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	<title>Heaving Dead Cats &#187; holidays</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/category/holidays/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com</link>
	<description>Skeptical Freethought Atheist Musings to Dispel Ignorance and Enlighten the Mind</description>
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		<title>Why Do Christians Hate The ACLU?</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/24/why-do-christians-hate-the-aclu/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/24/why-do-christians-hate-the-aclu/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:06:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Johnny</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Constitution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humanity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACLU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ignorance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Johnny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[separation of church and state]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[socas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=2263</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ACLU.jpg" alt="ACLU" title="ACLU" width="488" height="320" class="alignright size-full wp-image-2269" />Because I&#8217;m sure many just see it as a title, or an acronym, and recall their mention in the news involving lawsuits, lets start by answering a basic: What is the ACLU?</p>
<p><strong>American Civil Liberties Union</strong> was founded in 1920 by Crystal Eastman, Roger Baldwin and Walter Nelles. It was founded to assist in defending the rights of citizens as granted by the United States Constitution. At the time, the three biggest concerns were freedom of speech (for anti-war protesters), civil rights for blacks (and other minority races), and equal rights for women. On their site, the ACLU proclaims themselves as a &#8220;guardian of liberty, working [...] to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.&#8221;</p>
<p>This is the group who has time-and-time again gone to bat for the &#8216;little guy&#8217; to insure their Constitutional [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ACLU.jpg" alt="ACLU" title="ACLU" width="488" height="320" class="alignright size-full wp-image-2269" />Because I&#8217;m sure many just see it as a title, or an acronym, and recall their mention in the news involving lawsuits, lets start by answering a basic: What is the ACLU?</p>
<p><strong>American Civil Liberties Union</strong> was founded in 1920 by Crystal Eastman, Roger Baldwin and Walter Nelles. It was founded to assist in defending the rights of citizens as granted by the United States Constitution. At the time, the three biggest concerns were freedom of speech (for anti-war protesters), civil rights for blacks (and other minority races), and equal rights for women. On their site, the ACLU proclaims themselves as a &#8220;guardian of liberty, working [...] to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.&#8221;</p>
<p>This is the group who has time-and-time again gone to bat for the &#8216;little guy&#8217; to insure their Constitutional rights as a citizen and a human are upheld. The Christian&#8217;s very doctrine urges them to help the weak, the sick, the poor, the unfortunate, <em>the &#8216;little guy&#8217;</em>. So why do so many Christians harbor such vitriol and hate towards the ACLU?<span id="more-2263"></span></p>
<p>Personally, I think it boils down to two things:
<ol>
<li>Christian <em>think</em> they are under attack; so they <em>look for</em> that attacker in every action.</li>
<li>It is a common human reaction to fear the unknown; and Christians fail to understand, even refuse to understand what the ACLU represents.</li>
</ol>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>As for the attacks, Christians have read stories and prophesies in the bible about Christians being persecuted; and so they look for persecution and attack everywhere. They seek to self-fulfill prophesy; and they see a potential persecutor in anyone who does not have the same life philosophies as they do. Their need to see these prophesies fulfilled goes so far that they even see persecution from other branches of Christianity. I see no universal way to combat this, especially on a large scale; so I simply look for those opportunities to help an individual <em>see the light</em>.</p>
<p>Ignorance and lack of knowledge can by combated though. I think the root of this ignorance lies in lack of understand of the principle of Separation of Church and state. So many Christians strive to tear down that wall of separation, without a clue to how that wall protects them and their ability to practice their flavor of Christianity as they see fit.</p>
<p>The ACLU has done some great work defending civil liberties and the rights we are given by our Constitution; but all Christians seem to notice today is their involvement with lawsuits that relate to religion (and of that they are really only noticing one side). And without knowing an ounce of the facts, jump to the assumption that the lawsuits are an attack <em>against</em> Christians. Never once stopping to realize that in many of these cases the ACLU is actually defending the &#8216;little guy&#8217; <em>from</em> Christianity.</p>
<p>Even when the ACLU is defending the &#8216;little guy&#8217; <em>from</em> Christians, the ACLU is not <em>against</em> Christianity. The majority of their staff and membership are Christians; and they have repeatedly defended Christians when the rights of those Christians were not being upheld. One of the most recent examples, pentecostal minister Howard Thompson Jr. used to preach during worship services at the New Jersey State Prison, until a few years ago when prison officials stopped him. Multiple religious and Christian defense groups stood by and did nothing; it was the ACLU who went to bat for Mr. Thompson&#8217;s rights, and it was <a href="http://www.aclu-nj.org/news/pentecostalministercannowp.htm" target="_blank">the ACLU who won the case for him</a>.</p>
<p>This isn&#8217;t the only case that the ACLU has gone to bat for a Christian; <a href="http://www.aclufightsforchristians.com/" target="_blank">here is a list</a> of some of the more prominent cases where <strong>the ACLU defended the right of a Christian to speak as a Christian or to practice Christianity</strong>. Yet few Christians seem to realize this; most Christians have bought into the conservative media&#8217;s constant claim that the ACLU is out to bring down Christianity.</p>
<p><strong>The ACLU fights <em>for</em> INDIVIDUAL free exercise of religion</strong> (just as the Constitution specifies). <strong>The ACLU also fights <em>against</em> GOVERNMENT endorsement, sponsorship, or establishment of religion</strong> (again just as the Constitution specifies).</p>
<p>Now to the heart of what brought on this rant. Someone sent me this email not long ago <em>(warning: obnoxious chain email incoming)</em>:<br />
<blockquote><font size=1>Pass this on to your church, co-workers, family, and friends. What do you have to lose but 44 cents, what do you have to gain? More than you will ever know!</p>
<p>What a clever idea! </p>
<p>Yes, Christmas cards! This is coming early so that you can get ready to include an important address to your list. </p>
<p>Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year.</p>
<p>As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. </p>
<p>Make sure it says &#8220;Merry Christmas&#8221; on it. </p>
<p>Here&#8217;s the address, just don&#8217;t be rude or crude (it&#8217;s not the Christian way, you know):<br />
ACLU<br />
125 Broad Street<br />
18th Floor<br />
New York, NY 10004 </p>
<p>Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn&#8217;t know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 44 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a &#8221; Holiday Tree&#8221;! It&#8217;s always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!</p>
<p>Please pass this on to your email lists. We really want to communicate with the ACLU! They really DESERVE us!!</p>
<p>For those of you who aren&#8217;t aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything Christian away from us. They represent the atheists and others in this war.</p>
<p>Help put Christ back in Christmas!</font></p></blockquote>
<p>I&#8217;ve already addressed most of the subtle hate and lies from this email; so I&#8217;ll let the Executive Director of the ACLU of Texas respond:<br />
<center><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/86zolIvusC8&#038;hl=en_US&#038;fs=1&#038;color1=0x234900&#038;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/86zolIvusC8&#038;hl=en_US&#038;fs=1&#038;color1=0x234900&#038;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></center></p>
<p>And just in case you need further fodder to throw at this spiteful and inaccurate email, <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/aclucards.asp">Snopes has an article on it</a>. In it they point out that some businesses replacing &#8220;Merry Christmas&#8221; with &#8220;Happy Holidays&#8221; or &#8220;Seasons Greetings&#8221; was NOT done under litigation or threat from the ACLU; but instead did so (proactively) to appeal to a broader customer base. They also point out the logically laughable idea of overwhelming the ACLU office with Christmas cards.</p>
<p>If you receive, or previously received the above letter, I encourage you to reply with a link to the above video. Whichever holiday you and yours celebrate, I wish you well and hope its enjoyable.</p>
