tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-170068372024-03-08T03:52:54.525-06:00Humanist Association of TulsaInformation regarding activities of the Humanist Association of Tulsa will be posted here. Additional information can be found at www.tulsa.humanists.net and at the meetup site, www.atheists.meetup.com/201.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-20152719217835536432014-08-04T18:53:00.000-05:002014-08-04T18:57:23.773-05:00FreeOK Schedule<b>Tulsa's premier freethought event takes place this weekend at the downtown convention center. Tickets are $25 per day (Saturday and Sunday), or $40 for a two-day pass.
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Here is the speaker schedule for the convention. Each presentation will last 45 minutes. There will be a 15 minute intermission between each presentation. We ask that attendees be seated promptly by the designated start time out of respect for each speaker. Concessions will be available immediately outside of the convention hall. The workshop with Fred Edwords will be held Sunday concurrent with the speaking engagements, so plan accordingly!<p>
* Schedule is tentative and subject to change as details are finalized and additional features become available.<p>
Saturday<p>
9:00 – 9:45 Jamila Bey<p>
10:00 – 10:45 Sarah Morehead<p>
11:00 – 11:45 David McAfee<p>
12 noon – 1:30 Break for Lunch<p>
1:30 – 2:15 CJ Werleman<p>
2:30 – 3:15 Steve Wells<p>
3:30 – 4:15 Nate Phelps<p>
4:30 – 6:30 Break for Dinner<p>
6:30 – 8:30 Dave Goodrich and ‘Chasing Ice’ screening
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Sunday<p>
10:00 – 10:45 Faisal Saeed Al Mutar<p>
11:00 – 11:45 Conor Robinson<p>
12 noon – 1:00 Kelly Damerow<p><p>
*10:00AM-1:00 PM Fred Edwords (Coalition of Reason) Workshop<p><p>
*1:00 PM Book signings from our featured speakers will be held in the lobby following the convention.<p>
Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-67917669565140975642014-05-02T23:05:00.001-05:002014-05-02T23:05:03.919-05:00May calendarMay 2014 Calendar of Events<p>
Sun., May 4, 10:00 am<p>
Humanist Breakfast at Restoration, COTR, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave. <p><p>
Sat., May 4, 11:00 am<p>
Humanist Sunday at COTR, Speaker: Dan Nerren, American Civil War, part 2<p><p>
Sun., May 11, 12:30 pm<p>
Restoration Drummers at COTR<p><p>
Sat., May 17, 2:00 pm<p>
Humanist Chapter meets at Schusterman-Benson Library, 3333 E. 32nd St.<p><p>
Sun., May 18, 12:30 pm<p>
Progressive Book Club, COTR, Chapter 17 of Zinn’s People’s History<p><p>
Sat., Jan. 22, 11:30 am<p>
Food and Fellowship at Cardigan’s, 6000 S. Lewis<p><p>
Sun., Jan. 23, 12:30 pm<p>
Restoration Writers, COTR<p><p>
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬<p>Questions? Call Dan Nerren, 918-798-3629
Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-20625497480669557752014-02-21T11:02:00.003-06:002014-02-21T11:02:40.406-06:00Humanist Invocation at Tulsa City Council meeting Feb. 20This evening I would like to recognize two men who are regarded as heroes of humankind. Just last week we celebrated the 205th anniversary of their birth. They were both born on the same day: February 12. One was an American; the other was British.<p><p>
The American to whom I refer is Abraham Lincoln. From humble beginnings, he rose to become the 16th president of the United States. He was also our commander in chief during that great trauma: the American Civil War. Because of his diligence in securing passage of the 13th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, he is also known as the Great Emancipator.<p>
Also born on February 12, in England, was Charles Darwin. It was Darwin who first gave us an understanding of our biological origins. For years people had speculated about the concept of evolution for it was not a new idea. But it was Darwin who amassed the data during his five-year long voyage on the Beagle to South America which provided the evidence for his thesis of biological evolution.<p>
First published in 1859, The Origin of Species sold out on its first day. Regarded as a threat by the clergy of his day, the idea of evolution through natural selection has prevailed unto this day. It was an idea whose time had come, as the idea had been independently derived by a contemporary of Darwin’s, Alfred Russell Wallace. By giving us an understanding of how we came to be, Darwin can also be thought of as a Great Emancipator.
Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-61446635083630827782014-02-15T20:46:00.000-06:002014-02-15T20:46:14.371-06:00Notes from today's Humanist meetingThe February HAT meeting was held February, 15, 2014 at Schusterman-Benson Library starting at 2:30 pm. Present were the following: John L., Jan N., Barbara F., Marilyn C., Kathy W., and Dan N. <p><p>
At the beginning of meetings we provide a time for those in attendance to read from a text that they have found meaningful. Today no one had anything they wished to read.<p>
The Treasurer was not in attendance today; therefore, there was no treasurer’s report.<p>
The Secretary reported that the dues-paying membership stood at two people. Kathy spoke up and said she had paid her dues. I noted the correction, revising the membership total to three.<p>
Next, Kathy W. spoke about the needs of DVIS, Domestic Violence Intervention Services. There was talk about making a contribution to this worthy organization. There was no quorum at today’s meeting, therefore, no action was taken. One thing that became clear at this meeting was the need to revise the bylaws. In the past we have had larger membership numbers. With a declining membership, we need to revise our minimum requirement for the number of members present to conduct business.<p>
Next, we heard from the Church of the Restoration liaison. I noted that I spoke at the February Humanist Sunday at COTR. The weather was bad that Sunday as it had been for the Humanist Sunday in January. The Progressive Book Group will meet on February 16, at approximately 12:30 pm at Restoration. We will discuss chapter 15 of Zinn’s People’s History. On the Fourth Sunday a group we call “Restoration Writers” will meet to write letters to influential people on a variety of issues.<p>
This coming Thursday, Feb. 20, I will deliver a humanist invocation before the Tulsa City Council.<p>
Next, I opened the meeting up for observations from those present. I read an article from that day’s <i>Tulsa World </i>about a young man who sings Christian songs at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center at or around the businesses of Ross Department Store and Marshall’s Department Store. I said if anyone would join me, I would be willing to sing freethought songs there as well. This offer still stands. Please contact me if you would like to sing freethought songs at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center. Call me at 918-798-3629.<p>
It seems that some of those who are against women having the right to an abortion are calling on a boycott of Girl Scouts cookies. For our March meeting, we are asking our members to bring Girl Scout cookies as refreshments.<p>
I had planned to play a 30-minute lecture on CD titled “That Powerful Glow of Warm Familiarity” and propose the start of the “Humanism Is For Humans” campaign, but I decided to put it off until next month.<p>
Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-89891662024179793092013-11-30T10:14:00.002-06:002013-11-30T10:25:41.821-06:00December 2013 CalendarHumanist Association of Tulsa<br />
December 2013 Calendar
Sun., Dec. 1, 11:00 am
<b>Humanist Sunday</b> at Church of the Restoration (COTR), 1314 N. Greenwood. Speaker: Dan Nerren; Potluck meal to follow service
Sun., Dec. 15, 12:30 pm
<b>Progressive Book Group</b>; COTR; read Zinn’s People’s History, chapter 13: “The Socialist Challenge”
Sat., Dec. 21, 2:00 pm
<b>Humanist chapter meeting</b>, Schusterman-Benson Library, 3333 E. 32nd St.
Sat., Dec. 28, 11:30 am
<b>Food and Fellowship</b> at La Hacienda, on Peoria near 45th<br />
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Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-80274400471706956472013-09-04T14:54:00.001-05:002013-09-04T15:08:26.789-05:00Calendar for September 2013<strong>September 2013 Calendar -- Humanist Association of Tulsa</strong><p><p>
Sun., Sept. 1, 11:00 am<br />
Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration (COTR), 1314 N. Greenwood; Speaker: Dan Nerren on “Black Life After the Civil War”<p><p>
Sat., Sept. 7, 7:00 pm<br />
Movie Night at the Bradleys<p><p>
Sun., Sept 8, 12:45 pm <br />
Restoration Drum Group, COTR<p><p>
Sun., Sept. 15, 12:45 pm<br />
Progressive Book Group, COTR; We will view the second half of <i>You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train</i><p><p>
Sat., Sept. 21, 2:00 pm<br />
HAT chapter meeting<p><p>
Sat., Sept., 28, 11:30 am<br />
Food and Fellowship at La Hacienda, on Peoria near 45th<p>
Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-24687463943967771432013-01-19T20:44:00.002-06:002013-01-19T20:44:25.331-06:00Minutes for Jan 2013 HAT meetingThe January 2013 HAT meeting was held on January 19 at 2:00 pm at the Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard. Nine people were in attendance. HAT President Marilyn Clarke presided over the meeting.<br />
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We began with a discussion of book publishing. New member Patricia Highby inquired of the group regarding a book she has written titled God is Not Green: The Scary Story of Christian Systematic Theology. She is looking for a publisher. Several people recommended that she self-publish the book. The book is available on the Internet. Search for “god is not green highby.”<br />
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Marilyn expressed her desire that we work with other groups with similar goals to ours. She also suggested that we tell the group about other activities we are involved in advance the progressive agenda.<br />
