The Curiosity rover detects oxygen behaving strangely on Mars (this webpage has lots of ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 14, 2019:

It is well worth anyone's time just to check out the captioned pictures! Thanks for posting!

[newyorker.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 13, 2019:

Sadly, Nobody ever told these people to Mind Their Own Business!

As a whole American evangelical Christianity is based on rigidly fundamentalistic and authoritarian...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 13, 2019:

When you put it this way, I am more amazed than ever that anyone with a scintilla of brain activity "believes"! Just scary!

Philosophy vs. Religion

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 13, 2019:

Ummmmm, huh? I do not believe I have ever heard philosophy described as "brute force" in Any way. Nor have I ever thought of religion as leading to "cognitive development"...more like cognitive Dissonance! And "uncorrupted form"??? WTH is That, and where did it ever exist? You cannot build a logical arguement on statements such as these!

Went to a humanist funeral yesterday and I was blown away.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 13, 2019:

I recently attended a Memorial Service at a Unitarian-Universalist church. Celebrating memories of the departed without any reference to deities, the "afterlife", or any claptrap like that. Refreshing & enjoyable! Plus everybody so friendly!

Has anyone tried out a Unitarian Church?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 12, 2019:

Just attended a Memorial Service at one and was quite impressed by how they honored the deceased without dragging in any deities, "heavenly rewards" or other claptrap.

Veterans Day: Don't deport immigrants who served, make them citizens

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 12, 2019:

Inhumane not to!

Live on Today, NBC, November 12th, Nicki Haley tells Samantha Guthrie she told Trump that Tillotson...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 12, 2019:

He's dumped pretty much everybody else....is drump praising him this week? Because that's the "Kiss of Death".....

Spike Lee's "Wake Up" | Bernie Sanders [youtube.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 12, 2019:

I Love Bernie!

A recent poster suggested that the Roman Catholic church in Europe changed society dramatically and ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 11, 2019:

Because a vengeful Sky Gawd watching your every move so you can be eternally punished unless you give everything you have left after your rapacious fuedal master takes his cut is just "special"

As we attempt to shift our culture from superstition based to one based on science and the reality ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 11, 2019:

Most of the older churches around here are huge, uninsulated, impossible to heat unless there are unlimited funds, and too expensive to retrofit into something else & pass building codes (such as wiring, handicap access, bathrooms, and many in towns have NO parking sufficient for gatherings (again, code requirements). Just "white elephants"

Today's humanism certainly has several roots, and the free thinkers of the Enlightenment are only ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 11, 2019:

We ARE animals, and I wish we all had the common sense & dignity of my ancient mini-poodle (rescue) mix! To try & declare otherwise is falling into that "gawd makes us special" trap! Hubris!

Why is it so hard to find a lover that shares the same beliefs?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 11, 2019:

The saying, "you gotta kiss a lot of toads" applies to Any relationship

OK so we all get bored to death with the meaning of 'spiritual' question.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 11, 2019:

Pretty much None Of Your Business, methinks.

Can anyone with theology knowledge (or knows someone with) explain this?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 11, 2019:

People in those days, unless in the army or navy, seldom wandered more than few miles, if at all, from their birthplace. No transportation except feet & donkeys.

Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 10, 2019:

Ohferpetessake.......i believe simply speaking lights up parts of the brain. I know for a Fact I can scare the bejesus out of my doctor by doing a stand up routine in his office and raising my blood pressure from 140/90 to 325/189 in about 2 minutes, speaking English. I didn't stroke out, so it Must have been a miracle. He won't let me do it anymore......... Source, The Christian Post......ooookkkaaaayyyyyyyyyyy

Do you have a favorite movie you can re-watch countless times and never get bored of it?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 10, 2019:

Trading Places, Miss Congeniality, about 6-7 more.

Updated with video: Newton writers reflect on 50 years of 'Our Bodies, Ourselves' - News - Newton ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 10, 2019:

Thank you for posting this!

The argument of intelligent design is very popular among the religious because on the surface it ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 9, 2019:

Just look at the "design" of our knees (and dog knees too). Either a very bad, very dumb designer, or randomness.

Does anyone else find the comment section under porngoraphy videos more entertaining than the actual...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 9, 2019:

Pornography is So boring! Even for the female actors. I love to watch the face(s) of the women, making those expected sounds & oviously going over their "to-do" list until it's time for a break...

