Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Hollywood

2020-12-21T04:22:56Z

Mcaser: Added "Hollywood Values" reference

[[Image:Hollywood sign.jpg|thumb|right]]
'''Hollywood''' is a district located in the city of [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]. It is the historic base of the movie industry, although the studios have mostly moved out. "Hollywood" now generally refers to the entertainment industry and its culture (see: [[Hollywood Values]]), which is based primarily in Los Angeles County.

Hollywood is famous for its self-centeredness, [[liberal]] claptrap, and lack of independent thinking. Nearly all supported [[Barack Obama]] in robotic fashion. Robert DeNiro was no exception, insisting that Obama would "do better in the next four years."<ref>https://thehill.com/video/campaign/225485-de-niro-obama-will-do-better-in-the-next-four-years-</ref> Likewise, almost all of Hollywood's public figures opposed [[Donald Trump]].

Writers such as [[Michael Medved]],<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-vs-America-Michael-Medved/dp/0060924357</ref> [[Michael Crichton]] and [[Ben Shapiro]] have criticized Hollywood.

== See also ==
* [[Hollywood values]]: [[Liberalism]], [[Homosexual agenda]] and [[Gun control]]
* [[Liberal values]] and [[San Francisco values]]
* [[Los Angeles]]
* [[Bollywood]] in [[Mumbai]], [[India]]

== Further reading ==
* Balio, Tino. ''Grand Design: Hollywood as a Modern Business Enterprise, 1930-1939.'' (1993). 483 pp.
* May, Lary. ''The Big Tomorrow: Hollywood and the Politics of the American Way'' (2000)
* Schatz, Thomas. ''The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era.'' (1988). 492 pp.
* Vaughn, Stephen. ''Ronald Reagan in Hollywood: Movies and Politics.'' (1994). 359 pp.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.city-data.com/city/West-Hollywood-California.html Hollywood, California] on [[City-data.com]]

[[Category:Tourist Attractions]]
[[Category:Cinema]]
[[Category:Hollywood]]
[[Category:California Cities and Towns]]
[[Category:Urban History]]
[[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]
[[Category:Liberalism]]
[[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]
[[Category:Movies]]
[[Category:Celebrities]]
[[Category:Hollywood Values]]
[[Category:Most Liberal American Cities]]

Talmud

2020-12-10T06:13:32Z

Mcaser: Corrected Biblical citation error in previous revision

[[Image:Talmud.jpg|right]]
The '''Talmud''' (Hebrew: '''תלמוד''') (also "Gemara" גמרא) is one of the central documents in [[Judaism]]. It is a series of rabbinical discussions based on the [[Mishna]], and, in [[Judaism]], is considered part of the Oral law that was given to [[Moses]] along with the written [[Torah]].

It is important for Christians to recognize that the Talmud is overly legalistic and the Oral Law is obsolete as a result of the crucifixion of [[Jesus Christ]].<ref>Romans 3:28, Bible, ESV version</ref> According to the New Testament, any man who attempts to earn salvation through the Law is committing a sin due to not placing trust in God alone.<ref>Galatians 2:21, Bible, ESV version</ref> However, at the same time, Christians have a Biblical duty<ref>Romans 11:17-20, Bible, ESV version</ref> to rebuke the [[Liberal lies|lies]] spread by false antisemitic teachers about the Talmud.<ref>http://talmud.faithweb.com/</ref> This is especially important given that dozens of moral teachings from [[Jesus Christ]] are of Rabbinic Jewish origin and thus have parallels in the Talmud.<ref>https://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/rio/rio10.htm</ref>

Modern editions of the Talmud (most of which printed from plates of a [[Medieval]] Italian edition) consist of the Mishna, the Gemara, and the commentaries of various scholars. The Mishna was recorded in [[Hebrew]] by a Rabbi named Yehudah HaNasi ("Judah the Prince") around [[Anno Domini|A.D.]] 200. He realized that the oral traditions were in danger of being lost after the destruction of the [[Second Temple]] in Jerusalem. The longer part of the Talmud, the Gemara, records ongoing discussions and debates among Rabbis over the three centuries following the creation of the Mishna. It is written in [[Aramaic]].

For a thousand years, the Talmud was preserved in hand-scribed editions. A printed edition was made not long after the invention of movable type. The standard Vilna edition of the Talmud encompasses 2711 large two-sided pages, or folios. The text of the Mishna is interspersed with the Gemara that comments on it. Both texts are surrounded on the printed page with later commentaries.

There are two versions of the Talmud, [[Babylon]] (Bavli) and [[Jerusalem]] (Yerushalmi). Both are accepted but the Babylonian Talmud is more extensive and more widely studied. Both are available in translation to English, Modern Hebrew, and many other languages.

== See also ==

*[[Torah]]
*[[What is Torah, what is Talmud]]
*[[Essay: Christians and the Law of Moses]]

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Judaism]]

Talmud

2020-12-10T06:12:31Z

Mcaser: Explained how Christians should view the Oral Law

[[Image:Talmud.jpg|right]]
The '''Talmud''' (Hebrew: '''תלמוד''') (also "Gemara" גמרא) is one of the central documents in [[Judaism]]. It is a series of rabbinical discussions based on the [[Mishna]], and, in [[Judaism]], is considered part of the Oral law that was given to [[Moses]] along with the written [[Torah]].

It is important for Christians to recognize that the Talmud is overly legalistic and the Oral Law is obsolete as a result of the crucifixion of [[Jesus Christ]].<ref>Romans 3:28, Bible, ESV version</ref> According to the New Testament, any man who attempts to earn salvation through the Law is committing a sin due to not placing trust in God alone.<ref>Galatians 2:21, Bible, ESV version</ref> However, at the same time, Christians have a Biblical duty<ref>Romans 20:17-20, Bible, ESV version</ref> to rebuke the [[Liberal lies|lies]] spread by false antisemitic teachers about the Talmud.<ref>http://talmud.faithweb.com/</ref> This is especially important given that dozens of moral teachings from [[Jesus Christ]] are of Rabbinic Jewish origin and thus have parallels in the Talmud.<ref>https://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/rio/rio10.htm</ref>

Modern editions of the Talmud (most of which printed from plates of a [[Medieval]] Italian edition) consist of the Mishna, the Gemara, and the commentaries of various scholars. The Mishna was recorded in [[Hebrew]] by a Rabbi named Yehudah HaNasi ("Judah the Prince") around [[Anno Domini|A.D.]] 200. He realized that the oral traditions were in danger of being lost after the destruction of the [[Second Temple]] in Jerusalem. The longer part of the Talmud, the Gemara, records ongoing discussions and debates among Rabbis over the three centuries following the creation of the Mishna. It is written in [[Aramaic]].

For a thousand years, the Talmud was preserved in hand-scribed editions. A printed edition was made not long after the invention of movable type. The standard Vilna edition of the Talmud encompasses 2711 large two-sided pages, or folios. The text of the Mishna is interspersed with the Gemara that comments on it. Both texts are surrounded on the printed page with later commentaries.

There are two versions of the Talmud, [[Babylon]] (Bavli) and [[Jerusalem]] (Yerushalmi). Both are accepted but the Babylonian Talmud is more extensive and more widely studied. Both are available in translation to English, Modern Hebrew, and many other languages.

