HASD NEWS, blurbs, & site updates:
(updated: 3/6/2009)

We're getting a facelift!

Due to unforseen circumstances, the website has been handed over to new "management". Stay tuned for a fresh new look and some other added content. In the meantime, please enjoy the current website while the new content is under construction.

Continue reading below for:

• X-mas party review

• Join HASD via Paypayl Inc.

• Cult-watch lecture series

• Video Clip
  

Our X-mas party was OUTSTANDING! We had the BIGGEST and most successful turnout of the year during our winter solstice / end-of-year gathering of like minds. Despite our current economic woes, our party was a huge success, and even helped HASD raise money - money we desperately need if we're to continue providing a haven for fellow free-thinkers and infidels. There was even a raffle drawing for prizes, gifts and such.

"Magic Santa Claus" (http://www.magicsantaclaus.com/) performed his magical tricks for the children and the audience roared with jubilant laughter.

In addition - HASD held a board election (to decide just who should take various board positions for 2009). Jason Frye (with the help of the marvelous JESSE ROY) gave a very successful power-point presentation of HASD 2008. The presentation was well-received and the overall mood was one of jubilance and optimism, as everyone left their pessimism, skepticism and cranky moods at the door. All in all - the event turned out to be quite a gathering indeed.

- Shawn Gillick (Philosopher) Tuesday, December 23, 2008

That's right folks! You are now able to become a member of HASD electronically via the wonderful PayPal, Inc. (US). Links to the Paypal site are provided on the "Join Us" page of this website. It's very easy, fast and secure!

We want you to know that, despite our current economic woes, don't be discouraged from making a generous donation to our organization. If you frequently attend our events, please consider doing your financial part to help make HASD a truly satisfying experience.

Without you - we cannot continue our mission. Please note that, though this is a "an attempt to raise money" - it's our job to ensure that we're able to meet our financial and community service objectives. I understand that you are feeling the bite of this devastating state of affairs - but let us remind you that activism during these times is extremely important and very necessary during these rough times.

You have our guarantee that your money will certainly be used for a great cause and that it will be used responsibly - intelligently and strictly for organizational purposes. If you ever have questions - please contact us with your concerns and questions.

Cult-Watch!

One must beware of what groups can do. Thus I, (Shawn Gillick) am taking it upon myself to conduct exhaustive research into cults, the kinds of people who join them and their leaders. For instance - does a group have to be "religious" to be a cult? What are the differences between religious cults and non-religious cults? Can a group be a cult, yet be "non-religious"? Questions of these kind - are what I will be asking myself as I set out to find answers.

You can watch the video below to see what "Jonestown" and "People's Temple" was all about. I'll be posting video clips from documentaries about cults during the coming weeks that will be part of a lecture series about cults.

-Shawn (Philosopher) December 19, 2008