What would you call me?

I’ve got this book off at my publisher, and we’re still arguing over the title. Everything else looks good, but we can’t agree on this one rather big thing: my editor definitely wants it to be something personal and about me, of all people. So I have an exercise for everyone. Imagine an infidel like me with a book that skewers religion and triumphantly praises the godless way of life. Imagine the cover. There, in big bold print it says…

The __________ Atheist

Fill in the blank. Remember, it’s got to be provocative but positive, catchy and descriptive. I know you’re all thinking “Poopyhead”, but I’m gonna squelch that one right now. No scatology or obscenity, ’cause while it would be fine to be banned for the content, it’s so petty and superficial to be banned for the cover. It should be something that makes you want to reach out and buy it, too.

Oh, and no, you don’t get a cut for suggesting one adjective.

CSICon!

I’ve been told to remind you to sign up for CSICon: The conference dedicated to science and reason — it’s coming up on 27-30 October, so it’s time to commit. It has an amazing list of speakers — so amazing, that even though I’m one of them, they left me off as the least interesting person speaking there. That just tells you how good it is, or perhaps what good taste the organizers have.

Also, who cares who the speakers are? It’s in New Orleans. I’m going for the food and the music and the chance to sashay through the French Quarter late at night with a beautiful woman on my arm, as God intended me to do. As my humanity and my manhood demand that I do.

Our baby is all growed up now!

Skatje, who is living far, far away in Wisconsin, has just turned 21. You know what that means? There’s no way we have to take her back … she’s all on her own now. We’ve managed to shoo three kids into independent adulthood, and I think we’re all done with that now.

I usually try to post a few pictures with these kinds of announcements, but of course she has no use for us any more either, so you’ll have to settle for some oldies from her 16th birthday.

Oh, OK, one slightly more recent photo.

I’m not impartial

Since I just made a defense of humanism, I should be upfront about my stake, since I did get recognized a few weeks ago by the International Humanist and Ethical Union. And as long as I’m mentioning my own award, I should also name all the other people who were also commended by the IHEU.

The Nordic Rainbow Humanists award was given to George Thindwa, who has been fighting for LGBT rights in Malawi against unbelievable bigotry and hatred.

There were several 2011 IHEU awards.

The Distinguished Service award was given to:

  • VB Rawat, who has been a leader in India fighting for social justice, working to bring aid to the poor and those afflicted by catastrophe, and who has been opposing the caste system.

  • Narendra Nayak, a tireless promoter of skepticism and science in India, who has worked to expose psychics and magic workers.

  • David Pollock has been an active secularist and editor of the New Humanist magazine, and has been a leader in the British Humanist Association in working for humanist social policies.

The International Humanist award was given to:

  • Sophie in’t Veld is the vice-chair of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, who has been a great supporter of women’s and LGBT rights.

  • PZ Myers, some guy with a blog.

One of these things is not like the others…

Into the maelstrom

Today is the day I get together with all of my new advisees and tell them how to survive the next four years.

Tomorrow, the new semester begins — once again, I’ve got an 8am course to teach on developmental neurobiology.

The madness begins.

But at least this year I’ve got a new tie!

i-aa6f945253fb8823e7fd0595f87d5f47-newtie.jpeg

(Also on FtB)

Into the maelstrom

Today is the day I get together with all of my new advisees and tell them how to survive the next four years.

Tomorrow, the new semester begins — once again, I’ve got an 8am course to teach on developmental neurobiology.

The madness begins.

But at least this year I’ve got a new tie!

(Also on Sb)