<p><center><font size=4><strong>Happy Whatever Holiday You&#8217;re Weirdly Touchy About!</strong></font></center></p>
<p><font size=1><em>Sources: <a href="http://www.aclu.org/" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/aclucards.asp" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_Liberties_Union" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_court_cases_involving_the_American_Civil_Liberties_Union" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.aclu-nj.org/news/pentecostalministercannowp.htm" target="_blank">here</a>,<a href="http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/xmascard.asp" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.aclufightsforchristians.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86zolIvusC8" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></font></p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/06/12/kingsville-king-of-ignorance/" title="Kingsville: King of Ignorance (June 12, 2009)">Kingsville: King of Ignorance</a> (7)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/06/25/h_con_res_131/" title="[UPDATED] Thousands of Tax Payer Dollars to Add Engraving to Capitol Visitor Center (June 25, 2009)">[UPDATED] Thousands of Tax Payer Dollars to Add Engraving to Capitol Visitor Center</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/11/10/jfk-had-the-right-idea/" title="JFK Had the Right Idea (November 10, 2009)">JFK Had the Right Idea</a> (0)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/03/31/honor-killings-are-illegal-turkey-resorts-to-honor-suicides-for-women/" title="Honor Killings are Illegal? Turkey Resorts To Honor Suicides For Women (March 31, 2009)">Honor Killings are Illegal? Turkey Resorts To Honor Suicides For Women</a> (12)</li>
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</ul>

]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sick and Miserable, Needing To Share a LOL</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/24/sick-and-miserable-needing-to-share-a-lol/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/24/sick-and-miserable-needing-to-share-a-lol/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:23:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neece</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lolcat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[catmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[xmas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=2387</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>So I am sick and miserable with a nasty holiday cold. I can&#8217;t sleep so I thought I&#8217;d share the latest Mr. Deity with you.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays Everyone! See below for funny holiday lolcats for even more cheer!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnzoxSEiW88" target="_blank">Mr. Deity and the Magic, Part Deux</a></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Merry Freaking Catmas, Damnit.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2388" title="merry freakin' catmas!" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1c7884c5-3e82-4b40-9be5-e8dee879cfad-321x450.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span id="more-2387"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This iz NOT mah happi face!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2389" title="da04775f-d064-40a5-bb4e-bf43c818c9aa" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/da04775f-d064-40a5-bb4e-bf43c818c9aa-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">Festive litter box in 3&#8230; 2&#8230;. 1&#8230;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2390" title="funny-pictures-cat-eats-coloured-light-bulbs" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-eats-coloured-light-bulbs-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">Makin a list. U on it pal.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2391" title="funny-pictures-your-cat-is-also-making-a-list" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-also-making-a-list-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">catmas ninja</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2392" title="funny-pictures-cat-is-a-christmas-ninja" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-is-a-christmas-ninja-366x450.jpg" alt="" width="366" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">put urself in mortal peril&#8230;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2393" title="funny-pictures-cat-is-dressed-like-a-reindeer-and-might-kill-you" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-is-dressed-like-a-reindeer-and-might-kill-you-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">catnuts roasting by an open fire&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2394" title="funny-pictures-cat-roasts-by-fire" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-roasts-by-fire-450x385.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="385" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">deck the halls with barfed up holly</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2395" title="funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly-450x298.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="298" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">Guess what it is!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2396" title="funny-pictures-gift-kitten-was-shaken" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-gift-kitten-was-shaken-450x336.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="336" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">ur ornamintz ar histoery!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2397" title="funny-pictures-kittens-will-destroy-your-ornaments" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-kittens-will-destroy-your-ornaments-304x450.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">glowry to da burger king!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2398" title="funny-pictures-kittens-sing-carol" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-kittens-sing-carol-419x450.jpg" alt="" width="419" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">bah humburger!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2399" title="bah humburger" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/JasmineChristmas2008001-337x450.jpg" alt="" width="337" height="450" /></p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/06/13/youve-got-to-see-this-mr-deity/" title="You&#8217;ve Got To See This (June 13, 2009)">You&#8217;ve Got To See This</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/09/30/you-da-man-adam-another-mr-deity-video/" title="You Da Man, Adam! Another Mr. Deity Video (September 30, 2009)">You Da Man, Adam! Another Mr. Deity Video</a> (2)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/02/16/too-sick-to-be-clever-lolcat-save-me/" title="Too Sick To Be Clever &#8211; Lolcat, save me! (February 16, 2009)">Too Sick To Be Clever &#8211; Lolcat, save me!</a> (7)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/02/07/skeptics-can-be-funny-too/" title="Skeptics Can Be Funny Too (February 7, 2009)">Skeptics Can Be Funny Too</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/10/23/lolcats-smile/" title="More Lolcats To Make You Smile (October 23, 2008)">More Lolcats To Make You Smile</a> [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So I am sick and miserable with a nasty holiday cold. I can&#8217;t sleep so I thought I&#8217;d share the latest Mr. Deity with you.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays Everyone! See below for funny holiday lolcats for even more cheer!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnzoxSEiW88" target="_blank">Mr. Deity and the Magic, Part Deux</a></p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="560" height="340" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GnzoxSEiW88&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="340" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GnzoxSEiW88&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Merry Freaking Catmas, Damnit.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2388" title="merry freakin' catmas!" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1c7884c5-3e82-4b40-9be5-e8dee879cfad-321x450.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span id="more-2387"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This iz NOT mah happi face!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2389" title="da04775f-d064-40a5-bb4e-bf43c818c9aa" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/da04775f-d064-40a5-bb4e-bf43c818c9aa-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">Festive litter box in 3&#8230; 2&#8230;. 1&#8230;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2390" title="funny-pictures-cat-eats-coloured-light-bulbs" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-eats-coloured-light-bulbs-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">Makin a list. U on it pal.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2391" title="funny-pictures-your-cat-is-also-making-a-list" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-also-making-a-list-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">catmas ninja</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2392" title="funny-pictures-cat-is-a-christmas-ninja" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-is-a-christmas-ninja-366x450.jpg" alt="" width="366" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">put urself in mortal peril&#8230;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2393" title="funny-pictures-cat-is-dressed-like-a-reindeer-and-might-kill-you" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-is-dressed-like-a-reindeer-and-might-kill-you-450x337.