Happy St. Patrick’s Day, heathens. ☘️

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

There are no native snakes in Ireland because it became an island before the last ice age fully ended. The so called miracle, can in this case quite taken quite literally, especially since he is said to have converted the pagans, not driven them out, but it is a nice joke.

Cogito ergo sum. If you feel need to tag on a translation then dont let people learn themselves ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

Does not always work the other way round. Sum ergo cogito. Nah.

First vaccine shot done!

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

Well done, you just have a couple of hundred million more people to do then. See you in a couple of decades.

Massage Parlor shooter was all about guns and God [news.yahoo.com]

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

Why does that not seem surprising.

Linking Evangelical Subculture and Phallically Insecure Masculinity Using Google Searches for Male ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

Or it could just be, that if you are gullible enough to buy into one stupid idea, then a whole lot more, come easy.

Mass shooting targeting Asians in Atlanta.

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

Video says. "Not available in your country." I am sorry to say.

[npr.

Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2021:

Feed me to the animals please.

Germany suspends use of AstraZeneca vaccine, along with Italy, France, Spain [wsj.

Fernapple comments on Mar 16, 2021:

So fear of litigation in government, is going to kill people, but It does not mater if people die, as long as they can't prove its someones fault. "Nothing new to see here, move along."

If this so called god actually exists.

Fernapple comments on Mar 16, 2021:

Never try to use logic on religion, if you can do logic, religion is not for you, so don't go where you are not wanted. LOL

How would the existence of a god confer meaning on our lives?

Fernapple comments on Mar 16, 2021:

A God does not generate or 'confer' meaning, a god 'imposes' the meaning generated by its creators.

Mnemonics I tried posting about a science-related mnemonic in this group and the "Uncommon Words"...

Fernapple comments on Mar 16, 2021:

The planets. Is I think is your answer, the first letters match. Try this one which I invented myself. They work best if you invent your own is a good tip. It is about a company from Cambridge responding to reports of a new supper efficient engine, being sold by a simple minded inheritor, at an eco conference in a palace on Crete, and the need for trials. "Cambridge orders silly devils car, permanently trialled during Cretan palace negotiations." Clue, first two/three letters except for one pun.

Not too sure about this one?

Fernapple comments on Mar 16, 2021:

Fair reflection of British attitudes, to a degree.

Religious people tend to begin with their conclusions, then work backwards looking for arguments ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 15, 2021:

Of all the spheres of human thought, religion is the only one which does not require any justification of ideas, evidence, logic, or even majority opinion. So it is the only one, which will support anything however silly. I think that is why it is so popular.

“What drivel it all is!.

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Now that is almost cynical enough to earn my respect.

I like this sign

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Far too cheap.

Is science undermining religion ?

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Truth undermines religion, wherever it comes from. The BBC's need to be inclusive undermines it remit to be balanced, but it tries its best.

[youtu.be] Plandemic indoctornation I dare you

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Thanks that was so funny, it is amazing what some people will swallow.

I can only comment on what I know

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Welcome, but you will be in a very small minority. Go on push the boat out and speculate wildly, everybody else does, and you know you want to.

I'm trying to cure myself of a terrible affliction I've been diagnosed with since birth, ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Welcome, you will fit in well here, there are a lot of us with that condition.

I'm trying to cure myself of a terrible affliction I've been diagnosed with since birth, ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

If you had it since birth, then it will be terminal, like all the things you are born with, sorry but life is a death sentence.

Sri Lanka to ban burka and other face coverings [bbc.com]

Fernapple comments on Mar 14, 2021:

Sadly that may have more to do with Buddhist prejudice than the stated national security cause.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of The Dunblane massacre which took place at Dunblane Primary ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 13, 2021:

In the UK you may still own a gun if you really need one though, it is just that you have to go though the sort of procedures, that you would if you wanted to own any other dangerous machine, such as a car for example. So most people don't bother because they don't really need one, but farmers and foresters who need to manage wild animals, plus genuine target sports people, do not find the requirements restrictive at all, a little burdensome perhaps but not restrictive.

I keep pasting the link. I guess I'm doing it wrong.

Fernapple comments on Mar 13, 2021:

Yep nothing here, sorry.

Is the local pub still there???

