In Massachusetts, 911 goes to the State Police, who then need to find out where in the state you are, and then either coordinate with the troop in that area or transfer you to the local police/fire department in your city/town. I have experienced the latter first-hand. For that reason, I keep my city's local police number programmed on my phone. I've called it for both police and health emergencies as they can coordinate with the fire department while they are on the way. I have found that much faster than dialing 911. Same with the campus I work at. We're directed to call public safety, as they know where all the buildings are and can respond much quicker than the local police and fire departments. Again, they can notify local FD & PD while they are en-route. And the local FD & PD can respond much quicker than the State Police. In fact, State Police are only involved in serious situations (like bomb scares, etc.). The only reason to call 911 first in Mass is if you specifically need the state police, or you don't have/can't remember the local number for emergency responders.

It also fails to take into account population growth...

Eggsactly what I was thinking!

Have a strong navy.

Case and Point

I'm a Steve Jobs muffin color bookie, you insensitive clod!

"Religion as I understand it is putting our behavior in line with fundamental principles based on something greater than ourselves."

IMO, herein lies he problem in coming into consensus, or at least common understanding among those discussing it; no agreement on the definition of religion. Using your definition, again, imo, dilutes the meaning of the word religion. Red Sox nation, by your definition, is a religion.

I prefer religion to be defined more along the lines of "putting our behavior in line with fundamental principles based upon the worship of a deity or deities."

It is this definition which leads me to consider such things a Buddhism and Confucianism as philosophies or world-views, rather than religions.Now it may be arguable that each of these world views, whether theistic or atheistic, requires leaps of faith in order to be held. I wouldn't argue that point, but I think that callings something a religion in the absence of a deity or deities just muddies the conversational waters.

"I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer OS than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible OSs, you will understand why I dismiss yours."

Wait, what's the difference between fucking cement and cement?

So when you hit your forties and have to hold the phone farther away... do you just tell a lie?

...they're scorched?

Obligatory... http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/postphotos/2450701.jpg

So.... when we're treating cancer we're destroying future civilizations?? Isn't that against the prime directive?

"I do know that the slickest way to lie is to tell the right amount of truth at the right time — and then shut up."

-- Robert Heinlein

Yes, along the walkways.