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Bill recommended that we watch Rachel Maddow on MS-NBC. Pat Highby spoke about the difference between theology and Bible study.<br />
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Larry Roth told us about the upcoming visit from Dr. Stan Rice of Southeast Oklahoma State University. Dr. Rice will speak at our February meeting. He will be dressed as Charles Darwin and deliver an address titled “Confessions of an Oklahoma Evolutionist: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”<br />
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Our chapter has received an invitation to provide an opening invocation for the Tulsa City Council meeting sometime in 2013. I gave the invocation last August and am willing to do so again; however, it think it would be nice to show that women are a part of our chapter. I am hoping that a female will volunteer to deliver the invocation.<br />
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Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-86854930577709085242012-12-15T19:53:00.000-06:002012-12-15T19:54:11.276-06:00Today's HAT MeetingThe December meeting of the Humanist Association of Tulsa was called to order at 2:00 pm on December 15, 2012. There were seven people (six members and one guest) in attendance. Since our president, Marilyn Clarke, had another obligation today, I chaired the meeting. <br />
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Winner of the door prize (a flashlight) was Patricia Highby. Patricia was a guest today, having moved to Tulsa recently from Colorado.<br />
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The meeting began with readings, poetic or otherwise. I read a poem with the title of “Amo, Amas” written by John O’Keefe.<br />
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The treasurer’s report came next. Treasurer Larry Roth reported we had some $1,200+ in the treasury. As secretary, I reported we currently have a dues-paying membership of 15. I mentioned, that with the exception of September, all the slots for Humanist Sunday in 2012 were filled. Anyone wishing to speak in September 2013 should contact me.<br />
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I spoke about the relationship of HAT and COTR (Church of the Restoration). I mentioned that not one member of COTR had become a dues-paying member of HAT in 2012. The hoped for use of the facility as a “hang-out” for HAT never caught on. We currently pay COTR a monthly fee of $25 to use the building. Starting in January 2013, we will most likely revert to paying the $25 per use fee. No official action could be approved today since we lacked a quorum by one vote. The voting on the matter was deferred to the January meeting.<br />
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Larry Roth said that Dr. Stan Rice of Southeast Oklahoma State University in Durant would be traveling to Tulsa to perform in costume as Charles Darwin. The will take place on February 16 next year. This will be our Darwin Day program. There was some discussion about whether the meeting room at the Genealogy Center will be large enough to seat all who come to see Dr. Rice.<br />
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Bill Dusenberry would like to have a get-together on December 21 (Solstice Day) at some restaurant to celebrate the day, if there is enough interest in doing this. I will be polling my contact list to see who is interested.<br />
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If you were at today’s meeting, you may add your own reflections in the comment area.<br />
<br />Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-13987079911535296262012-11-17T23:07:00.000-06:002012-11-17T23:07:49.233-06:00Marilyn Clarke to lead Tulsa Humanists in 2013<br />
The November HAT meeting was called to order by Larry Roth shortly after 2 pm on November 17, 2012 at the Genealogy Center, 2901 S Harvard Ave. Seven members were in attendance: Marilyn Clarke, Larry Hochhaus, Richard Maule, Dan Nerren, Larry Roth, Glenn Visher, and one other member who wishes to remain anonymous.<br />
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Larry had prepared an agenda. After calling the meeting to order, Larry moved on to item 2: reading, quotes, and quips. I read “Silver Jack,” an anonymous poem written more than a hundred years ago. <br />
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Larry told us about plans to bring Stanley Rice to Tulsa in February for Darwin Day. Dr. Rice teaches at Southeast Oklahoma State University in Durant. He has several videos on YouTube. We anticipate having a large group when Dr. Rice gives his presentation as Charles Darwin.<br />
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I mentioned that the next Food and Fellowship would be held at Cardigan’s, 6000 S. Lewis, on Saturday, November 24, at 11:30 am. The next meeting of the Progressive Book Group and the Oklahoma Observer Discussion Group will be held in January 2013. Members will be notified by e-mail once the dates are set for these meetings. <br />
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We talked about filling the officer positions for 2013. We settled upon this arrangement:<br />
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Marilyn Clarke, President<br />
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Dan Nerren, Vice-President<br />
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Dan Nerren, Secretary<br />
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Larry Roth, Treasurer<br />
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Marilyn Clarke, Program Director<br />