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="337" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">catnuts roasting by an open fire&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2394" title="funny-pictures-cat-roasts-by-fire" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-cat-roasts-by-fire-450x385.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="385" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">deck the halls with barfed up holly</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2395" title="funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly-450x298.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="298" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">Guess what it is!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2396" title="funny-pictures-gift-kitten-was-shaken" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-gift-kitten-was-shaken-450x336.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="336" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">ur ornamintz ar histoery!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2397" title="funny-pictures-kittens-will-destroy-your-ornaments" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-kittens-will-destroy-your-ornaments-304x450.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">glowry to da burger king!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2398" title="funny-pictures-kittens-sing-carol" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/funny-pictures-kittens-sing-carol-419x450.jpg" alt="" width="419" height="450" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">bah humburger!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2399" title="bah humburger" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/JasmineChristmas2008001-337x450.jpg" alt="" width="337" height="450" /></p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/06/13/youve-got-to-see-this-mr-deity/" title="You&#8217;ve Got To See This (June 13, 2009)">You&#8217;ve Got To See This</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/09/30/you-da-man-adam-another-mr-deity-video/" title="You Da Man, Adam! Another Mr. Deity Video (September 30, 2009)">You Da Man, Adam! Another Mr. Deity Video</a> (2)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/02/16/too-sick-to-be-clever-lolcat-save-me/" title="Too Sick To Be Clever &#8211; Lolcat, save me! (February 16, 2009)">Too Sick To Be Clever &#8211; Lolcat, save me!</a> (7)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/02/07/skeptics-can-be-funny-too/" title="Skeptics Can Be Funny Too (February 7, 2009)">Skeptics Can Be Funny Too</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/10/23/lolcats-smile/" title="More Lolcats To Make You Smile (October 23, 2008)">More Lolcats To Make You Smile</a> (4)</li>
</ul>

]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Christmas Tree Nonsense</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/16/christmas-tree-nonsense/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/16/christmas-tree-nonsense/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:32:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neece</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[WTF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[symbols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[heathen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[heathens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nonsense]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[symbol]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=2352</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>My friend AJ sent me this picture and I had to share it with you, after my brain stopped fizzling:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/crucifix-christmas-tree-31447-1260820591-18.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2353" title="crucifix-christmas-tree" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/crucifix-christmas-tree-31447-1260820591-18.jpg" alt="crucifix-christmas-tree" width="500" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>What is the reasoning here? &#8220;Let&#8217;s celebrate the birth of our savior, but let&#8217;s make sure we focus on his crucifixion at the same time? What would easter look like then? Would you have to mix holiday symbols there too?</p>
<p>Update: Here&#8217;s <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20091215/us_time/08599194759000/print" target="_blank">the news story</a> that explains the above image.</p>
<p>Of course, the bible mentions the &#8220;christmas&#8221; tree in the old testament, and they aren&#8217;t too keen on it:</p>
<p><a href="http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/jer/10.html#2" target="_blank">Jeremiah 10:2-4</a>: &#8220;Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My friend AJ sent me this picture and I had to share it with you, after my brain stopped fizzling:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/crucifix-christmas-tree-31447-1260820591-18.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2353" title="crucifix-christmas-tree" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/crucifix-christmas-tree-31447-1260820591-18.jpg" alt="crucifix-christmas-tree" width="500" height="267" /></a></p>
<p>What is the reasoning here? &#8220;Let&#8217;s celebrate the birth of our savior, but let&#8217;s make sure we focus on his crucifixion at the same time? What would easter look like then? Would you have to mix holiday symbols there too?</p>
<p>Update: Here&#8217;s <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20091215/us_time/08599194759000/print" target="_blank">the news story</a> that explains the above image.</p>
<p>Of course, the bible mentions the &#8220;christmas&#8221; tree in the old testament, and they aren&#8217;t too keen on it:</p>
<p><a href="http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/jer/10.html#2" target="_blank">Jeremiah 10:2-4</a>: &#8220;Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.&#8221;<span id="more-2352"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Jeremiah10-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2354" title="Jeremiah10-2" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Jeremiah10-2-450x357.jpg" alt="Jeremiah10-2" width="450" height="357" /></a></p>
<p>Here is another version which reads a bit differently:</p>
<p><a href="http://russellsteapot.com/know-your-bible/new/jeremiah-102-4.html" target="_blank">Jeremiah 10: 2</a> Thus says the LORD, &#8220;Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; 3  For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. 4  They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter.</p>
<p>Oh, oops, sorry baby jesus, I guess we shouldn&#8217;t be decorating trees to celebrate your birth, especially since we stole the idea from the heathens. But of course, then they say, jesus is the reason for the season. But I say, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice" target="_blank">Winter Solstice</a> is really the reason for the season, if you&#8217;re going to celebrate anything.</p>
<p>This works well too, the Flying Spaghetti Monster as a tree topper:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/a_fsm_tree.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2355" title="a_fsm_tree" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/a_fsm_tree-337x450.jpg" alt="a_fsm_tree" width="337" height="450" /></a>Happy Holidays my friends!</p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/11/30/what-other-deities-were-born-on-jesus-birthday/" title="What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday? (November 30, 2009)">What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday?</a> (9)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/04/12/hoppy-easter-heathens/" title="Hoppy Easter, Heathens! (April 12, 2009)">Hoppy Easter, Heathens!</a> (10)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/07/01/holy-jesus-in-a-little-plastic-cup-how-convenient/" title="Holy Jesus In A Little Plastic Cup! How Convenient! (July 1, 2009)">Holy Jesus In A Little Plastic Cup! How Convenient!</a> (48)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/06/13/youve-got-to-see-this-mr-deity/" title="You&#8217;ve Got To See This (June 13, 2009)">You&#8217;ve Got To See This</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/03/why-does-god-hate-pigs/" title="Why Does God Hate Pigs? (December 3, 2009)">Why Does God Hate Pigs?</a> (10)</li>
</ul>

