Meeting on November 19th

Meeting on November 5th

This Thursday, November 5th, at 8:00 p.m. in CMU 207, CFA is hosting an open discussion on the topic “Flying Saucers and Men from Mars: Does extraterrestrial life exist—and have we been visited by it?”

Whether you’re convinced one way or the other or just curious and interested in the topic—come, hang out, and discuss with us. Everyone is welcome.

CFA Halloween Party on October 29th

This Thursday, October 29th, CFA is having a Halloween party.

It’s going to be at 8:00 p.m. in MacLean 269.

There will be free pizza/pop and a scary movie! Come hang out.

Pictures from PZ Myers talk on 9/23/09

[Thanks to Ben Sailer for the photos]

Meeting on October 22nd

Today, Tuesday, October 20th, MSUM is hosting a “paranormal investigator,” who will be giving a talk at 8 p.m. in Weld and then doing some kind of ghost hunt or something on campus after that.

It’d be great to fill the crowd with skeptics asking good questions, so if you have a chance, you should check it out.

On Thursday, October 22nd, CFA is meeting to discuss this topic of ghosts and the paranormal.

Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic—come share your thoughts on this most interesting topic.

Meeting on October 1st

Four years ago today, the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons were published in a Danish newspaper; this resulted in embassies being set on fire, countless people rioting, and more than 100 deaths. Its anniversary, September 30th has been named Blasphemy Day. From the website: “The objective of International Blasphemy Day is to open up all religious beliefs to the same level of free inquiry, discussion and criticism to which all other areas of academic interest are subjected.”

Happy Blasphemy Day.

On this Thursday, October 1st, at 8:00 pm in the CMU, room 208, we’re having Dr. Gerald Fauske, research specialist in the department entomology at NDSU, give a talk called, “When Is A Cartoon Not A Cartoon? (Or Why Gods Cannot Defend Themselves).” He offers this description,

“An audience participation seminar in which we will examine a variety of cartoons (some original) and look at what makes certain cartoons offensive to some groups of people but not others. We will also look at why members of some groups (organized religions) do not have the tolerance that other groups seem to possess when cartoons targeting their particular group are published. We will look at the Jutland Post incident as a window into motivations of such intolerant groups. Finally, as an integral part of the seminar, we will look at four principles that might be guidelines in creating cartoons and maybe answer the question ‘why gods cannot defend themselves.’”

Movie on September 17th

This Thursday, September 17th, CFA is hosting a showing of “The Enemies of Reason,” a documentary written and presented by Richard Dawkins.

From the makers:

Is it rational that the dead can communicate with the living and give sound advice on how they should live their lives? What about sticking pins into your body to free the flow of Chi energy and cure your illness? Or the bending of spoons using your mind alone? Is that rational? Richard Dawkins doesn’t think so, and feels it is his duty to expose those areas of belief that exist without scientific proof, yet manage to hold the nation under their spell. He will take on the world’s leading proponents in their field of expertise, meet the victims who have used them and expose the history of the movements – from the charlatans who have milked these practices to the experiments and testing that have failed to produce conclusive results.

The movie will start at 8:00 PM in Science Lab 104.

Meeting on September 10th

This Thursday, Sept. 10th, we’re having a discussion based meeting on the topic “Can You Be Good Without God? A discussion on secular and religious ethics“.

Come, talk about anything from Biblical morality to humanism; we’ll cover it all, I’m sure.

It’ll be in the Union, room 207, at 8:00 PM.

Bring lots of friends!

40 Days for Life Escort Info

This year, the 40 Days for Life Campaign runs from Wednesday, Sept. 23rd to November 1st.

If you’re interested in helping out at the Red River Women’s clinic by escorting people into and out of the clinic, there’s a PDF attached with a bunch more information.

I don’t see this as a pro-life/pro-choice issue, but rather as a chance to help stop people from being harassed during a vulnerable time.

All that it involves is going to a brief training session beforehand and then showing up on however many Wednesdays you want, wearing a sweet vest, and walking people through the protesters.

Hope to see you there.

Adam

Escort Plea 2009 (PDF)

Meeting on September 3rd

This week, CFA is having its first event of the semester—eating food.

It’s at 8 PM on Thursday and in the Union (room TBD). It’s a welcome back event for members and a welcoming event for new members. We can talk about our plans for the semester and get feedback about what people want to see happen whilst hanging out and stuffing food into our faces.

There will be pizza and other snacks but feel free to bring food, if you want.

So come, bring friends, eat food, meet people, and hang out.