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Next, Richard Maule gave a presentation on a Tulsa Library program called Great Decisions. (GD is a national program which the library is using.) HAT may want to take part in this program or even Church of the Restoration, said Richard. Already Glenn Visher is attending a GD group at All Souls Church. Richard passed around copies of a publication which is used by those taking part. The book can be purchased for around 15 to 20 dollars. An optional video can be had for $35. The book contains the materials for the eight sessions in the GD series.<br />
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The next HAT meeting will be held on December 15. Marilyn has another obligation on that date; therefore, as vice-president, I will preside at that meeting. <br />
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This has been just the highlights of the meeting. Anyone wishing to add more may do so by leaving a comment. <br />
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Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-40906681572357048342012-04-27T18:52:00.001-05:002012-04-27T18:59:24.400-05:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13531954-beyond-outrage" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Beyond Outrage: What has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix it" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1335021214m/13531954.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13531954-beyond-outrage">Beyond Outrage: What has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix it</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43932.Robert_B_Reich">Robert B. Reich</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/320035287">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Beyond Outrage is a book which deals with the growing gap between rich and poor. Reich explains the frustration which has led to the Occupy movement. Quoting Reich, "Yet when real people without money assemble to express their dissatisfaction with all this, they're told the First Amendment doesn't apply. Instead, they're clubbed, pepper sprayed, thrown out of public parks, and evicted from public spaces. Across America, public officials have said Occupiers have to go."<br />
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This is a timely book as we are approaching a Presidential election. Reich does his best to rally the oppressed. "So many people have been hit by job losses, sagging incomes, and declining home values that Americans will eventually become mobilized. The question is not whether, but when."<br />
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I am giving this book a five-star rating. It is a must read.<br />
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<br />Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-23903399642346247892012-04-24T08:38:00.001-05:002012-04-24T08:38:18.226-05:00HAT Meeting, 4.15.12Six members were present for the HAT meeting at Church of the Restoration on the 15th. We decided to change to start time of our meetings to 1:00 pm. We went through to order of service for our Humanist Sunday service and made a few changes. We decided to donate the TV/VCR to the Free Store in Crosbie Heights. I took the piece of equipment to the Free Store the following Tuesday. Regarding the recent shootings in Tulsa, Bill said he would write up some response for the secular elements of Tulsa and submit it to the newspaper.<br />
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The next meeting will be on May 20.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-8953284525365395642012-03-22T16:07:00.002-05:002012-03-22T16:07:36.468-05:00A quote from Andy NormanI don’t believe in God, but I think it’s a tactical mistake to, by definition, exclude theists from our ranks. What do we want to say to the billions of people who subscribe to humanist principles (like 1-6 above), but still cling to belief in God? ‘Sorry, but you must ditch your imaginary friend before you can join us?’ What do we accomplish by such exclusion? The first thing we do, whether we intend to or not, is erect a barrier to constructive dialogue. But humanism is, above all, a commitment to such dialogue. Real dialogue works a kind of magic, but only when participants set aside tribal loyalties and reason together openly, honestly and, dare I say it, in good faith. We want reason-giving dialogue to work its magic on them, of course, but the price is openness to the possibility that the exchange might change us as well. That’s the way dialogue works; it’s a two-way street. Framing humanism in a way that excludes theists in advance comes across as fearful of what they might teach us. Here’s an idea: let’s embrace our commitment to fearless inquiry and truly ‘walk the talk.’ In this context, that means avoiding a self-conception that creates artificial barriers to collaborative inquiry.<br />
