Atheist group sues Bush, governor over National Day of Prayer


Recommended Posts

I thought that atheists believed there is no God and that agnostics lacked belief?

Invisible Pink Unicorns and the Flying Spaghetti Monster are not logical arguments at all. Not even close. It's an attempt to discredit your opponent by trying to make them look silly by comparing their claim to a completely and utterly stupid issue. It's deflecting the actual belief. How is that logical?! It's hiding behind not knowing the truth and attempting to make someone look less intelligent than they really are. Yeah, that's logical.

I'm sorry, but you can't say any argument is logical when you attempt to deflect the actual question at hand. It's a pretentious analogy that has no relevant background to even be brought up. The only purpose of the statement is to make the person you're arguing against seem inferior intellectually. Don't even try to say otherwise -- it's obvious. If it wasn't an attempt to humiliate/talk down to the other person you'd use a more feasible (but still unlikely) comparison.

I love the irony that in your attempts to argue that the FSM is not a logical argument, you present no logical argument whatsoever. You make some claims, but provide no evidence or logic. You clearly demonstrate your lack of understanding of logic.

Firstly, it does serve to discredit the person I argue against. I won't argue against that point. It does indeed make them look silly. Yet, that is the effect that is intended. I could choose any such idea of a supernatural creature, but the sillier concepts work to emphasize that the logic behind theism is faulty. Absolutely, it does have a intention to make your opponent "seem inferior intellectually". Yet, it is not using the FSM itself that does that, but using the logic of the FSM. However, it is not an "attempt to deflect the actual question at hand". You may claim that, but it is not truth.

Let me demonstrate how it is logically relevant. By using the logic of whomever you argue against to conclude ridiculous things, you call into question the logic itself. Recently, we have heard this logic (I have simplified it, so disregard the poor philosophical structure):

1. You cannot disprove my god

2. Therefore, he exists / it is likely that he exists / etc.

It may sound like fairly good logic. After all, how can I question your god when I have no evidence to support an argument of nonexistence? In this instance, we call into the logic of the Flying Spaghetti Monster:

1. You cannot disprove the Flying Spaghetti Monster

2. Therefore, he exists / it is likely that he exists / etc.

It merely calls into question that logic because both the Abrahamic god and the Flying Spaghetti Monster have equal evidence to their existence. They are at equal standing. However, with your god being realistic to many, we apply a silly concept to show that such logic is silly. To many atheists, the idea of God is just as silly. I could easily substitute 'god' or 'FSM' with 'book' or 'bird', but these aren't as silly. It is much more effective to use the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

The logic even works with advanced theistic thought, some that are often considered sound and not unreasonable. Take the argument from creation (teleological argument) as an example. Again, if I put it simply (disregarding the full argument in favour of a quick one):

1. The world is too complex to be the product of nature.

2. The complexity must be from an intelligent designer.

3. This intelligent designer is God.

Not a bad argument. However, should we substitute the Flying Spaghetti Monster:

1. The world is too complex to be the product of nature.

2. The complexity must be from an intelligent designer.

3. This intelligent designer is the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

It introduces the concept that too often in philosophy, theists will choose to ensure that their beliefs be justified. In the teleological argument, if we choose to accept it (which I do not; but I will speak hypothetically), then all we have is an intelligent designer. We don't know who this designer is. It could be the FSM. Many philosophical arguments will conclude the existence of God, but realistically, they merely conclude the existence of a higher being. It could be the FSM.

Overall, the Flying Spaghetti Monster serves as a reminder that with the lack of evidence for God, any such being can be substituted and make as much sense logically. There is an equal amount of evidence: None.

Lastly, I would like to note part of your writing. When I use the FSM, it is certainly not "hiding behind not knowing the truth". It is completely open that I do not know the truth. 'I do not know' is what any rational person should think. You cannot say to me that you know the truth of the meaning of life, what happens after death, or any other question we have. You have merely chosen one answer and stuck to it vehemently without evidence whatsoever. It is irrational to choose to do so.

