THE UNIVERSE, AND OUR DEEP COSMIC INSIGNIFICANCE IN IT

It's Atheist Day! I happen to be one of them, so I guess it's nice we get a day? (Don't worry, if you're worshiping one god — or many of them — I 100% support your choice of faith as long as it's not hurting anyone else.)

Although our numbers have been growing in the modern era (or at least the number of people who admit to being atheists) we're still one of the least trusted groups in America. A Time Magazine article reported in 2014 that Americans said they were less likely to support an atheist president than a (maritally) unfaithful or pot-smoking one. Thankfully, I barely want to be in charge of my own sphere of influence, much less the entire country. Sounds like a daunting amount of responsibility.

As a lifelong atheist I must admit I sometimes feel a twinge of envy towards the faithful. While I don't worry about incurring the wrath of a higher power, I also don't believe there's a rewarding afterlife or that I'll see loved ones again who've passed on. Lest you worry that my lack of faith could lead to moral bankruptcy, fear not, I've got my inner critic to keep me in line. Much like money and New York City, that jerk never sleeps.

I'm not so sure atheists are the sketchiest group around
when these guys are on the loose doing whatever this is

Before we get to this week's amusing finds from around the web, let's give a few March 23rd birthday shout outs to:

• Filmmaker and painter Akira Kurosawa, born this day in 1910! Kurosawa directed 30 films over five decades and is considered one of the most important and influential filmmakers in history.

• Singer, songwriter, producer, and musician Ric Ocasek was born on this day in 1944! He's best known as the co-founder, co-lead singer, and primary songwriter of 1980s New Wave chart toppers The Cars, but he also recorded 7 solo albums and produced albums for artists such as Bad Brains, Nada Surf, Weezer, and No Doubt. Very prolific!

• Singer, songwriter, and musician Chaka Khan was born on this day in 1953! Her career has spanned over five decades and she's considered the "Queen of Funk." She's won 10 Grammy Awards and sold over 70 million records worldwide.

• Actress Catherine Keener, born this day in 1959! Keener has starred in films like Being John Malkovich, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Get Out.

• Actress Keri Russell, born this day in 1976! You may have first seen her on teen drama Felicity back in the late 90s, but she's since starred in several films and one of my favorite TV shows of all-time, The Americans.

It was also on this day in 1920 that Delaware (the last of 36 states that needed to make a decision regarding women’s suffrage) voted "yes" on the 18th Amendment.

Now on to some amusing links!

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1. Want to do some good in the world? Consider rescuing a possessed doll!

Continuing with my new tradition of making funny fake commercials, this week I've got a PSA about the plight of demonic dolls. If you enjoy it, please do me a favor and share it with someone who could use a laugh?

2. Fun with Photoshop

Photo retouching smartass James Fridman takes photo alteration requests literally with highly amusing results.

3. If social media platforms could talk

This very funny and relatable video imagines what would happen if we really could have conversations with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

4. Cats being cats (with dominos)

These kitties are having a grand time setting off a chain reaction with an elaborate dominos set up.

5. Succulents that don't suc

This time lapse video of cactus blooms is oddly soothing and very beautiful.

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OK! Hopefully these little diversions helped to brighten your day! We'll be back here in your inbox on Friday with more entertainment and Boredwalk news and a secret weekend drop! Until then...

Peace, love, and possessed dolls,

Meredith