GAC 2012 Speaker/Performer Wish List

[Praxis]

Just puttin' it out there! Add your suggestions.

Here's mine, in no particular order:



Tim Minchin
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Catherine Deveny (yeah, I'd do her again!)
Christopher Hitchens (although I have an awful feeling he'll have shuffled off this mortal coil by 2012 :( )
Sam Harris
Daniel Dennett
Pat Condell
The Chaser (all of them this time? or at least Andrew Hansen?)
Paul McDermott
Nicola Roxon, Greg Combet, Lindsay Tanner (first two openly atheist, Tanner openly agnostic)
Janeane Garofalo
Ian McEwan

That's off the top of my head :)

[OzAtheist]

Some of the ladies from the 2010 panel, Leslie Cannold. This time give them 2 blocks of 45 mins. One to speak and one to answer questions QandA style

[Praxis]

Agreed. Did you get my Happy Birthday message on Twitter? Hope you're having a good day (and took the day off) :)

[Goldenmane]

Me!

:D

[OzAtheist]

Did you get my Happy Birthday message on Twitter? Hope you're having a good day (and took the day off) :)
Yes I just did, and yes I took day off, good day so far (I got my GAC 2010 DVDs in mail today, great birthday present)

[Praxis]

Me!

:D
Yes, yes, was considering adding you.

Sue-Ann Post got away with saying the word cunt on stage (I think she might have said it just the once) - reckon you could do a spiel only using it once? :D

@OzAz - indeed a great birthday pressie!

[Praxis]

Been giving this more thought. I would also like to see some speakers, not necessarily famous or well-known, who have escapted/reasoned their way out of religious shackles; basically, religious survivors telling their stories. Former fundamentalist xtians, former muslims, cult survivors, that sort of person. Perhaps that could be done in a panel format, similar to the women panel, which might be a touch less nervewracking then facing such a large audience on stage alone!

Another two for the wish list, although they come as a package: Penn & Teller!
:)

[Goldenmane]

Sue-Ann Post got away with saying the word cunt on stage (I think she might have said it just the once) - reckon you could do a spiel only using it once? :D


I can do a spiel completely omitting it. Witness my Morality post (in the Lounge).
:D

[Loki]

Praxis, I'll whisper it so as to keep it just between us, I'd like to see David Nicholls. I think a proper slot not just an introductory spiel from David would be fascinating. He has a very good take on current events and gets to see all sorts of things cross his desk I'd imagine. His stuff always makes singular sense, so I'd attend that session.

Course I'd like to see most of the presenters from the last one again also.

[Praxis]

Praxis, I'll whisper it so as to keep it just between us, I'd like to see David Nicholls. I think a proper slot not just an introductory spiel from David would be fascinating. He has a very good take on current events and gets to see all sorts of things cross his desk I'd imagine. His stuff always makes singular sense, so I'd attend that session.
*also whispering so it's just between us*
Fecking AWESOME idea :D

Of course, we'd have to get past his people, who are notoriously protective and dole out his in-house appearances with Dickensian parsimony but I have heard tell that they can sometimes be bribed...

Let me have a think about that. I may have an opportunity to whisper it in a personal shell-like fairly soon.

Shhhhh ;)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Danny Nalliah Richard Dawkins Captain Kirk President Bush on How to Pronounce "Nucular"

[Xeno]

I keep considering notable religious people, but the press would probably think they had done well or were noble for appearing even though, if I were in the audience, I would find it funny. The problem is that their woo would probably be too deep for discussion.

Perhaps mildly rather than absurdly religious commentators should be given an opportunity, at least in a discussion/Q&A/debate form where there might be some interesting discussion, even though affected by perceived public pressure. We should be willing to listen and test our positions rather than encourage comedians to laugh about how brilliant we are*.

Back to my first paragraph, about from where this comes, I recall on christianforums.com they reject the presence of those who will oppose their belief, regardless of what they have to say. We are or should be different in that we limit conversation only when the other party's arguments have been covered and have reasoned responses.

* Edit: not that I mind the opportunity to laugh, to put it mildly.

[Lee]

*also whispering so it's just between us*
Fecking AWESOME idea :D

Of course, we'd have to get past his people, who are notoriously protective and dole out his in-house appearances with Dickensian parsimony but I have heard tell that they can sometimes be bribed...

Let me have a think about that. I may have an opportunity to whisper it in a personal shell-like fairly soon.

Shhhhh ;)

No need to Shhhhh.

No need to hide that it will be my ear you are whispering into.

BUT if there is another GAC, David and I plan on being together throughout the whole event to enjoy it without any extraneous diversions. We didn’t have that luxury last time. That isn’t a complaint just a reality of how things worked out.

Would you deny us our time together? :(

[Worldslaziestbusker]

I keep considering notable religious people, but the press would probably think they had done well or were noble for appearing even though, if I were in the audience, I would find it funny.

A thousand or so people laughing heartily at him would do wonders for George Pell's ego.
Are we allowed to nominate dead people? They might present via oija board or entertainingly deranged medium, or not, as the mood or the probability of their existence takes them.
Mary MacKillop would be good, but her non-appearance fees are likely to spike shortly.

A "Gruen Transfer" panel on religious advertising would be interesting.
WLB

[riddlemethis]

Oh, an official place to beg & plead! Great!

I'd love to see some folks who are at the forefront of scientific endeavor & modern philosophy.

Dan Dennett
Sam Harris
Brian Cox - CERN & he could play us a tune on the Korg!
Michael Braungart &/or William McDonough - McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry & authors of the book Cradle to Cradle (brilliant!)
Michael Onfray
David Chalmers

On the funny side, although I know she's an aquired taste, I'd love to see Kathy Griffin, who's outrageousness makes me laugh like a crazy person!

Musical entertainment - Paul Kelly; the best Australian songwriter ever!

[Lee]

We can record his part and play it on the big screen :)



He doesn't do recordings or live stuff. :D

[Lee]

so he's dead or doesn't actually exist :eek:

Possibly!

[Praxis]

No need to Shhhhh.

No need to hide that it will be my ear you are whispering into.
Spoiler alert!! I was going to make it a surprise with pics :rolleyes:

BUT if there is another GAC, David and I plan on being together throughout the whole event to enjoy it without any extraneous diversions. We didn’t have that luxury last time. That isn’t a complaint just a reality of how things worked out.

Would you deny us our time together? :(
You can stand at the podium with him then :D

And what's this "if" business??

[riddlemethis]

Oh oh oh oh, Bill Bryson!! Pleeeeeeeaaaaaasssse? He's funny and just so clever!


AND OMNG!! Ricky Gervais - what a lark that'd be!


Hmmm, Linus Torvalds (Linux) would have some interesting things to say about ways of cooperation for the future.

[Xeno]

If I don't get my Brian Cox and Stephen Fry I'm not going...I recollect some movie where a bunch of plastic dolls started biting chunks out of people to kill them. Barbarella? Can it really be true that in my youth I might have been more interested in fantasies of sex with Jane Fonda than remembering the name of a movie? Surely not :o

Anyway, somehow this deters me from the obvious response to Protium, "so bite me".

[Lee]

Spoiler alert!! I was going to make it a surprise with pics :rolleyes:
Sorry luvvy you should have told me you were going to surprise people.


You can stand at the podium with him then :D
Ha ha!

And what's this "if" business??

Jeeze talk about picky with words. Nothing meant by it all all. :confused:

[riddlemethis]

so he's dead or doesn't actually exist :eek:

I really am a pretty little girl...

He's Lee's imaginary sky daddy!:D (/ducksandrunsforcover!)

[Lee]

He's Lee's imaginary sky daddy!:D (/ducksandrunsforcover!)

Tee hee :D

[Lee]

The if construct is one of the most important features of many languages. It allows for conditional execution of code fragments. :)

Do you need to lie down? :p

[Loki]

Bit chilly out west Prote?

[Lee]

Bit chilly out west Prote?