I'm sorry, but you can't say any argument is logical when you attempt to deflect the actual question at hand.

Okay, let's take a look at the question at hand.

An omnipotent omniscient god created two faulty humans and told them not to eat an apple. The humans ate the apple, and god, the loving being that he is, condemned the whole human race for eternity. He ordered countless murders and acted like a villain in the OT, but suddenly he changes. He rapes a virgin, and she gives birth to his son. His son pays for the sins of humanity (wait, humanity? what about god's sins from OT? doesn't he have to pay?) by dying on a cross.

I see, now it makes much more sense. :whistle:

R-Flex, how dare you compare this with a Pink Unicorn? :rolleyes:

Okay, let's take a look at the question at hand.

An omnipotent omniscient god created two faulty humans and told them not to eat an apple. The humans ate the apple, and god, the loving being that he is, condemned the whole human race for eternity. He ordered countless murders and acted like a villain in the OT, but suddenly he changes. He rapes a virgin, and she gives birth to his son. His son pays for the sins of humanity (wait, humanity? what about god's sins from OT? doesn't he have to pay?) by dying on a cross.

I see, now it makes much more sense. :whistle:

R-Flex, how dare you compare this with a Pink Unicorn? :rolleyes:

Didn't you know? The Pink Unicorn baby died on a rainbow for YOUR sins!

Actually, religion should not be involved in ANYTHING and, like a viral infection in the human body, should be eradicated completely!

That four word statement is laughable and also illogical. Trusting in something that does not exist and was made up from the minds of other mortal men? Pfft, that's weakness personified!

What about holidays, such as Christmas and the Easter holidays?

Okay, let's take a look at the question at hand.

An omnipotent omniscient god created two faulty humans and told them not to eat an apple. The humans ate the apple, and god, the loving being that he is, condemned the whole human race for eternity. He ordered countless murders and acted like a villain in the OT, but suddenly he changes. He rapes a virgin, and she gives birth to his son. His son pays for the sins of humanity (wait, humanity? what about god's sins from OT? doesn't he have to pay?) by dying on a cross.

I see, now it makes much more sense. :whistle:

R-Flex, how dare you compare this with a Pink Unicorn? :rolleyes:

You're discussing RELIGION. I am discussing A SUPREME BEING. Please at least attempt to comprehend the difference.

I love the irony that in your attempts to argue that the FSM is not a logical argument, you present no logical argument whatsoever. You make some claims, but provide no evidence or logic. You clearly demonstrate your lack of understanding of logic.

Firstly, it does serve to discredit the person I argue against. I won't argue against that point. It does indeed make them look silly. Yet, that is the effect that is intended. I could choose any such idea of a supernatural creature, but the sillier concepts work to emphasize that the logic behind theism is faulty. Absolutely, it does have a intention to make your opponent "seem inferior intellectually". Yet, it is not using the FSM itself that does that, but using the logic of the FSM. However, it is not an "attempt to deflect the actual question at hand". You may claim that, but it is not truth.

Let me demonstrate how it is logically relevant. By using the logic of whomever you argue against to conclude ridiculous things, you call into question the logic itself. Recently, we have heard this logic (I have simplified it, so disregard the poor philosophical structure):

1. You cannot disprove my god

2. Therefore, he exists / it is likely that he exists / etc.

It may sound like fairly good logic. After all, how can I question your god when I have no evidence to support an argument of nonexistence? In this instance, we call into the logic of the Flying Spaghetti Monster:

1. You cannot disprove the Flying Spaghetti Monster

2. Therefore, he exists / it is likely that he exists / etc.

It merely calls into question that logic because both the Abrahamic god and the Flying Spaghetti Monster have equal evidence to their existence. They are at equal standing. However, with your god being realistic to many, we apply a silly concept to show that such logic is silly. To many atheists, the idea of God is just as silly. I could easily substitute 'god' or 'FSM' with 'book' or 'bird', but these aren't as silly. It is much more effective to use the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