]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>17</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[bible Lessons]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Atheist Holiday Traditions</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/13/atheist-holiday-traditions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/13/atheist-holiday-traditions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:52:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neece</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Atheism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[believing problem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atheist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=2345</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>As atheists, it would be neat to have fun holiday traditions just for us. I saw this comic and thought I&#8217;d share it with you. Do you have any other ideas for things godless heathens could do for the holidays?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bfw_439.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-2346 aligncenter" title="bfw_439" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bfw_439.png" alt="bfw_439" width="600" height="600" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bigfatwhale.com/archives/bfw_439.htm" target="_blank">Found here</a>.</p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/07/dont-give-up/" title="Don&#8217;t Give Up! (December 7, 2009)">Don&#8217;t Give Up!</a> (2)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/08/21/de-christianizing/" title="De-Christianizing (August 21, 2008)">De-Christianizing</a> (22)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/08/19/why-im-an-atheist-not-an-agnostic/" title="Why I&#8217;m An Atheist, Not An Agnostic (August 19, 2008)">Why I&#8217;m An Atheist, Not An Agnostic</a> (19)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/02/19/why-do-atheists-have-to-rock-the-boat/" title="Why Do Atheists Have To Rock The Boat? (February 19, 2009)">Why Do Atheists Have To Rock The Boat?</a> (22)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/11/30/what-other-deities-were-born-on-jesus-birthday/" title="What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday? (November 30, 2009)">What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday?</a> [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As atheists, it would be neat to have fun holiday traditions just for us. I saw this comic and thought I&#8217;d share it with you. Do you have any other ideas for things godless heathens could do for the holidays?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bfw_439.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-2346 aligncenter" title="bfw_439" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bfw_439.png" alt="bfw_439" width="600" height="600" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bigfatwhale.com/archives/bfw_439.htm" target="_blank">Found here</a>.</p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/07/dont-give-up/" title="Don&#8217;t Give Up! (December 7, 2009)">Don&#8217;t Give Up!</a> (2)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/08/21/de-christianizing/" title="De-Christianizing (August 21, 2008)">De-Christianizing</a> (22)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/08/19/why-im-an-atheist-not-an-agnostic/" title="Why I&#8217;m An Atheist, Not An Agnostic (August 19, 2008)">Why I&#8217;m An Atheist, Not An Agnostic</a> (19)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/02/19/why-do-atheists-have-to-rock-the-boat/" title="Why Do Atheists Have To Rock The Boat? (February 19, 2009)">Why Do Atheists Have To Rock The Boat?</a> (22)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/11/30/what-other-deities-were-born-on-jesus-birthday/" title="What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday? (November 30, 2009)">What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday?</a> (9)</li>
</ul>

]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Other Deities Were Born On Jesus&#8217; Birthday?</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/11/30/what-other-deities-were-born-on-jesus-birthday/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/11/30/what-other-deities-were-born-on-jesus-birthday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:12:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neece</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[believing problem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[myth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[symbols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[catholic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[god]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pagan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[symbol]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=2284</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/funny-pictures-furball-christmas.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2285 alignright" title="funny-pictures-furball-christmas" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/funny-pictures-furball-christmas-450x337.jpg" alt="funny-pictures-furball-christmas" width="390" height="293" /></a>Was Jesus unique and special, born of a virgin on December 25th? The Anointed One, the Messiah? Was his message even all that original? Not at all. Back in the day, religions and cults mixed and borrowed freely from each other. The only thing special about Jesus, you could say, is how long his myth has been embraced as truth. I found this at <a href="http://www.atheists.org/Pre-Christian_Christmas_Stories_with_Other_Gods" target="_blank">American Atheists</a> and thought you&#8217;d enjoy it for the holiday season.</p>
<p>December 25 is close to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice" target="_blank">Winter Solstice</a> which has been an important event for ages. It&#8217;s the longest night of the year. December 25 was the Roman Winter Solstice upon establishment of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar" target="_blank">Julian calendar</a>. We now have the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar" target="_blank">Gregorian calendar</a> which put the Winter Solstice to December 21st &#8211; 22nd. Many cultures recognized this Longest Night with holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals about rebirth and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/funny-pictures-furball-christmas.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2285 alignright" title="funny-pictures-furball-christmas" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/funny-pictures-furball-christmas-450x337.jpg" alt="funny-pictures-furball-christmas" width="390" height="293" /></a>Was Jesus unique and special, born of a virgin on December 25th? The Anointed One, the Messiah? Was his message even all that original? Not at all. Back in the day, religions and cults mixed and borrowed freely from each other. The only thing special about Jesus, you could say, is how long his myth has been embraced as truth. I found this at <a href="http://www.atheists.org/Pre-Christian_Christmas_Stories_with_Other_Gods" target="_blank">American Atheists</a> and thought you&#8217;d enjoy it for the holiday season.</p>
<p>December 25 is close to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice" target="_blank">Winter Solstice</a> which has been an important event for ages. It&#8217;s the longest night of the year. December 25 was the Roman Winter Solstice upon establishment of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar" target="_blank">Julian calendar</a>. We now have the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar" target="_blank">Gregorian calendar</a> which put the Winter Solstice to December 21st &#8211; 22nd. Many cultures recognized this Longest Night with holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals about rebirth and other celebrations.</p>
<p>~</p>
<p>EDIT: I shared the following article and a few readers noted below that there are no references or resources for any of this information. I fell into the trap of the Appeal to Authority. I had found it on what I considered to be a reputable site and didn&#8217;t think much about who wrote the article or what his sources were. I apologize.</p>
<p>Over the next day or so, I am going to edit this article to include some resources and references.</p>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Horus c. 3000 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born of the virgin Isis-Merion December 25 in a cave/manger with his birth being announced by a star in the East and attended by three wise men.<br />
&#8211;his earthly father was named “Seb” (“Joseph”).<br />
&#8211;was of royal descent.<br />
&#8211;at 12, he was a child teacher in the Temple, and at 30, he was baptized having disappeared for 18 years.<br />
&#8211;baptized in the river Eridanus or Iarutana (Jordan) by “Anup the Baptizer” (“John the Baptist”), who was decapitated.<br />
&#8211;had 12 disciples, two of who were his “witnesses” and were named “Anup” and “Aan” (the two “Johns”).<br />
&#8211;performed miracles, exorcised demons and raised El-Azarus (“El-Osiris”), from the dead.<br />
&#8211;walked on water.<br />
&#8211;his personal epithet was “Iusa,” the “ever-becoming son” of “Ptah,” the “Father.” He was thus called “Holy Child.”<br />
&#8211;delivered a “Sermon on the Mount” and his followers recounted the “Sayings of Iusa.”<br />
&#8211;was transfigured on the Mount.<br />
&#8211;crucified between two thieves, buried for three days in a tomb, and resurrected.<br />
&#8211;he was also the “Way, the Truth, the Light,” “Messiah,” “God’s Anointed Son,” “the “Son of Man,” the “Good Shepherd,” the “Lamb of God,” the “Word made flesh,” the “Word of Truth,” etc.<br />
&#8211;he was “the Fisher” and was associated with the Fish (“Ichthys”), Lamb and Lion.<br />
&#8211;came to fulfill the Law.<br />
&#8211;called “the KRST,” or “Anointed One.”<br />
&#8211;was supposed to reign one thousand years.<span id="more-2284"></span></p>
<p>Inscribed about 3,500 years ago on the walls of the Temple at Luxor were images of the Annunciation, Immaculate Conception, Birth and Adoration of Horus, with Thoth announcing to the Virgin Isis that she will conceive Horus; with Kneph the “Holy Ghost,” impregnating the virgin; and with the infant being attended by three kings, or magi, bearing gifts. In addition, in the catacombs at Rome are pictures of the baby Horus being held by the virgin mother Isis—the original “Madonna and Child.”</p></blockquote>
