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Category: Creationism
Posted on: June 25, 2009 4:02 PM, by PZ Myers
The list of winners of iPods of various flavors from Creation Science Evangelism:
Third place: Kirby Hobley, who created a post on the atheist sub-group of Reddit.
Second place: Richard Haynes, of Atheist Nexus.
First place: PZ Myers of you know where.
Good grief, the atheists won a clean sweep! It's brilliant marketing, reaching deep into the very community that will most fiercely mock his message.
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The Island of Doubt 11.23.2009
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Comments
Posted by: JohnnieCanuck
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June 25, 2009 4:10 PM
And I was sure he would bail at the thought of giving one of them to an atheist.
Posted by: mxh | June 25, 2009 4:10 PM
Sweet! That's gotta piss them off. Let's see if they actually send it.
Posted by: Kyle | June 25, 2009 4:12 PM
Haha!
I knew I should have entered and gone for 3rd!
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead, OM
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June 25, 2009 4:14 PM
Sweet, sweet revenge. Sending presents to all those atheists and evilutionists.
Posted by: Holbach
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June 25, 2009 4:15 PM
Those damn atheists took them all! god will get them for their mockery!
Posted by: Richard Harris
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June 25, 2009 4:15 PM
That god fellah, Yahweh, must've been distracted, busy dealing with other stuff. You know, like helping athletes win, or fixing minor miracles for believers.
Posted by: Mephistopheles
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June 25, 2009 4:15 PM
I'm sure they'll take it as some sort of win in their minds because they've reached out and gotten their message across to those who are in the most "dire need" of it. Creationist minds are peculiar that way.
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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June 25, 2009 4:15 PM
why do I get the vague impression that there's a sinister plot to abuse that fact somehow?
Posted by: Glen Davidson
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June 25, 2009 4:16 PM
Don't forget that you almost certainly boosted Hovind's Google rating.
Probably doesn't matter much, just pointing out that he had a reason for offering prizes.
Glen D
http://tinyurl.com/mxaa3p
Posted by: Souljacker | June 25, 2009 4:17 PM
and will you still be celebrating when you realise he's somehow rigged it so that you can't add/delete tracks and has filled the whole thing up with his brother's sermons???
... I wrote that as a joke but the more I think about it sounds like the type of thing that might actually happen.
Posted by: tsg | June 25, 2009 4:19 PM
I have a dollar that says he reneges claiming that they all cheated, much the same way they complain about their polls being invalidated by too many people who disagree with them voting in them.
Posted by: black wolf | June 25, 2009 4:20 PM
I'm posting this on the few most recent threads once, just so that everyone who might be interested gets it:
Heads up: Ken Ham live with chat questions tonight, beginning 7:30-8:00 PM Eastern, 2:00 AM CET
at
http://creationmuseum.org/live/
Please, whatever you think of Ken's message, stay calm, respectful (I know it's hard) and relevant. Anything deemed inappropriate will be censored or lead to bannings. Their rules, ya know how it is.
Posted by: SciencePundit
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June 25, 2009 4:21 PM
SWEET!!
Posted by: Dr. Matt | June 25, 2009 4:21 PM
I don't know; repeated exposure to all the fancy CG and science-y talk in those videos was starting to make me doubt evolution. If Hovind were to send me an iPod full of creationist videos, it might put me over the top.
Posted by: Joe Agnost | June 25, 2009 4:28 PM
I fear that comment #8 will turn out to be right...
"why do I get the vague impression that there's a sinister plot to abuse that fact somehow?"
There has to be some angle here - they can't possibly let the atheists win in a clean sweep unless there's an ulterior motive.... can they?
Posted by: TFK
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June 25, 2009 4:28 PM
PZ--when you get it, download the ap Stanza. You'll never be stuck with only Eagleton to read again.
Posted by: amphiox | June 25, 2009 4:35 PM
#15: This depends on the assumption that these guys have the collective brain power to formulate ulterior motives. Not beyond the realm of possibility, but I want to see some evidence for it first.
Posted by: bastion of sass | June 25, 2009 4:36 PM
Richard Harris @6:
He was away, making a special appearance on someone's morning toast.
Posted by: Meng Bomin | June 25, 2009 4:38 PM
Also, don't forget that Hovind probably thinks he got a good deal too...lots of links, and lots of unsaved souls to watch his videos. Now, he is certainly mistaken if he thinks that he's convinced anyone that creationism has any merit, but I suppose he thinks that he's coming away from this with a pretty good deal.
