I found it interesting to learn that the Ten Commandments are not really ten at all. According to Wikipedia, there are 14 or 15 commandments (which would explain this clip).
It would seem that different denominations have decided to create their own version of the Ten Commandments which doesn't hold well to the idea that these Commandments are absolutes, as Christians try so hard to portray.
My favourite is the 'Thou Shall Not Kill" or "Thou Shall Not Murder". It turns out that Catholics prefer 'Kill' and Lutherans, 'Murder'. So, which is it?
Killing and murder are not the same thing. It's a matter of intention. Let's say I'm driving my car and I swerve to avoid a deer. As a result, I go into the opposing lane, crash into an oncoming car, and kill the driver. I have now killed and go to Catholic Hell, or do I go to Lutheran Heaven? It's all so confusing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hitchens vs. Tharoor
The recent actions on YouTube with Thunderf00t makes this video even more relevant. Here, I've dug up a debate by Christopher Hitchens and Shashi Tharoor (a British-born Hindu member of the UN)
Part 1:
The other parts can be linked from YouTube. I especially liked how Hitchens handled the issue of people yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theatre to defend how ALL speech should be free.
Part 1:
The other parts can be linked from YouTube. I especially liked how Hitchens handled the issue of people yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theatre to defend how ALL speech should be free.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Help with my Atheist Prayer
Not having written a poem for, oh, 30 years maybe I felt compelled to write an Atheist Prayer. I'd appreciate some help in fine-tuning it a bit:
My Atheist Prayer
God, save us from those who believe in you.
May I learn how little I know
May I use science to always discover truth
May I not stand in the way of another's dreams
May they not stand in the way of mine
May I know, when I die, I did my best
May I leave the world, a better place
To where I go I do not know
But I trust
Heaven, is for atheists.
Purposely, it does not rhyme to thumb my nose at the teacher in 8th grade who told me that all poems had to!
My Atheist Prayer
God, save us from those who believe in you.
May I learn how little I know
May I use science to always discover truth
May I not stand in the way of another's dreams
May they not stand in the way of mine
May I know, when I die, I did my best
May I leave the world, a better place
To where I go I do not know
But I trust
Heaven, is for atheists.
Purposely, it does not rhyme to thumb my nose at the teacher in 8th grade who told me that all poems had to!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Franchises: The Religion of Business
(This blog entry is not purporting to give legal advice and is solely the opinion of the author. It is not meant to refer to any specific franchise or franchisors.)
I used to own a franchise. My parents originally owned it and then I bought them out and ran it for a few years. At the time, my only real complaint had to do with paying the royalties that didn't seem to have any value associated to them. It wasn't until I sold the franchise that I began to see the parallels with a franchise and a religion. Below are just some parallels, but I might add more if the mood strikes.
Dogma
A franchise has a Franchise Agreement and an Operations Manual. These two documents are similar to religious dogma in that they clearly spell out what you, the franchisee, are required to do, or not do (an astute reader of the Agreement will usually discover that there is very little said about what the Franchisor is expected to do!). They are not scientific documents with extensive references to show that they are valid ways of conducting business. They are declaring the 'truth' on how to run your business based on a formula that other centres may have used to be successful. However, this method of business does not necessarily work in all markets.
If you are considering a franchise, do not assume the franchisor is in business to make you successful. If you are given a Franchise Agreement to review there are two very important things you must do:
1. Do not sign it until you,
2. Consult professional help through a lawyer that specializes in franchise agreements and visit franchisee.org's web page that list some of the worst problems a franchisee may face.
Remember, you will be paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to the franchisor over the life of the contract so don't be afraid to spend a couple thousand to get top-notch advice to protect you.
Tithing
Churches tend to advise their followers to give 10% of their income to the church. Franchisors usually want a percentage of your total sales as a royalty. What is this money giving you? The church gives you a community (at a price) and an offer that you can't realize until after you die. Franchisors may offer even less.
Usually the royalty you pay does not come with any direct benefit from the franchisor. The royalty is what you pay to use the franchisor's name in the market because their name, product or service is what will attract customers. However, as I've heard it said, the franchise usually only gets you the customer the first time, but it's up to you to make them want to return. In many ways, the royalty should be paid only on new customers, not ones that return because they like how you treat them. Beware that royalties come off the sales, not profits, so you can end up paying more in royalties than the gross profit you'll make. Imagine that royalty payment as an overpaid employee who once taught you the business but now sits in the corner playing video games all day, refuses to work but has the power to kick you out if the money stops coming. Try to keep that royalty as low as possible.
