Why is it that deeply religious people so often think that "hard core" atheists just haven't read the right passage of the Bible?

I like a quote from a review of a biography of John Maynard Keynes: "Like most atheists, he was steeped in theology." Rather more evocative than (for example) "Like most atheists, ceiling cat was watching him masturbate."

Why is it that deeply religious people so often think that "hard core" atheists just haven't read the right passage of the Bible?

Well, the ones who spend their time never shutting up about it anyway.

A question for Jilli: My dress Prom dress is stretch velvet and I think there are some white marks from salt on the dress. Will that ruin it? It says "professional spot clean." Wondering what that entails and whether I should do it immediately.

Pffft. Stretch velvet is machine-washable on a cold/gentle cycle; that's why I own so much of it. If I were you, I'd gently dab at those white marks with a damp washcloth and some baby shampoo, then rinse with cool water.

A question for Jilli: My dress Prom dress is stretch velvet and I think there are some white marks from salt on the dress. Will that ruin it? It says "professional spot clean." Wondering what that entails and whether I should do it immediately.

Pffft. Stretch velvet is machine-washable on a cold/gentle cycle; that's why I own so much of it. If I were you, I'd gently dab at those white marks with a damp washcloth and some baby shampoo, then rinse with cool water.

If it's salt, perhaps a stiff brush, first?

Careful brushing with a toothbrush, then dabbing?

Oh, just to be annoying about tonight again: Who's gonna be doing the pub quiz who's not doing dinner? vw + date... anyone else?

I'm probably doing to opposite - going to dinner/not going to the pub quiz.

Why is it that deeply religious people so often think that "hard core" atheists just haven't read the right passage of the Bible?

Actually, I think those are more likely shallowly religious people.

Ooh, who was the lucky Buffista who got to snog Scola?

It would be easier to count those who weren't.

You lucky bastards. (Er, to be clear -- the lucky bastards are the ones who got to make out with Scola. Those who *didn't* are UNlucky bastards.)

So I'm finishing off my cheese curds ::sob::

Trudy, did you know that Trader Joe's has cheese curds? I know there's at least one TJs in NYC, although it might not be convenient to you.

Actually, I think those are more likely shallowly religious people.

Fair point, well made.

You lucky bastards.

Because it merits repetition.

So I was telling DH about the details of the Prom and he said, "I didn't expect it to be that wild!"

Then he asked, quickly, "Did you have fun?"

When I said, "YES!" He said, "You know, you should travel to see your friends more often. We've got plenty of money now and this is good for you."