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"The Origin of Specious Nonsense"

24567…201

Comments

  • #52
    King Mob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,323 ✭✭✭✭King Mob


    expectationlost wrote: »
    not sure when, but the posters been change "TD Minister of Science" isn't beside his name in the poster on his site http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=67983608&postcount=15

    versus http://www.theoriginofspeciousnonsense.com/images/launch%20pic.jpg

    Actually it seem to flash on and off again on the main page.


  • #53
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Oh good God, it's been picked up by pharyngula.

    And of course good old Mr Nugent is on the case.

    I can't wait for Lenihan's assistant to show him his inbox tomorrow morning.


  • #54
    sink
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,314 ✭✭✭sink


    Whatever merit the idea of keeping this contained had is now purely academic. PZ Myers picked it up on his latest Pharyngula blog post. The Irish Times and The Irish Independent are going to be inundated with letters.

    http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/09/how_about_the_irish_minister_o.php

    edit:- doh pipped to the post by Zillah


  • #55
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Can't touch this.


  • #56
    expectationlost
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,983 ✭✭✭✭expectationlost


    King Mob wrote: »
    Actually it seem to flash on and off again on the main page.

    no the only difference between the two images is the 10,000 euros bit, maybe that was your cache refresh, axer you didn't alter anything else apart from the red mark, did you? obviously he's been asked to remove those bits to try and keep up the pretense that he wasn't asked to speak because he's the minister for science, thats he's just a friend.


  • #57
    Bottle_of_Smoke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭Bottle_of_Smoke


    Have a feeling he'll pull out. This is actually worse then Nelson McCausland and the museum


  • #58
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »
    Have a feeling he'll pull out.

    I think so too. I bet he had no idea how much of a furore this would kick off. As our very own DeVore once said, we're angry nerds, and there are *millions* of us.


  • #59
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    Anyone got Ennio Morricones (agents) email address? There's no way this f**cker has paid a royalty/gotten permission to use that music on his (appaling) site.


  • #60
    stimpson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,821 ✭✭✭stimpson


    I don't see the point of emailing Kebabs Lenihan. He's not answerable to you:

    http://www.yourtechstuff.com/techwire/2009/04/index.html


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  • #61
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    eeeeejit wrote:
    5: It is a toxic poisonous mind virus which destroys the hearts immune system against hope and common sense.

    :eek:

    He must be talking about either himself or religion.....surely.....?


  • #62
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    stevejazzx wrote: »
    Anyone got Ennio Morricones (agents) email address? There's no way this f**cker has paid a royalty/gotten permission to use that music on his (appaling) site.

    Can you name the piece?


  • #63
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    Zillah wrote: »
    Can you name the piece?

    Think it's Deboarhs song from Once Upon time in america ....checking youtube now...


  • #64
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    stevejazzx wrote: »
    Think it's Deboarhs song from Once Upon time in america ....checking youtube now...

    Edit

    deboarhs theme...


  • #65
    mikhail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,862 ✭✭✭mikhail


    Maybe this could do it: https://www.riaa.com/reportpiracy.php
    About time those plonkers did something more useful than sueing teenagers and dead people.


  • #66
    pts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 576 ✭✭✭pts


    Not as articulate and well argued as some other emails, but better than nothing.
    My email:
    Dear Mr. Lenihan,

    I do normally not write to elected officials, however I am writing to you today in regards to something which has angered me enough to overcome my inertia.

    I am appalled to read that you will be lending the gravitas of your office (Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources) to the launch of the book "The Origin of Specious Nonsense".

    The theory of evolution is one of the strongest theories in science as it has gone through over a century of grilling peer review and attempts to disprove it. "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence", something Mr May has failed to produce. Instead he recycles anti-scientific talking points (for a small sample see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mYt974wGqo&feature=player_embedded) that have been thoroughly debunked by prominent scientists with a lifetime of achievements and dedication to excellence. Why should someone with no scientific credibility and an extremely poor understanding of the subject he writes about (for example Mr. May seems to be unable to distinguish between the theory of evolution and abiogenesis) be given the validity by association?