Posted by: Eric | June 25, 2009 4:39 PM
What are the chances that the iPods are equipped with some top secret, military grade mind control abilities?
I'm going to start watching this blog for subtle hints of Mr. Myer's backsliding to YEC.
Posted by: Matt Penfold | June 25, 2009 4:40 PM
OK, anyone want a wager on how long it will take Matt Nisbett to proclaim this a defeat for atheism ?
Posted by: Meng Bomin
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June 25, 2009 4:41 PM
Also, don't forget that Hovind probably thinks he got a good deal too...lots of links, and lots of unsaved souls to watch his videos. Now, he is certainly mistaken if he thinks that he's convinced anyone that creationism has any merit, but I suppose he thinks that he's coming away from this with a pretty good deal.
Posted by: Benjamin Geiger | June 25, 2009 4:41 PM
Eric:
Nah. For mind control to work, they'd have to study the brain, and that involves too much science.
Posted by: tsg | June 25, 2009 4:42 PM
@21
Whatever the over/under is, I got under.
Posted by: littlejohn | June 25, 2009 4:42 PM
Um, I'm nearing my 55th birthday. What's an iPod? Seriously.
Posted by: Drew | June 25, 2009 4:45 PM
That may very well be the awesomest thing I've read all day.
Posted by: Jeff Hebert | June 25, 2009 4:46 PM
You could certainly make the argument that this result makes Hovind happy. You don't win converts by preaching to the choir, after all, you have to go where the sinners are for the good word to be heard (or, as in this case, entice the sinners to come to you).
Not that I think of us as sinners, of course, but it makes sense from their perspective. Just a thought.
Posted by: tsg | June 25, 2009 4:48 PM
It's a Walkman with a really long tape.
Posted by: blf | June 25, 2009 4:52 PM
Who? Never heard of her(? him?). Sounds like a nutter. I mean, who would want a ipOx, much less one with faux stone-age carvings done by apostles of Ken “Remember the piglets!” Ham and teh Banana Moron?
Posted by: TBRP | June 25, 2009 4:57 PM
It's like Eric Hovind is gunning for econimic niche formerly occupied by the circus' sideshow; actively courting those who will point and laugh by making an ass out of himself.
Posted by: KRessler | June 25, 2009 5:04 PM
I wonder, did you have to sign up to receive the iPod? If so... how many theists actually signed up for it? It would be interesting to see what the possibilities were of receiving the iPod in the first place.
Posted by: 'Tis Himself
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June 25, 2009 5:04 PM
So, PZ, are you actually in possession of your new toy? Have you listened to any hymns or other religious stuff yet?
Posted by: The Tim Channel
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June 25, 2009 5:05 PM
I'm almost 52 and 'a walkman with a long tape' is a pretty funny analogy for an Ipod. To the 55 year old....you need to be paying a little better attention to the world.
Kudos to the religious freak for not wimping out on the deal. Pretty gracious of him if I do say so.
Congratulations PZ. It's not 'shake n' bake' but I did help.
Enjoy.
Posted by: Carlie | June 25, 2009 5:08 PM
They're definitely counting this as a victory, I guarantee it. I'd bet good money that they have a prayer circle around each ipod before it gets mailed out, asking for the minds of those deluded deniers to be changed by the magic movies within.
Posted by: Facehammer | June 25, 2009 5:08 PM
First, excuse me while I cackle.
#25, as well as being a Walkman with a really long tape, an ipod is something you use to announce to the world that you've got more money than sense and more style than substance.
Posted by: viggen | June 25, 2009 5:11 PM
Hovind may well have been interested in Atheists winning: from his viewpoint, these are the people who need most to be converted to his way of thinking and therefore are the people most needing of the propaganda material he is distributing... never mind that anybody with half-a-brain will delete the contents of the ipod right away. To him, it may well be equivalent to passing out bibles to the people who are least likely to take them in any other form.
I'm not certain that the Hovinds are quite that subtle, but it might be unwise to consider them stupid.
Posted by: Jimmy Groove
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June 25, 2009 5:12 PM
I will be very surprised if he honors this. It would cause me to actually have a tiny, tiny amount of respect for him, something which I have so far completely lacked.
Posted by: Sili
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June 25, 2009 5:12 PM
PeeZed Myers? Sounds familiar. But has the guy written a book?
Posted by: blf | June 25, 2009 5:15 PM
I concur. They are an insult to stupid people everywhere.
Posted by: JackC
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June 25, 2009 5:16 PM
Thank FSM, I can finally stop clicking that link once every frigging day.
