Yar, ’tis Talk Like a Pirate Day but I just can’t keep that up through an entire CotW post. Sarrrrrrry.
Before I get to the big show, I’d like to make note of the fact that Donna, who has written 250 posts on Skepchick since December of 2006, will be scaling back a bit on posting. From now on, she’ll only be posting book reviews and author interviews, as well as the occasional Afternoon Inquisition. Also, we’re hoping that in the future we can work with Donna to help enact some of her very cool ideas for raising money for secular charities through crafts.
All the Skepchicks been talking a lot lately about how to keep this site functioning as a fun, positive environment, and a big part of that is making sure that the writers themselves are having fun and staying positive. I think the new arrangement should do just that.
Okay, on to the CotW!
This week, a few people nominated ekimbrough for posting a YouTube link, but sadly I have to reject that because . . . well because I can. Though you should go check that out anyway.
Therefore, the winner this week is the ever-amusing LBB, for this gem:
LBB
// Sep 12, 2008 at 9:55 am
Instead of just tackling, I think we need Evolution vs. Creationism mudwrestling! Except the Evolutionist is allowed to change tactics in response to conditions like the size of the opponent, the viscosity of the mud, and increasing levels of fatigue. The Creationist gets one god-given move that must be relied on exclusively, no matter how ineffective it is.
Is anyone else picturing Christopher Hitchens and Dinesh D’Souza grappling half-naked in a kiddie pool of filth? No? Just me? Okay then.
LBB, for your valiant efforts I reward you with the above mental image, may it ever haunt your dreams.
Yarrr!
Hey, thanks. It’s an honor. And this prize is slightly less horrible than the pubic lice I was offered last time.
Hey, I saw Hitchens and D’Souza snuggled up next to each other yesterday.
On the library shelf.
I always feel so dirty looking at the new non-fiction books section and seeing the likes of D’Souza and James van Praagh mixed in with Paulos’ Irreligion and Ehrman’s God’s Problem.
Well, I wasn’t picturing it before, but I am now. Thanks a lot, Rebecca.
Donna, I hope you’re happy in your modified role as a Skepchick contributor. I don’t always agree with you, but I admire your frankness and your willingness to engage in debate. I’m glad that you’ll still take the time to review books that I don’t have time to read.
Is anyone else picturing Christopher Hitchens and Dinesh D’Souza grappling half-naked in a kiddie pool of filth? No? Just me? Okay then.
It’s been a long day, and I need a little vengeance for that image.
So I’m picturing Rebecca verses a certain Vice-presidential candidate.
My money’s on the smart one. ;-)
All the Skepchicks been talking a lot lately about how to keep this site functioning as a fun, positive environment, and a big part of that is making sure that the writers themselves are having fun and staying positive. I think the new arrangement should do just that.
The Skepchick blog is hard work, especially considering that it is an all-volunteer effort. I think that you guys do a great job – even when you are angry and vicious rather than fun and positive.
I will continue to complain occasionally, but that is because I am an ass, not because you folks are doing anything wrong.
@MathMike: HA! I mean, ew, but also HA.
@MathMike & @Rebecca:
Would Rebecca and Sarah trade glasses after the fight the way soccer players trade shirts?
Hold her head under, Rebecca!
I’m a bit confused, Rebecca. Arrr.
Your comment about Donna makes it sound like she is being asked to reduce her involvement because her posts were not sufficiently “fun” or “positive.” Arrr.
Am I totally missing the boat (i.e. pirate ship) here? Arrr.
You jerks. You ar real jerks. Now I have to go and scrub my brain with a brillo pad to get rid of these imigaswe.
@MathMike:
Yeah, Rebecca can totally kick Joe Biden’s ass.
@Elyse: Well I’m slightly less grossed out by that image. But I still need to take steel woil to the brain
@Gabrielbrawley:
Don’t bother with the Brillo. I have a sneaking suspicion you will have little recollection of all this in the morning.
Don’t forget the “yo ho ho” ;)
@Elyse: I remember everything. I loose motor control but never my mind. I wish I could forget but it never lieaves. Yo ho ho and a bottle of gin.
Na doesn’t sound right.
@SteveT: Yar, Steve (half an hour left on the holiday), good question, sorry if I wasn’t very clear. We Skepchick writers are a pretty tight group, and when someone isn’t feeling 100% it’s kind of obvious to us. This wasn’t a one-sided thing in which I asked Donna to post less . . . Donna and I discussed it and came to the best decision we could. I’m quite fond of Donna and love her contributions. That said, this is an unpaid gig that anyone can leave at any time. Donna writes for a number of blogs in addition to maintaining her own knitting projects and site, which is quite a bit. We want to make sure she’s happy and not overstressed — that (should) make everyone happier in the end. :)
@Rebecca: Donna, my love to you. I hope that your new balance of work, family and blogs finds you happier.
Yeah, Rebecca can totally kick Joe Biden’s ass.
@Elyse:
I’d pay to see that, via PPV.
Somebody on Pharyngula thinks I’m funny too. He ripped off my second post of alternate “Talk Like” days and didn’t attribute it. I am irrationally furious but, sadly, that gamma radiation only gave me tumors.