Fernapple comments on Mar 13, 2021:

Don't know. Here in the UK they are shutting down in huge numbers fast. There will certainly be a lot less when the pandemic ends.

The Necessity of Metaphor The obvious risk in expressing deep metaphysical truths in metaphor is ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 13, 2021:

That is a perfect example of the, "no true Scotsman" fallacy. If only because 'religious metaphor' is not synonym for 'metaphor' pure and simple. Socrates, and Einstein, used metaphor, yet no one would say that was religious, and I don't think Gandhi did either. I am sorry, but the fact that religious texts are metaphorical is (in part) to blame. Because yes, even if you grant. "They do the same thing with modern scientific information. Anti-vaxers, flat-earthers, and so on." Which I do not think they do because as even Anti-vaxers and Flat-eathers, will tell you, they are all about rejecting science. But even granting that, the big difference is, that with science there is a bottom line of scientific information, which you can always turn back to, and resort to as a base. With 'religious metaphor' you turn back and you have nothing, except the same metaphor, with the same inherent misinterpretations built into it you started with, which is why it is so beloved of societies criminals.

From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them, and that is eternity.

Fernapple comments on Mar 13, 2021:

You can not destroy matter only transform it. Is actually a basic law of physics. Emergent properties like human mind may vanish when the structures which support them fall apart, but the basic substance of the universe is immortal, and can be reused by life again and again. I always liked that, since it means that a part of failed second rate me, may one day be used to create something sublime.

In line for my sticky sticky - I am ready for life to get, somewhat, back to normal!

Fernapple comments on Mar 12, 2021:

Remember, you have to wait ten days, before you can really start the party.

My religion is Potterism.

Fernapple comments on Mar 12, 2021:

Sadly I have heard some Christians taking that literally.

An America Without God

Fernapple comments on Mar 12, 2021:

Case perhaps of you can prove anything with states. It makes one huge unsupported assumption. Which is that. It is the same people who left religious institutions, who are worshiping political institutions, while it could easily be fueled by reaction on the part of those still in religion.

Results From the City That Just Gave Away Cash [npr.org]

Fernapple comments on Mar 12, 2021:

Works well I am told, in Scandinavian countries.

Saying your "religion" is the only true religion is like saying your language is the only true ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 11, 2021:

Hello and welcome, enjoy the site and do check out the groups if you have time, there is something for everyone.

And you know what that means!

Fernapple comments on Mar 11, 2021:

No ?

Photography is an emotional fellings.

Fernapple comments on Mar 11, 2021:

Beautiful city.

I got to inspect my bees yesterday for the first time since last fall.

Fernapple comments on Mar 11, 2021:

Wonderful. I used to keep bees many years ago as a boy, but had to give it up when I started work, I miss it. But I retire soon. Swarms can be a pain , but doing it the natural way is by far the best way to make more colonies. We always used to catch them the old fashioned way, in an empty box, and then tip them out on to a ramp in front of the hive in the evening, and let them walk in . It always seemed to work fine, and the bees settled happily though some people like more control.

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fernapple comments on Mar 11, 2021:

I remember as a child, my experiment with the javelin and the sports teacher did not end well.

American candy bars are mostly sugar.

Fernapple comments on Mar 10, 2021:

Strange, in the same way here in Britain, we alway consider our chocolate inferior to the European brands.

There is a little game I like to play when I see some thing like this, switch the genders and see if...

Fernapple comments on Mar 9, 2021:

Are good and evil, one thing amongst men, and another amongst women ? (Paraphrasing J.R.R. Tolkien.)

“Those who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are...

Fernapple comments on Mar 9, 2021:

And those who don't bother are lazy. ( Can I go back to bed now ?)

What was God?

