Today is, in the western world, Christmas Eve. Tomorrow, Christmas Day, is the second most sacred day to Christians around the world. If you believe the Christian Bible, tomorrow is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If you don't believe that bible, well, it's December 25th. To most religions, and there are literally thousands and thousands, tomorrow is just another day and nothing more. To Christians, it's a time to come together and celebrate by...putting presents under a spruce tree?
Yeah, I know, it's messed up. For all intents and purposes, Christmas has become about as secular as is humanly possible. Most people won't go to church tonight or tomorrow. Most won't be thinking of Baby Jesus when they open up their flat screen televisions and shiny iPads. Yes, many of them will go out of make a big fuss about being believers but when push comes to shove, those pews in churches coast to coast will be more empty than full come Sunday morning.
As an Atheist, I find this all rather amusing. To me, the Bible and the Christian Faith are no more true than the fairy tales of Mother Goose. Science has answered many if not all of our questions and with each passing day, it becomes more and more clear that we are just random beings inhabiting a rather ordinary planet that orbits a rather ordinary star in a rather ordinary part of a rather ordinary galaxy in what is looking more and more likely, one of trillions of universes that exist in the here and now.
There is no longer any need for a supernatural being to explain who we are and how we got here. We exist because the rules of our universe say we should exist. That to me is more than enough and so tonight and tomorrow, I'll celebrate the secular Christmas by getting together with my small family, having a nice dinner out tonight, watch a movie afterwards and come tomorrow morning, the dogs and I will head to Mom's to unwrap some shiny gifts of our own.
We'll also make another vow to do everything in our very limited power to make this world a somewhat better place for all to live in. That to me is the ultimate meaning of Christmas. It is not about the birth of Jesus anymore than it is about Santa Claus and eggnog. No, Christmas is about bringing the vast human family together and figuring out a way to make this life the best it can possibly be, not just for us, but for all living creatures.
I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holidays and Happy Winter Solstice. However you choose to celebrate or not celebrate, please take a moment to give back to the world at large and remember, may you forever find peace.
Still Here Folks
I'm still here everyone, just haven't had much to say. Tomorrow will be the 3rd day this week that my school district has been out because of winter weather. Monday was because of snow and today and tomorrow are because of the big ice storm we had over night. I'm now off work till 2011 but wish I was working tomorrow as we had our big holiday party planned for the kids and lots of great presents for them. Alas, that will have to wait till the first week of January.
Ten Reasons Beer is Better than Religion
Top 10 Reasons Why Beer Is Better Than Religion
10. No one will kill you for not drinking Beer.
9. Beer doesn’t tell you how to have sex.
8. Beer has never caused a major war.
7. They don’t force Beer on minors who can’t think for themselves.
6. When you have Beer, you don’t knock on people’s doors trying to
make them drink it.
5. Nobody’s ever been burned at the stake, hanged, or tortured over
their brand of Beer.
4. You don’t have to wait more than 2,000 years for a second Beer.
3. There are laws saying that Beer labels can’t lie to you.
2. If you’ve devoted your life to Beer, there are groups to help you stop.
1. You can prove you have a Beer.
10. No one will kill you for not drinking Beer.
9. Beer doesn’t tell you how to have sex.
8. Beer has never caused a major war.
7. They don’t force Beer on minors who can’t think for themselves.
6. When you have Beer, you don’t knock on people’s doors trying to
make them drink it.
5. Nobody’s ever been burned at the stake, hanged, or tortured over
their brand of Beer.
4. You don’t have to wait more than 2,000 years for a second Beer.
3. There are laws saying that Beer labels can’t lie to you.
2. If you’ve devoted your life to Beer, there are groups to help you stop.
1. You can prove you have a Beer.
Doofus Hipsters Must Die
You've seen them everywhere, they are a plague on our society and it's time the rest of us went about eradicating each and every one of them. They like to hang out in urban neighborhoods, usually near the coffee shop or record store. They tend to mingle in packs, an equal mix of girls and boys. Those of age like to drink PBR, not because it's good beer, it isn't, but because it's so ironic. Their cigarette of choice is anything made by Camel and it's the only thing they ever seem to have money for.
The boys are fond of shaggy beards, trucker hats, tee shirts that are three sizes too small, skinny jeans (no one looks good in skinny jeans), canvass shoes that are generally held together with duct tape. The only thing of value is generally an iPod. No doubt there is nothing but shitty music on said iPod.
The girls like to wear much the same, usually complemented with a scarf and wool hat, no matter the season or the temperature. They are skinny beyond belief and so in need of an all you can eat buffet. They live on coffee and cigarettes and are often much more insufferable than the guys they like to hang out with.
Most of them live at home in the suburbs but like to hang in the city, either riding in on the bus or catching a ride with the rare hipster who owns a car. They contribute nothing to society. They do not buy anything at the stores they like to hang out at, preferring to just watch the traffic go by, make snide comments at those better dressed and from time to time, take a ride on a too old skateboard.
I say no more. This plague must be stopped and stopped now. When you see these hipsters on the street, let them know how stupid they look. By all means, make fun of them, laugh at them and make them get off your property. Tell them to go back to the suburbs where they live, we don't want your kind down here. Whatever you do, don't imitate them and certainly don't become one of them. Treat them with the disgust that they so deserve.
The boys are fond of shaggy beards, trucker hats, tee shirts that are three sizes too small, skinny jeans (no one looks good in skinny jeans), canvass shoes that are generally held together with duct tape. The only thing of value is generally an iPod. No doubt there is nothing but shitty music on said iPod.
The girls like to wear much the same, usually complemented with a scarf and wool hat, no matter the season or the temperature. They are skinny beyond belief and so in need of an all you can eat buffet. They live on coffee and cigarettes and are often much more insufferable than the guys they like to hang out with.
