…and this is a 
The current total of registered attendees for our Invasion of the Creationist "Museum" is now at 101 — and you've only got a few more days to pre-register. You're also welcome to just show up, of course.
This is an official Outing — not only are we going on a trip, but you should be a loud and proud atheist, too. I suggested armbands before; if you don't like that, pick up one of these snazzy t-shirts, or wear something from the Out Campaign. Anything that looks respectable, but still makes clear that you are one of those atheists.
Education
Comments
Posted by: Smoggy Batzrubble | July 20, 2009 5:57 PM
Will you each take an atheist dalmatian?
Posted by: Glen Davidson
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July 20, 2009 6:02 PM
Wait for the complaints about how atheists invade and force their perspective into the creationists' holy museum.
Their propaganda (lies, iow) has the advantage of being godly, you know.
Glen D
http://tinyurl.com/mxaa3p
Posted by: rev. Jim | July 20, 2009 6:02 PM
Anything from XKCD would probably be suitable. Wish I could go.
Posted by: Jennifurret | July 20, 2009 6:05 PM
Holy crap that's a lot of people! Hopefully I'll still get to meet you and not get lost in the throng...
Posted by: E.V. | July 20, 2009 6:05 PM
Why do I get the nagging feeling that you won't be allowed in but (insert atheist of your choice) will?
Posted by: marcus
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July 20, 2009 6:06 PM
I think you should keep the registered attendees at 101 and wear dalmation outfits with appropriate evolution and or atheists colors.
Posted by: kyoseki | July 20, 2009 6:07 PM
You totally need these shirts;
http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/98_percent_chimp.jpg
Posted by: Free Lunch
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July 20, 2009 6:11 PM
Will you each take an atheist dalmatian?
But, according to the joke, dogs aren't atheist. They think their masters are gods. Of course, cats aren't atheist, either, because they believe they are gods.
Posted by: Zeno
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July 20, 2009 6:17 PM
I wish I could be going with you, but I can't. I know! I'll pray for you instead! ;-)
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2009 6:21 PM
Oh, how I would absolutely love to go to this. How I would love, love, love it. I even looked up the driving time on Mapquest (15+ hours!) and considered taking a couple days off to make the trip. Is anyone going to be liveblogging any part of this outing?
The intelligent design creationists have inspired me to do more science reading than I ever have in my life and I am thoroughly enjoying it. So I may use this occasion, as others have suggested, to at least visit a local natural history museum.
Posted by: MikeS29 | July 20, 2009 6:21 PM
I have a feeling this is going to make "Crackergate" look like tea and crumpets...
Posted by: MelM | July 20, 2009 6:24 PM
If Dr Georgia Purdom (PhD Molecular Genetics/Ohio State U.) still works for the museum, it might be interesting to see the "we know from scripture" mind at work. For example: Pathogenic microorganisms didn't exist before "the fall". It's chilling to see someone trained in science end up like this.
Posted by: Janine, OMnivore | July 20, 2009 6:25 PM
I simply must have a coat made from the hides of 101 atheists. Just call me Cruella. Now I have to dye my hair raven and platinum.
What? I thought that atheists were not human.
Posted by: John | July 20, 2009 6:29 PM
I'll be wearing my Ohio University Skeptic Society t-shirt. :)
Posted by: MelM | July 20, 2009 6:30 PM
If it's allowed, please get some video.
Posted by: Janine, OMnivore | July 20, 2009 6:38 PM
Because I can resist anything except for temptation;
See my vest! See my vest!
Made from real atheist chest!
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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July 20, 2009 6:39 PM
*whinge*
I wanna go freak out some creationists, too! But unfortunately, I'm poor and I have a job where I need to request days off 6 weeks in advance.
Posted by: Patricia, OM | July 20, 2009 6:41 PM
Damned airlines won't take chickens in trade for tickets. I'll wear my scarlet 'A' t-shirt in solidarity from afar.
Posted by: HenryFord | July 20, 2009 6:41 PM
Would love to join in on that (but there's a few miles and one bloody big ocean in the way). May I recomend pirate fancy dress instead. Everyone loves a pirate, especialy the FSM. Oh, and we need a group photo!
Posted by: Will | July 20, 2009 6:45 PM
This rings of the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District. I bet this Atheist deluge of the Creation Museum could lead to some kind of case going in front of the Supreme Court. I hope you film the hijinks for all of us who are unable to attend.
Posted by: Janine, OMnivore | July 20, 2009 6:46 PM
Jadehawk, just being who you are and being open about it is enough to freak out creationists.
Posted by: GilbertNSullivan
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July 20, 2009 6:49 PM
@Janine
They are, and will be condemned to eternal dalmation for their transgressions.
