Heath Ledger’s The Joker left an impression that echoes to this day | Metro News

Benthoven comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I actually think it was The Joke that killed him. He was a method actor, and when he went into the character for the Joker, he lost himself. He went into a very dark place, and inadvertently ended his own life.

Some say that the earth(modern civilization as we know it) has lived and died before.

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

If that were true, we'd have some evidence of it. As it is, we don't. I'm inclined to follow the null hypothesis until there's some evidence that suggests it's worth considering.

Alaska earthquake today: Tsunami warning issued after 8.

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Many years ago I was speaking at a conference in Ocean Shores Washington, when they had that huge earthquake in Peru. We were warned that at some point in the next half hour we may be asked to leave and head for higher ground. That was half way through my talk. Needless to say, the talk went on as scheduled.

BEING COMPLETELY HONEST! Do you sometimes accidentally say "Thank God" out of Habit from your ...

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I say thank god all the time. God damn; oh god; god stop biting me; oh.dear.god what have you done; god squad; godda go; godda make a move to a town that's right for me; if god had a name, what would it be and would we say it to his face;

Am I too young for this site?

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I'm glad you're here. Everybody has something to contribute, and I look forward to seeing yours. I think @Pooska made the most cogent statement, though: "As long as you're not eating Tide Pods." By the way, do they come in diet? I always wanted to try one, but you know what they say, "once through the lips forever on the hips."

Religious people attracted to agnostics/atheists? Why?

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Like moths to light.

Are Immigrants Ruining America?

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Looks like they're making it better. Except for the original immigrants (us).

When Silence is not Golden.

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Makes you wonder if they really understand what "supporting the troops" really means.

What is yourt favorite book?

Benthoven comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Dracula. The first time I read it was in high school. I still love the story.

Was I wrong to laugh in her face?

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I've said it a million times. Reasoning with these people won't work. Laughing at them (gently) does. Once they realize we're not going to be baited, they tend to stop trying.

Did your parent(s) ever talk to you about 'da birds & da bees'?

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Actually my mom was a geologist, so she was way more interested in rocks.

I went to a funeral where the pastor actually warned us against "sowing Wild Oats and hoping for a ...

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Why would I hope for crop failure? I love my wild-oatmeal with a touch of crushed wild oats.

Online dating just doesn't provide my usual dosage of rejection.

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I'm single by choice... Not MY choice, but choice nonetheless. The fact that I'm not in a relationship isn't for lack of trying, it's for lack of succeeding.

Emotional eating. Do you do it? What's the go to comfort food?

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Friend: That's a lot of ice cream. Ben: I'm eating my feelings. Friend: Oh? What are your feelings? Ben: It says right there on the tub: Chunky Monkey.

Hi everyone.

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I tried being spiritual once. But I was ostracized when it was discovered that I ate meat... and drank pasteurized milk, and cooked my vegetables.

To sleep together or to not sleep together?

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Hey, if they're up for it, I'm up for it.

If this was your one day to live, how would you spend it ?

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Eating Pizza, drinking martinis, and trashing everyone I hate on Facebook.

Do you like comedy? If so what style? Who is/are your favorite performers?

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I love comedy in the form of music. A good song makes me giggle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

When you say "I love you", what does that mean? I am not referring to romantic love.

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I know the people I'm going to buy guns for now.

I need this door mat.

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

But is it the good stuff?

The connection between father and daughter.

Benthoven comments on Jan 25, 2018:

To be honest, I'd love to have had a dad like that myself.

What would be your dream vacation? A place on bucket list that you dream of someday visiting?

Benthoven comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I've always wanted to go to Australia. It's such a unique place on the planet.

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

Benthoven comments on Jan 26, 2018:

A sensitive male!

I grew up eating red meat.

Benthoven comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Actually, several of the skeptical Websites I visit have debunked this movie, including Brian Dunning of Skeptoid. https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/7/25/16018658/what-the-health-documentary-review-vegan-diet The bottom line is we're omnivores. We have been for our entire time as a species. People can choose to be vegetarian or vegan, especially in our modern day of vitamins and supplements, but it's best to do so based on sound science, not conspiracy theory. The idea of being "progressive" is to make sure that our science is sound. When it's not, we need to challenge that.

