If you want to live in the least religious city in America, Portland Oregon is the place for the atheist pilgrimage
...according to this article about the Most and Least Religious Cities in America (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/18/most-and-least-religious-cities_n_1522644.html#s=989786).
I wonder how these rate to other cities?
I'd rather live in the least religious country in the world: Europe.
Estonia and Sweden are top ranking apparently. <3
( 85% non believers and counting. Wow. My kind of place. )
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 18, 2012, 08:05:46 PM
I'd rather live in the least religious country in the world: Europe.
Spoken like a true American, SD. ;D ;D ;D (I kid, I kid!)
I was just in Portland this week. I must have missed the baby restaurants and the public theist persecutions. Figures. >:(
Actually, the religious climate in Portland provided a good bonding moment for my boss and I. We've never discussed religion because that's the sort of topic we avoid like the plague at work. We were driving through Portland, and being unfamiliar with Portland's radio stations, she picked a song on the radio that was okay, catchy enough if generic. After a moment, we simultaneously realized that it was a Christian rock song, and my boss goes "Ugh, is this Christian rock?!?" and shot her hand out to change it. Then she realized that maybe that would offend me and stuttered something like "Not that there's anything wrong with that..." I reassured her that I had no desire to listen to Christian rock, and then we started making fun of it. It was a golden moment in our work relationship. ;D
Then it happened again, on another station, which made us laugh even harder.
So yeah, if Portland is the least religious, why the heck do they have so many Christian rock stations? >:( ;D
ETA: Denver! 46 out of 51, baby!!!!! *Puffs with pride* *Breaks into R Kelly "This is how we do it...."*
I've heard many tales of Oregonians "hating" Californians...this alone would keep me from making such a pilgrimage if I were an atheist. But I've also heard Oregon is very nice.
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 18, 2012, 10:01:30 PM
I've heard many tales of Oregonians "hating" Californians...this alone would keep me from making such a pilgrimage if I were an atheist. But I've also heard Oregon is very nice.
A lot of our distaste for Californians is the poor driving. Oregon is very nice place. I was unaware of the least religious city being Portland. Their Christian radio stations are probably due to the many outskirts communities in the surrounding areas. Lots of houses built around large churches and the religion is prevalent.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 18, 2012, 08:05:46 PM
I'd rather live in the least religious country in the world: Europe.
Estonia and Sweden are top ranking apparently. <3
( 85% non believers and counting. Wow. My kind of place. )
Estonia - Sounds really nice. At least from the name. What a name. lol
Anyway, I'm shocked. The counties just to the Northeast, East, and Southeast of me are all in the blue percentage (less than 34.9%). I would have figured that every county in the state was Yellow. Even my county isn't Yellow, it's Orange.
Quote from: Radiant on May 19, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 18, 2012, 08:05:46 PM
I'd rather live in the least religious country in the world: Europe.
Estonia and Sweden are top ranking apparently. <3
( 85% non believers and counting. Wow. My kind of place. )
Estonia - Sounds really nice. At least from the name. What a name. lol
Anyway, I'm shocked. The counties just to the Northeast, East, and Southeast of me are all in the blue percentage (less than 34.9%). I would have figured that every county in the state was Yellow. Even my county isn't Yellow, it's Orange.
What are the colors, and what do they represent in Europe?
This list was surprising to me. Despite coming from the 13th most religious city/area (Philadlephia, PA) according to this list, I never felt like it was as present as where I am now. I guess because in PA-NJ, it was Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc... all spread out, whereas here it feels like it's just Baptists, Baptists and a handful of Catholics, and they all seem to be right on top of each other, in a constant battle for who gets to jam the pamphlet in your face or say "have a blessed day" first.
Quote from: philosoraptor on May 20, 2012, 01:55:30 AM
This list was surprising to me. Despite coming from the 13th most religious city/area (Philadlephia, PA) according to this list, I never felt like it was as present as where I am now. I guess because in PA-NJ, it was Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc... all spread out, whereas here it feels like it's just Baptists, Baptists and a handful of Catholics, and they all seem to be right on top of each other, in a constant battle for who gets to jam the pamphlet in your face or say "have a blessed day" first.
Ouch,,that really sucks.
Not surprisingly, the northeast has a lot of the least religious states. Gotta love it! :)
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 19, 2012, 04:37:00 PM
Quote from: Radiant on May 19, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 18, 2012, 08:05:46 PM
I'd rather live in the least religious country in the world: Europe.
