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About RET
Rationalists of East Tennessee is an organization created to benefit people by expanding understanding of the universe through the use of empirical and rational methods. Our purposes are as follows:
- To foster an environment suitable to free speech and exchange of ideas.
- To promote free inquiry into the nature of the universe and of human societies.
- To encourage critical thinking on all aspects of human life.
- To emphasize the importance of the scientific method.
- To explore ethical and intellectual alternatives to supernatural beliefs.
- To model humanistic ethics through service to the greater community.
- To provide a fellowship for people who share these purposes.
Visitors are Welcome
How Do I Join RET?
We welcome you to attend our meetings to find out more about us. Find out what we're doing next by browsing the calendar at left or by sending email to info@rationalists.org. Once you've decided we're a group you'd like to associate with, either download our brochure and fill out the blank or print the HTML application found here.
First Sunday Roundtable - Aug 1
Roundtable discussant: David Driscoll, Atheist Alliance International Ambassador for the Southeast
Mr. Driscoll is co-host of the American Freethought Podcast, www.americanfreethought.com, and host of the Secular Nation Podcast www.atheistalliance.org/podcast He will speak about the work of Atheist Alliance International and about freethinking topics of current concern.
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Posted by schadwick
July 28, 2010
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Suggest Books by August 8
Joan Omarzu has extended the deadline (to August 8th) for suggesting books.
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Posted by pking
July 27, 2010
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Cultural SIG
Shakespeare on the Square Friday, July 30th.
Aleta and Carl invite you all to consider attending the Tennessee Stage Company's production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) on Market Square at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 30, with them. (Lawn chairs recommended).
It is FREE but $5 is requested as a donation. It has three actors doing 36 plays in 90 minutes. We have seen this before and it is one of the funniest things you will ever see. We should try to meet at 6:30 to get good seating.
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Posted by schadwick
July 25, 2010
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Reflections on July 25th
There have been many debates over the years regarding the quality of journalism and how it may have varied over the decades.
• What are the key attributes of your favorite journalists?
• Do you think of journalism as a profession and, if so, do you think most journalists conduct themselves professionally?
• What practices do you wish reporters would improve or follow?
• What about the relatively new practice of "embedding" reporters with troops in combat situations?
• What are your favorite sources for world news?
• Does the mainstream media meet your needs or do you prefer electronic, visual, or auditory complementary or primary sources?
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Posted by schadwick
July 19, 2010
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Skeptic Book Club
It's that time again---time to suggest books for our next round of Skeptic Book Club meetings. Please choose a non-fiction book (or two)that covers a topic that you think will be of interest to our group. Suggest a book that you have read and found to be worthwhile. Also, you can recommend a book you have not read, if it has been recommended by a reviewer you respect and you have read other favorable reviews.
The deadline for suggesting books is July 26, so put on your thinking caps & SEND in your suggestions THIS WEEK!
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Posted by schadwick
July 18, 2010
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Bicycle Cades Cove by Moonlight; Outdoors SIG
I will be leading a tour of Cades Cove by moonlight. The 11-mile loop is
closed to automobile traffic at night. It has been repaved and is suitable
for either road (skinny tires) or mountain (fat tires) bicycles. There are
just a few hills; you can walk up the steeper parts if you haven't been
riding much. The ride is Saturday July 24, when the moon is full.
The park service requires a headlight and either a tail-light or a rear
reflector; rangers have been on the road enforcing this. I require that you
wear a helmet.
Take Lamar Alexander Parkway from Maryville through Townsend to the "Y".
Turn right on Laurel Creek Rd. to Cades Cove. Continue straight past the
Cades Cove Campground entrance on your left and park on the left side of
Laurel Creek Rd. just before the closed gate to the Cades Cove Loop. On the
night of the ride only, I can be reached at (865) 659-2042.
I hope to see you there!
Moonrise -- 7:58 PM
Ride begins -- 11:00 PM
Zenith -- 1:04 AM
Moonset -- 6:10 AM
Contact me for more information:
Eliot Specht
specht@alum.mit.edu
(865) 675-7467
Posted by espect
July 05, 2010
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