There’s an online poll on the Channel 4 website, asking “Is atheism a meaningful alternative to religion?” So far, the religionists are winning. Go and vote now! Tags: Poll, Channel+4, TV, Atheism

One of the greatest mysteries of the universe is about to be unravelled with the first detailed, three-dimensional map of dark matter – the invisible material that makes up most of the cosmos. Astronomers announced yesterday that they have achieved the apparently impossible task of creating a picture of something that has defied every attempt to detect it since its existence was first postulated in 1933. The Universe gives up its deepest secret: The Independent

SEVERAL POLLS indicate that the term “atheism” has acquired such an extraordinary stigma in the United States that being an atheist is now a perfect impediment to a career in politics (in a way that being black, Muslim or homosexual is not). According to a recent Newsweek poll, only 37% of Americans would vote for an otherwise qualified atheist for president. Link: 10 myths — and 10 truths — about atheism – Los Angeles Times

John Lennon said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. Those plans might include New Year’s resolutions. I never make any, knowing from experience that things will happen regardless. Not that I don’t intend to make an effort to sort out the more disorganised parts of my life – that’s work in progress – but there’s no reason why I should be any more successful if I start a list of things to do on 1st January than at any other time of the year.

Professor Dave Muller is Principal of Suffolk College, Ipswich. For the past 2 or 3 years, the college has had a “Celebration of Community” in the summer term, with a procession through the town and a church service, involving the Mayor and other dignitaries. We’ve been invited but haven’t attended because we don’t go to church – for obvious reasons. I’ve written to Prof. Muller a couple of times, explaining why we think it’s not a good idea to celebrate the community with a Christian service, and why we won’t join in, but so far he hasn’t replied.

E-mail: mail@suffolkhumanists.org.uk Event description: Suffolk Humanists met BBC Radio Suffolk’s Rachel Sloane when she came to our meeting on 11 December. The encounter will be included in Rachel’s programme on 95.5, 95.9, 103.9 and 104.6 fm. You can also listen again via the BBC Suffolk website. Further info: www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/content/articles/2006/06/15/bbc_radio_suffolk_sloane_profile_feature.shtml

BBC Radio Suffolk’s Rachel Sloane came to talk to Suffolk Humanists on 11 December. You can hear some of what was said on Rachel’s programme on Sunday 24 December, between 6 and 9 am, on 95.5, 95.9, 103.9 or 104.6 fm. If you’re not an early bird, you can read and hear about the encounter via the BBC Suffolk website. You’ll need Real Player to hear the clips. Tags: Radio, Radio+Suffolk, BBC, Meeting

In Sunday’s Observer, Mary Riddell wrote about Blair’s bias when it comes to the issues of diversity and integration. He has had plenty to say about what immigrants ought to do… ‘Conform to [tolerant attitudes] or don’t come here. We don’t want the hate-makers, whatever their race, religion or creed.’ … but never a word of criticism for our home-grown hate-mongers, the Christian clerics. They assume they have every right to preach against anyone who fails to share their antediluvian attitudes while Blair ignores their intolerance and maintains a double standard.

E-mail: mail@suffolkhumanists.org.uk Event description: NOTE: this event has been cancelled due to urgent dental surgery, but please get in touch with Action Aid to find out more about Fair Trade. Action Aid’s 24 Hour Coffee Break. A 100g jar of instant coffee costs 1.94, yet a Ugandan coffee farmer only earns 7p. Buy fair trade products to make a difference. We drink fair trade tea and coffee at Suffolk Humanist meetings.

Ministers have been accused of overturning the nation’s morality in a searing attack on new gay rights laws by a leading Roman Catholic churchman. Archbishop of Birmingham Vincent Nichols threatened to withdraw Catholic co-operation with the Government over schools, charity programmes and adoption agencies if the new sexual orientation regulations go ahead. Link: Don’t impose your morality: Catholic Archbishop attacks gay rights bill | the Daily Mail Maybe Archbishop Nichols needs a reality check.