Maybe that is what needs defragging.

[Atrax Robustus]

all the above +

Richard Leakey
Jerry Coyne
Victor Stenger
Eugenie Scott

[riddlemethis]

So this is what woman have to put up with... I don't even know what that means..

:)

Protes, you left your headlights on!

[riddlemethis]

Oh.. shit!.. I locked my keys in the car..

This is tough!

NOW you know what we go through. :p

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

But do they explode with delight?

I think they're so big that the thread is starting to going off the rail... Just this feelin'

[DanDare]

I like Xeno's suggestion. Perhaps we can find an actual religious secularist who can talk about why they think a secular state is good for the religious and non-religious alike. Also Lin Hatfield Dodds (http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2010/08/10/2978233.htm), Green Party, Christian perhaps?

I want to talk Ronnie Williams into giving a talk about the High Court Challenge to the NSCP. Perhaps also some political activists trying to get the charitable status of religions removed, get rid of funding for faith schools, remove religious instruction from public schools, and requiring religious institutions to abide by anti discrimination laws.

[GenericBox]

Come on! If this is a "wish list" then think big! As a fairly average gen y 21 year old here's a few that would no doubt get younger people interested:

- Seth McFarlane (cocreator Family Guy / voice of Brian)
- Paul McDermott (GNW)
- Josh Thomas
- The guys from The Big Bang Theory
- Bare Naked Ladies for music. (no not porn - it's a band. YouTube them)
- bill gates (possibly talking about having the worlds largest/most financed secular charity)
- The host of Talkin bout your generation on 10.

And I could probably think of more if I wasn't at te movies.

Sent from my iPhone not using Tapatalk.

[Podblack]

As OzAtheist said: "Some of the ladies from the 2010 panel, Leslie Cannold. This time give them 2 blocks of 45 mins. One to speak and one to answer questions QandA style" - agreed, it'd be lovely to hear more of them. :)

Alom Shaha - he will have a book out soon - which has been endorsed by
Dawkins! He's a former Muslim turned science teacher and science
documentary maker.
Ariane Sherine - the Atheist bus campaign
Neil deGrasse Tyson - atheist and astronomer! Really cool!
Daniel Dennett (one of the four horsemen!)
Jennifer Ouellette - science writer
Susan Jacoby - author, New York secular president
Brian Keith Dalton - Mr Deity!
George Hrab - he'd be brilliant, absolutely ask him. Musician, very popular podcaster.
Francis Wheen - journalist, broadcaster
Phillip Pullman - children's book author, famous athiest
Susan Blackmore - famous psychologist, author on brain and belief
Eugenie Scott - fights creationism, executive of the NCSE
Dara O Briain - comedian, great!

[DanDare]

I would second getting Neil deGrass Tyson. He is a very engaging speaker.

[Durro]

Neil DeGrasse Tyson without a doubt !

Eugenie Scott !

Mr Deity ! (Brian Dalton)

Sam Harris

Christopher Hitchens (assuming he's still with us)

and for entertainment, the Scared Weird Little Guys.

;)

[Praxis]

the Scared Weird Little Guys. ;)
Prote and Goldenmane were there last time!

(I'll get my coat :D )


*The Scaredies have called it a day anyway :(

[Goldenmane]

Prote and Goldenmane were there last time!

I didn't know Prote was scared.

[Praxis]

I didn't know Prote was scared.
Terrified. Ask him yourself.

[OzAtheist]

I second

Ariane Sherine - the Atheist bus campaign
and total babe

oops did I say that out loud :o

[Lord Blackadder]

My wish list (in no particular order)

Stephen Fry (and only if he comes as Melchett ;))
Penn and Teller
Tim Minchin
Christopher Hitchins
Julia Gillard
Ricky Gervais
Bill Bailey
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter - and he pops into Melbored every now and then)
David Attenborough
PZ Myers
Russell T Davis
Andrew Denton
Emma Thompson

*sigh* So many to choose from...

[DanielV]

Paul Davies. He's not an atheist but I've always found his writing to be well considered. Might provide some balance.

[DanielV]

I would second getting Neil deGrass Tyson. He is a very engaging speaker.

Agreed, Neil is very balanced and aware of the "image" that can be portrayed by science and scientists. Plus, he's cool.

[Praxis]

Paul Davies. He's not an atheist but I've always found his writing to be well considered. Might provide some balance.
In a similar vein then, Father Bob Maguire.

He was spotted at the GAC in March (I wish I'd gone and said hi now).

He's definitely a secular humanist in disguise I think and he'd be a great speaker I reckon.

[Darwinsbulldog]

Invite all the "let's say nice things about religion scientists" [such as Templeton Prize-winner Davies] all you want....so long as I can heckle in the wings, foaming at the mouth about the inane intellectual bankruptcy of NOMA.....:p:D:D

If we must have a damned NOMA apologetic on the speaker list, I demand a public debate with him/her....

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Indeed. Let's have a homeopath or pseudoscientist perform their advanced medical procedures comedy routines.

[Lee]

In a similar vein then, Father Bob Maguire.

He was spotted at the GAC in March (I wish I'd gone and said hi now).

He's definitely a secular humanist in disguise I think and he'd be a great speaker I reckon.

Huh? Was he at the GAC?

[Praxis]

Huh? Was he at the GAC?
Not sure how much of it he was at, but he was definitely in the foyer on Sunday afternoon. Spotted sitting on his lonesome. Someone I was walking with spotted him. We hesitated in the doorway to go back and say hi but didn't. Should've really. He's a bit of a superstar really, in his own way :)

[Goldenmane]

Not sure how much of it he was at, but he was definitely in the foyer on Sunday afternoon. Spotted sitting on his lonesome. Someone I was walking with spotted him. We hesitated in the doorway to go back and say hi but didn't. Should've really. He's a bit of a superstar really, in his own way :)

Fuck, I would have gone and shaken his hand if I had known he was there. He's a feisty old cunt with a sense of humour about himself, and I admire that. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was really a secular humanist, given how much shit he's given to the Church. Even if he's not, and does actually believe in a God, it seems to be a God he's not willing to take any shit from.

[Praxis]

Fuck, I would have gone and shaken his hand if I had known he was there. He's a feisty old cunt with a sense of humour about himself, and I admire that. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was really a secular humanist, given how much shit he's given to the Church. Even if he's not, and does actually believe in a God, it seems to be a God he's not willing to take any shit from.
That's pretty much what I was trying to say :)

[Xeno]

That's pretty much what I was trying to say :)It is just a matter of getting the thought train going. You forgot to start with "Fuck".

HTH


:cool:

[OzAtheist]

. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was really a secular humanist, given how much shit he's given to the Church.

I liked when Father Bob got in trouble with the church a few years back, because he was giving away all the churches money to homeless people. Heaven Forbid (TIC) that a catholic priest actually spent money on helping people!

[Made Of Stars]

Definitely Dennett, although it might be easier to get Sam Harris out. Harris would be great for other profile work in media.

Another vote for Hitchens too. If he pulls through he'll be an even more frikkin awesome speaker.

No votes for Julia Gillard yet? She might be looking for the odd speaking engagement, although the Anglicans might have retained her as a consultant. If they haven't already. :rolleyes:

[davo]

oh golly this thread is so hard not to get involved in :P

[xactlytrue]

The Prime Minister
- representing the office of the Prime Minister and the Government


Please take a moment to think about the second line before the usual assumptions. Yes whichever person it is, :) we don't really know at this moment yet! has personal beliefs but that is irrelevant.
So yes, even if it is T.Abbot.
There are common ground of discussion, ie secular government.

The Prime Minister in this role does address other conventions in the past,
say sports events, the Pope etc
we should not allow the Prime Minister ignore the secular part of our society.


Another suggestion, Maybe the Governor General ? er doubt it though......

[DanDare]

xactlytrue (http://atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/member.php?u=1394), you are so, so, totally right!