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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July 20, 2009 6:52 PM
unless I start running around with the scarlet A t-shirt, no one religious would ever know that I'm not. It doesn't come up much in conversation around here (that, plus I managed to live surrounded by atheists, agnostics and wiccans, so no one to freak out in the neighborhood)
Posted by: Evolution denier | July 20, 2009 6:53 PM
You people do realize that if cause too much of a loud distubance, you can be arrested right?
HMMM! wonder if I can get 101 creationists to wear creationists t-shirts and bring Ken Ham action figures to an atheist event? Why not? It works both ways does it not? Or is "freedom of speech" only for far left atheists?
Na, I'll stay home and read about the arrest of PZ MYers in a museum. That will be entertainment to die for.
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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July 20, 2009 6:56 PM
"too much of a loud disturbance"?
they're going on a museum trip, not a punk rock show, you numbnut.
Posted by: Brg | July 20, 2009 6:57 PM
I agree with MelM above: please try to get a video. Not only will we, godless-away-on-far-lands, get to have a better idea of what happened there, but its also testimony of any tactics against you/irate-pitch-and-fork responses you might get.
Brg
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2009 6:59 PM
Evolution Denier -- So far I have only seen the organizers of this trip suggest that the people who attend this trip wear some recognizable gear and engage in quiet chortling.
I would LOVE to see 101 creationists with t-shirts and Ken Ham action figures at any event. Too funny.
Posted by: Will | July 20, 2009 7:00 PM
What would most likely occur if you did this, is that you and your group of creobots would be laughed out of town. No one takes you creatards seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS5vid4GkEY
Posted by: Josh | July 20, 2009 7:00 PM
I'm very tempted to do this outing-it's an hour flight.
Posted by: Janine, OMnivore | July 20, 2009 7:01 PM
HMMM! wonder if I can get 101 creationists to wear creationists t-shirts and bring Ken Ham action figures to an atheist event? Why not? It works both ways does it not? Or is "freedom of speech" only for far left atheists?
Because there never has been a gathering of christian fundamentalists that appear outside of an atheist or secular event.
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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July 20, 2009 7:03 PM
though.... on second thought, I suppose I could have caused a disturbance by walking into my bf's work-place the other day, where this godbotting stupidity was going on. alas, I only found out about it afterward, because the boyfriend was complaining about a busy night caused by some celebrity.
Posted by: PorkShake | July 20, 2009 7:08 PM
Should I wear my 'Support Science, Not Superstition' Tshirt? Or would I not be allowed in?
Posted by: Lily | July 20, 2009 7:09 PM
I would really like to go, but alas, I live in Brooklyn, New York and have no means of getting there. I am trying to save my vacation days, though, so perhaps it is for the best.
Posted by: Janine, OMnivore | July 20, 2009 7:10 PM
Ooohhh! Yet an other DVD I simply must ignore. See Jadehawk, being being who you are is enough to give some people fits.
'winks'
Posted by: Tully
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July 20, 2009 7:12 PM
I have company coming in from out of town, so I can't make it. I'll be wearing my "Stand back, I'm going to try SCIENCE" shirt to show my support though.
Posted by: Shaun | July 20, 2009 7:13 PM
Wow that sounds like fun, as great as it is to live in New Zealand with relatively few kooks, sometimes I feel I'm missing out by not getting to laugh at them.
"HMMM! wonder if I can get 101 creationists to wear creationists t-shirts and bring Ken Ham action figures to an atheist event? Why not?"
That would also be hilarious, although to get a proper comparison the group should descend on an actual museum, rather than an event. As long as your within the law, feel free to. Also, I can't tell whether this comment was Poe or not, give the name "Evolution denier".
Posted by: Axel | July 20, 2009 7:22 PM
@7
I love this 98% T-shirt. I wore it at the AAI in Long Beach and about 50 people came to compliment me on it.
To my surprise I only got very positive comments elsewhere too Some people go out of their way to tell me how great this T-shirt is. People that are less fond of evolution seem to look ashamed to the floor.
Posted by: davery | July 20, 2009 7:27 PM
I'm betting that the group is not allowed in or is ejected before completing a tour of the "museum." Still, sounds like fun to me. I wish I could make it.
Posted by: Guardian of the Poll | July 20, 2009 7:27 PM
Will:
No one takes you athiest libtards seriously either. That's why you remain only 3 to 5 % (7% at the most) of the population and why you are so loud and crazy. You just want the sane people to know that you exist. AKA: You want attention. Grow up libtards.
-----------------
It is an actual museum. All museums do not have to be about a pile of bones being worshipped by godless libtard darwinists who crave attention.
Posted by: Dahan | July 20, 2009 7:29 PM
Quit talking about this! I want to go so badly! It's killing me here!
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead, OM
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July 20, 2009 7:31 PM
Guardian, if you have a cogent point, please make it. You talk nothing but nonsense, and show no scientific evidence for your ramblings.
Posted by: davery | July 20, 2009 7:32 PM
@39
Ah, bellicose indignant sputtering peppered with insults instead of logic, there you are...
