Posted on 01/30/2006 6:37:02 AM PST by Behind Liberal Lines
ITHACA, N.Y. -- You say you want an evolution? Cornell University and the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) will honor Charles Darwin Feb. 9-13 in a series of joint events that will mark the first official Darwin Day celebration for the Ithaca community.
Darwin Day, in existence since 2000, is an international celebration of Darwin's birthday (February 12) with a focus on the science and humanism that specifically relate to the work of Darwin, who remains controversial 150 years after the publication of his Origin of the Species. The year 2009 is the bicentennial of Darwin's birth and the sesquicentennial of the revolutionary book's first publication.
Events include panel discussions on the future of Darwinism in America and on the state of evolutionary biology; family activities at the Museum of the Earth; a lecture on teaching evolution and creationism; and films, including a new documentary on the controversy over intelligent design and a showing of the classic Inherit the Wind.
"Darwin Day is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon," said Warren Allmon, PRI director and adjunct associate professor at Cornell. "By collaborating on this celebration as well as the statement we issued in late December with the Cornell faculty on the Dover verdict, PRI and Cornell are assuming a greater role in educating the public about evolution and why it matters."
Hunter Rawlings, Cornell's interim president, in October made a strong statement decrying "the challenge to science posed by religiously-based opposition to evolution is described in its current form as 'intelligent design.'" He added, "This controversy raises profound questions about the nature of public discourse and what we teach in universities, and it has a profound effect on public policy."
The schedule for Darwin Day weekend events follows:
* Thursday, Feb. 9 -- "Where Do We Go From Here? The Future of Darwinism in American Society," at the Museum of the Earth, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This panel discussion, moderated by Cornell Provost Biddy Martin, will examine the impact of the recent Dover decision on the future of Darwinism. Panelists include Cornell faculty members Barbara Crawford, Sheila Ann Dean, Bruce Lewenstein, and Steven Shiffrin; and Janet Shortall, associate director of Cornell United Religious Works. Seating is limited, call (607) 273-6623, extension 33 for tickets.* Friday, Feb. 10 -- "Evolutionary Biology: Present and Future," Uris Hall Auditorium, Cornell campus, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Moderated by Stephen Kresovich, vice provost for life sciences with Cornell faculty members Richard Harrison, Amy McCune, Kern Reeve, Steve Tanksley and Mariana Wolfner.
* Friday, Feb. 10 -- "Inherit the Wind" (1960) Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York, Harry Morgan, Claude Akins and Norman Fell star in this classic film based on the 1925 Scopes monkey trial, a case about a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution. Warren Hall Auditorium, Cornell campus. 7 p.m - 9p.m.
* Saturday, Feb. 11 -- "Evolution and Creationism: An Educator's Guide to Evolution," Ray VanHoutte Classroom, Museum of the Earth, Noon-1 p.m. PRI director Warren Allmon will present the Natural History at Noon lecture.
* Saturday, Feb. 11 -- Darwin-related family activities that will engage visitors through games and demonstrations, utilizing museum exhibits and live specimens, including snakes courtesy of the Cayuga Nature Center. Museum of the Earth, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
* Sunday, Feb. 12 -- Special advance screening of the new film, "Flock of Dodos: the Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus," (2006) Filmmaker and biologist Randy Olson's new documentary probes the great communication struggle between evolution and intelligent design being waged in today's mainstream media. Olson will introduce the film and hold a discussion after the showing in David L. Call Alumni Auditorium, Kennedy Hall, Cornell campus, 7-9 p.m. Free.
* Monday, Feb. 13 -- "Evolution -- Why Bother?" a feature film made by the National Association of Biology Teachers. Panel discussion with Ithaca College faculty follows the film. Clark Lounge, Egbert Hall, Ithaca College. 3 p.m.-5 p.m./p>
"Basically, folks in this forum are grasping to find a political significance here."
No, this is a conservative forum.
Liberals, liberal apologists, and trolls don't fit that mission.
We have significance.
And a clear vision.
Does Ithaca still have a problem with the flag flying?
I wasn't spamming or being rude, I don't think. I would hope that if conservatives here were comfortable in their beliefs, they wouldn't mind an honest, polite debate. It seems that there is so much finger pointing these days from both sides, and insult, after all, is not valid "argument."
"I would hope that if conservatives here were comfortable in their beliefs, they wouldn't mind an honest, polite debate. "
"Despite the wailing of the liberal trolls and other doom & gloom naysayers, we feel no compelling need to allow them a platform to promote their repugnant and obnoxious propaganda from our forum. Free Republic is not a liberal debating society. We are conservative activists dedicated to defending our rights, defending our constitution, defending our republic and defending our traditional American way of life. " -Jim Robinson
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1103363/posts
We are not a liberal debating society.
We are for the advancement of conservative causes.
We do not debate liberals, they have no place here.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1573256/posts
We usually get liberals, and communists for what the differencee makes these days, like the guy at the link above.
He came here as 'SoLongCrooks', and posted a drawn out screed.
Then he came back here as 'ClassConscious'.
And pretended to be someone new.
So naturally your arrival makes me suspicious on top of the forum policy of 'we are not a liberal debating society'.
So far, every lib who has shown up has been here trolling FR previously.
I have yet to meet one who truthfully has not been here before.
Oh well. I would hope everyone in hear would agree that the nation could stand some open, honest debate. Unfortunately, like I think I mentioned above, there's mostly finger pointing and arm crossing, be in on the talk shows (on both sides of the political spectrum) or in the government or among the masses.
You all don't learn anything by being insular. If you want to hang out and get yourselves in a froth, this is an easy way to do it. But in the end, you're perpetuating half-truths. When you see the whole picture, there are lots of plusses to this town, and I'm sorry that Behind Liberal Lines and others don't see it.
By the way, I HAVE been here under a different name. It was Cayuga Lake, I think, but I couldn't figure out how I logged in, couldn't even remember which email address I had used.
Adios, Free Republic.
Sorry, we don't debate liberals.
That is the policy.
Got a problem with it?
Talk to the boss.
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