[HerbieTheBeagle]

Very good suggestions made so far. I'd add suggest breaking up the talks with genuine panel discussions eg
- politicians on secularism (ASP, Greens, Secular Party, anyone willing to show up from ALP or Coalition)
- a Gruen style discussion of "selling" reason vs faith. Wil Anderson, Todd Sampson and Russell Howcroft would do an excellent job (not sure Russell would agree but may be able to get at least Wil to run a panel discussion)

[66 vegie]

Hi Everyone.

CJ Werleman. Have a look at the link below.

http://www.cjwerleman.com/

[Annie]

Any of the Beyond Belief 2009 speakers for me.
Richard Dawkins (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=richard%20dawkins&tag=athemovi-20&index=blended&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Sam Harris (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Sam%20Harris&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Michael Shermer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Michael%20Shermer&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Steven Weinberg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Steven%20Weinberg&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Melvin J. Konner (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Melvin%20J.%20Konner&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Scott Atran (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Scott%20Atran&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Owen Flanagan (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Owen%20Flanagan&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Francisco Ayala (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Francisco%20Ayala&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325).

Also Neil De Grasse Tyson - who is exceptional and funny in my view and Geoffrey Robertson.

Oh and I would like to see Gillard there but I dont think she'd accept the invite.

[Worldslaziestbusker]

I think Gillard would be good in terms of media coverage, but would she really have anything interesting to say? Even if willing to take up the invite, my guess is that the PM's PR team would write a beautifully equivocal speech no-one could learn anything from.
Before the election, a suggestion was made that the PM should be invited regardless of who won. I liked this idea at the time and, while I much prefer the situation we have, putting an overtly religious leader on the spot would have been more interesting than listening to the overspun barnum statements we're likely to get from Australia's first overtly atheist PM.
Moving forward together in a spirit of greater understanding and cooperative synergies,
WLB

[cyclist]

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but Dr Andy Thompson. I saw some of his lectures from previous atheist conventions on YouTube, very interested.

He is a psychologist.

His Lecture "We Few, we Happy Few"

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and one on Morality

jnXmDaI8IEo

Both are very interesting.

James

[Podblack]

Would suggesting George Hrab be okay? Not sure if I did this before - see what you think of him when he's touring here, he'd be very good! :)

[Darwinsbulldog]

Any of the Beyond Belief 2009 speakers for me.
Richard Dawkins (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=richard%20dawkins&tag=athemovi-20&index=blended&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Sam Harris (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Sam%20Harris&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Michael Shermer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Michael%20Shermer&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Steven Weinberg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Steven%20Weinberg&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Melvin J. Konner (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Melvin%20J.%20Konner&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Scott Atran (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Scott%20Atran&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Owen Flanagan (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Owen%20Flanagan&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325), Francisco Ayala (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=Francisco%20Ayala&tag=athemovi-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325).

Also Neil De Grasse Tyson - who is exceptional and funny in my view and Geoffrey Robertson.

Oh and I would like to see Gillard there but I dont think she'd accept the invite.

Ayala? You have got to be kidding! If he turns up, I will rip him a new asshole! :D He is a crypto-creationist!
By day, he is a methodological naturalist, and by night, a magical supernaturalist. Don't you know that he believes crackers and wine magically turn into the body and blood of Jeebus? he is a stoooppid NOMA apologist! :p

[Annie]

Oops. Sorry bout that Mr. Dog. I just copied and pasted from the Beyond Belief site. Ayala inclusion was a booboo.
You have my support in your ripping him a new asshole. I will supply the implement of your choice.

[Darwinsbulldog]

Oops. Sorry bout that Mr. Dog. I just copied and pasted from the Beyond Belief site. Ayala inclusion was a booboo.
You have my support in your ripping him a new asshole. I will supply the implement of your choice.
Actoooally, he is an excellent scientist. :p An intelligent guy. He is just dumb when he is in religion mode, as PZ Myers said at the 2010 Atheist's conf. [Well, not him, he was talking mainly about Ken Miller I think, but same-same].

Remind me to lend you Ayala's book "Darwin & Intelligent Design". Ayala's normally brilliant mind apparently drops about 40 IQ points. :). He would never get away with that shit in a peer-reviewed paper. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I sure do hope someone like Ayala, Miller or Collins get's invited and they accept. I ask only to [politely and respectfully] tear them new assholes if they get into apologetics and NOMA crap! :D;)

[DanDare]

Actoooally, he is an excellent scientist. :p An intelligent guy. He is just dumb when he is in religion mode, as PZ Myers said at the 2010 Atheist's conf. [Well, not him, he was talking mainly about Ken Miller I think, but same-same].

Remind me to lend you Ayala's book "Darwin & Intelligent Design". Ayala's normally brilliant mind apparently drops about 40 IQ points. :). He would never get away with that shit in a peer-reviewed paper. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I sure do hope someone like Ayala, Miller or Collins get's invited and they accept. I ask only to [politely and respectfully] tear them new assholes if they get into apologetics and NOMA crap! :D;)

So to rephrase a well known quote, intelligent folks say intelligent things, stupid folks say stupid thins, but to get intelligent folk to say stupid things, that takes religion. ;)

[RealityRules]

Would be good to have some presentations about logic, and other practical philosophy; and even a separate presentation about how Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle's philosophy was hijacked by theology.

[Sieveboy]

How about Thunderf00t (http://www.youtube.com/user/Thunderf00t) and a return of NonStampCollector (http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/nonstampcollector/)?

[Darwinsbulldog]

How about Thunderf00t (http://www.youtube.com/user/Thunderf00t) and a return of NonStampCollector (http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/nonstampcollector/)?
Good suggestions.
The NSCE has to work in a "high threat environment". The NCSE is always having to put out Creationist "wildfires". It does a sterling job. But the fact that these wildfires are always springing up might be a sign that the NCSE's policy of conciliation and dialogue may be self-defeating in the long term.

While I agree that creationism is a clear and present danger to science education, the longer term threat to science and reason is faith itself. Treating a faith position makes faith appear rational. But faith, by definition, puts itself as at least an equal or even superior to reason and evidence. Thus the myth of the rational theist. To be sure, if any theist scientists can be called rational, then it is surely the likes of Ken B. Miller, Fransisco Ayala, and Francis Collins. Intelligent and likable that these scientists are, and as valuable allies against creationism and ID, they are without peer.

But at the end of the day, they give NOMA "legitimacy". The difference between the rational theist "creationism" and fundi creationism may be just a difference of degree.

To be sure, the creationists tend to assert a god-creator as fact, wheras the rational theists just confine themselves to the "god as a possible creator". Of course all things are possible, and I, as a limited person not being gifted with omniscience cannot absolutely rules god out [or in] - no one can.

But Ken Miller's proposal that god may tweak quantum particles to do his will, or Ayala's proposal that god may use evolution as a sort of autopilot is to me a form of creationist apologetic. Sure, the intervention of god by subtle means is possible, but so are fairies and goblins. But they don't mention other possibilities such as fairies and goblins, they just mention god.
It is not clear to me why they can reasonably conclude [nor do they present any real evidence {apart from their faith, which we might agree is not really evidence} WHY god is a more credible possibility for unknown causes than fairies and goblins.

But because these anti-creationist heros do such a stirling job of debunking the woo of the more obvious creationists, we tend to turn a blind eye to these deeper inconsistencies. Rational theists find god believable, but not goblins and fairies. So as I said, in the short term, no problem. In the longer term, it means cognitive dissonance. This will tend to limit the public understanding of science.

Invoking a magic man [as a possibility] for as yet unexplained phenomena is a bad idea, even if it is technically OK under methodological naturalism. It is only "forbidden" to invoke god as fact under methodological naturalism. [Unless of course, one has evidence for god]. So if we include god as possible, then we must also include goblins, fairies and devils as possible.
There is nothing forbidden under methodological naturalism to investigate any possible inputs made by god, the main difficulty lies in constructing a differential diagnosis between god-causes and natural causes. This is not helped by the fact that god is difficult to define [and as atheists we suspect that this is because he does not in fact exist, except as a figment of imagination and wish-thinking].