The logic even works with advanced theistic thought, some that are often considered sound and not unreasonable. Take the argument from creation (teleological argument) as an example. Again, if I put it simply (disregarding the full argument in favour of a quick one):

1. The world is too complex to be the product of nature.

2. The complexity must be from an intelligent designer.

3. This intelligent designer is God.

Not a bad argument. However, should we substitute the Flying Spaghetti Monster:

1. The world is too complex to be the product of nature.

2. The complexity must be from an intelligent designer.

3. This intelligent designer is the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

It introduces the concept that too often in philosophy, theists will choose to ensure that their beliefs be justified. In the teleological argument, if we choose to accept it (which I do not; but I will speak hypothetically), then all we have is an intelligent designer. We don't know who this designer is. It could be the FSM. Many philosophical arguments will conclude the existence of God, but realistically, they merely conclude the existence of a higher being. It could be the FSM.

Overall, the Flying Spaghetti Monster serves as a reminder that with the lack of evidence for God, any such being can be substituted and make as much sense logically. There is an equal amount of evidence: None.

Lastly, I would like to note part of your writing. When I use the FSM, it is certainly not "hiding behind not knowing the truth". It is completely open that I do not know the truth. 'I do not know' is what any rational person should think. You cannot say to me that you know the truth of the meaning of life, what happens after death, or any other question we have. You have merely chosen one answer and stuck to it vehemently without evidence whatsoever. It is irrational to choose to do so.

Your argument is amusing. You simply say I'm not being logical because you say so... you do nothing at all to say why it isn't logical. You just go on a tirade. At least I supported my point somehow. :rolleyes:

It is an attempt to deflect the argument at hand because you are purposefully deflecting the question and attempting to make the person you're arguing with look stupid! You admitted the latter as much yourself. If you're trying to focus your attention on making someone else look inferior in any way, it is deflecting the issue. That is almost the very definition of deflecting an issue.

All you do in your "argument" (your "steps") is replace the word "God" with "Flying Spaghetti Monster." You say it's a good argument the first time, but when you replace the word "God" with "Flying Spaghetti Monster" it suddenly becomes a flawed argument... I'm sorry, but what kind of logic is that? Furthermore, what you essentially said wasn't the argument. You're arguing agnosticism, not atheism, buddy. Yet again: there's a reason it's called "belief," as I've stated before.

You even admit that my stance is correct in that you're trying to discredit or make your opponent look silly... again, how on earth is that logical at all? That is weak debating skills. If you've ever been in an actual debate, believe me, that's about as big a cardinal sin as saying "nuh-uh, you're wrong!"

It's hilarious to me that you attempt to pigeonhole people into one specific group of how they'll argue about God. That's absolutely ludicrous to me. Stereotyping an entire group of people is akin to racism in my book; I'm sure if someone said something negative about atheists as a whole when it really only applied to a specific section you'd be pretty darn ****ed off. Why on earth would you do that exact same thing to others?

Next time you're going to accuse someone of not having evidence, make sure you have some of your own... oh, wait, it's an argument on beliefs (not the subject, but of arguing) and evidence isn't possible? Now isn't that ironic! :laugh: Please, you can sit here and say I'm being illogical all day, but clearly our definition of illogical is completely different, as you even admitted that you agreed with me on what you're attempting to accomplish with such arguments.

You're discussing RELIGION. I am discussing A SUPREME BEING. Please at least attempt to comprehend the difference.

Your argument is amusing. You simply say I'm not being logical because you say so... you do nothing at all to say why it isn't logical. You just go on a tirade. At least I supported my point somehow. :rolleyes:

It is an attempt to deflect the argument at hand because you are purposefully deflecting the question and attempting to make the person you're arguing with look stupid! You admitted the latter as much yourself. If you're trying to focus your attention on making someone else look inferior in any way, it is deflecting the issue. That is almost the very definition of deflecting an issue.