== See also ==

*[[Torah]]
*[[What is Torah, what is Talmud]]
*[[Essay: Christians and the Law of Moses]]

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Judaism]]

Vladimir Zelenko

2020-12-10T05:47:51Z

Mcaser: Added "Patriot" and "Former Atheist" categories

[[File:Hydroxychloroquine.png|thumb|right|200px|Dr. Zelenko has successfully used [[hydroxychloroquine]] (chemical diagram shown), antibiotics and zinc to treat [[coronavirus]] patients.]]
Zev '''Vladimir Zelenko''', M.D. is a [[New York State]] doctor who has treated over 1,450 [[coronavirus]] patients using [[hydroxychloroquine]], azithromycin and zinc sulfate with 99.9% success rate (2 deaths).<ref>[https://techstartups.com/2020/04/21/dr-vladimir-zelenko-now-treated-1450-coronavirus-patients-2-deaths-using-hydroxychloroquine-99-99-success-rate-latest-video-interview/ Dr. Vladimir Zelenko has now treated over 1,450 coronavirus patients (2 deaths) using hydroxychloroquine with 99.99% success rate (latest video interview)], Techstartups.com</ref> See also: [[Vladimir Zelenko's coronavirus treatment]]

With his first 350 [[coronavirus]] patients in March 2020, Zelenko had a 100% success using hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and zinc.<ref>Multiple references:
*WND Staff (March 24, 2020). [https://www.wnd.com/2020/03/doctor-treated-350-coronavirus-patients-100-success/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=wnd-breaking&utm_campaign=breaking&utm_content=breaking "Doctor: I treated 350 coronavirus patients with 100% success"]. ''WorldNetDaily'' website.
*TechStartups team (March 25, 2020). [https://techstartups.com/2020/03/25/doctor-vladimir-zelenko-treated-350-coronavirus-patients-100-success-using-hydroxychloroquine-sulfate/ "Doctor Vladimir Zelenko: I treated 350 coronavirus patients with 100% success using Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate"]. ''TechStartups'' website.
*Feldman, Ari and Chernikoff, Helen (March 26, 2020). [https://forward.com/news/national/442511/trump-coronavirus-fda/ "A Jewish doctor’s off-label virus treatment is now being used in multiple states"]. ''Forward'' website/News/National News.</ref> There were no hospitalizations, intubations or deaths among Zelenko's first 350 patients.<ref name="Dr">WND Staff (March 24, 2020). [https://www.wnd.com/2020/03/doctor-treated-350-coronavirus-patients-100-success/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=wnd-breaking&utm_campaign=breaking&utm_content=breaking "Doctor: I treated 350 coronavirus patients with 100% success"]. ''WorldNetDaily'' website.</ref> On March 27, 2020, Zelenko indicated that he treated 699 patients with no deaths or intubations, whereas the national average in the United States is 1.5% of coronavirus patients dying.<ref name="IU">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaSHM1TK5tM "Important update regarding my treatment regimen"] (March 27, 2020). YouTube video, 3:05, posted by Dr Vladimir Zelenko M.D.</ref> As of March 27, 2020, four patients of Dr. Zelenko have been hospitalized with [[pneumonia]], and none of them required respirators.<ref name="IU"/>

Dr. Vladimir Zelenko's treatment resulted in various patient's shortness-of-breath issues being resolved in as early as 4 hours and on average 12 hours.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeaPHoTbWLc My statement to the Israeli health ministry] by Vladimir Zelenko</ref>

Dr. Zelenko's coronavirus treatment is now being used in multiple states.<ref>[https://forward.com/news/national/442511/trump-coronavirus-fda/ A Jewish doctor’s off-label virus treatment is now being used in multiple states] by Ari Feldman and Helen Chernikoff</ref> On March 27, 2020, Zelenko indicated that his protocols were recently on their way to [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] (the Prime Minister of [[Israel]]).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaSHM1TK5tM Vladimir Zelenko: Important March 27, 2020 update regarding my coronavirus treatment regimen]</ref>

On May 30, 2020, the ''Grand Rapids Herald-Review'' stated:
{{Cquote|Dr. Vladimir Zelenko serves as a Primary Care Physician in suburban New York City—the epicenter of this outbreak. “I knew that the virus would hit our area hard due to our population density—we have 32,000 people living in one square mile. So I did my own research looking at what had been done in other countries that experienced the virus before us as well as looking at treatments developed for the SARS outbreak in 2003 (another coronavirus). I developed my own protocol of a three drug cocktail: HCL, Azithromycin, and Zinc. In the last few weeks I have seen 1,450 patients with COVID symptoms. I divided my patients into two groups: high risk and low risk. The low risk patients (under age 60 and healthy) statistically get better without treatment, so I sent them home to rest and get over the virus. I gave my drug cocktail to 405 high risk patients (over age 60 or with underlying health problems) whose conditions were most severe. The accepted rate of COVID mortality at that time for high risk patients was 5%, so if I had just relied on ventilators I could have expected to see 20 of my patients die. But using these three drugs I only lost two patients, one of which was very old and had been chronically ill. This was a significant order of magnitude better than expected outcomes.”

Dr. Zelenko explains the rationale behind his treatment program. “The zinc is what kills the virus and zinc occurs naturally in the body but has a hard time penetrating the cell where the virus lives. What the hydroxychloroquine does is open a channel into the cell so the zinc can enter and stop the virus from replicating. Adding an extra dose of zinc to the cocktail has been shown to improve outcomes by about 25%. Meanwhile, the azithromycin stands guard to combat any secondary bacterial infection that may crash the party and cause pneumonia.”

After seeing the effectiveness of his treatment regimen, Dr. Zelenko stated, “I realized what I had, and I felt like a front line soldier who had stumbled across some very important intelligence—some valuable information that needed to be communicated to the 5-star general because that information could be used to win the war.”

Within a few weeks, Dr. Zelenko had published video reports of his findings and was in touch not only with the US Coronavirus Taskforce, but with over a dozen governments around the world from Russia, to South Africa, to Peru. Four weeks ago the government of Brazil began implementing Dr. Zelenko’s protocol, and he explains their results: “One week ago the Brazilians published a study revealing a 95% reduction in deaths after this drug cocktail was introduced for use in their government hospitals.”<ref>[https://www.grandrapidsmn.com/opinion/doctors-discover-effective-life-saving-treatment-for-covid-19/article_3619c254-a1d4-11ea-a886-43929db0aeb5.html Doctors discover effective, life-saving treatment for Covid-19] By Rev. Mark Peske Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids Herald-Review, May 30, 2020</ref>}}

Healthgrades.com, Google reviews, and Vitals.com all have overall favorable reviews of Dr. Zelenko.<ref>[https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-vladimir-zelenko-yndd2 Vladimir Zelenko - Healthgrades.com - Review]</ref><ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=Vladimir+Zelenko&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS771US771&oq=Vladimir+Zelenko&aqs=chrome..69i57.1629j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x89c2d7b5d12f4f9f:0x31fbbbcbbf11dbdb,1,,, Vladimir Zelenko - Google reviews]</ref><ref>[https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Vladimir_Zelenko.html Vladimir Zelenko - Vitals.com review]</ref>