Fernapple comments on Mar 9, 2021:

One thing worth remembering, is that generating a word, is a nearly cost free exercise and can be fun. It was especially one of the few amusements available in the past, when there were no modern media, organized sports or government arts departments. Look at how much Shakespeare and other medieval writers just play with words, for its own sake, compared with modern authors, who are more interested in plot, character and realism etc. It must have been even more so in prehistory, when the nights were long dark and boring, and even music and dance need some light and instruments, not always available, but playing with words that is easy. It has always been easy to create words, to the same degree that today, you can create false news on the inter-net for a few presses on the keyboard, and the price of a half cents worth of electricity. Someone thinks it would be a good joke to tell his foolish friend that, furniture polish causes cancer. It goes viral across the net. And before you know where you are, furniture stores which sell it, are being burned down, people who work in the polish industry are being killed, and wax factories are going bankrupt. From our perspective today, words like god and religion carry huge baggage, which they have collected over time, and we think they must always have been important because of that. But that impression only comes from the baggage they carry. When once they were new and fresh minted, the new words and ideas ( Note I include 'ideas' as well. ) which became god and religion, could have been quite frivolous, and trivial. Indeed, since it would be a truly impossible thing for naive people, lacking written histories, to foresee the long term consequences of any cultural phenomenon they made, that is most likely. And prehistoric people undoubtedly had a frivolous side, they were human just like us after all. The reality, though not of course the certainty, is that we may today be, fighting, killing, stealing, exploiting, oppressing one another, and suppressing sources of truth like science and philosophy. Because originally, once around the campfire, on a dark dull boring night, a Stone-age comic, decided that he or she, ( No "he" lets blame a man. ) would liven the night up, by making a joke.

A blackbird with attitude.

Fernapple comments on Mar 8, 2021:

All blackbirds have attitude, I love em.

Ain’t that the truth.....

Fernapple comments on Mar 8, 2021:

The Royal family, having no longer any political meaning in the twentieth century, reinvented itself as a soap-opera. Thereby, hitting on one of the best marketing strategies ever. Because providing substitute lives, for those who don't have the imagination to get a life, was almost certainly the biggest growth area of the century. And they will continue to grow rich of those who bother with them , for the foreseeable future.

What’s the greatest thing about life itself ?

Fernapple comments on Mar 8, 2021:

Making people smile. And sunshine, which makes me smile.

Attention: This is all in German and Plattdeutsch.

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

I can not understand a word of course, but it looks beautiful. Sad that you feel you will not be able to travel. My friend, who is very elderly, loved travel more than anything, I am still trying to persuade her that she can still make a trip or two, even if we have to hire a nurse to travel on the plane with us.

Avoiding cooties

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

I wear the mask alone in the car, when I have a cold nose. What really worries me though is wearing it when I go to the bank.

atlantic ocean road Norway,

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

Would love to know exactly where that mossy old railway is.

How to be happy spending money.

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

Money does not make you happy, it is poverty that makes you unhappy. If you have enough to avoid poverty then you are well enough. So, since I have no mortgage to pay off, I would just put enough in a pension to ensure I never starve, then spend the rest to make others happy and the world a healthier place.

The following quote automatically appeared on my iPad this morning thanks to my handy dandy "Bible ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

Love me some flesh.

I am A long-time, moral and patriotic liberal who has served this country who has served this ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

Should 4, "getting dark money of politics" be " getting dark money OUT of politics" ?

Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

And the best way to stop people reading books, is to persuade them to read just one book.

Mt. Stuart, 9,420', from Tronsen Ridge, WA

Fernapple comments on Mar 7, 2021:

Always a good idea to include some foreground in landscape shots, to give depth and contrast, plus chromatic perspective, note how the dark shades on the trees are much stronger than the shadows on the mountains.

This Church’s “Obedience” Video for Kids is All Kinds of Creepy | Hemant Mehta | Friendly ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 6, 2021:

And if you obey, it shows you believe. Wow the benefits of that are beyond credible.

Elementary students were posed the question, "who would you most like to be stranded on a desert ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 6, 2021:

Smart.

An Unfortunate truth The best lack all conviction, while the worst, Are full of passionate ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 6, 2021:

Ironically though. Yates was probably referring to Christians as the best, and sceptics as the worst.

and for all the mask addicts USA is on a good path to finally get rid of a non working method to ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2021:

( This has been said so many times before it is getting really boring. ) The main purpose of masks is to prevent you infecting others, if they do not prevent you getting infected, that is besides the point. Though it is hard to see how they would not at least help a little bit, even with that.

I just went to Amazon and I ordered all of William Shakespeare's works.

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2021:

Going on a long flight ?

Why are people leaving the site?

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2021:

Two reasons I think. First, that the dating service it advertises is quite useless to most of those who join because of it, so they just leave. And second, those who stay are old, we die a lot.

Calvin and Hobbs

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2021:

The schools system is a test of compliance, not a source of education.