All you do in your "argument" (your "steps") is replace the word "God" with "Flying Spaghetti Monster." You say it's a good argument the first time, but when you replace the word "God" with "Flying Spaghetti Monster" it suddenly becomes a flawed argument... I'm sorry, but what kind of logic is that? Furthermore, what you essentially said wasn't the argument. You're arguing agnosticism, not atheism, buddy. Yet again: there's a reason it's called "belief," as I've stated before.

You even admit that my stance is correct in that you're trying to discredit or make your opponent look silly... again, how on earth is that logical at all? That is weak debating skills. If you've ever been in an actual debate, believe me, that's about as big a cardinal sin as saying "nuh-uh, you're wrong!"

It's hilarious to me that you attempt to pigeonhole people into one specific group of how they'll argue about God. That's absolutely ludicrous to me. Stereotyping an entire group of people is akin to racism in my book; I'm sure if someone said something negative about atheists as a whole when it really only applied to a specific section you'd be pretty darn ****ed off. Why on earth would you do that exact same thing to others?

Next time you're going to accuse someone of not having evidence, make sure you have some of your own... oh, wait, it's an argument on beliefs (not the subject, but of arguing) and evidence isn't possible? Now isn't that ironic! :laugh: Please, you can sit here and say I'm being illogical all day, but clearly our definition of illogical is completely different, as you even admitted that you agreed with me on what you're attempting to accomplish with such arguments.

All I have heard from you is repeated condescending attitudes and laughing mockeries. If you have any evidence for the existence of God, or any philosophical arguments whatsoever, I'd be glad to refute them, but I'd rather not be insulted as a form of debate. All I have done is explain why the Flying Spaghetti Monster is used for philosophical arguments, and you do not understand its significance.

The significance of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is that it is equally as likely to exist as your god does. If we accept many of the philosophical arguments for the existence of God, then it follows that we could accept that same logic for the existence of any possible being- Up to and including very silly things such as the Flying Spaghetti Monster. That is the point of the FSM, to demonstrate that just as it is silly, the logic arguing for existence is silly.

I'm sorry, I don't comprehend what I'm being condescending about here? Because I disagree with you? If you're referring to that first quote, maybe you should re-read what I quoted and tell me how that is not condescending. If someone wants to act condescending toward me and doesn't even comprehend what the discussion is about, I have absolutely no qualms with returning the favor. If you're referring to me mocking you for making fun of my "logic" when you use absolutely no logic of your own, then: sorry, get used to it. Don't be a hypocrite. If my logic is flawed, yours is just as flawed... especially when you say that the same argument, only with a different title, is somehow more flawed when you change the name.

Here's the problem: you're viewing things from your own perspective. I make no false pretenses that I'm not going to respond to sarcasm with sarcasm. But maybe you should read what I'm quoting next time and look at it from my perspective before you start pointing fingers, pal.

And the "significance" of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is exactly what you already admitted... that it's an attempt to defame the person you're arguing against. That's not an argument; that's a mockery. It's funny that you say the argument for a supreme being is "fairly goods" (direct quote -- your own words; not taking that out of context), but that when you change the name it suddenly becomes a weaker argument. Do you not see the fallacy in that logic? If Albert Einstein were named Billy Bob Diddlyjoe, would he have been any less intelligent? Less respected, sure, but not any less intelligent. And that's exactly what the "Flying Spaghetti Monster" is for -- not to show a flaw in an argument, but to make it less respected.

And that's exactly what the "Flying Spaghetti Monster" is for -- not to show a flaw in an argument, but to make it less respected.

Well yeah ... when you show a flaw in an argument, generally it becomes less respected. Honestly now, why would you respect a flawed argument?

