Scamming The Credulous

I had to laugh when I got this email today. Obviously, it was broadcast out to many thousands of email addresses, but I was still amused to see it in my inbox, considering.... you know. In fact, the way it started out I thought it was a real email from a real person, and I was thinking "Oh boy, here we go...", but I quickly got suspicious about the time the "only surviving lawyer" died midway through the first sentence.

Dear Friend

Greetings in the name of God, Please let this not sound strange to you for my only surviving lawyer who would have done this died early this year. I prayed and got your email id from your countries Christian guestbook which i have been with my late husband and liked to visit once more if God will in his infinite mercies.

I am Mrs. Joy Hoffman from Kuwait, I am 68 years old, I am deaf and suffering from a long time cancer of the breast which also affected my brain, from all indication my conditions is really deteriorating and it is quite obvious that, according to my doctors they have advised me that I may not live for the next two months, this is because the cancer stage has gotten to a very bad stage. I was brought up from a motherless babies home was married to
my late husband for twenty years without a child, my husband died in a fatal motor accident Before his death we were true Christians.

Since his death I decided not to re-marry, I sold all my inherited belongings and deposited all the sum of US$5.6Million dollars with a Security Firm. Presently, this money is still with them and the management just wrote me as the true owner to come forward to receive the money for keeping it so long or rather issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receive it on my behalf since I can not come over because of my illness or they get it confisticated.

Presently, I'm with my laptop in a hospital here in Mauella Hospital Germany where I have been undergoing treatment for cancer of the lungs. My doctors have told me that I have only a few months to live. It is my last wish to see that this money is invested to any organization of your choice and distributed each year among the charity organization, the poor and the motherless babies' home.

I want you as God fearing person, to also use this money to fund churches, orphanages and widows, I took this decision, before i rest in peace because my time will so on be up.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Security Firm. I will also issue you a letter of authority that will prove you as the new beneficiary of my fund. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein.

Please reply me through this my private email address: DELETED@aim.com

Hoping to hear from you soon,Waiting for your reply

Yours in Sincerely,


Mrs. Joy Hoffman

It's pretty obvious who the scam's targets (aka "marks") are. I guess these scams have gotten enough publicity by now that most people aren't fooled anymore forcing the scammers to start scraping the bottom of the credulity barrel.

Let there be light

I just couldn't resist sharing this.

Via Bits & Pieces.

Evolution Day Drinks and Dialog

On November 24th, 1859, Charles Darwin first published "The Origin of Species" introducing to the world the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. For this reason, November 24th is now known as "Evolution Day".

2008 marks the 149th anniversary of this historic event. Since it actually falls on a Monday this year, the Missoula Area Secular Society will observe Evolution Day on Sunday afternoon. Come on out to Sean Kelly's (all ages welcome) for drinks and dialog about Evolution & Science & anything else of interest to M.A.S.S.ers who attend.


When: Sunday, November 23rd, 4:00pm

Where: Sean Kelly's, somewhere in the back.

If you're not sure who to look for, Dan will have his Watson Bobblehead prominently displayed on our table, and Jon will likely be (yes, again) wearing his "Darwin 08" campaign t-shirt.

RSVP if you'd like on the facebook group event, or post a comment here, or just show up prepared to meet some unsuperstitious, yet amazingly friendly people. Our facebook group recently gained it's 50th Member, so we're anticipating a wonderful turnout. See you there!

Tonight on NOVA: The Bible's Buried Secrets

Tonight at 7:00 on Montana PBS...

A visually stunning two-hour special edition of "Nova" examines decades of archaeological studies that contradict much of what is in the Bible. The entire Exodus story is debunked, as is the idea that the Israelites were monotheistic following the contract made between God and Abraham. It turns out idol worship was common through the reign of King David and right up to the Babylonian exile.

Why YOU should attend M.A.S.S.

PZ Myers (biologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris) has an excellent blog post today that strikes to the heart, in my opinion, of one of the major reasons why the Missoula Area Secular Society exists. His post is a bit "Atheist" centric, but I think it still does a great job of discussing the roles that communities (clubs and other organizations) of non-religious people have to play in society.

The positive effect of religion in the real world, to my mind, is tied to this last, community component--rather than a belief in constant surveillance by a higher power. Humans are social beings, and we are happier, and better, when connected to others. This is the moral of sociologist Robert Putnam's work on American life. In Bowling Alone, he argues that voluntary association with other people is integral to a fulfilled and productive existence--it makes us "smarter, healthier, safer, richer, and better able to govern a just and stable democracy."

[S]cattered individuals who are excluded from communities do not receive the benefits of community, nor do they feel willing to contribute to the communities that exclude them.

And as Bloom says and I've said before, we are social animals and community is essential for our health and happiness. What can kill [secularism] best is if we refuse to make accommodations to build a fellowship of interests, a community of godless folk dedicated to living rational lives. A fractured group of hermits and misfits can not change the world.

You can read the full post here, just remember that Dr. Myers describes himself as an atheist, so that's his focus. M.A.S.S. however welcomes all non-religious people, regardless of what particular label you think least inadequately encompasses your personal nuanced position on the subject.

So, come on out to our next event (not scheduled yet, but should be later this month) to have fun and meet other similarly minded people. Or, even better, plan and organize an event for the rest of us to enjoy (but only if you want to).

Brother Sam in 'da Hood

Atheist Evangelist Sam Singleton of "Patriarchs and Penises ~ A Comedy in Two Acts" will be passing through Missoula setting up tour dates for his show and is looking for some friendly local faces to meet and converse with while he's here.

So, to celebrate the Earth's 6004th Birthday (give or take 4,540,000,000 years) and to show Brother Sam some good old Western Montana godless hospitality, come on down to Sean Kelly's on Friday at 6:00pm and wander to the back.

If you're not sure who to look for, Jon will once again be wearing his "DARWIN 08" campaign shirt, desperately trying to milk it for all it's worth between now and Nov. 4th.

Bill Maher's Religulous ~ Now In Missoula!

I've been patiently waiting and I just got the magic word from The Wilma.

THEY NOW HAVE RELIGULOUS!

Drop everything you thought you were doing Friday and come to the opening. Show your support to the Wilma for bringing it here.

http://www.lionsgate.com/religulous/
http://thewilma.com/movies.php

We'll meet on "the grassy knoll" in Caras Park at 6:15 then we'll head up to the theater at 6:30 so we can all try to sit together.

If you miss us at the knoll and still want to catch up with us after the show, we'll head over to the Rhino for drinks and socializing afterwards. Look for Jon in his "DARWIN 08" Campaign T-Shirt.