The Vatican takes on Creationism...

Finally a victory for science is won by the Vatican...

LiveScience.com...

The Vatican's chief astronomer said Friday that "intelligent design'' isn't science and doesn't belong in science classrooms, the latest high-ranking Roman Catholic official to enter the evolution debate raging in the United States.

The Rev. George Coyne, the Jesuit director of the Vatican Observatory, said placing intelligent design ideas alongside the theory of evolution in school programs was "wrong'' and was akin to mixing apples with oranges.

"Intelligent design isn't science even though it pretends to be,'' the ANSA news agency quoted Coyne as saying on the sidelines of a conference in Florence. "If you want to teach it in schools, intelligent design should be taught when religion or cultural history is taught, not science.''

His comments were in line with his previous statements on "intelligent design'' -- whose supporters hold that the universe is so complex that it must have been created by a higher power.

Critics say intelligent design is merely creationism -- a literal reading of the Bible's story of creation -- camouflaged in scientific language and say it does not belong in science curriculum.

In a June article in the British Catholic magazine The Tablet, Coyne reaffirmed God's role in creation, but said science explains the history of the universe.

"If they respect the results of modern science, and indeed the best of modern biblical research, religious believers must move away from the notion of a dictator God or a designer God, a Newtonian God who made the universe as a watch that ticks along regularly,'' he wrote.

Rather, he argued, God should be seen more as an encouraging parent.

"God in his infinite freedom continuously creates a world that reflects that freedom at all levels of the evolutionary process to greater and greater complexity,'' he wrote. "He is not continually intervening, but rather allows, participates, loves.''

The Vatican Observatory, which Coyne heads, is one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world. It is based in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo south of Rome.

Last week, Pope Benedict XVI waded indirectly into the evolution debate by saying the universe was made by an "intelligent project'' and criticizing those who in the name of science say its creation was without direction or order.

Questions about the Vatican's position on evolution were raised in July by Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn.

In a New York Times op-ed piece, Schoenborn seemed to back intelligent design and dismissed a 1996 statement by Pope John Paul II that evolution was "more than just a hypothesis.'' Schoenborn said the late pope's statement was "rather vague and unimportant.''

LINK: Vatican Astronomer: Intelligent Design is Not Science

And let us not forget the teachings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

-Mr. Joseph

UPDATE (11/26/07):
Of course, Pope Benedict had to spoil the party...

This is just too funny...

CNN reports...

Angus Young, lead singer-guitarist of AC/DC, tops Maxim's list of the "25 greatest short dudes of all time," standing tall at 5 feet 2 inches. NBA guard Spud Webb, at 5 feet 7 inches, is No. 2, followed by Napoleon Bonaparte (5 feet 4 inches), Naim Suleymangolu (4 feet 11 inches) and Yuri Gagarin (5 feet 2 inches).

The magazine, in its December issue, claims to be helping women "begin a long overdue fight against their genetically determined shallowness when choosing a partner." Yoda, at No. 6, is the shortest on the list. His height is calculated at 2 feet 2 inches. Other great short dudes: Martin Scorsese, Jon Stewart, Prince, Kurt Cobain and two of the Hobbits from "The Lord of the Rings" films — Elijah Wood and Sean Astin. The tallest "short dude"? Pro football player Doug Flutie, at 5 feet 10 inches, who is ranked at No. 24.

LINK: Angus Young: No. 1 'short dude'

-Mr. Joseph

UPDATE (11/26/07):
My all-time favorite song, "Thunderstruck"...

LINK: acdc thunder struck

What has America come to?!

So, in recent news...

Eddie Guerro, a professional wrestler is found dead in his hotel room. Why? Drugs, most likely. This really isn't important. It's just sad. It's like the girl in Aruba -- not really newsworthy, but the networks won't shut up about it because they are desperate for a story that doesn't expose the Bush Administration!!!

In real news, Tom DeLay is still under investiagation -- good.

Libby is going through the court system -- if he is convicted, I will have hope again for the American legal system.

