What is your M.O. with receiving "butt dials" from those you're potentially interested in?

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I'll take them however I can get them.

People Still Don't Get the Link between Meat Consumption and Climate Change - Scientific American ...

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Yeh @BucketlistBob, the article didn't mention methane gas, but it was an interesting read.

Crafters: What’s more satisfying?

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 17, 2018:

To me exciting and satisfying aren't equivalents. I'm excited when I come up with a new idea and begin working on it. I'm satisfied (I hope) when I've finished it. Anyway, on to the next excitement!

10 Things Men Find Unattractive About Women [huffingtonpost.com]

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 17, 2018:

#1 A lot, but far from all, talk way too much about nothing.

They have a point ...

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 16, 2018:

The weather constantly changes. That is predictable. We need to learn to cope without raising a bunch of kids to fulfill our fantasies.

You like working in the yard? Ugh!

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Your wife wants to follow suit? I'm all in as far as naturalization of permacultures go. Native plants and animals deal with nature far better than our 'beautiful yards' can imagine doing.

Oh the horror!!!

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 9, 2018:

Rubberism!

Change of pace request! What is your most favorite childhood memory?

AstralSmoke comments on Apr 9, 2018:

Can't say I have a favorite, but the one that popped into my head was when I was building GI-Joe lean-tos and huts out of very tall ragweeds in the clayey garden.

Study: Moths Can Remember Caterpillar Days : NPR

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Wow, I never knew they made soup. And reassemble in 5 weeks!

I'm looking for a critter sitter for my dog, cat & 4 ft pet pygmy python Percy.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Probably not. It isn't practical.

I Gave Up Men to Have Sex With Ghosts | This Morning - YouTube

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Absolutely fascinating!

What's your favorite childhood TV show or movie?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

The one show I remember the best because I sat under the piano and watched the reflection off the highly polished piano bench was The Bananas. I wanted an all terrain 6 wheel vehicle soooo badly.

Hotwired Responses

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

There are several people that I can count on for giving an honest reply. Disagreeing or agreeing with me doesn't matter; we try to understand each other's point of view. The original question is a why question and I haven't figured out why the original why question bothers me so much, but I will.

Animal pictures with bios get hilariously human, and we can all relate...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I definitely know people like the bulldog.

If your child was 'on the run' & came to you for help, what would you do?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

It depends on the severity of the 'crime' and if there actually was one. My daughter could be running from an abusive relationship. Whatever it is, I will give them refugee status. If 'the law' is after them, I would try to talk them into giving themselves up and dealing with their actions. But I'd always do as much as I could to help them.

The late, great Dave Allen [youtu.be]

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

We always mourn our comedians.

As an atheist, I don't believe in an afterlife, reincarnation etc.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I believe essentially the same.

Art -- Snow in the South

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Obviously just got back from a very essential trip to the grocery store.

CINEMA: Painting in Time - Shots of Awe

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I liked it, but have some qualms. First, cinematography isn't painting any more than photography is. It's recording an image (lights and darks). Second, time is a very important element of a film. It can't be completed without taking this dimension into your subconscious. Film is only 2D so adding a dimension is good, but it doesn't add up to 4. I like film a lot, but it's only one form of art.

In todays society, if a man compliments a woman on her clothes, look or style is it sexual ...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

No, If that's all it is,

Is it strange that I morn the loss of animals more than people?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Me too, generally.

Just so bizarre that we have to create a category for humans who accept Reality over fantasy.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Yes, it's upside-down in this topsy-turvy world. What's getting my goat lately is the way some people on this site won't let go of the way they view the world through Christian eyes. (I guess it's just my problem, though.)

What colors do you like for Agnostic.com's T-shirt?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I voted twice. You might want to fix that.

If you could were offered free lessons in a subject of your choice, what would you want to learn?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Skydiving and three lessons would about do it.

Any holiday parties yet.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

I think I went to one about 12 years ago, but I'm not sure.