<p>~EDIT: more information on Horus:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcpa5b.htm" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/horus.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2291" title="Horus" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/horus-378x450.jpg" alt="Horus" width="247" height="295" /></a>Religious Tolerance has a handy chart and some background information regarding Horus, comparing the Egyptian god to Jesus.</p>
<p>Here is a bit of information that they have before the chart. I&#8217;ve added Wikipedia links to the three authors mentioned:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">&#8220;There is a near consensus that Yeshua was born circa 4 to 7 BCE.  By that time, stories from the life of Horus had been circulating for centuries before. <strong>If</strong> any copying occurred by the writers of the Egyptian or  Christian religions, it was the myths and legends of Horus that were incorporated into  Jesus&#8217; biography, not vice-versa.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Tom Harpur, an author, journalist, Anglican priest, and theologian, studied the works of three authors  specialized in ancient Egyptian religion: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godfrey_Higgins" target="_blank">Godfrey Higgins</a> (1771-1834), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Massey" target="_blank">Gerald  Massey</a> (1828-1907) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Boyd_Kuhn" target="_blank">Alvin Boyd Kuhn</a> (1880-1963). Harpur incorporated some of their findings into his book &#8220;<em>Pagan Christ</em>.&#8221; He argued that all of the  essential ideas of both Judaism and Christianity came primarily from Egyptian  religion.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Harpur writes, in his book:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;">&#8220;[Author Gerald] Massey discovered nearly  two hundred instances of immediate correspondence between the mythical Egyptian  material and the allegedly historical Christian writings about Jesus. Horus indeed was the archetypal Pagan Christ.&#8221; <sub><strong>2</strong></sub></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">One problem with comparing events in the life of  Horus and Yeshua relates to time. Horus was a leading figure in Egyptian  mythology for millennia. Folklore about him naturally proliferated during this  interval. So, for example, there is more than one story about  the method by  which he died. Thus, if the writers of the Christian Scriptures (New Testament)  did copy events from Horus&#8217; life, they would have had multiple options from  which to choose. Further, one cannot compare crucifixion in 1st century CE Judah, with a similar procedure in ancient Egypt. Roman crucifixion followed  a specific procedure by which the victim was made to carry the crosspiece  through the city, clothing was stripped from him, his limbs were tied &#8212; or in rare instances, nailed &#8212; to the cross, etc. Nothing precisely like this existed in ancient Egypt. So, one cannot strictly call Horus&#8217; execution a crucifixion, even if he was tied to a tree and died of exposure.&#8221;</p>
<p>They have a second chart here: <a href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcpa5d.htm" target="_blank">Similarities between Jesus and Horus</a>: More life events, characteristics and teachings.</p>
<p>The main reference is Tom Harpur&#8217;s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802714498?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0802714498" target="_blank">The Pagan Christ: Recovering the Lost Light</a>. Also, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811864898?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0811864898" target="_blank">The Egyptian Book of the Dead</a></p>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Osiris c. 3000 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;Father of Horus, considered to be part of a triune godhead &#8212; Osiris, Horus and Isis.<br />
&#8211;Osiris was identified with nearly every other Egyptian god and was on the way to absorbing them all. He had well over 200 divine names.<br />
&#8211;He was called the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, God of Gods.<br />
&#8211;He was the Resurrection and the Life, the Good Shepherd, Eternity and Everlastingness, the god who “made men and women to be born again.” &#8211;From first to last, Osiris was to the Egyptians the god-man who suffered, an died, and rose again, and reigned eternally in heaven. They believed that they would inherit eternal life, just as he had done .<br />
&#8211;Osiris’s coming was announced by Three Wise Men: the three stars Mintaka, Anilam, and Alnitak in the belt of Orion, which point directly to Osiris’s star in the east, Sirius (Sothis), significator of his birth . . .<br />
&#8211;Osiris was a prototypical Messiah, as well as a devoured Host. His flesh was eaten in the form of communion cakes of wheat, the “plant of Truth.” . . .<br />
&#8211;The cult of Osiris contributed a number of ideas and phrases to the Bible. The 23rd Psalm copied an Egyptian text appealing to Osiris the Good Shepherd to lead the deceased to the “green pastures” and “still waters” of the nefer-nefer land, to restore the soul to the body, and to give protection in the valley of the shadow of death (the Tuat).<br />
&#8211;The Lord’s Prayer was prefigured by an Egyptian hymn to Osiris-Amen beginning, “O Amen, O Amen, who are in heaven.” Amen was also invoked at the end of every prayer.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/isis-osiris.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2293" title="isis-osiris" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/isis-osiris.jpg" alt="isis-osiris" width="320" height="306" /></a>~Edit: More information on Osiris at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> and <a href="http://www.touregypt.net/godsofegypt/osiris.htm" target="_blank">TourEgypt.net</a></p>
<p>Wheat and Clay Rituals (from Wikipedia):</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Contrasting with the public &#8220;theatrical&#8221; ceremonies sourced from the I-Kher-Nefert stele, more esoteric ceremonies were performed inside the temples by priests witnessed only by chosen initiates. Plutarch mentions that two days after the beginning of the festival “the priests bring forth sacred chest containing a small golden coffer, into which they pour some potable water&#8230;and a great shout arises from the company for joy that Osiris is found (or resurrected). Then they knead some fertile soil with the water&#8230;and fashion therefrom a crescent-shaped figure, which they cloth and adorn, this indicating that they regard these gods as the substance of Earth and Water.” (<em>Isis and Osiris,</em> 39). Yet even his accounts were still obscure for he also wrote, “I pass over the cutting of the wood” opting not to describe it since he considered it as a most sacred ritual (<em>Ibid.</em> 21). In the Osirian temple at <span class="mw-redirect">Denderah</span>, an inscription (translated by Budge, Chapter XV, Osiris and the Egyptian Resurrection) describes in detail the making of wheat paste models of each dismembered piece of Osiris to be sent out to the town where each piece was discovered by Isis. At the temple of Mendes, figures of Osiris are made from wheat and paste placed in a trough on the day of the murder, then water was added for several days, until finally the mixture was kneaded into a mold of Osiris and taken to the temple to be buried (the sacred grain for these cakes were grown only in the temple fields). Molds were made from the wood of a red tree in the forms of the sixteen dismembered parts of Osiris, the cakes of &#8216;divine&#8217; bread were made from each mold, placed in a silver chest and set near the head of the god with <em>the inward parts of Osiris</em> as described in the Book of the Dead (XVII). On the first day of the Festival of Ploughing, where the goddess Isis appears in her shrine where she is stripped naked, paste made from the grain were placed in her bed and moistened with water, representing the fecund earth. All of these sacred rituals were <em>climaxed by the eating of sacramental god, the eucharist by which the celebrants were transformed, in their persuasion, into replicas of their god-man</em> (Larson 20).</p>
<p>Here is something interesting: A paper written by Martin Luther King, Jr in 1950: <a href="http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/kingpapers/article/volume_i_29_november_1949_to_15_february_1950g/The_Influence_of_the_Mystery_Religions_on_Christianity.htm" target="_blank">The Influence of the Mystery Religions on Christianity</a>.</p>
<p>Here is his bibliography from the bottom of the paper:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Angus, S., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0766146227?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0766146227" target="_blank">Mystery Religions and Christianity</a>, (Charles Scribner&#8217;s Sons, New York: 1925),<br />
2. Cumont, Franz, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1605063797?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1605063797" target="_blank">The Mysteries of Mithra</a>, (The Open Court Publishing Co., Chicago: 1910).<br />
3. Cumont, Franz, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1112158782?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1112158782" target="_blank">The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism</a>, (The Open House Publishing Co., Chicago: 1911).<br />