Thus, stuff like ID and creationist "theories" tend to be under-investigated, and rightly so, because although ID is testable, it fails completely. Only if some evidence came to light, would scientists devote resources to the investigation of creationist/ID ideas.

The theist scientist must believe that god is "natural". IF god is natural, then it should be theoretically possible [even if it may be practically impossible] to find god, or the "productions" of god, in nature. God is posited [by theists] to interact with nature. Therefore, there should be a difference between a godless and god universe. Of course, if we can't detect such a difference that is not totally conclusive evidence. But again, we can't absolutely rule out fairies and goblins either.

So while I understand the need for the NCSE to take this NOMA-friendly, theist scientist friendly position, my argument is, that it is far from perfect and may not be the best strategy to educate people in science for the longer term.

[askegg]

Here is my current list:

Neil deGrasse Tyson
Christopher Hitchens
Sam Harris
Ricky Gervais
Laurence Krauss
Matt Dillahunty
Potholer54 (Brilliant Youtuber who live in Melbourne)
AronRa
Dr. Eugene Scott
Brain Cox
Brian Greene
Mr. Deity (Brian Dalton)
Stephen Fry
Adam Savage (Mythbuster)

I am also available to help organise the event.

[Praxis]

Lovely to see you "inside", as it were, Askegg :)

I think there needs to be a post/sticky about who people should contact if they wish to volunteer to help with GAC 2012.

[askegg]

It's been a while since I visited these forums. I have been busy with other projects. You know - raising kids, earning a living, recording podcasts, posting blogs, creating youtube videos, etc.

Not much of an excuse, but it's all I've got.

[DanDare]

From the realm of brilliant youTube presenters I would like to add QualiaSoup (http://www.youtube.com/user/QualiaSoup) and TheraminTrees (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheraminTrees) as two of the more distinguished thinkers out there.

[DanDare]

T69TOuqaqXI
by QualiaSoup

sNDZb0KtJDk
by TheraminTrees

[cyclist]

Not sure if he's already been mentioned, but someone like Seth of The Thinking Atheist could be interesting. He was a christian for 30 years, before becoming an atheist.

James

[djarm67]

I would like to see Eugenie Scott re-enact the Kitzmiller trial using interpretive dance.

[two dogs]

I would like to see Eugenie Scott re-enact the Kitzmiller trial using interpretive dance.
naked?

[Logic]

Not a speaker request as such but falls into the performer category...but I think it would be good to have some live music at the dinner this time so we can get our groove on :)

[Lord Blackadder]

Not a speaker request as such but falls into the performer category...but I think it would be good to have some live music at the dinner this time so we can get our groove on :)

George Hrab? I don't know if he's been mentioned, but he is good fun. And a nice bloke to boot.

[FSM]

and for entertainment, the Scared Weird Little Guys.
;)

Just get Ross Noble, he's a one-man piss-yourself laughing entertainment machine, and wicked tongue Atheist.

Dave.

[djarm67]

Kent Hovind (if he can get day release ;))

[Sieveboy]

Kent Hovind (if he can get day release ;))

and Ken Ham! We would need some stocks and rotten fruit but:):):):):):):):):):):)

[gruber]

Not sure if he's already been mentioned, but someone like Seth of The Thinking Atheist could be interesting. He was a christian for 30 years, before becoming an atheist


even better would be Seth Macfarlene (the family guy guy) :D an Atheist and Gays rights activist

[PeterCartledge]

Well, I'd be happy to see Cristina Rad AKA ZOMGitsCriss

http://www.youtube.com/user/ZOMGitsCriss

I'd also like to see Ricky Gervais (I'd say his calendar has probably cleared up a bit lately).

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

PeterCartledge: Oh yeah! (and also Thunderf00t)

[Podblack]

George Hrab? I don't know if he's been mentioned, but he is good fun. And a nice bloke to boot.
Did mention him - got a bunch of forum-ites to see him in Melbourne - like yourself!! :D So, hope that's of use to planners. :)

[Podblack]

Just because I'm being REALLY cheeky and gloaty here (maybe it's also the jet lag and I need photo evidence...):

http://tokenskeptic.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1.jpg

Eugenie Scott, me, Sile Lane from 'Sense about Science', David Kirby (sci comm professor) and Janis Bennion of QEDCon. Third time Eugenie and I have been on a panel together, talking about education. She rocks. :D

This needs a caption competition:
http://tokenskeptic.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/182048_197917120219954_100000050032745_764268_1601 197_n.jpg

[bruce1937]

Has any one suggested John Clarke & Bryan Dawe?
I do not know if they are atheists or not, I would guess that they are but I have no evidence to support this guess. They are very funny though.

[Darwinsbulldog]

E.S is showing the dimensions of Ken Ham's weenie! :p:p

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

E.S is showing the dimensions of Ken Ham's weenie! :p:pI understand there is an error with an upper bound of 10mm with her hand calipers.

[wearestardust]

Has anyone suggested Peter FitzSimons?

[Podblack]

I'd love to see another gathering of the Freethought University students. The UWA group has recently held an AGM with new positions to replace the outgoing students and it'd be great to have them attend the GAC and network with more established groups across Australia. :)

[Praxis]

Soooo...now the new banner is up and it's all official-like, when can we get a glimpse at the speaker/guest list?

Huh? huh? :D

[Hossain Salahuddin]

Can we have Taslima Nasrin again? and Richard Dawkins as well, if possible?

[Logic]

Bill Maher. I'm trying to get to Europe in 2012 but I'd try to afford the convention as well if he were coming :)

[djarm67]

Oh all right! I'll speak there. Just have a big bowl of M&Ms in the green room (No brown ones of course)

[Darwinsbulldog]

Can we have Taslima Nasrin again? and Richard Dawkins as well, if possible?

YES to the first, no to the second...at least as regards talking about evolution. Dawkins either does not understand the effects of genetic drift, or is ignoring it too much when he talks about evolution. Frankly, I would rather have susu.exp [Simon] talk about evilootion. :)

Of course, for the atheism bit, RD is fine. Although he is wrong about NOMA also.....:p

[Hossain Salahuddin]

. Of course, for the atheism bit, RD is fine.

Agree :) and also for PR purpose he is not a bad choice.

[Darwinsbulldog]

Agree :) and also for PR purpose he is not a bad choice.

There is always a small statistical chance that I will "moon" him over the whole RDF forum affair, like a wanted to do at the last GAC, but I suppose that the conf is not all about me! :p:p:p

[Hossain Salahuddin]

There is always a small statistical chance that I will "moon" him over the whole RDF forum affair, like a wanted to do at the last GAC, but I suppose that the conf is not all about me! :p:p:p

He does deserve some very strong crticism over the whole RDF forum and Josh Timonen affair.

[Darwinsbulldog]

He does deserve some very strong crticism over the whole RDF forum and Josh Timonen affair.
Don't encourage me HS! :p:p:p

[crocoduck]

Of course, for the atheism bit, RD is fine. Although he is wrong about NOMA also.....:p


I'd like to know more about " wrong about NOMA." I've heard him say that at the very least, religion makes scientific claims. Maybe a new thread?

[Darwinsbulldog]

I'd like to know more about " wrong about NOMA." I've heard him say that at the very least, religion makes scientific claims. Maybe a new thread?
Or even an old thread....:p Got to go, back later....

[Xeno]

I'd like to know more about " wrong about NOMA." I've heard him say that at the very least, religion makes scientific claims. Maybe a new thread?

Or even an old thread....:p Got to go, back later....Indeed, crocoduck, DB has written about this already. The problem imho is not that religion makes scientific claims (violating the notion of NOMA) but that religion is or might be considered a magisterium (violating logic, sense and quite often young boys). NOMA is nonsense because religion is not a magisterium, outside science, any more than is breeding pigeons to fly under water*. Absurdity does not make credibility, you might say.


