The Problem with Being an Atheist is that the Holidays Suck -- Not Anymore!

Most holidays center around religion. Not just Christmas, but even things like Thanksgiving, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day all involve religion, praying, or thanking god.

Christmas was originally meant to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Many people still celebrate it for that reason, but even many of us non-believers like Christmas. Who can resist the songs, gifts, and decorations -- not to mention the cookies and other goodies?

I think to popularize atheism, we need to develop a kick-ass holiday just for us. I did a search on Wikipedia for "atheist holiday" and got no matches. Zero. I really think we atheists should have at least one holiday of our very own -- a day of realization that we don't need the mythology of the past to cope in today's world. Though we don't understand how many things work in the universe, it doesn't mean we have to make up gods to explain them.

I personally think this holiday should be February 12, the birthday of Charles Darwin. In fact, there already is a celebration of Darwin's birth called Darwin Day.

According to Wiki, Darwin Day is a recently instituted celebration intended to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin on February 12, 1809. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth. The day is an opportunity to highlight Darwin's contribution to science and to promote science in general.

Events on Darwin Day have included dinner parties with special recipes for primordial soup, protests with school boards and other governmental bodies, distribution of information by people in ape costumes, lectures and debates, essay and art competitions, concerts, poetry readings, plays, artwork, comedy routines, reenactments of the Scopes Trial, and recreations of the journey of the HMS Beagle, church . The Perth Mint, in Australia will launch a 2009 dated commemorative 1 oz. silver legal tender coin depicting Darwin, young and old, the HMS Beagle, and Darwin's signature.

Darwin day is only a little more than a month away... don't forget to send out your Darwin Day Cards!

Pinky and the Archer

My friend Archer at Archer Radio (www.archerr.com/blog.html) is posting a picture of himself everyday in 2009. Today's picture inspired me to play with the Photoshop a bit.

Master Bathroom Renovation Update

We are in the middle of completely renovating our master bathroom. Earlier I posted a before and after photo showing the gutting -- where they tore out the entire room -- toilet, bathtub, sink, floor, walls, and ceiling (http://mkr20003.blogspot.com/2009/01/bathroom-guts.html). These pictures show some progress. They put down a plywood floor and have done the pipes and lights. We had to reorder our tile, because it was $6,000 over our budget. We are still going to be way over our tile budget, but we did find a less expensive tile that looks just as good. We had a meeting with the contractor at 7 a.m. this morning to go over some issues, but things seem to be moving along. These photos show the lights above where our shower will be and where our toilet will be. Luckily we have another bathroom to use in the meantime, so we don't have to squat over that hole in the floor.

Job Security

This is my workload. I go through these folders all day, everyday --
day in and day out. The red folders are always a bitch. Also, while
I'm working on these folders, they keep bringing me more folders. It
never ends until you die. Happy Thursday!

Inauguration Map

Double click on the map to get a clear view. Shane and I will

walk down among the throngs to try and see something, but

mostly just to be part of the experience.

More Pictures from Florida

These are some pictures I took with my digital camera, which takes marginally better photos than the iPhone. The first one is the pelicans off Boca Grand. The next two are of Shane, his mom and I at Boca, taken with the little tripod I got for Christmas. The last one is Shane and I on the beach at Naples, also taken with the tripod. I love that little tripod.

Bathroom Guts

They started our bathroom remodel.  They gutted it today.  This is before and after.

100 Facts About Me -- Numbers 1-10

These are the first 10 of the 100 Facts about me. You may notice there are 11 items listed. That is because one of the items is not true. Can you guess which one? I'll post 10 more facts and a non-fact next Monday and tell which one of these is false then.

1. I was born in New Jersey.

2. My father died when I was 1 year old in a skydiving accident (where he drowned).

3. I've run 3 marathons (so far).

4. I can name all 50 States in alphabetical order in less than 30 seconds.

5. I killed a deer with a bow and arrow (mostly the arrow).

6. I was a vegetarian for several years.

7. I donated one of my kidneys to my Aunt Alice.

8. I successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on my dog.

9. I've worked for the Government for more than 24 years in five different jobs.

10. I've been interviewed on live TV as a Government agency spokesperson.

11. Because I'm deathly afraid of public speaking, I took my present Government job to avoid having to do live TV interviews.

In the Loo

I don't know what possessed me to snap a photo of myself in the
bathroom of Flight 1468 from Tampa to Washington DC today.

