Friday, August 23, 2013

I love it when atheists get history

I can get along really well with this guy.
I love to totally stump them by asking them to present me with the name of one - just one - scientist burned, persecuted or oppressed for their science in the Middle Ages. They always fail to come up with any. They usually try to crowbar Galileo back into the Middle Ages, which is amusing considering he was a contemporary of Descartes. When asked why they have failed to produce any such scientists given the Church was apparently so busily oppressing them, they often resort to claiming that the Evil Old Church did such a good job of oppression that everyone was too scared to practice science. By the time I produce a laundry list of Medieval scientists - like Albertus Magnus, Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon, John Peckham, Duns Scotus, Thomas Bradwardine, Walter Burley, William Heytesbury, Richard Swineshead, John Dumbleton, Richard of Wallingford, Nicholas Oresme, Jean Buridan and Nicholas of Cusa - and ask why these men were happily pursuing science in the Middle Ages without molestation from the Church, my opponents have usually run away to hide and scratch their heads in puzzlement at what just went wrong.
Bonus: A graphic that he declares (and ( concur) The Stupidest Thing On The Internet Ever. Go read it all.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Once again. life imitates classic movies

Where have we seen this before? Oh yeah... here.

A fantastic film, and one that lets Olivia DeHavilland move beyond her Maid Marian persona into some serious drama. Watch it if you can find it.

I really wonder how this real-life example will end up. Despite the changes in technology, the problem is the same: how can they possibly prosecute?

Thursday, August 15, 2013

An apology letter to Mr. Obama

I am not worthy to link to this. (But I will anyway.) I can't possibly excerpt it; you'll just have to go read it all. Akubra tip to Heroditus Huxley.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Quote of the Day

Totalitarianism does not consist of iron law; it consists of capricious law, because those in power get to decide when it will not apply.
Found at Ace via SondraK.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Cluck away!

My Virtuous and Excellent Daughter (see here for gorgeous photo) has resumed blogging at Clucking Catholic. Check it out!