4. Dill, Samuel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1458968448?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1458968448" target="_blank">Roman society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius</a>, (Macmillan and Co., New York: 1905), pp. 585-626.<br />
5. Enslin Morton S., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U12DQ2?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001U12DQ2" target="_blank">Christian Beginnings</a>, (Harper and Brothers Publishers, New York: 1938), pp. 186-200.<br />
6. Frazer, J. E., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1425499910?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1425499910" target="_blank">Adonis, Attis, Osiris</a>, (London, 1922), Vol. I.<br />
7. Fairbanks, Arthur, Greek Religion, (American Book Co, New York: 1910).<br />
8. Halliday, W. R., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0766141853?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0766141853" target="_blank">Pagan Background of Early Christianity</a>, (The University Press of Liverpool, London: N.D.), pp. 281-311.<br />
9. Hyde, Walter, W, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160608349X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=160608349X" target="_blank">Paganism to Christianity in the Roman Empire</a>, (University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia: 1946).<br />
10. Moore, George F., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RCBE82?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001RCBE82" target="_blank">History of Religions</a>, (Charles Scribner&#8217;s Sons, New York: 1913), Vol. I, pp. 375-405.<br />
11. Nilsson, Martin P., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1605063940?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1605063940" target="_blank">Greek Popular Religion</a>, (Columbia University Press, New York: 1940), pp. 42-64.<br />
12. Weigall Arthur, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585093289?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1585093289" target="_blank">The Paganism in Our Christianity</a>, (Hutchinson and Co. London: N.D.).<br />
13. Willoughby, Harold R., <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1605063827?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zenswor-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1605063827" target="_blank">Pagan Regeneration</a>, (University of Chicago Press, Chicago: 1929).</p>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Attis of Phrygia c.1400 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211; born on December 25 of the Virgin Nana (or sometimes Cybelem).<br />
&#8211; considered the savior who was slain for the salvation of mankind.<br />
&#8211; his body as bread was eaten by his worshippers<br />
&#8211; his priests were “eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven.”<br />
&#8211; he was both the Divine Son and the Father.<br />
&#8211; he was crucified on a tree on “Black Friday,” from which his holy blood ran down to redeem the earth.<br />
&#8211; descended into the underworld for three days.<br />
&#8211; was resurrected on March 25 (as tradition held of Jesus) as the Most High God. &#8212; reborn as the evergreen pine.</p></blockquote>
<p>~EDIT: Links to Attis on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attis" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> and <a href="http://www.theoi.com/Phrygios/Attis.html" target="_blank">Theoi</a>. I am not sure where the above information came from. The priests castrated themselves, yes. But the rest is unsourced, so question its validity.</p>
<p>~</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Krishna c. 1400 BCE (possibly as early as 5771 BCE)</strong></p>
<p>&#8211; born of the Virgin Devaki (“Divine One”) on December 25.<br />
&#8211;his earthly father was a carpenter, off in the city paying tax when K. was born.<br />
&#8211;birth was signaled by a star in the east and attended by angels and shepherds, at which time he was presented with spices.<br />
&#8211;heavenly hosts danced and sang at his birth.<br />
&#8211;persecuted by a tyrant who ordered the slaughter of thousands of infants.<br />
&#8211;anointed on the head with oil by a woman whom he healed.<br />
&#8211;depicted as having his foot on the head of a serpent.<br />
&#8211;worked miracles and wonders, raising the dead and healing lepers, the deaf and the blind.<br />
&#8211;used parables to teach the people about charity and love, and he “lived poor and he loved the poor.”<br />
&#8211;castigated the clergy, charging them with “ambition and hypocrisy . . . Tradition says he fell victim to their vengeance.”<br />
&#8211;his “beloved disciple” was Arjuina or Ar-jouan (Jouhn).<br />
&#8211;transfigured in front of his disciples.<br />
&#8211;gave his twelve disciples the ability to work miracles.<br />
&#8211;his path was “strewn with branches.”<br />
&#8211;died on a tree or was crucified between two thieves.<br />
&#8211;killed around the age of 30, and the sun darkened at his death.<br />
&#8211;rose from the dead and ascended to heaven “in the sight of all men.”<br />
&#8211;depicted on a cross with nail-holes in his feet, as well as having a heart emblem on his clothing.<br />
&#8211;the “lion of the tribe of Saki.”<br />
&#8211;called the “Shepherd of God” and considered the “Redeemer,” “Firstborn,” “Sin-Bearer,” “Liberator,” “Universal Word.”<br />
&#8211;deemed the “Son of God” and “our Lord and Savior,” who came to earth to die for man’s salvation.<br />
&#8211;the second person of the Trinity.<br />
&#8211;his disciples purportedly bestowed upon him the title “Jezeus,” or “Jeseus,” meaning “pure essence.”</p>
<p><strong>Zoroaster/Zarathustra c. 1000 BCE or earlier</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born of a 15-year-old virgin, Dughdhava and “immaculate conception by a ray of divine reason.”<br />
&#8211;he was baptized in a river.<br />
&#8211;in his youth he astounded wise men with his wisdom.<br />
&#8211;was tempted in the wilderness by the devil.<br />
&#8211;began his ministry at age 30 wandered around with twelve followers.<br />
&#8211;baptized with water, fire and “holy wind.”<br />
&#8211;cast out demons and restored the sight to a blind man.<br />
&#8211;taught about heaven and hell, and revealed mysteries, including resurrection, judgment, salvation and the apocalypse.<br />
&#8211;had a sacred cup or grail.<br />
&#8211;was slain.<br />
&#8211;his religion had a eucharist.<br />
&#8211;he was the “Word made flesh.”<br />
&#8211;followers expected a “second coming” in the virgin-born Saoshynt or Savior, who is to come in 2341 CE and begin his ministry at age 30, ushering in a golden age.</p>
<p><strong>Mithra of Persia c. 600 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born of a virgin on December 25 in a cave, and his birth was attended by shepherds bearing gifts.<br />
&#8211;considered a great traveling teacher and master.<br />
&#8211;had 12 companions or disciples.<br />
&#8211;his followers were promised immortality.<br />
&#8211;performed miracles.<br />
&#8211;the “great bull of the Sun,” Mithra sacrificed himself for world peace.<br />
&#8211; buried in a tomb and after three days rose again.<br />
&#8211;resurrection was celebrated every year.<br />
&#8211;called “the Good Shepherd” and identified with both the Lamb and the Lion.<br />
&#8211;considered the “Way, the Truth and the Light,” and the “Logos,” [Word] “Redeemer,” “Savior” and “Messiah.”<br />
&#8211;sacred day was Sunday, the “Lord’s Day,” hundreds of years before the appearance of Christ.<br />
&#8211;had his principal festival on what was later to become Easter.<br />
&#8211;his religion had a eucharist or “Lord’s Supper,” at which Mithra said, “He who shall not eat of my body nor drink of my blood so that he may be one with me and I with him, shall not be saved.”<br />
&#8211;his annual sacrifice is the Passover of the Magi, a symbolical atonement of pledge of moral and physical regeneration.</p>
<p>ALSO, the Vatican is built upon the papacy of Mithra, and the Christian hierarchy is nearly identical to the Mithraic version it replaced . . . Virtually all of the elements of the Catholic ritual, from miter to wafer to altar to doxology, are directly taken from earlier Pagan mystery religions.</p>
<p><strong>Buddha (Siddartha Gautama) c. 563 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born on December 25<br />
&#8211;born of the Virgin Maya (“the Queen of Heaven”)<br />
&#8211; announced by a star and attended by wise men presenting costly gifts.<br />
&#8211;at his birth Brahma angels sang hymns.<br />
&#8211;tempted by Mara, the Evil One, while fasting, but overcame the temptation, putting the Evil One to flight.<br />
&#8211;taught in temple at age 12 and was able to match the wise religious scholars in their understanding.<br />
&#8211; He healed the sick; fed 500 from a small basket of cakes.<br />
&#8211;walked on water.<br />
&#8211;Buddha&#8217;s disciple wanted to hear his lord preach so he started to cross a stream – he doubted and started to sink but he built up his faith and continued to walk across the water.<br />
&#8211;came to fulfill the law and preached the establishment of a kingdom of righteousness.<br />
&#8211;He obliged followers to live in poverty and to renounce the world.<br />
&#8211;In his final years, Buddha was said to have &#8216;crushed a serpent&#8217;s head&#8217; and to have been transfigured on a mount &#8230;&#8217;<br />
