One of many reasons for scoffing at the notion of "intelligent design" (creationism, in other words) is that behaviors that sicken and kill take far too long to manifest themselves as assaults against nature ruinous to health.read more »

Isn't the idea of praying to a supernatural entity a form of magical thinking, an attempt to secure deux ex machine resolution for human affairs of one kind or another?read more »

In the South, God is never faulted for the bad stuff. Nobody asks why He stood aside and allowed Satan (in the form of nature) to blow, decimate, devour, rip and plunder. No, the Deity and his agents are credited with the good stuff, like saving someone's photo album.read more »

OK, maybe the title of this short essay is a bit of a reach. No doubt there is more to raising a well, happy and rational child than can be conveyed in the space (and wisdom) available. However, there are rather potent insights to be gained about ingredients for well and happy, if not rational, kids to be found in a remarkable new government booklet for tourists!

I learned about the booklet, called "World Citizens Guide" produced by our State Department, in a London Telegraph article "Speak Softly, Don't Argue And Slow Down," 4/16/06. The Guide features 16 etiquette tips and advice to discourage bad ("boorish") behavior by Americans abroad. (Another group concerned with the image of Americans abroad, "Business for Diplomatic Action," distributed 200,000 passport-sized guides for college students going abroad. It, too, contained tips for civil behavior and little niceties.)read more »