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--Andy NormanDan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-51318340662262156672011-05-17T13:46:00.004-05:002011-05-17T13:54:07.326-05:00HAT meeting now at CoRHAT meetings will now be held at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave. Last Saturday we held the Humanist Discussion Group at the church. We will be holding another Humanism and the Arts gathering at the church in June. I would like to see a monthly dinner held at the church before long. (For the time being, the monthly chapter meetings will be held at the Genealogy Center.)Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-36160917329362054552011-04-16T21:21:00.004-05:002011-04-16T22:11:51.925-05:00HAT to use facilities at Church of the RestorationAt today's meeting of the Humanist Association of Tulsa, the membership voted to make use of the facilities at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood. Our primary meeting, the third Saturday 2 pm general membership meeting, will continue to be held at the Genealogy Center on Harvard for the time being.<br /><br />The fee for use of the facilities is $25 per month. Included will be use of the fully equiped kitchen, the main meeting room and piano, and use of the video equipment. I envision us holding a monthly dinner as a fundraiser, in addition to our monthly Humanism and the Arts programs.<br /><br />We have great potential to reach others of a liberal mindset in the community thanks to our location on a central avenue: Greenwood Avenue. I would like to see a changable letter sign established next to the roadway. I would like to see the title of the weekly sermon posted so that passersby will know what is going on inside the building.<br /><br />Another great potential lies across the street from the church: Carver Middle School. I would like to get three volunteers to donate an hour a week of their time to tutoring students.<br /><br />To date, HAT has been an all-white organization. By making use of Restoration, we have the potential to attract black members. Thus far, we have only talked the talk. Let us see if now we can walk the walk.<br /><br />I believe this arrangement is a win-win situation for both HAT and Church of the Restoration.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-50820675395707693902011-02-11T20:16:00.001-06:002011-02-11T20:18:00.388-06:00Supporting Darwin DayListen to Roy Speckhardt in the video (link below) explain how you can get involved in making February 12 become Darwin Day.<br /><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/19803382">http://vimeo.com/19803382</a>Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-61101151912088743422011-02-02T14:09:00.002-06:002011-02-03T20:09:49.870-06:00February calendarFebruary 2011 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers<br />(Events are subject to cancellation due to snow and ice.)<br /><br />Sat., Feb. 5, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm<br /><strong>Gregorian chant practice</strong>, Holy Family Cathedral (basement), 122 W. 8th.<br />Laudamus Schola is seeking men and women to join the group.<br /><br />Sat., Feb. 5, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Movie Night</strong> at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 6, 11:00 am<br />Service at Restoration is <strong>cancelled</strong>.<br /><br />Fri., Feb. 11, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Poetry Group</strong>, Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor. Discussion of poetry by Coleridge.<br /><br />Fri.., Feb. 11, 8:00 pm<br /><strong>Drinking with Atheists</strong>, Elote Café, 514 S. Boston.<br /><br />Sat., Feb. 12, 11:30 am<br /><strong>Metropolitan Opera Simulcast</strong> of Nixon in China, Cinemark Theater, 71st St. and Mingo.<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 13, 1:30 pm<br /><strong>Humanist Discussion Group</strong>, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85th Pl.<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 13, 4:00 pm<br /><strong>Baby Shower</strong>, for Cathy and William Poire, 8017 S. Peach, BA<br /><br />Wed., Feb. 16, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Atheists Mid-Month Social</strong>, Umberto’s, 3228 E. 21st St.<br /><br />Sat., Feb. 19, 2:00 pm<br /><strong>HAT Chapter Meeting</strong>, Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 20, 1:00 pm<br /><strong>Bible/Bable Study</strong>, Robbin’s Nest Bookstore, 305 S. Muskogee, Tahlequah<br /><br />Sat., Feb. 26, 11:30 am<br /><strong>Food and Fellowship</strong>, Asian restaurant at 51st and Vandalia, formerly Steak and Ale.<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 27, 1:00 pm<br /><strong>Tulsa Atheists Meetup</strong>, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 27, 3:00 pm<br /><strong>Dream Group</strong> at Marilyn Clarke’s, 4917 S. Maplewood<br /><br />Sun., Feb. 27, 3:15 pm<br /><strong>Atheists Post-Meeting Social</strong> at Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan<br /><br /><br />Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-15814101437635909522010-12-19T23:04:00.004-06:002010-12-19T23:18:06.640-06:00HAT meeting, 12.18.10The December HAT meeting was a special event. Visiting today was Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation of Madison, Wisconsin. We had a larger than usual attendance: about 30 people. Members of the Tulsa Atheist Meetup had been invited to attend.<br /><br />Annie Laurie spoke about recent litigation that FFRF has been involved in. She spoke close to an hour and a half. None of the usual business was conducted today due to our special guest addressing our group.<br /><br />Elections will be held in January. Due to Skepticon 3 in Springfield, MO, the November meeting was cancelled.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-46563029093958134112010-11-22T22:16:00.001-06:002010-11-22T22:16:20.188-06:00Video report about Skepticon 3<a href="http://www.ky3.com/videobeta/882644f2-77b3-4680-8737-a624ba29116a/News/Skepticon" target="_blank">http://www.ky3.com/videobeta/882644f2-77b3-4680-8737-a624ba29116a/News/Skepticon</a>Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-60621502131664258722010-11-01T17:14:00.003-05:002010-11-02T15:40:05.711-05:00November 2010 CalendarNovember 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers<br /><br />Sat., Nov. 6, 7:00 pm<br />Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.