More on the Thylacine Saga

A little while ago I posted a response to an essay from Shelly the Republican which suggested that thylacines (tasmanian wolves) and wolves are actually the same thing (you can read my post here). I later dismissed the whole thing as a parody since that's what Shelley the Republican seems to be.

While I still think Shelly the Republican is a parody, a commentor brought it to my attention that the essay itself originated elsewhere. Shelley simply copied it from the intelligent design blog Overwhelming Evidence and added the pictures and captions. Overwhelming Evidence is the "kid-friendly" offshoot of Uncommon Descent and is partly maintained by William Dembski, a leading ID advocate.

Now, I know for a fact that Overwhelming Evidence is not a parody, and the fact that this ignorant essay is sincere makes me extremely worried about the future of America. Of course, someone could be preying on the gullibility of creationists, as Randi pointed out in the comments section. Wouldn't be the first time it's worked (see here).

Looks Like They Might Have Got Me

I've recently put up a couple of posts in critique of the blog Shelley the Republican. However, after doing a little looking around, it seems the whole thing might actually be a parody. At least that's the general consensus. Just do a Google search of "Shelley the Republican" and you'll see what I mean.

The sad thing is that everything found there is what one would expect to hear from an ultra-conservative. Maybe I've spent too much time hearing the rediculous arguments that right-wingers put forth, and that blog simply looked genuine because it said the same thing I'm used to seeing. If it is a parody, then it's one of the best ones I've seen in a while and is incredibly well done. The fact that no one can seem to agree might testify to how good the parody actually is. If it's not a parody, then it's downright terrifying. What do you think?

Correction: Park Rangers Not Required to Say "No Comment"

It seems that PEER has been dishonest about their report that park rangers at the Grand Canyon were required to say "no comment" when asked about the age of the canyon. Apparently, that was never the case at all.

What is true is that the visitor's center is still selling a Young-Earth Creationist book concerning the formation of the Grand Canyon, which is unconstitutional by National Park regulations. Furthermore, political appointees in charge of the National Park Service have dragged their feet for three years over reviewing the sale of the book. The truth ends there.

It seems that PEER was being sensationalist in respect to the "no comment" claims in order to inflame opinions. No employees of the park have been required to say no comment. PEER, shame on you for being dishonest and sensationalist.

Read more at Bad Astronomy Blog.

Ambiotic Stem Cells Not a Replacement for Embryonic Ones: Religious Right to Blame for the Deception?

Two days ago I posted information regarding a new source of stem cells that held the potential to make embryotic stem cells unnecessary. It looks like it was all one big lie.

Anthony Atala, the scientist from Wake University who discovered the amniotic stem cells told Congress today that they should not consider his work an alternative to embryotic stem cell research. "Some may be interpreting my research as a substitute for the need to pursue other forms of regenerative medicine therapies, such as those involving embryonic stem cells. I disagree with that assertion," Atala said (source: boston.com).

It seems the mainstream media was mislead by individuals and organization who distorted Atala's findings to try and prevent embryonic stem cell research. What organizations took part in this deception? You won't be surprised: Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, both fundamentalist Christian organizations. Once again, fundamentalist Christians prove they are dirty liars when trying to get their way. How can so many adults put their support behind organizations that have the honor of a greedy child? It boggles my mind.