* An allusion for unfossilised elders.

[crocoduck]

Indeed, crocoduck, DB has written about this already. The problem imho is not that religion makes scientific claims (violating the notion of NOMA) but that religion is or might be considered a magisterium (violating logic, sense and quite often young boys). NOMA is nonsense because religion is not a magisterium, outside science, any more than is breeding pigeons to fly under water*. Absurdity does not make credibility, you might say.


* An allusion for unfossilised elders.


Ahhh, thankyou Xeno. I guess it gets confusing with all those theology doctorates handed out at Oxford et al. :p I like this explanation very much! DB, I will do more homework and go back to your earlier thread.

[gruber]

anyone up for a pie?

[Loki]

anyone up for a pie?

With your known predilection for thousand tadpole dressing I think I'll pass. :D

[Goldenmane]

To get back on topic, I'm reliably informed that once the speakers list is announced, I'll say "Fucking Awesome!"

The person telling me this knows me, so if they say I'll say it, then I probably will.

[TASIN]

John Lennon

[sennekuyl]

:popcorn:

[Lord Blackadder]

Don't know if he's been mentioned in the thread, but it would be great if we could get the Human Headline, Derryn Hinch, as a speaker.

Love him or hate him, he stuck to his principles when it came to church cover-ups regaring paedophiles, and even went to gaol for his convictions. I'e been reading his latest book, and he has some interesting tales to tell about religious ministers and their disgracefully hypocritial lifestyles.

[Lord Blackadder]

Leave me alone. I just got off a plane from Tassie... :p

[martinpribble]

I did not read all 13 pages of this thread, so sorry if I repeat anything already stated, but I thought I'd throw my white baseball cap into the ring and give a list of people I'd like to see at the 2012 convention. In no particular order:

Steven Pinker
Michael Shermer
Sam Harris
Richard Dawkins
Oliver Sacks
Daniel Dennett
Ron Reagan Jr
Lawrence Krauss
Phil Plait

(I just noticed that these are all guys... hmmm)

What about:
Ann Druyan (?!)
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Ariane Sherine
Janeane Garofalo

(and just for shits and giggles, in a debate or something?)

George Pell
William Lane Craig

there are more, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

[Sieveboy]

(and just for shits and giggles, in a debate or something?)

George Pell
William Lane Craig

there are more, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

Danny Nalliah, Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, Ken Hovind, Ken Ham and Jim "I want Sieveboy to Teabag Me" Wallace.

And a jelly wrestling pit.

[Darwinsbulldog]

My wish list of speakers, in no particular order, is Protium, Goldenmane, LP, Lord Black Adder, Annie, Wolky, Davo , MR & MRS Stubby, RMT, Sieveboy, Cyclist, Mr Black, etc, etc, etc. Get the idea? :)

[Centauri]

My wish list of speakers, in no particular order, is Protium, Goldenmane, LP, Lord Black Adder, Annie, Wolky, Davo , MR & MRS Stubby, RMT, Sieveboy, Cyclist, Mr Black, etc, etc, etc. Get the idea? :)
Wolky? :D

[Worldslaziestbusker]

My wish list of speakers, in no particular order, is Protium, Goldenmane, LP, Lord Black Adder, Annie, Wolky, Davo , MR & MRS Stubby, RMT, Sieveboy, Cyclist, Mr Black, etc, etc, etc. Get the idea? :)

Hello DB
I have been in touch with Podblack, who suggested a side event to bring together attendees keen to have their go at speaking some time ago. She has passed my contact details on to some university people who might get in touch and carry the idea forward with me. Regardless of their involvement, I am keen to arrange something as I, too, am keen to see a Goldenmane in full flight at the very least (though I suspect there are layers of dual key security and encrypted arming codes before you can actually launch one).
I will keep you informed of progress.
Matt

[martinpribble]

Hello DB
I have been in touch with Podblack, who suggested a side event to bring together attendees keen to have their go at speaking some time ago. She has passed my contact details on to some university people who might get in touch and carry the idea forward with me. Regardless of their involvement, I am keen to arrange something as I, too, am keen to see a Goldenmane in full flight at the very least (though I suspect there are layers of dual key security and encrypted arming codes before you can actually launch one).
I will keep you informed of progress.
Matt

I wonder if an open mike situation would be do-able? I might have 10 minutes worth of vitriol worth of being heard. (maybe?) Also would make way for something poetry/hip-hop based? (not that I would do hip-hop) It would certainly be fun to watch others go off though....

[Worldslaziestbusker]

I wonder if an open mike situation would be do-able? I might have 10 minutes worth of vitriol worth of being heard. (maybe?) Also would make way for something poetry/hip-hop based? (not that I would do hip-hop) It would certainly be fun to watch others go off though....

PB hooked me into a meet up model (http://www.skepticamp.org/wiki/Main_Page) with a little more structure than straight open mic, but that's essentially the idea. Let me know what you think. I like that it keeps people from getting an axe grinding groove on.
I went to an open mic to see my cousin do her first live performance earlier this week and was reminded how self indulgent it can get if the organisers don't keep some kind of reign on proceedings. Also saw the same old bullshit of people turning up early, doing their slot and pissing off, people turning up late, doing their slot and pissing off. I figure if you're taking the mic yourself, have the decency to listen to the other performers.
Open mic rant over.
I have been to a lot of open mic events.
Okay, now it's over.

[wolty]

Wolky? :D

Woltzy's cousin.


Hehehehe. :D

Sometimes when I am pissed I become Wolky.

[martinpribble]

PB hooked me into a meet up model (http://www.skepticamp.org/wiki/Main_Page) with a little more structure than straight open mic, but that's essentially the idea. Let me know what you think. I like that it keeps people from getting an axe grinding groove on.
I went to an open mic to see my cousin do her first live performance earlier this week and was reminded how self indulgent it can get if the organisers don't keep some kind of reign on proceedings. Also saw the same old bullshit of people turning up early, doing their slot and pissing off, people turning up late, doing their slot and pissing off. I figure if you're taking the mic yourself, have the decency to listen to the other performers.
Open mic rant over.
I have been to a lot of open mic events.
Okay, now it's over.

nice one, so people need to come prepared, rather than just reading a rant.

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Danny Nalliah, Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, Ken Hovind, Ken Ham and Jim "I want Sieveboy to Teabag Me" Wallace.

And a jelly wrestling pit.One needs to convince some hobos at Central Station to join up too. I think we can match them against those creationists in a debate.

I think I might bet my money on the hobos. :)

[Darwinsbulldog]

Hello DB
I have been in touch with Podblack, who suggested a side event to bring together attendees keen to have their go at speaking some time ago. She has passed my contact details on to some university people who might get in touch and carry the idea forward with me. Regardless of their involvement, I am keen to arrange something as I, too, am keen to see a Goldenmane in full flight at the very least (though I suspect there are layers of dual key security and encrypted arming codes before you can actually launch one).
I will keep you informed of progress.
Matt
Coool! :)
I am prepared to submit a paper for my talk...properly referenced of course. Maybe we could have a competition in the AFA journal and those papers voted the best could speak??

[Loki]

While I'm not very interested in a talky forum event, I am definitely interested in going early or staying late and having an extended get together of forumites. Not just this forum either, I'm sure there will be posters from various forums we know of or post at, so a general forums knees up. To my mind it's got to be separate from and on top of the GAC.

Might be hard to organise as some might think working that day or two has some greater value, can't see why myself.

I reckon a keg, some beer wenches (and the male equivalent, whatever you call that), a largish venue, possibly a bbq, a screen playing NonStampCollector and other interesting vids (Bananaman and his mates for a laugh?).

A couple of speakers from the masses might pull it all together (like say Prote, GM and someone from a different forum like a Hack or a Samsa (got to choose from whoever is coming).

I can see a bloody good day (and night, and possibly another day) in that (and a whopping great hangover) and would be keen if anyone else thought it worthwhile.