Anyone think we need a church of Atheism/Agnosticism in Saint Louis?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 9, 2019:

How about just Unitarian-Universalist, or Temple of Satan? Why reinvent the wheel?

Hitchens and Lane Craig: Another of Hitchens' best summations. . . .""Does God Exist?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 9, 2019:

The design of your knees (& the knees of dogs & other specis too) reveal incompetence at best..........

What are your moral "feelings" :::::Infidelity?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 9, 2019:

If you promise something (anything!) you are a crap person if you renege. In any situation!

How do you deal with Christmas?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 9, 2019:

I put up tons of secular decorations,play my "music box" holiday CD's, cook a big dinner, stuff my face. Give family subscriptions for goats, chickens, whatever from Heifer International, donate to the Food Bank & Heat Bank in town. Tis the season to be giving!

SPIRITUAL.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 8, 2019:

I can truthfully say none of my conversations, except in babble camp at age 10-ish, have ever wandered into questions about "spirituality" and if they somehow ever did, I would either exit the area or take a nap. You need new friends, buddy! On the other hand, I feel awe frequently while viewing nature, but i never call it "spiritual", WTH would i?

Has anyone run into the genre known as Christian fiction?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 8, 2019:

Sort of like what some posters do on here....the old "bait & switch"

Christians: God is everywhere, just look around! Me: I do not see god anywhere.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 8, 2019:

Exactly........

I hate change but life is all about change.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 8, 2019:

As a child one of the things that Terrified me was the "endless praise" thing... I mean, I loved singing in the choir, but 24/7/365 for Eternity? Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhh!

I have an idea!! Let’s talk about the word “spiritual”!!! No one’s thought of THAT yet! ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 8, 2019:

I think language may have changed a tad since we spoke all Latin and/or Greek, for one example, the way we use the word "gay" as opposed to just a few decades ago. So I do not think modern usage of "enthusiasm" drags in much, if any, religious overtones, and hasn't for quite awhile.

Ladies...do you see this issue at all?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 8, 2019:

One of my Social Club members began to date, about 3 years ago now, a guy she used to babysit....he is about 20 years younger & finally she has someone who can keep up. They are so lovely together, he worships her. Stop worrying about age, it IS just a number

𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ According to the ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 7, 2019:

Influx of common sense? Lack of time/money to attend? Watching televangelists wail & scream on TV?

To any educators in the group.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 7, 2019:

When I went to school, the teacher taught & we listened....at least until college,

The universe may be conscious, say prominent scientists - Big Think

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 7, 2019:

Ohferpetessake..........

Scott Walker admits Bernie Sanders is biggest threat to Trump in Wisconsin [youtube.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 7, 2019:

Of course he is! Over 4 decades of consistent, well-thought out plans & ideas, plus zero scandal, such a lovely contrast to the lying Bloattard we have now!

This study makes me think I've been a bit too hard on people afflicted with religion.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 6, 2019:

In most cases they are assumed as adults to have the capacity to observe & think.....I give them No slack, I find "stupid" annoying to the point of personal affront!

Does anybody else see the general timbre here of late being of battle lines being drawn up of ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 6, 2019:

I have posted several times noting the influx of trolls, using various tactics to try and get us to fall on our knees & start singing Hosanna! The smarter ones post stuff that requires you to posit a gawd in order to discuss their post. The others quote extensively from the babble, or twist any replies to "leads to the light". They are on a mission, and earning points in heaven! Do not hesitate to call them on their claptrap! Done right, it can be fun!

Hi everyone, I think there are some scammers who have found their way onto this site.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 5, 2019:

My best way to spot scammers is, ask a very specific question, my fav being "Tell me about your favorite pet as a child". What Real person wouldn't love the opportunity to babble on about their gerbil? Or whatever. A scammer, having no time, will say something like "How wonderful we have so many things in common, my dear" or ignore the question completely. BLOCK!

This is a rant about A frustrating situation that has arisen.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 5, 2019:

A woman who buys baby clothes " just in case" is Not right in the head! Religion was not the only bad thing about this relationship, and you need a good lawyer! (Try Legal Aid if necessary!) Call today, learn your rights!

