I admit, I am deadly afraid of flying.. In less than 2 weeks, I'll be flying A LOT, from Ohio of Northern Finland, to visit my Mom.

Thast's 4 flights one way.. 4 flights when I just have to either get ridiculously drunk, or try not to scream too much! I kid you not, if it is a bumpy ride, I will cry out loud! I was always afraid of the plane just dropping like a rock in the middle of the flight, and (Yes, I know that won't happen.. but this is not a rational fear!) now, after 9/11, being rammed into a building..

What do you do on a plane to get calmed down? I have a book, I will read, I will order tax free.. and I will still be panicked every moment until I land...

Anyway, in case I die of a fiery plane crash death.. not yet, but during October 14th to 23th.. it has bene fun.. IF I do return safely, you'll probably see a crazed wave of videos posted, then I'll go off, drag NetRunner with me and do allo the things I wanted to do but was too timid to do...

I REALLY am deadly afraid of flying... 11 more days to go before my flights..

Anyways.. if anybody else is like this, any suggestions what might help? I really, REALLY don't want to be crying most of my flights this time.. =)

I'm going to be re-posting this from http://richarddawkins.net/article,3142,When-Atheists-Attack,Sam-Harris--NEWSWEEK because it's just so damn good!

When Atheists Attack
A noted provocateur rips Sarah Palin—and defends elitism.

Let me confess that I was genuinely unnerved by Sarah Palin's performance at the Republican convention. Given her audience and the needs of the moment, I believe Governor Palin's speech was the most effective political communication I have ever witnessed. Here, finally, was a performer who—being maternal, wounded, righteous and sexy—could stride past the frontal cortex of every American and plant a three-inch heel directly on that limbic circuit that ceaselessly intones "God and country." If anyone could make Christian theocracy smell like apple pie, Sarah Palin could.

... more inside ...