What? No magic book? Not even the King James version of the Constitution? Cue the right wing screech machine to label her a Communist and a threat to civilization as soon as they hear about this. /s
"It's only through God's grace that we can even survive in space. He planned for us to go to space when he created the Earth and its surroundings to be safe for human life."
or
"We defy God's will when we try to touch the heavens. Challenger and Columbia were warnings. He will soon unleash his wrath for our pride." "Not to mention the government stealing money for this that could be donated to churches for God's work."
I have this book right in front of me, I have not started it yet. I’m finishing up the newest book in the Outlander series right now. A demon Haunted World is next.
With the current trend of swearing in on a stack of bibles, bibles that they probably have no connection with but are notable (Abraham Lincoln’s own Bible), I’m delighted to see something a little more grounded in reality being used.
Eww, gross, he had his sweaty paws all over Lincoln's Bible? The Smithsonian (or LOC, whichever) should be ashamed and I hope they disinfected it afterwards.
What Hemant doesn't make clear is if he is using "swear her oath" in a generic sense or if she did actually swear rather than affirm. That to me is much more meaningful than what book she placed her hand on. Though it is nice when a politician bucks a useless tradition.
Found another new Xanth novel at the library recently. Finally decided I've had enough and passed it by. Did find one of his much older books (Blue Adept) at a book sale a little while ago. Haven't read it yet, but it will be interesting to see how it is. I'm sure I read it years ago.
Some of them just don't know when to stop. Wheel of Time? Just went on and on forever. Belgariad? Okay but the next series was simply a rerun of the first. And don't get me started on Thomas Covenant. I can understand the economic motives behind a series, but for god's sake end it after three.
I prefer Cialis. With Viagra, you're in the mood and then you've got to wait 30 minutes. With Cialis, you take it when you want to and when the mood strikes you're ready to go.
It’s a good question. I suppose there are many possible reasons. Adds pomp, circumstance, gravitas. One of my local elected leaders chose to use a book that included our state constitution. Yes, she caught guff for not using scriptures. Because she is Jewish, the bigots had to be careful about not saying “bible”. Not all of them were and it was fun asking them in a local chat room why a Jew should swear on a bible.
Probably. In my area, oaths of office are administered by the Clerk of the Court (which itself is an elective office so I don’t know what happens there). We’ve had the same person in the position for at least 20 years and she certainly gives off Christian Nationalist vibes. The end of the oath includes the date of the swearing in. Instead of saying “December 8, 2016” the Clerk would say, with great drama, “December 8th, in The Year Of Our Lord, 2016.”
Someone I know who is Jewish was elected. I clued her in about the Clerk. My friend raised one eyebrow, Spock style, but said nothing. A couple weeks later at the swearing in ceremony, the Clerk omitted that year of the lord BS for every elected official and, as far as I know, has never done it again.
I posted somewhere years ago, if we could accurately determine the time and date of the resurrection, as well as the launch direction and velocity, could we determine which way heaven is?
Cecil B. DeMille mad a movie, UNCONQUERED, about the early history of my hometown Pittsburgh. It's a bigger, weirder fantasy than THE WIZARD OF OZ. Among other things, lily-white Paulette Goddard plays a slave in it. And Boris Karloff plays an Indian chief.
Hey, any movie with the Marx Brothers can't be all bad (though that one comes close). Groucho swindling the Island of Manhattan away from the Indians makes it almost worth sitting through.
Imagine what it was like when my parents took us out to eat. My parents were the only adults in the restaurant without gray hair; my brother and I were the only kids.
I'm pulling for "hand on a smartphone, accidentally opening their last-viewed PornTube video on max volume while trying to pull up an ebook to swear on."
Not the first series – I didn't find that particularly funny. The others are pretty much equal in my eyes except perhaps just a nose ahead for series 3.
I read the NASA website every evening before bedtime. It cheers me up after all the religious and political awfulness of the day. It reminds me that my species is at least getting some things right. The other night when I saw that book in the photo, I was elated. I've got hardcover and softcover copies of that excellent book. Very encouraging.
What? No magic book? Not even the King James version of the Constitution? Cue the right wing screech machine to label her a Communist and a threat to civilization as soon as they hear about this. /s
OMG! So much xtian oppression and persecution. Why does she hate jesus?
To anyone who would ask such a stupid question, I have one for them in return, to wit:
Just What The F*** did Jesus ever have to do with space exploration?