[msn.] Is this your crazy aunt?

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2021:

No, sorry, can not claim that one, looks very like a couple I know, but all of mine are accounted for. Have you thought of taking her down to the police station, and handing her in, the relatives may still turn up to claim her.

Best country?

Fernapple comments on Mar 4, 2021:

There is nothing that breeds complacency more quickly, than the belief that you are the best at something. So you make no effort and then one day you turn round and find that the world has left you behind. Hubris is the parent of apathy.

the lady with the dog knitted her replica

Fernapple comments on Mar 4, 2021:

I should leave of the tomatoes too.

Now that you mention it...

Fernapple comments on Mar 4, 2021:

Which may be a quite deliberate symbolism. I am not a great Star Wars fan, but I have to admit that there was from the beginning a tradition of inserting multi-layered metaphors into the scripts.

Ramen, my Pastafarians...

Fernapple comments on Mar 4, 2021:

So do theists, the difference is , that atheists don't claim that their morals are perfected, and supported by a higher authority than everyone else's. They may even be open to debate and improvement.

Yosemite, Yosemite ,Japan, Texas, Switzerland, japan , Lk Reiner, WA, Golden bridge Vietnam, G ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

Some great images, one day we can travel again.

Anymore I just worry about the Statute of Limitations!

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

Welcome back.

“Being generous often consists of simply extending a hand.

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

Assume, puts an ass ahead of you and me. ( Rare that a spelling joke actually contains wisdom as well. )

Which do you 'trust' ?

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

How can you compare anyway, a search engine, a social media, on line retailers etc. and if you can what does it prove ?

Can physics prove if God exists? [bbc.com]

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

What a load of twaddle. The BBC is trying far too hard to prove that it is inclusive. The stupid deserve equal air time.

Can physics prove if God exists? [bbc.com]

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

Which god ?

"Happy birthday" is just another way of saying "I'm enjoying slowly watching you die of old age."

Fernapple comments on Mar 3, 2021:

Yep life is a death sentence. But I do prefer. 'Many happy returns.'

Apparently, god is a genetic disorder... yes? : [en.m.wikipedia.org]

Fernapple comments on Mar 2, 2021:

Yes but the problem with that bit of tabloid science interpretation, is that, feelings and spirituality do not equal God. Most early religions did not include a god, and in fact for by far the greater part of human history and probable prehistory, most religions were not theistic, yet almost certainly, people must have had the same feelings. I sometimes have feelings of being deeply in tune with nature and the universe, I call them "feelings of being in tune with nature and the universe" , not god.

These scammers really need to develop some new lines: What can I say , you look so great and ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 2, 2021:

We are still missing the sick emoji.

If money is the root of all evil, why do churches ask for it?

Fernapple comments on Mar 1, 2021:

They want to take temptation away from sinners ? I presume they burn it in the stove, so that it can do no more harm. LOL

Canadian Atheist Group: Churches Breaking COVID Rules Must Lose Tax-Exempt Status | Val Wilde | ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 1, 2021:

Why on earth would anyone give tax exemptions to churches in the first place.

One doughnut to rule them all!

Fernapple comments on Mar 1, 2021:

"And in the darkness bind them." Told you you needed more fiber in your diet.

Research Suggests Proper Fit of COVID Face Masks Is More Important Than Material

Fernapple comments on Mar 1, 2021:

IN the UK we have a good mask take up, but we do seem to be plagued by people who seem to think that a visor is a substitute, which of course is nothing but a load of gaps decorated with a bit of plastic.

My doggo is almost as happy to see my neighbor as he is to see me.

Fernapple comments on Mar 1, 2021:

Hunt in packs, it works well.

The Guardian: Trump has captured the Republican party – and that's great news for Biden.

Fernapple comments on Feb 28, 2021:

Sorry to sound a warning about counting chickens, but there are four years yet to the next election, and the twists and turns of history are manifold.

What do bees do in winter?

Fernapple comments on Feb 28, 2021:

Yes and they live six months like that in winter, but only six weeks when they are working flat out in summer.

God is really quite sadistic when you think about it.

Fernapple comments on Feb 28, 2021:

The biblical god seems quite sadistic to me, and I did not have to think about it very much.