I'll wait while you get a dictionary.
Posted by: Caine | July 20, 2009 7:40 PM
Evolution Denier @ 24:
That's a fine idea. Why not work on rounding them up for Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention in LA this October? (http://www.atheistconvention.org/) You never know, some of them might actually learn something...like how to use their brains.
Posted by: waldteufel | July 20, 2009 7:43 PM
Guardian #39 -- as is common with creotards such as yourself, your data is wrong, and outdated. The number of godless is closer to 14%, and that segment of the population is currently the fastest growing.
Even Ken Hambone is worried that so many of the children of his army of rubes are "leaving the church." Problem for him is that the children are growing up, getting an education (always the anathema of religion), and finding out that their pasty-faced and credulous parents were lying to them about a lot of things.
Go babble to your skyfairy and have a nice day.
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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July 20, 2009 7:43 PM
museum = ""permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment, for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment"
well, the creation "museum" might be many things, but it's not an institution in the service of society and (especially not) its development; it's not doing any actual research, and it's purpose is not that of education.
hmm. i guess it's not a museum, after all. it's an amusement park, just indoors.
Posted by: Ray Mills | July 20, 2009 7:45 PM
multiple people with cameras get it all on film, please!
Posted by: Jim Lippard | July 20, 2009 7:46 PM
Is this going to be like the opposite of when the "Bible-based" tour groups go to real museums?
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2009 7:49 PM
Caine, I wanna go the atheist convention too and I am even going to be in LA that weekend-- attending church with my relatives.
My one church outing of the year. In LA. The very weekend of the atheists convention. How is that for irony. :(
Posted by: Jadehawk, OM
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July 20, 2009 7:51 PM
fake massive cramps? Measles? The Pox? The Vapors? Anything?!
:-p
Posted by: Canuck | July 20, 2009 7:54 PM
@ #1
The Dalmations comment was hilarious. I'd love to be at this outing. It's going to be an event. News media should be there. I'll be they try to find a reason to kick you out.
Posted by: Caine | July 20, 2009 7:55 PM
Laurie @ 48: Oh, that is awful. Sure you can't get out of it? You won't be in a church all weekend will you?
The convention gives me a rare reason to wish I still lived in SoCal. Alas, ND is a bit too far away for me to consider going. Wish I was, though. That's a great line-up.
Posted by: Rey Fox | July 20, 2009 7:56 PM
Sheesh. Don't you have any polls to gurade?
Posted by: James | July 20, 2009 7:57 PM
Both my boyfriend and I will be moving to Lexington, KY the first of August. Of course we've signed up to attend this. Unfortunately, neither of us will be sporting any form of atheist shirts as we have none, but, we've both planned to wear our pro-LGBT shirts. Will that be appropriately snarky enough?
Posted by: Lynna | July 20, 2009 8:04 PM
Caine @43: Such a great idea! I agree with you that we should encourage 101 creationists to attend the Atheist Alliance International Convention. It would make great news, enjoyable unscripted theater ... and just maybe a creationist or two (not optimistic) would feel their carapace of dogma crack.
If they think we would be upset about their attendance, they are wrong. "How would you like it if..." Yeah, yeah, yeah. Please carry out that particular threat, my creationist friends.
Posted by: 'Tis Himself, Quel Dommage
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July 20, 2009 8:17 PM
Please hold hands when walking through the museum. That should cause some fundy pearl-clutching.
Posted by: Patricia, OM | July 20, 2009 8:18 PM
Laurie - You could always talk your creotard friends into going for a prayer vigil. That way you and god could both show up.
Posted by: Jennifurret | July 20, 2009 8:22 PM
I'll be attempting to liveblog (at Blag Hag) or at the very least tweet the event (at jennifurret). I'll be taking a billion photos and as much film as I can fit on my dinky camera. Though I still need to figure out what atheist/nerdy shirt to wear.
Posted by: Intelligent Designer | July 20, 2009 8:27 PM
Does any one here plan to crash Stephen Meyer's lecture tomorrow at the Plestcheef Auditorium of the Seattle Art Museum tomorrow at 7:00?
Posted by: Smoggy Batzrubble | July 20, 2009 8:40 PM
Hey, it's all settled. Jesus says that Floyd Rubber and I are allowed to go too. We're going to wear our ARMOUR OF GOD and bring a container load of BIBLE™ to sell. Floyd's secretly hoping there'll be a fight or, even better, some of those lustful paramours "whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses" (yes, he's part-way through the Old Testament, and loving the violent bits). As for me, I want to meet my distant cousin Ken. Apparently one of our long-dead relatives was transported to Australia as a convict. He wasn't actually that evil, just a bit simple. He had this crazy idea that the world was flat.
BTW, Jesus was very supportive:
SB: Jesus?
Jesus: Yes Smoggy?