You're discussing RELIGION. I am discussing A SUPREME BEING. Please at least attempt to comprehend the difference.

Without religion there's no point in the being. Religion is the only difference between the Pink Unicorn and god. But, if you wanna take that away from god, fine with me.

Oh and, "I am discussing a supreme being" isn't really worth anything when you believe in the being I wrote about. ;) Are you ashamed of it?

It's hilarious to me that you attempt to pigeonhole people into one specific group of how they'll argue about God. That's absolutely ludicrous to me. Stereotyping an entire group of people is akin to racism in my book; I'm sure if someone said something negative about atheists as a whole when it really only applied to a specific section you'd be pretty darn ****ed off. Why on earth would you do that exact same thing to others?

It is a defense mechanism. The reasoning is completely different depending on what side of the issue you stand on.

I use to be a very religious person, and for some reason all I could see was persecution from non-believers. It seemed like they were taking over the country, and all these horrible things were going to happen when they did.

I've since changed my mind about the issue. Grown older, thought more about life and things. Now it seems like the complete opposite. The religious people seem to have been responsible for the most persecution across all of history and even today.

So it is a classic case of everyone thinks the other person is wrong and can not grasp basic logic. That is the trick about logic, it is always put in a frame. What is logical has a lot to do with what is moral. The two are intertwined for everyone.

As an agnostic I have to agree with the outrage against "National Day of Prayer." However, I am so so sick of seeing "So-in-so sues so-in-so."

What monetary compensation do you need for a holiday?

If you want to make a difference, if you want to separate church and state, protest!

Or create Yay For Atheists Day!

Everyone will be much, much happier.

If someone wants to act condescending toward me and doesn't even comprehend what the discussion is about, I have absolutely no qualms with returning the favor. If you're referring to me mocking you for making fun of my "logic" when you use absolutely no logic of your own, then: sorry, get used to it. Don't be a hypocrite.

Here's the problem: you're viewing things from your own perspective. I make no false pretenses that I'm not going to respond to sarcasm with sarcasm. But maybe you should read what I'm quoting next time and look at it from my perspective before you start pointing fingers, pal.

I would repeat these parts right back at you.

You say that the same argument, only with a different title, is somehow more flawed when you change the name.

And the "significance" of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is exactly what you already admitted... that it's an attempt to defame the person you're arguing against. That's not an argument; that's a mockery. It's funny that you say the argument for a supreme being is "fairly goods" (direct quote -- your own words; not taking that out of context), but that when you change the name it suddenly becomes a weaker argument. Do you not see the fallacy in that logic? If Albert Einstein were named Billy Bob Diddlyjoe, would he have been any less intelligent? Less respected, sure, but not any less intelligent. And that's exactly what the "Flying Spaghetti Monster" is for -- not to show a flaw in an argument, but to make it less respected.

You still do not understand it at all.

Firstly, when I referred to some theistic arguments as "fairly good", I was speaking about those that aren't immediately rejected by the philosophical community. Some philosophers do advocate them. I do not find them sound; perhaps I should have been more clear.

As for the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I am not saying that using the FSM instead of God creates a weaker argument only by the name being changed. What it does illustrate is that much of the logic used to justify the existence of God can be equally applied to arguing for the existence of the FSM. The logic is completely equivalent, and by using a silly being such as the FSM, it becomes clear that the argument must be flawed. Usually, the argument is logically flawed well before the FSM enters the argument, but too many people use illogical arguments, and the FSM serves to better show why it is illogical. Neither do I get your point about Albert Einstein, as that has no analogous relevance whatsoever.

You're discussing RELIGION. I am discussing A SUPREME BEING. Please at least attempt to comprehend the difference.

Your argument is amusing. You simply say I'm not being logical because you say so... you do nothing at all to say why it isn't logical. You just go on a tirade. At least I supported my point somehow. :rolleyes:

It is an attempt to deflect the argument at hand because you are purposefully deflecting the question and attempting to make the person you're arguing with look stupid! You admitted the latter as much yourself. If you're trying to focus your attention on making someone else look inferior in any way, it is deflecting the issue. That is almost the very definition of deflecting an issue.