    I am very disappointed that you would lend legitimacy to this antithesis of the office which you represent. I hope you will reconsider your decision and vet your appointments better in the future.

    Yours sincerely,


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  • #67
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    I have some people on it. I stopped short of setting 4chan on him, I don't think we need resort to that yet.


  • #68
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,420 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Christ almighty, folks. I leave the country for a few days and this is what you let our elected representatives get up to while I'm away.

    Can't believe you've let the side slip like this.

    Shockin'.


  • #69
    mikhail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,862 ✭✭✭mikhail


    Zillah wrote: »
    ... I stopped short of setting 4chan on him, I don't think we need resort to that yet.
    Aw, but it would have been fun.


  • #70
    amacachi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Zillah wrote: »
    I have some people on it. I stopped short of setting 4chan on him, I don't think we need resort to that yet.

    It's on the Dawkins site now, if /b/ feel like it they could well bring the government down before the end of the week. :pac:


  • #71
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    mikhail wrote: »
    Aw, but it would have been fun.

    *steeples fingers*

    All in good time.


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  • #72
    The Mad Hatter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,718 ✭✭✭The Mad Hatter


    Just sent the following to the Times:
    Madam,

    As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Conor Lenihan once referred to a group of Turkish workers as "kebabs." Now as Minister for Science he is launching an anti-science book. If he has no sense of irony, he should at least have a sense of professionalism and resign.

    Yours etc.,


  • #73
    lynski
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭lynski


    I am flaming angry, i could scream. what a plonker.
    My email
    I was dismayed to discover that you will be attending a book launch of "The Origin of Specious Nonsense" by author John J. May. This book is a self-published attack one the most well supported theories in the entire field of biology and underpins everything we know about the nature of life. It is so well supported by evidence in the fossil record and DNA that it is considered a fact as much as gravity is considered fact.

    For whatever reasons the author has to try to discredit the Theory of Evolution, the involvement of any government minister in the launch of a book like this is embarrassing to the Irish public; for the Minister of State at the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science, and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with special responsibility for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources to be involved in the launch of a book of such an unscientific, anti-science, anti-evolution content is more then embarrassing; it is insulting to the well educated Irish people.

    Your presence at the launch of this book discredits your office, discredits this government and discredits the people of this country who elected you. Your presence, as Minister of State at the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science, and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with special responsibility for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources, gives a credibility to this work that it does not appear to deserve. The author should have the published any proof he has in scientific journals for peer review, after which he may have something to say that deserves the presence of a public representative whose wages are paid from our taxes.


  • #74
    PostHack
    Registered Users Posts: 120 ✭✭PostHack


    stevejazzx wrote: »
    Anyone got Ennio Morricones (agents) email address? There's no way this f**cker has paid a royalty/gotten permission to use that music on his (appaling) site.

    Not to mention the King Kong poster he's using for a background...


  • #75
    Stercus Accidit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,758 ✭✭✭Stercus Accidit


    pts wrote: »
    Not as articulate and well argued as some other emails, but better than nothing.
    My email:

    The youtube video you linked should have been a rick roll.

    Harsh but fair.


  • #76
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Haha, oh fuck. Has anyone looked at his biography?
    I am like Abraham Lincoln, self educated, and might be viewed as a polymath, left school young and commenced my real education.


  • #77
    pts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 576 ✭✭✭pts


    Stercus Accidit wrote: »
    The youtube video you linked should have been a rick roll.

    Harsh but fair.

    ha ha, that would have been priceless! Why didn't I think of that :D


  • #78
    mikhail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,862 ✭✭✭mikhail


    The Mad Hatter wrote: »
    Just sent the following to the Times:
    Madam,

    As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Conor Lenihan once referred to a group of Turkish workers as "kebabs." Now as Minister for Science he is launching an anti-science book. If he has no sense of irony, he should at least have a sense of professionalism and resign.

