This week:
- Reid and Religion,
- The Scottish Atheist, and
- The Boston Bombing,
Download the episode here!
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Reid and Religion
We talk about a speech given in parliament by MP. Reid. He was speaking against blasphemy laws but in his defense of blasphemy in the name of freedom of religion, he got a number of things wrong.
Find out more:
The Scottish Atheist
Don defends the position that there is a difference between being an atheist and a ‘good’ atheist. Without applying the scientific skeptical tool kit, you are not really a skeptic/atheist.
Find out more:
- Tories to ‘unwind’ budget office, departing PBO warns
- Being Canada’s first parliamentary budget officer
The Boston Bombing
The new WMD
In the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombing, Don contemplates a number of issues that came to mind. What is transforms a criminal attack to a terrorist attack. Why do Americans accept 30,000+ gun deaths a year as just the cost of freedom while putting no limits on its efforts to prevent even 1 terrorist death.
The bomber is being charged with using a weapon of mass destruction Does the term WMD have any real meaning anymore?
In the wake of conspiracy theories being inspired by this event, we discuss how the standards of ethics of the state security forces has changed over the last 20 years.
Find
- Violence and Terrorism: What’s the Difference?
- Weapon of mass destruction charge, explained
- Let’s All Stop Saying ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ Forever
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Skeptic Highlights
All Candidates Debate—West End Community
The theme of the debate will focus on the West End’s affordability, housing, food, and seniors’ issues
When: Wednesday, April 25, 2013, 7–9 pm
Where: Central Presbyterian Church, 1155 Thurlow, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Vancouver Strategic Studies Conference
Panel discussions on Canada’s role in the Middle East. Panellists include British Middle East correspondent Robert Fisk, former army commander Ed Fitch, Afghan-Canadian journalist and director Nelofer Pazira, and various other diplomats, journalists, and historians.
When: April 26, 2013, 6:30 pm till April 27, 2013, 4pm
Where: Royal United Services Institute, Vancouver
Cost: Reg: $35 / Student: $20
Link: Register here
Drinking with Portals
Geekenders have a monthly club night which features a burlesque and variety show, costume and trivia contests, and geeky dancing. Costumes are strongly encouraged at the club nights and each show has a costume theme with off-theme costumes always welcome
When: April 26, 2013, 6:00 pm
Where: The Roxy Cabaret, Vancouver
Cost: Cover: $10
Link: Register here
CFI Presents
The Science of Vaccines: A Panel Discussion
The panel will discuss the reasons why vaccines are one of the foundations of public health and take questions on the creation of vaccines, how they work, and more. The panel features Dr. Jamie Scott: Professor in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU, Dr. David Scheifele: Director, Vaccine Evaluation Center (VEC) at BC Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases) UBC, and Dr. Monika Naus: Medical Director, Immunization Programs & Vaccine Preventable Diseases, BCCDC.
When: Friday, April 26, 2013, 7:00 pm
Where: SFU Harbour Centre, Barrick Gold Lecture Room (Room #1700), Vancouver
Cost: Free but donation are welcome and joining CFI encouraged
Link: Event Link Here
George Hrab at the Railway Club
In addition to the two hour set George is performing on stage at the Railway Club, there will be limited tickets available for a private reception in the back bar where you can meet and socialize with George and fellow attendees and even hear an acoustic set from George. You can purchase tickets at
When: Sunday, April 28th 2013, 6:00 pm
Where: The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
Cost: Free but donation are welcome and joining CFI encouraged
Link: Event Link Here
Imagine no Religion 3
The annual atheist skeptic conference in Kamloops is happening this May. It features a line up of speakers including Dan Dennett, Richard Carrier, Chris DiCarlo, Taslima Nasreen and more. I encourage you to register now.
When: May 17 to 19
Where: Kamloops Coast Hotel and Convention Centre, Kamloops
Cost: $349.00
Link: Event Link Here