All you do in your "argument" (your "steps") is replace the word "God" with "Flying Spaghetti Monster." You say it's a good argument the first time, but when you replace the word "God" with "Flying Spaghetti Monster" it suddenly becomes a flawed argument... I'm sorry, but what kind of logic is that? Furthermore, what you essentially said wasn't the argument. You're arguing agnosticism, not atheism, buddy. Yet again: there's a reason it's called "belief," as I've stated before.

You even admit that my stance is correct in that you're trying to discredit or make your opponent look silly... again, how on earth is that logical at all? That is weak debating skills. If you've ever been in an actual debate, believe me, that's about as big a cardinal sin as saying "nuh-uh, you're wrong!"

It's hilarious to me that you attempt to pigeonhole people into one specific group of how they'll argue about God. That's absolutely ludicrous to me. Stereotyping an entire group of people is akin to racism in my book; I'm sure if someone said something negative about atheists as a whole when it really only applied to a specific section you'd be pretty darn ****ed off. Why on earth would you do that exact same thing to others?

Next time you're going to accuse someone of not having evidence, make sure you have some of your own... oh, wait, it's an argument on beliefs (not the subject, but of arguing) and evidence isn't possible? Now isn't that ironic! :laugh: Please, you can sit here and say I'm being illogical all day, but clearly our definition of illogical is completely different, as you even admitted that you agreed with me on what you're attempting to accomplish with such arguments.

Well said Sir!

Wow, seems like the ability to not believe in God is still looked down upon by the religious communities worldwide. I tend to believe that time wasted debating anything outside of my control, is possibly the worst thing I could do with this relatively short stay on Earth. Live, people. Breathe, take pictures, see sights, do what you can before the worms start eating your eyes out 6ft under!

Well yeah ... when you show a flaw in an argument, generally it becomes less respected. Honestly now, why would you respect a flawed argument?

You may want to read that quote -- apparently you didn't. I said when there's no flaw. ;)

I would repeat these parts right back at you.

You still do not understand it at all.

Firstly, when I referred to some theistic arguments as "fairly good", I was speaking about those that aren't immediately rejected by the philosophical community. Some philosophers do advocate them. I do not find them sound; perhaps I should have been more clear.

As for the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I am not saying that using the FSM instead of God creates a weaker argument only by the name being changed. What it does illustrate is that much of the logic used to justify the existence of God can be equally applied to arguing for the existence of the FSM. The logic is completely equivalent, and by using a silly being such as the FSM, it becomes clear that the argument must be flawed. Usually, the argument is logically flawed well before the FSM enters the argument, but too many people use illogical arguments, and the FSM serves to better show why it is illogical. Neither do I get your point about Albert Einstein, as that has no analogous relevance whatsoever.

Firstly, it doesn't matter. You referred to them as a "fairly good argument," regardless of what you were specifically referring to, you said it wasn't a bad argument, agreed? Yet when you replace the name with "Flying Spaghetti Monster" it's suddenly a lesser argument? That's not even remotely true. It's a less respected argument because that's what you set out to do -- make it less respected, and thus make people think less of it. But it's the exact same argument. Period.

And your argument is absolutely ludicrous. Giving God a different name and simply calling him the Flying Spaghetti Monster doesn't change the fact that you're arguing about a supreme being. Usually the argument is logically flawed before the Flying Spaghetti Monster enters the argument? Again: please stop stereotyping.

The point about Albert Einstein is the EXACT same thing you're doing here. It is a DIRECT ANALOGY.

@ mac: If you're referring to me, I'm not looking down upon their beliefs at all. I'm pretty sure the exact opposite is occurring.

Weak Atheism = I don't believe there is a god.

Strong Atheism = I believe there is no god.