SB: Can I go to the famous Creation Museum with the hell-bound atheists?
Jesus: The Creation Museum? Hey, I love that place! It's like Heaven on Earth only without all the clouds and harps and stuff.
SB: Really? Like Heaven?
Jesus: Yes, Smoggy. Just like in Heaven, everybody there believes in me and in God's Holy Book, no matter how weird it is. [sigh]
SB: Why did you sigh, Jesus?
Jesus: Well, like Heaven the Creation Museum is full of the faithful. Do you have any idea how boring the faithful are? You can't tell a joke, no one sings or dances, and the moment God cracks a fart they're all prostrate on the floor worshiping Him. And believe me, if you were as old and angry as God is, you'd have a problem with flatus too. The faithful are also people that believe a big flood shaped the earth a few thousand years ago and that Noah saved all the animals.
SB: Didn't he?
Jesus: Hell no. Noah was a randy old muff muncher. The closest he got to a boat was Mrs Noah's little canoe with its inflatable sailor. He was also an inveterate storyteller who made up some crap about a small localized flood spelling the end of the world to impress his grandkids. Unfortunately one of the kids wrote it down, and someone else found it and decided it was too crazy a story not to have come from a God of some sort.
SB: So why does God keep letting us think that?
Jesus: You don't get it, do you Smoggy? God needs people to think that or He doesn't exist.
SB: Wow! So you're saying that cousin Ken Ham and his ilk are really God's saviors?
Jesus: Exactly, Smoggy. It's like a BDSM relationship where the sub has all the power. God is Almighty and Omnipotent, just as long as barking loonies like Ken Ham and Ray Comfort let Him be by keeping on believing.
SB: Isn't that a bit demeaning for God?
Jesus: Demeaning? When millions of people mutilate their childrens' genitals because they think God says they have to, what's a little bit of peripheral looniness and humiliation? Besides, the rest of us get a great laugh out of it.
SB: Will you still laugh at the faithful when they come to Heaven, Jesus?
Jesus: Of course not Smoggy. We've got a nice padded part of Heaven just for them, with piped harp music, and mechanized dinosaurs and everything.
SB: What's your part of heaven like, Jesus?
Jesus: It's like an eternal strip club, Smoggy.
SB: [awed] Praise the Lord!!
Posted by: James | July 20, 2009 8:45 PM
'Tis Himself @ #55 I hadn't even thought of that. We may just do that.
Posted by: Kristoff | July 20, 2009 8:50 PM
James@53
Hope you like it here in Lexington. Here, I ve been spending the last 30 years trying to get OUT of this town....
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2009 9:07 PM
Patricia @ 56 -- That's it! I'm organizing a prayer vigil at the Atheists Conference. (I'll be the one in the fuschia t-shirt winking at the atheists when my relatives aren't looking.)
Posted by: patheticloser | July 20, 2009 9:15 PM
In the interest of fairness and profit has anyone made a tshirt for the christians that says 100% Dirt?
Posted by: articulett | July 20, 2009 9:28 PM
I like this shirt... but it might be too provocative: http://www.thearrogantatheist.com/womensbbq.html
Posted by: kodyfrog | July 20, 2009 9:31 PM
GIVING MONEY TO THE CREATION MUSEUM, JUST SO YOU CAN GO IN AND MAKE FUN OF THEM, MAKES YOU ALL LOOK STUPID!
Posted by: Waydude | July 20, 2009 9:32 PM
PZ, oh man do you realize you will be filling their coffers with a few grand? That's a lot of dough and will the publicity from this show the museum in it's real light or just get more of the god fearing sheep to seek it out?
Still, you gotta go, I am going with a creationist friend of mine one of these days. wonder what he will say when I can't stop laughing?
Also. the difference between a 100 atheists going to a creation "museum" and a 100 creationists going to an atheist convention is that the atheists will be behaving themselves although probably laughing their asses off, but still respectful, and the creationists will be spouting nonsense, yelling, protesting, screaming at them, frothing at the mouth, etc... Cause they do.
Posted by: Somnolent Aphid | July 20, 2009 9:37 PM
Hmmph... sounds like a bunch of godless troublemakers to me.
Posted by: Rorschach | July 20, 2009 9:39 PM
Sexist pig !!
LOL
Wish I could see this,the video better be good !
Still not sure they will let you heathens inside.
Posted by: Somnolent Aphid | July 20, 2009 9:39 PM
wish i could be there.
Posted by: Andy | July 20, 2009 9:39 PM
@39:
It has museum in the name, but that doesn't mean it is worthy of the title. Real museums - not just science museums, but aerospace, art, history, etc. - are non-profit entities that engage in educating the public, often support original research, and usually have collections available to qualified investigators for research. Judging by its web page, the Creation "Museum" has no indication of a research program or availability of collections to researchers. Setting up a bunch of dinosaur skeletons and half-baked models (which are pretty dismal in accuracy, to be honest!) does not a museum make.