Most of them live at home in the suburbs but like to hang in the city, either riding in on the bus or catching a ride with the rare hipster who owns a car. They contribute nothing to society. They do not buy anything at the stores they like to hang out at, preferring to just watch the traffic go by, make snide comments at those better dressed and from time to time, take a ride on a too old skateboard.
I say no more. This plague must be stopped and stopped now. When you see these hipsters on the street, let them know how stupid they look. By all means, make fun of them, laugh at them and make them get off your property. Tell them to go back to the suburbs where they live, we don't want your kind down here. Whatever you do, don't imitate them and certainly don't become one of them. Treat them with the disgust that they so deserve.
Bloodbath
Well that was ugly. I suppose I can take solace in the fact that the Dems did manage to keep hold of the Senate. That will come in handy when the Republicans begin impeachment charges against Obama next year. Speaking of Obama, I saw a few clips of his presser today and I have to say, he just doesn't get it. Seriously, does he think that they are going to meet him halfway? Really? If they weren't going to negotiate in good faith when they were way in the minority, why would they now?
Regardless, it was just a miserable night from coast to coast. Here in Kentucky, my fellow citizens saw fit to elect a certified nutcase to the US Senate. Across the river in Indiana, they doubled down on Dan Coats and pretty much made it clear that going for Obama in 2008 was an outlier. Not to be outdone, the citizens of Wisconsin, a state I used to hold in pretty high regard, decided that one of the two or three best Senators in the nation deserved to be fired. Bang head against wall now.
Locally, it was still a pretty good night for those of us here in Louisville. Our Congressman, the awesome John Yarmuth, was easily re-elected and Democrat Greg Fischer is our new mayor. Jefferson County also voted for Jack Conway in his ill fated Senate campaign so at least the stupid hasn't penetrated the Gene Snyder Freeway.
Let's have a few days to mope around and feel bad about ourselves and then lets roll our sleeves back up and get to work taking back the House and keeping the White House in 2012. I can dream, can't I?
Regardless, it was just a miserable night from coast to coast. Here in Kentucky, my fellow citizens saw fit to elect a certified nutcase to the US Senate. Across the river in Indiana, they doubled down on Dan Coats and pretty much made it clear that going for Obama in 2008 was an outlier. Not to be outdone, the citizens of Wisconsin, a state I used to hold in pretty high regard, decided that one of the two or three best Senators in the nation deserved to be fired. Bang head against wall now.
Locally, it was still a pretty good night for those of us here in Louisville. Our Congressman, the awesome John Yarmuth, was easily re-elected and Democrat Greg Fischer is our new mayor. Jefferson County also voted for Jack Conway in his ill fated Senate campaign so at least the stupid hasn't penetrated the Gene Snyder Freeway.
Let's have a few days to mope around and feel bad about ourselves and then lets roll our sleeves back up and get to work taking back the House and keeping the White House in 2012. I can dream, can't I?
Take Me Home...
I'll be heading to my beloved West Virginia this week and while this would normally bring joy to my heart, this particular trip will be filled with sadness and grief. A dear friend of mine, Margret Ann Smith, passed away today after a battle with cancer. Mags was the chef and owner of The Red Fox, the amazing restaurant I was blessed to work at for several years during the 90's. An amazing woman, Mags always made us feel so welcome and appreciated.
She watched over us all and during the Christmas season, when so many of us were far away from our families, she went out of her way to make us all feel like family. It's been over a decade since I lived there but not a day goes by that I don't think about those beautiful mountains and the place I love so much. I got to see her last October, a little over a year ago, and spent a lovely evening having dinner with her. As always, it was like I had never been away.
I will see many people that I have not seen in years and while it will be great to be with them, I just wish it were under different circumstances. I suspect that there will be a very large turnout this week as she had a large family in Elkins and loved ones all around the east coast. Most of the people I worked with have moved on to other places but I'm sure they will all find their way back to the mountains this week as we say goodbye to a dear friend. We love you Mags!
This is for you kiddo...
She watched over us all and during the Christmas season, when so many of us were far away from our families, she went out of her way to make us all feel like family. It's been over a decade since I lived there but not a day goes by that I don't think about those beautiful mountains and the place I love so much. I got to see her last October, a little over a year ago, and spent a lovely evening having dinner with her. As always, it was like I had never been away.
I will see many people that I have not seen in years and while it will be great to be with them, I just wish it were under different circumstances. I suspect that there will be a very large turnout this week as she had a large family in Elkins and loved ones all around the east coast. Most of the people I worked with have moved on to other places but I'm sure they will all find their way back to the mountains this week as we say goodbye to a dear friend. We love you Mags!
This is for you kiddo...
I Call Bullshit On This One
I love Salon, it's one of the best sites on the internet, but I have to call bullshit on http://www.salon.com/life/broadsheet/2010/10/13/trans_athletes/index.html. Citing a study, Salon says that...
It's possible I suppose that this is true but I find it very difficult to believe. I've been on hormones for over six years now, take massive dosages of anti-androgens and even though I've lost some muscle mass, I feel pretty confident that there are few women, save for elite athletes, that I couldn't out compete in just about any sport.
I can guarantee you that there is not one single female that I work with, many of whom are much younger and if truth be told, in much better shape than me, that could beat me in basketball, throw a football further, ski better, hit a baseball better, run faster, jump higher or lift more than I can. Not a one. Zip. Zilch. Zero.
I'm not saying this to brag or for any other reason save for the fact that I have the advantage of a body that was built by more than 30 years of testosterone. My skeletal system is bigger and stronger and all those years of living "male" simply conditioned me to be able to do those things. It's the way the human body is built and it's the way that most of our fellow animals are built. In nearly every single instance, the male of a species is bigger, stronger and faster. No amount of estrogen will change that.
I give you as an example my two border collies. Sammy and River are both the same age, separated by only a few months, but Sammy, my male border, is bigger, faster, more agile and a better athlete. He's not necessarily smarter, though he is a genius, but physically, he is built different and it's the same with me.
Okay, feel free to disagree but I stand by what I've said here.
