Happy Belated Birthday Darwin!

I know I'm a few days late posting on Darwin Day, Happy belated birthday Chuck! I had a difficult time deciding what I wanted to post in honor of one of the most important figures in science -- in my book he IS the most important. As most of us science geeks know, Darwin Day is celebrated on Darwin's birthday, February 12th. Throughout my research and attempts to gain more knowledge about this amazing man, I came across some pretty interesting topics, and I found a few ways for us to appropriately honor his memory, intelligence, and contributions to our society.

The International Darwin Day Foundation is urging people in the scientific community to sign a petition they have generated in hopes of officially honoring Darwin:

"Our petition asks President Obama to issue a proclamation on Darwin Day that honors Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution by natural selection and that calls on all Americans to preserve scientific discovery as a bedrock of our society. It also asks Americans to commemorate the day with appropriate events and activities."

The website makes a very valid point -- if we don't get the message out about evolution and it's importance in our society, specifically schools, we will be at a great disadvantage. It's imperative for children to be presented with ALL ideas and theories in all subjects, not just science. They'll be grossly unprepared once they hit the real world, and not to mention - have completely one sided opinions.

I personally believe that this petition is an extremely good idea, and that The International Darwin Day Foundation is on the right track in helping the science community get onto the map, and with more integrity and credibility. So, if you agree with me -- go ahead and sign the petition and spread the word! Let's honor Darwin and give him the credibility he deserves!

As many of you may have heard, there is a movie chronicling Charles Darwin's life, Creation. There has been a great deal of negative buzz about the movie here in the states. Unfortunately, the movie had a difficult time picking up an American distributor because people were concerned that it would be too controversial for conservative America -- but it's okay watch anti-American views, terrorism, rape, murder, and crime? But to my relief, the movie finally found a U.S. distributor! To my dismay though, it hasn't been released anywhere here in Ohio. But, when I get my hands on a copy of it, I say we have a large Darwin viewing party. Who's in?!

Here's a sneak peak...



Watch a funny clip of the Rachel Maddow show HERE.

Check out the Facebook page for the movie.

Check out Charles Darwin's great great grandson's interview on NPR.

Get yourself some Darwin gear HERE.

And in closing, I'll leave you with my favorite Darwin quote.

" It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change."