More like:

Weak = I don't believe there is a god.

Strong = G-what?

Because if you don't acknowledge the existence of a god, you don't need to believe in that fact.

Without religion there's no point in the being. Religion is the only difference between the Pink Unicorn and god. But, if you wanna take that away from god, fine with me.

Oh and, "I am discussing a supreme being" isn't really worth anything when you believe in the being I wrote about. ;) Are you ashamed of it?

Sorry, but this is what happens when you make assumptions -- it makes you look like an idiot. I do not believe what you wrote about, and therefore I am not ashamed of it. Maybe you should think before you attempt to categorize me. You're too busy trying to create a fury in me where it does not exist to actually attempt to realize that not everyone who disagrees with you is the same.

You may want to read that quote -- apparently you didn't. I said when there's no flaw. ;)

Firstly, it doesn't matter. You referred to them as a "fairly good argument," regardless of what you were specifically referring to, you said it wasn't a bad argument, agreed? Yet when you replace the name with "Flying Spaghetti Monster" it's suddenly a lesser argument? That's not even remotely true. It's a less respected argument because that's what you set out to do -- make it less respected, and thus make people think less of it. But it's the exact same argument. Period.

And your argument is absolutely ludicrous. Giving God a different name and simply calling him the Flying Spaghetti Monster doesn't change the fact that you're arguing about a supreme being. Usually the argument is logically flawed before the Flying Spaghetti Monster enters the argument? Again: please stop stereotyping.

The point about Albert Einstein is the EXACT same thing you're doing here. It is a DIRECT ANALOGY.

@ mac: If you're referring to me, I'm not looking down upon their beliefs at all. I'm pretty sure the exact opposite is occurring.

Screw it. You have no clue what I'm talking about, and will likely never understand. I'm finished here.

I believe the thread ended here:

I definitely like the idea of this lawsuit. You can ignore this "National Day of Prayer" (I definitely do), but the fact is that the President and many other government officials are endorsing religion by creating and supporting such a holiday. That is where it crosses the line.

Religion needs to be completely kept out of politics.

The original topic has driven into if "not believing" is believing and so forth. The original argument isn't about any of that though. It's about whether a national day of prayer should exist. Government and religion are supposed to be separated, and this day definitely goes against that.