It turns out, though, that there is no proof that transgender women have an automatic advantage. A report released earlier this month on transgender student athletes says...
It's possible I suppose that this is true but I find it very difficult to believe. I've been on hormones for over six years now, take massive dosages of anti-androgens and even though I've lost some muscle mass, I feel pretty confident that there are few women, save for elite athletes, that I couldn't out compete in just about any sport.
I can guarantee you that there is not one single female that I work with, many of whom are much younger and if truth be told, in much better shape than me, that could beat me in basketball, throw a football further, ski better, hit a baseball better, run faster, jump higher or lift more than I can. Not a one. Zip. Zilch. Zero.
I'm not saying this to brag or for any other reason save for the fact that I have the advantage of a body that was built by more than 30 years of testosterone. My skeletal system is bigger and stronger and all those years of living "male" simply conditioned me to be able to do those things. It's the way the human body is built and it's the way that most of our fellow animals are built. In nearly every single instance, the male of a species is bigger, stronger and faster. No amount of estrogen will change that.
I give you as an example my two border collies. Sammy and River are both the same age, separated by only a few months, but Sammy, my male border, is bigger, faster, more agile and a better athlete. He's not necessarily smarter, though he is a genius, but physically, he is built different and it's the same with me.
Okay, feel free to disagree but I stand by what I've said here.
Celebrate Good Times
Today is Native American Genocide Day, also known as Columbus Day. It's pretty much just one more day set aside for white people. In all seriousness though, it didn't have to happen that way.
Cold
It's hard to believe that it was 99 degrees just a little over a week ago. A Frost Advisory has been issued for all of the counties west and south of Louisville. The urban heat island in the city will keep us well above freezing tonight so no frost at my house. I can't remember the last year we had cold temperatures like this, so early in the year. Last year, we didn't get our first freeze of the year till the first week of December.
Great Big Sea
I am so freaking excited about the last Waterfront Wednesday of the summer. On September 29th, WFPK is bringing Great Big Sea to town for a free concert at Waterfront Park. This trio hales from St. John's Newfoundland and are known for putting on a rollicking great show. That it's free is just a bonus.
Here's a taste of some Great Big Sea fun...
Here's a taste of some Great Big Sea fun...
It's Got What Plants Need
It's been a long time since I've seen things as dry as they are right now. It hasn't rained her in at least a month and for the two months before that, we really hadn't had more than a stray thunderstorm here or there. The green long ago left the grass, plants have wilted and died, trees are in total shock and are just dropping their leaves without ever changing colors. The ground, well, it,s about as hard and cracked open as you can get.
I've spent a small fortune watering this summer, just to keep things somehow going. I've invested way too much money in turning my yard into a natural setting, buying native species from expensive nurseries, planting numerous shade trees and generally trying to make my little space wildlife friendly, to watch it all just die. So, I have one of the few living spaces left on my street and with no rain in the forecast, coupled with daytime temps in the 90's, things are only going to get worse.
If there is one silver lining, it's where I live. On the south banks of the Ohio River, water restrictions are unheard of around here. We get all of our city water from the big river and while the water level is down a little bit (sufficient rain upstream), it's no big deal. So, I have a reliable and cheap source of water and I'm using it to keep my trees and plants alive.
So, if you have any rain in your parts, please send it our way. It is, Brawndo withstanding, what plants crave.
I've spent a small fortune watering this summer, just to keep things somehow going. I've invested way too much money in turning my yard into a natural setting, buying native species from expensive nurseries, planting numerous shade trees and generally trying to make my little space wildlife friendly, to watch it all just die. So, I have one of the few living spaces left on my street and with no rain in the forecast, coupled with daytime temps in the 90's, things are only going to get worse.
If there is one silver lining, it's where I live. On the south banks of the Ohio River, water restrictions are unheard of around here. We get all of our city water from the big river and while the water level is down a little bit (sufficient rain upstream), it's no big deal. So, I have a reliable and cheap source of water and I'm using it to keep my trees and plants alive.
So, if you have any rain in your parts, please send it our way. It is, Brawndo withstanding, what plants crave.
Okay, I couldn't stay away. So, I got my new Entertainment Weekly on Friday and it's the Fall Television Preview. I've spent an hour or so browsing the upcoming schedule, reading all about new shows and catching up on my old favorites. Needless to say, my DVR is going to be rather busy this fall as there are a lot of very promising shows coming my way. So, without further ado, here is my upcoming viewing schedule (NOTE: College football trumps everything else)...
Monday Nights
Rules of Engagement on CBS at 8:30
The Event on NBC at 9:00
Hawaii Five-O on CBS at 10:00
Castle on ABC at 10:00 (DVR)
Tuesday Nights
Glee on Fox at 8:00
NCIS: Los Angeles on CBS at 9:00
The Good Wife on CBS at 10:00
Parenthood on NBC at 10:00 (DVR)
When V returns in November, I'll be watching it on ABC at 9:00.
Yes, I'm a Gleek...
Wednesday Nights
Well, aside from the wonderful Modern Family, Wednesday isn't a very stellar television night.
Modern Family on ABC at 9:00
I'm going to give The Defenders a try on CBS at 10:00.
Thursday Night
This is the night that is home to the very best show on television, The Big Bang Theory.
The Big Bang Theory on CBS at 8:00
30 Rock on NBC at 8:30
Grey's Anatomy on ABC at 9:00
The Mentalist on CBS at 10:00 Simon Baker is way hot.
Private Practice on ABC at 10:00 (DVR)
Friday Night
College Football on ESPN
Saturday
College Freaking Football
Sunday Night
Sunday Night Football on NBC at 8:00
Mad Men on AMC at 10:00
CSI: Miami on CBS at 10:00 (DVR)
Monday Nights
Rules of Engagement on CBS at 8:30
The Event on NBC at 9:00
Hawaii Five-O on CBS at 10:00
Castle on ABC at 10:00 (DVR)
Tuesday Nights
Glee on Fox at 8:00
NCIS: Los Angeles on CBS at 9:00
The Good Wife on CBS at 10:00
Parenthood on NBC at 10:00 (DVR)
When V returns in November, I'll be watching it on ABC at 9:00.
