Evolution, prayer and other stuff in the news

Firstly we have what is shaping out to be bad publicity for the Canadian gov. A well know prof was apparently denied a grant due to him not justifying how evolution was a valid theory in a study (ironically) to compare the social effects of the rise in intelligent design propaganda. This may be just a misunderstanding of the decision and he can have the decision appealed, but it would be egregious if it was true. On the other hand even if it was not true to hopefully quick reaction in Canada will signal that we (unlike the US) won't tolerate moronic religious arguments as science.

In another story on evolution another "missing link":Scientific American: Newfound Fossil Is Transitional between Fish and Landlubbers. This isn't surprising but tit it great that the quality of the fossils and fact that there were multiple one's is also nice. It should help those in the US fight ID (remember Bush is still president).

This story touched me since it's from my home town. Apparently the Laval city council had a non-denominational prayer before its meetings. After a complaint to the human right board they were told to stop, that was in 2004! They are going back to court and it's all thanks to one atheist teacher complained. So a seal of approval to Danielle Payette!! The idea that a payer to a god shouldn't offended anyone shows how these blokes think everyone is a theist! What about atheists and polytheist!

Lastly there is this story about finding the gospel according to Judas. I'm interested in seeing how this will play out. Religious idiot questioning other religious idiots. Some sticking to their four gospels others influenced by mystery shows starting to consider gnosticism. The fracturing will be great! The pope will also be an interesting one to watch. What will he say? Blind refusal or actual tell catholics to reconsider church teachings!?! Seems unlikely for an infallible one, but it will make great entertainment (for me anyway).