&#8211;It was Buddha, not Christ, who first said: &#8216;If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also&#8217;</p>
<p><strong>Heracles c. 800 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born on December 25 to a virgin who refrained from sex with her until her God-begotten child was born.<br />
&#8211;sacrificed at the spring equinox.</p>
<p><strong>Dionysus c. 186 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born of a virgin on December 25 and, as the Holy Child, was placed in a manger.<br />
&#8211;a traveling teacher who performed miracles.<br />
&#8211;rode in a triumphal procession on an ass.<br />
&#8211; a sacred king killed and eaten in an eucharistic ritual for fecundity and purification.<br />
&#8211;rose from the dead on March 25.<br />
&#8211;the God of the Vine, and turned water into wine.<br />
&#8211;called “King of Kings” and “God of Gods.”<br />
&#8211;considered the “Only Begotten Son,” Savior,” “Redeemer,” “Sin Bearer,” Anointed One,” and the “Alpha and Omega.”<br />
&#8211;identified with the Ram or Lamb.<br />
&#8211;His sacrificial title of “Dendrites” or “Young Man of the Tree” indicates he was hung on a tree or crucified.</p>
<p><strong>Tammuz c. 400 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born to a virgin, named Mylitta, on December 25</p>
<p><strong>Adonis c. 200 BCE</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born on December 25 was son of the virgin Myrha. (Almost certainly based on Tammuz).</p>
<p><strong>Hermes</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born on December 25 was the son of the virgin Maia,<br />
&#8211;member of a holy trinity Hermes Tris-Megistus.</p>
<p><strong>Bacchus</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born on December 25, was crucified in 200 BCE.</p>
<p><strong>Prometheus</strong></p>
<p>&#8211;born on December 25, descended from heaven as a god incarnate as man, to save mankind, and was crucified, suffered, and was redeemed from death.</p>
<p>Thank you, <a href="http://www.atheists.org/Pre-Christian_Christmas_Stories_with_Other_Gods" target="_blank">Edwin Kagin at American Atheists</a></p></blockquote>

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		<series:name><![CDATA[History]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Happy New Year, Heathens!</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:09:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neece</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cute animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hello]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[happy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[heathens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lolcat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thank you]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=952</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-953" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny_pictures_32514/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-953" title="indifferent to your suffering" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny_pictures_32514-300x275.jpg" alt="indifferent to your suffering" width="300" height="275" /></a></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s to an interesting year coming to a close, and the beginning of a fresh new year full of change and promise.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-954" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/file3191-2/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-954" title="i be ok" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/file3191-2-225x300.jpg" alt="i be ok" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>I hope you&#8217;re all having fun with your celebrations and being safe getting to and from any parties.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-955" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny-dog-pictures-curious-dog-would-like-to-know-about-you/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-955" title="tell me bout you" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-dog-pictures-curious-dog-would-like-to-know-about-you-300x224.jpg" alt="tell me bout you" width="300" height="224" /></a></p>
<p>This change is really just an arbitrary moment in time. A time to take stock, and a time to celebrate.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-956" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny-pictures-bacon-not-done/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-956" title="bacon not done yet" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-bacon-not-done-300x225.jpg" alt="bacon not done yet" width="300" height="225" /></a>Next year will be awesome. I know, that&#8217;s my optimism speaking, but we&#8217;ll make it the best year it can be. <img src='http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-957" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny-pictures-cat-has-a-half-full-glass/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-957" title="optimist kitteh, pessimist kitteh" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-has-a-half-full-glass-300x288.jpg" alt="optimist kitteh, pessimist kitteh" width="300" height="288" /></a>Thank you for helping me be my best this year. Luvz U guyz!</p>
<p>Aww, damnit, I was aiming for posting at exactly midnight. But my awesome husband just called to wish me a Happy New Year. Damn, I love that guy. Ok, thank you again for being such great readers and commenters. Suggestions always welcome, as are guest posters. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-953" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny_pictures_32514/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-953" title="indifferent to your suffering" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny_pictures_32514-300x275.jpg" alt="indifferent to your suffering" width="300" height="275" /></a></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s to an interesting year coming to a close, and the beginning of a fresh new year full of change and promise.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-954" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/file3191-2/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-954" title="i be ok" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/file3191-2-225x300.jpg" alt="i be ok" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>I hope you&#8217;re all having fun with your celebrations and being safe getting to and from any parties.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-955" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny-dog-pictures-curious-dog-would-like-to-know-about-you/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-955" title="tell me bout you" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-dog-pictures-curious-dog-would-like-to-know-about-you-300x224.jpg" alt="tell me bout you" width="300" height="224" /></a></p>
<p>This change is really just an arbitrary moment in time. A time to take stock, and a time to celebrate.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-956" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny-pictures-bacon-not-done/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-956" title="bacon not done yet" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-bacon-not-done-300x225.jpg" alt="bacon not done yet" width="300" height="225" /></a>Next year will be awesome. I know, that&#8217;s my optimism speaking, but we&#8217;ll make it the best year it can be. <img src='http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-957" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/funny-pictures-cat-has-a-half-full-glass/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-957" title="optimist kitteh, pessimist kitteh" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-has-a-half-full-glass-300x288.jpg" alt="optimist kitteh, pessimist kitteh" width="300" height="288" /></a>Thank you for helping me be my best this year. Luvz U guyz!</p>
<p>Aww, damnit, I was aiming for posting at exactly midnight. But my awesome husband just called to wish me a Happy New Year. Damn, I love that guy. Ok, thank you again for being such great readers and commenters. Suggestions always welcome, as are guest posters. <img src='http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Since I&#8217;m already late, how about one more lolcat? Let&#8217;s see if I can find a really good one. (actually the optimist pessimist is one of my favs at the moment <img src='http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' />  )</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-959" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/attachment/128714311177315353/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-959" title="128714311177315353" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/128714311177315353-300x216.jpg" alt="128714311177315353" width="300" height="216" /></a>HAPPY NEW YEAR! It&#8217;s 2009!</p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/" title="Happy Winter Solstice! Let&#8217;s Celebrate With Lolcats! (December 21, 2008)">Happy Winter Solstice! Let&#8217;s Celebrate With Lolcats!</a> (4)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/09/23/what-are-you-doing-november-19/" title="What Are You Doing November 19? (September 23, 2009)">What Are You Doing November 19?</a> (10)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/10/23/lolcats-smile/" title="More Lolcats To Make You Smile (October 23, 2008)">More Lolcats To Make You Smile</a> (4)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/10/03/lolcats-fun-stuff/" title="Lolcats and Fun Stuff (October 3, 2008)">Lolcats and Fun Stuff</a> (0)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2010/03/02/a-happy-day-for-lolcats/" title="A Happy Day For Lolcats (March 2, 2010)">A Happy Day For Lolcats</a> (6)</li>
