Dealing With Tragedy as an Atheist
Unless I’m guilty of a particularly morbid form of confirmation bias, it seems like there have been quite a few high-profile tragic events across the world recently. The Sandy Hook shooting, the Boston bombing, the events on the island of Utøya in Norway, and now the terrible scenes of destruction across Oklahoma City. These incidents, and others like them, have been splashed across the media to t... »
RR: 21 May 2013
What’s up, buttercups? This is my first time doing a RR post. Do you remember your first time? I’m a little nervous, and I’m not sure if I’m ready. I think I am. I’ve been reading all by myself for a few years, and I think I’m ready to read with you. I hope it’s as special for you as it is for me. Good news! According to this article, French kids don’... »
Pop Quiz: What are you watching?
Ah, summer. Season of research. Season of rest. Season of catching up on crucially important television! In anticipation of the new season of Arrested Development, I’ve been ceremonially rewatching the old episodes to make sure I’m current on all the lore (I’d hate to miss a reference, after all!). Which led me to wonder, what are you all watching? Is anyone else watching The Bor... »
RR: 19 May 2013
Hello, selfless bringers of knowledge! Happy Sunday to you. The Freedom from Religion Foundation claims that the instructor of a Ball State University course called “The Boundaries of Science” is using the class to “proselytize students and advance Christianity.” Neat! Here’s some more “whoopsie, everyone is cheating on those standardized tests” news. You ... »
Pop Quiz: Call Me Maybe (Except Not When You’re In Class)
Earlier this week Dan posted a Pop Quiz about the use of TV and video in the classroom. His questions made me think about how the use of technology has been developing in my own school, particularly with regards to the use of mobile phones and tablets. I don’t know what it’s like for other educators out there, but in my school it seems like mobile phones are often viewed as horrors sen... »
“Let the Students Decide for Themselves”: Or, Don McLeroy Is Full of What Makes the Grass Grow Green in Texas
I recommend that everyone listen to the interview with Don McLeroy in last week’s episode of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe. I also recommend that you keep breakables safely out of reach and have your favorite antacid tabs at hand. (Not the homeopathic ones.) Maybe also booze if that helps. McLeroy is a creationist who was appointed to the Texas State Board of Ed by Rick Perry, hi... »
