The phrase Panem et Circenses (Bread and Circuses) “is used to describe the creation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion; distraction; or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace. . . .” Lance Armstong, who went … Continue reading
Darwin’s Birthday Party
Kid’s love birthday parties; there is always a birthday cake and sometimes, live entertainment. On February 12, to celebrate the 204th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday, the Okanagan Branch of the Centre for Inquiry rang in Charles Darwin’s birthday in style. In a family event hosted by the Okanagan Science … Continue reading
Jesus and Mo Wednesday
saw You probably don’t want to see Saw. Change the book to the Bible and change the speaker to Mo, and what Jesus says to Mo, Mo could say to Jesus. BTW: Saw is a movie
Support Manitoba Anti-Bullying Bill
There is growing secular support for Manitoba’s Bill 18: Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools). In response to a Canadian Atheist post on religious objections to Bill 18, a member of Humanists Atheists and Agnostics of Manitoba (HAAM) wrote to say, On April 13, HAAM be hosting a … Continue reading
Vic Toews Should be Ashamed
At the end of February, a Canadian Atheist post alerted the Canadian Office of Religious Freedom to a possible threat to the religious freedom of Steinbach, Manitoba’s Christian citizens. The Office must have read the post because Vic Toews, federal Conservative MP for the area, “has joined the local MLA … Continue reading
Religion: The Education Dividing Wall
The government of Ontario privileges one religion over all others and separates elementary school students based on whether they are or are not Catholic. Ontario, “A Place to Stand, a Place to Grow,” encourages students enrolled in junior kindergarten to grade 8 to stand in different lines and grow in … Continue reading
Religious Bon Mots
Dear God: Please send an apostrophe. Dear Jesus: Please hurry the gullible faithful are waiting.
Ottawa Citizen Features Kevin Smith
Today’s edition of the Ottawa Citizen features Kevin Smith in its latest “Ask the Religion Experts” question: “What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Canada’s ambassador to the Office of Religious Freedom?” If you want to, you can go to the site to read the opinions of … Continue reading
Gideons Win – For Now
At the end of the 19th century, three men, Samuel E. Hill, John H. Nicholson, and William J. Knights, founded the Gideons and initiated the practice of placing a Bible in every hotel bedroom in the United States. The practice continues and has spread to include public schools. In fall … Continue reading
St. Thomas Of Villanova: Time for a Change
The Canadian Atheist post “Adult Bullies” attracted a lot of readers and comment. One comment came from Aaron Broughton, who agreed to write a longer description of his time at St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School and his opinion of Ms. Coste. Aaron sent this today: St. Thomas Of Villanova: Time … Continue reading