I used to give my spare change to the homeless who walked up to me and asked me for a dollar because...

Benthoven comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I have no problem giving spare change to someone even if they're just going to use it for drugs or alcohol. It all depends on how I feel when I approach them. If they're scary or obnoxious or demanding, I'm less inclined to help. When in the midst of a profound struggle such as poverty and homelessness (many of them vets) because of the physical and mental issues that seemed to take over, the fact that they're going to want to hide away from it makes sense. And if they can get the money without having to fob or mug... that's better for everyone. Often as I pass them on the street, I will wonder, "What's their story? What would I think if I were watching a movie starring them?" Ultimately I can never know, but I've got plenty of drama in my own life to draw on to give me an idea of what could have led them there.

If you could get rid of any emotion, which one would it be?

Benthoven comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I'm not sure that would be a good idea. All emotions are meant to give us feedback. I feel fear, that means there may an imminent threat to my survival or well being. I feel anger and know that my boundaries have been crossed. I feel shame (a supposed negative emotion) I know that I have violated my own values. I fee frustrated, I think that something "can happen," but it isn't happening fast enough or the way I wanted it to happen. When I feel hopelessness (for example, the death of a loved one), that emotion tells me that it's time to move on. It's not coming back. What I would do instead is try to get better acquainted with my emotions, and learn how to use them rather than let them use me.

How Many Citizens Do You Have On Block?

Benthoven comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Alas, I've gotten kind of used to being banned as I've been banned from lots of places: movie theaters, churches, Penn Station ... Pittsburgh! ;)

I recently had a very in depth convo with a friend that has been my friend for over thirty years.

Benthoven comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I think that no matter how progressive we think we are, we do have challenges with biases. It's part of being human. What I like most is that your friend felt safe enough to pick up the phone and talk to you about it.

What are your top ten (or top three, or five, or whatever) favorite Netflix shows?

Benthoven comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I don't know if these are Netflix or not, but I'm currently enjoying Riverdale. I used to read Archie comics growing up, and loved them. This is not that Archie. It's darker, a bit more twisted, but I'm enjoying it. Learning that Archie was sleeping with Mrs. Grundy was really weird, but they made it work. Seeing Jughead as kind a of morose gangster is not where I would expect that character to go either (and knowing that he's play by the same kid who played Ben in Friends is... well... oh god I'm old). Another show that I really enjoy is Mom, starring Allison Janney and Anna Farris. Who knew recovery could be so much fun. And the Goldbergs. Family dysfunction that looks like so much fun from the outside.

Who's your Hollywood Icon or pin up?

Benthoven comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Brad Pitt has been my pinup (though I don't have posters or pictures) since I was introduced to him in the movie Thelma and Louise.

Who else (I hope there is someone) is finding that as they get older they are more likely to cry at ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I'm noticing that weird things can set me off, but they usually have to do with people discovering how to better care for each other.

Thoughts about synchronicity anyone?

Benthoven comments on Feb 1, 2018:

In the world, a lot of stuff is happening at the same time. Our brains are ignoring about ninety percent of that. Sometimes, our brain pays attention to more information, and we start to see things happening in tandem with other things... Still, it's 'mysterious' the way our brains suddenly open up to more information that they would otherwise filter out. So I say, 'take it, and use it,' and have fun with it.

What wildlife do you commonly see where you live?

Benthoven comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Deer mostly, lots of squirrels, crows, and the occasional bear.

What is your good news and bad news?

Benthoven comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The good news, there is no bad news. The bad news, there is no good news.

figured you guys might like this :) steal away :P I sure did lmao

Benthoven comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Or HAVE been read. I find that the most convincing argument against God is the bible itself.

So I was woken up today to someone pounding on the front door and the dogs barking.

