The Jewmanist

Every year around this time, we always hear about this so-called “War on Christmas”. Why do these talking heads like to drag the solstice through the muck? I’d like to go an entire season without hearing about this baloney. The very folks who yack about persecution started said “war” by attacking other people’s holidays that existed long before Christmas. Whether Winter Solstice or Hanukkah (and so on), it seems quite selfish and ignorant to make everyone celebrate what’s supposed to be a very meaningful holiday only to Christians.

I’d find this “persecution” bit quite laughable if it weren’t so insulting. I don’t know if its the Jew or the atheist in me that is put off more.

I don’t care enough about Christmas to wage a war. And it’s not anymore noteworthy than anything I’ve (or anyone else has) celebrated.

I know this story is a few days old, but- wow.

NEW YORK — Bicyclists planning a protest ride through New York City are calling it their “Freedom Ride” – free of clothing, that is. The removal of clothing during Saturday’s ride is meant as a protest over the removal of a bike lane in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

Bicycling advocates say the city erased the bike lane from the Orthodox Jewish neighborhood because some conservative residents were upset about seeing women in skimpy clothing ride by every day.

The conservative Jewish faithful say that’s not the issue. They say it’s about safety. A Bloomberg spokesman notes that there is another bike lane nearby that is separated from car traffic.

The naked protesters, meanwhile, will face some fierce weather Saturday: Forecasters are predicting snow and brisk winds.

[Read more.]

Well, if it’s all about safety, I get it. But really?

As some of you may know, I moved from Los Angeles to Miami not too long ago. I grew up here so I’m no stranger. It’s almost eerily familiar. One of my main motivations for moving out west was my degree in Film Production (U of Miami, 2003) and it was much better served out there. As much as I loved (and still do) the art of making short films and other related media, I think I may have preferred to study motion graphics or web design. Still, the experience and journey is worth it every moment.

Because atheists like giving (and getting) gifts too!

There’s quite a thorough list of secular charities at Effort Sisyphus:

DonorsChoose.org: a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack.

Kiva.org: lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world.

The Union of Concerned Scientists: The leading science-based non-profit working for a healthy environment and safer world.

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The USA’s premier emergency response organization, over 91% of Red Cross spending is on charitable services.

Just to name a few. See them all.