JC
Posted by: black wolf | June 25, 2009 5:17 PM
viggen #36,
are you convinced they're acting in good faith? I'm not. Like Comfort and Ham, they target believers by offering their own 'separate' science. Note that they regard their stuff as real science (again maybe not in good faith but that's how they offer it up). They want lapsed and moderate Christians to become fringe fundies for 'God's Army' so to speak. It's much easier when people already believe in God and Hell; then all you need to do is convince them that Jesus was a literalist and that hell really means eternal torture.
Posted by: MikeyM | June 25, 2009 5:18 PM
Bastion of sass @ #18
Richard Harris @6:
Yahweh, must've been distracted, busy dealing with other stuff.
He was away, making a special appearance on someone's morning toast.
Rigging the results of the Grammy® for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group.
Posted by: 'Tis Himself
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June 25, 2009 5:25 PM
I'm 61 and I own an iPod.
Posted by: Mathlover2
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June 25, 2009 5:25 PM
I wonder when Eric Hovind will realize he's been bested.
Posted by: Jafafa Hots | June 25, 2009 5:29 PM
"They're definitely counting this as a victory, I guarantee it. I'd bet good money that they have a prayer circle around each ipod before it gets mailed out, asking for the minds of those deluded deniers to be changed by the magic movies within."
Well hell, they can consecrate a Google Android smart phone and anoint it with oil for all I care, as long as they send it to me.
Posted by: Sander | June 25, 2009 5:34 PM
The winning ipod really should be a timeshare for all those who have clicked...
Posted by: Nathan Huckabee | June 25, 2009 5:40 PM
this is too funny. you win Mr. Myers. good job.
Posted by: Sander | June 25, 2009 5:40 PM
The winning ipod really should be a timeshare for all those who have clicked...
Posted by: Chris | June 25, 2009 5:47 PM
Littlejohn, I'm 61 as well and I have an ipod. Actually I have an iphone as well, and a PC, and a netbook. Being older doesn't mean you have to stop being interested. I hope PZ enjoys his.
Posted by: varlo | June 25, 2009 5:55 PM
I would suggest soaking it in a pail of water before opening the package.
Posted by: gypsytag | June 25, 2009 6:03 PM
make sure you sweep it for bugs and remove the GPS tracking device...
Posted by: littlejohn | June 25, 2009 6:05 PM
Got the TV on. Apparently, Michael Jackson was just rushed to the hospital, not breathing. Unlike many of you, I'm no biologist, but I'm guessing the not breathing thing is bad. Well, for him at least.
As for me, it may be evidence that god exists. We shall see.
Posted by: Prince of Dorkness
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June 25, 2009 6:10 PM
Of course, PZ asks and we click, while the believoids are asked and presumably drop to their collective knees and pray for a win. Ha.
I'm guessing Hovis-head will now reconcile this strange occurrence as just another example of the intangible sky fairy moving in mysterious ways, etc. ad nauseum.
Posted by: Mig | June 25, 2009 6:18 PM
re#28,
That is funny.
Congratulations, PZ. Of course, this win was a team effort. So, I-- along with everyone else I'm sure-- am wondering: which part of which hour of which day, do I get to use it?
Posted by: Sauceress | June 25, 2009 6:20 PM
littlejon
Our morning news is not absolutely confirming yet, but leaning heavily towards TMZ's report that he has in fact died.
http://www.tmz.com/
Posted by: Walter Silveira | June 25, 2009 6:23 PM
ahahah we really won? geez. I don't believe they'll actually give these out. unless the Ipods have time-released bioweapon capsules on the inside so they can kill all whom oppose their psuedoscience.
DON'T DIE ON US PZ, HOW COULD WE TERRORIZE INTERNET POLLS WITHOUT YOU?
Posted by: Phrogge | June 25, 2009 6:31 PM
I'll be 67 in a coupla months, and have an iPod, as well as a laptop, a Facebook account, an ignored Twitter account, and, fortunately, tech-minded offsprouts to help me with 'em.
Amusingly, I also had a Littlejohn moniker until marriage, so I get a little kick out of seeing your nom de blog.
Posted by: Gus C | June 25, 2009 6:47 PM
Maybe they are all preloaded with sermons or some other tripe?