BTW, the dinosaur eggs in their exhibits are almost certainly in the country illegally. Looking at the photos available on the internet, the specimens were likely looted from Mongolia or China. I would love it if someone who is attending the event could confirm this!
Posted by: Caine | July 20, 2009 9:43 PM
kodyfrog @ 65:
Typing with the capslock key on not only makes you look stupid, it confirms it.
Posted by: Matt Pickard | July 20, 2009 9:44 PM
Get the number to 108 and hold -- the sacred number of the Gopis. You can validate OEC and the existence of Krnsha all at once! Take that Collins!
Posted by: skoonz
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July 20, 2009 9:45 PM
Forgive me for being slow, but what is the objective here? Devoting time and money so that you can witness the sad spectacle of everyday human ignorance? I mean there are cheaper ways to do that...just go to church or watch cable news. At least that way you wouldn't be giving anybody any money.
It's great to be proud atheists and all...but there's gotta be better ways to represent.
Posted by: Caine | July 20, 2009 9:49 PM
articulett @ 64:
That's a fab shirt. Gotta add that one to my random stuff wish list.
Posted by: Rick R | July 20, 2009 9:52 PM
"Get the number to 108 and hold -- the sacred number of the Gopis. You can validate OEC and the existence of Krnsha all at once! Take that Collins!"
And "Lost"!
Posted by: Attila | July 20, 2009 10:01 PM
Probably will wear the Dawkins Out Campaign shirt. Although there is something to be said for my Infidel shirt in both English and Arabic. What too over the top if I wear a kilt too.
Posted by: Tybo
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July 20, 2009 10:15 PM
James @ 53 and Kristoff @ 61:
It's always interesting to find that random people online do live in close geographic proximity to oneself.
I hope you enjoy Lexington, James; I've only been here for undergraduate work, but I like it.
And I was thinking about an LGBT shirt for those who would sport it, too; that might unnerve them more than anything else.
Re: the trip: I, alas, have a final exam that day, but I will be thinking of you guys while I'm taking my Genetics exam.
Posted by: Kagato
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July 20, 2009 10:43 PM
A couple of these shirts or equivalents wouldn't go astray either.
Posted by: eddie | July 20, 2009 11:02 PM
I can't make it also as the atlantic is in the way.
Re Evolution Denier and others;
Any self-respecting young godbot wouldn't stand on the sidelines sniping. They would maybe sign up for the trip, armband and all and, once in the theme park, exclaim "well, I'm convinced".
The rest of you guys try not to choke from laughing.
Posted by: gypsytag | July 20, 2009 11:19 PM
too bad 666 atheists couldn't go.
Posted by: Loc | July 21, 2009 12:09 AM
If I could only convince my fiance to put the wedding on hold!
Everyone going will be able to get their year full of 'batshit crazy interactions' out of the way in one episode. My limit will have to slowly accumulate here in the Great Plains.
I guess it could be a tight race...
Posted by: Joreth | July 21, 2009 12:23 AM
I'd love to go, but it's too far away from me.
I will, however, be wearing my Scarlet Atheist tank top with Stephen Roberts quote in moral support on that day!
Posted by: Jorge Alvarez | July 21, 2009 12:32 AM
This sounds sounds amazing... I only which I wasn't so far away.
Posted by: Monado | July 21, 2009 12:40 AM
Perfect! Stop there and you can get them all dalmation scarves--white with black polka-dots.
Posted by: Ron Sullivan | July 21, 2009 12:56 AM
Anybody want to rent my "Fuck the creationists!" Tshirt, gray, size XL?
Posted by: Don Rowe | July 21, 2009 1:11 AM
This is my favourite godlessness t-shirt;
http://www.bustedtees.com/vivalaevolucion
Posted by: Eyeoffaith | July 21, 2009 1:24 AM
Sounds like it is going to be fun. Shame I am half a world away. The shirt I would wear wouldn't be about evolution or atheism, but would still hopefully worry them.
http://www.cafepress.com/orderofthestick.336163818
Posted by: Bride of Shrek OM | July 21, 2009 1:41 AM
I can't be there but I've gotta get me one of those thongs that are for sale on the same page as the T-shirt. The ones that says "this is what an atheist looks like" printed on the front of the miniscule fabric triangle.
Hell...I'l even buy one for PZ if he'll wear it.
Posted by: Nathan | July 21, 2009 2:12 AM
Sadly, trips from Vancouver to Florida aren’t compatible with (a) economical vacations and (b) that summer class I’m signed up to take with a prof I’m trying to woo into supervising my thesis.
I’d love to come with you. And, dear Pharyngula, might I suggest giving the armbands a second thought:
http://www.google.com/search?rls=en-us&q=gay+armband+code
Not only are you showing solidarity with other atheists and gay people, you’re also pissing off exactly the right subset of the religiously inclined.