Zelenko was the primary care provider for most of the [[Satmar]] community in Kiryat Joel, New York (Satmar [[Jew]]s are a Hasidic [[Jew]]ish group originating from the city of Szatmárnémeti, [[Hungary]]).<ref name="Metamorphosis by Vladimir Zelenko">[https://www.amazon.com/Metamorphosis-Dr-Vladimir-Zelenko-M-D/dp/1725968258 Metamorphosis by Vladimir Zelenko]</ref><ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-md-who-promoted-virus-cocktail-leaving-community-where-he-tested-it/ Jewish MD who promoted virus cocktail is leaving community where he tested it], Times of Israel</ref>

== Studies ==

Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine as an early treatment for [[COVID-19]]. Here's one from [[South Korea]]:
{{cquote|Time to viral clearance, as signified by negative conversion on PCR, after initiation of treatment was significantly shorter with HQ plus antibiotics compared to Lop/R plus antibiotics (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.28 to 0.87) or conservative treatments (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.78). Hospital stay duration after treatment was also shortest for patients treated with HQ plus antibiotics compared to other treatment groups.}}
== Vladimir Zelenko's coronavirus treatment ==

See: [[Vladimir Zelenko's coronavirus treatment]]

== White House weighing the merits of Dr. Zelenko's protocol for treating coronavirus patients ==
[[File:Mike Pence official vice presidential photo.jpg|thumbnail|150px|[[Mike Pence]] ]]
On March 26, 2020, ''The Daily Beast'' reported concerning Dr. Zelenko:
{{Cquote|The doctor, Vladimir Zelenko, recently posted his purported findings in an open letter, which was read by Fox News host [[Sean Hannity]]—who also serves as an unofficial Trump adviser—during an interview with Vice President [[Mike Pence]]. According to an official cited by the ''Post'', President Donald Trump noticed the segment and flagged it for the White House.

Zelenko told the ''Post'' that he was contacted by incoming White House Chief of Staff [[Mark Meadows]] after he posted a Facebook video message to Trump calling on the president to “advise the country that they should be taking this medication.” A person close to Meadows confirmed to the ''Post'' that the White House was weighing Dr. Zelenko’s plan.<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/white-house-evaluating-coronavirus-drug-plan-of-doctor-championed-by-hannity White House Evaluating Coronavirus Drug Plan of Doctor Championed by Hannity], Daily Beast</ref>}}

== Dr. Zelenko: March 27, 2020 update regarding my coronavirus treatment regimen ==

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaSHM1TK5tM Vladimir Zelenko: Important March 27, 2020 update regarding my coronavirus treatment regimen]

== Interview of Vladimir Zelenko ==

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy-wObyQOCk Moshe Frank Interviews Dr. Zev Vladmir Zelenko for COLLIVE.COM]

== Education ==

Dr. Vladimir Zelenko received his medical degree from University at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.<ref name="health.usnews.com">[https://health.usnews.com/doctors/vladimir-zelenko-240812 Vladimir Zelenko - U.S. News and World Report]</ref>

== Vladimir Zelenko: Personal life ==

Vladimir Zelenko emigrated from [[Russia]].<ref>[https://forward.com/news/national/442285/coronavirus-hydroxychloroquine-trump-doctor/ This doctor was already treating patients with Trump’s ‘gift from God’ drug - before FDA approval] by Ari Feldman</ref> He speaks multiple languages including Russian.<ref name="health.usnews.com"/>

Zelenko is a pious Jew who formerly was an irreligious young man. He wrote the book ''Metamorphosis'' about his transformation.<ref name="Metamorphosis by Vladimir Zelenko"/>

== External links ==

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4DYMfjFEMk Dr. Zelenko]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPPkhmPOwi0 Medical Experts Discuss Dr. Zelenko's Coronavirus Hydroxychloroquine Treatment w/ 100% Success Rate]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oq6IOP1sd8 Latest exclusive interview with Dr. Vladimir Zelenko], April 1, 2020

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{coronavirus}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zelenko, Vladimir}}
[[Category:Physicians]]
[[Category:Coronavirus]]
[[Category:Heroes]]
[[Category:Patriots]]
[[Category:Former Atheists]]

Occam's razor

2020-05-13T20:57:32Z

Mcaser: Removed an incorrect application of the anthropic principle

{| class="infobox bordered" style="font-size:95%; width:25em;"
! style="font-size:120%; background:lightgreen; text-align:center; padding:5px 0;" | Newton's first rule of reasoning
|-
| style="padding:15px;" |«''We are to admit '''no more causes''' of natural things '''than''' such as are both true and '''sufficient''' to explain their appearances.''»
<div style="padding-left:40px;">— [[Isaac Newton]]: ''Principia''<ref name="Rappaport1997">{{cite book |title=When Geologists Where Historians, 1665-1750 |author=Rhoda Rappaport |publisher=Cornell University Press |place=Ithaca and London |year=1997 |pages=62 |isbn=978-0801-433863 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=30U3W2kI7foC |quote=In the famous language of Newton's first rule of reasoning in the ''Principia'', ... }}</ref> </div>
|}
'''Occam's razor''' (sometimes '''Ockham's razor''') is a principle that, in short, can be described as ''the hypothesis that makes the least assumptions is the best answer for the phenomenon in question''. Note that Occam's razor does not say that the more simple a hypothesis, the better. It is also called a methodological tool reflecting the imperative ''don't invent unnecessary entities to explain something.''<ref name="DeniableDarwin">{{cite book
|author=David Berlinski
|title=The Deniable Darwin
|publisher=Discovery Institute Press (reprinted from ''Commentary'' February 1998 by permission)
|location=Seattle, USA
|year=2009
|pages=319
|chapter=Darwinism versus Intelligent Design: David Berlinski &critics
|isbn=978-0-9790141-2-3
|url=http://www.davidberlinski.org/deniable-darwin/about.php
|quote=[actual quote from] Morton Rosof: ...It is true that science has its own phiposophical or faith-like underpinnings. They consist of methodological tools like Occam's Razor (don't invent unnecessary entities to explain something), falsification (can a hypothesis, in principle, be falsified?), and balance (extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence). These devices have served science with great success for 300 years.}}</ref>

Ockham's Razor is one of the most widely used logical razors in all fields of applied logic, most notably [[philosophy]], [[theology]], [[science]], and systemology. It is attributed to [[William of Occam]], an English Franciscan [[Friar]] who lived in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. Briefly, it can be stated as follows:

:"From any set of equally probable explanations, we should assume the one which makes the fewest fundamental assumptions is correct, [[null hypothesis|until we have reason to believe otherwise]]"

This is different from the shortest explanation, the shortest logical argument, and the simplest explanation, and the razor is often incorrectly quoted and/or applied. Some people have argued that these criteria qualify as better principles than the razor.

Occam's razor is a ''guiding principle''. That is, it says that the explanation with the fewest assumptions ''is to be preferred'', not ''is correct''. The explanation with the fewest assumptions can turn out to be the wrong explanation.