This Is Wrong On So Many Levels

Shane and his mom pose for a photo in Punta Gorda, FL.

Double Rainbow

And they say SW Florida isn't that gay...

Rainbow Inland

As we were driving home from the beach, we ran into a shower and an
accompanying rainbow.

Naples, FL

We're relaxing and sightseeing on the beach today. Perfect weather.

New Year's Day 2009

Shane and his mom relax on the beach at Boca Grand, FL. Not a bad way
to start the year.

The Pelicans at Boca Grand

Shane's mom watches the pelicans. Double click the photo and make it bigger.

We're Off to Florida -- Happy New Year!

We're not going to Miami, but close enough... We're flying into Tampa and heading down to North Port to stay with Shane's parents.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

The New Ten Commandments

This list was found on the Atheistic Forum (http://www.atheist.net/) and inspired by the list in Richard Dawkin’s The God Delusion.

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

2. Treat the natural world with respect. -- a. Protect and preserve the environment. -- b. Treat living things with respect. -- c. Seek to create a better world.

3. Rejoice in your life. -- a. Live life with a sense of joy and wonder. -- b. Appreciate what you have. -- c. Look after your emotional, physical, social and intellectual health.

4. Seek knowledge and understanding. -- a. Always seek to be growing in your knowledge and understanding. -- b. Always check your understanding, ideas and beliefs against the best available facts or information, and be ready to discard any belief if it does not conform to this best available information.

5. Seek moderation in all thoughts and actions. -- a. Understand your cravings and do not be a slave to them.

6. Have integrity in all your words, actions and thought. -- a. Keep your agreements and promises. -- b. Take responsibility for your action.

7. Protect and care for the weak and vulnerable.

8. Recognize harm and act to prevent, stop or minimize it.

9. Respect the right of others to act and think differently; seek to understand the reasons for their thoughts and behaviors. Honor their contribution to the richness of your world.

10. Strive to make the world a better place --a. Leave a contribution for future generations -- b. Seek to further the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of others -- c. Nurture and support the ethical, intellectual and emotional growth of your family

Brandywine River Museum

Today, I took my Mom to the Brandywine River Museum. If you are a NC, Andrew or Jamie Wyeth fan, this is the place to go. They also have various Christmas displays this time of the year. They have a large model train set and various trees with ornaments made from all-natural things from the woods. For more info, go to http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/.

Wolf Moon by Andrew Wyeth

This is a print I have in my kitchen. I saw the real thing today at
the Brandywine River Museum.

Stop by Andrew Wyeth

The Brandywine River Museum has a large room dedicated to the art of
Andrew Wyeth. This is a new painting, called Stop, that was on display dated 2008. While I
was there, Wyeth's granddaughter stopped by and discussed about eight
of his paintings. Very cool.

UPDATE: 6/2/09

I came across this photo of Victoria Wyeth who conducts tours at the Brandywine River Museum six times a week, according to the USA Today article.

Ornament Display

At the Brandywine River Museum, they had a display of Christmas trees
with ornaments made from seeds, twigs, dried plants and such. This
deer (fox?) is just one example.

Where History Will Happen

They have already constructed the platform for the inauguration. It
is the center lower area. I doubt I'll be able to get this close on
January 20.

Christmas Portrait

Shane's mom got us a flexible tripod for the camera that attaches to almost anything.  We attached it to the door knob of our kitchen door to take this self-portrait after exchanging gifts.  

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 1

Shane and I waited until the day after Christmas to exchange gifts.  We wanted to do it at home and just between us.  He gave me this iPhone clock radio, which I requested.  I love it!

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 2

Shane seems pleased with his Bose headphones.

Mark and Shane Exchange Presents Part 3

This one is of me being silly opening the stuff in my stocking... I got various candies (Hot Tamales, chocolate, and Reese's Cups), shaving cream, nuts, etc. Shane got his favorite candy, Toblerone, razors, Airborne, a kitchen and bath design magazine and other various stuff.

Christmas Day Photo Montage

Here's a short photo montage of pictures we took on Christmas Day 2008. In addition to Shane and myself, there is my mom, sister and triplet nieces (and Jack the black dog and Lady the tan dog).

Elves with Bad Posture

Kelly, Megan and Nicole wear their elf hats for the last time. That
is $3 I'll never see again.

Merry Freakin' Christmas!