Many franchises will form a Franchisee Association (FA). However, many franchisors will attempt to thwart its creation in the way many companies will fight unions. I heard of a case years ago where the head of the FA (an owner of three stores) was forced out of the franchise by the franchisor! Look for a franchise that actively supports the formation (and even provides some funds) of an FA.
Prosyletizing
Ever gone into a washroom at a restaurant and seen a small card above the toilet offering to tell you the story of Jesus? I have, really! Churches want more members and franchisors want more stores and they both will do some crazy things to do it.
The franchisor will usually require that you spend a certain percentage of your sales in advertising. The up side of this is that independent businesses usually underspend on advertising so a franchise can often gain more customers. However, there is a hidden tactic here. Franchisors want to see their name everywhere. It not only helps sales in the stores but it helps the sale of more franchised stores. Franchisors like to brag about their market share because it has a psychological effect on consumers to make them think their product must be good because they see it everywhere.
Franchisors will sometimes feel that they are not getting a large enough share and, if the FA is not worded in your favour, will open up another store in your market. This can cause some of your customers to migrate to the other store thanks to the good name you've developed. Don't let the franchisor open up a competitive church down the street!
Giving
A church will work hard to get an honourable mention in your will. Some won't wait until you die to get ahold of your possessions (Jim Jones, CO$ and pretty much any faith healer). Even Jesus said, "go and sell that thou hast" (Matthew 19:21). Be wary of the franchisor that wants to control your personal assets, too.
Many franchisors want franchisees to sign a Security Agreement. Basically, this can freeze your assets because they get to take them in case you end up owing them money. Want to sell your car? You may need the franchisors permission. In my research, I was told a story of how a franchisee can see their business go bankrupt and then the franchisor sues the franchisee for 'lost future income'. The franchisor then takes the personal assets of the franchisee as compensation!
Apostasy
There is a strong penalty to leaving a church. In some religions and cultures, they might kill you! Franchisors can't do this (yet) but they do want to control your life after you leave.
Most franchisors don't like the idea that you learn how the business works and then use that knowledge to open another business that happens to compete with the franchisor even if you run the business with a different philosophy and methodology. Why are they afraid that you might be more successful than their system? If their system is superior, they shouldn't be worried that you intend to open a similar business near their markets.
Also, beware of any 'leaving' fees. You may be required to pay all sorts of costs associated with closing or selling your store that, again, seem to have no real purpose (other than to shake you upside down hoping for a little more change). A successful franchised store will require almost no work for the franchisor resulting in pure profits in royalties. Don't let them take even more money because they have to do something when you try to leave.
When considering a franchise, it may help to think of it on religious terms. Is the franchisor working for you, or off of you? Are they helping you succeed or themselves? Are their principles 'secular', 'humanistic' and 'democratic' in nature or are they dogmatic and strictly controlling what you do? Look for a franchise that openly and actively supports the franchisees and welcomes criticism. But remember that a franchisor no longer has the secrets of a successful business. Internet forums and even prospective suppliers will provide you with virtually all the information you'll need to get into any type of business.
I used to own a franchise. My parents originally owned it and then I bought them out and ran it for a few years. At the time, my only real complaint had to do with paying the royalties that didn't seem to have any value associated to them. It wasn't until I sold the franchise that I began to see the parallels with a franchise and a religion. Below are just some parallels, but I might add more if the mood strikes.
Dogma
A franchise has a Franchise Agreement and an Operations Manual. These two documents are similar to religious dogma in that they clearly spell out what you, the franchisee, are required to do, or not do (an astute reader of the Agreement will usually discover that there is very little said about what the Franchisor is expected to do!). They are not scientific documents with extensive references to show that they are valid ways of conducting business. They are declaring the 'truth' on how to run your business based on a formula that other centres may have used to be successful. However, this method of business does not necessarily work in all markets.
If you are considering a franchise, do not assume the franchisor is in business to make you successful. If you are given a Franchise Agreement to review there are two very important things you must do:
1. Do not sign it until you,
2. Consult professional help through a lawyer that specializes in franchise agreements and visit franchisee.org's web page that list some of the worst problems a franchisee may face.
Remember, you will be paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to the franchisor over the life of the contract so don't be afraid to spend a couple thousand to get top-notch advice to protect you.
Tithing
Churches tend to advise their followers to give 10% of their income to the church. Franchisors usually want a percentage of your total sales as a royalty. What is this money giving you? The church gives you a community (at a price) and an offer that you can't realize until after you die. Franchisors may offer even less.