Benthoven comments on Feb 3, 2018:

And they always accuse the rest of us of having an agenda.

ahem

Benthoven comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I was at a party and met a physics teacher, and I told him that I had read A Brief History of Time. He asked me how I liked it. So I told him I read it again. "Annnnndddd...?" And then i told him I read it a third time. "So what did you think?" he asked again. "I don't know, I didn't understand it. But I liked it. He told me that's how he knew I wasn't bullshitting him.

So I was woken up today to someone pounding on the front door and the dogs barking.

Benthoven comments on Feb 5, 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaZbWm0lYjI

I need this door mat.

Benthoven comments on Feb 5, 2018:

You especially don't want him stalking you on Facebook! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuEvxzoGn3I

I post some of the most sideways views at times and y'all still like them.

Benthoven comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Thank God I'm single. ;)

Laughter might not actually be the best medicine but, at least it doesn't have a co-pay.

Benthoven comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Friend: Ben, your face is incredibly wrinkled. Ben: They're laugh lines. Future EX Friend: Nothing's that funny.

A pastor told me today that he is sorry that I have not felt the love of god.

Benthoven comments on Feb 5, 2018:

At that point I might ask, "It sounds to me like you haven't either. Love doesn't come with condescension, so I'm guessing you're still trying to earn daddy's love."

PH Mythology: Separating pHacts from pHiction

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

The story I hear is that it's inflammation that causes the most problems. But now I hear that it's "more complicated than that." https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/inflammation-both-friend-and-foe/

Ever wake up in such a horrible mood (for no reason) that you walk around cussing and grumbling all ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

And the coffee didn't help? ;) That sometimes happens to me too. Sometimes it's because of a dream I had which puts in me a foul mood, or sometimes it's the way I slept, it could be my medications, they can mess with my head a bit as well. And people wonder why I put Vodka in my cereal.

Ever notice how you can want or need something in a very big way, and still forget about it?

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Or worse, have several different cups of coffee all over the house because you keep forgetting you poured one already.

When someone says, "Bless you," what is a witty retort?

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Thank you?

What in life do you not trust?

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Does Vodka count?

In the phrase " If you don't believe in something you'll fall for anything" mean anything in ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Beliefs are created in the absence of data. Once we have enough data about a particular issue, we no longer need to believe in that. I don't have to believe that water boils at 212 F, it simply will. As skeptics, we take the null position until there's enough evidence either way... even if it's something we want to be true (which is why we choose to believe in the first place). I think it's those who are willing to believe that are more likely to fall for anything. All you've got to do is appeal to their emotions.

If you met god after you died, what would you tell him?

Benthoven comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Have you ever watched the series Supernatural? I've been binge-watching. In season 11 they talk at length about God and his cowardice for running away. And then in the last few episodes of the season, here comes God... as a writer... It's really quite clever. And yes, they get to tell him all the stuff we wish we could tell him.

Can a moderate have a place in this agnostic site?

Benthoven comments on Feb 10, 2018:

That's what I love about being agnostic... it's a big tent with lots of options. That being said, I personally draw the line with Deepak Chopra. ;)

Most common atheist stereotypes or misconceptions you've encountered?

Benthoven comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Although I think the education will have an affect on how a person will relate to the current and popular mythology. When you don't understand how science works, comments like "believing in evolution is like believing a tornado came and built a jet airplane." If you don't understand how medicine works it's easier to convince someone to pay a shaman for a cure for your cancer, or eat only red peppers, or go on a colon cleanse. Although there's another element that I see that transcends education: and that is "wisdom." I don't quite know how to define it, but there are those who have a certain emotional intelligence in that they are able to think deeply about stuff, to be introspective, to ask questions from life. Those people tend to be more "expressive" in how they view the current mythology of our day. So they can believe, or not believe, or live somewhere in the middle. I also think that they can be much more open to other opinions.

What are you here for?

Benthoven comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I was told that after I hit the highest level, I would be promoted to Admiral and be Lord Vadar's personal attache.

Night owl, or early bird?