<br /><br />Sun., Nov. 7, 11:00 am<br />Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.<br />Speaker: John Lowerison on Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Discussion and meal follow.<br /><br />Fri., Nov. 12, 7:00 pm<br />Poetry Group meets at Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor.<br /><br />Sat., Nov. 13, 2:00 pm<br />Secular Singers at Storey house, 4630 S. Victor Ave.<br /><br />Sun., Nov. 14, 1:30 pm<br />Humanist Discussion Group, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85 Pl.<br /><br />Tues., Nov. 16, 7:00 pm<br />Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, Delta Cafe, 11101 E. 41st<br /><br />Wed., Nov. 17, 11:20 am<br />ALGAE at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan.<br /><br />Sat., Nov. 20, 2:00 pm<br />HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.<br /><br />Sat., Nov. 27, 11:30 am<br />Food & Fellowship at My Thai Restaurant, 3023 S. Harvard.<br /><br />Sun., Nov. 28, 1:00 pm<br />Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.<br /><br />Sun., Nov. 28, 3:00 pm<br />Dream Group at Marilyn Clarke's, 4917 S. Maplewood<br /><br /><br /><br />Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-81265956721151575272010-10-18T23:00:00.000-05:002010-10-18T23:01:06.131-05:00HAT meeting, 10.16.10The Saturday meeting of the Humanist Association of Tulsa for October began at 2 pm in the meeting room of the Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard. There were 11 people present at the meeting.<br /><br />Herb began the meeting by calling attention to “God in America,” a series currently running on PBS. Bill noted that everyone should view the series, especially if you have any lingering doubts that the Republican is not a wholly owned subsidiary of conservative religion.<br /><br />The program is in six segments and can be viewed by clicking here: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/">http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/</a><br /><br />Herb also mentioned that Facebook has some interesting information about the AHA. Someone mentioned that there are 38,000 Christian sects in the world. If you are a Christian, what is the chance that you are a part of the correct Christian sect?<br /><br />The most religious people are often the least informed about their religion. Atheists rank high in their knowledge about religion.<br /><br />Herb spoke some about the topic of the recent Humanist Discussion Group, which meets at his house. “”Humanism and the Law” was the subject of the most recent discussion. Herb noted that the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses of the First Amendment are often pitted against one another.<br /><br />The Washington Ethical Society was talked about a bit. Bill noted that the Ethical Culture Groups grew out of the Jewish element within the AHA and are found mostly along the eastern seaboard.<br /><br />Ron McDaniel gave a report on the amount of taxes that go uncollected in Tulsa County due to religious exemptions. He did a case study of Asbury United Methodist Church, studying the property surrounding the church and found that the exemption for this one church amounted to several thousands of dollars annually. If the citizens of Tulsa County were aware of how much more they have to pay to make up for those who feeeload due to their religious exemption, they would be up in arms.<br /><br />I am to check on t-shirts from a place offering the shirts for $2.95 each. Bill called me a couple of days later to say that the first shirt is $2.95 but subsequent shirts are sold at a higher price.<br /><br />Bill spoke about “Secular Celebrants” and said he would like to see us issue our own credentials.<br /><br />Bill will be going to Paris for a month soon and wanted to remind us that we will be having a FFRF Tulsa meeting at Randy’s next Sunday afternoon.<br /><br />On December 17, Annie Laurie Gaylor will be in Tulsa for a visit.<br /><br />In the spring of 2011, Rob Boston of Americans United will be in Tulsa.<br /><br />Bill also noted that the United Way contributed nothing to Planned Parenthood and urged us not to give to United Way. Bill also noted that a new book Inside C Street is being published shortly. Another book mentioned was Inside Job.<br /><br />Black Elk Speaks was recommended by Herb as a worthwhile read.<br /><br />I have just touched upon the highlights of this meeting. There are several things that I eliminated due to length. Please feel free to add anything you found to be interesting by clicking on “Comment” below.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-15929446757481904992010-09-18T23:08:00.002-05:002010-09-18T23:53:00.752-05:00HAT meeting, 9.18.10There were 13 people at today's HAT meeting. Includedin that number were two visitors: John Demoss and Phil Ferguson. Phil drops in every now and then when he is in the Bentonville, AR area. Otherwise, he is usually found in the Champagne-Urbana, IL area.<br /><br />Randy expressed his exasperation at churches avoiding the paying of taxes. Herb said that is the way things are and most likely always will be -- a disheatening prospect. Then the idea of "if you can't beat them, join them" was raised. Bill said that if everyone is a "minister" or cleric of some group, then everyone is equal when it comes to tax breaks given to the religioius among us. Bill is a "bishop" in the Universal Life Church. The ULC might be worth checking into to see how it could level the playing field, so to speak.