Estonia and Sweden are top ranking apparently. <3
( 85% non believers and counting. Wow. My kind of place. )
Estonia - Sounds really nice. At least from the name. What a name. lol
Anyway, I'm shocked. The counties just to the Northeast, East, and Southeast of me are all in the blue percentage (less than 34.9%). I would have figured that every county in the state was Yellow. Even my county isn't Yellow, it's Orange.
What are the colors, and what do they represent in Europe?
I'm talking about this map:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.huffpost.com%2Fgen%2F611067%2Fthumbs%2Fa-RCMS-PENETRATION-640x468.jpg%3F4&hash=f0e289b6f5e404c387b0b2c115f79b33a0c353ba)
^^ That map cracks me up because I know exactly where the religious and non religious parts of CO are, and why. It's so perfect.
I really must move to Northern California.
Oregon, eh? I knows someone who was born there. Not a religious type, he is.
Quote from: hismikeness on May 19, 2012, 05:45:47 AM
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 18, 2012, 10:01:30 PM
I've heard many tales of Oregonians "hating" Californians...this alone would keep me from making such a pilgrimage if I were an atheist. But I've also heard Oregon is very nice.
A lot of our distaste for Californians is the poor driving.
Define "poor driving".
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 21, 2012, 04:01:50 PM
Quote from: hismikeness on May 19, 2012, 05:45:47 AM
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 18, 2012, 10:01:30 PM
I've heard many tales of Oregonians "hating" Californians...this alone would keep me from making such a pilgrimage if I were an atheist. But I've also heard Oregon is very nice.
A lot of our distaste for Californians is the poor driving.
Define "poor driving".
Oh please, let me! ;D (We in Denver also disapprove of Californians for their poor driving.) First of all, Californians have no clue how to drive in the snow. They buy these big honking death machine SUVs, and then either creep along at 5 mph in a light dusting, or do 80 mph down the highway in a blizzard. They are also wildly aggressive. One Californian I know drives by the "eye contact rule." This means, if you make eye contact with a fellow driver, they see you, and you are safe to swerve into their lane, cut them off, et cetera.
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 18, 2012, 10:01:30 PM
Define "poor driving".
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 04:13:07 PM
First of all, Californians have no clue how to drive in the snow.
Yep
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 04:13:07 PM
They are also wildly aggressive.
Yep
Also, I've personally witnessed littering from cars with Cali plates. Obviously, this isn't indicative of all Californians, but it's enough to form a trend. Things are more laid back in Oregon, traffic wise. Just chill out behind the wheel.
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 04:13:07 PM
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 21, 2012, 04:01:50 PM
Define "poor driving".
Oh please, let me! ;D (We in Denver also disapprove of Californians for their poor driving.) First of all, Californians have no clue how to drive in the snow. They buy these big honking death machine SUVs, and then either creep along at 5 mph in a light dusting, or do 80 mph down the highway in a blizzard. They are also wildly aggressive. One Californian I know drives by the "eye contact rule." This means, if you make eye contact with a fellow driver, they see you, and you are safe to swerve into their lane, cut them off, et cetera.
Heh...and of course EVERY single person from Oregon or Colorado drives perfectly. I don't know that I have any "hate" for people from Oregon or Colorado. I could however say that most out-of-state folks have no idea "how to drive"...IN L.A. The maze of freeways and highways criss-crossing every which way can be confusing and intimidating. We don't drive in snow as much and logically would be more cautious driving in/on it. We tend to drive aggresively for the most part, but that's due to our traffic problems. We see an opening and we take it if (we feel) it will save us a few seconds or save us from one traffic light. And I'll admit it's quite needless to do so as I have times of needing to be in front and more times don't really care about time and catch up to those weaving in and out with no effort and giggle at my own stupidity in seeing myself in their shoes.
I'm a Californian and one that spends lots of time driving in snow. We do our yearly trek to Mammoth and rarely does a trip go without some snow driving. I'm very comfortable in the snow. I also spent 4 years living in the Ogden, Utah area and lived the "snow" life for those 4 years. There are many in Utah that don't necessarily have a clue about driving in the snow either...and it's their home.
Generalizations...we're all guilty of making these. :)
I think everyone should drive like Asmo, which is not pushing one's abilities as a driver and following the standing traffic laws and regulations.
Also, if you see a stationary vehicle with its hazards flashing, not stopping to ask if those inside need assistance is just wrong.