== Historical Background ==
When addressing the cosmological argument in Article 3 ("asks the question whether God Exists") of Question 2 (called "The existence of God") of the first part of the ''[[Summa Theologica|Summa]]'', [[Aquinas]] argues that "it is superfluous to suppose that what can be accounted for by a few principles has been produced by many." This constraint is now familiar as Occam's Razor, even though William of Occam lived and wrote after Aquinas's death.<ref name="Devils">{{Cite book
| author = David Berlinski
| title = The Devil’s Delusion
| publisher = Basic Books, New York, 2009
| isbn = 978-0-465-01937-3
| pages = 66
| chapter = The Cause
| url=http://www.davidberlinski.org/devils-delusion/about.php
| quote = }}</ref>

== Illustration ==

Ockham's razor can be illustrated by the following common example. A tree is found uprooted in the middle of a field with no apparent cause. Two people offer competing hypotheses for how this occurred. Person A says that there must have been a storm last night, which combined with heavy rainfall the previous day, resulted in the uprooting of the tree. Person B says that last night aliens visited the planet Earth, and uprooted the tree as a message to mankind. There is no way of determining which of these hypotheses is correct after the fact, but as A's hypothesis makes far fewer fundamental assumptions (basically that the planet Earth has weather) than B's hypothesis (basically that aliens exist, have a way of finding humans in the cosmos, have a way of traversing space to reach our planet, could topple such a tree without being noticed, and so forth), we should assume A is correct and that a storm felled the tree unless B can provide some other evidence to support their claim.

John Wisdom and [[Anthony Flew]] indirectly use the razor in The Parable of the Gardener.

== Use by atheists ==

Among its practical applications, Occam's Razor has been used by [[atheist]]s to argue against the existence of God.<ref>The Skeptic's Dictionary</ref>
Let us take for an example the origin of intelligent life on Earth. One possibility for intelligent life is naturalistic [[evolution]] via [[natural selection]]. A second possibility is that God used intelligent design as His means of creation. Occam's Razor allows us to eliminate God from the hypothesis since the idea of intelligent design entails unnecessary additional assumptions. The ''simpler'' explanation (that which makes fewer fundamental assumptions) is that God had nothing to do with the development of intelligent life and that it came about as a result of natural processes. Therefore, the earlier explanation is the most reasonable to believe.

It is, however, important to note that Occam himself did not accept this reasoning; indeed, he considered the existence of God and the authority of Scripture to be truths which trumped the principle. While Occam's Razor is frequently (and wrongly) articulated as "The simplest explanation is to be preferred," what he actually said was "For nothing ought to be posited without a reason given, unless it is self-evident (literally, known through itself) or known by experience or proved by the authority of Sacred Scripture." <ref>http://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Medi/MediZhen.htm</ref>

== Use by Christians ==
The problem with the [[atheist]] example above is that it assumes that naturalistic evolution ''can'' explain the origin of intelligent life. Most theists would argue that God is not an unnecessary additional assumption, but a ''necessary'' additional assumption. Logical arguments for the existence of God, such as ontological and cosmological arguments, intended to justify the conclusion that the existence of a God is necessary for the existence of the universe. For example, [[Thomas Aquinas]], heavily influenced by the earlier works of [[Aristotle]], attempted to use [[a posteriori]] reasoning to logically prove that a God must exist, in order for the universe to exist. <ref>http://www.scandalon.co.uk/philosophy/cosmological_aquinas.htm</ref>

Christian apologist [[William Lane Craig]] also has used Occam's razor to argue against [[polytheism]]. He argues that the [[Kalam Cosmological Argument]] argues against [[atheism]], and that Occam's Razor would only require the existence of one god.<ref>Strobel, 2004</ref>

Additionally, some supporters of [[intelligent design]] argue that the nature of the Universe is so complex that it is almost certain to have a dedicated creator. There is approximately a 1 in 1040 chance of the Universe and all its life generating properties occurring purely by chance. For instance, [[water]] is the only substance that expands when frozen. Were it not for this property, frozen bodies of water would probably never unfreeze. Since intelligent design advocates believe in evolution (albeit not of the Darwinian variety), they argue that life could never have evolved were it not for this property of water. Additionally, ID advocates (who are by extension [[Old Earth Creationism|old earth creationists]]) point out that if the force of gravity were even slightly stronger than it is, the Universe would have collapsed shortly after the [[Big Bang]]. Additionally, if it were slightly weaker, stars and planets would never have formed. There are numerous other examples, and this does not even include the complexity of amino acids needed to form life. The odds of this happening by chance are, according to [http://www.evolutiondeceit.com/chapter11_1.php EvolutionDeceit.com] 1 in 10950. Of course, this could only happen in the event that the Universe has its current potential. Therefore, the odds of the amino acids emerging by chance in a Universe that can support it (that also emerges by chance) are 1 in 10990. Occam's razor would therefore state that if there is more than a 1 in 10990 chance that God created the Universe and humans, and that it therefore did not occur by chance, then this is the most likely explanation.

== Bibliography ==
* [http://skepdic.com/occam.html Occam's razor] (The Skeptic's Dictionary).
* Grigg, Russell, [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/5096/ Occam’s Razor and creation/evolution] 22 May 2007 (Creation Ministries International).
* Strobel, Lee. The Case for a Creator. Zondervan 2004

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Ontological Principles]]
[[Category:Methodology of Science]]

MoCoSnow

2020-01-21T04:08:48Z

Mcaser: /* Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products */

'''MoCoSnow''' is an American forecasting service that specializes in predicting closings and delays for [[Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland)|Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools]]. The service is notable for its use of a pencil rating system to simplify the presentation of predictions.

==History==
MoCoSnow was founded by Montgomery County Public Schools physical education instructor Alex Tsironis in 2010. Tsironis was himself a student at Montgomery County, having graduated from [[Watkins Mill High School]] and obtained a degree at the [[University of Maryland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/about/ |title=About |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Pencil Prediction==
The pencil prediction system works as follows:
* 5 pencils signify a near 100% chance of school closure
* 4 pencils signify a 75% chance of school closure and a near 100% chance of delay
* 3 pencils signify a 50% chance of school closure and a “very good chance” of delay
* 2 pencils signify a 50% chance of delay
* 1 pencil signifies a “really good” chance of on time school openings
The pencil prediction system has been widely criticized by other competitors in the industry due to its lack of flexibility and arbitrary wording. Furthermore, many statisticians have noted that some of the percentages (especially 4 pencils) don’t necessarily add up to 100%, contradicting the laws of nature and logic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Controversy==
===Prediction Inaccuracy===
Other snow prediction sources have presented statistics demonstrating MoCoSnow's inaccuracy. Tsironis responded to these claims on his podcast by arguing that these other forecasters should not be allowed to exist (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]).

===Intellectual Property Claims and Legality===
On his podcast, Tsironis argued "[snow predicting] is kind of my thing, so I'm pretty protective of it"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiopublic.com/the-mocoshow-6nbJaj/s1!cef01 |title=Ep. 72 - The brand new MocoShow Beer, and MocoSnow |website=RadioPublic |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. He believes that MCPS school closings/delay predictions should be considered his [[intellectual property]] due to the amount of time he has spent doing it. Other snow forecasters have responded that the [[First Amendment]] protects their right to predict weather via social media. In the same podcast, Tsironis not only targets blatant plagiarizers of his service, but also slanders genuine snow prediction alternatives through false and misleading claims. Tsironis uses the words “hate” to describe the attitude these innocuous projects have towards MoCoSnow and denies allegations concerning Tsironis’ abuse of his teaching position (see [[MoCoSnow#Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products|Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products]]). As a result, copyright and divorce lawyer Sawyer Mahm has pushed for a defamation lawsuit against MoCoSnow.