Benthoven comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I can never decide. Sometimes I'm super creative at night, but other times I'm super creative in the morning. I think a lot of it has to do with my work schedule. When I'm working, I like to go in super early. But when my schedule is open, then I prefer late at night. But I have never liked staying up all night, because then I feel as if I'm sleeping the whole day away, and I don't like that either.

Do you have any beliefs that aren't supported by evidence?

Benthoven comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I tend to ask for evidence when people say things to me that sound "untrue," but I have a ton of beliefs that I'm not even aware of, so it's possible that they're back there. Unfortunately, I don't find out about them until someone says something that's opposite that belief, then I get my hackles up, and that's how I know I have a belief... because it's just been challenged. But I've said often that "beliefs only happen in the absence of data," and therefore any belief would, by definition, be unsupported by evidence. Once evidence is present, there's no need to believe anymore. Still, I have lots of beliefs that I allow to hang out because they're useful. For instance: I "know" that ghosts and demons and other mythical creatures don't exist, but as a writer, and one who writes about ghosts and vampires and demons, I allow myself to think about them 'logically' as if I did believe in them. I know magic isn't real, but I'll watch Harry Potter over and over and over again. I understand mythology is simply a series of stories we tell ourselves about the world around us, but I still love the Lord of the Rings trilogy. So much that I've read the book a hundred times, and spent the extra pennies on the special version of the movies that added in all the extra scenes. I'm pretty sure that nothing happens after we die, but I still play with what it would be like to come back as a ghost, or to have to find my way to the gods the way the Egyptians did, or what Heaven might look like if it were real. For me, it's about the story. While these things can't happen in real life, they can in our minds, and that fascinates me. In my mind I can come back from the dead, levitate the TV remote to me when I forget to bring it with me, or point my finger and make something appear from thin air. These things happen in my head while I read or tell the story. So I play with them.

Emotional Armor

Benthoven comments on Feb 14, 2018:

That love is not the be-all end-all that everybody says it is, and that it doesn't always win in the end.

Favorite Anything?

Benthoven comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I love music, especially music with a really strong back-beat.

Do you have a favorite outspoken atheist?

Benthoven comments on Feb 14, 2018:

No atheists come to mind, but I live Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Can an atheist be happy for the future

Benthoven comments on Feb 15, 2018:

I think atheists tend to be more depressed. Reality doesn't offer the same happy endings that fairy tales do, and that can sometimes be a real challenge to get hold of. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/atheism-has-a-suicide-problem_us_5a2a902ee4b022ec613b812b

People that don't believe in God... why do some of them believe in ghosts or supernatural?

Benthoven comments on Feb 15, 2018:

People believe in all kinds of crazy things. Why do supposedly scientific people fall for pseudo science? Why do well read people fall for conspiracy theories? It's biological... our minds want to believe. They were designed to believe. We've only barely entered that part of our history where we can even understand the difference between reality and make believe. Our minds must make a fairly significant shift in the coming years to move beyond what they've been doing since we stood upright.

Share one song that you cannot help but sing along with when it comes on the radio.

Benthoven comments on Feb 15, 2018:

This song right here: Every time I hear it, I have to sing, dance, and shake a tail feather. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdbrIrFxas0

I'll probably post a lot in this category because I'm silly, random and fun.

Benthoven comments on Feb 17, 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ORHKxaXmA

How do you feel about profanity in music?

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I don't mind a little "Baby got back," or "Shake that ass for me..." One of my favorite songs is Bad Touch by the Bloodhound Gang, which is about as profane as it gets.But the rest of their songs seem to be profanity for profanity sake.

Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I think that's why they embrace religion in the first place... Religion offers an alternative to death. There's a heaven, a hell, or reincarnation. Which, believe it or not, is far less troubling to most people than to simply "stop existing." I think that frightens them over everything else.

Why isn't it socially acceptable on the first date to just hand each other questionnaires you've ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I've always said that the first date is really just a job interview.

What are some of your favorite films?

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Princess Bride; Life of Brian; Johnny Dangerously; Prince Caspian.

If you had to get a song lyric tattooed on your body, what would you choose?

