Oh Happy Day! *11.08.2006*

After reading recent reviews for RD's new book defending atheism, my curiosity was piqued. Since The New York Times and Harper's reviewers both had lukewarm to indignant responses, I had to find out for myself how this Oxford scientist may have failed at his attempt to clarify once and for all the non-existence of The Creator. Result: I can't put this book down for 5 minutes! It is brilliant and hilarious, and I urge all people to read it ASAP. Each and every page gives me reason to smile, and often I laugh out loud.

My plan is to post on "The Book" each week along with attending church. This should create a nice counterpoint to the temporary surrendering of my will to BELIEF. Here's another good one: Intelligent Design? Watch it get schooled. on YouTube.

Yes, my lazy atheist values caused me to have a temporary return to heathen-dom this weekend. HOWEVER -- to make up for it, I will double up church attendance within the next couple of weeks. PLUS, I will be going to an Armenian line dancing event at St. Illuminators Armenian Church on Friday night. Actually, I should probably find a way to do pennance, right? I'm not very familiar with pennance territory. I suppose I should have to give something up. Please post suggestions.

In the meantime, I stumbled across this bizarre shrine up the road from where I live. I really have no idea whatsoever to make of this. Is there an active active sect of Troll Dollism here? If so, I need to find these people. I think they're on to something.

A lot to write about -- coming soon...

First time going to church voluntarily since age 12. Lots to write about here...ancestors, ritual, music, tribal longings,...

Happy Kurt Vonnegut & Veterans Day weekend...an interesting convergence of holidays. How wonderful that the WWII veteran, survivor of Dresden & author of Slaughterhouse Five should be celebrated on this day. I will take away 5 demerits from Mayor Bloomberg for this. Who says Billionaires have no sense of humor? Huzzah, Bloomie. I highly recommend 'Bluebeard', which I finished just recently. The protagonist is a survivor of the Armenian genocide. It is a beautiful, funny, moving book -- like all of KV's work. Something tells me KV is a non-believer...

4.29.06 -- Spent my birthday in DC this year...Visualizing Republicans as the Capitol gulls flying out of Congress and back to their hometowns in November 2006...Democrats, LET'S GET OUR ACT TOGETHER!!!

Never thought it could happen...really. Perhaps it was divine intervention? Hmmm..Anyway, surprisingly have had 900+ views on You Tube -- only 2 stars though! Feel free to go check it out and comment: CLICK HERE

Sing it with me now: Oh Happy Day!

Oh, those Edwin Hawkins Singers -- they fill you with the spirit don't they? Last week I made a pledge to myself and a very few people, which I never thought I'd have to follow through on. After last night's Democratic Party victory over the Republicans, I hereby state that I will call a truce with God through xmas and attend church as outlined below.

Here is the pledge, which was modified over several days to this final form:

I swear that I will start believing deeply in the Lord if the Democrats can pull off taking both houses. You are all my witnesses that today, I, Jessica Anoosh D----, will temporarily renounce atheism if the Republicans lose Congress this November. If they pull it off, I will go to St. Vartan Cathedral on 34th Street every Sunday through Armenian Christmas (Jan 6). In addition, if Joe Lieberman loses, I will go to temple through Hanukah (need suggestions for this). If Macaca-witz loses, I'll go Kosher.

As they say, there are no atheists in foxholes, so perhaps that was the motivation to start praying for the Dems. According to Richard Dawkins in his new book 'The GOD Delusion', there's actually a faith scale from 1 - 7, with 7 being total lack of spiritual belief. He places himself at a 6. Whatever the case may be, I'm willing to temporarily move myself over from "7" to "1" every 2 years for a few months, if it turns out to be a lucky charm for successful progressive US election results (atheists are allowed to be superstitious, aren't we?). Perhaps one could correlate a positive outcome to some sort of effect on the collective unconscious? Jung certainly was no atheist, but Dawkins does have this "memes" theory...

Anyway, re: Allen & Lieberman -- I'm not saying I'm a little bit relieved that Ned Lamont didn't defeat him, but it might have been a bit challenging going to church and temple every week. However, since it looks Senator Macacawitz is going to lose (will continue to pray on that one), I will eat kosher, which actually as a vegetarian is not difficult at all (except no fish, I think?).

btw, this will not interfere with planning for this year's "Big Bang Day", my new holiday for atheists (more later...)

I know I know, we still have to hold the Dems' feet to the fire. But G-- D---, it's a beautiful day today! Can I get an AMEN brothers and sisters!