===Monetization of the Prediction Blog===
Over the past few years, Tsironis has slowly moved to monetize his MoCoSnow service. He began by introducing advertisements to his app, then did the same for his website<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow Archive |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. Based on typical advertiser pay rates, it has been estimated that MoCoSnow earns several thousands of dollars in advertising revenue each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://smallbusiness.chron.com/typical-cpm-74763.html |title=What Is a Typical CPM? |website=Chron |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> In order to maintain this source of profit, MoCoSnow has attempted to monopolize Montgomery County, Maryland snow predictions (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality|Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]) and has often refused to provide his predictions through any other medium.

===Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products===
A student of Tsironis accused him of abusing his teaching positions to advertise MoCoSnow. He recalled that Tsironis spent all of the first week of an academic summer camp advertising MoCoSnow, prompting that student to switch teachers.

==Corporate Schemes==
===MoCoShow===
The MoCoShow was a radio podcast show that was formulated as part of Tsironis’ scheme to expand the influence of MoCoSnow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/ |title=Home |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>
===MoCoDough===
MoCoDough was another corporate scheme of Tsironis to expand his influence. It began in April, 2012. In this scheme, Tsironis attempted to sell waffles at the Washingtonian Center to attract customers to MoCoShow and MoCoSnow. However, due to lack of business acumen, the venture was shut down in December, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mocodough?lang=en |title=MoCoDough |website=Twitter |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

MoCoSnow

2020-01-21T04:02:55Z

Mcaser: Fixed formatting

'''MoCoSnow''' is an American forecasting service that specializes in predicting closings and delays for [[Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland)|Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools]]. The service is notable for its use of a pencil rating system to simplify the presentation of predictions.

==History==
MoCoSnow was founded by Montgomery County Public Schools physical education instructor Alex Tsironis in 2010. Tsironis was himself a student at Montgomery County, having graduated from [[Watkins Mill High School]] and obtained a degree at the [[University of Maryland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/about/ |title=About |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Pencil Prediction==
The pencil prediction system works as follows:
* 5 pencils signify a near 100% chance of school closure
* 4 pencils signify a 75% chance of school closure and a near 100% chance of delay
* 3 pencils signify a 50% chance of school closure and a “very good chance” of delay
* 2 pencils signify a 50% chance of delay
* 1 pencil signifies a “really good” chance of on time school openings
The pencil prediction system has been widely criticized by other competitors in the industry due to its lack of flexibility and arbitrary wording. Furthermore, many statisticians have noted that some of the percentages (especially 4 pencils) don’t necessarily add up to 100%, contradicting the laws of nature and logic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Controversy==
===Prediction Inaccuracy===
Other snow prediction sources have presented statistics demonstrating MoCoSnow's inaccuracy. Tsironis responded to these claims on his podcast by arguing that these other forecasters should not be allowed to exist (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]).

===Intellectual Property Claims and Legality===
On his podcast, Tsironis argued "[snow predicting] is kind of my thing, so I'm pretty protective of it"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiopublic.com/the-mocoshow-6nbJaj/s1!cef01 |title=Ep. 72 - The brand new MocoShow Beer, and MocoSnow |website=RadioPublic |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. He believes that MCPS school closings/delay predictions should be considered his [[intellectual property]] due to the amount of time he has spent doing it. Other snow forecasters have responded that the [[First Amendment]] protects their right to predict weather via social media. In the same podcast, Tsironis not only targets blatant plagiarizers of his service, but also slanders genuine snow prediction alternatives through false and misleading claims. Tsironis uses the words “hate” to describe the attitude these innocuous projects have towards MoCoSnow and denies allegations concerning Tsironis’ abuse of his teaching position (see [[MoCoSnow#Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products|Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products]]). As a result, copyright and divorce lawyer Sawyer Mahm has pushed for a defamation lawsuit against MoCoSnow.

===Monetization of the Prediction Blog===
Over the past few years, Tsironis has slowly moved to monetize his MoCoSnow service. He began by introducing advertisements to his app, then did the same for his website<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow Archive |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. Based on typical advertiser pay rates, it has been estimated that MoCoSnow earns several thousands of dollars in advertising revenue each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://smallbusiness.chron.com/typical-cpm-74763.html |title=What Is a Typical CPM? |website=Chron |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> In order to maintain this source of profit, MoCoSnow has attempted to monopolize Montgomery County, Maryland snow predictions (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality|Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]) and has often refused to provide his predictions through any other medium.

===Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products===
Two students of Tsironis have accused him of abusing his teaching positions to advertise MoCoSnow. One such student later recalled that Tsironis spent all of the first week of class advertising MoCoSnow, prompting that student to switch teachers.

==Corporate Schemes==
===MoCoShow===
The MoCoShow was a radio podcast show that was formulated as part of Tsironis’ scheme to expand the influence of MoCoSnow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/ |title=Home |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>
===MoCoDough===
MoCoDough was another corporate scheme of Tsironis to expand his influence. It began in April, 2012. In this scheme, Tsironis attempted to sell waffles at the Washingtonian Center to attract customers to MoCoShow and MoCoSnow. However, due to lack of business acumen, the venture was shut down in December, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mocodough?lang=en |title=MoCoDough |website=Twitter |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

MoCoSnow

2020-01-21T04:02:09Z

Mcaser: Corrected references

{{short description|American snow forecasting service based in Montgomery County, Maryland}}
'''MoCoSnow''' is an American forecasting service that specializes in predicting closings and delays for [[Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland)|Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools]]. The service is notable for its use of a pencil rating system to simplify the presentation of predictions.

==History==
MoCoSnow was founded by Montgomery County Public Schools physical education instructor Alex Tsironis in 2010. Tsironis was himself a student at Montgomery County, having graduated from [[Watkins Mill High School]] and obtained a degree at the [[University of Maryland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/about/ |title=About |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Pencil Prediction==
The pencil prediction system works as follows:
* 5 pencils signify a near 100% chance of school closure
* 4 pencils signify a 75% chance of school closure and a near 100% chance of delay
* 3 pencils signify a 50% chance of school closure and a “very good chance” of delay
* 2 pencils signify a 50% chance of delay
* 1 pencil signifies a “really good” chance of on time school openings
The pencil prediction system has been widely criticized by other competitors in the industry due to its lack of flexibility and arbitrary wording. Furthermore, many statisticians have noted that some of the percentages (especially 4 pencils) don’t necessarily add up to 100%, contradicting the laws of nature and logic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Controversy==
===Prediction Inaccuracy===
Other snow prediction sources have presented statistics demonstrating MoCoSnow's inaccuracy. Tsironis responded to these claims on his podcast by arguing that these other forecasters should not be allowed to exist (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]).

===Intellectual Property Claims and Legality===
On his podcast, Tsironis argued "[snow predicting] is kind of my thing, so I'm pretty protective of it"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiopublic.com/the-mocoshow-6nbJaj/s1!cef01 |title=Ep. 72 - The brand new MocoShow Beer, and MocoSnow |website=RadioPublic |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. He believes that MCPS school closings/delay predictions should be considered his [[intellectual property]] due to the amount of time he has spent doing it. Other snow forecasters have responded that the [[First Amendment]] protects their right to predict weather via social media. In the same podcast, Tsironis not only targets blatant plagiarizers of his service, but also slanders genuine snow prediction alternatives through false and misleading claims. Tsironis uses the words “hate” to describe the attitude these innocuous projects have towards MoCoSnow and denies allegations concerning Tsironis’ abuse of his teaching position (see [[MoCoSnow#Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products|Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products]]). As a result, copyright and divorce lawyer Sawyer Mahm has pushed for a defamation lawsuit against MoCoSnow.