My niece Megan enjoys her celebration of Jesus's birth.

Merry Christmas!

Someday, I'd Like to be a Dentist!

Subway Ad for Atheism

This ad campaign is on buses and other mass transit around DC. I saw
this one in my Metro car.

Doing the Charleston Elf-Style

This is my mom and my cousin Mike along with myself cutting an elfin rug.

Cookie Day

M&M, Oatmeal and Peanutbutter with Hershey Kisses... Mmmmm

"It's Christmas So We'll Stop" -- Frightened Rabbits

I just discovered this band -- the Frightened Rabbits -- and I love this song. There are some good lyrics -- "We can be best friends with the people we hate." I also love the background choir. There's not much video here... just music. "You're a good girl and I'm a good boy."

The full lyrics are below:

It's Christmas so we'll stop
It's on with the lights to warm the dark
It can cloak elsewhere
As the rot stops for today
Let the rot stop just for one day
Only good red eyes, red suits, and faces will radiate
And the cold will hide its face
Now the cold is turned away
We can be best friends with the people we hate
'Cause we've all got blood
And it's warmer than you think
Yeah it is warm and it is thick
We all breathe out clouds
We're built to give at least once each year
Now that's better than never I guess
And life might never get better than this
With the perfect excuse for out natures to change
And wear shiny clothes
Oh it's Christmas so press pause and we'll go

Oh it's Christmas so we'll stop
'Cause the wine on our breath puts the love in our tongues
So forget the names
I called you on Christmas Eve
In fact forget the entire year
Don't reflect just pretend and you won't feel scared
You won't feel a thing
'Cause it's all been tucked away
And once you're tucked in bed
You'll hold on to the day for the last few seconds
Your gray dull face is protected from the wind
And I'll protect you I promise I will
And the rest of our lives will be just like Christmas
With fewer toys
You're a good girl I'm a good boy
So I thought

Oh it's Christmas so we stopped
Were it not for the tick of the clock
And the spinning of the Earth in space
We could always be this way
And as we sleep at the fall of the day
In the room next door the tree lights brighten the rodents' eyes
And catches a glimpse of the dust beginning to rise

The next day life went back to its past self
The next day life went back to its past self
The next day life went back to its past self
The next day life went back to its past self

Heads Roll Off

It's the Frightened Rabbits video of Heads Roll Off. I love the little kids dancing in this video. No. I'm not a perv; I just think it's a cute video.

It's Alive!

My iPhone died last night. I pressed all the buttons and called it from another phone, but nothing would make it stir. It just stopped. It had plenty of battery left -- I had just charged it. I came home and thought if I synched it, it might start again. It synched, but did not come on. I saw all the data was still on it, but it was DOA. I searched on the Interwebs to see if anyone else had the same problem. They did. I saw directions to hold both the top and lower button in together for about 5 seconds and it would reboot. Five seconds passed and nothing... then suddenly... a Christmas miracle! A small apple appeared on the black screen and after a few minutes, it came back to life. Don't scare me like that iPhone!

Holiday Wreath

We bought this at Eastern Market. I added the bow though -- I'm very
crafty.

Our House

This is our house on Capitol Hill. We had it painted a few months ago. It used to be a horrible shade of yellow, but we like the gray much better.

Our Christmas Tree

Cactus I mean.

Old Friend

I ran into an old friend in Old Town Alexandria. He told me be just
got a new job that starts soon.

Scottish Parade in Old Town Alexandria

We happened upon this parade while shopping today. We wondered why
all the roads were closed.

Union Station Christmas Tree

This tree was donated by Norway. You would think they could afford to
buy one. They were selling all sorts of Norwegian stuff around it,
including the canned seafood below.

Fishballs for Everyone!

Starchy Dinner

I got a roasted chicken at the grocery store and made some Stove-top
stuffing and nuked some mashed potatoes and corn. Too starchy? I
need to go on a diet.

Our Last Show

The third and last show of the weekend starred the amazing Estelle
Parsons, (Roseanne's mom on her sitcom). We like musicals better, but
this was good--but long.

All My Sons

This was kind of a downer. It didn't have a strong emotional effect
on me. Lots of big stars though.

Go Billy!

This year's best musical, I am willing to bet. I loved it!

Empire State Building

Were going to go to the top, but the wait was more than 2 hours. We
passed.

Real New York Cheesecake

Mmmmmmmm