A therefore B

I thought I would post one or two things that to me seem to be among the fundamentals of skepticism. One thing you will encounter following popular and vocal figures of skepticism is debating, or rebuttals. In examining the discussions you may find Logical Fallacies. As noted by The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe: A logical fallacy is a false or incorrect logical principle. These may be mistakes made by persons who haven't done their homework, though it is more common that they are just different tactics used in debates. It may be that set up a non-existent target to attack(Straw man), or just start attacking the person directly instead of the claim(ad hominem).

Go to The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe page and check out their definition of the top 20 logical fallacies for a better understanding. If you haven't heard, they also produce an excellent weekly podcast! Great entertainment and food for a skeptical mind.

The Skeptic's Field Guide also has a great list with actual articles and occurrences as examples.

New magazine

It appears there is a new publication hitting the shelves in Wal-mart. I was also surprised that the first I even heard about this was seeing Rick Warren's face smiling at me from the shelf near checkout.
I don't know the details of what products Wal-mart offers due to local demand, but know not every Wal-mart offers the same exact products. I say this, just because it was a bit unusual to see this christian publication offered. Unusual because of the area I live in. I don't see any Mormon/LDS publications offered like this, but I also don't remember seeing any christian publications offered like this in general. Hopefully it won't stick around for long.

A new term for your slang dictionary

I just love reading Pharyngula, and keeping up with PZ Myer's comments on the latest happenings. One of his recent posts introduced a new term: Saddlebacking. (How? and Why? Jeez, kids will go to great lengths these days, won't they?) A term coined probably not by, but because of Rick Warren. When I read the definition, it kind of made sense to me in itself. Maybe it is my dirty mind. Maybe it just fit in with a lot of the other terms used to describe similar activities.
Rick Warren, by the way, is quite popular for his views on issues like abortion, and same-sex marriage. He is also quite infamous for his comments on groups of people such as gays, and Jews. So, it did spark quite a controversy when he was picked to give the prayer at the presidential inauguration.
However, back to the subject. The term and definition made sense to me just on its own. So, encountering this information in the order that I did, I just laughed when I found out the true origin. That is, Rick Warren is the founder and Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church!
Educate your children! If they have this type of justification or round-about thinking, it is something to be concerned about! This would still fall under the heading of sex, and they are probably doing it unprotected! Better to have them learn about sex and have prepared to do it safe, then let them fumble through it and be careless.

Dedicated? or Showing off?

Rep. Jason Chaffetz has taken up residence in Washington. He has written a few things recently for CNN. The first thing he says? "I do something a bit difference than most members of Congress. I sleep in my office on a cot." Is this his way of showing how he can be better than other Congressmen? Making the sacrifices by sleeping in his office, and putting up with getting woke up at all times of the night by the cleaning crew? He says he works late nights, and wakes up at 5:30. He showers in the gym, which he notes is not quite up to a Gold's Gym quality.
Whatever his reasons, I am inclined to side with him on it. In these times it is looked upon to be frugal. It certainly looks better than the executives right now accepting Billions in bonus' for doing a piss poor job in their failing compaines. He says doing this saves him about $1500 a month. I can certainly respect that, as that is about what I make, no about half of what I make right now. This appears to be the start of a series of articles Rep. Chaffetz will be writing for CNN. There is also a video of him there as well.

Teach both Theories?

This seems to be a common discussion in school districts around the Nation. Different groups are trying to find a way to allow, or introduce Intelligent Design into the curriculum. However you put it, an All-Mighty creator, Mystic Being, Aliens, or whatever. Intelligent Design is linked to a religious or supernatural belief. Let science be taught in school, and religion in the churches!