Tales of Ordinary Madness

Tonight I got to meet and hear the Tiger Lillies live and in person.

I did get a quick pic with the band, unfortunately my volunteer camera person, a nice chap from the UK (who was behind me in line) didn’t quite get it focused before he took it. So here it is in all it’s blurry glory.

From now on — I take a photographer with me.

I had the pleasure of seeing both Reid Paley and Frank Black in concert last night. I feel compelled to share the lyrics to my favorite song of the night. Co-written by Reid and Frank Black.

I don’t want you to worry, I’m okay
Just didn’t want you seeing me this way
We tried to talk about it but we didn’t understand
We never really talked much anyway

I finally found a place to call my own
A place where all good sinners can get stoned
I’ll keep my holy vision, you keep your stupid pride
You said I couldn’t make it on my own

But I’m not dead (I’m in Pittsburgh)
And now I can’t get out of town
But I’m not dead (I’m in Pittsburgh)
They’ve got me all strung, come cut me down

Like the weeds in all the cracks
All my memories come back
Like some Allegheny smack in the face

It’s all just one big monkey house to me
Just living ain’t the same as being free
Don’t stop and think about it
It’ll only make you sad
Come put me out of my misery

‘Cause I’m not dead (I’m in Pittsburgh)
Where a man can lose his mind
I’m not dead (I’m in Pittsburgh)
They’ve got me suited up for crazy time

I’m not dead (I’m in Pittsburgh)
And now I can’t get out of town
Hey I’m not dead (I’m in Pittsburgh)

For many people, part of growing up is killing off the virus of faith with a good strong dose of rational thinking. But if an individual doesn’t succeed in shaking it off, his mind is stuck in a permanent state of infancy, and there is a real danger that he will infect the next generation.

Richard Dawkins

God is dead…

and smelling worse.

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”

Epicurus [341–270 B.C.] Greek philosopher

Not according to the US Treaty with Tripoli from 1796 signed by none other than founding father John Adams — and ratified by the Senate that year. Article 11 reads:

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.