Telling it like I see it
so don't ask if you don't want to know
Happy Holidays
Dec 25th
My cousin’s wife sent me this email:
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May Christ’s birth bless you with love and forgiveness in 2012.
(What’s with the love of exclamation points?)
First of all, I prefer Happy Holidays as it’s more inclusive of everyone who celebrates this season. I’m not sure I know any Jewish people or anyone who does Kwanzaa but everyone celebrates something, right? Even our Atheist family we have Christmas trees and gifts, traditional Eve pizza and then drive around looking at lights.
Last night we gathered at Max’s and had our family Christmas. Everyone was happy with my well-thought-out gifts and I was happy with the earrings and fireplace tools I received. And especially the Zynga game card! We even had my Dad on Skype while we opened presents so it was like he was actually there.
Secondly, why do I need forgiveness? One thing I dislike about religion is the assumption that everyone is bad unless they ask forgiveness from some god constantly. What a way to go through life. I’ve read the book and nobody can live up to the standards set there, even if one religion or another could actually finalize them. I feel people are basically good, but some make more bad decisions than others. If I’ve done something I need forgiveness for be sure to let me know.
So… I hope you’ve had a happy holiday whatever it is, and here’s hoping 2012 actually finishes even better than this year.
Slippery Slope?
Dec 21st
Things we could do say, 5 years ago that we can’t do now or will not be able to do in the near future:
We have no right to a fair trial anymore. Anyone in the US can be arrested and held indefinitely without trial. Don’t think you’re safe, anything can be considered a terrorist attack. The OWS protesters could be considered terrorists if the government wants to stretch the truth.
You can’t put anything you want up on the Internet anymore. All it takes is one complaint and your website can be seized, again without notice or trial and for an indefinite amount of time.
Roe v Wade is nearly gone. “Personhood” laws are coming up in many states. Fetus rights are considered more important than the rights of the female incubator! And when that doesn’t work the anti-choicers work to legislate the businesses that provide abortions. Crap like regulating the size of the bathrooms and hallways has already closed don centers. State governments are trying to shut down Planned Parenthood funding because of a small percentage of their business. You’re screwed if you’re a poor woman and need a mammogram or STD test.
The gay’s battle for equality seems be looking up with the repeal of DADT and with this story, but every Republican running for President can’t wait to put them back in their closet.
Oh yes, the Republican candidates seems to be obsessed with the gays, against science education and just plain full of outdated thinking. Let’s go back a few years so they can pat themselves on the back with their righteousness. But not one seems to have a clear understanding of world politics or how to fix our economy. They want a Leave it to Beaver America and damn those with forward thinking.
And just so you know, you can’t protest anymore. I’ve watched a few live uStreams as the OWS protesters were rounded up. Using the excuse that these people were either camping illegally or loitering, they were brutalized by the police and thrown in jail. Funny how people camping or loitering outside Apple stores or for black Friday deals weren’t breaking the law. But raise your hand and say our Government is out of control and you’re the enemy.
There is no slippery slope. Our rights are being chopped off so fast its like watching California landslides where the houses just go… plop.
Welcome to America.
Holiday Newsletter
Dec 20th
Short and sweet, I promise.
Casey and Kira are doing great. He’s got a really good job and Kira is in kindergarten. She turned 5 in September and never stops talking. The hair? Well, he thought by showing up with his hair like that he’d get out of family picture day. No such luck. I get to have Kira overnight a couple times a week and she’s just now starting to get interesting as a person. We do have some good times.
Max and Krystal are doing well also. They have 2 cats and no plans for children. Max is going to school and working part-time for now. In another year he’ll be done with school, working full time and planning on buying a house. Krystal works too and is hoping to go to cooking school when Max graduates.
Ginnie and her boyfriend Tyler had a baby this year. His name is Jack and he’s wonderful. They are for the time being living with Tyler’s mom so there’s always someone around to take care of Jack but have plans for their future.
I’m still the same. I volunteer for various events and go out every week with friends but I still am alone or spending way too much time with my kids. With the economy the way it is, they can’t do well without help. We’ve ended up very close so I guess I’m not as alone as I thought.
I’m Christian, unless you’re gay.
Dec 16th
I never do this but I want you to go to Single Dad Laughing and read this blog post.
Go ahead. It’s a long post but it is the most moving thing I’ve ever read. This is what I as an Atheist think religious people should be doing. We ALL should be doing.
And if you have more time, his follow-up post is fantastic, too.
Go.
War? Hot nardly.
Dec 15th
We laugh over the claim every year that non-believers are waging war on Christmas. So here is my collection of recent battles:
Let’s start with Fox’s. Fox is the biggest PITA complainer and yet when they put up their ornaments this year, they were listed as “Holiday” ornaments. Apparently someone got the heads up on it and the page was changed to Christmas ornaments – though I can’t verify because as of this minute you can’t even get to any Fox ornament page. 404 my ass.