Yes, I'm a Gleek...
Wednesday Nights
Well, aside from the wonderful Modern Family, Wednesday isn't a very stellar television night.
Modern Family on ABC at 9:00
I'm going to give The Defenders a try on CBS at 10:00.
Thursday Night
This is the night that is home to the very best show on television, The Big Bang Theory.
The Big Bang Theory on CBS at 8:00
30 Rock on NBC at 8:30
Grey's Anatomy on ABC at 9:00
The Mentalist on CBS at 10:00 Simon Baker is way hot.
Private Practice on ABC at 10:00 (DVR)
Friday Night
College Football on ESPN
Saturday
College Freaking Football
Sunday Night
Sunday Night Football on NBC at 8:00
Mad Men on AMC at 10:00
CSI: Miami on CBS at 10:00 (DVR)
End Of The Road?
I've come to the conclusion that I just don't have anything interesting to say. My life is rather boring and I seem to have lost my voice. I'm not sure when I'll be back on these pages, perhaps in a few days, maybe never, but for now, I need a total break from blogging. See you soon, one way or the other.
Not Enough Time
I'm back in the full swing at work and as a result, I just don't have that much free time on my hand. My blogging has really suffered and I apologize for that. If anyone is interested, feel free to send a friend request to my Facebook page (the link is to your left) as I update that page several times a day with short and to the point posts. I promise that as I get back in the groove, I'll do better about blogging. In the meantime, check me out at Facebook.
Back To School
Well, my long summer vacation has come to an end. It seems like only yesterday that I was packing things up and looking forward to all that time off. Alas, the kids will be back on Tuesday and I'll begin my 10th year of teaching. I'm actually pretty optimistic about this new year, convinced that this will be the best one yet. Let's get it on...
Thursday Night Joke
It rained for days and days and there was a terrific flood. The water rose so high that one man was forced to climb on top of his roof and sat in the rain. As the waters came up higher a man in a rowboat came up to the house and told him to get in. "No thank you, the Lord will save me!" he said, and the man in the rowboat rowed away.
The waters rose to the edge of the roof and still the man sat on the roof until another rowboat came by and another man told him to get in. "No thank you, the Lord will save me!" he said again, and the man rowed away.
The waters covered the house and the man was forced to sit on his chimney as the rain poured down and a helicopter came by and another man urged him to get in or he'll drown. "No thank you," the man said again, "The Lord will save me!"
After much begging and pleading the man in the helicopter gave up and flew away. The waters rose above the chimney and the man drowned and went to heaven where he met God.
"Lord, I don't understand," he told Him, frustrated, "The waters rose higher and higher and I waited hours for you to save me but you didn't! Why?"
The Lord just shook his head and said, "What are you talking about? I sent two boats and a helicopter?!"
The waters rose to the edge of the roof and still the man sat on the roof until another rowboat came by and another man told him to get in. "No thank you, the Lord will save me!" he said again, and the man rowed away.
The waters covered the house and the man was forced to sit on his chimney as the rain poured down and a helicopter came by and another man urged him to get in or he'll drown. "No thank you," the man said again, "The Lord will save me!"
After much begging and pleading the man in the helicopter gave up and flew away. The waters rose above the chimney and the man drowned and went to heaven where he met God.
"Lord, I don't understand," he told Him, frustrated, "The waters rose higher and higher and I waited hours for you to save me but you didn't! Why?"
The Lord just shook his head and said, "What are you talking about? I sent two boats and a helicopter?!"
Gone
It was about this time last year that I sat out on my front porch watching a young family move into the house across the street from me. It was a hot and muggy day, much like today, and I watched with fascination as the house came to life. It would be several more weeks till they actually began living there and I would get the chance to meet them. The young man was cutting the grass and his wife was scooping up the massive grass clippings by hand. I took them my rake and introduced myself to Chris and Meghan.
They moved back out this weekend and tonight the house sits lonely and sad, empty once again. I've tried not to look at it but for some reason, I can't not look. I did not know it this time last year, but that young family (2 year old daughter and two awesome dogs) would become a very important part of my life. Helping them move these past few days was pretty tough. I was glad to help them as I have done many times, but I also hated to see them go. They are back where they came from, the Lexington area, but only for a few brief months. Chris will be going into the Army come February and they will once again move, this time further away.
I'm sad tonight as I miss my friends, these very special people that oh so quickly came into my life and disappeared just as quickly. I know that what they have done is for the best but I can't help but be upset that I have lost two people who just seemed to mean more to me than any I had met in years and years. We'll stay in touch and watch our lives change via facebook but from now on, I won't be able to just walk across the street and feel like I am home.
They moved back out this weekend and tonight the house sits lonely and sad, empty once again. I've tried not to look at it but for some reason, I can't not look. I did not know it this time last year, but that young family (2 year old daughter and two awesome dogs) would become a very important part of my life. Helping them move these past few days was pretty tough. I was glad to help them as I have done many times, but I also hated to see them go. They are back where they came from, the Lexington area, but only for a few brief months. Chris will be going into the Army come February and they will once again move, this time further away.
I'm sad tonight as I miss my friends, these very special people that oh so quickly came into my life and disappeared just as quickly. I know that what they have done is for the best but I can't help but be upset that I have lost two people who just seemed to mean more to me than any I had met in years and years. We'll stay in touch and watch our lives change via facebook but from now on, I won't be able to just walk across the street and feel like I am home.
Coming Out, Sort Of
More and more, I've found myself thinking about religion and what it all means for the way the World works. I often wonder who the first human being was that looked around and decided that the only way things could be explained was by making up some story about a higher being. History is full of human beings living their lives according to one faith or another. I have no idea how many religions there really are, but I suspect it's in the thousands. Each is a little bit different, some more crazy than the others, but when you get right down to it, it all seems pretty silly.
