April 2006
Activities of Interest to Freethinkers
Sat., Apr. 1, 7pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 6705 E. 54th St. Featured film is Heart of the Beholder. The American Dream that became a holy nightmare. Prior to the running of the movie, the duo of Gail Storey and Dan Nerren will entertain at the piano.
Sun., Apr. 9, 2pm
Humanist Study Group at Border’s, 81st & Yale. Topic: Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel C. Dennett. See discussion questions distributed by e-mail.
Sun., Apr. 16, 1pm
HAT Monthly Membership Meeting at the Bradleys, 6705 E. 54th St. Due to the Hardesty Library being closed because of Easter, we have had to change the venue for this meeting.
Wed., Apr. 19, 11:30am
ALGAE (A Little Group of Atheists Eating) luncheon at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan.
Sat., Apr. 22, 11:30am
Food & Fellowship at Tekei’s, 1616 S. Utica.
Sun., Apr. 23, 2pm
Tulsa Atheist Rendezvous See www.tulsaar.blogspot.com closer to the date of meeting for venue and agenda.
Secular Singers will not meet in April.
Questions? Call Dan at 798-3629
Friday, March 31, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Humor from Harold
Harold Dundee sent in the following:
Of this poem I consider that we secular humanists are taking a stand, but it is a stand contrary to that inferred in the poem. When I was a youngster one saying was that if you kept claiming that the moon was made of greenish cheese, people would eventually come to believe that it was true. If we keep offering our views and are tenacious about them we will eventually get believers to wake up. We will leave huge footprints, footprints of rationality.
FATE OF ATHEISTS
One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the seaboard.
But then some stranger prints appeared...
And I asked the Lord,"What have we here?
"Those prints are large and round and neat,
But Lord,they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in sober tones,"
For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith you would not know...
So I got tired,I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life there comes a time
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise, and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."
--Author Unknown
Of this poem I consider that we secular humanists are taking a stand, but it is a stand contrary to that inferred in the poem. When I was a youngster one saying was that if you kept claiming that the moon was made of greenish cheese, people would eventually come to believe that it was true. If we keep offering our views and are tenacious about them we will eventually get believers to wake up. We will leave huge footprints, footprints of rationality.
FATE OF ATHEISTS
One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the seaboard.
But then some stranger prints appeared...
And I asked the Lord,"What have we here?
"Those prints are large and round and neat,
But Lord,they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in sober tones,"
For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith you would not know...
So I got tired,I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life there comes a time
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise, and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."
--Author Unknown
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Good Crowd at Today's Food & Fellowship
The March Food & Fellowship was held today at The Royal Dragon restaurant. The Food & Fellowship gatherings have proven to be HAT's most popular event. There were 14 people at today's F&F. Present were Mary, Polly, Dawn, Randy, Sharon, Brian, Audrey, Jan, Marilyn, Howard, Barbara, Dan, Larry, and Harold.
Today's gathering was the last HAT event for this month, but if you like gathering with freethinkers please consider coming to the Tulsa Atheist Rendezvous tomorrow (3/26/06) at 2pm at Barnes & Noble on 41st (cafe area). It is my desire to give life to freethought writings by having them read aloud in public settings. I intend to read Philip Appleman's poem "Noah." If you would like to read something, please bring it.
The next HAT event is set for Saturday, April 1 (a week from today). This is a new event we are adding to our monthly calendar. It is a Movie Night at the Bradleys'. Randy and Dawn Bradley will be hosting a monthly movie night on the first Saturday of each month in their home starting at 7:00 PM. Saturday's movie will be announced later.
Today's gathering was the last HAT event for this month, but if you like gathering with freethinkers please consider coming to the Tulsa Atheist Rendezvous tomorrow (3/26/06) at 2pm at Barnes & Noble on 41st (cafe area). It is my desire to give life to freethought writings by having them read aloud in public settings. I intend to read Philip Appleman's poem "Noah." If you would like to read something, please bring it.
The next HAT event is set for Saturday, April 1 (a week from today). This is a new event we are adding to our monthly calendar. It is a Movie Night at the Bradleys'. Randy and Dawn Bradley will be hosting a monthly movie night on the first Saturday of each month in their home starting at 7:00 PM. Saturday's movie will be announced later.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Minutes for HAT meeting, March 19, 2006
Today was a chilly, wet day. Nine people turned out for the HAT meeting. Present were Howard, Harold, Polly, Brian, Marilyn, Stan, Randy, Jan, and myself. We divided into two teams and played a quiz game. Brian officiated the game.