"It's only through God's grace that we can even survive in space. He planned for us to go to space when he created the Earth and its surroundings to be safe for human life."
or
"We defy God's will when we try to touch the heavens. Challenger and Columbia were warnings. He will soon unleash his wrath for our pride." "Not to mention the government stealing money for this that could be donated to churches for God's work."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnxvKJAv5Ik&t=131s
She may not hate Jesus. She just likes Carl more. : )
To paraphrase his Weirdness
"I sued Jesus. Oh do I even need a reason?"
I do not have any evidence or indication that she does or does not.
She merely chose something she likes and is based on provable scientific facts, not some ancient work of fiction/fantasy.
However, if she did not like God, Jesus and christianity there are many reasons.
Here are just a few:
1) God and therefore the son of God have never existed and will never exist (they are a fantasy). So people are being deceived by an idea.
2) If God did exist he would be the most hateful, vengeful, hypocritical, sadistic being that has ever or will ever have existed.
3) so many Christian hypocrites (look at the G.O.P. and their religious supporters).
4) Christians (and other religions) do not obey the 11th commandment "KEEP THY RELIGION TO THY SELF".
5) Religions (including christianity) do not pay taxes yet want to run governments.
6) Religions (including christianity) want to control both believers and non-believers.
These are just a few reasons (a detailed list would be much more extensive) that she could hate christians and or Jesus.
However, like I said there is no proof that she actually does.
It was sarcasm. Did I really need to put /s in my comments here?
I thought that was obvious, but I guess some folks just don't get irony.
Thank you, Dr. Lystrup. So glad someone chose a book on science and reason and not one filled with myth and superstition.
"There are wonders enough out there without inventing any."
-- Carl Sagan, from "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark"
If I had to swear an oath on a book, I'd use this, assuming the title isn't considered redundant: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Dummies-Lifestyle/dp/1119293502/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bible+for+dummies+adults&qid=1680988415&s=books&sprefix=Bible+for+d%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1
Aren't dummies the target audience for the bible?
It does seem a tad pointless, no? But it must sell well, because there's even a sequel: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Revelation-Dummies-Larry-Helyer/dp/0470045213/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1PS750HPV4YJ&keywords=bible+for+dummies&qid=1680990103&s=books&sprefix=bible+for+dummies%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-2
What theses guys ever did to you ?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eTeg1txDv8w
Here's Weird Al's version...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU95v23MQ4c
Your favorite accordionist has a bit part on 𝑉𝑒𝑙𝑚𝑎.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14153790/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_5_nm_3_q_velma
He's everywhere! He's everywhere!
I have this book right in front of me, I have not started it yet. I’m finishing up the newest book in the Outlander series right now. A demon Haunted World is next.
I read TD-HW years ago. It's a goody.
OT:
Clarence Thomas’s Billionaire Benefactor Collects Hitler Artifacts
Harlan Crow also reportedly has a garden full of dictator statues.
https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/04/07/clarence-thomass-billionaire-benefactor-collects-hitler-artifacts/
Because 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 he fucking does.
He collects Hitler artifacts. Artifacts of a man who would've had Thomas put to death for the color of his skin.
Uncle Thomas has never been self-aware enough to recognize how much he's benefited from the progress he keeps trying to undo.
Thomas is black? Do you want to tell him, or shall I?
He thinks by constantly surrounding himself with white kkkonservatives he'll blend in.
Poor deluded sap.
Dictator statues? Like, from Itsy?
Tojos R Us?
I’d like to hear an explanation but he’s Stalin around.
Is that your ceaucescu to start a pun thread ?
Hu-sayin a pun thread wouldn’t be fun?
I think it would hit despot.
"Hu-sayin a pun thread wouldn't be fun?"
Amin! Preach it, brother!
Quit Stallin'.
I Montt dare.
Mal wouldn't Khan you.
With the current trend of swearing in on a stack of bibles, bibles that they probably have no connection with but are notable (Abraham Lincoln’s own Bible), I’m delighted to see something a little more grounded in reality being used.
Why would you need more than one?
"bibles that they probably have no connection with but are notable"
It's a bible...
-D. Trump.
He swore an oath on two bibles stacked together: His family's and Lincoln's (wanna bet whose was on top?).
Look what THAT led to 4 years of.
I don't want to think about the words "Trump" and "On top"
Dammit. I keep telling you people Texas has a severe shortage of brain-bleach. People think it's a COVID cure.
Shit oh dear, I don't want to hear the word Trump and underneath either. Unless it's followed by "a headstone".
Ewwwwww!
Melania has to live it. Or at least she did at one time. Bet Trumpy's spent a lot of lonely nights even BEFORE his legal woes.
I bet she used a turkey baster and didn’t ever come close to the tiny mushroom.
