Theory of Everything found?
See here and here; using the E8 mathematical structure, a man by the name of Garrett Lisi has proposed a new model of physics that basically explains the Standard Model and predicts a few new particles that the LHC may be able to detect next year. This sounds cool. Here's his paper. Oh also, since it uses only the geometry he did this without calculus!
Note: This is technically not peer-reviewed research yet, it has only been submitted online to a free online paper-publishing site, so holes may yet be found, or not.
Teaching old dogs new tricks
A new book on shelves entitled There Is A God probes the story of Antony Flew's recent conversion from hardline atheist, to "Aristotelean Deist" as told by his Christian friends. The unfortunate thing here is that Flew is currently in a state of mind that he cannot remember conversations of 2 years ago, so he is easily wooed by his company of Evangelical friends. The New York Times probes this story best and is well worth the time to read (although it's a bit of a sad story).
Humanism, but no dolphinism, whaleism, or chimpanzeeism?
I have to say I agree with all of the statements of secular humanism with one minor objection: it's species-discriminatory. I think there's inherit worth in most living things, and there are enough signs of intelligence in dolphins, whales, and chimpanzees (among other species) that deserve recognition. And potentially all life has a certain worth to it, so why even discriminate to higher mammals?
The term Bright was coined in a similar vain to imply a naturalistic worldview that was moral and ethical. But it's unlikely to take off since the word bright can be seen as egotistical (and especially since religious people are unlikely to start calling themselves 'supers' in contrast - as it just sounds kinda ridiculous). Nevertheless, Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett still support this movement.
I did find through a friend the term 'eupraxsophy' which implies 'good practice and wisdom' and is meant as a naturalistic worldview that emphasizes an ethical and exuberant life. It also focuses on science, logic, and reason. This is championed by Paul Kurtz, founder of the Center for Inquiry and a lifelong sceptic. Unfortunately, this term is a bit less known, and was meant by Kurtz to simply "describe" secular humanism.
For now I'll call myself an atheist, freethinker, (follower of the ideas of) secular humanist, expraxsopher, naturalist, Bright, or any number of other things, just so long as you get the idea.
One last thing: none of the above groups represent a religion, at best they are "world views" or philosophies. I'll deal later with the difference between the two.
Climate Change? Yes
The BBC posted the top 10 sceptical responses to climate change (i.e. people trying to debunk the idea), and the scientific and critical responses to them. A very enlightening read. This is in response to the IPCC's soon to be released 2007 report.
Quick summary: climate change is happening, and it is very likely our fault. What are you going to do?
Atheist Motivational Poster
Here's my submission to the Friendly Atheists newest contest (made using the motivational poster creator)
Update: This poster placed 2nd!

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