We talked a bit about brochures HAT recently purchased from the Council for Secular Humanism: "The Affirmations of Humanism: A Statement of Principles." The brochure was first brought to my attention a few months back by Harold Dundee. We have a hundred of the brochures, but as of yet we have no plan on how they are to be used. I expect we will mail the brochure to inquirers who contact HAT.
Randy announced that he will be hosting a monthly movie night at his house starting Saturday, April 1. These gatherings will take place on the first Saturday evening of each month beginning at 7:00 PM.
If I have left anything out, feel free to add your own comments.
We talked a bit about brochures HAT recently purchased from the Council for Secular Humanism: "The Affirmations of Humanism: A Statement of Principles." The brochure was first brought to my attention a few months back by Harold Dundee. We have a hundred of the brochures, but as of yet we have no plan on how they are to be used. I expect we will mail the brochure to inquirers who contact HAT.
Randy announced that he will be hosting a monthly movie night at his house starting Saturday, April 1. These gatherings will take place on the first Saturday evening of each month beginning at 7:00 PM.
If I have left anything out, feel free to add your own comments.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
On the problem with Muslims
Take five minutes and listen to this brave woman speak on the problem with Islam:
http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1050wmv&ak=null
http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1050wmv&ak=null
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Today's luncheon plus new event coming
We had another great ALGAE luncheon today at White River Fish Market. How good it is to have a meal with friends! Wish more of you could have been there.
In attendance today were Keith, Dave, Gloria, Bea, Warren, Dan, Larry, Jan, and Sharon. Conversation was wide-ranging. In addition to the usual topics of religion and politics, we also heard about the dangers of underground natural gas pipelines and an upcoming production of Wagner's Ring Cycle in Paris, which one of our lucky members will soon take in.
I find it to be an uplifting experience to be with my fellow Humanists, whatever the occasion. If you are not yet attending HAT events, I would like to invite you to do so. Experience these highs for yourself.
There will soon be another event added to our monthly calendar. Randy told me that he will be having a monthly movie night at his house, probably on a Saturday night. We will watch a movie and talk about it, as we sip wine or whatever your beverage of choice happens to be. Randy says that if you drink so much wine that your driving ability is impaired, you are welcome to stay over. Now that's real hospitality.
I love you guys and gals and look forward to seeing you again this Sunday (3/19/06) at 1pm at Hardesty Library for our regular monthly HAT meeting.
In attendance today were Keith, Dave, Gloria, Bea, Warren, Dan, Larry, Jan, and Sharon. Conversation was wide-ranging. In addition to the usual topics of religion and politics, we also heard about the dangers of underground natural gas pipelines and an upcoming production of Wagner's Ring Cycle in Paris, which one of our lucky members will soon take in.
I find it to be an uplifting experience to be with my fellow Humanists, whatever the occasion. If you are not yet attending HAT events, I would like to invite you to do so. Experience these highs for yourself.
There will soon be another event added to our monthly calendar. Randy told me that he will be having a monthly movie night at his house, probably on a Saturday night. We will watch a movie and talk about it, as we sip wine or whatever your beverage of choice happens to be. Randy says that if you drink so much wine that your driving ability is impaired, you are welcome to stay over. Now that's real hospitality.
I love you guys and gals and look forward to seeing you again this Sunday (3/19/06) at 1pm at Hardesty Library for our regular monthly HAT meeting.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Atheist Jokes from Harold
Harold Dundee sends these jokes:
I once wanted to become an atheist but I gave up. They have no holidays.
~~Henny Youngman
---------------
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
------------------
Three atheists are lost in desert and have run out of food and water. One
says, "Guess the is the end, guys." But another says maybe we should try
prayer.
"Prayer," snorts another guy, "we're atheists. We don't know how to pray."
"Well," says third guy, "I used to live next door to a church and have some
idea of how it goes. First you bow your head, I think, then start reciting
no. 7. number 54, no. 62."
-------------
Steven Wright ~ Can atheists get insurance for acts of God?
I once wanted to become an atheist but I gave up. They have no holidays.
~~Henny Youngman
---------------
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
------------------
Three atheists are lost in desert and have run out of food and water. One
says, "Guess the is the end, guys." But another says maybe we should try
prayer.
"Prayer," snorts another guy, "we're atheists. We don't know how to pray."
"Well," says third guy, "I used to live next door to a church and have some
idea of how it goes. First you bow your head, I think, then start reciting
no. 7. number 54, no. 62."
-------------
Steven Wright ~ Can atheists get insurance for acts of God?
Sunday, March 05, 2006
OCCJ presentation lacked strict separationist viewpoint
I attended the third session of the OCCJ Trialogue series today. Also attending from HAT were Marilyn Clarke and Brian Hill. The theme of this year’s Trialogue was “Jefferson’s Wall: The American Separation of Church and State.” It was disappointing that none of the three presenters was a strong supporter of church/state separation.
