philly

Above is a shot of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia's Tree of Knowledge at the Chester County courthouse. To the left of the frame is a nativity scene (minus Baby Jeebus until Christmas) and in front of the courthouse is a 4' tall bronze plaque of the Ten Commandments. You can read about why it's there in this PW cover story by Steven Wells. The photos in the story are taken by yours truly :)
Nikon D200; Tokina 12-24mm f/4 @ 12mm, f/4; 1/10 sec; ISO400; 3600°K; SB800 @ 1/2 power by tree just out of frame with CTO filter.

A closeup of some of the decorations on the Tree of Knowledge. There were all kinds of religion-related laminated book covers adorning the lovely 20'+ tree ranging from the Bible and the Koran to Infidel and Does God Exist. It was a cold night and it only got colder as more people showed up, about 30 in all I'd say.
Nikon D200; Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, f/4; 1/60 sec; ISO200; 3600°K; SB800 on-camera with CTO filter.

And here's Margaret Downey, current President of the FSGP. She's moving on to the Atheist Alliance International next year.
Nikon D200; Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17mm, f/4; 1/60 sec; SB800 + sync cord & diffuser cap held as high as I can get it above my left shoulder.

It's quite an interesting story. I learned quite a bit during my ride to/fro the ceremony at the courthouse with Wells. I know at least one person who's also celebrating the holiday season with a Tree of Knowledge.

Downey and the Tree have received a good amount of attention recently. You can read about it on The Raw Story and watch this YouTube video of her FauxNews appearance the day after the tree went up.

Let me preface anyone watching this video by warning you that this is FauxNews morning TV meaning that the FauxNews hosts are even less informed than the rest of the gang and their FauxPriest (complete with Irish accent) is HI-lariously intolerant of things encroaching on his holy time.

And be sure to check out what I think is a new addition, the Snapshot, this week starring Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. New staff photog Michael Persico is filling in the [literally] big shoes of Jeff Fusco quite nicely. I'm jealous he got to go see the show. I didn't end up going last week as Lady's parents were in town and as the nor'easter rolled into New England, her mom needed me to fill in and take photos of her presentation since her colleague was snowed in.

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