Funny but mostly true map of online communities

May 2nd, 2007 • funny, parody, web

So XKCD has released another hilarious yet true comic. This time, he drew a pretty good representation of online communities as a map. I do like how something like Digg got a giant island where meme-centric communities like 4chan and 7chan (and the other million chans) are relagated to “sea of memes” even though they give almost sole inspiration to places like YTMND.

PBS to air three part documentary about Atheism

May 2nd, 2007 • 1 comment atheism, christianity, education, tv

My girlfriend linked me to an article about PBS airing a three-part Atheist documentary that’s being lambasted by America’s right wing. This is no surprise considering the documentary was very well received in England, whose non-theistic population is growing by the year. While not specifically an Atheist myself, I’m looking forward to this documentary produced by the BBC.

You can read the article for specifics so I don’t have to duplicate something I’ve already linked to. But I do love the following quote from some crazy fundie:

Janice Crouse, director of the Beverly LaHaye Institute for the conservative group Concerned Women for America, told Cybercast News Service that “airing the program gives credibility and cohesiveness to individuals who seek to undermine the beliefs and values on which democracy and the American dream are founded.”

Democracy is founded on monotheism and subserviency? I thought its foundation was laid in a polytheistic society that promoted social discussion and interaction versus that of bowing down to a sole leader, looking to them for all the answers. Man, I guess history has it all wrong! The “rule of the people, by the people” was really envisioned as “rule of the people, by a person”. I like the fact that this short documentary is “propaganistic” according to Crouse yet the numerous Christian-based television stations and radio shows aren’t even though they get to preach shove their views into your face without anyone saying a word.

Set your DVRs — or VCRs if you’re still using one — to record according to your local PBS schedule.