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More articles by PZ Myers can be found on Freethoughtblogs at the new Pharyngula!

Important information about the Creation “Museum” trip!

Category: Creationism
Posted on: July 8, 2009 12:04 PM, by PZ Myers

I'm going to be speaking at the Secular Student Alliance conference on 8 August, and before that, you may recall, I announced that we were going on a little field trip to Ken Ham's bunco joint in Kentucky, on Friday, 7 August. We're trying to organize a bit, so SSA sent me the notice below. Preregister and get a big discount on the entry fee, and SSA is also looking for more people to help with coordinating travel.

Register to get the $10 entry fee at https://secularstudents.wufoo.com/forms/creation-museum-with-pz-myers-registration/. You have to pay in advance but you get the $10 entrance rate, rather than the $22 that you'd have to pay at the door. People have to register by 7/23 to get this rate.

We're arranging carpools through www.rideshare.us using lookup code PZ2Creation. Anyone coming to the Museum and/or heading up to Columbus afterwards for the conference is strongly encouraged to post their rides if they'd be willing to take a student along with them. Students can also post ads for rides if they need to get from one place to the other.

We also have some (free!) housing available in Columbus for Thurs night for any students from out of town who need a place to crash before heading down to the museum. Interested parties should contact Jon the Intern In Charge of Housing at jonathan.sussman@secularstudents.org.

Sign up now!

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Comments

#1

Posted by: Glen Davidson Author Profile Page | July 8, 2009 12:09 PM

Yes, please, don't pay any more to them than you have to.

Btw, there was a system of paying "guilt money" to the NCSE if you paid to watch Expelled. It would be worth considering here, too.

Glen D
http://tinyurl.com/mxaa3p

#2

Posted by: Mephistopheles Author Profile Page | July 8, 2009 12:11 PM

I can understand the draw of this "museum" to us atheists. On one hand, I understand it's great to poke fun at it, to marvel at the amount of money spent in constructing it, and to even people watch in it. But on the other, by paying for admission, you're contributing to the propagation of it's ideas and supporting those who brought this monstrosity into the world.

Cognitive dissonance be damned!

#3

Posted by: Olowkow | July 8, 2009 12:13 PM

I seldom disagree with PZ's philosophy, but... it's a waste of $10. Give it to FFRF instead. Why not just go to a redneck bar and laugh at the patrons for free? Is that fun?

#4

Posted by: Mozglubov | July 8, 2009 12:13 PM

I really enjoy the concept of using the internet for ride sharing. In Germany I have discovered a couple websites where people can post trips and you can purchase a ride with them (usually for very reasonable rates, like 10€-20€).

Also, I think Glen makes a good point about the guilt money...

#5

Posted by: DGKnipfer | July 8, 2009 12:23 PM

I can go to a family reunion to laugh at the rednecks, but this is worth the $20 bucks for my son and I to watch PZ enter the hallowed halls of the Cretinous Museum, or attempt too. Now I just have to get the time off from work.

#6

Posted by: Bad Wolf Author Profile Page | July 8, 2009 12:24 PM

Ahhhhh I wish I could go, it should be a riot.

#7

Posted by: JackC Author Profile Page | July 8, 2009 12:25 PM

I am SO hoping I can tie this into the end of my planned vacation with my youngest. I should have my dates squared away soon and if at all possible, meet with the group.

I am not holding my breath though.

JC

#8

Posted by: ColinB | July 8, 2009 12:31 PM

Here's a better idea - someone can film PZ's trip and we can then pay HIM $10 to buy the video (and perhaps a T-shirt)

That way we get to enjoy the spectacle without actually having to pay the museum or even set foot near it!

#9

Posted by: Disinfo Agent | July 8, 2009 12:33 PM

I wonder how much trouble one would have to make to get kicked out of the Creation Museum. Loudly arguing with the exhibits? Overuse of washroom privileges? Monopolizing the be-saddled Triceratops?

#10

Posted by: Arwen | July 8, 2009 12:36 PM

It's worth the $10 to be in the august presence of PZ. I live only about 5 miles from this abomination and I swore I'd never pay a dine to support it but I might have to fork over the $10 to visit with PZ.

Colin's idea has merit but I still miss the chance of meeting PZ in person.

#11

Posted by: Arwen | July 8, 2009 12:40 PM

It's worth the $10 to be in the august presence of PZ. I live only about 5 miles from this abomination and I swore I'd never pay a dine to support it but I might have to fork over the $10 to visit with PZ.

Colin's idea has merit but I still miss the chance of meeting PZ in person.