<br /><br />Larry Roth mentioned that he had posted a reply on the meetup site to an essay distributed by Herb. I have yet to read Larry's reply. I hope I can do so soon.<br /><br />I stated that we have 30 members and that the treasury stood at around $1400. I could not say exectly how much was in the treasury since I did not have the figure with me. Now that I am home and have looked it up, I can say that we have $1402.40.<br /><br />The subject of anti-semitism was raised and discussed briefly. Someone mentioned the book <em>God on Trial</em>.<br /><br />Bill circulated copies of his "God Survey," asking those present to take some and ask others to complete the survey and return the forms to Bill.<br /><br />Ron McDaniel passed out some papers on education which compared the United States with others countries.<br /><br />Randy mentioned a book he was reading titled <em>Shop Class as Soulcraft</em> by Michael B. Crawford. Crawford writes of the challenges and pleasures of working with one's hands. "The culture needs to be changed so that people can get satisfaction from making something with their hands," said Randy.<br /><br />Bill brought a sacks of books with him which he offered for sale. The book is<em> When Men Become Gods</em> by Stephen Singular. It is the story of Mormon polygamist Warren Jeffs. Members bought three copies.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-321882733120294592010-09-13T20:21:00.001-05:002010-09-13T20:22:51.812-05:00September calendarSeptember 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers<br /><br />Sat., Sept. 4, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Movie Night</strong> at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.<br /><br />Fri., Sept. 10, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Poetry Group</strong> meets at Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor<br /><br />Sat. Sept. 11, all day<br /><strong>Road trip</strong> to Diamond, MO to visit GWC National Monument<br /><br />Sun., Sept. 12, 11:00 am<br /><strong>Humanist Sunday</strong> at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.<br />Speaker: Marilyn Clarke. Meal follows.<br /><br />Sun., Sept. 12, 1:30 pm<br /><strong>Humanist Discussion Group</strong>, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85 Pl.<br />Discussion will be based on articles from the current issue of The Humanist magazine.<br /><br />Wed., Sept. 15, 11:20 am<br /><strong>ALGAE</strong> at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan<br /><br />Sept. ??, TBA<br /><strong>Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social</strong>, TBA<br /><br />Sat., Sept. 18., 2:00 pm<br /><strong>HAT Chapter Meeting</strong> at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.<br /><br />Sat., Sept. 25, 11:30 am<br /><strong>Food & Fellowship</strong> at Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan<br /><br />Sun., Sept. 26, 1:00 pm<br /><strong>Tulsa Atheists Meetup</strong>, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.<br /><br /><br /><br />Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-42874138386514549562010-08-21T23:23:00.002-05:002010-08-21T23:33:05.548-05:00HAT meeting minutes for AugustThe August HAT meeting was held at the Genealogy Center on Harvard this afternoon. Eleven people were present: Randy, Marilyn, Bill, Bob, John, Richard, Ron, Dan, Larry, and Herb. We had one guest today: Mary.<br /><br />Randy called the meeting to order around 2 pm.<br /><br />First, he congratulated the group on staging a presence at the Free Tulsa Music Festival. The event gave us visibility. I enjoyed the hours I put in there and am hoping we have another opportunity to share our philosophy with the community soon. Temperatures were around 100 degrees at this event. Nevertheless, we had a half dozen volunteers most of the time. May the next tabling event be in cooler weather.<br /><br />Randy encouraged everybody present to support the effort to join with Church of the Restoration (1314 N. Greenwood) in mutually assisting one another. The two groups share basically the same values. Marilyn Clarke, HAT VP, will be speaking on September 12. On October 3, Herb Van Fleet will address the congregation. Thereafter, each first Sunday will be Humanist Sunday, with HAT providing the speaker for the service. Anyone with the inclination to “get on your soapbox” needs to contact me to be scheduled to deliver the message for some future Sunday.<br /><br />I distributed an updated membership list. Anyone with changes to the list should notify me. I reported we had $1519.06 in the treasury. I noted that Skepticon 3 will be held in Springfield, Missouri, with a few of the speakers being James Randi, Dan Barker, D.J. Grothe, and Victor Stenger.<br /><br />I mentioned that Secular Singers and the ALGAE luncheons will resume in September. Continuation of these efforts are dependent upon good attendance.<br /><br />The Atheist Meetup will be held at the Agora on Sunday, August 22 at 1 pm. This month’s Food and Fellowship gathering will be at Chopsticks 6193 E. 61st St. on Saturday, Aug. 28.<br /><br />Ron gave a report on energy issues for the Public Affairs Committee. He distributed some handouts which he referred to in his talk.<br /><br />Bill mentioned a church-state violation about to occur in north Tulsa. He said Randy had agreed to serve as a plaintiff in possible litigation.<br /><br />The scheduled trip by Rob Boston to our area has been postponed until next Spring.