Also, too many kids are too irresponsible to drive. I think in stead of general age limits, there should be individual consideration when it comes to who gets the license and when. Can apply to elderly drivers as well, although in my subjetive experience, kids cause more head aches.
Also, those who put ridiculous bodywork and/or spoilers and/or lights on their old cars and think they look cool ought to be hung by their genitals and force-fed their own fecies.
Also... Nevermind. Rant over.
What I hate about drivers in Indiana is the fact that everyone drives a huge truck and they drive in the middle of the road so that you have to pull over to let them pass. Granted, I have a truck too, but the ones I am talking about are the dully trucks with huge tires and smokestacks.
AD - We don't "hate" Californians. Many of my dear friends hail from California (poor dears, no one is perfect. ;D) We just think they should ride public transit until they learn to drive in the snow, and stop cutting people off in traffic. There should be a special driving test just for California natives that involves sitting behind someone at a red light who fails to slam on the gas the very second the light turns green. If the Californian waits patiently for the person to roll forward, they pass. If they immediately start honking and gesturing, they get sentenced to another 6 months of RTD. ;D
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 05:58:11 PM
AD - We don't "hate" Californians. Many of my dear friends hail from California (poor dears, no one is perfect. ;D) We just think they should ride public transit until they learn to drive in the snow, and stop cutting people off in traffic. There should be a special driving test just for California natives that involves sitting behind someone at a red light who fails to slam on the gas the very second the light turns green. If the Californian waits patiently for the person to roll forward, they pass. If they immediately start honking and gesturing, they get sentenced to another 6 months of RTD. ;D
So you're saying that because I know what to do immediately on a green light, I should be patient for those that are having a difficult time either distinguishing between colors or deciding which light means what? Heh. ;)
Ooh, ooh! And those who don't know how to keep a safe distance between the nose of their car and the ass of the car in front, they deserve to get crap all over that nose when the car in front emergency brakes.
Too bad most of them are observant enough to avoid a crash though... I really want some free parts for Rusty :'(
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 21, 2012, 06:02:38 PM
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 05:58:11 PM
AD - We don't "hate" Californians. Many of my dear friends hail from California (poor dears, no one is perfect. ;D) We just think they should ride public transit until they learn to drive in the snow, and stop cutting people off in traffic. There should be a special driving test just for California natives that involves sitting behind someone at a red light who fails to slam on the gas the very second the light turns green. If the Californian waits patiently for the person to roll forward, they pass. If they immediately start honking and gesturing, they get sentenced to another 6 months of RTD. ;D
So you're saying that because I know what to do immediately on a green light, I should be patient for those that are having a difficult time either distinguishing between colors or deciding which light means what? Heh. ;)
No no, simply waiting the 1 second it takes for the driver to react and the car to start moving would be sufficient. I'm convinced that Californians stay poised at each light with their foot hovering just over the gas pedal (in "ready to mash" position) and their hand just over the horn (also in "ready to mash" position.) They seem to think that if you don't floor it, you're not moving fast enough. ;D
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 06:09:57 PM
No no, simply waiting the 1 second it takes for the driver to react and the car to start moving would be sufficient. I'm convinced that Californians stay poised at each light with their foot hovering just over the gas pedal (in "ready to mash" position) and their hand just over the horn (also in "ready to mash" position.) They seem to think that if you don't floor it, you're not moving fast enough. ;D
Ok. I'll wait one second...and THEN honk. :D Because there's much to do and get to in L.A. Afterall, I'm not in my car to enjoy being in the car.
Whatever happened to starting early enough to arrive before time? ???
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 07:27:29 PM
Whatever happened to starting early enough to arrive before time? ???
Early is relative to the amount of traffic, construction zones, presidential motorcades, cycle races, people requiring a few seconds of staring at a light before pressing the gas pedal...it's all a guess and sometimes we miss calculate. :)
If I have to drive for more than two hours in urban traffic, I count on at least one hour of delay. Has not failed me yet.
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 21, 2012, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 07:27:29 PM
Whatever happened to starting early enough to arrive before time? ???
Early is relative to the amount of traffic, construction zones, presidential motorcades, cycle races, people requiring a few seconds of staring at a light before pressing the gas pedal...it's all a guess and sometimes we miss calculate. :)
You know everytime someone behind me honks, they slow themselves down even more because instead of continuing forward, I pause to see who/what they're honking at. ;)
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 08:35:46 PM
You know everytime someone behind me honks, they slow themselves down even more because instead of continuing forward, I pause to see who/what they're honking at. ;)
Heh.