Rev. Pat Robertson said that the people of Pennsylvania should not ask God for help in the event of a disaster. Why? Because they are pro-science. They booted out every board member that was pro-creationsim (or another wonderful oxymoron -- "Intelligent Design"). They said that evolution should be taught unopposed by this insult to science. Anyway -- this just shows that Pat Robertson is either really senile or really obnoxious. (A little of both maybe?)

Kansas, on the other hand, has embarrassed society by ALLOWING "Intelligent Design" in the classrooms. WHAT!? I hate to pick on a state -- but come on -- why did this happen? Because a bunch of "God-fearing" rednecks want religion pushed down every kid's throat so that they feel they are doing the right thing.

Miers has withdrawn her own nomination for the Supreme Court -- good, she was unqualified for the job. Judge Samuel Alito has replaced her in the nomination. He's definitely "qualified", but he is a hard right-winger and he should not be voted in. In these times, we NEED unbiased, fair, moderate justices on the court. Too many Thomas's and Scalia's.

Also, Hugo Chavez called President Bush "Mr. Danger" and the U.S. an "evil empire". Thanks, Hugo -- we appreciate that.

Look, as an American, I say this. WE are not proud of our "leader". He stole at least one election and has turned our nation into an embarrassment. I want him out, the majority of the U.S. wants him out, but we have little alternatives. The Democratic Leadership is weak! No one is stepping up and putting together a full argument for impeachment for Bush and NONE of the leading Dems are putting together some plans for the nation!

Why are we not taking charge?! This is Bush's hour of weakness! His approval ratings are at 35% (according to FOX!), 58% dissapprove! We can get it him! Damn!

I can only hope Democrats sweep the midterm elections. If they get some real power -- then we can challenge Bush. That's the main problem. The Dems are still the minority.

Also -- I love the ACLU, don't get me wrong -- but it is really starting to piss me off that they are still going after Christmas. They need to understand that Christmas is almost no longer about Christ. Corporations have turned it into a buying season and basically, nothing more. So, I think the ACLU should just shut up about it.

Moving on to entertainment...

Stallone has signed on to do both Rocky VI and Rambo IV. They are both official now. They are both set to come out in 2006/2008.

King Kong is coming out this December.

There are still no plans for Evil Dead IV.

Sky High sucked.

Chuck Norris made a "Walker, Texas Ranger" made for TV movie. It was incredibly lame.

The new James Bond has been announced! He's blonde! That's all I know, except the next 007 movie will be Casino Royale.

Signing out,
Mr. Joseph

Say What?

"See, free nations are peaceful nations. Free nations don't attack each other. Free nations don't develop weapons of mass destruction."
—George W. Bush, Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 3, 2003

...

Yes they do.

...

What is his accomplishment? That he's no longer an obnoxious drunk?

- Ron Reagan Jr. speaking about George W. Bush

...

That's just funny.

...

It has been said by some cynic, maybe it was a former president, 'If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. Well, we took them literally--that advice, as you know. But I didn't need that because I have Barbara Bush."

-- Former President George Bush

...
"I knew that my God was bigger than his. I knew that my God was a real God, and his was an idol."

-General William Boykin

...
The only beef Enron employees have with top management is that management did not inform employees of the collapse in time to allow them to get in on the swindle. If Enron executives had shouted, "Head for the hills!" the employees might have had time to sucker other Americans into buying wildly over-inflated Enron stock. Just because your boss is a criminal doesn't make you a hero.

-Ann Coulter

...
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."

-- Former U.S. Vice-President Dan Quayle

...

"The truth is now back on the airwaves; equal time is back in America."

-- RUSH LIMBAUGH , still suffering from OxyContin delusions, opened his radio show with the above quote, according to a transcript on his Web site.

...

"I agree that he [Clinton] is brilliant. I believe his native intelligence is equal to most."

-Linda Tripp

...

"The Lybian army is capable of destroying America and breaking its nose."

-- Muammar Qaddafi

...

"Space is almost infinite. As a matter of fact, we think it is infinite."

-- Dan Quayle, US VP, head of the Space Council

...

"I would have made a good Pope."

- Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994)

...

"[Nixon] is a filthy, lying son of a bitch and a very dangerous person."

-John F. Kennnedy

...

Well these are just some more words of wisdom from those who run the country... Hey, things can only get better, right?

-Mr. Joseph

Supreme Court Follies and a Delay-ed Reaction

"She's never been a judge before, never served on the bench. This is part of President Bush's strategy of surrounding himself with people who are also in over their heads."

--Jay Leno, on Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers

...

Happiness is watching conservatives worry about a Supreme Court nomination by a Republican president.

-The Buzz

...

"President Bush, out defending his Supreme Court nominee today. Bush said Miers has a good heart. Well, yeah, compared to Dick Cheney."

--Jay Leno

...

"First Lady Laura Bush will appear on an upcoming episode of 'Extreme Makeover.' Tom DeLay will be on 'Cops.'"

--Jay Leno

...

"President Bush's top adviser Karl Rove testified before the grand jury for the fourth time this week. Maybe Bush should nominate him for Supreme Court. He's been in more courtrooms then Harriet Miers now."

--Jay Leno

...

"While trying to defend his nomination of Harriet Miers, President admitted he and Miers had never discussed abortion. Said Bush, 'Luckily it turned out to be a false alarm.'"

--Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update"

...

“Newsweek reports that President Bush likes Harriet Miers because she didn't go to an Ivy League school, she worked hard and she's achieved everything on her own without family help. So, see that, opposites attract.”

– Jay Leno

...

“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.”

– Helen Keller

...

President Bush is taking more liberal positions -- for example, global warming. He used to be against it, but now it's the Republican plan for heating homes this winter.

– Jay Leno

...

"Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers told the New York Times that George Bush was the most brilliant man she ever met, which is kind of scary. She only has one known opinion, and that's it."

--Jay Leno

...

"One thing I've noticed about politics is that these guys have pretty thick hides. I know a number of Republican Senators, and have had no problem socializing with them. Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, John McCain. I've talked to ten or fifteen Republican Senators in the past, and I've even gotten along with people like Rick Santorum. I've never told one of them to go fuck himself, like the Vice President did with [Patrick] Leahy."

-Al Franken

...

"According to the latest poll, only 2% of African Americans think Bush is doing a good job. Yeah, the number would have been higher, but Condoleezza Rice has a very small family."

--Conan O'Brien

...

"President Bush is getting a lot of grief from conservatives about Harriet Miers' lack of legal opinions. Which is kind of surprising, a woman without any opinions? That's like a Republican's dream, isn't it?"

--Jay Leno

...

"It was raining so hard down in Washington, D.C., Tom DeLay didn't even have to launder his money."

--David Letterman

...

"Guns have little or nothing to do with juvenile violence. The causes of youth violence are working parents who put their kids into daycare, the teaching of evolution in the schools, and working mothers who take birth control pills."

–Tom DeLay

...

"We're not running our country down when we criticize it. We're trying to make it better."

– Bill Maher

That last one says it all...

-Mr. Joseph

John Kerry at his best...

I guess this is what everyone really wanted to do to him after HE LOST!

Slick.

-Mr. Joseph

"Proud to be an Ameican"

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

...

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

...

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,

across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

...

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,

Well, there’s pride in every American heart,

and it’s time to stand and say:

...

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

-Lee Greenwood

"Keep on Rockin' in the Free World"

There's colors on the street

Red, white and blue

People shufflin' their feet

People sleepin' in their shoes

But there's a warnin' sign

on the road ahead

There's a lot of people sayin

'we'd be better off dead

Don't feel like Satan,

but I am to them

So I try to forget it,

any way I can.

...

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Keep on rockin' in the free world

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Keep on rockin' in the free world.

...

I see a woman in the night

With a baby in her hand

Under an old street light

Near a garbage can

Now she puts the kid away,

and she's gone to get a hit

She hates her life,

and what she's done to it

There's one more kid

that will never go to school

Never get to fall in love,

never get to be cool.

...

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Keep on rockin' in the free world

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Keep on rockin' in the free world.

