Oh, I would never deny that atheism is a tenet of faith. It absolutely is. I have faith that there are no gods. Unlike theists, however, I'm perfectly happy to admit that I could be wrong. The odds are against it, though

"Carter > Troi" Hmm. I think I'm going to have to disagree with you there. But not by much.

No, no. Socially advanced isn't the same thing as atheist. Atheism is just part of the package.

Entirely possible, I'm afraid. As we can see every time we look out our windows, "technologically advanced" isn't the same thing as "socially advanced."

The discovery of alien civilizations might just be the thing that sweeps religion into the dustbin of history, where it belongs.

A lot of the problem with superhero movies is that the producers spend a) too much time pandering to the fanboys who will complain bitterly if they don't get their favorite badguy in this sequel and b) too much time pandering to the the marketing departments of the toy makers and such partnering with the studio on the…

As much as I really enjoy Doctor Who, it doesn't make any sense at all as a story; it's something that has to be enjoyed in the moment, as it were, which is sort of ironic, considering what it's about. This has never been truer than over the past two series, since Moffat took over and decided to turn the Doctor into a…

Yeah.... I think this is a storyline that doesn't stand up all that well if you think about it too much.

That's my new favorite quote.

That's my new favorite quote.

Yes, I think you're right that concern about how one is perceived and caring about other people are two different things, but I would argue that they are closely related. Point taken, though.

""My own stools, sir, are perfect. They are gigantic, and have no more odor than a hot biscuit."

Makes sense to me. Embarrassment is a sign that shows an individual is concerned about what other people think, i.e., cares about other people. Lack of embarrassment shows that one is well qualified to become a business executive, or perhaps a politician.

"The movie isn't ABOUT Spock at all, but it still feels as though the whole film has been leading up to his death."

"Worst. Modelling job. Ever. I am so firing my agent tomorrow."

When a movie adaptation is done of a book, it possible for the movie to be viewed and judged on its own merits. It's even possible for the movie adaptation to achieve a level of reverence that the book could never possibly have achieved on its own (i.e., The Godfather).

These things were common where I grew up in Hillbillylandia. People would put in a basement to prepare for a real house to replace the rusting out trailer, and then never get around to building the house.

Penn & Teller, because they're mean.

Hmmm. I seem to remember, just a few years ago, fanboys seeing a random picture of Heath Ledger made up as the Joker and declaring, absolutely, that "The Dark Knight" was going to absolutely suck green donkey dicks. I remember it well.

Why do you think Groundhog Day is when it is?