Nearly every single setback in human history has been the result of one religion or another, often times all of them. The Catholics hated the Protestants, the Jews hate the Muslims, the American Christian Taliban hates the Muslim Taliban and nearly everyone hates the Scientologist. Wars have been fought over which religion was right and who's God was more holy. Millions and millions have been killed all in the name of God. We've destroyed the planet because the Bible tells us to have dominion over the planet.
Imagine where we would be were it not for the Dark Ages, that time of anti-science thinking that set humanity back hundreds and hundreds of years. We might be exploring other stars and planets by now instead of being happy with a space station in low Earth orbit. We probably could have cured cancer, stopped heart disease and made contact with some other civilization. But we will never know because the church held us back and it's taken centuries to recover.
Now, as is pretty evident by just opening your eyes, the worst elements of religion seem to be taking over once again. One need look no further than Sarah "Fucking Idiot" Palin to grasp how scary this is. She is adored by the most religious people in this country and is seen as some sort of savior, here to bring God back into our schools, our homes, our communities and our laws. It doesn't matter that our Founding Fathers, especially Thomas Jefferson, had absolutely no use for religion.
If you are on Facebook you probably know what I'm talking about. I can't tell you how many messages I get from otherwise sane people asking me to pray for this or that. When someone tells me that they are praying for me, I want to tell them "thanks for doing nothing". I don't say anything of course but if I were to comment on the offending post I would be branded a heretic and told that I was going straight to hell. Heck of a religion you guys have there, one that wants to damn people to an eternity of misery.
So, today I am taking the plunge and officially announcing that I am an Atheist. I do not believe in God, none of them, but that doesn't make me an evil person. When is the last time you read about an atheist going on a shooting spree because voices told him to? Anyways, coming out as an Atheist is not an easy thing to do in this country. If I were living in France or the Netherlands, people would react with a yawn and say "what took you so long." In America, it will get you uninvited from "Good Company".
Nearly every single setback in human history has been the result of one religion or another, often times all of them. The Catholics hated the Protestants, the Jews hate the Muslims, the American Christian Taliban hates the Muslim Taliban and nearly everyone hates the Scientologist. Wars have been fought over which religion was right and who's God was more holy. Millions and millions have been killed all in the name of God. We've destroyed the planet because the Bible tells us to have dominion over the planet.
Imagine where we would be were it not for the Dark Ages, that time of anti-science thinking that set humanity back hundreds and hundreds of years. We might be exploring other stars and planets by now instead of being happy with a space station in low Earth orbit. We probably could have cured cancer, stopped heart disease and made contact with some other civilization. But we will never know because the church held us back and it's taken centuries to recover.
Now, as is pretty evident by just opening your eyes, the worst elements of religion seem to be taking over once again. One need look no further than Sarah "Fucking Idiot" Palin to grasp how scary this is. She is adored by the most religious people in this country and is seen as some sort of savior, here to bring God back into our schools, our homes, our communities and our laws. It doesn't matter that our Founding Fathers, especially Thomas Jefferson, had absolutely no use for religion.
If you are on Facebook you probably know what I'm talking about. I can't tell you how many messages I get from otherwise sane people asking me to pray for this or that. When someone tells me that they are praying for me, I want to tell them "thanks for doing nothing". I don't say anything of course but if I were to comment on the offending post I would be branded a heretic and told that I was going straight to hell. Heck of a religion you guys have there, one that wants to damn people to an eternity of misery.
So, today I am taking the plunge and officially announcing that I am an Atheist. I do not believe in God, none of them, but that doesn't make me an evil person. When is the last time you read about an atheist going on a shooting spree because voices told him to? Anyways, coming out as an Atheist is not an easy thing to do in this country. If I were living in France or the Netherlands, people would react with a yawn and say "what took you so long." In America, it will get you uninvited from "Good Company".
Listen Up
One of the great medical inventions of recent years is the Cochlear Implant, a device which helps most totally deaf people hear. I've had several students who use them and I can honestly say that they do work, though results certainly do vary from person to person. Anyways, watch these two short videos of Jonathon, an 8 month old deaf child who has recently been given the implants. In these videos, the device is turned on for the first time and the expression on this boys face when he hears his Mother's voice for the first time (the second video shows his left ear being activated and it works much better) just brings a tear to your face...
And here is another video of a different child having his activated...
And here is another video of a different child having his activated...
Still Here
I'm still here, just feeling a bit down lately and no one needs to read that crap. It's been so freaking hot and humid and I just can't stand to even be outside. When that happens, well, it's not good. Hopefully these next few days, in which I have lots to do, will help change my mood.
Facebook Faithful
Facebook is full of religious fanatics who think nothing of putting up the latest Bible verse or asking the rest of us to pray for something. Now were I to put up a post about
atheism or or something negative about religion in general, I'd probably catch all kinds of hell. Alas, I'm okay with that and feeling up to the challenge. Anyways, here are a few cute cartoons for your pleasure...
atheism or or something negative about religion in general, I'd probably catch all kinds of hell. Alas, I'm okay with that and feeling up to the challenge. Anyways, here are a few cute cartoons for your pleasure...
I've Done My Part
My DNA ends with me and of that I am very happy. All of the problems that we are facing today, from a crashing economy to the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, are the result of having 6.5 billion people on this planet. In short, that's about 6.5 billion too many and if there is any hope for the rest of what lives on this planet, we must go quietly into the night...
Me
I did something similar to this on my old blog and since I never got around to moving all that stuff over here, I have an excuse to do an all about me post...
Birthdate: January 2, 1970
Place of Birth: Hunter Air Base Army Hospital, Savannah, Georgia
Given Name: Gregory William Armstrong (Mom and Dad liked the name Greg and William was my Dad's middle name)
Current Name: Kelly Joann Armstrong (That was the name that Mom and Dad had picked out along with the given one. Mom and Dad liked the name Kelly and Joann was my aunts middle name. Taking it was the least I could do.)
