If the MacArthur Foundation would just give us seed money, we could get started on that right now. I've got a long list of awesome groups and people I'd want to give piles of money to if I'm ever in a position where I have piles to give.
And, phooey. I really wanted to take that religion quiz, but the Pew site has crapped out on me twice in two different browsers. I can't believe half of US Catholics didn't know about the Eucharist. What the hell? Granted, nobody has ever paid attention in CCD class for the entire history of CCD classes (except the ones my mom taught, which apparently rocked--I was only a toddler so I didn't get to go), but are there really no social studies teachers playing all their dusty Tom Lehrer LPs, including "The Vatican Rag," for their AP students in the lag after the AP tests but before the end of the year before? That is a tragedy.
Also, it is hot up here too but I guess we can't blame ita. Hec and I are up and staggering around but Matilda, who fretted and pulled hair and cried for fizzy water all night, is at last asleep. She looks extra-moppety when she's sleeping and I am having to stay out in the living room so as not to snorgle her to bits.
gunshot suicide at a UTexas Library and possible second gunman still at large.
It's the other way around, Massachusetts is one of the best.
I'm boggling at that, but I suspect from the stastics that are shown that it's based solely on fatal collisions. I'd be curious to see a similar breakdown for all reported accidents, including fender benders.
I can't believe half of US Catholics didn't know about the Eucharist.
A lot of those could be non-practicing or just showing up for mass out of obligation rather than real interest. IMO, and I don't really have much to back this, the country is a lot less religious than the statistics make it seems. It seems like there are a lot of people who identify with a religion, but don't practice. Also, I think there are a good number of people who show up on Sunday (or equivalent) because it's what one does rather than having a deeper meaning.
Ok, between the hormones and my out-of-control AU fantasy life, I'm having a minor Betty Draper moment right now.(one of the early proud ones.)
It's a little insane. Good for him, though, in any case. I am reminded of the time my mother saw him interviewed and asked if he rolled down a hill before coming into PBS to an interview(I think wrinkles make him think he's "keeping it real"...Mom thinks there's no excuse. James Taylor got a "lucky to be alive" exemption once.)
Lisah, I really liked Treme...it is sort of like Simon's Northern Exposure, though.
I didn't read the religion link - is this the same study?
American atheists and agnostics know more about religion than professed believers
A new Pew survey on religion in America finds that atheists and agnostics are more likely to be well-versed about different religions' beliefs and practices than people who profess a belief in those religions. For example, atheists and agnostics are more likely to know that during Communion (Catholicism's central rite), the wafer and wine are meant to transubstantiate into the literal flesh and blood of Christ -- they aren't merely symbolic, as 40% of Catholics believe. Atheists and agnostics are also more likely than Protestants to know that Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation (the majority of Protestants could not identify him).
Seriously, Protestants have a hard time identifying Luther? Maybe it's because I went to St. Martin Lutheran Church and School, but that seems weird to me.
A lot of those could be non-practicing or just showing up for mass out of obligation rather than real interest. IMO, and I don't really have much to back this, the country is a lot less religious than the statistics make it seems.
My former roommate, admittedly a bit of a flake, went to Catholic School for *years* yet refused to believe me about the Eucharist being transubstantiation.
