This is the weekly summary of the Humanist Network News (HNN). The Humanist Network News (HNN) is published every Wednesday via e-mail and on the Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS) Web site. This diary is a slightly reformatted copy of the weekly email they send me, which I post here every Thursday. (CP @ DKos, MLW, BT)
September 28, 2005
Humanist Network News
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- Secular lobbyist vs. O’Reilly
- Top bioethicists discuss cloning at the UN
- A Mohawk challenge to Pledge of Allegiance
- IHS in the News
- IHS introduces Women’s Studies intern
- A fine balance
- Sweet Reason reader remarks
- Film Review: 2046
- Letters to the Editor
- Cathartic Comics
- Humanist Humor
- Poll of the Week
Summaries and links across the break. As always, anyone and everyone is more than welcome to write a more in depth diary on any of the stories.
1. Secular lobbyist vs. O’Reilly
As of HNN publication time, Secular Coalition for America lobbyist Lori Lipman Brown was scheduled to appear on The O’Reilly Factor tonight. MORE This was on last night, but I wasn’t able to watch. I am still searching for the transcript or video online. If I find it, I will post it after work. If you find it, please post a link in the comments. Thanks.
2. Top bioethicists discuss cloning at the UN
On Monday, the IHEU-Appignani Center for Bioethics hosted its first panel discussion. About 70 people attended the event to hear top bioethics speak about the future of cloning. Ana Lita, the center’s director, reports on the event. MORE
3. A Mohawk challenge to Pledge of Allegiance
A group of Mohawks and other American Indians living in Akwesasne may sue nearby public schools in New York state to eliminate the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance — in its entirety. Tim Gordinier, IHS public policy director, was contacted by a representative of this group this summer. See what he thinks about the latest development. MORE
4. IHS in the News
The Las Vegas Sun interviews IHS staffer about the Secular Coalition. Plus, a letter to the editor by IHS Public Policy Director Tim Gordinier on teaching “intelligent design.” MORE
5. IHS introduces Women’s Studies intern
The Institute for Humanist Studies is proud to introduce our newest intern. MORE
6. A fine balance
Canadian columnist Doug Thomas gets “old-school” in his plans to protest a mandatory school ceremony that involves a religious invocation. MORE
7. Sweet Reason reader remarks
Sweet Reason digs into her mailbag to share with us a few remarks from readers on recent advice columns. MORE
8. Film Review: 2046
Film critic Carolyn Braunius writes: “2046 is a dark, surrealistic exploration into what it means to be in love.” MORE
9. Letters to the Editor
Letters on Newdow’s pledge challenge, genital mutilation, racism, humanism in Africa and MORE
10. Cathartic Comics
…an assortment of cartoons and comic strips about humanism, atheism, religion, science and freethought. MORE
11. Humanist Humor
On New York’s Upper West Side lived a secular Jewish man who was a staunch atheist. Find out what happens when he sends his son to Trinity School. GET THE JOKE
12. Poll of the Week
If reproductive human cloning were viable, would you support it? CAST YOUR VOTE
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About the IHS:
The IHS promotes nonreligious perspectives on social, political, and ethical issues and serves as a resource for and about the humanist community. Questions, comments, concerns, got a better joke or a story? Send a letter to the editor.
If anything here interests you, you may also be interested in my diary on what it is like to be a secular humanist in today’s political climate: I Am The Boogeyman.
