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Where parenting and politics meet, but don't always play nice.
Recent Posts Tagged With 'religion'
Christmas and Chanukah…they don’t even *sound* alike
From one of my first gigs with The Tampa Tribune in 2004… For parents, holidays provide one teachable moment after another, and by New Year’s, most of us are tired of learning experiences almost as much as turkey. Like most, my children a...
According to Rich Jesus, Christianity is not a call to poverty
My favorite part of the website for Rich Jesus is the notion that Christians believe they are supposed to be poor. Really? You don’t say…...
The fake “War on Christmas”
“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” I never understood that line, because most people believe in the devil. Most people believe in lots of things that aren’t real. Like angels ...
3 ways Muslims can improve their image
A local show, True Talk on WMNF 88.5, is hosted by Ahmed Bedier (one of my Facebook friends. Represent!) and Samar Jarrah. I’ve been a huge fan of WMNF since its Radical Noise show back in the early 1980s when I was little punk-wanna-be in 8th gra...
Quote for the week
“Science flies us to the moon; religion flies us into buildings.”...
In honor of Yom Kippur
I apologize for anything I’ve done, both intentionally and unintentionally, that may have hurt you. Please forgive me. This is what I say on the phone or in person or in a text because G-d loves Him some atonement through technology. Yom Kippur...
Apples dipped in honey…what’s not to like?
Every year before Rosh Hashanah, synagogues send tickets to members for High Holy Day services. Non-members in the Tampa Bay area usually pay around $200. That’s right. Local Jews pay that kind of money for tickets to a show that doesn’t ...
Hernando student in hijab *would* stand for the flag. And apparently *did.*
A few days ago, I wrote about a young Muslim student at Springstead High who wouldn’t stand for the Pledge of Allegience and got a severe tongue lashing from fellow student Heather Lawrence as a result. To repeat my stance: Students should not ...
Hernando student in hijab wouldn’t stand for the flag
As a teacher, I never forced a student to stand for the pledge. I prefer to know which students are expressing love of country or respect for the flag because they feel it and which ones don’t give a flying fuck. But that’s just me: I hea...
Religion is Fashionable Nonsense
Belief: Something it is taboo to challenge, question, reject, much less criticize or mock. When the adjective ‘cherished’ is added, this effect is doubled. When we are afraid to criticize a religion’s attempt to oppress women, then ...
Support the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jiadoldol/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 I agree that all violent crimes are crimes of hate. They are all abhorrent. They are all to be prevented. In addition, crimes motivated by bigotry, racism, and prejudice are so abhorrent th...
10 Ways to Survive Facebook
To maintain good mental health and cut down on panic attacks, one should follow a certain set of rules when using Facebook, Twitter, and other online networking sites. I would argue even the free-for-all, but not-for-you, bulletin boards over at Crai...
Manischewitz, AOL, and Anti-Semitism?
I belong to an online writers group. For years now, we’ve been trading tips on how to write better and get published. Right. Haven’t learned a thing. But today I got a different sort of email from one of the members. Cowboy Dan* was upset...
Killing Abortion Doctor = Terrorism
Throwing acid in a young girl’s face to prevent her from going to school. Strapping on a bomb and detonating it in a crowded restaurant. Walking into a church and killing a man who performs abortions. How is one of the above acts any different ...
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Bleed ‘Em
Once, when I was in Colorado Springs, a coworker invited me into his classroom to watch a video. “Porn?” I asked. So hopeful. “No,” he said. “It’s about End Times.” Sure enough, the video, about five minutes ...
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
I hate having to defend myself. Doesn’t it just suck when you feel the need to point out the obvious? But a few good friends have gone out on a limb to defend me and I believe it’s time I speak for myself. Back in October, over seven months ago...
Radio Ga Ga
Mitch Perry over at WMNF did me a solid and interviewed the organizer of next weekend’s Driving Miss Darby event. If you’re inclined to go, there is still time to reserve your spot. Listen to this clip around 41:00 and whenever you’...
What Five Songs Describe You?
Facebook has a million of these little exercises, but I haven’t seen this one yet. Are there songs that describe your personality, winning smile, or philosophy on life? What are they? Me first. Oh yes, these quotes and songs are perfect. Get to...
A Mother’s Day Gift From You to Me
If you read this site because you: a) like it b) feel compelled despite ensuing nausea c) must compile data for accurate FBI file d) want to marry me …here’s what you can do for me on Mother’s Day. Click on the ads in the sidebar t...
A Facebook Conversation - Ongoing
Yesterday’s post about miracles elicited quite the conversation on Facebook. Here is a sampling for your amusement or irritation. Whichever you prefer. Danny: The best was when I was watching this thing on TV about pitcher Paul Byrd. He was los...
3 Year-Old Boy Lost for Two Days Found Safe - Just Don’t Call it a Miracle
I read this morning in the newspaper about a little boy lost for two days in Missouri. They finally found 3 year-old Joshua Childers alive and well, albeit tired and a bit scared, in the woods not far from where he disappeared. It’s hard to rea...
More Facebook Fun - Ongoing
I might scream if one more person tells me about a life-altering event and then adds, “Don’t blog this.” I wrote as much on Facebook, which invites the smartasses in my life to play along. Addison - I’m gay….please don&#...
Christian License Plates Approved in Florida Senate
All the Florida Senate had to hear was one word: Jesus. And that was good enough for them. They approved the latest Holy Roller-related license plates without even seeing them. But Senator Ronda Storms didn’t need to see them, she sees Jesus in...
Let’s Leave the Pope and Prayer Out of It
I am in Denver this weekend, soaking up the love of my niece and nephew and catching up on all things newsworthy. What’s up with the Pope? Your favorite cross-dresser and mine was in Africa recently telling the AIDS-ravaged continent that condo...
WMNF, True Talk, and Gaza - Fun Topics for Conversation
“Is President Obama giving money to the people in Gaza who hate us and want to destroy Israel?” That’s the question posed to me by my nine year-old son. One of his friends at school told him this disturbing bit of news and so he cam...
Tampa Bay Has Sunshine - and Syphilis
STD rates are rising in Hillsborough County and the Florida Catholic Conference wants an abstinence-only curriculum “arguing that children who learn about contraceptives in school are more sexually active.” Kids get bored and have sex. If...
Denial Ain’t Just a River
What’s up with Pope Benedict? While I was in Atlanta last week, Dude went and took a giant step to the right. He welcomed back into the fold a few crazies who organize under “the Society of St. Pius X.” This is a society of pissed-off Catholics...