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I see a little silhouetto of a man Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?

Is there a reason we should speak respectfully of the dead?

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I've never understood that thinking either. There are people who walked the earth and did so much damage that the earth is actually a better place now that they're gone. There's also the idea of speaking honestly about someone as opposed to whitewashing their lives. Saying that Roger Ailes sold his soul for money and destroyed journalism, not to mention created a cadre of scared conspiracy theorists is not speaking ill of the dead. It's simply telling the truth. And as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing wrong with telling the truth.

Who gave you the 'birds and bees' lecture

Benthoven comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Believe it or not, I learned from magazines. I managed to get my hands on Playboy and Penthouse in Jr high and high school, and that taught me how men and women go at it. As a gay man, I had to guess about that stuff, but I was able to put a brief snapshot together.

I'm an open book so ask me anything.

Benthoven comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Which is quicker, to Brooklyn or by bus?

What is your favorite genre of music?

Benthoven comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I grew up on Metal, AC/DC, Van Halen, Nazareth... But I like most styles of music... except for Country. I love a good dance song, a nice remix and a song that makes it hard to stay in your chair.

For decades scientists thought that galaxies were randomly scattered across the cosmos but now ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 22, 2018:

So size "doesn't" matter? Or is SIZE matter? ;)

Is it hard to find your place when you aren't into the heavy drinking party scene anymore and ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Pretty much. But even going out to bars got exhausting. So much drama. The one nice thing about "church" was that it was a lot easier to meet people. Even on MeetUp these days it's hard to find ways to connect.

When you were young, what type of fort did you build?

Benthoven comments on Feb 22, 2018:

My dad was a skydiver, and when parachutes were too old to use, he gave them to me. I used them as forts in trees. I created weird little alien hatches where I could "incubate" away from earth's deadly atmosphere and then return to pretend I was human.

What's the best job you ever had?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Babysitting my little nephews.

How are you all spending your Saturday?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Binging Supernatural.

How many times have you moved in your life so far?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Well, there are the big moves: Kalispel, Montana to Riverton, Wyoming, then back to Billings, Montana. Then to Seattle, Washington and from Seattle To New York. Those are the big moves. Inside each of those areas I've moved at least five or six times. I'm going to guess I've probably moved over thirty times in my life so far.

Living on a sphere thats spinning in space, I don't think so

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Is this a joke?

Do you have porn saved on your computer?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

There are two types of men on the planet. Those who watch porn... and those who deny they watch porn. But I like to hang onto the work of some of my favorite actors and directors. I even have the direcotr's cut...

VERY FIRST ALBUM/45 Don't think I've scene this post before but what was the very first album/45 ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

My first album was Blondie, Parallel Lines. I played the crap out of that. I also used to have a stack of 45s as tall as I was.

What's your favorite pizza?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Deep dish pepperoni and cheese, with extra cheese and pepperoni.

What would make you believe in a God?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Well, a conversation would certainly help. But it's got to be at least a half hour...

What's your opinion on psychology and therapy in that feild?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Like so many other fields, it's been infiltrated by the alternative medicine group, but I think the science behind it is pretty solid. I like to read a lot of books on the brain and how it works, and a good psychologist can help us figure out how much of our problems are biological, and how much are psychological. They can help us see into our blind spots and find our hidden resources (as well as the many traps). The brain is amazing, and having someone who knows the way around the attic can help significantly.

"How can you be a moral person and be an atheist?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Whenever Christians start asking me how I can be "moral" without "God," I ask them, "Why do you have to outsource your morality to someone else? What prevents you, as a human being from being moral?" I will never sell my soul, and I will never outsource my morality. This way I get to be the man I really want to be (or closer to it than if I sold my soul), and I can maintain my integrity.

To dispute or not to dispute?