Usually the royalty you pay does not come with any direct benefit from the franchisor. The royalty is what you pay to use the franchisor's name in the market because their name, product or service is what will attract customers. However, as I've heard it said, the franchise usually only gets you the customer the first time, but it's up to you to make them want to return. In many ways, the royalty should be paid only on new customers, not ones that return because they like how you treat them. Beware that royalties come off the sales, not profits, so you can end up paying more in royalties than the gross profit you'll make. Imagine that royalty payment as an overpaid employee who once taught you the business but now sits in the corner playing video games all day, refuses to work but has the power to kick you out if the money stops coming. Try to keep that royalty as low as possible.
Many franchises will form a Franchisee Association (FA). However, many franchisors will attempt to thwart its creation in the way many companies will fight unions. I heard of a case years ago where the head of the FA (an owner of three stores) was forced out of the franchise by the franchisor! Look for a franchise that actively supports the formation (and even provides some funds) of an FA.
Prosyletizing
Ever gone into a washroom at a restaurant and seen a small card above the toilet offering to tell you the story of Jesus? I have, really! Churches want more members and franchisors want more stores and they both will do some crazy things to do it.
The franchisor will usually require that you spend a certain percentage of your sales in advertising. The up side of this is that independent businesses usually underspend on advertising so a franchise can often gain more customers. However, there is a hidden tactic here. Franchisors want to see their name everywhere. It not only helps sales in the stores but it helps the sale of more franchised stores. Franchisors like to brag about their market share because it has a psychological effect on consumers to make them think their product must be good because they see it everywhere.
Franchisors will sometimes feel that they are not getting a large enough share and, if the FA is not worded in your favour, will open up another store in your market. This can cause some of your customers to migrate to the other store thanks to the good name you've developed. Don't let the franchisor open up a competitive church down the street!
Giving
A church will work hard to get an honourable mention in your will. Some won't wait until you die to get ahold of your possessions (Jim Jones, CO$ and pretty much any faith healer). Even Jesus said, "go and sell that thou hast" (Matthew 19:21). Be wary of the franchisor that wants to control your personal assets, too.
Many franchisors want franchisees to sign a Security Agreement. Basically, this can freeze your assets because they get to take them in case you end up owing them money. Want to sell your car? You may need the franchisors permission. In my research, I was told a story of how a franchisee can see their business go bankrupt and then the franchisor sues the franchisee for 'lost future income'. The franchisor then takes the personal assets of the franchisee as compensation!
Apostasy
There is a strong penalty to leaving a church. In some religions and cultures, they might kill you! Franchisors can't do this (yet) but they do want to control your life after you leave.
Most franchisors don't like the idea that you learn how the business works and then use that knowledge to open another business that happens to compete with the franchisor even if you run the business with a different philosophy and methodology. Why are they afraid that you might be more successful than their system? If their system is superior, they shouldn't be worried that you intend to open a similar business near their markets.
Also, beware of any 'leaving' fees. You may be required to pay all sorts of costs associated with closing or selling your store that, again, seem to have no real purpose (other than to shake you upside down hoping for a little more change). A successful franchised store will require almost no work for the franchisor resulting in pure profits in royalties. Don't let them take even more money because they have to do something when you try to leave.
When considering a franchise, it may help to think of it on religious terms. Is the franchisor working for you, or off of you? Are they helping you succeed or themselves? Are their principles 'secular', 'humanistic' and 'democratic' in nature or are they dogmatic and strictly controlling what you do? Look for a franchise that openly and actively supports the franchisees and welcomes criticism. But remember that a franchisor no longer has the secrets of a successful business. Internet forums and even prospective suppliers will provide you with virtually all the information you'll need to get into any type of business.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Conjoined Twins
YouTube recommended a video on conjoined twins (for some reason) so I watched it. I was stunned! I'd never heard of this pair of twins and I was absolutely astounded at how they seem to be getting on with their lives.
But, I couldn't help but wonder if these twins present a problem for theists or not. They share a body from the waist down as well as a shared circulatory system. Two hearts, stomachs and spines and heads but they each control one arm (I think they each control one leg, too).
Are they two separate souls? Will they be together or separate in heaven? Did god or satan make them this way? This must be a puzzle for theists....
But, I couldn't help but wonder if these twins present a problem for theists or not. They share a body from the waist down as well as a shared circulatory system. Two hearts, stomachs and spines and heads but they each control one arm (I think they each control one leg, too).
Are they two separate souls? Will they be together or separate in heaven? Did god or satan make them this way? This must be a puzzle for theists....