Note to those that may visit and drive in L.A.
Do not use your turn signals to change lanes while in traffic. Most of the time nobody will want to let you in. It's just a dumb thing we tend to do for no good reason.
Instead, look for the "weak link" in the lane you want to enter. There's always a person that is about to be honked at or just got honked at and thinks the honk means he/she should slow down or stop. Then move in to the opening left by the "scared-by-honks" driver. You're free and clear and everyone else is bothered by the slow person and not you. :)
I has another solution to that problem: indicate lane change, then change lanes. If some asshole is not gone within reasonable time, he will have a nasty accident for his trouble.
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 09:04:02 PM
I has another solution to that problem: indicate lane change, then change lanes. If some asshole is not gone within reasonable time, he will have a nasty accident for his trouble.
I'd love to hear that defense in court.
"But Judge, I had my turn signal on for 1 minute and I moved over. It's the other person's fault I merged into their lane/car."
Not sure that would hold up very well. Actually, I'm pretty sure it would not hold up.
Nasty accident for sure, but one that the "non-asshole" will be paying for.
Hah..!
That's what good insurances are for.
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 09:24:33 PM
Hah..!
That's what good insurances are for.
True, but they also tend to cost more when they see the insured is changing lanes based on the time his/her turn signal is on.
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 21, 2012, 09:35:51 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 09:24:33 PM
Hah..!
That's what good insurances are for.
True, but they also tend to cost more when they see the insured is changing lanes based on the time his/her turn signal is on.
We should take up a collection to pay for Asmo's skyrocketing insurance costs, since he is taking one for the team by teaching drivers to stop refusing to let each other over..... ;D
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 10:09:40 PM
We should take up a collection to pay for Asmo's skyrocketing insurance costs, since he is taking one for the team by teaching drivers to stop refusing to let each other over..... ;D
I know we're joking around here.
There is no law stating one must submit to a turn signal. However the law does make it clear that the responsibility of safety is in the hands of the one making the move...to make sure it is safe to do so. Obviously if a car is there and hasn't moved, it is not safe to do so.
Do we really want to support those that would go against laws set in place for the safety of all?
:)
I am joking of course. Although in all seriousness, I think that a driver refusing to let someone over is helping to create a dangerous situation, and for what?
In 1997, we moved to Colorado. My brother was 12. One of the first people in our neighborhood that he met and became friends with was a very sweet boy named David. David is the oldest of 4 kids, whom we all watched grow up over the years since we were neighbors and the two boys were close friends and classmates.
In 2003, David's little brother was killed in a car accident barely a month after he turned 16. He was trying to merge onto the highway, and the drivers in the rightmost lane wouldn't let him over. Certainly, he should have slowed down, stopped, whatever, instead of flipping his car over the gaurdrail, but he was 16 and not the most experienced driver, and I'm sure there were cars speeding behind him as well, since that particular on ramp is always a nightmare. I'm sure it's his fault. But I can't help but think about what a sweet cute little boy he was, and what a huge loss it was and still is for David's family.
I don't find people who refuse to let people into their lane cute, or funny, or even understandable. So if you want to get serious, that's my serious opinion.
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 10:42:00 PM
I am joking of course. Although in all seriousness, I think that a driver refusing to let someone over is helping to create a dangerous situation, and for what?
In 1997, we moved to Colorado. My brother was 12. One of the first people in our neighborhood that he met and became friends with was a very sweet boy named David. David is the oldest of 4 kids, whom we all watched grow up over the years since we were neighbors and the two boys were close friends and classmates.
In 2003, David's little brother was killed in a car accident barely a month after he turned 16. He was trying to merge onto the highway, and the drivers in the rightmost lane wouldn't let him over. Certainly, he should have slowed down, stopped, whatever, instead of flipping his car over the gaurdrail, but he was 16 and not the most experienced driver, and I'm sure there were cars speeding behind him as well, since that particular on ramp is always a nightmare. I'm sure it's his fault. But I can't help but think about what a sweet cute little boy he was, and what a huge loss it was and still is for David's family.
I don't find people who refuse to let people into their lane cute, or funny, or even understandable. So if you want to get serious, that's my serious opinion.
I agree. I think I stated already that I don't know why we do this dumb thing, but we do...including me at times. The times that I'm not "in that mood", I'm able to reflect at how stupid it is to do so. It does seem to be a recognized stereotype of L.A, but it's not a driving trait of Angelinos only. I've experienced it everywhere I've driven. I'm happy to acknowledge it in jest here though.
