We have a new name and a newly designed cover. While we realize we can't please everyone, we hope a majority of members will feel it's an improvement. Both changes were not reached with out a lot of e-mail discussions and frustration.

Particular thanks go to David Pascal for the initial cover design, and to Charles Platt for some insightful suggestions.

The November issue of one of our favorite magazines, WIRED contained a thought provoking cover story THE NEW ATHEISM No Heaven. NO Hell. Just Science INSIDE THE CRUSADE AGAINST RELIGION.

According to this new movement, "they condemn not just belief in God, but respect for the belief in God. Religion is not only wrong, it is evil." They urge atheists to speak out and confront believers with the lack of science in their beliefs. It mentions a number of high profile, outspoken atheists. (Penn of Penn and Teller has two Nevada license plates "ATHEIST" AND "GODLESS")

It makes the point that there are an estimated 30 million non-believers in this country, which is more than all the people of Jewish faith in the world, and by implication, if the non-believers were organized could be a force as powerful as the Jewish community

No matter what their beliefs, few people would take kindly to being confronted and told that their long held beliefs are wrong or "evil." If this movement grows, it could hasten what some people feel is the inevitable clash between cryonicists and Christian conservatives.

We had the opportunity to go to the Annual General Meeting held this past September at CIHQ in Michigan. It's always nice to go and renew old friendships.

Special thanks to Bob Nelson for contributing some original cartoons for the Cartoon Caption Contest (page 16 )

[ocr from printed edition]