High School: Countryside High School in Clearwater, Florida. Class of 1988.
College: University of Kentucky in Lexington. Class of 1992 with a degree in History.
Graduate School: University of Louisville in Louisville. Class or 2003 with a Masters Degree in Special Education, Moderate and Severe Disabilities with a Rank I in Autism and Assistive Technology. Graduated first in my class.
Career: Special Education Teacher in a Functional Mental Disabilities Class. Next year will be my 10th year of teaching.
Places I've Lived: Savannah, Manhattan Kansas, Petersburg Virginia, Anchorage Alaska, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Louisville Kentucky, Clearwater Florida, Lexington Kentucky, Louisville again, Snowshoe West Virginia and Louisville again.
Best Place I've Ever Lived: Snowshoe, West Virginia. Located 4848 feet on top of Cheat Mountain, I worked at The Red Fox, one of the nations finest restaurants. I averaged about 100 days a winter on the slopes. As much as I loved the skiing and winter, summer was in many ways the best part of living there. The crowds were gone and the weather was always nice and cool.
States I've Been To: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Alaska.
Five States I'd Most Like To Visit That I Haven't: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana and California
International Places I've Been: London and other parts of England, Toronto, Windsor Canada, Calgary and Banff.
Five International Cities I'd Like To Visit That I Haven't: Melbourne, Hong Kong, Moscow, Tokyo and Vancouver
Airports I've Flown In or Out Of: Louisville, Lexington, Atlanta, St. Pete/Clearwater, Tampa, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham, Washington Dulles, New York Laguardia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago O'Hare, Chicago Midway, St. Louis, Seattle, Anchorage, Calgary, Toronto and London Gatwick.
Subways/Metros I've Been On: New York, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago and London.
Mountains or Beaches: Mountains
East Coast or West Coast: East Coast of course.
Winter or Summer: Winter
Snow or Sun: Snow
Five Ski Resorts I Most Want To Ski: Mad River Glen in Vermont, Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Crested Butte in Colorado and Big Sky in Montana.
Five Quirks I Have: I always sleep with one leg out from under the cover, I always shave my right leg first and my left underarm first, I put my right shoe on first but tie my left shoe first, I put mascara on my left eyelash first and I always taste my side dishes before the entree.
PC or Mac: Mac of course.
Favorite Television Show: Now that Lost is finished, I'd have to say that my new favorite is The Big Bang Theory.
Favorite Radio Station: 91.9 WFPK, one of the three public radio stations in town.
Favorite Book: 1984 by George Orwell. It's truly frightening.
Favorite Movie: Impossible to pick just one but any top five list, no matter the day I'm doing it, would include Blade Runner.
Religious: Ah, No, not in the least.
Favorite Thing in Life: Dogs of course. No truer love exists than that of the dog for it's owner.
Craziest Thing I've Ever Done: On a whim, I quit my job, put just about everything I owned in storage, loaded up my car and moved to the mountains.
Strange Fact: I once had a one night fling with a girl who was a week away from her wedding. At the time, I didn't know she was getting married in a week, but it wouldn't have mattered. I wasn't the one cheating.
Strange Fact 2: I wasn't able to quit sucking my thumb till my mid 30's.
Strange Fact 3: While living in West Virginia, I came face to face with black bears, bobcats and coyotes and was never scared. A mouse runs in front of me and I scream like a teenage girl out of fear.
Greatest Fear: The very real possibility that I will one day be the last living member of my family and thus be all alone.
Greatest Hope: That when I die, someone will say that I did good, that the world is a better place because I was once here.
Final Resting Place: I've let it be known that when I die, I want to be cremated and have my ashes mixed with those of my three beloved dogs (Sammy, River and Shadow) where we will be scattered at Dolly Sods, West Virginia atop Cabin Mountain.
Birthdate: January 2, 1970
Place of Birth: Hunter Air Base Army Hospital, Savannah, Georgia
Given Name: Gregory William Armstrong (Mom and Dad liked the name Greg and William was my Dad's middle name)
Current Name: Kelly Joann Armstrong (That was the name that Mom and Dad had picked out along with the given one. Mom and Dad liked the name Kelly and Joann was my aunts middle name. Taking it was the least I could do.)
High School: Countryside High School in Clearwater, Florida. Class of 1988.
College: University of Kentucky in Lexington. Class of 1992 with a degree in History.
Graduate School: University of Louisville in Louisville. Class or 2003 with a Masters Degree in Special Education, Moderate and Severe Disabilities with a Rank I in Autism and Assistive Technology. Graduated first in my class.
Career: Special Education Teacher in a Functional Mental Disabilities Class. Next year will be my 10th year of teaching.
Places I've Lived: Savannah, Manhattan Kansas, Petersburg Virginia, Anchorage Alaska, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Louisville Kentucky, Clearwater Florida, Lexington Kentucky, Louisville again, Snowshoe West Virginia and Louisville again.
Best Place I've Ever Lived: Snowshoe, West Virginia. Located 4848 feet on top of Cheat Mountain, I worked at The Red Fox, one of the nations finest restaurants. I averaged about 100 days a winter on the slopes. As much as I loved the skiing and winter, summer was in many ways the best part of living there. The crowds were gone and the weather was always nice and cool.
States I've Been To: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Alaska.
Five States I'd Most Like To Visit That I Haven't: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana and California
International Places I've Been: London and other parts of England, Toronto, Windsor Canada, Calgary and Banff.
Five International Cities I'd Like To Visit That I Haven't: Melbourne, Hong Kong, Moscow, Tokyo and Vancouver
Airports I've Flown In or Out Of: Louisville, Lexington, Atlanta, St. Pete/Clearwater, Tampa, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham, Washington Dulles, New York Laguardia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago O'Hare, Chicago Midway, St. Louis, Seattle, Anchorage, Calgary, Toronto and London Gatwick.