Future technology

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Make me invisible. Maybe no one will shoot me.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

I stay up nights pondering this exact question. Still haven't come up with an answer.

Is an 'open' marriage a marriage?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

If you are coming directly from the Christian perspective and definition of marriage, then no it is not. But neither would gay or lesbian marriages. An agreement to live in an 'open marriage' shouldn't be treated any differently than any other type of agreement concerning marriage.

Beautiful, unique, historical, and captivating.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

No, of course, it's not worth that much money except in the capitalists' hall of cards. Was it purely an extravagant purchase by a Saudi prince? Don't know. Do know it's headed for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. If they're true capitalist then they'll display it and it'll bring in billions. So, it depends on how they use it whether it was worth the $450 mil (in this capitalist world that doesn't respect anything but money).

It snowed two inches here last night.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Woo hoo. It's snowing here as well. My son is super happy. Out of school two hours early today!

It is estimated that 4 percent of the population are sociopaths,and this personality disorder ...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Our government and many large corporations are run by sociopaths. Why do we keep elevating the sick minded?

I think I'm in love with everyone here. Is it too soon? :p Can't handle this much oxytocin!

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Too soon for me. I like it slow.

This whole Roy Moore thing has struck a few nerves and my mind has been rolling over many ...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

There are things that are in your control to change and there are more things not in your control. Change the ones you can.

Theory of mind: the idea that not all knowledge is universal knowledge. Your thoughts?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Yesterday, I was making a drug run for my mom. As I was waiting to be served, I saw a magazine on a rack. It was the Time Magazine Special Edition titled “The Animal Mind”. I’m really into animals and had heard a little about the present direction of research into mind and thought processes. So, I bought the issue. Theory of mind is referenced several times. Theory of mind presumes that other animals (mammals and birds) have a mind. As far as the meaning for humans go each human can only intuit the existence of their own mind through introspection, and no one has direct access to the mind of another. As originally defined, it gives people the capability to understand that mental states can be the cause of—and thus be used to explain and predict—the behavior of others. Being able to attribute mental states to others and understanding them as causes of behavior implies, in part, that one must be able to conceive of the mind as a "generator of representations". The Theory of mind requires social and other experience over many years for its full development. Empathy is considered a related concept, meaning the recognition and understanding of the states of mind of others, including their beliefs, desires and particularly emotions.

Are you the type of person who is willing to give 'the benefit of the doubt' when your heart is at ...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

No way!

What's your favorite thing about the winter season?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

The Christmas season, which barely squeaks into winter. Because: Aldi sells German cookies called Lebkuchen, usually made this time of year and I can get fruitcake at another store, also seasonal. There aren't many bugs outside, but there aren't as many birds either. The air is crisper and not so weighted. I love being outside.

Does your significant other share your belief?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

She would if I had one.

One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books - the Bible and Darwin's ...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Smart orangutan.

Saw this on Facebook. I found it hilarious!

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

That is so true it is scary.

Safe Spaces

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I've never heard the words 'safe space' to mean anything other than a real 'space'. Everyone else seems to have varying opinions as to what it means. The term 'safe space' has obviously evolved. A safe space for me is alone on a tall mountain looking over the landscape and being amazed. No ones talking.

Any Agnostic artists? What is your subject matter and preferred media?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I'm an atheist artist, but I guess it's ok to respond. I'm a 3D artist dabbling with 4D. I've recently begun a new phase, I've decided to limit my materials. I juxtapose renewables with nonrecyclables. The piece I'm currently working on makes use of Okra fiber in paper castings (renewable) and molded plastics from candy bags, etc.(nonrecyclable). I like to play with the evolution of humanity from renewables to nonrecyclables.