    Yours etc.,
    How you wasted the opportunity to use a "skewered" pun is beyond me.


  • #79
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conor_Lenihan


    The Origin of Specious Nonsense
    In September 2010, Lenihan attracted controversy when it emerged that he was to attend the launch of The Origin of Specious Nonsense, an anti-evolution book by John J. May. PZ Myers, on his Pharyngula blog, called May a "barmy, ignorant crank" and expressed shock that a Minister of State with special responsibility for Science would lend support to such a book.[9] Lenihan claimed that he was "not launching the book as Minister for Science but rather as a TDbecause Mr May is a constituent of his." Michael Nugent, chairperson of Atheist Ireland, said that the Minister of State's appearance at the launch was "an abuse of his position and an attack by the Government on both scientists and science education."[10]

    He's a constituent...I have to do it...what rubbish.


  • #80
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    Actually, on reflection, it is a very apt name he chose for his book...


  • #81
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,420 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Last November, Lenihan believed we're all "Ambassadors of Science":
    Conor Lenihan wrote:
    The relevance and value of science must be continually communicated to the general public, and how it is articulated is vital in defining how science is perceived. The task of communicating the message that ‘science matters’, that ‘science delivers’ and, above all, that investment in science in Ireland is value for money and an integral part of our economic development must be addressed by all across the scientific community.
    Did he bang his head during the summer?


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  • #82
    Dougla2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 227 ✭✭Dougla2


    contact conor lenihan about this he is attending and supporting the launch party,

    http://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/dda0x/redditors_please_help_irish_author_publishing/

    http://www.fiannafail.ie/people/contact/conor-lenihan/

    << snip >>

    if this was already posted sorry i didnt check

    anybody organizing a protest??

    icon4.gif
    MOD NOTE
    Home address & number snipped.
    This is sufficient access for contact:

    http://www.deti.ie/corporate/ministersoffice/lenihan.htm


  • #83
    King Mob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,323 ✭✭✭✭King Mob


    Been picked up by the Irish Times.

    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0913/breaking61.html

    We'll probably see him slink away from this now.


  • #84
    amacachi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Definitely no chance the book is a pisstake?


  • #85
    axer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭axer


    expectationlost wrote: »
    no the only difference between the two images is the 10,000 euros bit, maybe that was your cache refresh, axer you didn't alter anything else apart from the red mark, did you? obviously he's been asked to remove those bits to try and keep up the pretense that he wasn't asked to speak because he's the minister for science, thats he's just a friend.
    Nope, I didnt do anything but add the red.

    Here is the original image pulled from cache.
    127504.jpg


  • #86
    stevejazzx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,247 ✭✭✭stevejazzx


    amacachi wrote: »
    Definitely no chance the book is a pisstake?

    I think the odds are 1/1 each way...


  • #87
    Ush1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,476 ✭✭✭✭Ush1


    This is an absolute disgrace. Just when you think things might be looking up in Ireland.

    Kevin Myers ignorant waffle now this.

    I bet the minister won't miss the after party in lillies!:pac:


  • #88
    Turtwig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,578 ✭✭✭✭Turtwig


    Ush1 wrote: »
    This is an absolute disgrace. Just when you think things might be looking up in Ireland.

    Kevin Myers ignorant waffle now this.

    I bet the minister won't miss the after party in lillies!:pac:

    Pardon my ignorance but what did Mr Myers say now?


  • #89
    mikhail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,862 ✭✭✭mikhail


    Malty_T wrote: »
    Pardon my ignorance but what did Mr Myers say now?
    I'd also like to know.


  • #90
    Ush1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,476 ✭✭✭✭Ush1


    Malty_T wrote: »
    Pardon my ignorance but what did Mr Myers say now?

