Whatcnido

2015-08-06T22:34:00.003-05:00

2015-06-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

I think businesses have a point in removing confederate themed games. I mean, when I play with this chess set, I get all hatey. My white cat gets all into it to. The black cats don't seem to like it tho. [[[sarcasm]]]

I am sorry, Lord. I was wrong.

2014-05-14T11:58:00.001-05:00

An Atheist's Easter Season-Michele Catalano

2013-08-25T14:39:00.001-05:00

in writing out loud
6 min read

An Atheist’s Easter Season

I've been an atheist for a long time now, though admitting it to people - and to myself, in a way - didn't come about until the last ten years or so. But growing up Catholic has had some affect on me that will never go away just because I gave up the ghost, metaphorically speaking. There are lessons and stories and symbolisms that will stay with me always, regardless of my belief or non belief in God. And this time of year - starting with Ash Wednesday and marking the 40 days until Easter - always brings me back a bit closer to my religious roots.

My admiration for Jesus began in earnest when I was 11. It wasn't going to religious education every Wednesday afternoon, nor was it Sunday mornings spent in church that did it. No, it was seeing Jesus Christ, Superstar in the movie theater.

Even then, I had lingering questions that nobody really wanted to answer for me. So I took the standard reply of "Jesus died for your sins because he loves you" as the be all and end all of anything Jesus related. It's the only answer I would ever get and the only lesson I truly remember being taught. That lesson inspired a guilt so profound to manifest itself within my soul that it still exists today. The gist of the lesson was never spoken directly, but was implied often: Jesus got nailed to a cross and died for you, you sinner. And what have you done to repay him? Nothing! Now drop and give me twenty Hail Marys!

So I spent a good portion of my childhood both fearing and loving Jesus. I loved him for dying for me, but I was afraid that I would never live up to expectations he had of me and, therefore, his death was all for nothing. This was very egocentric of me, but I was about eight years old when I formed this idea, so I had little capacity to think about this in the broader terms of the entire Catholic population of the world.

I did separate Jesus from God early on, which a lot of my religious ed peers seemed to have a hard time doing. I knew that God was the one who watched over you 24/7 and he would report to Jesus whenever someone sinned, so Jesus could mark it down in a big book that you made him mad. And then God would punish you. He would make you trip or bite your tongue or fail a test you studied for, depending on your infraction. I was kind of confusing the lessons my Jewish friends were teaching me with my catechism lessons and the resulting conglomeration of the two was a powerful detriment to lying, cheating, stealing and fighting with my siblings - all of which were confessional booth sins.

So I had all this in mind when I went to see Jesus Christ, Superstar with my mother. I was prepared for yet another story about how Jesus hated me because I was disobedient. I certainly wasn't prepared for rock music. Or a dancing Herod. Or to be so overcome with emotion that I spent the night crying over the fate of Jesus.

My opinion of Jesus and what he wanted from me changed that night. It would change many times over the years as I learned more about him and discovered more about myself. And when the time came to finally say out loud the thought I started formulating late in high school - that I don't believe in God - I felt that I had let down not only my entire family, but Jesus as well.

So how does a person who suddenly declares herself to be an atheist still worry about Jesus? Simple - because somewhere along the line I began to view Jesus not as a religious figure, but as an historical one. No matter how much of the bible I believe is fairy tale or revisionist history, no matter how much of the story of Jesus I push aside, I do believe that a man who called himself Jesus Christ once walked the earth in pursuit of making the world a better place.

You know the movie Tommy? I eventually came to view Jesus in much the same light as Tommy; a man who believed very much in what he was doing, but who was pushed forward with great strength by his followers, making him believe he was ultimately more powerful than he was. A power trip, so to speak. Jesus's message was a beautiful one, but he got carried away with the adulation and adoration and it all went to his head. He was, after all, only human. But that's a theory for another day.

I love this time of year. Even though I haven't practiced religion in years, the season of Lent still means something to me. It's a time of renewal, a time to atone for past transgressions, to admit to your failings and make the effort to do better. It's a time to lift up your heart and see the good in yourself as well as in other people. And it's at time to think - what have I done for others? Have I carried someone else's burden? Have I given of myself, spiritually or emotionally, to those who asked for it? You don't have to subscribe to any particular religious doctrine to think about those things. It's just that all those years of partaking in Lenten activities made so much of that a part of who I am, so even though I gave up the core of what Lent is, I still took with me some of the valuable lessons.

Have you ever seen a re-enactment of the stations of the cross? It is one of the most powerful things I have ever seen in my life. I say that without exaggeration. What makes it so moving is the absolute faith and hope that are entwined with the despair and sadness. It's sometimes hard to watch. It's sometimes harder to understand. WhenJesus falls for the second time(the seventh station), that's the one that breaks my heart. Even all these years later, even after denouncing belief in what Jesus held to be true (that he is the son of God), even after giving up my faith, I still cry when I witness the stations.

