Rarely does a simple youtube video re-invigorate my imagination and stir my emotions like this great compilation of the NASA Space Transportation System (STS) program by nature video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

From the summary:

The Space Shuttle fleet delivered the Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, and dozens of satellites, space probes, crew and supplies. Two Shuttles were lost: Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003. The touchdown of Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center marked the end of an era, after 135 missions. This video shows all of them in chronological order. http://www.nature.com/spaceshuttle

As the great astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson put it on July 8, the day of the final shuttle launch:

neiltyson

(Neil deGrasse Tyson)

Many lament the shuttle era's end. But that's misplaced sentiment. Lament instead the absence of an era to replace it.

On 8-7-2011 13:30:35 from TweetDeck

Where do we go from here as Americans? Where do our dreams lie, if not in the great universe around us? Russia and China continue while we stop. What’s next? What will the next generation dream about as children? Will space be a thing of science fiction or a reachable, accessible experience to them?  Will space travel be a product of business? I am completely ignorant of all that lies ahead.

Thank you, NASA, for the Shuttle program. It was grand.

graphic by James Ellis

I follow the hashtag #atheism on twitter in order to keep abreast on what people are saying about religion and other controversial subjects. Often the content contains thoughtful discussion or bits of news that interests me, but much of it resembles typical “zinger” one-liner material: pithy 140-character messages that resemble confrontational bumper stickers instead of well-balanced arguments against religion. Yeah, I’ve done it too. I admit it! Twitter is the safe-haven of the verbal jab.

I spotted one such “zinger” today:

FlyingFree333

(Flying Free)

Without faith there could be no genocide, no racism, no bigotry; faith breeds evil. #christian #jesus #bible #god #atheism #islam #muslim

On 29-4-2011 13:30:22 from Twaitter

I’ve certainly heard this hyperbolic argument before, and as an atheist I do not agree. I realize you cannot easily present a reasoned argument for an enormous claim like this on twitter, but even if there were paragraphs of explanation behind it I’m not sure I would ever be convinced that the sole reason for racism, bigotry, and genocide is faith. To avoid an argument about vocabulary; “faith,” could easily be replaced by “religion.”

I am far from being an expert, but I think there are sociological, psychological, and economic causes unrelated to religion that cause these problems in the world. Religion is certainly used to justify many horrible actions such as genocide (e.g. Deuteronomy 20:16-18) and slavery (e.g. the Curse of Ham). However, I do not think all religions or faiths bring about these results, nor do I think ruling out other causes for the evil in the world is wise.

I’d really like to have a discussion about this claim. Is faith the cause of genocide, racism, and bigotry?

And as a side question: What do you think about these kinds of pithy statements on twitter? Do you think they help anything or perhaps give atheists a bad name?

Speaking of my avatar: I have a soft spot for my faceless cartoon girl. She’s anonymous like me, rather cute, and easily recognizable. I’m just not sure if I should stick with her. I threw her together last-minute when I needed an image for twitter back in ’09. Is she really a part of the Godlessgirl image? I’ve used the same avatar everywhere since I started this persona? I’m not sure how important she is to recognition and all that whatnot. Anyway, why am I harping on a stupid image?

The logo actually means something to me. I’d like to build a cohesive “look” to my site, but since I love changing the template once in a while, I’d like something that will grow with me and fit a few different looks.

If you’re interested in helping me, I’d like the text in Comic Sans with a Papyrus font change on mouseover. Also, if it could glitter like this and maybe make a sort of “glass crashing” noise when you click on it, that’d be soooooo cool. My goal is to gain exposure on this site.

Toodles!

godlessgirl

(GG)

Hey Jesus, I hope you enjoyed your short stay in hell. I'm sure those who burn eternally will appreciate the gracious, leisurely visit.

On 31-1-2010 10:51:25 from HootSuite

godlessgirl

(GG)

Hey Jesus, think you could have been someone else besides a rabbi who teaches in riddles? What do u want to do, weed out the dumb ones?

