Category Archives: Current Events
PA Science Standards Drop
A new report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute shows public school science standards in Pennsylvania are given a “D”, as compared to Ohio, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Massachusetts, which were in the “A-” to “B” range. The top … Continue reading
Still Rocking in Cranston
The Cranston High West debacle is still making news with various outlets, including the NY Times, the Washington Post, and the NPR/PRI’s The Takeaway. They are catching up on the story of 16-year old Jessica Ahlquist and her victory in … Continue reading
Why so much anger?
It is always a joy to read an excellent blogger, who can craft a careful argument, follow it through, and keep your attention throughout. Greta Christina, who was in Pittsburgh in the fall of 2010, is one such person. Her … Continue reading
Sense and Sensibility in Rhode Island
630WPRO in Rhode Island is reporting that some common sense is finally emerging in the bannergate incident: The Rhode Island State Council of Churches will hold a news conference in support of Jessica Ahlquist, the 16-year-old atheist who challenged the … Continue reading
It Ain’t Necessarily So
Kudos to the Post-Gazette for reprinting Rob Boston’s Alternet.org column on which notable founders would not get elected today because they didn’t wear religion on their sleeve. To hear the religious right tell it, men like George Washington, John Adams, … Continue reading
No Flowers for Jessica
This is insane (from FFRF.org): The Freedom From Religion Foundation discovered the shocking extent of petty and vindictive community reactions against 16 year old litigant Jessica Ahlquist when it attempted earlier this week to order a dozen roses to be … Continue reading
Censoring the Web
Well said by PZ Meyers today: Given the content of my site, and the wingnutty pious predilections of the American public and government, and the enmity and known censorious habits of Christians and creationists, how long do you think this … Continue reading
In defense of militantism – the only antidote for poisonously lethal Kellyism
Jerry Coyne to his colleagues who take money from the Templeton Foundation: “ To my colleagues Robert Plomin, Günter Wagner, Martin Nowak, and Brian Greene, among many other scientists on the Foundation’s payroll: have you no shame at all at about taking money from Templeton—an organization that’s just given … Continue reading
Remembering Christopher Hitchens
Christopher Hitchens died last night at the age of 62. He was a remarkable writer and champion of the atheist and secular communities with strong ties to Pittsburgh that go back to the 1980s and 1990s. In fact, the very … Continue reading
FFRF adds sign in Warren Michigan
We in the Steel City are all familiar with the recent spat in Ellwood City where the mayor is refusing to hang the FFRF banner in the holiday display the town is sponsoring outside city hall. Warren, Michigan, on the … Continue reading
