Short ‘n’ Stubby: Shortest ‘n’ stubbiest day of the year

It’s Yule, and here’s the news of the day…bttttteep beep beeeeep…

Arkansas fundies, suck it: Freethinkers got the okay to put up a nondenominational display in honor of the Winter Solstice. I’m cool with all of it except the inclusion of Bill Gates. (He’s not a scientist, and he is definitely out of his league next to the very socialist Einstein.)

Did you know that in ancient times, solar cults were the vehicle of science? No? Now you do.

Ancient English folk were celebrating Yule at Stonehenge as early as 4500 years ago, according to the Guardian. The dead giveaway? Pig and cow bones found at the site. The Henge is already known for helping ancient people keep track of equinoxes and solstices. Now we also have proof that they feasted to mark the day.

Similar things probably also happened at Newgrange, in Ireland. Nowadays, though, you need to get lucky in a lottery to visit the site.

Yogis in Bangor, Maine, are also celebrating, even though it technically isn’t a Hindu festival.

A young atheist asks some penetrating questions about capitalism vs. spirituality, and wonders how this holiday got so fucked up. Yeah, me too.

Need some spiritual refreshment? Read this. And this. And have a good Yule.

Blessed be!