On 31-1-2010 10:52:46 from HootSuite

godlessgirl

(GG)

Hey Jesus, If you are bodily up in heaven right now, then heaven has to be within the physical universe, right? So how far is it from here?

On 31-1-2010 10:55:09 from HootSuite

godlessgirl

(GG)

Hey Jesus, if we're not 'sposed to put God to the test, he could at least return the favor.

On 31-1-2010 10:57:19 from HootSuite

godlessgirl

(GG)

Hey Jesus, you can tell me the truth--you think the apostle Paul is a douche too, right? right? *nudge*

On 31-1-2010 10:59:04 from HootSuite

I’ll let you know if I get a reply. What would you ask Jesus?

tweance

(Angels Fancy Dress)

Tweet your nominations for departed celebs to contact in the Halloween Tweance and what to ask them to @tweance #tweance

On 12-10-2009 14:07:47 from web

The Sun explains the event further:

Tweeters can choose which of their deceased idols they want to talk to, pick a question — then follow the “Tweance” in real time using the social networking site.

Jayne [Wallace] — who has been a natural clairvoyant since she was seven — will quiz four late stars nominated by Twitterers between 10am and 12pm on Friday October 30.

“Natural clairvoyant” really means “talented showperson” and “dewoosional hustler,” right? Yes, I just made up the word Dewoosional.

So, which easily-imitated dead celebs can we contact via twitter? Is there a high speed internet connection in heaven now? Have they upgraded from parchment and scrolls since the bronze age?

What do you think will happen during this stunt?

(via @mashable)

“I want to be a card-carrying Atheist. Maybe I should make my own cards…”

And Jim of How good is that? responded with a great interpretation that we can all download for free and keep in our wallets.

I love this idea, and I think you should check it out!

Speaking of which, what sorts of end-of-life wishes have you laid out? Do your loved ones know? Are they legally binding or simply verbal?

My Fellow Cubedrone: [loudly so everyone can hear] “All people who use twitter should be called twits.”

Me: “How about inserting an ‘a’ instead of ‘i’ in there?”

MFC: [laughing] “This is a Christian company. Maybe you didn’t get the memo.”

hehe ok, maybe you had to be there

Can you dig it? It’s also your first chance to listen to me ramble out loud. thou shalt not underestimate the power of my chattiness.

Introducing Tweetie from GG on Vimeo.

Music Used:
“The Sweetest Sin” by Loveshadow / CC BY-NC 3.0

Cartoon © Oliver Widder

Newsflash, heathens: Skeptics/Freethinkers/Atheists are all over twitter! [Can you tell I have a hard time labeling the godless?]

How involved can you get with a website that asks “What are you doing?” Wait, don’t ask. Just smile, nod, and think of a good username.

Here are a few brief reasons you should be using twitter:

1) For the people. You are not alone–I promise! Twitter is a fabulous resource for you if you are: still in the closet, surrounded by religion, living far away from freethought communities or groups, or just those who want to have camaraderie. There is always conversation to be had and friends to make. You might even discover someone close to you. Networking is an obvious plus for anyone who wants to make connections with seculars.

2) For the brain. The links just keep on coming. From blogs to news, forums, research, and silliness–the godless tweeps will always keep you informed and entertained. Get a secular taste of what’s happening in the world, and keep your brain humming throughout the day. I have so many articles and blogs to read now that I can’t keep up with it all! Follow a few scientists and artists and enjoy how your knowledge and appreciation for the natural world expands.

3) For the lawls. My tweeps are wicked fabulous. Tossing around sarcastic banter, shirking propriety for a laugh, and having an all-around swell time will keep you healthier and happier. Just don’t forget to get off your flattening arse and take a walk.

Bonus! It’s better than any holy day service!

Jump on the godless train!
Here is a wiki of atheists on twitter to get you started. If you have an account, add your info to the list.
@zipzink has organized one of the largest lists of Atheists on twitter–complete with profiles!
There’s an atheist group on twibes.com with 200+ members and a huge list on wefollow.com.
Also check out the latest atheist activity on twitter.
And don’t forget to follow me and say hello!