Subways/Metros I've Been On: New York, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago and London.
Mountains or Beaches: Mountains
East Coast or West Coast: East Coast of course.
Winter or Summer: Winter
Snow or Sun: Snow
Five Ski Resorts I Most Want To Ski: Mad River Glen in Vermont, Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Crested Butte in Colorado and Big Sky in Montana.
Five Quirks I Have: I always sleep with one leg out from under the cover, I always shave my right leg first and my left underarm first, I put my right shoe on first but tie my left shoe first, I put mascara on my left eyelash first and I always taste my side dishes before the entree.
PC or Mac: Mac of course.
Favorite Television Show: Now that Lost is finished, I'd have to say that my new favorite is The Big Bang Theory.
Favorite Radio Station: 91.9 WFPK, one of the three public radio stations in town.
Favorite Book: 1984 by George Orwell. It's truly frightening.
Favorite Movie: Impossible to pick just one but any top five list, no matter the day I'm doing it, would include Blade Runner.
Religious: Ah, No, not in the least.
Favorite Thing in Life: Dogs of course. No truer love exists than that of the dog for it's owner.
Craziest Thing I've Ever Done: On a whim, I quit my job, put just about everything I owned in storage, loaded up my car and moved to the mountains.
Strange Fact: I once had a one night fling with a girl who was a week away from her wedding. At the time, I didn't know she was getting married in a week, but it wouldn't have mattered. I wasn't the one cheating.
Strange Fact 2: I wasn't able to quit sucking my thumb till my mid 30's.
Strange Fact 3: While living in West Virginia, I came face to face with black bears, bobcats and coyotes and was never scared. A mouse runs in front of me and I scream like a teenage girl out of fear.
Greatest Fear: The very real possibility that I will one day be the last living member of my family and thus be all alone.
Greatest Hope: That when I die, someone will say that I did good, that the world is a better place because I was once here.
Final Resting Place: I've let it be known that when I die, I want to be cremated and have my ashes mixed with those of my three beloved dogs (Sammy, River and Shadow) where we will be scattered at Dolly Sods, West Virginia atop Cabin Mountain.
I Miss The 80's- Well, Maybe Not The Fashion
I guess we thought we were cool but looking back, a lot of it was pretty horrible though not nearly as bad as things were for us in the 70's. I give you some of the best of the 80's...
I suppose that every single teenager during the 80's wore acid washed jeans. They were quite popular but it still doesn't make it right...
Of course they weren't nearly as bad as Parachute Pants. I'm ashamed to admit that yes, I did have a pair. I remember the first day I wore them to school (7th grade) it was snowing something fierce and the school bus I was on slid off the road into someones front yard. I never did make it to school that day and it was a cold walk back home wearing those parachute pants...
Okay, guilty on the Members Only jacket as well...
Okay, guilty on another travesty, the friendship pins. For those who weren't around back then, you took these pins with the little beads and put them on your shoelaces...
Oh my, guilty again on the jeans rolled up as tight as you could get them...
Okay, this one I'm kind of proud of as I still think they are kind of cool. I probably had about a dozen different Swatch watches, sometimes wearing more than one at once...
I don't know what's worse, that I used to wear these (in my boy days) or that I still see them from time to time today...the knit tie...
Okay, now we get into the clothes I always wished I was wearing and that starts with the stirrup pants...
Followed closely with the oversized shirt made famous by Jennifer Beals in Flashdance...
I was always jealous of the girls who got to wear the Add a Bead necklaces. Mom had one and I would try it on when no one was home...
Just about every girl that I knew wore Ankle Socks at one time or another. Alas, I didn't get to...
When Madonna first burst onto the scene, teen girls everywhere tried hard to copy her look...
I suppose that every single teenager during the 80's wore acid washed jeans. They were quite popular but it still doesn't make it right...
Of course they weren't nearly as bad as Parachute Pants. I'm ashamed to admit that yes, I did have a pair. I remember the first day I wore them to school (7th grade) it was snowing something fierce and the school bus I was on slid off the road into someones front yard. I never did make it to school that day and it was a cold walk back home wearing those parachute pants...
Okay, guilty on the Members Only jacket as well...
Okay, guilty on another travesty, the friendship pins. For those who weren't around back then, you took these pins with the little beads and put them on your shoelaces...
Oh my, guilty again on the jeans rolled up as tight as you could get them...
Okay, this one I'm kind of proud of as I still think they are kind of cool. I probably had about a dozen different Swatch watches, sometimes wearing more than one at once...
I don't know what's worse, that I used to wear these (in my boy days) or that I still see them from time to time today...the knit tie...
Okay, now we get into the clothes I always wished I was wearing and that starts with the stirrup pants...
Followed closely with the oversized shirt made famous by Jennifer Beals in Flashdance...
I was always jealous of the girls who got to wear the Add a Bead necklaces. Mom had one and I would try it on when no one was home...
Just about every girl that I knew wore Ankle Socks at one time or another. Alas, I didn't get to...
When Madonna first burst onto the scene, teen girls everywhere tried hard to copy her look...
I Miss The 80's The Movie Edition
Some clips from movies that stood out to me...
Who can possibly forget Long Duck Dong in 16 Candles...The Donger need food...
One of the two or three best war movies ever, Full Metal Jacket...
One Crazy Summer...
Who knew that Sean Penn would become someone other than Spicoli...
I love the ending to Full Metal Jacket...
Until I saw The Hangover last year, I had never laughed so hard in a theater as I did during this scene from Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
Who didn't want to have a friend like Ferris Bueller...
Love the guys at the bar in Weird Science...
Heather's was one of the most biting movie of the decade...
Less Than Zero
Back To School...
Pump Up The Volume...
If you were alive during the 80's, you remember the constant threat of nuclear war. We all knew it was possible and actually quite likely but thankfully it never came. This scene from War Games is pretty intense...
