Some other quotes

Okay, I'm uploading a bunch of pictures to my Flickr.com account to get them online and, so, usable on the blog or the website (as well as available to view instead of being buried on a dusty disk drive). I've got 2 GB/month of uploads, which I am in no way anywhere near using up. While looking for pictures in some of the other directories I don't normally lurk in, I've found a few other quotes and things to pass on to you.

I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition [Christianity] one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology. --Thomas Jefferson

Father Leo Booth wrote a great book entitled When God Becomes a Drug. It's aimed at people who are suffering from religious addiction, which would appear to be a common problem in this country these days.

A few of the signs of religious addiction

Using Bible to calm nerves

Secret irritation when religious practices are discussed or criticized

Thinking world or body is evil

Sexuality is perceived as dirty

Refuse to think critically, doubt or question information or authority

Nonreligious family or friends judged or avoided

"Messages" from God

(The complete list of the signs of religious addiction from the book appears here. For information about the book itself and to order a copy, go here.

Say, have you ever heard the revisionist idiots flatulating about how this is a "Christian" country? It isn't and the Founding Fathers said as much in so many words. Read about it here on Gene Garman's very well-researched website.

Finally, I commented on Boston drivers in a few recent blog entries. Here's something that gives some background on the subject.

I suppose some of the variation between Boston drivers and the rest of the country is due to the progressive Massachusetts Driver Education Manual which I happen to have in my tip desk drawer. Some of the Tips for Better Driving are worth considering, to wit:

[173.15b]:

"When competing for a section of the road or a parking space, remember that vehicle in need of the most body work has the right-of-way."

[141.2a]:

Although it is altogether possible to fit a 6' car into a 6' parking space, it is hardly even possible to fit a 6' car into a 5' parking space."

[105.31]:

"Teenage drivers believe that they are immortal, and drive accordingly. Nevertheless, you should avoid the temptation to prove them wrong."

[410.13]:

"When traveling on a one-way street, stay to the right, so as not to interfere with oncoming traffic."

[22.17b]:

"Learning to change lanes takes time and patience. The best recommendation that can be made is to go to a Celtics game, study the fast break and then go out and practice it on the highway."

[41.46]:

"Never bump a baby carriage out of a crosswalk unless the kid is really asking for it."

[131.16d]:

"Directional signals are generally not used except during vehicle inspection; however, a left-turn signal is appropriate when making a U-turn on a divided highway."

[96.7b]

"When paying tolls, remember that it is necessary to release the quarter a full 3 seconds before passing the basket if you are traveling more than 60 MPH."

Some other quotes