Posted by: Deiloh
|
June 25, 2009 6:58 PM
ROFLOL
oh, ouch, my sides hurt *giggle*
ROFLOL again
Posted by: john tate | June 25, 2009 7:00 PM
...and I have an iPod, a DVD (1080x1920 HD upscaler), a PC, a laser spirit level, a Tom-Tom navigator, and a set of car-keys that beep, and flash an LED when you whistle for them. (Unfortunately, my dentures won't allow me to whistle, and I haven't been able to find the buggers for three days)
...and I'm 69....do I win anything?
Posted by: Tom | June 25, 2009 7:08 PM
I must say that's absolutely hilarious.
Posted by: slang | June 25, 2009 7:13 PM
Yay! So I can finally close those browser tabs for it now! Congrats PZ. Use it well }:->
Posted by: Sastra
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June 25, 2009 7:18 PM
Hovind is probably pleased with the concerted atheist attention -- not because he has any (serious) expectation of converting the atheists, but because he can cash out the "mockery" and "insults" with his flock, as a sign of being anointed and true. Remember, this is the crowd which loves all those passages in the Bible which talk about how the true believers will be scorned. If atheists are directing their attention towards Hovind, it can only be for one reason: he's a True Christian. Publicity gold.
It also gives him an opportunity to look magnanimous.
So it's pretty much win-win for everyone. That's not to say that ignoring Hovind would have been more prudent. Religion is all about turning every event into proof of God, or a way to strengthen faith.
My guess is that PZ will probably listen to some of the videos, and report on the
funnyfunnier ones, before erasing them.Posted by: jstein
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June 25, 2009 7:28 PM
Great to hear, PZ. I'm hoping for the reports on the creationist bunk. You should coordinate them with Kirby and Richard.
Posted by: Evolving Squid | June 25, 2009 7:40 PM
I'll believe the iPod exists when PZ confirms receipt of one.
Posted by: MadScientist | June 25, 2009 8:12 PM
Yay! Congratulations PZ! I was a little worried that Atheist Nexus would win it. At least Eric Hovind has the decency to announce the fair winners; he could have easily pretended those clicks didn't exist.
Posted by: Sarah | June 25, 2009 8:40 PM
Sweet! I bet he's pissed that he's gotta send gifts to all you naughty evolutionists. ^_^
So has it been delivered to you yet?
Posted by: Jake Themup | June 25, 2009 8:41 PM
Congratulations PZ, enjoy your Ipod!
I must admit, I really thought this would be one of those things where Pharyngula's traffic might disqualify it, I agree with the above poster although would like to point out that this is certainly the first example of honesty I've seen from that organisation.
I'm kind of feeling nostalgic for that one about how god is totally as big as this really big star some astronomers found. Not pictured: god.
Posted by: chgo_liz
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June 25, 2009 8:48 PM
My dad is in his mid-80s and has virtually every conceivable electronic toy currently available (more than me, by a mile) except for an iPod. So, for "my" hour of shared time -- in gratitude for the many (manual, thankyouverymuch) clicks -- I made, I promise to let him try it out instead.
Posted by: Holbach
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June 25, 2009 8:49 PM
The ipods are probably loaded with subliminal messages that somehow become activated while PZ is sleeping: "This is god speaking to you; embrace me and clear your mind of all reason and turn Pharyngula into the major mouthpiece for my word and the Discovery Institute. When you wake up you will be converted forever and become Ray Comfort's dutiful assistant."
Posted by: Sonja | June 25, 2009 9:58 PM
Congratulations PZ! You got an ipod out of the deal -- we had to do the clicking and to endure the inevitable viewing of some painfully stupid Hovind statement or another. You owe us.
Posted by: Y. Esme | June 25, 2009 10:15 PM
Did they keep their word and actually give you the iPod?
Posted by: RC | June 25, 2009 11:14 PM
I just kept playing it on the lab computer during centrifuge cycles...not sure that they accomplished much by having my unsaved soul watch it. Multiple times.
Posted by: Wayfarer | June 26, 2009 12:10 AM
I came across this blog a few days ago and it just kills me.
Good work you have another groupie.
Posted by: Jeff S | June 26, 2009 1:07 AM
If one person was converted to theism because of this, was it worth it?
=P
Posted by: Ray Mills | June 26, 2009 1:09 AM
PZ if you read this far get away from the apple firmware and limitations on the ipod http://www.rockbox.org/
Posted by: Josh in California | June 26, 2009 3:36 AM
And if you'd read this...
...you wouldn't be recommending incompatible software.
Posted by: Derek | June 26, 2009 3:54 AM
Yes! Congrats, PZ. Enjoy your new toy.
