On the south side, in Riverbend. Are you telling me that I have to relinquish my title already?

Rmadison - I only just joined SOMA two years ago, so it looks like we just missed one another. The group has really expanded since then. I suggest you come back– we’re a very interesting group. Come to the party tomorrow night, at least, and see if you can drink me under the table. I’ll be easy to spot– I’m the host.

I bought one of the “Smile - There is no Hell” T-shirts!

(Sadly, that shirt devolved into a shop rag. However, I replaced it with a “So Many Right Wing Christians — So Few Lions” T-Shirt, which makes me just as happy!)

I remember once, I was in Ft. Collins, CO, at this bar, and I had the “Smile There is no Hell” Shirt on. I go up to the bar, and order a beer. Now, I look very young. So, not surprisingly, the guy asks for my ID. No problem. I hand him the ID, and he looks at it, looks at me…looks back at the ID (he’s skeptical!)…looks back at me…and before he says anything, I say, “Look, I know I look young. I don’t know what else to tell you though. That’s really me, and I’m really this old.”

He says, “Swear to God?”

(And in one of those rare moments, I say exactly the right thing)

“Well, I’m an atheist (gestures to shirt), but if it makes you feel any better, I’ll swear to God. I’ll swear to whoever you like. I just want a beer.”

Apparently, this was the equivalent of a “shock & awe” tactic, and the bartender, nervously, got me my beer.

Down the street there’s a used car spot called Miracle Motors, and they have a cross in their logo. In the lot is a billboard that reads “Looking for God?” for some church (and a funny-ass picture). Ohio is loaded with fundies.