Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

This is apropos of absolutely nothing, but I wanted to pass it along in case anyone out there is doing a sociology project or a study of scientific theory and method.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster: its origins and beliefs (Wikipedia article)

There are some interesting arguments here which should be considered. The graph in particular (how global warming is a direct result of the shrinking number of pirates on the planet), and how the "evidence" is presented to support the argument is the perfect way to have a light-hearted but serious discussion with your family about whether a high statistical correlation proves cause and effect. I also love the sociology question of what makes something a religion (is it a set of rituals and a community which forms around them, or does it need to have genuine theological belief at its core?) -- check it out!

Here's the actual website for FSM and the founder's letter to the school board in Kansas (the letter which started it all) complaining that if alternative theories besides evolution are to be taught, then his theory is just as valid as any other and cannot legally be excluded: The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster