So this is how "smart" I am...I just realized that when I replied to your greeting, I did so as a comment on my wall and I'm not sure if it got to you! Thanks for the welcome! This community is fantastic; for me, it's like an oasis of rationality in the intellectual desert of Bible Belt Texas. (Then again, I'm not sure that I am fit to chastise anyone's intelligence as I seem to be challenged by properly replying to comments on boards, lol!)

I certainly don't go quote scripture all over the place... well unless there's a reason for it in a discussion. Thanks for the reassurance though!

Hi Nelson, thanks for the welcome. Much appreciated. I hope to be sticking around - I'm quite glad this doesn't seem like a hateful place from what I've seen so far!

Hey Nelson I just wanted to say I re re featured you because of your awesome mega doom responses on the forums/blogs haha :] Thanks for putting some great perspective/talking points on complicated issues!

we are all great! just really busy...i really like your quote at the top : )

hey what's up!!! i have been gone too! i am checking back in : ) how are you?

your very welcome, thank you for accepting

Ask Morgan... I can't exactly remember for sure who it was. I'll tell him to tell you if you don't get to him first... ;)

Yeah, I noticed when I was trying to find out when you're latest activity was. Someone on the site was worried about you! Glad to see you're just fine and look forward to more of your posts :D

Thanks for the welcome.

Hi Nelson, thank you for the welcome -- I've been in and out and there's sooooo much to read. Planning to soon become an active member around here, Katharine

Thanks for the find on the atheist in prison study. I was going through old comments to my posts and found yours. It's been so buried that it gets' lost. Thanks to your personal archiving!

Thanks...cant believe it is August already....would of replied earlier, but i have been way too bust.

No prob. Just be sure to take a gander at www.atheistattitude.com :-)

Hi! You're welcome!

Before I say more I should verify that evolution has not been buried in another part of the curriculum at a different grade level --I'm sure it hasn't.

Several years prior to my move to Tennessee the school district I work for decided to try a different science format than the state. Sixth grade was physical science, seventh life science(biology) and eight grade teachers taught earth and space. It was very successful. This year, due to state testing complications, we've reverted to the convoluted state curriculum.

I'm embarrassed to admitt that for several years I did teach a diluted chapter on evolution. Another "science" teacher told me not to touch it at all. How can an educated person even attempt to discuss virology or any aspect of life science without evolution.

Most of my colleagues are Christians with little or no understanding of science. The bible is their textbook.

Yes Nelson, I do worry about losing my job.

Hi Nelson,
Been away since your last post. Teaching biology in Tennessee is a challenge. As of this year all reference to evolution/adaptation over time has been removed from the middle school science curriculum. It happened gradually over the past 5 years.

Hi! Thank you for welcoming me!