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Theo Warner
I must admit that I find the videos surrounding Venomgfangx fascinating. First, I'm trying to understand the fundamentalist mind that seems immune to reason and closed to new ideas. On the other hand, I partly see myself, or, more accurately, my past self in his mind. Many YouTubers have described him as emotionally immature and I remember myself passing through a similar stage through high school and young adulthood. Hopefully I've moved beyond.
Youtube user, Theo Warner, has an interesting perspective on Venomfangx, as well as some other fundamentalist Youtube video-makers. His channel is also filled with wonderful insight and poetry. Give his site a lookover. Here's the start of his 4-part Venomfangx series:
Youtube user, Theo Warner, has an interesting perspective on Venomfangx, as well as some other fundamentalist Youtube video-makers. His channel is also filled with wonderful insight and poetry. Give his site a lookover. Here's the start of his 4-part Venomfangx series:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
"Evil Balls!"
It's great to see our Ontario Ministry of Health has an awesome sense of humour. Here's their ad promoting the mumps vaccine:
Hahahahaha, now THAT's funny!
(hmm, am I up-to-date on my mumps vaccine?)
Hahahahaha, now THAT's funny!
(hmm, am I up-to-date on my mumps vaccine?)
Why I Refuse To Sing Our National Anthem
I work as an Occasional Teacher (apparently 'supply' is too demeaning, just like the floor cleaners are custodians, not 'janitors') and find myself in classrooms that play the National Anthem every day. Up to about Grade 3, kids are eager to sing it. The Junior Grades (4-6) are a mixed bag where girls tend to sing and the boys look around uncomfortably. By the Intermediate Grades, singing is rare and if done, it's usually because of a dare or an attempt to goof off (or because some girls are feeling particularly silly or patriotic that day). Of course, I don't sing and I don't usually try to encourage anyone either.
For this, could I be arrested?
Apparently, the singing of the National Anthem is mandated in schools. Kids don't have to just listen, they are supposed to sing it! In and of itself this seems ridiculous. Do I smell 'indoctrination'?
However, I don't oppose singing the anthem because 'Big Brother' demands it. I oppose it because the lyrics are simply wrong. Here's my objections:
Sure, Canada is my home but I'm not native to it. The original settlers were the Inuit, Iroquios, Algonquin, Huron, etc. You know, Native Canadians. Since we are required to teach the children Canadian history, I'm pretty sure the books don't say the 'natives' gave us this land willingly.
Ugh. Be patriotic and love your country. Sorry, you can't force me to love my country. I certainly enjoy it but I refuse to stop improving it. I don't think my country is the best in the world but, even if it were, I'd still think there is more to gain by improving it than blindly loving it as it is.
See my previous blog entry on patriarchy. Half the Canadian population should be offended that the 'sons' are commanding. Our government and military are filling up with women so a nod to them in the anthem would be appreciated.
Who/what is rising? And are we really the 'True North'? Is there another country out there claiming they are the true north? I'm confused.
Militarism. All us Canadians are prepared to stand guard and take up (thankfully) a defensive position. I guess the anthem could have said 'We conquer all for thee' so maybe this is a good line. Except, why is it repeated two more times later on? Why does the French version of our anthem say (translated to English) 'Will protect our homes and rights' which, I think, is a far more positive message? Is this to encourage the children to join the army?
Oh dear. You can guess where I'm going with this so I'll be brief. Whether one believes in god(s) or not, I think we can agree that it is not up to invisible beings to protect our land, it's up to us. WE keep the land glorious and free. 'Nuff said.
Fight for your country! Don't negotiate with terrorists! You're either with us or against us! Grow up ready to fight, kill and maim for the state!
Yep, this anthem has got to go. When I presented these arguments to a classroom recently the kids seemed, well, shocked. First, they couldn't believe a teacher was actually arguing against the anthem (a lesson in critical thinking, children) and then, they didn't realize what the message was they were singing about. A group of girls wanted to spend class time rewritting the lyrics (although they privately thought that rewriting the lyrics was disrespectful!). I might take a teeny bit of flack over this but nothing is more rewarding to a teacher than seeing a class full of kids suddenly go, "Well, I'll be..... ."
For this, could I be arrested?
Apparently, the singing of the National Anthem is mandated in schools. Kids don't have to just listen, they are supposed to sing it! In and of itself this seems ridiculous. Do I smell 'indoctrination'?
However, I don't oppose singing the anthem because 'Big Brother' demands it. I oppose it because the lyrics are simply wrong. Here's my objections:
O' Canada
Our home and native land
Sure, Canada is my home but I'm not native to it. The original settlers were the Inuit, Iroquios, Algonquin, Huron, etc. You know, Native Canadians. Since we are required to teach the children Canadian history, I'm pretty sure the books don't say the 'natives' gave us this land willingly.
