For horizontal measurements [on the Earth], we fix a mathematical body of Earth in space using a Cartesian coordinate system. After that, a separate coordinate system is created over the surface of this body to generate horizontal coordinates. A mathematical earth body fixed in space makes up the horizontal datum.

Most people's sisters have decent names like Jennifer or Jane or something. What did you say hers was?

I dropped to my knees in the Saint Aquinas chapel every single night for two weeks straight and dialed the divine Dr. Phil for guidance, implicitly blaming him for my woes: You created my pitiful self-consciousness and nerve-wracked sexuality with your religious rules and prohibitions —do something about it!

Nobody told me to do it. I did it of my own accord.