How did you come up with your profile name?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

This is my story and I'm sticking to it. I happily started out as Edward59. I responded to posts etc., learned the site. One response I made was leaning slightly toward the sarcastic. Those that know me know it's a rare occurrence, but it has been known to happen. I was responding to one of @VictoriaNotes, then VictoriaNeuroNotes, responses. I mentioned to her that her name was too long. It was meant as a joke. The next day, maybe even the same day, she changed it. In my far-reaching wisdom and sarcasm, I changed my name to EdwTheNotSoCool. I believe I used up every space available. After a few days, I wrote Admin telling them the background story and begging them to let me change it again. They gladly offered me a second wish (I could hear them laughing in the background). By this time, @silvereyes and I were collaborating on a word nursery, nogginthumpt is our first child (just an interesting side note). 'silvereyes' and I worked on-and-off on a profile name for me for about a week. I eventually came up with Astral and soon afterward she came up with Smoke. So thanks, VictoriaNotes and silvereyes.

Facade?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Everyone wears a facade on this site. In some ways, the faceless are more honest than those of us with wobbly houses.

T-Rex snowball fight

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

That's great. There's a whole series of 'em!

Its cool outside and a drizzle.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Yep, thanks. Cooler here as well. Not raining though. Tonight we'll get our first freeze. Yea. There's been a yellowjackets nest that's been hindering my transplant schedule. Not after tonight.

Do you put lime in your coconut...lol

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Mine is probably a White Russian. Kool-aid has always been one of my favorites though.

Should football be banned in U.S. High schools?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

It's true that there is no safe sport. Even chess has its casualties. But there are alternatives. Each school should have an elite jellybean team. They could play on a shortened football field, dressed in inflatable suits, all with varying colors to make it impossible to detect who was on their team.

Check this out! [news.nationalgeographic.com]

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Even the smallest tits of information require some research on my part. Guess that means I'm learning. This is really amazing, but I had to find out how it got fossilized in amber. Found an answer that curred my question mark: Amber is formed as a result of the fossilization of resin that takes millions of years and involves a progressive oxidation and polymerization of the original organic compounds, oxygenated hydrocarbons.

Mitochondria/Chloroplast Evolution Model (Non-Endosymbiosis)

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Wow, flying way over my head. Give me a couple of years and I'll get back to you, ok?

Theory of relativity?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

The Theory of Relativity must be way over my head. I understand bits and pieces but I'm not sure how relevant to relative it is.

When Scientists write Chrimas Carols.....

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

That's gravy. Love it.

What is your story "best time of my life"?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

One of my recent best times happened last year. I went to visit some friends in Germany. I met up with a past colleague of mine. We sat in a beergarden, talked, laughed, and generally just had a great time. I got fairly drunk (love German dark wheat beer). It wasn't noticeable until I stood up. I weaved my way through all the moving and swaying buildings until I reached the train station. A good memory.

Are the best things in our life the easiest to destroy?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

The question came from a song on the radio. Sorry I didn't write down which song or artist. It's one of the perks of being an artist, steal or borrow. The best things in our life can easily be taken for granted: friendships, family, the location where we live, all types of things. And we might have insurance to cover the 'things', but a replacement is never the same. And it's difficult to continually 'look after' our friendships. It takes a least two willful participants. I'm not sure if these things are the easiest to destroy, but they are the most important things to us, so if they are destroyed, It really hurts.

What is friendship?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Friendships are one of those things that's very difficult to put my finger on. I have some friends (probably surprises some of you), but not that many that I would call true friends. I have a couple of friends in Germany, one in Portugal, one almost two here in Chattanooga, and one in Ohio. We share a common 'chemistry'. And it doesn't seem to matter how long it has been since we last contacted each other. We simply resume where we last ended.

Good night, fellow ladies and gentlemen. Has been delightful. To tomorrow!

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Well, it's morning here. Not sure where you are. Is today tomorrow already?

We meet in real life. How do you greet me?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I really thought this was a post about how we would greet each other the first time we met. A little disappointed, but I'm in the stream now so will go with the flow. First time meeting: Probably a handshake unless they're giving off some highly receptive signals. With that said, I've had a few uncomfortable exchanges were the other person felt the need for a hug. (:S)

Time's Person of the Year 2017: The Choice

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I believe the 21st C will become known as the woman's century. Hope so anyway.

