio/
Mukto-Mona Celebrates Darwin Day:
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Special_Event_/Darwin_day/index.htm
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-Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190
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