Now, @Guardian:
> It is an actual museum. All museums do not have to be about a pile of bones
> being worshipped by godless libtard darwinists who crave attention.
On first thought the Louvre and Guggenheim come to mind. But…
Let’s look at that, shall we?
According to the OED: Museum (n): A building… used for the storing, preservation, and exhibition of objects considered to be of lasting value or interest, as objects illustrative of antiques, natural history, fine and industrial art, etc.
I think we can safely discard the “of lasting value or interest” part… The problem with plastic dinosaurs and cavemen is that anyone with access to plastic and some creative license can create them. Just because you can make a model of something doesn’t make it historically accurate. We can also safely discard the whole shebang as being “illustrative… of natural history” – radio carbon dating for teh win! And, it would make me very happy to realize that the whole enterprise is just some complex practical joke (Andy Kaufman would be proud), but, until someone hits the late-night talk show circuit to call it, I don’t think we can go there.
Sadly, the whole thing is a cheep gimmick dressed up in a glossy veneer of respectability, a simpleton’s attempt to confuse the gullible. It’s nothing more than a monument to people who refuse to think for themselves and look at the world around them. Guardian, have you ever considered picking up a first year anthropology textbook? Or biology? Or physics? And no, one from Liberty or Bob fucking Jones University doesn’t count.
I can even side with your desire to remain ignorant and uninformed. It’s well within your right. But don’t expect the rest of us to come dancing to your beat when you shout your personal delusions at the top of your voice.
I was going to write something about seeing the world in all its beauty; about the cliffs of the Adamans or the bad lands of Alberta; or looking up into the night sky at the light of some star or galaxy that’s millions of years old. See the world for yourself. Explore. Question. Understand. Trust me, it was solid gold. But, what’s the point? You’re just some dumb Internet troll. Except you’re not. There’s too many of you out there who seriously believe that what goes on in the collective imagination of your church should be taken seriously by the rest of us.
Get a fucking life.
Posted by: Monado | July 21, 2009 2:14 AM
We need more tentacles! And I found some, at the New England Sand-sculpting contest in Revere, MA. These sculptures are up to 20 feet high: Sea God by Matt Martelli. On the last slide, you can vote for your favorite.
Posted by: DingoJack | July 21, 2009 2:35 AM
Any chance of having live feeds (via Skpe)? Perhaps we can get 666 atheists there virtually. Just because we are separated by oceans, doesn't mean we don't deserve a good belly laugh, that's what entertainments like this 'museum' are for, right?
It's kind of 'meatspace' poll-crashing (remember to be there to rant incoherently Gaurdian of the Pols, or however you'll (mis)spell your own handle this time). We could co-ordinate an 'ask an awkward question' session. Maybe you could all bring blow-up sex-dolls clearly marked as "my imaginary friend" or something. Let's get creative!! - :) DJ
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2009 2:57 AM
Rev. Jim #3:
No no. xkcd sucks. Randall haven't made anything really good since he the fan-service mother and daughter hacker series.
Any t-shirt before that is pretty good, I guess.
Posted by: beth | July 21, 2009 3:21 AM
I'm not sure I get the point of this trip, either. I guess maybe there isn't one except it's simply something to do as a lark. But man, I am cringing just thinking how much money that stupid museum is going to make off this. And I'm sure that they will love the attention (remember there's no such thing as bad publicity). What am I missing?
Posted by: Kagato
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July 21, 2009 3:25 AM
Wait. Some guy decided that XKCD wasn't funny any more (and hence "sucked"), so in response he started a blog where he'd read every comic Randall Munroe produced, with long-winded critiques of each one?
Dude. Just... read something else.
Posted by: DingoJack | July 21, 2009 3:31 AM
Beth wonders what she is missing? Uh, a sense of humour, intestinal fortitude and appreciation of absurdist theatre perhaps? Just a wild guess. - DJ
Posted by: mikero | July 21, 2009 3:44 AM
How about some Darwin-themed t-shirts, with profits going to support NCSE: http://www.zazzle.com/darwin2009 ? Sorry for the shameless plug..
Posted by: John B Hodges | July 21, 2009 4:06 AM
Re #30; I'm sure there were at least 100 fundies coming to counter-protest at the Godless Americans March on Washington. They had some very artistic banners on tall poles, and for a while there was a "battle of the banners" behind the stage. (TV cameras focused on the stage and speakers' podium, for DVD and Jumbotron, so banners behind the stage would show up on screen. Atheist banner-carriers and fundy banner-carriers jockeyed for position for awhile, until a big atheist banner was mounted behind the speakers' podium on the stage, to end the contest. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godless_Americans_March_on_Washington
Posted by: Bill Bigge | July 21, 2009 4:15 AM
Their security will probably see the crowds of happy godless people as some kind of threat or attack and start tazering people left right and centre.
