Child #2 to her mother: Why do old people have to wear underwear that shows their butts?

For the second time in a week, I have written a post that I have deleted in an act of self-censorship. A little while ago, Paul Graham had an essay about all those things that you are not allowed to … Continue reading →

Captain Groggy Swagger and I were having a pleasant chat in the comments to my post on Songs of Praise about whether it is appropriate for an atheist to sing Carols or say Grace. There are some religious things that … Continue reading →

A new study by Michigan State sociologist Ralph Pyle presented at this month’s joint meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and the Religious Research Association in Tampa, Fla., shows how all sides in the conservative-liberal religious … Continue reading →

Merriam-Webster’s #1 Word of the Year for 2007 based on votes from visitors to our Web site: w00t (interjection) expressing joy (it could be after a triumph, or for no reason at all); similar in use to the word “yay” … Continue reading →

My boss is stepping up the campaign for better quality in the software industry:

In an otherwise excellent article, The Economist commits an error of logic. “A few have taken to calling themselves “Brights” for no good reason and to widespread mirth.” In fact, I call myself a Bright for a very good reason… … Continue reading →

What would America be like if science were permitted to inform decision making, and if scientific issues that concern the world’s future were a natural part of a broad national conversation? The campaign to have a presidential debate focussed on … Continue reading →

England expects that every man shall do his duty.