...

We got a thousand points of light

For the homeless man

We got a kinder, gentler,

Machine gun hand

We got department stores

and toilet paper

Got styrofoam boxes

for the ozone layer

Got a man of the people,

says keep hope alive

Got fuel to burn,

got roads to drive.

...

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Keep on rockin' in the free world

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Keep on rockin' in the free world.

-Neil Young

"Born in the U.S.A."

Born down in a dead man's town

The first kick I took was when I hit the ground

You end up like a dog that's been beat too much

'Til you spend half your life just covering up

...

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

...

I got in a little hometown jam

And so they put a rifle in my hands

Sent me off to Vietnam

To go and kill the yellow man

...

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

...

Come back home to the refinery

Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me"

I go down to see the V.A. man

He said "Son don't you understand"

...

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

...

I had a brother at Khe Sahn

Fighting off the Viet Cong

They're still there, he's all gone

He had a girl in Saigon

I got a picture of him in her arms

...

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

...

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary

Out by the gas fires of the refinery

I'm ten years down the road

Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go

...

I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

I'm a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.

Born in the U.S.A.

-Bruce Spingsteen

These are my favorite song lyrics...

-Mr. Joseph

George W. Bush doing his part

In light of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rite and while Ex-President Clinton is out looking for money to donate to the victims, George W. and his father are out doing what they can.

Anyway...

Recently, I asked my mom if she would vote for Hillary Clinton if she ran in '08. My mom, being a feminist, answered "yes". I asked, "What about Condi Rice?" She answered, "no". So, I say, why not? And she answers -- "Because she doesn't have a brain."

Things that are so simple like that are sometimes the best answer.

Also, Bush nominated a woman to replace O'Connor. He also assured the neocons that she is "one of them". She has NEVER been a judge. She was a "close friend" of Bush. I also love how she was the "best [George W.] could find."

Great... this is really going to offset the balance of the Court. One sure fire conservative and Roberts (who is a trump card -- he could go either way). Not good.

Roberts WAS appointed -- damn, although Russ Feingold approves of him, so it's not the end of the world.

Not much else, the new pope is apparently having talks about married priests. Yeah, right. Like that'll ever happen -- we'll see, I guess.

Also, on the subject of the Church, check out my other blog for the lyrics of a song that I wrote called, "The Catholic Rap".

That's it for now,

-Mr. Joseph

National Disaster

Wow. This picture says it all.

-Mr. Joseph

Jeanna -- Bushed!

Jeanna Bush is NOT an alcholic.

OK, I can't even say that with a straight face.

Also, John Ellis Bush, Jeb's son and Dubya's nephew was just arrested for intoxication. Wow, drinking really does run in the family. And they say the Kennedys are messed up?

-Mr. Joseph

How many members of the Bush Administation...?

How many members of the Bush Administration are needed to change a light bulb?

1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed.

2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed.

3. One to decide that, yeah, it IS dark in here.

4. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb.

5. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the light bulb or for
darkness.

6. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Haliburton for the new light bulb.

7. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner: "LightBulb Change Accomplished."

8. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark.

9. One to viciously smear #8.

10. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along.

11. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.

That was a good joke! ...at least, I think it was joke.

-Mr. Joseph

A Comic: The War on Weather

So funny, yet, so true.

"U.S.A.! U.S.A.!"

-Mr. Joseph

Hurricane Katrina ... first hand account from the Mayor

The above is the transcipt of an interview with the Mayor of New Orleans. I must say, I have new found respect for him.

But the Governor and the President are trash.

However, I do have to give Bush some credit today for admitting he acted to slow. But, it's sad that it had to take 10,000+ deaths to get him to do that.

-Mr. Joseph
P.S. You could probably find a better quality of the interview on www.shepherd-express.com

September 11th, 2001

May God Bless America.

-Mr. Joseph

Robertson Apologizes! ...What?

"I didn't say 'assassination,'" Robertson clarified during a broadcast of his "The 700 Club" Wednesday morning. "I said our special forces should go 'take him out,' and 'take him out' could be a number of things, including kidnapping."