I don't know if all that really happened. Part of my disbelief in the Catholic church is my disbelief in most of the bible. Still, who hasn't seen or read a work of fiction that moved them to tears or made them rethink parts of their life? I'm sure we all have at one time or another. And I don't mean to belittle anyone's faith by saying these things - I admire your faith. I sometimes envy it. There are times I miss having something larger than myself to believe in or to look towards when I'm in need of guidance or reassurance. There are times I miss the group experience of church, the shared beliefs, the singing, the feeling that we all had a common ground that was moving us toward something bigger than us.

I like to think I took the best part of what I learned in church and on my own and brought it with me to my life outside religion. You don't have to be a follower of Christ to live a Christ-like life. Kindness, forgiveness, selflessness, service to others, tolerance, love - those are all things any human being should strive for. The fact that Jesus devoted his life - his entire being - to these virtues is both admirable and awe inspiring. If I can take all the lessons learned through Jesus and apply them to my life, then all those years in catechism and church did not go to waste.

And so Lent begins again and, while I should concentrate all year round on being a good person and living an unselfish life, it's this season that reminds me to make more of an effort, to renew my faith in myself, to find the good in everyone, to sacrifice for others, to stand tall in my beliefs and to remember and thank anyone who has sacrificed for me.

When people ask my how, as an atheist, can I honestly raise my children with any kind of faith or morals or values, I give them the short answer: because I still believe in the core teachings of Jesus. I've gotten weird responses to that - some people have responded angrily, telling me that Jesus wouldn't want me and that I'm making a mockery of their beliefs by co-opting their savior. That's not my intent, of course. Many people find their life's beliefs through historical figures, maybe in philosophers or economists or authors.

Wherever you find something that pulls at your heart or your mind and makes you want to be a better person or make a difference in this world, embrace it, regardless of what people say.

This is the link to Ms Catalano's blog.

Behold, the six types of atheists – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

2013-07-18T05:14:00.001-05:00

Behold, the six types of atheists – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs: "6) Ritual atheist

They don't believe in God, they don’t associate with religion, and they tend to believe there is no afterlife, but the sixth type of nonbeliever still finds useful the teachings of some religious traditions.

“They see these as more or less philosophical teachings of how to live life and achieve happiness than a path to transcendental liberation,” Silver and Coleman wrote. “For example, these individuals may participate in specific rituals, ceremonies, musical opportunities, meditation, yoga classes, or holiday traditions.”

For many of these nonbelievers, their adherence to ritual may stem from family traditions. For others, its a personal connection to, or respect for, the "profound symbolism" inherent within religious rituals, beliefs and ceremonies, according the researchers."

'via Blog this'

My wife. Yes, they are. :)

2013-06-26T18:11:00.000-05:00

Opinion: New ID rules would threaten citizens' rights - CNN.com

2013-06-14T21:54:00.001-05:00

That's why we have a Republic and not a Democracy. People need to stop thinking of Democracy when thinking of the USA. Democracy is 2 wolves and a pig deciding whats for dinner, a Republic is a well armed pig contesting the vote.

Opinion: New ID rules would threaten citizens' rights - CNN.com:

'via Blog this'

2013-05-08T06:48:00.001-05:00

People will never believe facts if it does not fit their agenda.

So, what's up?

2013-05-08T06:44:00.001-05:00

Gun violence in US has fallen dramatically over past 20 years, Justice Dept. report finds - U.S. News:

'via Blog this'

The Best Page in the Universe!

2013-04-21T10:28:00.001-05:00

I think this is one of the better opinion pages and gif I have seen. I would love to have it on my blog as a semi permanent thing but I need permission first. This guy's site is just great. Give it a try.

http://maddox.xmission.com/

Taxation is theft -- so why do Americans put up with it? | Fox News

2013-04-19T12:03:00.001-05:00

Taxation is theft -- so why do Americans put up with it? | Fox News: "There are only three ways to acquire wealth in a free society. The inheritance model occurs when someone gives you wealth. The economic model occurs when you trade a skill, a talent, an asset, knowledge, sweat, energy or creativity to a willing buyer. And the mafia model occurs when a guy with a gun says: “Give me your money or else.”

Which model does the government use? Why do we put up with this?"

'via Blog this'

Really good

2013-04-09T15:08:00.001-05:00

LIFE AS A HUMAN — Do Not Block This Sign: The Authority of the Absurd:

'via Blog this'

It's NOT all money, folks

2013-04-01T07:06:00.001-05:00

You're quitting? Employers could be blindsided by turnover - Life Inc.: "“I think smart companies need to make sure that they’re making their employees feel valued,” Allen said. “If they’re asking more from them, then they have to give more, in some way. It doesn’t necessarily have to be money.”"