Up to the 18th-19th century the church has historically taken a stand against every development in ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 28, 2021:

The church had to take a stand against every development in every sphere, since if you claim total authority on everything in all spheres, that is what you must do. It may have conceded some ground, but do not think that it has given up its imperial claims. It may just be biding its time.

Did anyone else know he was on tour?

Fernapple comments on Feb 27, 2021:

The second coming. And the J.W.s never predicted it !

@Admin Hey there! I'm sorry to say but is there any reason as to why i can't write back to ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 27, 2021:

Will try a test mail.

A Riddle for all members to solve (and the answer is NOT the first one you think of either btw), " ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 27, 2021:

Perfection.

A Riddle for all members to solve (and the answer is NOT the first one you think of either btw), " ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 27, 2021:

Infinity ?

Any gamers out there, especially PC gamers?

Fernapple comments on Feb 27, 2021:

I think there is a group for gamers. If not why not make one.

[youtube.com] Billie Jean

Fernapple comments on Feb 27, 2021:

Paddling to fetch worms to the surface perhaps ? Nice if someone gives you a soundtrack to help you work.

Is There any Value for Spiritual Naturalists in Retaining God as a Metaphor?

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

I like metaphor. But I have to play devils advocate here, and say that, since neurologically you are working with metaphor by default internally, is it not doubling any problems with metaphor if you start with external metaphor as well.

I have noticed that from time to time, a debate will ensue on line here, about whether Jesus was a ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

It does not matter if they existed or not. Since if they did not, then some authors or story tellers created the things they said and the examples they gave, and who is to say, if those story tellers were not greater in wisdom or folly than their creations. So that sayings and examples given have to stand on their own merit, or not at all.

I have noticed that from time to time, a debate will ensue on line here, about whether Jesus was a ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

The question, did either really exist, has no real importance, since there is no way of ever resolving it with any acceptable degree of objective certainty. Though some may consider it can be proved to their satisfaction subjectively. But the point that you perhaps miss is that, speculation, as long as you don't take it seriously, is a fun game that people like to play, and which can be good training for more important questions. (Just fun for me.) The gamblers betting game on where will you place your line of skepticism, at least, and what sort of evidence you personally value most.

I hadn't considered this before but I agree, it is a diminishing term.

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

Interesting the way the term has changed meaning. Originally it meant any country not in the Soviet or NATO blocks. In other words, it included such well developed countries as Switzerland and Ireland, and I am not sure but it may even have included China. In other words, Cold War neutral countries. It is only over time that it has come to mean much the same as developing countries, perhaps of course because most of them were.

Phys.org: Atheists and believers both have moral compasses, but with key differences.

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

So it seems to be saying, that the difference between atheist morality and theist morality, is that theist morality is more grounded in "us and them" but atheists are more generous to everyone. No big surprise there then.

Three years ago today I joined this community.

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

I tried pot once, it was quite good, but it did not change my life, and I would not cross the street to try it again. Glad you are enjoying the site, will see you at nine all being well.

4 is the glass platform over the grand canyon 2 shows with some ingenuity we can replace oil and ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

I like Jonathan, he looks just like me.

Friday and its hot again in texas got the air on

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

OK normally you do humour, today you do wisdom, obviously you are a polymath.

“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

If I remember correctly, H. Ford was about the worst person at that who ever lived. I suppose if you only do a thing a tiny bit, that tiny bit becomes vastly more important.

All great men are dead, and I'm not feeling too well myself Mark Twain

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

And buried with their feet of clay.

I click to view perks and i get sent to picture i screen shot. Is "Tshirt" suppose to be a link?

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

Yep me too.

Much learning does not teach understanding. - Heraclitus

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

Sometimes it does just the opposite. ( If anyone doubts it, it even has several names, like, indoctrination. ) always liked A. C. Clarke's quote as well. " My favourite definition of an intellectual: 'Someone who has been educated beyond his/her intelligence."

Scientists accidentally discover life 3,000 feet under Antarctic ice: [ecology.news]

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

Really interesting thank you. Though the line. " The ice shelves several hundred miles thick " Did make me smile. ( I think they mean wide. )

It was 50 degrees (F) and sunny today, so i cranked up the tiny electic chainsaw on the 7-foot pole ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 26, 2021:

You look good for 178 anyway. LOL