Railroad, n. The chief of many mechanical devices enabling us to get away from where we are to where we are no better off. For this purpose the railroad is held in highest favor by the optimist, for it permits him to make the transit with great expedition.
(Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, c. 1911)
Ambrose Bierce
Posted at 10:31 AM CT on Friday, 31 December 2004