===Monetization of the Prediction Blog===
Over the past few years, Tsironis has slowly moved to monetize his MoCoSnow service. He began by introducing advertisements to his app, then did the same for his website<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow Archive |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. Based on typical advertiser pay rates, it has been estimated that MoCoSnow earns several thousands of dollars in advertising revenue each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://smallbusiness.chron.com/typical-cpm-74763.html |title=What Is a Typical CPM? |website=Chron |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> In order to maintain this source of profit, MoCoSnow has attempted to monopolize Montgomery County, Maryland snow predictions (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality|Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]) and has often refused to provide his predictions through any other medium.

===Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products===
Two students of Tsironis have accused him of abusing his teaching positions to advertise MoCoSnow. One such student later recalled that Tsironis spent all of the first week of class advertising MoCoSnow, prompting that student to switch teachers.

==Corporate Schemes==
===MoCoShow===
The MoCoShow was a radio podcast show that was formulated as part of Tsironis’ scheme to expand the influence of MoCoSnow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/ |title=Home |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>
===MoCoDough===
MoCoDough was another corporate scheme of Tsironis to expand his influence. It began in April, 2012. In this scheme, Tsironis attempted to sell waffles at the Washingtonian Center to attract customers to MoCoShow and MoCoSnow. However, due to lack of business acumen, the venture was shut down in December, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mocodough?lang=en |title=MoCoDough |website=Twitter |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

MoCoSnow

2020-01-21T03:44:13Z

Mcaser: Edited subject of controversy

'''MoCoSnow''' is an American forecasting service that specializes in predicting closings and delays for Montgomery County, [[Maryland]] Public Schools. The service is notable for its use of a pencil rating system to simplify the presentation of predictions.

==History==
MoCoSnow was founded by Montgomery County Public Schools physical education instructor Alex Tsironis in 2010. Tsironis was himself a student at Montgomery County, having graduated from Watkins Mill High School and obtained a degree at the University of Maryland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/about/ |title=About |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Pencil Prediction==
The pencil prediction system works as follows:
* 5 pencils signify a near 100% chance of school closure
* 4 pencils signify a 75% chance of school closure and a near 100% chance of delay
* 3 pencils signify a 50% chance of school closure and a “very good chance” of delay
* 2 pencils signify a 50% chance of delay
* 1 pencil signifies a “really good” chance of on time school openings
The pencil prediction system has been widely criticized by other competitors in the industry due to its lack of flexibility and arbitrary wording. Furthermore, many statisticians have noted that some of the percentages (especially 4 pencils) don’t necessarily add up to 100%, contradicting the laws of nature and logic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Controversy==
===Prediction Inaccuracy===
Other snow prediction sources, including the popular Billy Blizzard Boy, have presented statistics demonstrating MoCoSnow's inaccuracy. Tsironis responded to these claims on his podcast by arguing that these other forecasters should not be allowed to exist (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]).

===Intellectual Property Claims and Legality===
On his podcast, Tsironis argued "[snow predicting] is kind of my thing, so I'm pretty protective of it"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiopublic.com/the-mocoshow-6nbJaj/s1!cef01 |title=Ep. 72 - The brand new MocoShow Beer, and MocoSnow |website=RadioPublic |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. He believes that MCPS school closings/delay predictions should be considered his [[intellectual property]] due to the amount of time he has spent doing it. Other snow forecasters have responded that the [[First Amendment]] protects their right to predict weather via social media. In the same podcast, Tsironis not only targets blatant plagiarizers of his service, but also slanders the famous Billy Blizzard Boy through false and misleading claims. Tsironis uses the words “hate” to describe the attitude the innocuous student-run Billy Blizzard Boy has towards MoCoSnow and denies allegations cited by Billy concerning Tsironis’ abuse of teaching position (see [[MoCoSnow#Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products]]). As a result, copyright and divorce lawyer Sawyer Mahm has pushed for a defamation lawsuit against MoCoSnow.

===Monetization of the Prediction Blog===
Over the past few years, Tsironis has slowly moved to monetize his MoCoSnow service. He began by introducing advertisements to his app, then did the same for his website<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow Archive |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. Based on typical advertiser pay rates, it has been estimated that MoCoSnow earns several thousands of dollars in advertising revenue each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://smallbusiness.chron.com/typical-cpm-74763.html |title=What Is a Typical CPM? |website=Chron |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> In order to maintain this source of profit, MoCoSnow has attempted to monopolize Montgomery County, Maryland snow predictions (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]) and has often refused to provide his predictions through any other medium.

===Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products===
A student of Tsironis accused him of abusing his teaching positions to advertise MoCoSnow. He recalled that Tsironis spent all of the first week of a summer camp advertising MoCoSnow, prompting that student to switch teachers.

==Corporate Schemes==
===MoCoShow===
The MoCoShow was a radio podcast show that was formulated as part of Tsironis’ scheme to expand the influence of MoCoSnow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/ |title=Home |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>
===MoCoDough===
MoCoDough was another corporate scheme of Tsironis to expand his influence. It began in April, 2012. In this scheme, Tsironis attempted to sell waffles at the Washingtonian Center to attract customers to MoCoShow and MoCoSnow. However, due to lack of business acumen, the venture was shut down in December, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mocodough?lang=en |title=MoCoDough |website=Twitter |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

MoCoSnow

2020-01-21T03:15:23Z

Mcaser: Created an article

'''MoCoSnow''' is an American forecasting service that specializes in predicting closings and delays for Montgomery County, [[Maryland]] Public Schools. The service is notable for its use of a pencil rating system to simplify the presentation of predictions.

==History==
MoCoSnow was founded by Montgomery County Public Schools physical education instructor Alex Tsironis in 2010. Tsironis was himself a student at Montgomery County, having graduated from Watkins Mill High School and obtained a degree at the University of Maryland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/about/ |title=About |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Pencil Prediction==
The pencil prediction system works as follows:
* 5 pencils signify a near 100% chance of school closure
* 4 pencils signify a 75% chance of school closure and a near 100% chance of delay
* 3 pencils signify a 50% chance of school closure and a “very good chance” of delay
* 2 pencils signify a 50% chance of delay
* 1 pencil signifies a “really good” chance of on time school openings
The pencil prediction system has been widely criticized by other competitors in the industry due to its lack of flexibility and arbitrary wording. Furthermore, many statisticians have noted that some of the percentages (especially 4 pencils) don’t necessarily add up to 100%, contradicting the laws of nature and logic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Controversy==
===Prediction Inaccuracy===
Other snow prediction sources, including the popular Billy Blizzard Boy, have presented statistics demonstrating MoCoSnow's inaccuracy. Tsironis responded to these claims on his podcast by arguing that these other forecasters should not be allowed to exist (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]).