[DanDare]

Hehehehe. :D

Sometimes when I am pissed I become Wolky.
Its like that change the letter game. So the next one along is Wonky.

[wolty]

Its like that change the letter game. So the next one along is Wonky.


And the next one along is Wanky. :eek:

[Loki]

I reckon there is something in this and hereby propose we discuss holding a GAC (Global Atheistforums Clusterfuck) possibly after the GAC (to preserve the brain cells of those who are doing useful things at the real GAC).

Nothing terribly organised mind, an exercise in creative chaos perhaps.

If there are a few interested in participating I (or someone else) will start a dedicated thread for scheming in.

[Podblack]

If there are a few interested in participating I (or someone else) will start a dedicated thread for scheming in.

A forum-board informal event would be very cool. :) But I'd agree with after, or maybe the Thursday before? To make it distinct that it's the forumites.

[kencooke]

John Safran and Father Bob Maguire.

[Fearless]

If I don't get my Brian Cox and Stephen Fry I'm not going...

My wife said she'd come if we can get Stephen Fry and Ricky Gervaise. So kthx

Might be for a different thread if it hasn't been suggested already but with the great minds we have here it would be great if some of the people who have made outstanding contributions to the AFA magazine be able to present their piece at the convention... even if it is a group of people with small articles etc.

Promotes the magazine and promotes reader/member contributions.

Just an idea ;)

[Perspective]

Where can I find a list of the speakers from the GAC 2010?

Eva Cox would be on my list. I saw her last night on Q and A. She's great

[crocoduck]

Are we allowed to know how many sleeps til the list is announced? Can we start a countdown....? Are we allowed hints? Please mum please. We will be good.:):p

[Perspective]

Thanks Mr B

[Praxis]

Need to change the Wiki as Maggie Millar pulled out due to illness (I think) and that section was chaired by the excellent Meredith Doig :)

[Atheistgeek]

PZ Myers tweeted today that he will be in Melbourne next April - Gee I wonder why?:D

[gruber]

I still have gotten confirmaion that iam gonna be a speaker :(

[Bolero]

Oh, I am SO looking forward to the announcement of speakers. ARGH, can't wait!

[Podblack]

PZ Myers tweeted today that he will be in Melbourne next April - Gee I wonder why?:D

REALLY! :confused: I'll go have a look - that's not very fair of him to post spoilers before the official group has let things be announced, if so!

Mind, he could be just coming back to be in the audience. That'd be cool. :) If he liked it so much that he said 'sod, I'll just be there for the good company rather than do a talk'. :D

[Praxis]

I still have gotten confirmaion that iam gonna be a speaker :(
And if you had, you wouldn't do a spoiler would you? ;)

[gruber]

of course not, not until davo got the cake

[Podblack]

There's cake!?!??! What kind of cake would 'atheist cake' resemble?

[Podblack]

It's not a lie, I suppose.

Yay cake!
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2489/tumblrl2w26pydrs1qzg0it.jpg (http://img834.imageshack.us/i/tumblrl2w26pydrs1qzg0it.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Lord Blackadder]

The cake is a lie.

Er, no, wait.

There is no cake, but there is a Weighted Companion Cube. Which may be better than cake. Or not.

As you were.

[gruber]

Seth Macfarlen, the Family Guy creater who is a Atheist and a Gay Rights activist would be great to have :D

[Darwinsbulldog]

Due to popular demand, the four horsemen will be replaced by DB! :p:p

[ArchaeoAngel]

I am wishing and hoping that Tim Minchin will show up! I would pray, but that would just be stupid haha

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[two dogs]

I've been thinking about this for quite a while, and I've decided that the person that I'd most like to see presenting is Ayaan Ali Hirsi.

[Podblack]

This guy as entertainment - Lawrence Leung. Atheist, comedian, skeptically-minded and hilarious.

This is his new show, about to come out:

xNnShlXi7gw

[A.D.]

I've been thinking about this for quite a while, and I've decided that the person that I'd most like to see presenting is Ayaan Ali Hirsi.
I just started reading Nomad today (actually received it as a Christmas present last year along with Infidel, which was a great read)... was thinking that she'd be a great speaker, and she doesn't seem to be a stranger to Australia either. :)

A well-spoken comedian, or just something a little light-hearted in general, would definitely be welcome. Would have to think about who I'd choose, though!

[ponde]

These two guys are awesome.

http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/

http://www.atheist-experience.com/

Even so far as putting in for their airfares.

[FSM]

Has anyone mentioned Penn Jillette yet? (as in Penn & Teller)
He's got a new Atheist book coming out, maybe he could swing in Australia as part of the book tour?

Dave.

[Bolero]

Has anyone mentioned Penn Jillette yet? (as in Penn & Teller)
He's got a new Atheist book coming out, maybe he could swing in Australia as part of the book tour?

Dave.
Ha! I was just posting about his new book in the Atheist Resources thread! I love this guy - he would be awesome. :D

[AUSloth]

@ FSM - good choice have enjoyed most of Penn Jillette's work, pretty agro sometimes especially in Penn and Teller but that all good.

[A.D.]

Has anyone mentioned Penn Jillette yet? (as in Penn & Teller)
He's got a new Atheist book coming out, maybe he could swing in Australia as part of the book tour?

Dave.
Damn, I was thinking of this last night... I love Penn & Teller: Bullshit! I'm sure Penn Jillette could quite capably get up in front of an audience and just talk, no magic tricks or anything, and be completely engrossing.

[Bolero]

Damn, I was thinking of this last night... I love Penn & Teller: Bullshit! I'm sure Penn Jillette could quite capably get up in front of an audience and just talk, no magic tricks or anything, and be completely engrossing.
Agreed!

[Podblack]

WAHHHHHH TIM MINCHIN REPLIED TO MY TWEET! :D

https://twitter.com/#!/timminchin/status/84545370822152192
http://podblack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Screen-shot-2011-06-25-at-5.06.50-PM.png

[gruber]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267775_10150253942619577_533964576_7009214_6902423 _n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7009215&id=533964576)

who bloody else

[Bolero]

Jeepers, a new love and respect for Bruce Willis. Wow.

[Annie]

It looks as though Mr Die Hard can do more than lift heavy things and jump through windows with an M16 in his hand. He really does have a brain. Im impressed. :)

[Perspective]

@ PB - I will personally buy you a drink and give you a big smooch if you deliver Mr Minchin to GAC :D

Re: Mr Willis - Me thinks he's earned a spot in 'hot nerdy guys' thread? I don't care if he's not a nerd.

Has anyone mentioned Ricky Gervais??

[Annie]

Er. No.
But go ahead. Whatever floats your boat P. :-)



King Tapatal

[Praxis]

I knew there was a reason I loved Bruce Willis [yeah, I said it!].

[Podblack]

I knew there was a reason I loved Bruce Willis [yeah, I said it!].

My favorite Christmas movie : Die Hard. :D

[The Blood Collector]

um... most of what uguys have already said ... plus ...i wish for ...Leigh Sales:p... cause she makes lateline more stimulating than tony jones... sorry tony. and her interviews are sharp.

also Andrew Hanson would be cool the chris and julian were ok last year, but some singing, and hair styleing would make GAC a more rounded event.

[Praxis]

Andrew Hansen! Yes!

Caught him doing a guest spot on Good Game the other week - he's just fabulous.

Any or all of the Chaser would be great (again).

I'm trying very hard to not think of Tim Minchin. It would be sixteen types of awesome if he was announced but I've never been much of a one for getting all excited about 'what ifs'. So I'll wait and see.

[Worldslaziestbusker]

um... and hair styleing would make GAC a more rounded event.

Did you not see A.C. Grayling's fine coiff? The man has both ethics and barnett under control.


Mmmmmmm. A.C. Grayling wigs.