The question of the so-called "fine-tuning" of the universe and its basic constants is one of the ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 5, 2019:

What we observe is ALL coincidence. It is a human trait to try to see/find "meaning" in randomness. Period. Just because it makes you feel good to think how things seem to be "connected" does not make it a fact!

I could use some feedback.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 5, 2019:

Type in "Meetup", fill in the choices, enjoy!

Criticizing the doctrine of Islam does not mean the person doing so is a xenophobe,Islamophobe, or ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 5, 2019:

The doctrine of Islam is as stupid & nasty, in actual practice, as is the doctrine of xian-based religions.

My last girlfriend, ideal man, was a Christian.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 5, 2019:

So, if you look like Christ, you must Be Christ? WTF? Oh, and ever see a pic of Ted Bundy?

My sister found an incredible response to a question on Quora.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 4, 2019:

I felt my eyes dilating as i read this post! Truly a different perspective, and perhaps helpful!

I sincerely have a hard time comprehending what "spiritual" means.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 4, 2019:

Me too, it seems very weasel-y to me......

THE INVITATION I am an Agnostic.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 4, 2019:

Next time, instead of letting ignorance raise your blood pressure, simply tell him you prefer he drive & keep his opinions to himself...these people's minds are Closed.

Well hello everyone, I'm brand new here and still working out navigating the site and have stumbled ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 4, 2019:

Just post & reply, it takes very little time to move out of the newbie category....or, you could read the very clear explanation(s) provided.......

Religious anonymous??

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 4, 2019:

EVERY religion, from the beginning of time, says all other religions are wrong/evil............get over it!

Christian TV host: Vegetarian hamburgers are a ‘Luciferian’ plot to change human DNA – ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 4, 2019:

I have enjoyed immensely the Netflix series "Lucifer".........

Real 'Garden of Eden' where ALL humans originated 200,000 years ago finally found in Botswana

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

"Lucy" 200,000-400,000 years ago.....hello?

Are there songs that have distinct religious messages or even religious overtones that you like ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

I adore "Hallelujah", which if you actually read the words (Youtube!) Is actually one of the least religious songs out there yet sounds musically like a hymn.

[bitchmedia.org] Why do we have an obsession with serial killers like Ted Bundy?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

He especially would be someoneyou would be proud to bring home to meet the family, and they would be thrilled that a tall, good-looking,well-spoken practicing attorney was "courting" you. Just too damned scary!

The god police are the most dangerous on the planet: christian, islamist, buddhist, hinduist, ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

Well, the first 3 sentences were great! Then you dragged in "progressives" AS IF they had/have anything to do with your first premise. Care to explain? Which ones, for example?

I have the perception that religious people are coming to be part of nonreligious group to invade ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

My feeling is, they truly belive if they can just "get us to think" we will fall to our knees & sing Hosannas. Disrespectful at best, and on a par with their Tooth Fairy ideas.

I just read that there have been approximately 108 billion people in history.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

Yup.

In my opinion, evolution is the greatest stumbling block for a theistic worldview, especially when ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

Ohferpetessake..........just No.

The burden of evidence upon the positive The Skeptics of antiquity espoused open mindedness to ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

I have No idea what any of this means, indeed it seems to be rambling...."Bigfoot"???????

As an Agnostic I am always interested when the sciemce takes a serious look at a spiritual topic.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 3, 2019:

"Science" is never anecdotal....that is the antithesis of science!

Back due to popular demand, but please stick to subject of dating photos.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 2, 2019:

My fav is the over-60 guy wearing a ball cap backwards! Clicking on That guy, yessiree!

I always love how ultra religious people will quote Leviticus and claim that the bible is gods word.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 2, 2019:

And,how about wearing clothing with mixed fibers(cotton/poly blend, anyone?)? Or eating pork? Or tattoos? Stone them all?

If someone lies about their age is that a dealbreaker for you?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 2, 2019:

I had my eyes opened, when we first met he stated he was 71 (about 2 years older than I at the time). 3 years later he's planning a birthday party, I could not remember what time of year made him 2 or 3 years older, so I asked, how old will you be, he looks me right in the eye & says "70". Once you see someone is a liar, you look back on everything they have ever told you & question it! Turned out he was Full of it! Bu-bye!