What makes you leery about someone?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Being human

Why is it you seldom hear about women sexually assaulting men?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Because it doesn't happen as often.

Corporal Punishment

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

My dad had what he called a "board of education". It had been cracked and glued multiple times from use on my older brothers. A lesson not lost on me. I remember getting spanked once. No, I don't hit my kids. Sometimes I want to. I send them to time-out a minute for every year. They are 10 now and outgrowing the time-out chair. I've started implementing grounding. I have to be more directed in the grounding. My daughter can't do 'social' things and my son loses computer and phone privileges.

Let me add one admonition to all of us (which I did follow and served me well) about relationships:...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

But I'm attracted to crazy.

Never heard of Angel pop... lol. Saw this, made me :)

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

That's very clever. Could use some Jolly Ranchers for shepherds.

Some words of advice from an old man to young, single men: 1.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Those four rules apply well for dealing with people.

So, are we becoming a nation of "snowflakes"?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Snowflakes? ... No. Rocks? ... Yes.

What is the most astounding fact?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Gravity

How much control do you have in your life?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I'm guessing around 5%, but that might be kind of high. I can make decisions based on possibilities that are present. My efforts compared to all other efforts <. (:S)

Do you ever feel lucky or unlucky?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Back to the origins of religions.

Admin has asked me... about new ads for Agnostic.com

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Where people can meet real people The AA for the mind Take a walk on the brightside Forward through the fog with a flashlight Like the seven dwarfs, always into something

Philosophy or Science or Both

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

None of the above. It took years of soul-searching. One day, I finally came to the conclusion that there was no higher being and then it took me several years after that to straighten it all out in my head.

Happy Krampusnacht!

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Oh, that's scarily good. Have to show kids!

Is there such a thing as animal ESP?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

This is your psyche talking to you. It's saying "Be observant".

Do you think the people in this society are slaves to materialism, desiring and possessing more than...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I don't think 'slaves' is the correct answer. I'm not sure what it should be though. Inertia perhaps. It's as if we climbed on a rat's wheel while it wasn't moving. We started slowly and little by little got faster and faster. We're running now and can't stop. There's going to be a lot of pain.

What's fixing to happen next my friend's?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 6, 2017:

His stupidity concerning the world population, his complete lack of world diplomacy, and the loudspeaker which he commandeers, all the while one hand plays pocket pool and the other pretends a left-handed sandbox fight.

Do you believe in love.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Wow, everyone seems smarter than I in this. It's like biological warfare.

What's most important to you?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

My kids, my mom, art, the garden, cycling, traveling, meeting people

Money aside: Would you allow yourself to be cryogenically frozen?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

If money were no option and I'm dying anyway, why not. I saw a show with this theme and they were only keeping the heads. Reminds me of a joke. I was walking in the forest one day and stumbled across a pretty nice looking glass vase, except it had a stopper in it. I was pretty curious and began shaking it, dusted it off a bit, and tried to get the stopper out. It came off eventually with a big bunch of a dust cloud. I was trying to clear my eyes when I heard somebody say, "You have three wishes." I was thinking, well ok, I'd like to have a bunch of money to help all these homeless and needy people. So, I asked him (I think it was a him) to give me a bunch of money. He (It's easier to write than s/he) said a bunch of words, waved his arms, pulled on an earlobe and stuck a finger in his nose. Puff! All of the sudden I didn't have any arms or legs and I was getting dirt in my mouth. I was pretty nervous and told him to quickly put my arms and legs back. He was a bit frazzled as well and started waving his arms, pulling his earlobe and sticking a finger in his nose. And ... puff! I looked down and not only were my legs and arms gone but my whole body. Dirt does not taste good! I immediately started yelling at him to give me back my body, arms, and legs. He started dancing around, waving his arms even more frantically than before, pulling on both earlobes and sticking a finger up his nose. And, puff. A raisin lay on the ground. Moral of the story: Stop while you're still a head.