Benthoven comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I think the only time we really need to challenge someone's beliefs is if they are causing pain... to others, or themselves. Or, if we're invited, through discussion, to do so. Even then, beliefs come with some pretty impenetrable defenses. Getting through those defenses, even for those who understand beliefs, is hard. I think it would be okay to focus on being closer. Talk about what inspires you, what you have in common, and debate other issues if they come up so long as it doesn't get divisive. He might even enjoy hearing how you cope with the issues that he finds important, but because they happened through a genuine conversation, the beliefs didn't need to throw up a defense. If he dies believing in God, but ends up just being dead... I don't think it's going to matter to him (or you).

What do you think?

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

Not sure I agree. I think there are many reasons people are single. But if someone has become independent and at home with themselves, it makes them easier to love, not harder.

What's your hidden talent?

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I can rhyme with peanut... I mean it!

People Are Sending Checks Worth “Thoughts and Prayers” to NRA-Backed Republicans – Friendly ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

It's brilliant. I hope it helps.

Im drunk and I lost my job Friday. Good thing I have 3 interviews this week.

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I used to show up for work so loaded they made me take the freight elevator. When the last company tried to fire me, I sent a letter explaining that I wasn't looking for work termination at this point, but would be happy to consider them for a later date.

What goes through your head when you see someone wearing a cross necklace?

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

For the most part, nothing.

Toilet seat etiquette.

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I say, "whoever puts the roll on, gets to choose the direction." And I keep hearing about how independent women are, so surely they can check to see that the seat is down. Of if worse comes to worse, put everything down, that way everybody has to do some work before they go.

Need help defending my lack of faith in Christianity

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I don't think you need to defend your lack of belief. I have said often, the fact that you have to "believe" something means you don't have the evidence to back it up." once there is evidence, belief is no longer necessary. Beliefs are like apps. I've simply chosen not to install this particular app since it doesn't seem to help much with the rest of the system.

Can a "normal" upper middle class blue/white collar person truly love a mentally ill disabled ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I don't think it's a question of whether or not they can love that person. I think the question is, can they tolerate, or endure the many challenges that go with that. I don't think "love" means that you can necessarily handle everything that comes your way. I can certainly love someone, and want what's best for them, but it's safe to assume that "I" may not be what's best for them, simply because I'm not able to deal with certain challenges they present. If you try doing a thought experiment, thinking ahead to all of the many challenges that are ahead, how do you think you react to them? Do they seem workable?

How has the influence of your immediate family and that of your extended family influenced the ...

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

We're very much shaped by the people around us, from infancy to death.

Anything people would like to know about me? Looking to be a more active member????

Benthoven comments on Feb 27, 2018:

Is there a particular reason I SHOULD know more about you?

Has anyone read the, "Left Behind" books?

Benthoven comments on Mar 1, 2018:

I've never read the books. I saw the first movie. Not much to say about it. The logistcis of the whole story are so ill-conecieved that I had to wonder if anyone on the cast or crew ever gave a thought to the actual physics of it... my bad... of course they didn't.

Working on my sanity

Benthoven comments on Mar 1, 2018:

I was working on my sanity for a while. I built a floorplan, hired a contractor, and got all the permits... but once it was done I realized I didn't need it anymore, so I decided to just go ahead and save it for later... in case I need it then.

Kindle worth getting?

Benthoven comments on Mar 1, 2018:

You technically don't need the Kidnle. Kindle has an app that you can run on your PC, your tablet, or your phone. Just get the Kindle app, set up an account, and you can still get the free books.

As of now I'm Agnostic. Wondering if I should fully convert to Atheism. Thoughts?

Benthoven comments on Mar 1, 2018:

Convert? How does one go about converting to atheism? Are there rituals? Does it involve eating a baby bbq or danicng naked in a science lab? ;) Actually, I'm agnostic for a lot of reasons, and very happy to be so. I have atheist friends and get along great with them, but I'm me, and they're them... I would say, "Go where your heart leads you," but instead I'll say, go where you're most comfortable.

I cried because I had no shoes.

Benthoven comments on Mar 1, 2018:

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Either way, nobody's thinking about the poor fish.

Gravestones and Epitaphs

Benthoven comments on Mar 1, 2018:

My favorite: I told you I was sick.