Happy Birthday, Sir Charles

If Charles Darwin were still alive he would be celebrating his two hundredth birthday today. Celebrate with him by catching up with his story and reading On the Origin of Species and other works. These manuscripts should be perused by supporters and detractors alike, especially those who believe that the banana is proof of intelligent design (I’m looking at you Mr Cameron – obviously had some serious growing pains.)

Here, in Australia, the capital city of the Northern Territory is named after Darwin. The city boasts a park, Civic Park, that is dedicated to Darwin and students can study at Charles Darwin University. It is only fitting, then, that the city should celebrate the double century in style. The celebrations apparently includes a re-enactment of the voyages of the Beagle which sailed into Darwin harbour in 1839. Also on the schedule is the unveiling of a life-sized statue of the great man and Civic Park will host several replicas of the Beagle‘s bronze bells.

As for us mere mortals in Flying Saucer Jones’ abode we will eat some cake in Darwin’s honour. Happy birthday, Sir Charles. You don’t look to be two hundred.