#12

Posted by: Jennifurret Author Profile Page | July 8, 2009 12:41 PM

Signed up! I can't wait =)

Oh, and the sign up has space for a guilt donation to the SSA, for all of you who are wondering. Though I'm one of those poor students, so I didn't donate anything...someone make up my part please? >.>

#13

Posted by: Marc Abian | July 8, 2009 12:42 PM

Just go to fstdt.net and give your $10 to charity. You are supporting creationism when you go there.

#14

Posted by: BarnStormer | July 8, 2009 12:46 PM

I would've enjoyed attending this spectacle, but I cannot. Anybody here who's going, do me a favor- be TWICE as damning for me.

#15

Posted by: Lynna | July 8, 2009 12:51 PM

All of the reporting and blogging that will stem from the visit to the "museum" will far offset the $10 per person for Ken Ham's coffers. Spend a little to gain a lot.

Also, for those that think you can learn enough via a virtual visit -- I don't think so. No matter how many people have visited the places I write about, I find it still pays for me to make a personal visit. There's nothing like being there when it comes to garnering new insights.

Wish I could join you PZ.

#16

Posted by: matt | July 8, 2009 1:00 PM

if i could drive i'ld go just to laugh at the museum i think, or just to see it for the shock value.

living in ohio its scarey to think that its so close

#17

Posted by: Lyz Liddell | July 8, 2009 1:08 PM

Hey, folks!

I appreciate that you're all looking for places to support to relieve the guilt of forking over even $10 to the "Museum." As Jennifurret mentions above, the Secular Student Alliance does include an option to make a "guilt-relieving" donation right alongside your registration - and any donation to the SSA is doubled thanks to a generous matching offer from the Vital Spark Foundation.

We'd love to have your support in helping organize secular students across the US and around the world to combat this kind of nonsense! I hope to see you in Petersburg!

Thanks!

#18

Posted by: Roy LaPost | July 8, 2009 1:15 PM

I'm told I will be escorted off the premises if I go back there. :(

#19

Posted by: Geoff | July 8, 2009 1:16 PM

Off topic: Well PZ. Looks like you're not the only one who was rude to a cracker.

The Prime Minister of Canada is believed to have put one in his pocket!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pm-didnt-pocket-communion-wafer-spokesman-says/article1210809/

#20

Posted by: Kristoff | July 8, 2009 1:24 PM

Well, this should be fun. I hopefully have some of the residual guilt relieved with the corresponding donation to the SSA.
Hopefully, a carpool can be figured out from my hometown, so that I don t have to drive up there alone, but if not, oh well. I m kind of a loner, anyway.

#21

Posted by: dNorrisM | July 8, 2009 1:33 PM

Maybe I'll get laid off by then and be able to go. We just fired our QC manager.

#22

Posted by: Deepsix | July 8, 2009 1:34 PM

Would love to drive up from Nashville to attend. But, I think I'll still be recovering from travel lag after spending a week in Florida. Still...tempting.

Anyone else from the Nashville/Tn area going?

#23

Posted by: Adam | July 8, 2009 1:34 PM

I plan on driving up from Nashville TN to join the group, posted a listing on the carpool site if anyone is interested.

#24

Posted by: Lynna | July 8, 2009 1:40 PM

On the subject of engaging with creationists, I see that Thunderf00t (he of youtube atheist fame) has wrangled an agreement from Ray Comfort for a discussion. This should be amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECQQbsV9g6U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coMQswQHzno&feature=channel

#25

Posted by: Raynfala | July 8, 2009 1:52 PM

Well Roy, it looks like you answered #9's question :)

#26

Posted by: Lana | July 8, 2009 1:54 PM

This is so cool. It's like Woodstock for science nerds. I can't go, but in 20 years, I'll claim I did.

#27

Posted by: evil is evil | July 8, 2009 2:00 PM

PJ, please, check on the net for the correct formula for mixing napalm. Some of the formulas use too much gasoline.

#28

Posted by: DA360 | July 8, 2009 2:07 PM

I need to go by there on the 8th to see if I can spot you. I live 10 miles from Ham's monstrosity. Its off of Exit 16 on I275 West. I had to pass near it on the job before since I had a Dell warranty computer repair in Petersberg, or as I like to call it now, "Bullshitburg".

#29

Posted by: Randy | July 8, 2009 2:10 PM

I am with Lynna (#15) while giving Ham and is ilk any money is just painful... the good it will do in helping to expose this nitwit to an ever widening audience will more than make up for the revenue that monstrosity of a 'museum' will make over the visit. I can't wait to read coverage here and I hope that someone is sending press releases about the upcoming beat down out as broadly as possible. This is just plain good stuff.