===Intellectual Property Claims and Legality===
On his podcast, Tsironis argued "[snow predicting] is kind of my thing, so I'm pretty protective of it"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radiopublic.com/the-mocoshow-6nbJaj/s1!cef01 |title=Ep. 72 - The brand new MocoShow Beer, and MocoSnow |website=RadioPublic |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. He believes that MCPS school closings/delay predictions should be considered his [[intellectual property]] due to the amount of time he has spent doing it. Other snow forecasters have responded that the [[First Amendment]] protects their right to predict weather via social media. In the same podcast, Tsironis not only targets blatant plagiarizers of his service, but also slanders the famous Billy Blizzard Boy through false and misleading claims. Tsironis uses the words “hate” to describe the attitude the innocuous student-run Billy Blizzard Boy has towards MoCoSnow and denies allegations cited by Billy concerning Tsironis’ abuse of teaching position (see [[MoCoSnow#Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products]]). As a result, copyright and divorce lawyer Sawyer Mahm has pushed for a defamation lawsuit against MoCoSnow.

===Monetization of the Prediction Blog===
Over the past few years, Tsironis has slowly moved to monetize his MoCoSnow service. He began by introducing advertisements to his app, then did the same for his website<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/moco-snow/ |title=MoCoSnow Archive |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>. Based on typical advertiser pay rates, it has been estimated that MoCoSnow earns several thousands of dollars in advertising revenue each year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://smallbusiness.chron.com/typical-cpm-74763.html |title=What Is a Typical CPM? |website=Chron |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> In order to maintain this source of profit, MoCoSnow has attempted to monopolize Montgomery County, Maryland snow predictions (see [[MoCoSnow#Intellectual Property Claims and Legality]]) and has often refused to provide his predictions through any other medium.

===Abuse of Teaching Position to Market Products===
Two students of Tsironis have accused him of abusing his teaching positions to advertise MoCoSnow. One such student, who happened to have physical education under Tsironis while Tsironis was teaching at North Bethesda Middle School, later recalled that Tsironis spent all of the first week of class advertising MoCoSnow, prompting that student to switch teachers.

==Corporate Schemes==
===MoCoShow===
The MoCoShow was a radio podcast show that was formulated as part of Tsironis’ scheme to expand the influence of MoCoSnow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mocoshow.com/ |title=Home |website=The MoCoShow |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>
===MoCoDough===
MoCoDough was another corporate scheme of Tsironis to expand his influence. It began in April, 2012. In this scheme, Tsironis attempted to sell waffles at the Washingtonian Center to attract customers to MoCoShow and MoCoSnow. However, due to lack of business acumen, the venture was shut down in December, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mocodough?lang=en |title=MoCoDough |website=Twitter |access-date=January 20, 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Denials that atheists exist

2020-01-12T01:59:29Z

Mcaser: Added statements from atheists on Reddit showing that their atheism stems from a hatred, not disbelief, of God. I am new to editing, so please message me if something is wrong with my edit.

[[File:Cornelius Van Til.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Dr. [[Cornelius Van Til]] ]]
The ''Encyclopedia Britanica'' (Edinborough 1771) in its article on [[atheism]] declared:
{{Cquote|Many people both ancient and modern have pretended to atheism or have been reckoned atheists by the world, but it is justly questioned whether any man seriously adopted such a principle. [[Atheism and pretentiousness|These pretentions]] therefore must be [[Atheism and arrogance|founded on pride]] or affection.<ref>[The Repressive Denials of Atheism in Britain in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries] by David Berman, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy: Archaeology, Culture, History, Literature Vol. 82C (1982), pp. 211-246. Published by: Royal Irish Academy https://www.jstor.org/stable/25506089</ref>}}

It has been asserted by various theists that atheists do not exist. Sir [[Francis Bacon]] wrote in his essay ''Of Atheism'':
{{cquote|The [[Bible|Scripture]] saith, The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God; it is not said, The fool hath thought in his heart; so as he rather saith it, by rote to himself, as that he would have, than that he can thoroughly believe it, or be persuaded of it....It appeareth in nothing more, that atheism is rather in the lip, than in the heart of man.<ref>http://www.bartleby.com/3/1/16.html</ref>}}

In addition, Christian [[philosophy|philosophers]] and [[Christian apologetics|apologists]] Dr. [[Cornelius Van Til]] and Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] argued there are no atheists and that atheists are actively suppressing their belief and knowledge of God and enigmatically engage in self-deception.<ref>[http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/PA191.htm Van Til and Self-deception] by Dr. Greg Bahnsen</ref> The [[England|English]] poet Edward Young wrote in his famous work ''Night Thoughts'' that "By night, an atheist half-believes a God."<ref>http://www.bartleby.com/100/224.html</ref> See also: [[Atheism and presuppositional apologetics]]

The Christian Cyclopedia states regarding atheism the following:
{{cquote|It is not possible for a man to be an atheist, in the commonly accepted sense, in his innermost conviction. No amount of reasoning will erase from the human heart the God-given conviction that there is a Supreme Being; those who theoretically deny God's existence replace Him with something else.<ref>http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/cyclopedia/02/display.asp?t1=A&t2=t</ref>}}

J.W. Wartick wrote in his article ''The Unbeliever Knows God: Presuppositional Apologetics and Atheism'':
{{Cquote|"[A]ll men already know God–long before the apologist engages them in conversation–and cannot avoid having such knowledge… People lack neither information nor evidence… [A]ll men know that God exists… In a crucial sense, all men already are “believers”–even “unbelievers” who will not respond properly by openly professing and living obediently in accordance with the knowledge they have of God." (Greg Bahnsen, Van Til’s Apologetic, 179-180, emphasis his, cited below).

One crucial point of presuppositional apologetics is that even the unbelieving atheist really does know God. All people have knowledge of God. None can turn from it, none can escape it: everyone knows God. This knowledge is not saving knowledge. Instead, it is knowledge which is suppressed. The knowledge is ignored or even reviled. The quote above from the famed presuppositionalist Greg Bahnsen is just one example. C.L. Bolt, a popularizer of presuppositional apologetics, says similarly:

:It is in the things that have been created that God is clearly perceived. This perception is, again, so clear, that people have no excuse. Not only do all of us believe in God, but we know God. (C.L. Bolt, cited below)

What are we to make of this claim? What is the point from the presuppositionalist perspective? The claim is firmly rooted in Paul’s discussion of God’s wrath against evil in Romans 1-2 (see the text at the end of this post). Therefore, it behooves all Christians to reflect upon the notion that God is known to all people. Presuppositional Apologists have done much reflecting on these subjects, and here we shall reflect upon their insights.

It is important to outline what exactly it is that this knowledge is supposed to be. Greg Bahnsen notes in Van Til’s Apologetic that the claim is, in part, that “[all people/unbelievers] ‘have evidence’ that justifies the belief that [God] exists”.<ref>[https://jwwartick.com/2013/04/01/unbelievers-know-god/ ''The Unbeliever Knows God: Presuppositional Apologetics and Atheism''] by J.W. Wartick</ref>}}

A famous phrase, most often attributed to journalist Ernie Pyle, states, "[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]."<ref>Malin, Don. "Military Chaplains and Religious Pluralism." ''Watchman Fellowship''. http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artGeneral.article_6</ref> Although this aphorism has a narrow context (military personnel serving in active duty) and is not always meant to be taken literally, there is at least some truth to it. It shows that it is human nature to look to some higher power for assistance, strength, comfort, or guidance in times of great need.