</ul>

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		<title>Happy Winter Solstice! Let&#8217;s Celebrate With Lolcats!</title>
		<link>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/</link>
		<comments>http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:42:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Neece</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[happy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hello]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lolcat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lol]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/?p=900</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-907" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-cat-will-not-hang-christmas-lights-again/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-907" title="no more xmas lites ever" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-will-not-hang-christmas-lights-again-193x300.jpg" alt="no more xmas lites ever" width="193" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>It&#8217;s that time of year, my friends. The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year for us in the Northern Hemisphere, has arrived.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-909" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-kitten-is-waiting-in-tree-for-santa-claus/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-909" title="waitinfor-sandy claws" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-kitten-is-waiting-in-tree-for-santa-claus-300x214.jpg" alt="waitinfor-sandy claws" width="300" height="214" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-900"></span>Of course, that other usurper holiday is just around the corner now. I speak of the dreaded consumer nightmare, christmas. My husband and I are boycotting xmas this year, and hopefully for many more to come.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-908" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-908" title="deck the halls with barfed up holly" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly-300x199.jpg" alt="deck the halls with barfed up holly" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>That&#8217;s not to say I will snub the eggnog if it comes around, or miss a meal on xmas eve with the family.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-910" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-this-cat-tests-your-lightbulbs/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-910" title="kitteh bulb tester" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-this-cat-tests-your-lightbulbs-300x225.jpg" alt="kitteh bulb tester" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>But no obligatory gift or card exchange, no tree, no decorations, nothing. It&#8217;s been great so far, not being forced into false frivolity and frenzied shopping with everyone else. It&#8217;s just another season.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-902" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/eated/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-902" title="we eated ur xmas lights" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/eated-300x255.jpg" alt="we eated ur xmas lights" width="300" height="255" /></a>But I do like the changing of the seasons, so the Winter Solstice is as good a time as any to say hello and have a happy winter. It&#8217;s [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-907" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-cat-will-not-hang-christmas-lights-again/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-907" title="no more xmas lites ever" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-will-not-hang-christmas-lights-again-193x300.jpg" alt="no more xmas lites ever" width="193" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>It&#8217;s that time of year, my friends. The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year for us in the Northern Hemisphere, has arrived.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-909" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-kitten-is-waiting-in-tree-for-santa-claus/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-909" title="waitinfor-sandy claws" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-kitten-is-waiting-in-tree-for-santa-claus-300x214.jpg" alt="waitinfor-sandy claws" width="300" height="214" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-900"></span>Of course, that other usurper holiday is just around the corner now. I speak of the dreaded consumer nightmare, christmas. My husband and I are boycotting xmas this year, and hopefully for many more to come.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-908" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-908" title="deck the halls with barfed up holly" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-deck-the-halls-with-barfed-up-holly-300x199.jpg" alt="deck the halls with barfed up holly" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>That&#8217;s not to say I will snub the eggnog if it comes around, or miss a meal on xmas eve with the family.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-910" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-this-cat-tests-your-lightbulbs/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-910" title="kitteh bulb tester" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-this-cat-tests-your-lightbulbs-300x225.jpg" alt="kitteh bulb tester" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>But no obligatory gift or card exchange, no tree, no decorations, nothing. It&#8217;s been great so far, not being forced into false frivolity and frenzied shopping with everyone else. It&#8217;s just another season.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-902" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/eated/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-902" title="we eated ur xmas lights" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/eated-300x255.jpg" alt="we eated ur xmas lights" width="300" height="255" /></a>But I do like the changing of the seasons, so the Winter Solstice is as good a time as any to say hello and have a happy winter. It&#8217;s been cold here lately, with weird warm days in between that really throw everything off. We&#8217;ve already had more snow so far this year than all of last year.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-903" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/file2952-2/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-903" title="mah happy xmas face" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/file2952-2-300x225.jpg" alt="mah happy xmas face" width="300" height="225" /></a>Anyhoo, I just wanted to share some happy lolcats with you today. Every day is a good day to smile. <img src='http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />  Whatever holiday you celebrate this season, be good to one another and have fun. If you are like me and don&#8217;t celebrate any of them, have a happy winter and be safe and have fun too! <img src='http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-905" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-cat-in-tree-tries-to-look-ornamental/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-905" title="look ornamental" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-in-tree-tries-to-look-ornamental-300x198.jpg" alt="look ornamental" width="300" height="198" /></a>And now for my favorites!</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-906" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-cat-is-dressed-like-a-reindeer-and-might-kill-you/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-906" title="put urself in mortal peril" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-cat-is-dressed-like-a-reindeer-and-might-kill-you-300x225.jpg" alt="put urself in mortal peril" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-911" href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/12/21/happy-winter-solstice-celebrate-with-lolcats/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-also-making-a-list/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-911" title="makin a list- u on it pal" src="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-also-making-a-list-300x225.jpg" alt="makin a list- u on it pal" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

	<h4>Related posts</h4>
	<ul class="st-related-posts">
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/01/01/happy-new-year-heathens/" title="Happy New Year, Heathens! (January 1, 2009)">Happy New Year, Heathens!</a> (5)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2009/12/24/sick-and-miserable-needing-to-share-a-lol/" title="Sick and Miserable, Needing To Share a LOL (December 24, 2009)">Sick and Miserable, Needing To Share a LOL</a> (4)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/10/23/lolcats-smile/" title="More Lolcats To Make You Smile (October 23, 2008)">More Lolcats To Make You Smile</a> (4)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2008/10/03/lolcats-fun-stuff/" title="Lolcats and Fun Stuff (October 3, 2008)">Lolcats and Fun Stuff</a> (0)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.heavingdeadcats.com/2010/03/02/a-happy-day-for-lolcats/" title="A Happy Day For Lolcats (March 2, 2010)">A Happy Day For Lolcats</a> (6)</li>
</ul>

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