Can't We All Just Accept One Another?

We all come to see the light of skeptical reason in our own unique way.  We all label ourselves in different ways, as well: freethinkers, skeptics, humanists, secularists, secular humanists, atheists, agnostics, non-theists, etc.  When it comes to our interactions with believers, some of us are argumentative, antagonistic, angry, exasperated, pushy, etc., and some are not (some are able to be in the middle and use appropriate tactics depending on the situation and the person - but that usually comes with experience).

What really gets my goat is when we, as non-believers, who fight for the right to be ourselves and question the status quo, bicker about tactics.

The Thinking Atheist Says "Merry Merry XMas"

I just love this guy. Seth, the Thinking Atheist, has a very informative site, a podcast, and a host of videos posted on YouTube.  If you aren't familiar with his work, I would definitely suggest that you check him out.  And have a happy pagan sun festival! 

Got nothing to do with football....everything to do with waaaahhhh!

Okay, it seems that the 'anti-xtian bigots' are picking on some football guy, Tim Tebow. (apparently he plays for the Bronco's, or something)
Actually, fauxnews is using him as a poster-child for being picked on. (poor babies)

It’s become something of a sport to attack Christians in this nation.

Really?

In recent days a cross was removed from a Christian chapel on an Army base because it violated regulations.

Yes, it violated regulations.  What's the problem?  Regulations are there for a reason.

Symbols of the Christmas season have been removed from public squares and public schools because they might offend non-Christians. And in Washington, D.C., Christian teenagers were forced to pray in a gutter after police told them it was illegal to pray on a sidewalk outside the Supreme Court.

Yep, there's this thing called the 'seperation between church and state.'

OMGawd! I am so exhausted! But Free!

Hi everyone!
So sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. 

Like I mentioned in my Info page, my GPA comes first, and that certainly has applied this semester (and probably all other semesters....   :)

My college decided to be funny and schedule every single one of my finals for today.  I've spent the weekend cramming, finishing two papers, and not sleeping.  But, it's all over.  I have a month to chill, play Call of Duty: MW3 and Skyrim, and blog to my heart's content.  I am going to go to sleep now to recharge, but you'll be hearing from me soon.   Soooooooooo much in the news that will keep me busy for awhile. 

Thank you for sticking around and being patient with me.
Mary B.

No one ever said life was easy

I know that college is my dream; I've wanted to go for the last 15 years and now I'm doing it, but damn! it's consuming all of my time.  My GPA is still rockin' so it is totally worth it, but I've been so neglectful!

Rest assured my dear friends...as soon as finals are over for this semester, I'll have a full month to spew my ill informed and petty comments about the rethuglicans, religion, the general apathy and stupidity in the world, and maybe some funny stuff too.

For now, I'm wasting away writing papers that are of no interest to me.  BUT, there is a bright spot on the horizon.  In three days, I'll be in Springfield, MO for Skepticon!!  I'll have two days away from the hubby to soak in all kinds of heathenistic, atheistic, scientific, and just plain terrific speakers.  Wish I had funds; I'd purchase a camcorder or, at least, a digicamara to document my experience, but alas I am poor and barely scraped up the dough for the hotel and gas.  I might even be able to eat while I'm there, but it's not a sure thing.

Anyway, I can't wait and I hope to meet some really interesting folks there this weekend!! Maybe I'll see you there!     =)

Why Do Men ... ?

Why do men feel it necessary to yell at the television screen during sporting events?  Do they honestly think that their heroes can hear them? 

Here I am, sitting on the couch, laptop in hand, trying desperately to critique my own paper, whilst my husband screams at the tube.  I can't concentrate, I've run out of earplugs, and my vodka is running low.

Sanity wanes.

I Know....I Know...

I know that I've been negligent, but it has been unavoidable.  With three research papers to research and draft, my time has been completely swamped.  The only reason that I am updating now is that my brain is on overload and I deserve a much needed break. 

My local Secular Student Alliance club at school is up and running with an "Ask An Atheist" table in the works (so excited!).  I'm thrilled, also, that we have a room scheduled for meetings for the rest of the semester.  Funny story...

To begin the semester, we couldn't get a room booked for our meetings at all.  In desperation, I tried several contacts at school for help.  Eventually, I was recommended a conference room in the faculty offices (keep in mind that I'm just a club member, not an officer, but I know people in the Honor's Club).  When I spoke to the secretary that was in charge of the space, she seemed to be totally cool (considering that we are meeting in the late afternoon, every other Friday - when nobody is on campus).  She asked me for the name of the club, so she could write it in on the calender.  I told her....she asked questions (had no idea what the SSA was).... I told her we were an atheist/agnostic club.... her body language immediately changed.

Imagine, a little old woman who is hunched over her desk, taking notes, when she hears the word, "non-believer".  She instantly leans as far back in her office chair as possible, tells me that we will all find out the truth when we die, and tells me (in so many words) that she is NOT a "non-believer". 

Well, I knew we were in trouble.  She mentioned the department chair and the dean (who we may have to go through for approval) even though we are a recognized group on campus.  Sufficed to say, I contacted the President of the group immediately.  Luckily, he was able to meet with the department chair, and (thanks to his suave personality) we have the conference room for the remainder of the semester.  Whew! 

I have to tell you.  If this is the kind of reception I should expect for the "Ask An Atheist" table next week, I'll have my work cut out for me.  My problem is public speaking.  I am really hoping to get a great deal of experience from the indignant believers first hand.  I need it!

Well, I suppose that I should get back to analyzing literature (how exactly this will help me in my psychology career, I'm not sure).  Cheers!