by Carl Howard | Aug 6, 2014 | Atrocities and Oppression, History, Race
This series is about Israel’s policies in Gaza. I think they’re so unconscionable that I can’t believe they’re up for debate even among Jews — and yet they are. Instead of criticising Israel, I invite you to explore the basis and consequences of a pro-Israel’s-policy...
by Carl Howard | Jul 29, 2014 | Atheism and Religion, Blog Topics, Blogging Jewish Law
I have five today. The first 2 are the “normal” kind: ones held by those who just don’t know much about Judaism. But the last 3 are a kind I find a lot more annoying. These are misconceptions commonly held by Jews (especially of liberal/Reform/feel-good persuasions)....
by Carl Howard | Jul 28, 2014 | Atheism and Religion, Biases and Fallacies, Medicine, Mind, Psychology and Consciousness, Science and Skepticism, Spirituality
Near death experiences happen to many people when they’re near clinical death and survive. They’re often profoundly meaningful or life-changing to those who have them. They’re also frequently used to argue that there is an afterlife, a spiritual realm or “something...
by Carl Howard | Jul 21, 2014 | Race
Gale Boetticher’s death in Breaking Bad is one of the most heavily accented of the show’s 271 deaths. If you haven’t seen the show or want a refresher, here’s a quick summary of Gale from Breaking Bad Wiki: Gale Boetticher, B.S., M.S., was a was a German American...
by Carl Howard | Jul 14, 2014 | Atrocities and Oppression, Ethics, Feminism and LGBT, Sex, Society
[UPDATED: found one! HT Jess Bellamy] [CN: misogyny and fat-shaming] If you’re not Australian, you might not have heard of Gina Rinehart. She’s the richest person in Australia, currently the 4th richest woman worldwide. A mining heiress who inherited an enormous...
by Carl Howard | Jul 7, 2014 | Atheism and Religion, Atrocities and Oppression, Ethics, Feminism and LGBT, Race
On October 11th 2010, France banned wearing clothing intended to conceal the face in public, with a 150 Euro fine. While the law did not specifically name Islamic dress, the target was the niqab (full covering minus an opening for the eyes), burqa (full covering with...