Posted by: Richard Eis | July 21, 2009 4:23 AM
This is turning into a religious exchange. You should have promised to invite some creationists to your next science thingy and got money off from Ken Ham as part of a deal. It seems the creos here want to come see science and logic in action.
Posted by: Stephen Wells | July 21, 2009 4:41 AM
Never in a million years will they let your baying mob through the doors, PZ. I suggest you equip yourselves with round fur hats, recurved compound bows, spiky clubs, very small hardy ponies and possibly some plague-infected gerbils, and approach in the manner and style popularised by Chingis-khan; this will avoid any awkwardness at the ticket office.
Posted by: Hideki | July 21, 2009 5:06 AM
101 Comments!
Wish I was in the US so I could join you, bit of a trek from York though -.o
Good luck with it!
Posted by: DebinOz | July 21, 2009 6:19 AM
Damn, if I were still in the USA, this would have been my field-trip to end all field-trips.
I just put my teenaged daughter on the plane in Australia to visit her dying (and fundie) grandmother in Washington State. To her good grace, she passed on a side-trip to the museum, all-expenses paid by me. She actually said 'That wouldn't be too cool given the circumstances'!
I so wanna go!!!
Posted by: Gav D
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July 21, 2009 6:53 AM
Surely the slogan is "101 Damnations"?!
No?
Posted by: Darkumbra | July 21, 2009 6:57 AM
I strongly suggest you bring a lawyer with you and LOTS of cameras with sound recording ability.
A few cameras with the ability to Wifi images directly to the Internet wouldn't be a bad idea either.
This type of event can go south quickly if not tightly controlled.
Posted by: wobert | July 21, 2009 8:09 AM
A group shot singing "meet the Flintstones" on entering the creation sphinter would be much appreciated. And if anyone becomes lost,disorientated or just totally bewildered,a distess call of YABBA DABBA DOOOO should suffice to bring heathen help and sanity a runnin.
A Ken Ham ation figure, mmmmm, is that a doll that shoves its head up its own ass at double quick time.
Posted by: DA360 | July 21, 2009 8:28 AM
Wow, more than the population of BSBerg I am pretty sure. I'll try to swing by (only 10 miles for me, why not) but only way I'll go in there if someone payed me :P.
also, LOL at the trolls here, especally the "godless libtard" troll. Is that the best you religious righties have? You don't have any other ideas, other than saying no, so I would have to sadly say yes. Plus, that place won't ever be a true "muesem", it's just a place of BS (even allot of Cristians think so) and hate.
Posted by: Functional Brain | July 21, 2009 8:39 AM
This is so stupid it has to be parody. If not, you are beyond help.
Posted by: Dan! | July 21, 2009 8:55 AM
I'll be there PZ, and will probably be taking a few hundred pictures while I'm there. Do you need a photographer?
Also, I won't be able to liveblog, but I'm planning on writing up a nice description of the day in the time before the rest of the conference starts. If any of you remote heathers are interested:
www.molecularfossils.com
Posted by: Dan! | July 21, 2009 8:58 AM
I'll be there PZ, and will probably be taking a few hundred pictures while I'm there. Do you need a photographer?
Also, I won't be able to liveblog, but I'm planning on writing up a nice description of the day in the time before the rest of the conference starts. If any of you remote heathens are interested:
www.molecularfossils.com
Posted by: DingoJack | July 21, 2009 9:02 AM
Dan! - "remote heathers"? Well fuck me gently with a chainsaw, looks like there's a new sheriff in town! ;) - DJ
Posted by: Mixter | July 21, 2009 9:11 AM
#105 LMAO at "YABBA DABBA DOOOO" as a distress call! I shall be there, and will probably use this more than once.
For those who don't "get" this: They can have my ten bucks; the entertainment value alone will be priceless.
Mixter
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp | July 21, 2009 9:14 AM
It is a museum in the same way the Flintstones is a documentary.
Posted by: wobert | July 21, 2009 9:36 AM
WIIILLLLLLMMMAAAA get this fucking dinosaur out of my bed!
Posted by: Bill Dauphin, OM | July 21, 2009 9:57 AM
Better yet, kiss frequently (if you're personally comfortable with that level of PDA): Not only will that cause fundy pearl-clutching, but you'll be expressing solidarity with your brethren and sistren in Salt Lake City.
Posted by: Bill Dauphin, OM | July 21, 2009 10:07 AM
Hmmm... maybe PZ could wear one of those helmet-cams marketed to skateboarders who want to record POV video, and then stream it in real time: We could all be Virtual PZ!
Posted by: Taylor | July 21, 2009 10:39 AM
2 of us are driving overnight all the way from Texas to be there! I have a bad ass Tee-shirt that has Satan burying dinosaur bones!
I am so excited PZ this was a great idea!
Posted by: JB | July 21, 2009 10:42 AM
So, should I not wear my Cradle of Filth tee that reads "Jesus is a c*nt"?