Quote from: Ali on May 21, 2012, 10:09:40 PM
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on May 21, 2012, 09:35:51 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 09:24:33 PM
Hah..!
That's what good insurances are for.
True, but they also tend to cost more when they see the insured is changing lanes based on the time his/her turn signal is on.
We should take up a collection to pay for Asmo's skyrocketing insurance costs, since he is taking one for the team by teaching drivers to stop refusing to let each other over..... ;D
My insurance company is pretty pleased with me and my premiums are not high, actually. I still have a lot of bonuses to rid myself of if I am to pay anywhere near what ye regular 19 year old must.
Quote from: Asmodean on May 21, 2012, 05:18:50 PM
I think everyone should drive like Asmo, which is not pushing one's abilities as a driver and following the standing traffic laws and regulations.
Also, if you see a stationary vehicle with its hazards flashing, not stopping to ask if those inside need assistance is just wrong.
Also, too many kids are too irresponsible to drive. I think in stead of general age limits, there should be individual consideration when it comes to who gets the license and when. Can apply to elderly drivers as well, although in my subjetive experience, kids cause more head aches.
Also, those who put ridiculous bodywork and/or spoilers and/or lights on their old cars and think they look cool ought to be hung by their genitals and force-fed their own fecies.
Also... Nevermind. Rant over.
I like it. Especially the last part. I'm in.
Not sure what the traffic law says over in CA, but here, there are two types of mergers with highways: one, where the one wanting out from a side road has to give way to the traffic already on the highway and one with an "on-ramp" - a short lane that merges with the lane to its immediate left. The rule is then that if you are behind the vehicle as it starts indicating lane change, you have to let it in.
Quote from: Asmodean on May 22, 2012, 10:48:53 AM
Not sure what the traffic law says over in CA, but here, there are two types of mergers with highways: one, where the one wanting out from a side road has to give way to the traffic already on the highway and one with an "on-ramp" - a short lane that merges with the lane to its immediate left. The rule is then that if you are behind the vehicle as it starts indicating lane change, you have to let it in.
Merging traffic is different from simple lane changes. Of course here in L.A. there are some highways with 6-8 lanes at some points and bumper-to-bumper traffic. But even with merging onto the highway, the "stereo type rule" seems the same. I'm surprised and it brings a smile to my face when in traffic, two lanes merge into one and as I come upon it everyone is cooperating and taking turns merging. It's beautiful. :) Then I mess things up with blowing the turn taking... (jk)
So does this mean I'm lucky? Living in Salem about about 45 minutes from Portland. Though I have to admit if you don't get to the redder states often you can forget how... overzealous the religious right can be.
Quote from: Radiant on May 20, 2012, 02:42:57 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 19, 2012, 04:37:00 PM
Quote from: Radiant on May 19, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on May 18, 2012, 08:05:46 PM
I'd rather live in the least religious country in the world: Europe.
Estonia and Sweden are top ranking apparently. <3
( 85% non believers and counting. Wow. My kind of place. )
Estonia - Sounds really nice. At least from the name. What a name. lol
Anyway, I'm shocked. The counties just to the Northeast, East, and Southeast of me are all in the blue percentage (less than 34.9%). I would have figured that every county in the state was Yellow. Even my county isn't Yellow, it's Orange.
What are the colors, and what do they represent in Europe?
I'm talking about this map:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.huffpost.com%2Fgen%2F611067%2Fthumbs%2Fa-RCMS-PENETRATION-640x468.jpg%3F4&hash=f0e289b6f5e404c387b0b2c115f79b33a0c353ba)
Atheist pilgrimage to Portland? When we practice absence of prayer are we to face Portland?
Quote from: fester30 on June 29, 2012, 03:12:13 PM
Atheist pilgrimage to Portland? When we practice absence of prayer are we to face Portland?
No, but when you eat something from a ceramic plate, you are to face The Asmo. 8)
Quote from: Asmodean on June 29, 2012, 04:18:50 PM
Quote from: fester30 on June 29, 2012, 03:12:13 PM
Atheist pilgrimage to Portland? When we practice absence of prayer are we to face Portland?
No, but when you eat something from a ceramic plate, you are to face The Asmo. 8)
That's easy, though. The Asmo is everywhere. That spot outside where the air conditioner is dripping water onto the desert sands? ASMO!
Yes! Facing everywhere at once, however... Only a true Asmoist can do that.