Posted by: Nick Johnson | June 26, 2009 4:29 AM
It seems pretty clear to me that Hovind will consider this a win. Not because of who the iPod is going to - competitions, for the person running them, aren't about the winner, but rather about the effect they create. In this case, PZ and others set the bar high, and no doubt caused people who were actually trying to spread the 'good word' and win the iPod to work harder, ensuring more people in Hovind's target audience saw the site than would otherwise have.
So yes, campaigning for the iPod here has probably (indirectly) helped spread creationism.
Posted by: elece
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June 26, 2009 6:39 AM
Next time they will try with Zunes, to avoid all that evilutionist around.
Posted by: michael J | June 26, 2009 7:06 AM
PZ - Congrats.
#69 - mid 80s! just a youngster. My oldest customer is 93 and I just installed a webcam for him so he can skype his grandkids.
Posted by: Smgumby | June 26, 2009 7:13 AM
Well color me impressed. The fact that he acknowledges your victory implies you will get your I-pod.
I hope so.
I was gonna be quite bitter for polluting my computer with those videos if you were cheated out of your prize!
Posted by: Broadside O. Barnes | June 26, 2009 7:37 AM
If it were only PZ, I would think this was just another
example of Pharyngulization, as with all the polls.
But the two other winners make me wonder if Mr. Hovind's
audience is, unknown to him, composed mostly of
doubters & mockers.
Posted by: Calilasseia | June 26, 2009 10:02 AM
I just found this.
All three of Hovind's iPods going to atheists who manage websites rigorously and robustly opposiing his and his daddy's retarded nonsense? I think I'll crack open some single malt to celebrate this one. :)
Posted by: littlejohn | June 26, 2009 12:22 PM
So, I take it an iPod is an overpriced toy old men buy in a generally hopeless attempt to impress girls? Kind of like a European sports car? It plays music?
No good music has been written since the Beatles broke up. I don't want one, and I suggest PZ get rid of his lest he appear foolish.
Hey you kids, get off my lawn!
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp | June 26, 2009 12:30 PM
Nah, I have about 90 GB of music and I like to take a large portion of it with me when I go on trips. Rather than carrying thousands of CDs I can carry 1 iPod and still have access to every single Miles Davis song that I have in my collection.
Plus I'm married and it take a lot more than an iPod to impress my wife, and I'm not talking material goods.
Posted by: PZ Myers
|
June 26, 2009 12:35 PM
Nah, you don't get it. The iPod Touch is an overpriced toy that plays music and that you can load with hours of porn.
See what wonders Science has brought us?
Posted by: Hypatia's Daughter | June 26, 2009 12:35 PM
I'm 56. I got an IPod wannabe - a Sansa - because I love audio books and got tired of flipping out CD's. It was $79.95 minus a $50 rebate; I figured at $30, it was no loss if I hated it.
But I love it. I download audiobooks from Librivox & Project Gutenburg; and talks from people like Dawkins, Hitchens, Skeptipods, etc. and listen to them while I'm driving.
My husband bought a new truck last week that has Microsoft Sync, so I can plug it directly into the radio. Cool Beans! It's a Ford 250 Lariat that has everything except an automatic ass scratcher. (Someone told me that it probably does have one, but we just haven't found the button yet.)
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp | June 26, 2009 12:39 PM
good point.
Posted by: A Recovering Cathoolic | June 26, 2009 2:56 PM
Congratulations! I voted many, many times in the hopes that you would win!
Posted by: littlejohn | June 26, 2009 4:23 PM
Ok, I get the porn part. Totally justifiable.
When it comes to impressing my wife, I rely on my absolutely zero-cost iDick.
You do understand that "littlejohn" is ironic?
By the way, what's a Walkman?
Is there a Walkwoman? Why not?
Dammit woman, bring me another martini!
And you kids, I told you to get off my lawn! Bring me the BB gun.
Posted by: Calilasseia | June 27, 2009 3:47 AM
Over at the Richard Dawkins forums, we're waiting with glee for the inevitable Eric Hovind blog post about this.
Incidentally, if Hovind does pony up and deliver the iPod, don't just erase the cruddy "creation videos" that'll be polluting the device - find somewhere you can store them as a dreck archive to refer to next time you need something to blog about, then replace them on the iPod itself with quality material. After all, if we in the UK can pick up 10 gig USB drives that are about the size of five M&Ms arranged in a line at affordable rates, I'm sure you Americans can too. :)
Posted by: arachnophilia
|
June 27, 2009 10:36 PM
you should load your ipod with lectures from geology, biology, paleontology, history, and ancient jewish literature classes. and mail it back.