Speaking of which, I just got back from the Mario movie. It was pretty entertaining.
trump on top of a building, about to jump.
My sympathy for the concrete below.
What about the poor roof groaning under his weight?
He wouldn't have to jump. I'd happily push him off with my cane.
Don't forget the hazmat suit for your cane even if you plan to get rid of it.
Hell, the roof may just buck him off.
https://www.zentaur.org/memes/trump_tv.jpg
Eww, gross, he had his sweaty paws all over Lincoln's Bible? The Smithsonian (or LOC, whichever) should be ashamed and I hope they disinfected it afterwards.
Probably too late. It's not for nothing that old books are manipulated with gloves.
If I have to swear an oath I would use the only Bible I have at home.
Ironic that Lincoln himself said:
"The Bible is not my book, nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long complicated statements of Christian dogma."
-- from "Abraham Lincoln, Speeches and Writings 1832 - 1858"
I hear Lincoln's bible had love notes from Joshua Speed scrawled in the margins.
What Hemant doesn't make clear is if he is using "swear her oath" in a generic sense or if she did actually swear rather than affirm. That to me is much more meaningful than what book she placed her hand on. Though it is nice when a politician bucks a useless tradition.
Tradition - peer pressure from dead people.
Though if she had to swear rather than affirm it would have been appropriate to swear to Ouranos or Nyx.
Nyx? Isn't that some kind of sports team or something?
That's Knicks. The *other* NYC baseball team. (Why the hell, do I know that?)
Nyx was the goddess of night in Classical Mythology. (Yeah, Yeah, I read Piers Anthony, so sue me)
I am the antithesis of a sports guy, but I am pretty sure the Knicks are a basketball team. The Mets are the other baseball team.
I completely missed the fact she said baseball and not basketball.
Oh well. It was only a 2-letter difference.
Found another new Xanth novel at the library recently. Finally decided I've had enough and passed it by. Did find one of his much older books (Blue Adept) at a book sale a little while ago. Haven't read it yet, but it will be interesting to see how it is. I'm sure I read it years ago.
Like most of his stuff, the first trilogy was pretty good, the second not bad, and the seventh book went off the rails.
Only the first 3 are available on Kindle.
Some of them just don't know when to stop. Wheel of Time? Just went on and on forever. Belgariad? Okay but the next series was simply a rerun of the first. And don't get me started on Thomas Covenant. I can understand the economic motives behind a series, but for god's sake end it after three.
Nyx are what I get when I shave my legs.
Silly, that's what Nair is for.
In Science We Trust!
Science flew people to the moon. Religion flew people into tall buildings.
We flew to the moon over 50 years ago. What has science done for us lately? :)
Viagra?
I prefer Cialis. With Viagra, you're in the mood and then you've got to wait 30 minutes. With Cialis, you take it when you want to and when the mood strikes you're ready to go.
Too many things to list here. Try reading books other than the bible.
Never could get past the begats.
It's certain that she read the book (maybe more than once), unlike the rag most politicians swear on.
Why do they have to put their hand on a book anyway?
Because a pizza would be too messy.
Try with a fondue (before anyone of you start accusing me on going all French on you, it's Swiss).
Aujourd'hui, c'est la journée nationale de la fondue aux États-Unis. Dégustez une fondue. J'espère que Google a bien traduit ça...
O fautes, try again.
Leave the box closed until after.
It's American ingenuity and out of the box (or in this case, on top of the box) thinking that has kept our country in the lead of the space race.
That totally makes sense. Though a stifado would be even more messy.
A can of SpaghettiOs® should work. 🍝 I'm sure his Noodly Goodness would approve.
It’s a good question. I suppose there are many possible reasons. Adds pomp, circumstance, gravitas. One of my local elected leaders chose to use a book that included our state constitution. Yes, she caught guff for not using scriptures. Because she is Jewish, the bigots had to be careful about not saying “bible”. Not all of them were and it was fun asking them in a local chat room why a Jew should swear on a bible.
I think social pressure by Christo-fascists is the main reason.
Probably. In my area, oaths of office are administered by the Clerk of the Court (which itself is an elective office so I don’t know what happens there). We’ve had the same person in the position for at least 20 years and she certainly gives off Christian Nationalist vibes. The end of the oath includes the date of the swearing in. Instead of saying “December 8, 2016” the Clerk would say, with great drama, “December 8th, in The Year Of Our Lord, 2016.”
Someone I know who is Jewish was elected. I clued her in about the Clerk. My friend raised one eyebrow, Spock style, but said nothing. A couple weeks later at the swearing in ceremony, the Clerk omitted that year of the lord BS for every elected official and, as far as I know, has never done it again.