True patriot love
Ugh. Be patriotic and love your country. Sorry, you can't force me to love my country. I certainly enjoy it but I refuse to stop improving it. I don't think my country is the best in the world but, even if it were, I'd still think there is more to gain by improving it than blindly loving it as it is.
In all thy sons command
See my previous blog entry on patriarchy. Half the Canadian population should be offended that the 'sons' are commanding. Our government and military are filling up with women so a nod to them in the anthem would be appreciated.
With glowing hearts
We see thee rise
The True North strong and free
Who/what is rising? And are we really the 'True North'? Is there another country out there claiming they are the true north? I'm confused.
From far and wide
O' Canada
We stand on guard for thee
Militarism. All us Canadians are prepared to stand guard and take up (thankfully) a defensive position. I guess the anthem could have said 'We conquer all for thee' so maybe this is a good line. Except, why is it repeated two more times later on? Why does the French version of our anthem say (translated to English) 'Will protect our homes and rights' which, I think, is a far more positive message? Is this to encourage the children to join the army?
God keep our land
Glorious and free
Oh dear. You can guess where I'm going with this so I'll be brief. Whether one believes in god(s) or not, I think we can agree that it is not up to invisible beings to protect our land, it's up to us. WE keep the land glorious and free. 'Nuff said.
O' Canada
We stand on guard for thee
O' Canada
We stand on guard for thee
Fight for your country! Don't negotiate with terrorists! You're either with us or against us! Grow up ready to fight, kill and maim for the state!
Yep, this anthem has got to go. When I presented these arguments to a classroom recently the kids seemed, well, shocked. First, they couldn't believe a teacher was actually arguing against the anthem (a lesson in critical thinking, children) and then, they didn't realize what the message was they were singing about. A group of girls wanted to spend class time rewritting the lyrics (although they privately thought that rewriting the lyrics was disrespectful!). I might take a teeny bit of flack over this but nothing is more rewarding to a teacher than seeing a class full of kids suddenly go, "Well, I'll be..... ."
HumanistDad Spreads
Oop, that title should be "HumanistDad Spreads His Words" (although I do need to exercise more...).
HumanistDad joins Planet Humanism
It seems only appropriate that I join the 'Planet Humanism' blog aggregator so I've added the pretty link to my blog. I've sent an email to nullifidian telling him that there is a problem copying and pasting the code for the link but maybe it's just my computer or Blogger.
It's great to see a lot of names on the aggregator but I'm concerned that most are members of Planet Atheism, too. This could mean that the two aggregators may become mirrors of each other, which would be unfortunate.
Two solutions come to mind.
1. Filter the members to those who are actually humanists (what? no Humanism ID? Sorry...)
2. Some sort of technology that allows the bloggers to self-identify each blog post as atheism- or humanism-related so that it gets to the appropriate aggregator. Maybe a simple check-box gadget-thingy?
All the best to the new Planet Humanism!
HumanistDad to be published
Recently I've been following David Smalley's blog who is the Design Editor for American Atheist magazine. I guess they were desperate for content after some big-name atheists were unable to send in their commentary (apparently some sort of wardrobe-malfunction) so he asked me to send in one of my posts. It's been approved and is scheduled for the March edition. I trust it will appear in a classy section of the magazine but I wouldn't feel too bad even if it turned out in the 'Alternative News' or 'Comics' section!
HumanistDad joins Planet Humanism
It seems only appropriate that I join the 'Planet Humanism' blog aggregator so I've added the pretty link to my blog. I've sent an email to nullifidian telling him that there is a problem copying and pasting the code for the link but maybe it's just my computer or Blogger.
It's great to see a lot of names on the aggregator but I'm concerned that most are members of Planet Atheism, too. This could mean that the two aggregators may become mirrors of each other, which would be unfortunate.
Two solutions come to mind.
1. Filter the members to those who are actually humanists (what? no Humanism ID? Sorry...)
2. Some sort of technology that allows the bloggers to self-identify each blog post as atheism- or humanism-related so that it gets to the appropriate aggregator. Maybe a simple check-box gadget-thingy?
All the best to the new Planet Humanism!
HumanistDad to be published
Recently I've been following David Smalley's blog who is the Design Editor for American Atheist magazine. I guess they were desperate for content after some big-name atheists were unable to send in their commentary (apparently some sort of wardrobe-malfunction) so he asked me to send in one of my posts. It's been approved and is scheduled for the March edition. I trust it will appear in a classy section of the magazine but I wouldn't feel too bad even if it turned out in the 'Alternative News' or 'Comics' section!
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