    Just talking about that article in the Indo from last year.

    http://groups.google.com/group/talk.origins/browse_thread/thread/dae8b3bdd1c99361


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  • #91
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,420 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Wicknight wrote: »
    I've watched the Youtube videos. His argument against us descending from apes is "Have you ever tried living in a tree?" and his argument against us descending from the ocenas is "Sit in a bath for a few hours"
    Here's Mr May explaining some of his views:
    Mr May wrote:
    They also say <krrgggh, krrggghhh> we came out of the sea. Eh? Came out of the sea? If you lie in your bath for nine hours, your skin is so wrinkled you're it's it's it's not hardly recognizable. Yet a baby can be in a womb nine months in liquid without drowning and when it's born it's not particularly wrinkled.
    Therefore god exists.

    More from this wonderfully original thinker here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgZUV-_S5zM


  • #92
    Ush1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,476 ✭✭✭✭Ush1


    After watching that video I've gone from anger to thinking this is a joke. It has to be.:(


  • #93
    Turtwig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,578 ✭✭✭✭Turtwig


    One thing has been bugging me since this thread's inception (brilliant move btw), is there any chance our beloved John could also be our beloved JC?


  • #94
    amacachi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Ush1 wrote: »
    Just talking about that article in the Indo from last year.

    http://groups.google.com/group/talk.origins/browse_thread/thread/dae8b3bdd1c99361

    Oh sweet ****ing Jesus, between that and his ramblings about transport I wonder if there's anything he isn't completely ignorant of. I saw him on Reeling in the Years speaking at some student rally back in the day so I assume there must be something he has a clue about.


  • #95
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    Malty_T wrote: »
    One thing has been bugging me since this thread's inception (brilliant move btw), is there any chance our beloved John could also be our beloved JC?

    This is a truly stupendous thought. Those of ye who have had the patience to endure Captain Capslock's posting style must start reviewing the book exerpts and see if it truly is he.

    Also I said I wasn't going to tell 4chan, but that doesn't mean I didn't tell somethingawful.


  • #96
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,420 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Malty_T wrote: »
    One thing has been bugging me since this thread's inception (brilliant move btw), is there any chance our beloved John could also be our beloved JC?
    This occurred to me also, but somebody matching JC's description showed up at a meeting in the Science Gallery in Dublin last year and Mr May doesn't resemble him all that much.

    I think that JC uses those initials for a very specific religious reason.


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  • #97
    mohawk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,785 ✭✭✭mohawk


    Oh Dear. That video was something else :eek:. He actually believes what he is saying. He really believes he is forming a scientific argument.


  • #98
    PDN
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,686 ✭✭✭✭PDN


    Malty_T wrote: »
    One thing has been bugging me since this thread's inception (brilliant move btw), is there any chance our beloved John could also be our beloved JC?

    That would be entertaining, but very unlikely. This guy's spiritual beliefs are pretty far removed from JC's. Let's just say he's the kind of guy who would be more at home in the Spirituality Forum than in the Christianity Forum.

    Great advertising for a self-published book written by someone no-one's ever heard of. The guy should be in PR.


  • #99
    Dave!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,857 ✭✭✭✭Dave!


    Oh my god, this is fvckin excruciating to see, I'm squirming around in my seat as I read on :(

    Please don't let this sh!te take hold in Ireland, it's gonna be painful enough going back

    BTW please do not post John Waters' response to this -- I could not possibly take it !


  • #100
    Zillah
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    PDN wrote: »
    Great advertising for a self-published book written by someone no-one's ever heard of. The guy should be in PR.

    That is a horrible down side to this. Ideally this should be ignored completely, but a Minister is acting very innopropriately so at least all the media attention is bad attention at the moment. Obviously he will sell more books, just hopefully not very many in total.


  • #101
    mohawk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,785 ✭✭✭mohawk


    Dave! wrote: »

    Please don't let this sh!te take hold in Ireland, it's gonna be painful enough going back

    !

    The thought of that makes me want to cry. Even imagining the possibility is horrific :mad:


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