[The Blood Collector]

yes that man is an inspiration to wiggs all over the world!

thougt of another who i seriously would love to see speak, Cordelia Fine, shes more than fine, shes a marvelous scientist, author, speeker, and meta-analyst. and her hair aint bad either.

[davo]

I love watching people guess, and wish :)

[eccles]

How about Der Führer Der Vatikanstaat, Herr Papst Ratslinger so we can give him a punishing time.

[davo]

How about Der Führer Der Vatikanstaat, Herr Papst Ratslinger so we can give him a punishing time.

totally off topic but hey ..

ECCLES!!!!!!!! YAY!!! how ya been?????

[Worldslaziestbusker]

How about Der Führer Der Vatikanstaat, Herr Papst Ratslinger so we can give him a punishing time.

You still alive?
Can't keep a good man down.

Or a cantankerous Minister of Atheism, either, for that matter.

Good to hear from you, Eccles.

[wolty]

Hey Eccles. Nice to hear from you.


Talkatapping

[Bolero]

I love watching people guess, and wish :)
Fucking sadist. :p

[eccles]

totally off topic but hey ..

ECCLES!!!!!!!! YAY!!! how ya been?????

I have completed the Radio and Chemo therapy and can now get soft food down my cakehole. I have to wait a few more weeks for a Gastroscopy and Cat Sac to see if the Cancer has been cured. Here's hoping. I do feel somewhat better now.

[wolty]

I have completed the Radio and Chemo therapy and can now get soft food down my cakehole. I have to wait a few more weeks for a Gastroscopy and Cat Sac to see if the Cancer has been cured. Here's hoping. I do feel somewhat better now.

That's a good thing. Take care of yourself.


Talkatapping

[Loki]

Hey Eccles, good to see you about.

[Praxis]

I love watching people guess, and wish :)
*shakes fist* Dammmnnnn yoooouu!!

(can you be bribed with beer? :D )

[davo]

(can you be bribed with beer? :D )

Not from Melbourne :)

[Podblack]

Not from Melbourne :)

Guessing game, yes!
From England?

[davo]

Guessing game, yes!
From England?

No silly milly, I mean Praxis can't bribe me with beer from Melbourne :rolleyes:

[wolty]

Guessing game, yes!
From England?

Hehehe.

Can you be bribed with beer from Brisbane?

[Loki]

The trouble with bribing Davo with beer in Brisbane is we rapidly forget about the bribe.

and most of the beer come to think about it.

[Podblack]

No silly milly, I mean Praxis can't bribe me with beer from Melbourne :rolleyes:

Wah. :( Want guessing game!

[Podblack]

The trouble with bribing Davo with beer in Brisbane is we rapidly forget about the bribe.

and most of the beer come to think about it.

Drink beer, then don't mind so much. :p

[Lord Blackadder]

Wah. :( Want guessing game!

I so want it to be Tim Minchin.

Is it Tim Minchin, Davo?

There's fruity beer cocktail alcohol things on offer here. :)

[wolty]

I am going to get davo drunk and take advantage of him.

No, wait, that sounds wrong.

[Annie]

Like Loki said. We tried so very very hard to extract info out of him. He doesn't give anything away. He just raises his left eyebrow. He is as a stone.

I am thinking water boarding or bamboo shoots under his fingernails may have to be our next option.



King Tapatal

[Annie]

It could lead to dancing.

Wolty could woo Davo with gentle whispers in his ears while they dance!!
I think you're onto something!



King Tapatal

[wolty]

Wolty could woo Davo with gentle whispers in his ears while they dance!!
I think you're onto something!



King Tapatal

I already do that!!!!

[Lord Blackadder]

It could lead to dancing.

And photos...


Sent from my iPhone using magic technology thingy application thingy.

[davo]

Wolty whispers, "Beer ..." in my ear and I'm all his.

[Bolero]

I am going to get davo drunk and take advantage of him.

No, wait, that sounds wrong.
Or so, so right? :p

[Praxis]

I have completed the Radio and Chemo therapy and can now get soft food down my cakehole. I have to wait a few more weeks for a Gastroscopy and Cat Sac to see if the Cancer has been cured. Here's hoping. I do feel somewhat better now.
Welcome back! It is very good to hear things have gone well. All the best for your results Eccles.

Glad you're feeling a bit better :)

[Michael Kingsford Gray]

My fervent wish is for far, far fewer professional philosophers.
More physicists, please.

(You did ask!)

[The Blood Collector]

hey wolty, i dont know if youve already discussedthis but, inregards to you picture, that penguine must be the worlds most deadicated practical joker. its a long way to go just for a bit of slapstick.

[wolty]

hey wolty, i dont know if youve already discussedthis but, inregards to you picture, that penguine must be the worlds most deadicated practical joker. its a long way to go just for a bit of slapstick.

Hehe. I have already been pulled up on the inconsistency of the thing. :-)

[Lord Blackadder]

hey wolty, i dont know if youve already discussedthis but, inregards to you picture, that penguine must be the worlds most deadicated practical joker. its a long way to go just for a bit of slapstick.

What do you mean? He only had to travel from Burma... ;)

[The Blood Collector]

sorry for being uncool i didnt get that refference...

but wolty, it is very cute...

[Lord Blackadder]

sorry for being uncool i didnt get that refference...

but wolty, it is very cute...

It's from Monty Python, where you can also find penguins on top of the telly.

Never mind me, I can be a bit obscure. ;-)


Sent from my iPhone using magic technology thingy application thingy.

[AUSloth]

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Blood Collector http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?p=217198#post217198)
hey wolty, i dont know if youve already discussedthis but, inregards to you picture, that penguine must be the worlds most deadicated practical joker. its a long way to go just for a bit of slapstick.

Hehe. I have already been pulled up on the inconsistency of the thing. :-)
Not only that it's a Gentoo penguin from the white patches on its head, they only get a bout 22 inches tall so it's scaring the crap out of a poor defenceless CUB!!!:rolleyes:

[Loki]

The bears got their own back anyways.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/Sleipnir123/156242.gif

[Podblack]

Alom Shaha (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/jun/05/god-atheism-islam) - and he's going to be in the country launching his book (so would save flight fare!)
I am an atheist. I imagine that the typical Cif belief (http://www.guardian.co.uk/belief) reader may not think this is a particularly big deal, but it is for me, because I'm not just an atheist – I'm an apostate from Islam (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/islam). Apparently there are people who would happily kill me for making such a statement. But I'm not expecting to be killed, or even threatened; despite what the BNP and certain elements of the press might want you to think, the overwhelming majority of Muslims are not rabid fundamentalists who respond with violence to every perceived slight.
C052IsE65sM

He's also a science teacher, documentarian (worked with Brian Cox!) (http://alomshaha.com/about/films.html) and is about to have this book published in Australia (because although UK publishers were VERY interested, they feared backlash because of his background and content): The Young Atheist's Handbook. (http://alomshaha.com/yah.html)

[Praxis]

Wow. He sounds awesome.

Would be great if he could be fitted into the program somewhere (that is, if he's not already on the list!) - or if not, maybe he can give a talk at a GAF event?

[girifox]

For sure, get his publisher or whatever in touch with AFA! Sounds interesting.

[riddlemethis]

Oh yes, Alom Shaha a must if he's already going to be here! Would love to hear him speak on improving scientific literacy in an environment where funding for science teaching is under threat. He's a great educator! Although I expect he'd be invited on basis of his apostasy.

[Darwinsbulldog]

Is Podnoir going to speak again :confused: :)

[sbgv23]

Henry Rollins spoken word...just saying...

[askegg]

I was speaking to AronRa the other day - he expressed interest in coming over for the conference. It would be great if he could present something - even if it's an ancillary event.

[AUSloth]

I saw Michael Shermer down the list a way but what of some of the other skeptics. They fit pretty closely with atheism.
Brian Dunning of Skeptoid is entertaining.