<br /><br />Bill mentioned that an award is scheduled to be given to Rep. Ritze. Accepting the award on his behalf will be Annie Laurie Gaylor of FFRF.<br /><br />Bill said he now has a Jeri Askins for governor sign in his front yard. He spoke about the history of the 60s when southerners switched political allegiance from the Democrats to the Republicans following Johnson’s support of Civil Rights. He cited that as evidence of the Republicans (in general) being racists.<br /><br />Bill said he would like to see us perform marriages and doing other duties now performed only by clergy.<br /><br />The above report contains just a few things I recall from the meeting. I’m sure there is more. If you would like to add to the report, please click on “Comment” below and add your recollections.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-33311845512096286502010-07-17T19:43:00.002-05:002010-07-17T19:49:52.121-05:00Today's HAT meeting, 7.17.10The meeting was called to order at 2 pm today by HAT President Randy Bradley. There were eight members present and two visitors.<br /><br />He immediately gave the floor to Bill Dusenberry to finish remarks left over from last month’s meeting. Bill mentioned that he had attended the AHA Conference last month held in San Jose, CA.<br /><br />Bill spoke about plans to erect a billboard with assistance of FFRF National. Anyone with suggestions for wording should send them to Randy at his email address: <a href="mailto:randy.bradley@gmail.com">randy.bradley@gmail.com</a>. Anyone with a suggestion for a location, should send it to me at <a href="mailto:hatulsa@aol.com">hatulsa@aol.com</a>. We have a few Lamar billboard sites from which to choose. Contact me if you would like to see a list. Bill also said that HAT would give a Gore Award to the politician who did the most to promote (intentionally or otherwise) freethought.<br /><br />Bill also spoke about two letter writing campaigns: (1) to Jimmy Carter, and (2) to state legislators regarding hospitals. Please, once you have written your letter, let me know and I will update the entry on the HAT blog (<a href="http://www.tulsaha.blogspot.com/">http://www.tulsaha.blogspot.com/</a>). This will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of this effort. Another blog entry will soon go up on the issue regarding hospitals.<br /><br />Herb announced the resumption of the Humanist Study Group. The next HSG will be held on the second Sunday in August at Herb’s house, 3414 W. 85th Pl. starting at 1:30 pm. Thereafter, the HSG will meet on the second Sunday of each month.<br /><br />Bill remarked that <em>The Humanist</em> magazine would make a good source of information for the discussions.<br /><br />Next I reported that we had a membership of 30 members, having just lost Brian Hill. The treasury stands at $1575.06. I brought up our alliance with Church of the Restoration. I mentioned that HAT would be leading the service on August 1, with Steve Nunn delivering the message. A few other slots are still open, and I hope we will have volunteers from HAT to fill those slots. Watch for an e-mail from me regarding this Humanist-led service.<br /><br />It seems that our business meetings are so filled with business that our time of poetry reading has suffered. I mentioned that there is a group of poetry lovers who meet on the second Friday of the month at Border’s Bookstore on 21st Street, starting at 7 pm. If you would like to engage in the public reading of poetry, this is an opportunity for you.<br /><br />Next, Ron McDaniel passed out some printed information about State Representative Sally Kern. He wondered about her sincerity. Several people spoke up and said she actually believed what she said. Ron’s talk was interspersed with humor. He finished his talk by saying Jesus was not married and was known to hang out with a bunch of guys.<br /><br />Next Randy spoke about the book <em>The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails</em> written for former minister John Loftis. Randy said that Loftis explains that some Christians are non-receptive to arguments against Christianity which are based upon exposure to logical contradictions. Sounds like a must read.<br /><br />We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Dana Swift, our guests at today’s meeting.<br /><br />These are just the highlights as I saw them from today’s meeting. Feel free to add anything or correct anything by clicking on comments.Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006837.post-83309663949821650852010-07-05T21:06:00.004-05:002010-07-07T13:53:06.025-05:00July 2010 Calendar of ActivitiesSat., July 3, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Movie Night</strong> at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.<br /><br />Tues., July 13, 7:00 pm<br /><strong>Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social</strong>, Campus Grill, 3148 E. 11th St.<br /><br />Sat., July 17, 2:00 pm<br /><strong>HAT Chapter Meeting</strong> at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.<br /><br />Sat., July 24, 11:30 am<br /><strong>Food & Fellowship</strong> at Lanna Thai, 7227 S. Memorial.<br /><br />Sun., July 25, 1:00 pm<br /><strong>Tulsa Atheists Meetup</strong>, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.<br /><br />Fri. & Sat., July 30 and 31<br /><strong>Free Tulsa Music Festival</strong>, tabling at. Volunteers needed. Call Kenny Nipp if you can work.<br /><br /><br />Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)Dan Nerrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085350781630767476noreply@blogger.com0