Why the Skeleton?

I was recently asked why I use the skeleton as an avatar. It began a long time ago with a different picture of a meditating skeleton which I can no longer locate. Originally it was simply a matter of liking the picture but it has evolved a meaning over time.

To me it is a reminder of why religion is useless. It seems all religions answer two basic needs. The fear of death and ignorance of nature. My meditating skeleton flips the bird at both. For one it shows a cavalier disregard for death, a willingness to see death as just another part of life devoid of any deeper meaning. Secondly the meditation shows a willingness to seek answers, a desire to wonder and contemplate beyond simply saying "God Did It". Obviously meditation is associated with religion, but it doesn't need to be. I try to reclaim contemplation from it's religious connotations just as I wish to reclaim death from its fearful ones.