As an Agnostic I am always interested when the sciemce takes a serious look at a spiritual topic.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

Several thoughts here: 1.Houdini, leaving a "secret message" he would transmit after death. Never happened. 2. The Amazing Randy, leaving a million dollars to anyone who could show proof...I believe the offer was recently retracted about 40 (?) years of no results. 3. And again, what actual difference would it make to anyone's life Now?

As an Agnostic I am always interested when the sciemce takes a serious look at a spiritual topic.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

1. Always, these anecdotes come from far, far, away, and involve children who, as we know, can be easily entangled with leading questions....... 2. What difference would it actually make? Nothing to do with an (unbelievably boring!!) "Heaven" where we can sing praises 24/365/forever. 3. How would you change your life if you actually believed in reincarnation? Me, not at all, so, see #2, above

Progress! The satanic temple makes inroads in the military [wbal.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

Progress indeed!

Christian TV host: Vegetarian hamburgers are a ‘Luciferian’ plot to change human DNA – ...

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

Wacky yet disturbing........what next?!? Oh, and the comments below are pretty hilarious & worth reading! You go, people!

What is a non-religious ritual you commit to?

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

I prefer my life to have fun random-ness...."ritual"? You mean like brushing my teeth?

A serious topic that has to be intelligently understood.

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

Ohferpetessake............still taking up valuable air with this CRAP, are ya?

What's the symbol of atheism

AnneWimsey comments on Nov 1, 2019:

Huh?

Sea-level rise could flood hundreds of millions more than expected [technologyreview.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 31, 2019:

Oceanfront property! Yippee! Do you all know that many if not most insurance companies will no longer even give you a homeowner's quote if you live within 1/2 mile of any water? Been this way for about a decade, the first question they ask is your Zip Code when you call. Try it!

Helping autonomous vehicles see around corners [news.mit.edu]

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 31, 2019:

Cool stuff, but bet my life on it?

[alternet.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 31, 2019:

This is the Health Director.......ooookkkaaaaayyyyyyyyy...any relation to DeVos, the "Education" director?

I was wondering about revenge porn... does it have to be malicious?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 31, 2019:

So, way back in this thread I posted essentially, that any pix of anything, once on the 'net, are there forever & in nobody's control, and could destroy your life 20 years later. And good luck on prosecuting the poster, because " my phone got stolen" or whatever......So, don't do it. Period. I got 2 replies saying I was "victim blaming". And attacking women. Sorry, stupid is stupid. And the same could happen to a man, like, oh, I dunno, a Supreme Court nominee....., or the husband of an aide to a Presidential candidate?

How have YOU escaped the trap of loneliness?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 31, 2019:

I am never lonely, I find myself good company, as is my little dog. Plus I belong to an 9ver-60 Singles Social Club where any Member can suggest activities. Plus Karaoke, i see familiar faces wherever i go to sing. Plus, I learned in my marriage of 33 years that the absolute most lonely you can feel is when the person who is supposedly "with" you is actually checked-out. Alone is not necessarily lonely!

I was wondering about revenge porn... does it have to be malicious?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 30, 2019:

Sending nudes is as dumb as it gets....someday you could be in line for a nice promotion, teaching, running for office, spokesperson for a cause, etc etc etc, even 20 years from now, Aaaannndd up they pop! And good luck tracing the "gulity" party....that would be You!

I have had an unusual amount of free time at work and stumbled upon this clip of Michio Kaku ...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 30, 2019:

Ohferpetessake, more woo. Couldn't you volunteer at a soup kitchen, or work for a candidate, instead of this stuff?

I had an interesting conversation today.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 30, 2019:

I am sometimes enraged by idiots, for example stupid drivers that require me to slam on My brakes to avoid an accident they were precipitating. I wish I had a huge lighted sign that says "I am not your mother!" Keep one of them in your head, pop it up as needed! You're Welcome!

What to you guys think of this? [theconversation.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 30, 2019:

Even if we were kidnapping children to indoctrinate them, we have about 10,000 years to go to approach anything like The Spanish Inquisition....... Stupid stance, stupid arguement, just pass it by!

"How do you feel about uncertainty?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 30, 2019:

Mutual respect is lacking here....move on!

Do you believe this chap?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Cult of Trump, sadly.......