Atheists on online forums have stated that they would not be Christian even if Christianity were true, showing that atheism stems from a hatred, not disbelief, of God.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/biqybt/if_christianity_were_true_would_you_become_a/</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/comments/3thbrg/if_christianity_was_proved_to_be_true_would_you/</ref>

== Quotes from science journals and science magazines about men being predisposed to faith ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes]]

" “A slew of cognitive traits predisposes us to [[faith]].” - Pascal Boyer, in the British science journal ''Nature'' <ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref>

“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think. … They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref>
== Emotional reactions of atheists may reveal echoes of belief ==

''See also:'' [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]] and [[Atheism and emotional problems]]

''The Pacific Standard'' reported:
{{Cquote|A [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10508619.2013.771991 recently published study] from Finland finds that even atheists have a hard time asking God to harm their loved ones.

The heads and hearts of atheists may not be on precisely the same page. That’s the implication of recently published research from Finland, which finds avowed non-believers become emotionally aroused when daring God to do terrible things.

“The results imply that atheists’ attitudes toward God are ambivalent, in that their explicit beliefs conflict with their affective response,” concludes a research team led by University of Helsinki psychologist Marjaana Lindeman. Its study is published in the International Journal for the Psychology of Religion.<ref>[https://psmag.com/social-justice/emotional-reactions-of-atheists-reveal-echoes-of-belief-56395 EMOTIONAL REACTIONS OF ATHEISTS MAY REVEAL ECHOES OF BELIEF]</ref>}}

== Atheism, hatred of God and denials that God exists ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and hatred of God]] and [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]
[[File:Ray Comfort Promo Picture.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|The Christian evangelist [[Ray Comfort]] contends that atheists hate God because they know that He does exist.<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref>
 
 
Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref>]]
In [[Atheism and debate|debates with atheists]], the popular [[Christianity|Christian]] YouTube video maker [[Shockofgod]] often asks [[Atheism|atheists]] the [[loaded question]], "Is [[God]] evil?". Invariably, so-called atheists quickly say yes. Then Shockofgod informs the "atheist" that they admitted that God exists.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dKeacA3vs Atheist loses debate to theist & admits God exists]</ref> Shockofgod also declares that Christians never accuse leprechauns of being evil because they know they don't exist.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dKeacA3vs Atheist loses debate to theist & admits God exists]</ref>

Don Batten of [[Creation Ministries International]] wrote:
{{cquote|Recently, I have had a lot of conversations with atheists. Many express a strong hatred of God. I have been at a loss to explain this. How can you hate someone you don’t believe in? Why the hostility? If God does not exist, shouldn’t atheists just relax and seek a good time before they become plant food? Why should it matter if people believe in God? Nothing matters if atheism is true<ref>[https://creation.com/atheist-god-hate Atheists hate God]</ref>}}

The Christian evangelist [[Ray Comfort]] contends that atheists hate God because they know that He does exist.<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref> Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref>

Jennifer LeClaire, a news editor at ''Charisma News'' wrote:
{{cquote|Atheists don’t believe God exists, so why do they get so angry when Christians call them out for it?...

Atheism is rooted in an antichrist spirit that has made man his own God. Atheists have separated themselves from God in this life, yet He still blesses them with an opportunity to repent every day. In the next life—eternal life—atheists won’t be so brazen about insisting God doesn’t exist because they will bow their knee to Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:10; Rom. 14:11) before spending forever apart from His presence in the lake of fire. Calling Christians nasty names and insulting God isn’t going to change that or stop Christians from sharing their faith.

I would challenge every atheist who is reading this article to truly seek God with an open mind. I guarantee if you open your heart, ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and seek Him sincerely, you will find Him.<ref>[Why Do Atheists Get So Angry When Christians Talk About Their Unbelief?] by Jennifer LeClaire, Charisma News, 12:30PM EST 11/22/2013</ref>}}

== Creation vs. evolution issue ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and purpose]]

Also, in the 1970s atheists/agnostics/evolutionists suffered hundreds of losses in [[creation]] vs. [[evolution]] debates on college and university campuses and other public venues. As a result, prominent evolutionists are reluctant to debate scientists who are creationists (see: [[Creation vs. evolution debates]]).<ref>[https://www.icr.org/article/811/ Reason or Rhetoric] by [[Henry Morris]], PhD</ref><ref>[https://www.icr.org/article/811/ Reason or Rhetoric] by [[Henry Morris]], PhD</ref><ref>Ankerberg, John, and Weldon, John, [http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/science/SC0104W1E.htm Truth in Advertising: Damaging the Cause of Science]</ref> Also, less prominent evolutionists are reluctant to debate Darwinism skeptics who are very knowledgeable on creation vs. evolution issue.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/10/evolutionist-posers-naive-evolutionists.html Naive evolutionists, evolutionist poseurs and the headlights of the Question Evolution! Campaign]</ref> Consequently, creationists have asserted that various atheists/agnostics are merely haters of God and atheist/agnostic/evolutionist poseurs.<ref>[https://creation.com/is-richard-dawkins-an-atheist Is Richard Dawkins an atheist]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/10/evolutionist-posers-naive-evolutionists.html Naive evolutionists, evolutionist poseurs and the headlights of the Question Evolution! Campaign]</ref>

Research and historical data indicate that atheists/agnostics often see the world and their lives as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheism and purpose]]).<ref>
*[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/opinion/sunday/does-everything-happen-for-a-reason.html ''Does everything happen for a reason?''],'' New York Times'', October 17, 2014
*[https://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children see the world as designed] by David Catchpoole, [[Creation Ministries International]], Published: 16 July 2009
*Atheist [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] made the candid confession: "As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for wont of being able to think otherwise." Source: ''Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility'' By Dean Turner, page 109
*The ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' declares: "In 1885, the Duke of Argyll recounted a conversation he had had with [[Charles Darwin]] the year before Darwin's death: In the course of that conversation I said to Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the Fertilization of [[Orchid]]s, and upon The [[Earthworm]]s, and various other observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in nature — I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that they were the effect and the expression of Mind. I shall never forget Mr. Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, 'Well, that often comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times,' and he shook his head vaguely, adding, 'it seems to go away.'(Argyll 1885, 244)[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html Notes to Teleological Arguments for God's Existence]</ref>

For more information please see:

* [[Evolution]]

* [[Evolution and Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation]]

* [[Suppression of alternatives to evolution]]

== See also ==

*[[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]
*[[Atheism and death]]
*[[Atheism and hatred of God]]
*[[Atheism and obsession with God]]
*[[Endurance of the saying "There are no atheists in foxholes"]]
*[[Atheists and church attendance]]

== External articles ==

*[http://www.letusreason.org/apolo7.htm There are no atheists] by Let Us Reason Ministries

*[http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_edge/blog/scientists_discover_that_atheists_might_not_exist_and_thats_not_a_joke-139982 Scientists discover that atheists might not exist, and that’s not a joke] By Nury Vittachi, Science 2.0, July 6, 2014

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg1MQM5eDCg The atheist Howard Stern admits he dropped to his knees and prayed to God when living in poverty as a beginning radio announcer]

*[http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/PA207.htm The Crucial Concept of Self-Deception in Presuppositional Apologetics] By Dr. Greg Bahnsen

== References ==

<references/>
[[Category:Atheism]]
[[Category:Theology]]