(Haha, I get a “potentially dangerous” warning from McAfee when I open Fox News website)
Another uber-religious blowhard, Rick Perry and his family wish you Happy Holidays.
Sure there are minor battles going on all over the country regarding government-sanctioned nativity scenes like this one in Santa Monica and another in Athens, Texas. Some city governments get it and let every religion (or non-religion) put up a holiday symbol but others assume when Atheists ask for equal treatment they’re really at war against Christians. Actually we just want fair and equal treatment for everyone, all or nothing.
The Atheists I know don’t complain about Christmas trees, official or otherwise. In fact, the rumor about the White House renaming their trees Holiday Trees is false. I don’t put up a tree anymore but it’s not for any non-religious reason. I love Christmas Trees, I just don’t have the room or the energy. In fact, Christmas Trees aren’t religious anyhow:
I love decorated houses. When I had a house I went overboard with the lights. I still have a 6ft winter penguin and a cute little inflatable reindeer. I love gift-giving and fellowship, some of the music and most of the other traditions for this time of year. I’ve even visited various nativity scenes (and a live one in Florida) with the kids over the years. The nativity is one of the nicer parts of the jesus myth. Who wouldn’t want to believe in a miraculous child? One of my favorite songs is Mary Did You Know? But to me it’s about as believable as Star Wars legends.
There is no war. People, especially Christians, must be reminded the season is NOT all about them, that’s all.
WTF is wrong with people?
Dec 12th
When did it become normal to change the way you do business because one person bitches? Or to cave to whatever some minority of your customers demands?
Case in point:
Lowe’s pays for commercials during a show called Muslims in America. I’ve not seen the show but I have seen the ads. Apparently Dearborn MI is a hotbed of normal people who happen to be Muslim, right? So they need a reality show? Okay, like an extended version of the …and I’m a Mormon ads. Whatever. Carry on.
Then Lowe’s pulled their ads because The Florida Family Association had their members send a bunch of anti-Muslim emails. BACKLASH blows up. Then some California state senator mentions he might call for a boycott against Lowe’s if they don’t apologize and re-run the ads. Poor Lowe’s. Who knew running a home-improvement empire meant you have to take a stand one way or another on Muslims? All Lowe’s wants to do is make money. I don’t shop there because they are anti-gay (and more expensive than Home Depot) but are they really anti-Muslim too? No, they ran the ads until they were pressured by religious bigots. Makes me wonder if their anti-gay history can be planted in the religious bigot garden too.
Another one: Alec Baldwin supposedly went a little nuts when a flight attendant wanted him to turn off his cell phone and now the flight attendant union wants the American Airlines to pull 30 Rock from the in-flight rotation.
Isn’t that a little much? Social media nightmare there. Nobody give a shit about Alex Baldwin making a fuss except the people who were there but let’s make a huge fucking deal about it.
I keep seeing more and more over-reaction to the squeaky wheel. Why is it companies are bending over backwards to keep the religious people happy? To keep any tiny portion of their customers happy? Just do your damned job and let people decide for themselves.
What happened to personal responsibility? If you don’t want to shop at Lowe’s for whatever reason then don’t. If you don’t want to sleep with people of the same sex then don’t. Stop getting offended over every little thing. Stop blowing shit out of proportion.
Stop trying to make everyone live the way you do.
Personally I don’t even notice which ads run during which shows. I don’t relate the plethora of Ford truck commercials to support of the message of any particular show. And though I have personal boycotts against certain companies I never expect anyone else to boycott with me or take any other action against them. I may provide information as to why I’m boycotting them but the decision is yours.
BTW Chik-fil-a is anti-gay too. Everyone should stop eating there. Seriously.
I’m kidding… but not about the anti-gay thing. If you really want to eat their food I won’t judge.
How to Yard Sale
Dec 4th
I used to yard sale every weekend. The kids can tell you stories! It wasn’t completely wasted time though. I found some treasures and the kids learned lots of lessons about navigation, directions and how to be alert to visual aids on the roads. MY kids don’t get lost and can read a map. I still go out occasionally when the weather is decent.
There are some pointers I’ve collected from wandering around looking for sales:
- Use neon poster board with large clear lettering and giant arrows. When I’m cruising and someone is behind me I can’t slow down to read your over-long sign. YARD SALE and an arrow. Maybe add FAMILY or NEIGHBORHOOD if applicable. Make them all the same color so I know yours from someone else up the next street.
- Put your dog away. Sure, he’s friendly but not everyone is dog people. Keep your kids out of the way too. I’m there to find bargains, not be entertained by your adorable brat or avoid stepping on little monsters.
- Don’t quibble prices on the little stuff. Feel free to negotiate over the big items like electronics and furniture but if I offer $1 instead of your $1.50 on a pair of earrings, just let it go. You’re just going to donate/throw it out if it doesn’t sell to someone so why not me.