While many of us couldn't give a sh-- (myself included), it doesn't mean we should allow for it. We either stand for the constitution or we can continue turning our heads every time our government wants to make a change. It's your decision.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • If Valve refused to let them make the case, I wonder if they've already partnered with someone else to do it? The fact that they didn't seek permission/licence before diving straight in is incredible though
    • OpenClaw now has native mobile apps on iOS and Android by Karthik Mudaliar OpenClaw, the viral open-source personal AI agent, now has its own mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. Users can pair the app with an existing OpenClaw gateway and can start using new mobile-native features that are now available on the app. The app supports all the existing features you'd already have seen on OpenClaw's TUI, as well as some more, such as real-time and background Talk mode, action approvals, sharing from iOS, and optional access to device capabilities such as camera, screen, location, photos, contacts, calendar, and reminders. These features are available on both the Android and iOS versions of the app. What's important with these apps is that they don't run OpenClaw on your phone, but are actually just companion apps that require a running OpenClaw Gateway on an existing device, on macOS, Linux, or Windows via WSL2. To pair the app with your existing OpenClaw gateway, users need to run the command "/pair qr" on the TUI or existing chat interface, which brings up a QR code. Users can then scan this QR code to pair it up with the mobile app. There's also an option to manually pair the app by entering the host and a port. Previously, OpenClaw had been available on phones via WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Matrix, and others. Now, with a native mobile app, the interface is much cleaner and more focused on just the OpenClaw, of course, with the added support for camera, screen, location, and more. It's important to note that OpenClaw comes with its own security warnings. There's always a chance of prompt injection with these tools, so users are recommended to double-check authentication, tool policy, sandboxing, and execution approvals rather than prompts alone. For users well-versed with the AI harness, a native mobile app makes it easier to approve an automation, share a link, use voice, or let an agent react to phone-side context.
    • Google pitches Spanner as one database for all AI agents with these new featues by Karthik Mudaliar Google Cloud is introducing new features within Spanner, its distributed database, as a place where enterprises should keep their data, using which AI agents could make smarter and better decisions. In a detailed blog post, Google highlighted quite a few features coming to Spanner, including relational data, graph relationships, vector search, key-value access, full-text search, and operational analytics together in one database architecture. Google says that today's systems aren't well-made for AI agents. There could be data that is present in one system, search indexes in another, embeddings in a vector database, and relationship data in a graph database. This fragmentation isn't great for AI agents to do their jobs because they don't have access to all of this data in one place. This is where Google is positioning Spanner as a solution. Spanner is already a globally distributed relational database with strong consistency, and Google wants its customers to see it as a broader data layer for AI applications. The company introduced something called Spanner Graph, along with integrated vector search, full-text search, a Cassandra-compatible key-value endpoint, and a columnar engine for analytical queries on operational data. Google also added that its ScaNN-powered vector search can support indexes with more than 10 billion vectors, while the columnar engine can make some analytical scans up to 200 times faster. All of this isn't just exclusive to the Google Cloud Platform, and there's support for multi-cloud as well. This comes via Spanner Omni, which Google says is a downloadable, containerized version of Spanner that can run on Kubernetes and in environments outside Google Cloud, including Microsoft Azure and AWS, and even on-premises infrastructure as well as edge deployments. Google says that customers who are interested in the full-featured edition should contact the company, and there's no word on commercial availability or separate pricing. Those interested can read the full blog by Google Cloud, which details these features individually.
    • Kalmuri 4.2.5 by Razvan Serea Kalmuri is your all-in-one, portable screen capture and recording solution designed for speed, simplicity, and flexibility. Whether you need a full-screen snapshot, a custom area, a scrolling webpage, or smooth video recording, Kalmuri delivers with ease. Capture text instantly from images with built-in OCR, keep floating images on top for quick reference, and use the precise color picker for perfect design matching. Customize hotkeys to work your way and share results instantly with built-in upload options. Kalmuri runs without installation, making it ideal for USB use, and offers an intuitive interface that’s easy to learn. Kalmuri key features: Video recording support (designation of whole screen and area) Whole screen, active program, window control, area application Extract text from images using optical character recognition (OCR). Support for PNG, JPG, WEBP, BMP, GIF file formats MP4 video recording powered by FFmpeg for high-quality results Full web page capture Share the captured image on the web Color extraction function Printer output Hotkey settings Adjustable via keyboard for area capture (Arrow key, Ctrl+Arrow key, Shift+Arrow key) File name format (sequential, datetime) Free to use it at work, at home, in government offices, at school, etc. Using Kalmuri portable for video recording Kalmuri’s portable version doesn’t include FFmpeg, which is required for video recording. Without it, you’ll get an “error FFmpeg.exe not found” message. To fix this, download FFmpeg from the provided link, extract it, and place FFmpeg.exe in Kalmuri’s folder. Kalmuri will then recognize it automatically, allowing you to start recording in high quality instantly. Kalmuri 4.2.5 changelog: Fixed an intermittent crash when using Area Capture Improved stability for Area Capture and screen recording Resolved a capture issue that could occur right after startup Download: Kalmuri 4.2.5 | 24.2 MB (Freeware) Download: Kalmuri Portable 4.2.5 | 2.1 MB View: Kalmuri Website | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      rosiecharles earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      Juan Dela earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Collagen Project earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      Wakeen1966 earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Rookie
      Almohandis went up a rank
      Rookie
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      516
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      273
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      143
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      98
    5. 5
      macoman
      54
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!