-Pat Robertson

...That's about the dumbest thing I have ever heard. This guy is crazy. My own mother asked me if he was "retarded".

I answered "Well, I have some theories and he doing a great job on proving them."

I say that Hugo Chavez is doing a great job and Pat Robertson is out of his mind.

Christ, even DONALD RUMSFELD went on TV to say that Robertson was crazy.

"He's a private citizen and private citizens say crazy things all the time."
-Donald Rumsfeld

Now, why aren't people using this to bust Robertson for international terrorism? Because he's a public figure that supports this current, crooked administration. This is an almost perfect oppurtunity to get him and that horrible show off the air.

That's it for me.

-Mr. Joseph

UPDATE (6/27/07):
LINK: MM: Robertson: "[M]ore and more people are saying to me, 'I think you were right' " to call for assassination of Chavez

Rush Limbaugh on TV?

Yeah, I watched The Drew Carey Show last night and Rush Limbaugh made a guest appearance. Sad, sad, sad.

Also, more Righty Celebrities...
Lynrd Skynyd
Kid Rock

Who heard about Pat Robertson? I did!

It proves he's an idiot! It does! Also, I sent him a letter not one week ago, slamming his politics, so maybe I will hear from him.

The politics of the 700 Club will continue to be put forth until "religious" people realize that the entire show is just a dupe.

I can't stand Televangelists!

-Mr. Joseph

More Republican celebrities!

Even more, God!

Ok, I accidentaly mentioned Drew Carey twice, but that is OK.

Here are two more...

Ben Stein (Former Nixon speech-writer, Right-to-Life member)
Ted Nugent (The Nuge!)

OK...that's it for now...

-Mr. Joseph

More celebrity Rightists!

Ok, I forgot a few on my prior list...
Drew Carey
Chalton Heston
CHARLIE Sheen
Brittany Spears
"Nick Cannon" and anti-abortion rapper. How lame.

So, Bolton couldn't get approved byth Senate and what does Bush do?

Surpass the Senate and appoints him. What is this? The Soviet Union? You can't make up the rules as you go along, Bush!

This is a prime example of why George W. Bush is the worst president of the 20th century.

These are sad times Americans, sad times.

-Mr. Joseph

GOP Foreign Policy Theory: Confirmed by the President!

"I'm a War President! I make decisions here in the Oval Office, uh, in Foreign Policy matters with war on my mind. (emphasis mine)
-"President" George W. Bush

I hearby withdraw my approval of John Roberts. He's against legalized abortion and it upsets me that he has only been a judge for TWO years only.

Another Bush quote...
"It's amazing I won. I was running against peace, properity, and incumbency."
-Dubya (on Decision 2000)... (he didn't "win")

Can you believe Drew Carey is a Republican?! Apparently, he just hates government.

Oh yeah...FYI: A list of Hollywood Rightists (Republicans)
Drew Carey
Arnld Schwarzenegger
Chuck Norris
Kelsey Grammar
Sylvester Stallone
Bruce Willis
Dennis Miller (however, he used to be pretty liberal)

So avoid them at ALL costs. Just kidding.

King Kong is coming out December 15th, I think.

Well, sorry for the long break, I will try to be more consistent!

-Mr. Joseph
P.S. Saw a black guy on the 700 Club, how often can you say that?

No Sandra Day O'Connor... well, obviously

We can't have Day O'Connor! She retired! Haha!

...yeah, ok, not funny...

In a surprise move by George W. Bush, a non-extreme conservative was nominated for the Supreme Court opening. John Roberts was nominated and, well, attacked from all sides.

John Kerry on the Left and Ann Coulter on the Right have both attacked Roberts.

Kerry: "No Sandra Day O'Connor"
Coulter: "Not foaming-at-the-mouth enough"

Well, personally, I would like someone a little more to the middle, but it could be much, much worse.

I say, in these troubled times of conservative influence, thank God that Bush is not forcing through a John Bolton-equivelent nominee.

That's all for now. More to come!

-Mr. Joseph