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp | July 21, 2009 10:51 AM
I was so going to make an inappropriate joke about who should be wearing helmets but I didn't and instead wrote this so I basically still told it without telling it.
I think I've had enough coffee today
Posted by: Felix | July 21, 2009 11:02 AM
MeIM #12,
she does. I noticed she was in the chat during Ken Ham's 'State of the Nation' speech. I asked her if she thought Michael Shermer's questions were fair, and she told us that she thought it was a very fair and balanced interview. I didn't want to dig deeper, as they'd probably have kicked me out of the chat. Yes, I'd love to see how she deals with a more 'Hardball' style interview where her scientific misconceptions are really put to the coals. Creationists always rely on making assertions which are outside of the area of expertise of the interviewer or debate opponent. I figure having a few score of working scientists present pretty much would include expertise on everything, but fantasy literature, modern or ancient.
Posted by: Stu
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July 21, 2009 11:15 AM
Yay, helmets!
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/163484/philip_the_hyper_hypo_kid/
Posted by: DevonR | July 21, 2009 11:15 AM
I would really like to go, but it's a 15 hour drive for me from Ottawa, Canada.
Do we have anyone else coming from eastern or southern Ontario that might be doing a car-pool?
Posted by: ursa major | July 21, 2009 12:43 PM
PZ, If you wear a helmet will you attach tentacles?
Posted by: Edwin Hensley | July 21, 2009 12:50 PM
There will be a caravan from the Louisville Atheists and Freethinkers. I do not know if we are officially registered, but we will be there, including several plaintiffs in the KY Homeland Security lawsuit.
Posted by: Edwin Hensley | July 21, 2009 12:53 PM
There will be a caravan from the Louisville Atheists and Freethinkers. I do not know if we are officially registered, but we will be there, including several plaintiffs in the KY Homeland Security lawsuit.
Posted by: DingoJAck | July 21, 2009 12:58 PM
Surely everyone will wear the Tentacled Helmet of Wisdom™. That way, if challenged by the forces of dullness and vapidity, each of us can leap to their feet and proudly claim:
"No, I am PZ!" - ☺ DJ
Posted by: ursa major | July 21, 2009 2:34 PM
"the Tentacled Helmet of Wisdom™"
LOL. Good thing I always wrap my computer in plastic before reading Pharyngula otherwise those cola out the nose moments could cost a fortune in repairs.
Posted by: Eamon Knight | July 21, 2009 3:04 PM
It is an actual museum. All museums do not have to be about a pile of bones being worshipped by godless libtard darwinists who crave attention.
Bah. From everything I've seen, this little roadside attraction (which we visited some years ago) on the tourist strip in Cavendish, PEI, is more of a museum than Ham's House of Dogmatic Ignorance. The quarters ain't so grandiose, and it probably didn't cost more than 1% (max) of the place in KY, but at least the proprietor is honestly trying to inform the public, and get kids interested in science -- as opposed to systematically lying in service to an authoritarian ideology.
Posted by: Quixotic | July 21, 2009 5:35 PM
I always find Smoggy's comments refreshing.
Posted by: OrbitalMike
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July 22, 2009 5:52 PM
I told my son about your trek to the (anti)museum after I had registered for the SSA conference in Columbus and he convinced me that WE should go to that temple of ignorance with the SSA group. Following Dawkins, I would not claim that my son is atheist, since at 11 he is hardly old enough to have true religious view, but I encourage him to be a freethinker.
My son wants to talk to Ken Ham and point out to him how wrong (and silly) his thinking and beliefs are. Looking forward to that adventure.
Posted by: mcrotk
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July 23, 2009 12:17 PM
I feel like I'll be painfully close, as I live in Australia, would love to go, and will be in Washington DC that week, yet google tells me that's still an 8 hour drive. Oh well, have fun.
Posted by: Craig Evans | July 23, 2009 8:01 PM
How about combining the "98% Chimp" T-shirt:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/98_percent_chimp.jpg
...with this photo/graphic:
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/04/theyre_pink_under_all_that_hai.php
Posted by: Michael | July 25, 2009 12:00 AM
It's amusing some of you think your going to "freak out" the creationists...lol...Are we going to see some goofy things for media attention? I don't think you can top opening day's festivities.
Posted by: Mike | August 2, 2009 12:19 AM
Yea, go "invade" the Idiot Museum with hundreds of loud atheists and antagonize their employees for a while. Great fun. Hey, maybe you'll make some Creationist concession worker cry! Have fun with that!
Good intentions, bad idea. Go stage your demonstration (because that's what this is) at the museum owner's house, not his employee's workplace.
Posted by: John Morales | August 2, 2009 12:30 AM
Michael & Mike, that was a rather heavy-handed and malevolent attempt at sarcasm.
Your opinion is on record; hope you're happy.