Is hope realistic?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Hope is what kept me from using one of then-hubby's numerous hunting guns on my head after my stroke at age 38.....

American Religion in 2030 – Religion in Public

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

So, we do not have to kill & eat evangelical babies? We can just wait?

Hi everyone! Brand new to this site.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Welcome!

The "three natures" of Homo sapiens Our first nature consists of innate feelings, reactions, and...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Is there really a difference between your definitions of "second" and "third" nature? And where does learned response, such as my "duck" reflex (thanks, first hubby!) to sudden movement fit in?

Does Philosophy actually any longer strive for arête, or only investigate in the abstract?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Philosophy has always been about the abstract...meaning, all in the heads of people with far too much time on their hands, who take themselves far too seriously, IMO!

What are we so proud about this 21st century lifestyle ?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Waaaayyy too many assumptions and no paragraphs..........

I have asked on social media, did God know Adam and Eve were going to sin when he created them.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

Why are you wasting your precious time (your Life!) on stuff like this? Help out at a soup kitchen, or work for a candidate, ferpetessake!

Would you ever date somebody who is religious, if they respected your beliefs and did not try to ...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

I would only, ever, date someone who treated me with respect about Anything! And I would be happy to return the respect!

No gods/no kings?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 28, 2019:

I have never in my l adult ife bowed down to anyone or anything.....who got you to do that?! My favorite fairy tale has Always been the one about the Emperor having no clothes!

I just started going to meetings (12 step recovery) and the higher power thing is kinda jamming me ...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 27, 2019:

Can you think of the "higher power" as your best self?

traditionally people ask if God could make a rock so big he couldn't pick it up.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 27, 2019:

Very, very tired of these incessant posts that require me to ASSume gawd has reality in some way in order to discuss them. This one at least has humor!

Suppose you were to try to convince someone of your non-belief in the existence of God, what (in ...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 27, 2019:

Show me! Show me the compassion, the end/easing of suffering, the answer to fervent prayers! Now, explain what I actually see & hear about 24/7/365.

This morning I received a mesage from Admin that several groups have been cancelled.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 27, 2019:

If you started a group, or were a member, common courtesy would require that you be notified if it was cancelled Why resort to paranoia when such information should be expected???

A simple syllogism- if evil exists there cannot be a god both benevolent and all powerful Some ...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 26, 2019:

So, can you now let go of your fascination with Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, some "gawd", and get on with the living of your precious only life?

I've just found out about 2 great grandchildren we didn't know about.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 26, 2019:

This sounds like it could be wonderful! Sadly, in today's world, at the first mention of money (loans, gifts, anything to do with money!) DISAPPEAR! Best wishes!

Ryan Grim Calls-Out MSNBC On-Air For Ignoring Bernie Sanders [youtube.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 26, 2019:

And despite almost No coverage, he polls at least #3 in the running! Justi magine if he got one mention a week!

Seth Andrews used to have segment he called “head slapping” things theists have said to them.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 26, 2019:

Generally, people only had one name until the Early Middle Ages. They might be called "Joseph of Damascus" if there were lots of Joseph's hanging about, or that particular Joseph was prominent in some way. But, bogus question, sorry.

North Carolina Sheriff Prohibits Employee Cohabitation Before Marriage Because God | Michael Stone

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 25, 2019:

When the county/city has to pay out a couple of million for violating civil rights, maybe they will hire a new sheriff?

Land of the free.

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 25, 2019:

Whistleblowers are supposed to have protection, and respect for their courage!

I see posts here saying "are Atheists this?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 25, 2019:

I find it Very disrespectful, and enraging, when anybody says " are__________this way?" Any group, any designation, 1. Why is it anybody's business?, 2. How dare you ASSume anything about anybody. 3. Seems like disrespect for whatever group.....

Dave Daubenmire: We Must Make Homosexuality “Unthinkable Again” | Sarahbeth Caplin | Friendly ...

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 25, 2019:

Ummm, when has it been "unthinkable"? There have been nasty dark times when it was illegal (for no good reason!) But every species, not just our own, has always had individuals who preffered "other".

Is mathematics the last refuge of Platonism in the sciences?

AnneWimsey comments on Oct 25, 2019:

"Most mathematicians"???? According to who?