#30

Posted by: gweaver | July 8, 2009 2:11 PM

Do the Creationists know you lot are coming? What are the chances they've got a 'Most Not Wanted' list, with pictures, posted at the door? Y'know, to keep the ne're-do-wells and malcontents out.
G

#31

Posted by: Olowkow | July 8, 2009 2:32 PM

OK OK, y'all convinced me. Well worth the $10 for the laughs and the company. P.Z., be sure to take your hard won IPOD Touch with you. Perhaps wear it around your neck instead of a cross.

#32

Posted by: Ed | July 8, 2009 2:38 PM

Anyone planning on tweeting the event? If so please let us know a Twitter account. I'd love to follow the group round from dear old blighty. Have fun!

#33

Posted by: Lissa | July 8, 2009 2:48 PM

I've registered! Huzzah!! Can't wait to hang out with PZ and a bunch of cool atheists!

#34

Posted by: PGPWNIT Author Profile Page | July 8, 2009 2:56 PM

I'd like to welcome you all to Cincinnati. The more, the merrier. Please make some sort of stink, I'd like to have some fun this summer.

#35

Posted by: Dagger | July 8, 2009 3:29 PM

*sighs* I'd love to go, but alas, I can't. I can't wait for the recap, though!

#36

Posted by: Helene | July 8, 2009 7:11 PM

Oohhhhhh! I really want to be a part of this. Got to make a few arrangements first, but I've got my calendar marked.

#37

Posted by: ColinB | July 8, 2009 8:55 PM

Ok, well if you're all INSISTING on going, can you at least produce a video of it anyway, for people who can't make it? :-)

#38

Posted by: kodyfrog | July 8, 2009 10:59 PM

WHY WOULD YOU GO THERE???? You are supporting their bullshit message!!!!

#39

Posted by: Taylor | July 8, 2009 11:09 PM

I am driving all the way from TEXAS to be there!

#40

Posted by: DLC | July 9, 2009 3:26 AM

Ken Ham. the world missed a huge joke opportunity if only his last name had been after Ham's brother, Shem.
Then he'd be Ken Shem(p). But the fourth stooge was probably a more intelligent and wiser man than Ken Ham. Stooge for Jesus, that's Ken's Scam.

#41

Posted by: Metatwaddle | July 9, 2009 4:36 AM

I'll be staying overnight in Columbus the night before, then I'll need a ride to and from the museum. I posted an ad on Rideshare; if anyone's driving from Columbus/OSU, let me know!

#42

Posted by: cicely (Inadvertent Phytocidal Maniac) Author Profile Page | July 9, 2009 11:26 AM

kodyfrog @ 38:

WHY WOULD YOU GO THERE???? You are supporting their bullshit message!!!!

Think "Mystery Science Theater", and all should become clear.

#43

Posted by: BK | July 9, 2009 1:28 PM

Here's a better idea - someone can film PZ's trip and we can then pay HIM $10 to buy the video (and perhaps a T-shirt) That way we get to enjoy the spectacle without actually having to pay the museum or even set foot near it!
I can't go, but I'd happily pay to see a video of the PZ on his tour. :-)
#44

Posted by: TAM-a-riffic | July 14, 2009 7:52 PM

Oh please please please please please please let it be filmed, preferably with live streaming video.

#45

Posted by: Tommy Primate | July 15, 2009 3:54 AM

I like the guilt money idea, and I think I will give it to the SSA. They are much needed I feel.
(didn't pay to see "expelled" think I'll send ten bucks anyway!)
But for those thinking of not attending because it supports the museum, points taken, but the museum is already there, despite my horror of one more sad joke about my state.

Honors aside, it will be good to be in a crowd of like minded people in "hostile" territory. And it might be good for a few tourists to see others openly mock what we know to be a folly.

Got may day off and my tickets, I am ready to roll!

#46

Posted by: Tommy Primate | July 15, 2009 4:43 AM

I like the guilt money idea, and I think I will give it to the SSA. They are much needed I feel.
(didn't pay to see "expelled" think I'll send ten bucks anyway!)
But for those thinking of not attending because it supports the museum, points taken, but the museum is already there, despite my horror of one more sad joke about my state.

Honors aside, it will be good to be in a crowd of like minded people in "hostile" territory. And it might be good for a few tourists to see others openly mock what we know to be a folly.

Got may day off and my tickets, I am ready to roll!

#47

Posted by: Tommy Primate | July 15, 2009 4:58 AM

I think we should all bring a plain white print quality T-Shirt and a sharpie. We could make a rubber stamp that says "I went to the Creation Museum with PZ Meyers and brought down the house with...."

We could sign each others shirts and get PZ and any other "celebs" to sign them or the SSA could order some shirts in that same vein and sell them to the lot or you could even take pre-orders and refund if you don't get enough takers.

A case of 1 color printed t's is not that expensive and could even make some money. Event Merchandising

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