links adspar likes 4

Here is the 4th installment of a recurring feature, creatively titled links adspar likes. These should keep you busy with good reading material while you're bored at work, and it makes me feel productive because most of the links are educational and/or thought-provoking.


The Ten Commandments of the Ethical Atheist
from The Ethical Atheist

adspar's quick summary:
1. Thou SHALT NOT believe all thou art told.
2. Thou SHALT seek knowledge and truth constantly.
3. Thou SHALT educate thy fellow man in the Laws of Science.
4. Thou SHALT NOT forget the atrocities committed in the name of god.
5. Thou SHALT leave valuable contributions for future generations.
6. Thou SHALT live in peace with thy fellow man.
7. Thou SHALT live this one life thou hast to its fullest.
8. Thou SHALT follow a Personal Code of Ethics.
9. Thou SHALT maintain a strict separation between Church and State.
10. Thou SHALT support those who follow these commandments.

why you should read it:
People associate atheism with immorality or amorality. But I can't imagine a more respectable and moral way to live than suggested by this list. Aside from explaining this list, there's a lot of other good stuff at this site.


Men Not Working, and Not Wanting Just Any Job
by Louis Uchitelle and David Leonhardt

adspar's quick summary:
Some dudes don't want to work.

why you should read it:
I guess I'm not the only one! If you ever thought maybe you'd be happier not working and just being poor, check it out.
The link requires a login, but you can use bugmenot.


Two Plus Two Internet Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 8
by Mason Malmuth and David Sklansky

adspar's quick summary:
Ed Miller unexpectedly quit as editor, so Mason had to throw together an issue with a bunch of essays from him and David.

why you should read it:
Lots of good essays. I liked "Why (Some) Morons Do Better Than You" because all the morons did better than me. I suck.


The Self-Perpetuating Cycle of Smoking and Drinking
by Emily Anthes

adspar's quick summary:
Cigarettes may dull you to the effects of alcohol. Also, there is some evidence that smoking is more rewarding when you've had alcohol.

why you should read it:
Its funny to read about research that confirms what everyone who's ever been in a bar already knows.


Ramen, Pastor Boyd!
by Raindogzilla

adspar's quick summary:
The God is for Suckers blogger gives props to a evangelical reverend who said that "the church should steer clear of politics, give up moralizing on sexual issues, stop claiming the United States as a 'Christian nation' and stop glorifying American military campaigns."

why you should read it:
Crazy religions are a whole lot more tolerable when they don't try to force their crazy beliefs on others. (Still crazy though.)


Can Wikipedia Conquer Expertise
by Stacy Schiff

adspar's quick summary:
The New Yorker on Wikipedia.

why you should read it:
I'm just including this because I'm fascinated by Wikipedia. I like the anecdote about Congressmen being blocked from the site because they keep altering their own entries.


Inanity Squared
by PZ Myers

adspar's quick summary:
PZ looks up a bible passage and finds that god says that loving nature is evil and gay.

why you should read it:
PZ: "You know, I really don't need to compose arguments against religion: just quoting scripture is damning enough."


Phony Outrage and Senator Schumer
by Jason Rosenhouse

adspar's quick summary:
Jason documents how the religious right-wing is "frothing at the mouth" in response to statements made on the Senate floor by Senator Chuck Schumer.

why you should read it:
I'm shocked at how flagrantly the Catholic website Fidelis misrepresented Schumer's remarks, describing them as a "hate filled attack on religious Americans." You can read them for yourself, and if ANYONE thinks his remarks can be reasonably interpreted that way, I'd like to hear how. I don't know why I'm so surprised that these people are so willing to lie to cast their political opponents in a negative light. I guess I just expect better from the Catholic community I grew up in.



Thats all for links adspar likes 4, which is fast becoming all I do.

Today's links saved here. Preview of 5 here.