- I will not dig through clothing on the ground or covered in cat hair. Fold clean clothing, put like sizes together and use a table. Hang stuff up. Please save my back.
- Price items or as least tables. And when pricing items, remember it’s not what you think something is worth it’s what someone is willing to pay for it. I don’t care if that was Grandma’s favorite doily, I’m not paying $5 for it. It’s a doily. I have no sentiment over your yard sale crap.
- Treat your customers with respect. Say hello. Pay attention when they look like they’re interested in something. Say thank you. You have set up a little store for the day so act accordingly.
I can’t think of anything else at the moment. Hope this helps.
I gave them another chance
Dec 4th
You might remember my first FFRF: The Valley of the Sun meeting where I was less than thrilled. But I was on the mailing list for their Meetup thingy and was invited to this month’s event. It was held at (and in conjunction with) the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix… in Mesa. And I have two words:
MUCH BETTER!
Okay, well it wasn’t because of the FFRF people, it was because of the Humanist people. I was engaged in conversation by one woman in front of me (whose name I didn’t get) and the couple behind me, the Lindquists. Very nice people. (Though when I asked them exactly what Humanists stood for they really couldn’t say – other than generalities – but made sure afterward that I got printed information.)
The speaker, Ted Cox, was engaging and funny. The presentation (What I Learned at Straight Camp) was clear and informative. He ended with ways to get involved. There was Q&A with requests to speak to him afterward about specifics. Very cool. Exactly like one would want a presentation to be.
Now this was a good experience.
__________
Now about the secular humanists. According to their pamphlet:
We are secular humanists. We have confidence in scientific knowledge and in people – their collaborative nature, intellectual capacity and desire to improve their lives and the lives of others.
We value freethought. We use evidence and open inquiry to understand our world and add quality to our lives. Our ethical values are informed by science and driven by the desire to meet the needs of the people in the here and now. Being a secular humanist means striving to behave decently without expectation of reward or punishment when life ends.
But in talking to the Lindquists (or Lundquists, I can’t remember which) they mentioned how some of their members are still one religion or another. Why? If you value scientific reasoning, how can you believe in any of the bible? And without the bible how can you believe in god? I’d like to attend a few more of their meetings to figure that part out.
Maybe I have found a good group after all.
Conspiracy Nut
Dec 2nd
My upstairs neighbor is a bonified conspiracy theorist. A few months ago I was trapped into a one-sided conversation about Burns Exterminating and his constant battle over some missing items.
I’m too polite sometimes. Really!
Today he knocked on my door with some excitement about our other neighbor paying X-amount less for his rent. Nutso wanted to know what I paid, and though its more than hot guy next door its still less than he’s paying and he’s been here five whole years! THEY should adjust everyone’s rent when the new rate goes down!
*ahem* Right!
Not likely. There are different rates every day depending on floor, location in complex, or the way the bosses balls are hanging. Your amount is the luck of the draw buddy.
Then he went on and on about the utilities and how the rates are set on some obscure criteria rather than actual meter readings. Something about a three month work trip he took and was still charged the same amount for water and gas…
Somebody shoot me. Better yet, shoot him.
Another Parenting Tip
Dec 2nd
Having been a victim of child sexual abuse there’s something I taught my children:
YOU NEVER HAVE TO BE ALONE WITH ANY ADULT.
There is safety in numbers. There is safety in witnesses. If your teacher wants to talk to you alone, insist on someone else being in the room. If your principal calls you into his/her office alone, insist on the door being open or another staff member being present. If ANY person in authority wants to see you alone, you have my permission to politely request there be a witness or refuse to comply. If you’re uncomfortable with someone then tell me. If Mr. Whosywhatsis gives you the creeps then you have my permission to avoid him. This includes coaches, cops, church people (when they visited their friend’s churches) or anyone in authority.
There’s no reason to be rude about it unless and until it becomes confrontational. There are ways to protect yourself without being a smart-ass about it. Be calm but firm, and if you get any crap about it insist that I be called in.
Sorry sir, it’s a family rule. Period.
Because you never know. Women have been married to pedophiles and never knew, people have worked alongside these monsters and never had a clue. Children are the least capable of determining character and are easily convinced of a person’s charm until they are backed in the corner and it’s too late. Pedos are slick. They’re masters at being in the right place at the right time.
Those Catholic priests and the people who covered for them. That football coach and the people who covered for him. I just read another article where a manager of child actors has been accused. My uncle was a deacon in his church and has two adopted children – the adoption process scrutiny should have found something but it never did.
Never leave your child alone with anyone especially if they don’t want to be there. If they say they don’t like the babysitter, find another one. If their relationship with an adult suddenly changes, PAY ATTENTION to why. The child may be afraid or not have to words to explain, but figure it the hell out before you let it go.
Yeah maybe I’m a little paranoid. I have cause. All it takes is a few minutes alone to change your child’s life forever.
