I just got back to my room after attending the American Atheists Winter Solstice Meet ‘N Greet in New Jersey.
I had a wonderful time and, as always, it was great meeting fellow atheists from across the United States.
Atheists first enjoyed a lunch catered by the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Then we enjoyed a speech by Ellen Johnson (American Atheists President). Frank Zindler gave a speech on “Where Jesus Never Walked,” which discussed the fallacies of biblical cities that Jesus supposedly spoke at, but never actually existed until after Jesus, if at all.
After the speeches a DJ began playing music and atheists got out and danced while other mingled and talked. Later most of us went to the American Atheists Center and took a tour. I stayed in the lobby and talked to other atheists because I had already taken a tour of the facility.
We then went into the recording studio and taped four episodes of Atheist Viewpoint, which is aired on public access television where we can find sponsors. Unfortunately, Huntsville, Alabama does not have a local access channel to show Atheist Viewpoint. For those without access or a local sponsor, the show is available on the web.
I was a guest on the second episode, where we talked about issues in Alabama. Ellen began to get sick and she asked me to host the next two episodes. I had a great time hosting the show with Dennis Horvitz and the two guests featured on each show.
After leaving the Center we went back to the Crowne Plaza and met at the bar. We had dinner and drinks and talked about atheism and other issues. I had the pleasure of meeting author Matt Taylor (Tent Revival for Agnostics), who was also a guest on two of the Atheist Viewpoint shows at the Center.
I think that I will be making the annual Winter Solstice Party a tradition in the Scott house, but from now on I will be bringing the family along. We had a great time!
honestpoet said,
December 16, 2006 at 11:15 pm
I may have to see about attending one of these with my family in the future. Would there be something for elementary/middle-school-aged kids to do?
I’m actually having a poem published in an upcoming issue of the magazine, and I’d love to meet Ellen in person. Sorry to hear she was sick.
nalrant said,
December 16, 2006 at 11:28 pm
No special activities are set aside for children, but depending on their age group they may or may not remain interested. The meal lasts for about 1.5 hours and then the speeches begin. There were two speeches followed by dancing and talking, which of course most of the kids love dancing.
While I can’t speak for all kids, I know my kids would love a tour of the AA Center and especially would love watching the filming of Atheist Viewpoint, if not actually being on the show and discussing the child’s view of atheism. Hmmm…. that’s actually a good idea. I’ll have to forward that to Ellen.
Looking forward to reading your poem and perhaps seeing you next year!