In the question and answer session which followed the presentations, written questions from the audience were addressed by the speakers. My question was chosen as the first one to be addressed. I asked: Do you expect to see further erosion in the wall separating church and state? The gist of the responses was: What erosion?
Daniel G. Gibbons, Professor of Law Emeritus at OU, who continues to teach a Church-State Relations Seminar, responded by saying he thinks the wall metaphor, while it may have been useful when it was first employed 200 years ago, is now out of date and no longer useful. Presenter Deron Spoo, pastor of Tulsa’s First Baptist Church, who otherwise struck me as a progressive sort, said things are fine and sees no disturbing trends regarding church/state relations. I don’t remember exactly how Msgr. Gaalaas of St. Benedict Catholic Church responded (I was still stunned by the responses from the first two), but it was along the lines of the first two.
It would have been nice if the OCCJ would have invited a strict separationist to be among the presenters today. The OCCJ’s motto is “We open minds.” I didn’t find anything mind opening in today’s presenters’ (accommodationists all) hostility to church/state separation.
In the question and answer session which followed the presentations, written questions from the audience were addressed by the speakers. My question was chosen as the first one to be addressed. I asked: Do you expect to see further erosion in the wall separating church and state? The gist of the responses was: What erosion?
Daniel G. Gibbons, Professor of Law Emeritus at OU, who continues to teach a Church-State Relations Seminar, responded by saying he thinks the wall metaphor, while it may have been useful when it was first employed 200 years ago, is now out of date and no longer useful. Presenter Deron Spoo, pastor of Tulsa’s First Baptist Church, who otherwise struck me as a progressive sort, said things are fine and sees no disturbing trends regarding church/state relations. I don’t remember exactly how Msgr. Gaalaas of St. Benedict Catholic Church responded (I was still stunned by the responses from the first two), but it was along the lines of the first two.
It would have been nice if the OCCJ would have invited a strict separationist to be among the presenters today. The OCCJ’s motto is “We open minds.” I didn’t find anything mind opening in today’s presenters’ (accommodationists all) hostility to church/state separation.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Library Donation Received
Our donation of $100 to the Tulsa Library Trust has been received and acknowledged. Once the library is built, "Humanist Association of Tulsa" will appear on the "Donor Wall." The library will be connected to a new community center. The joint facility will have several meeting rooms.
The new Kaiser Library will be built in the northeast section of LaFortune Park. This area might be more centrally located for our membership, and we may wish to move our 3rd Sunday meetings to the new library.
The new Kaiser Library will be built in the northeast section of LaFortune Park. This area might be more centrally located for our membership, and we may wish to move our 3rd Sunday meetings to the new library.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
AAI convention to be in KC
I would sure like to attend the Atheist Alliance International convention next month in KC. There is a great line-up of speakers. It would be nice if we could get a half dozen of us and rent a minivan and drive up to Kansas City for this event. If any of you have an interest in doing this, please contact me.
Forwarded Message:
Subj: Atheist Alliance International convention in KC 4-14-16, 2006
Date: 3/1/2006 7:21:45 AM Central Standard Time
From: JoAnn@freethinker.org
To: hatulsa@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
I'd like to invite you and all your members to attend the upcoming Atheist Alliance International Convention to be held in Kansas City, April 14-16, 2006.
Below you will find out more about the convention. Please feel free to publish the article below in your newsletters or send it on to anyone you think might be interested.
Also, to learn more about the convention or to register, please visit http://atheistalliance.org/. If you would like me to send the registration form as a pdf file directly to you to print, please email me at JoAnn@freethinker.org.
Jo Ann Mooney, Convention Coordinator
Atheist Alliance International
Atheist Alliance International to Hold Convention in KC
April 14-16, 2006
Jo Ann Mooney
Easter weekend 2006 will hold a pleasant surprise for those in Kansas City. The Atheist Alliance International’s annual convention will be here at the Airport Marriott. Speakers to date are:
Julia Sweeney, writer-actress, winner of this year's Dawkins Award and author of Letting Go of God: My Beautiful Loss of Faith Story.
Dr. Hector Avalos, Associate Professor of Religious Studies & Director of U.S. Latino/a Studies at Iowa State University and author of Fighting Words: The Origins of Religious Violence.
Lori Lipman Brown, freethought's first Washington lobbyist and Executive Director of the Secular Coalition of America.
Matt Cherry, President of the United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Executive Director of the Institute for Humanist Studies, and author of Imagine There's No Heaven: Voices of Secular Humanism.
Dr. Paul Mirecki, Professor and past Departmental Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, the first to propose teaching ID as mythology and author of Magic and Ritual in the Ancient World.