Who can possibly forget Long Duck Dong in 16 Candles...The Donger need food...
One of the two or three best war movies ever, Full Metal Jacket...
One Crazy Summer...
Who knew that Sean Penn would become someone other than Spicoli...
I love the ending to Full Metal Jacket...
Until I saw The Hangover last year, I had never laughed so hard in a theater as I did during this scene from Planes, Trains and Automobiles...
Who didn't want to have a friend like Ferris Bueller...
Love the guys at the bar in Weird Science...
Heather's was one of the most biting movie of the decade...
Less Than Zero
Back To School...
Pump Up The Volume...
If you were alive during the 80's, you remember the constant threat of nuclear war. We all knew it was possible and actually quite likely but thankfully it never came. This scene from War Games is pretty intense...
I Miss The 80's The Music Edition
I'm a product of the 80's, having come of age during that incredibly whacked out decade. I graduated high school in 1988 and can vividly remember the big hair, awesome clothes, great movies and most of all, the music. I remember the first time I saw the video for Kids In America by Kim Wilde. I so totally wanted to be her in every way possible. I knew every word from the song and knew exactly how to pout like she did. Here are some of my favorites...
Kim Wilde's Kids in America (this was my all time favorite from the 80's)
The Go Go's We Got The Beat
Oingo Boingo's Dead Man's Party
Bananarama's Cruel Summer (Totally love the hair and clothes)
Wall of Voodoo's Mexican Radio
Blondie's Call on Me
Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl
The Beastie Boy's Brass Monkey
Pet Shop Boy's It's A Sin
Kim Wilde's Kids in America (this was my all time favorite from the 80's)
The Go Go's We Got The Beat
Oingo Boingo's Dead Man's Party
Bananarama's Cruel Summer (Totally love the hair and clothes)
Wall of Voodoo's Mexican Radio
Blondie's Call on Me
Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl
The Beastie Boy's Brass Monkey
Pet Shop Boy's It's A Sin
Summer Solstice
Today is the first day of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere. For the past 3 months, the sun has been moving higher in the sky and the days have gotten longer and longer. We are currently at the maximum amount of daylight. Here in Louisville, that means the sun will shine for 15 hours and 52 minutes with the sun disappearing behind the horizon at 9:41 PM. Beginning tomorrow, the days will once again begin to get shorter as we move towards autumn.
In Louisville, the sun will shine for 2 seconds less than it did today. We won't lose any time in the evening till July 4th when sunset will start to get earlier each day. Until then, the loss is measured during the morning. Aside from the miserable weather we tend to have this time of year, it really is pretty awesome having the sun hang out till almost 10. By the first day of winter, it will be dark by 5:30 in the afternoon.
Here is a nice snapshot of the longest day of the year...
In Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost American city, the sun hasn't set since May 10th and won't again till August 1st. Further south, in Fairbanks, the sun does technically set for an hour or two but it only dips slightly below the horizon and it remains daylight all night. In fact, here is a cool snapshot of the current forecast for tonight in Fairbanks where it is forecast to be MOSTLY SUNNY with isolated thunderstorms...
In Louisville, the sun will shine for 2 seconds less than it did today. We won't lose any time in the evening till July 4th when sunset will start to get earlier each day. Until then, the loss is measured during the morning. Aside from the miserable weather we tend to have this time of year, it really is pretty awesome having the sun hang out till almost 10. By the first day of winter, it will be dark by 5:30 in the afternoon.
Here is a nice snapshot of the longest day of the year...
In Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost American city, the sun hasn't set since May 10th and won't again till August 1st. Further south, in Fairbanks, the sun does technically set for an hour or two but it only dips slightly below the horizon and it remains daylight all night. In fact, here is a cool snapshot of the current forecast for tonight in Fairbanks where it is forecast to be MOSTLY SUNNY with isolated thunderstorms...
What's The Matter? Jack Bauer Not Available?
From the You Can't Make This Shit Up department comes this little gem from CNN: Louisiana lawmakers have called for a Day of Prayer to stop the ongoing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. I guess Jack Bauer wasn't available to torture the well into submission. I'm going to go bang my head against the wall now.
16 Years To The Day...
and it is still the most surreal thing I've ever seen in my life. The Juice was on the loose on this date in 1994...
How Does Your Garden Grow Part 2
I posted some pictures of my emerging garden a couple months ago and thought I would share some updated scenes.
Here is a before picture of my raingarden...
Here is a picture from today...
Here is a picture of some of my flower pots just days after planting them...
Here is a picture of them today...
Here are some other views of the front yard...
Here is a picture of a few of my backyard flower pots...
Here is a picture of some of the bamboo I'm growing to hide my garage...
Another view...
And more...
This bamboo grew to this height in about a week...
Here is a picture of the side of my house where I get almost zero sun. I've planted ground cover and Hosta's, all of which are doing wonderful...
This last picture is my compost pile. I've got some really great compost that is just itching to get into a garden. I'm going to build some raised beds for next year and this compost will be great for the veggies I'm planning on growing...
Here is a before picture of my raingarden...
Here is a picture from today...
Here is a picture of some of my flower pots just days after planting them...
Here is a picture of them today...
Here are some other views of the front yard...
Here is a picture of a few of my backyard flower pots...
Here is a picture of some of the bamboo I'm growing to hide my garage...
Another view...
And more...
This bamboo grew to this height in about a week...
Here is a picture of the side of my house where I get almost zero sun. I've planted ground cover and Hosta's, all of which are doing wonderful...
This last picture is my compost pile. I've got some really great compost that is just itching to get into a garden. I'm going to build some raised beds for next year and this compost will be great for the veggies I'm planning on growing...
Happy Birthday Mom
Today is my Mothers birthday and though it wasn't a perfect day (inside story), it was still great getting to spend it with her. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and know that I love you very, very much. Thanks for being so special.
Love,
Kelly
Love,
Kelly
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