[Podblack]

I saw Michael Shermer down the list a way but what of some of the other skeptics. They fit pretty closely with atheism.
Brian Dunning of Skeptoid is entertaining.
He's having legal issues at the moment that limit his travel.
(http://www.workathometruth.com/blog/tag/brian-dunning/) He was given permission to be at TAMOz.

[two dogs]

He's having legal issues at the moment that limit his travel.
(http://www.workathometruth.com/blog/tag/brian-dunning/) He was given permission to be at TAMOz.
Shit, I wasn't aware of that! :eek:

[AUSloth]

@Podblack - bugger eh, if the allegations proves true he could be in some deep doo doo.

[lufc_girl]

Not sure if our requests are taken into consideration but would really love to have

Brian Cox
Stephen Fry
Richard Wiseman

[Darwinsbulldog]

Michael Behe! :p:p

[Sieveboy]

Michael Behe! :p:p

Ken Ham and a bag of rotten tomatoes! :p:p:p:p:p:p:)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Hey can I request some famous world-class natural commedians?


Ray Comfort
Ken Ham
Kent Hovind (for GAC 2018 - when his sentence ends)
Kirk Cameron
VenomFangX

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

good thinkin Protes - He can replace Kent Hovind until the sentencing is over. :)

[Logic please]

Ken Ham and a bag of rotten tomatoes! :p:p:p:p:p:p:)
Yeah, but how would you tell the difference??? :p;):D

[Sieveboy]

Yeah, but how would you tell the difference??? :p;):D

Oh come on logic, it would be obvious!

The bag!


:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:)

[Imperfectpeta]

When I stopped and thought about it before I read the thread I knew straight away that David Attenborough and Neil deGrasse Tyson would be awsome additions!

And I would have to agree with many other's:
Ricky Gervais
Paul McDermot
Seth Mcfarlene
The Big Bang Theory guys
Stephen Fry

But the first two, Attenborough and Mr Tyson would be my pick of the lot. I would probably squee glomp them if I saw them in person.

[Logic please]

Oh come on logic, it would be obvious!

The bag!


:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:)
Ta muchly, appreciate the clarification. :)

Now there'll be no doubt, about what to look out for...

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:)

[AUSloth]

@Imperfectpeta - Attenborough is a great pick! He has been at the top of my "wish list to meet" for a very long time.

[DanDare]

Dammit, I want them to bring the bones of Carl Sagan!

[AUSloth]

@DD- I'll send a few chickens to Baron Samedi with a special request for you;)

[lufc_girl]

Dammit, I want them to bring the bones of Carl Sagan!

Dirac's bones for me 

[Darwinsbulldog]

A dream speaker would be susu.exp. Actually I have not heard him speak, but his pen is mighty indeed.

[Goldenmane]

A dream speaker would be susu.exp. Actually I have not heard him speak, but his pen is mighty indeed.

True, dat. He's pretty formidable. Just not very funny. :D

[Imperfectpeta]

Has anyone mentioned Stephen Hawkings yet?

[Darwinsbulldog]

True, dat. He's pretty formidable. Just not very funny. :D
Funny messes with you head, but in a good way. susu.exp also messes your head, same-same.

[Goldenmane]

I want this bloke to put in an appearance:
4IGlgYExLOo

[Milawe]

A debate I’ve been following with significant interest over the last few years is that between progressive atheists such as PZ Myers (http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/06/atheism_fascism.php), and left wingers who have issues with the politics of the atheist movement, Jeff Sparrow (http://web.overland.org.au/2011/06/the-left-the-right-and-the-new-atheism-a-response-to-pj-myers/) springs to mind here.

I would love to see a panel with atheists and activists discussing political issues such as war, Islamophobia, sexism and the inclusion of religious people in left wing movements (for starters).

Since PZ is going to be in Melbourne, Jeff Sparrow lives there, and many of the people named in the various debates will also be present at the conference, it strikes me as a wonderful opportunity to confront the arguments directly.

I don’t know whether PZ, Jeff or other speakers would be interested in participating, but I think that such an event would be useful for those of us who find sometimes ourselves split.

[Perspective]

Has anyone requested the -IMO- legendary Mr Ron Williams? Just thought it would be good to have his story heard. He may offer sound advice for those of us dealing with schools in particular.

[Praxis]

Leo Igwe (http://culturekitchen.com/leo_igwe/blog). He was here recently with the Victorian Skeptics (I found out too late to go).

Fighting superstition and woo in Nigeria - not the kind you can laugh at, the kind that kills children for being 'witches' and thinks twins are a sign of the devil.

Amazing man. Would love to hear him speak. He's a part of the Nigerian Humanist Movement. That can't be easy.

[two dogs]

Leo Igwe (http://culturekitchen.com/leo_igwe/blog). He was here recently with the Victorian Skeptics (I found out too late to go).

Fighting superstition and woo in Nigeria - not the kind you can laugh at, the kind that kills children for being 'witches' and thinks twins are a sign of the devil.

Amazing man. Would love to hear him speak. He's a part of the Nigerian Humanist Movement. That can't be easy.
An amazing man indeed! I had intended to hear him speak in Sydney, but somehow "forgot" about the date of his visit, and was at a Melbourne pissmeetup at the time. :o

[Lee]

Leo Igwe (http://culturekitchen.com/leo_igwe/blog). He was here recently with the Victorian Skeptics (I found out too late to go).


*weeping uncontrollably*
I wonder why I spend so much time doing the magazine when nobody bothers to read it.
Leo's tour dates were in the July August issue of TAA. *still weeping uncontrollably*

[Praxis]

*weeping uncontrollably*
I wonder why I spend so much time doing the magazine when nobody bothers to read it.
Leo's tour dates were in the July August issue of TAA. *still weeping uncontrollably*
There, there. Do not weep, fair lady, for I r ijit and do not pay as close attention to things as I should. I did read the article though.

:D

[Lee]

*sniff* I'm OK now.

[lufc_girl]

Realised that I can't have everyone I want but please please please get Richard Wiseman!

[gruber]

is stephen fry coming?

[Centauri]

is stephen fry coming?

Yeah, come on. I'm with Grubes. Don't leave us hanging any longer.

[gruber]

sooooo is he?

[Voltairine]

He's Australia-bound now...

Tweet:
Flying to Sydney tonight, Mon. Arrive Weds. Tues disappears thanks to that pesky dateline. Damn you, solar system. Then straight to Perth.


Ask him? :D

[Podblack]

Damn, thanks for reminding me that Stephen Fry is heading to Australia. I thought the QI show was on in November/December, but it's this Friday! Alan Davies is doing a comedy tour in December (got tickets for that too) and so I guess I thought he'd be doing QI and doing his comedy show during the same months...

[crocoduck]

EEEEEK a little celebrity moment last night, having dinner in an overcrowded tiny noodle restaurant in Sydney and looked up and saw Andrew Hansen (if its ok to have a fav Chaser then he's probably mine) standing outside looking in (Waiting for table/ waiting for takeaway?) Managed to not rush outside and gush all over him. Wanted to beg him to be entertainment at GAC dinner but realised in time it's not my place to do the asking :) If he is not already on the list may I please add him? !!

[Fearless]

We had 2 Chasers for dinner last GAC :)

Not too fatty, tasted a bit like chicken.

[crocoduck]

Hmm a buffet of the lot would be delicious!:) Getting greedy now...

[pro.dev3]

Anyone here follows the magic sandwich show? Would have been awesome to have thunderfoot aronra and dprjones at the GAC

[askegg]

I have arranged Aronra to join me at the GAC, but not as a speaker. He is open to the idea of presenting at a fringe event.

[luuuke]

What about Normie Rowe (coles ad, I know I know...) singing 'ain't necessarily so' ...? Great lyrics in that song :)

[lufc_girl]

Please please please try to get Brian Cox or Stephen Fry

[Praxis]

Please please please try to get Brian Cox or Stephen Fry
Yes, I think those two have been mentioned several times on the Wish List!

Obviously they can't get everyone but I reckon they've done a damned fine job with the people we've got - and they're not finished yet!