Is it a good idea to get romantically involved with a good friend?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Well, I've never gotten romantically involved with a friend. It might or might not work out. Care to provide a bit more info? My strategy now is to first find a friend and then develop that friendship into something even more special than friends.

Have you ever dated at different times 2 people in the same family?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I'm not sure?

Finally.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Southeast TN. It's finally going to get below freezing in the evenings. No more yellowjackets and a great time to transplant some lilacs.

Advice for (potential) new atheists?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Observe a week of silence (take a pencil and pad if you need to go to a store). Ask God to give you an answer about one of your most important questions.

Narcissism scale

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I'm special and so is everyone else on a personal level. When we start forming groups and saying 'we are special' is when it's not so special.

In your experience, do opposites attract?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Opposites definitely attract in my life. Like 'they' say, "Been there done that." Attract and eventually lose mass enough to escape orbit. Likeness might work. Bucket List.

For those who cook even a little what is your favorite thing to cook.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Grits, eggs, bacon, and toast. That's what I grew up eating and still like it. The most difficult part is the toast.

Anybody here like to take pictures?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Yes. I enjoy photography for documenting things mostly. I'm no professional photographer. I also like videography.

What would you say is your best quality?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Sarcasm. A learned quality.

I quickly reached level 3. I want to be a level 10, Agnostic Blackbelt who can kick ass.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Go for it. take notes from @silvereyes.

Does anyone here hate noise pollution?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Nose pollution is exactly that, pollution. Our lives are so filled with it most people don't even notice.

What is the worst movie you've seen?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

"Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" A classic C film.

THE MEANING OF LIFE - by DON HERTZFELDT

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I'm not familiar with him. But now I am. Thanks.

If reincarnation turned out to be true, what would you like to be reborn as?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I didn't realize you had a choice. I guess you're just being sarcastic. Do I have to be reborn? a mosquito

Old question. What's your favorite classic song?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

3 Dog Night "One" (1969). My older sister had this on 8-track. We danced around the dining room. It's just one of my favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNjEPHvDxZQ Wanted to add: Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit and Somebody To Love, American Bandstand, 1967 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKtJ0XTwgTE No wonder I'm screwed up.

About dreams Throughout history various people have been guided by dreams and visions.

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I guess a lot of people are curious about dreams. For me, they're a way for my brain to entertain itself while cleaning up. Whistling while vacuuming! I love dreams and dreaming. Smoking pot has a negative effect on my dreaming, but I do it anyway.

The Holiday Name Generator from Exploding Kittens

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Snowstorm Meatpole That's flattering, right?

I am sorry to announce that the 8:00 meeting of "Apathy Anonymous" has been cancelled on account of ...

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I don't care.

Do you like to dance?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I used to dance a lot. Not so much anymore. But I miss it. As far as a partner that likes dancing, ... I like watching.

BBC The Atheism Tapes - Colin McGinn - 1 of 6 - YouTubet

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Thanks. This is a great series.

Do you think dreams have any real meaning?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Sure, I think dreams have meanings. What are they? Not sure. My dad loved dreams and loved interpreting them. Once, when I went to visit a school, he asked me what I thought when I got back home. Instead of just asking how it was, he asked me to describe what sculpture I would build there. That's sort of the way dreams work.

What is a nickname that your friends and/or family call you or have called you in the past?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Edderd That's the only nickname I've had. People have called me some bad things, but they've all washed off like mud.

Anyone here live an agrarian existence?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Like @wordywalt I grew up in the country. Farmers all around. I'm working slowly on turning my yard into a permaculture of sorts. I've also looked at communities that offer this type of living. I think it's a means of surviving a bit healthier than the 'normal' alternative.

Should gambling be legal in the U.S.?

AstralSmoke comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I'm the one other. I kind of like it the way it is, where you have to go somewhere specific to gamble in person or do it on your smartphone digitally. You can gamble anywhere you can get reception, I think.