'via Blog this'

13 things you need to know for Passover 2013 | Fox News

2013-03-24T10:41:00.001-05:00

13 things you need to know for Passover 2013 | Fox News: "The specific "passing over" for which the holiday is named refers to the way in which God passed over, or protected, the homes of the Israelites during the night they prepared to begin their journey into freedom"

GOD KILLED ALL THE FIRST BORN SONS OF THE EGYPTIANS!! And did not kill the Jewish boys. They put animal blood over the doorway so the angel of death would not take theirs. Real nice. Didn't Moses bring those rules from God that said Do not kill? Hardly follows his own rules. Hahahaha
'via Blog this'

Straight-A teen dies after inhaling computer cleaner amid 'huffing' trend - U.S. News

2013-03-21T07:05:00.001-05:00

Straight-A teen dies after inhaling computer cleaner amid 'huffing' trend - U.S. News: "ranknfile
That's part of the problem these misinformed Parents are So Neurotic about teaching their Kids about the Evils of Drugs they forget to mention Alcohol and Inhalants One being a leading Killer of anybody Alcohol but Hey! it's legal Don't you dare Smoke any of that Devil's Weed Things like this will continue to happen in a Society filled with Hypocrites and believing 1930' and 40's Propaganda it's a shame to lose such a Beatiful Young Woman the Irony is if she would have consumed Cannabis instead she would be Alive today."

'via Blog this'

This is good!

2013-02-23T11:45:00.001-06:00

Confessions Of A Bartender: 10 Things Every Bartender Absolutely Hates About You:

'via Blog this'

Religion

2013-02-17T09:44:00.001-06:00

“Imagine the people who believe such things and who are not ashamed to ignore, totally, all the patient findings of thinking minds through all the centuries since the Bible was written. And it is these ignorant people, the most uneducated, the most unimaginative, the most unthinking among us, who would make themselves the guides and leaders of us all; who would force their feeble and childish beliefs on us; who would invade our schools and libraries and homes. I personally resent it bitterly.”
-- Isaac Asimov

Well........I'll be

2013-01-29T06:58:00.001-06:00

Lungs from pack-a-day smokers safe for transplant, study finds - Vitals: "“It is certainly counterintuitive to say we’re going to use lungs from a donor with a smoking history, but the majority of people who smoke do not have lung disease,” said Hachem, who was not involved in the study."

'via Blog this'

The italics are mine.

More and more Americans want pot legal - CNN.com

2013-01-16T10:50:00.001-06:00

Cohara1103 asserts: "The main reason it should be legal is... as a 38-year- old white man in a white collar job I will never be stopped, questioned or arrested for marijuana possession EVER!"

More and more Americans want pot legal - CNN.com:

'via Blog this'

I agree and I am a veteran

2013-01-02T07:29:00.001-06:00

I am a veteran and I defended Mr Moore's right to speak and my right to agree with him. That does not make me special. I volunteered. (My 'wars' were Panama and Haiti. Remember those? Your welcome.)

Michael Moore resolves to stop saying 'I support the troops' in 2013 | Fox News: "4. Stop saying, "I support the troops." I don't. I used to. I understand why so many enlisted after 9/11. Sadly, many of them were then trapped and sent off to invade Iraq. I felt for all of them. I understood those who joined because of a lousy economy. But at some point all individuals must answer for their actions, and now that we know our military leaders do things that have nothing to do with defending our lives, why would anyone sign up for this rogue organization? "

'via Blog this'

Go Mr Paul!

2012-12-25T12:28:00.001-06:00

Ron Paul rips NRA plan for officers in every school | Fox News: ""Do we really want to live in a world of police checkpoints, surveillance cameras, metal detectors, X-ray scanners and warrantless physical searches? We see this culture in our airports: witness the shabby spectacle of once proud, happy Americans shuffling through long lines while uniformed TSA agents bark orders. This is the world of government provided 'security,' a world far too many Americans now seem to accept or even endorse," Paul said. "

'via Blog this'

2012-12-23T07:59:00.001-06:00

Child psychiatrist recommends intangible holiday gifts - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

2012-12-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

Child psychiatrist recommends intangible holiday gifts - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader: ""Maybe buying tickets to go somewhere or taking your kids to the park or sitting down with your kids even to watch TV, or to share a meal, I think that's a gift that kids remember a lot more.""

'via Blog this'

Stop Being Rude: The New Rules of Social Business

2012-12-11T12:17:00.001-06:00

Stop Being Rude: The New Rules of Social Business: "4. Meetings—don’t give them a chance. Do you know why your team would rather be on Facebook or texting with that hot number from the bar last night? It’s because your meetings suck. They’re boring, time-consuming, and without purpose. Restructure your meetings so they take 20-minutes, tops. Require only that required people attend. And… make everyone leave technology at the door (including your boring PowerPoint presentations)."

'via Blog this'

The People vs. the United States

2012-12-02T14:44:00.001-06:00

The People vs. the United States: "In the new subdivision a television blares. Husband and wife sit on a couch, watching a sitcom. Right next to each other, but they might as well be alone. Upstairs, in his room, one child plays video games. In the next room, another child listens to her iPod and sends text messages to a friend who lives on the next block. They have nothing to say to each other. They only know how to be spoken to. They are desperate for the loud devices that drown out the silence, and that electronic noise is the only thing really at home here; the people are all strangers. For them, family is a conspiracy of deception, a temporary resting ground from their lives, dominated by the institutions of school or work, lives they are simply passing through as though it were the scenery outside a car window. They provide one another company to ignore that they are totally alone."

'via Blog this'