The Gom Jabbar was out on loan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHK5fBm1YWk
Elmo no like.
Looks like Elmo's name won't be a killing word.
They don't.
Because that's the way they did it yesterday.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b16a5d0500f96d3cf8ee9d49faf0e2f9675becd24a058d28aeceb5d56ae16c5e.jpg
He really has no clue, does he?
I'm pretty sure Jesus is past the fetal heartbeat stage.
So are schoolchildren.
https://www.alternet.org/marjorie-trans/
They keep self owning, but I guarantee their base doesn't care.
https://i.imgflip.com/48xp3e.jpg
OT:
Don't forget to stock up on air freshener for tomorrow.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBiSxvQUwAACS1x.png:large
Jesus had a bad weekend for your sins.
It's tomorrow in 9 minutes for me. The only store open at this hour don't sell them.
Backward country. 😛
No a country where people don't have to choose between paying bills and sleep 😜
The heck you say. That's Un-Merican.
So that's good I am not one.
How many people has Jesus sent into space? His own ascension was suborbital.
I posted somewhere years ago, if we could accurately determine the time and date of the resurrection, as well as the launch direction and velocity, could we determine which way heaven is?
I believe I got kicked off the board.
How far is heaven?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZtJPYBOJmE
https://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/a2P6Y1Z_460s.jpg
According to an old baseball movie, I live in heaven. Someone needs to do a reboot with better fact checking.
Cecil B. DeMille mad a movie, UNCONQUERED, about the early history of my hometown Pittsburgh. It's a bigger, weirder fantasy than THE WIZARD OF OZ. Among other things, lily-white Paulette Goddard plays a slave in it. And Boris Karloff plays an Indian chief.
An Indian chief with an English accent.
Want a mindbender of a movie? Try Irwin Allen's "The Story of Mankind." Check out THAT cast.
Hey, any movie with the Marx Brothers can't be all bad (though that one comes close). Groucho swindling the Island of Manhattan away from the Indians makes it almost worth sitting through.
When I first got here, St. Petersburg was called gawd's waiting room.
Imagine what it was like when my parents took us out to eat. My parents were the only adults in the restaurant without gray hair; my brother and I were the only kids.
I-80 West...just keep going, you can't miss it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CxgMvxvVdo
We used to call NZ "Godzone" country. 😁
God filled it with ozone?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POVilJye_wc
No ... pineapple lumps.
♫Everyone is trying to get to the bar♫
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAa7J10D8Qw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCpXp6o8dnk
Used to live there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43nCDIZD0tc
Go, Belinda! Go!
The gloss is coming off Godzone ... Thank God.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/06/new-zealand-loses-appeal-to-rich-foreigners-as-investor-visa-numbers-plunge
If I won the lottery, my only turn-off would be the 16 hour flight to visit my family.
"Somebody told her there was a place like heaven across the water in a 747..."
-- ELO, "Calling America"
Heaven isn't too far away...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrSdXtFJG20
Surely you've heard the "Ancient Aliens" explanation for the flight of the Israelites from Egypt.
But he did it without a space suit or helmet. Mighty ballsy, if you ask me.
One of his other superpowers is turning vacuum into oxygen.
To be fair, there was a dome in the way.
There's that. ;)
How long before people are taking their oaths of office with their hands on a DVD or thumb drive?
I'm pulling for "hand on a smartphone, accidentally opening their last-viewed PornTube video on max volume while trying to pull up an ebook to swear on."
With material from PornHub.
Kindles first.
DVD? Blackadder for me.🙂
Which one ?
Not the first series – I didn't find that particularly funny. The others are pretty much equal in my eyes except perhaps just a nose ahead for series 3.
*Mute the heretic*
No one's gonna play it? OK, I will...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupToqz1e2g
Still powerful after all these years. We miss you, Carl.
Beautiful. Thank you.
My pleasure always. It's a gem.
I read the NASA website every evening before bedtime. It cheers me up after all the religious and political awfulness of the day. It reminds me that my species is at least getting some things right. The other night when I saw that book in the photo, I was elated. I've got hardcover and softcover copies of that excellent book. Very encouraging.
What a wonderful and meaningful tribute by Dr. Makenzie Lystrup!
In honor of her being the first female director of the GSFC, may I suggest the use of gender neutral terms going forward?
For example, instead of saying "the research laboratory that develops **unmanned** spacecraft,"
we may want to say that the GSFC develops **uncrewed** spacecraft. Just a thought!
Gender neutral terminology has been NASA's policy since 2006.
Yes. I was referring to this actual post using the term "unmanned." Thanks!