Dr. Ron Pine, Research Associate, Field Museum of Chicago and Visiting Scholar at the Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center, University of Kansas.
Dr. Fred Whitehead, freethought historian and author of Freethought on the American Frontier.
The convention will also include:
“Camp Quest: A Summer Away Camp for Atheist Kids” by Katie Hladky & Shawn Jeffers
“How to talk about Atheism” hands-on training by August Berkshire and Margaret Downey
“Leaving the Fold: Ex-ministers Speak Out”
“Religion, Science, Secular Humanism and Well-being" by Dr. Gale Fuller
“Selling Atheism" hands-on training by Woody Kaplan
and panels on Atheist Parenting and Lobbying for Separation of Church and State
The convention price ($175 advance registration) includes all events including: a reception Friday night, two dinner banquets, two breakfasts and a luncheon. Additionally, we provide Camp Quest for children ages 4-12 and full-time babysitting for those younger.
If you ever feel a need to get energized or reaffirm your nonbelief stance in this heavily Christian nation, this convention will be an easy way to do that. You’ll get a chance to meet other freethinkers from around the world, share ideas and discuss issues. Please don’t wait to register by visiting http://atheistalliance.org!
Lodging information:
Rooms are ready to be booked at the luxurious KC Marriott Hotel Airport for only $65 per night. You can also call the number below and ask for the Atheist Alliance's rate: code athatha.
(816) 464-2200
775 Brasilia Ave
Kansas City, Missouri 64153
Forwarded Message:
Subj: Atheist Alliance International convention in KC 4-14-16, 2006
Date: 3/1/2006 7:21:45 AM Central Standard Time
From: JoAnn@freethinker.org
To: hatulsa@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
I'd like to invite you and all your members to attend the upcoming Atheist Alliance International Convention to be held in Kansas City, April 14-16, 2006.
Below you will find out more about the convention. Please feel free to publish the article below in your newsletters or send it on to anyone you think might be interested.
Also, to learn more about the convention or to register, please visit http://atheistalliance.org/. If you would like me to send the registration form as a pdf file directly to you to print, please email me at JoAnn@freethinker.org.
Jo Ann Mooney, Convention Coordinator
Atheist Alliance International
Atheist Alliance International to Hold Convention in KC
April 14-16, 2006
Jo Ann Mooney
Easter weekend 2006 will hold a pleasant surprise for those in Kansas City. The Atheist Alliance International’s annual convention will be here at the Airport Marriott. Speakers to date are:
Julia Sweeney, writer-actress, winner of this year's Dawkins Award and author of Letting Go of God: My Beautiful Loss of Faith Story.
Dr. Hector Avalos, Associate Professor of Religious Studies & Director of U.S. Latino/a Studies at Iowa State University and author of Fighting Words: The Origins of Religious Violence.
Lori Lipman Brown, freethought's first Washington lobbyist and Executive Director of the Secular Coalition of America.
Matt Cherry, President of the United Nations NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Executive Director of the Institute for Humanist Studies, and author of Imagine There's No Heaven: Voices of Secular Humanism.
Dr. Paul Mirecki, Professor and past Departmental Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, the first to propose teaching ID as mythology and author of Magic and Ritual in the Ancient World.
Dr. Ron Pine, Research Associate, Field Museum of Chicago and Visiting Scholar at the Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center, University of Kansas.
Dr. Fred Whitehead, freethought historian and author of Freethought on the American Frontier.
The convention will also include:
“Camp Quest: A Summer Away Camp for Atheist Kids” by Katie Hladky & Shawn Jeffers
“How to talk about Atheism” hands-on training by August Berkshire and Margaret Downey
“Leaving the Fold: Ex-ministers Speak Out”
“Religion, Science, Secular Humanism and Well-being" by Dr. Gale Fuller
“Selling Atheism" hands-on training by Woody Kaplan
and panels on Atheist Parenting and Lobbying for Separation of Church and State
The convention price ($175 advance registration) includes all events including: a reception Friday night, two dinner banquets, two breakfasts and a luncheon. Additionally, we provide Camp Quest for children ages 4-12 and full-time babysitting for those younger.
If you ever feel a need to get energized or reaffirm your nonbelief stance in this heavily Christian nation, this convention will be an easy way to do that. You’ll get a chance to meet other freethinkers from around the world, share ideas and discuss issues. Please don’t wait to register by visiting http://atheistalliance.org!
Lodging information:
Rooms are ready to be booked at the luxurious KC Marriott Hotel Airport for only $65 per night. You can also call the number below and ask for the Atheist Alliance's rate: code athatha.
(816) 464-2200
775 Brasilia Ave
Kansas City, Missouri 64153
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