If you could travel anywhere in the world right this second, where would you go?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 20, 2017:

Ireland, Scotland and again to Singapore.

What country or state were you born in?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 20, 2017:

Buenos Aires....that's in Argentina....and I am of French origin.

Do you use deity based profanity?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 21, 2017:

As in "I defecate on the virgen / god? "

What are the best things to do on Xmas eve and Xmas?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Well, I am planning to fix few things in my apartment.

Should religion be taught in schools?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 23, 2017:

NEEEEEEEEVER

What's your weather like right now?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 26, 2017:

24 F = -4.4466 C NY

What right does a religious person have to threaten a person that don’t believe how they do?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 26, 2017:

NONE...but they think they are the bearers of the truth....a concept induced by those who always knew how to manipulate the masses.

In your opinion, what habit is most annoying about other people?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 26, 2017:

those who are invasive piss the he...l out of me.

In your opinion, what habit is most annoying about other people?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 26, 2017:

People making fun of my accent.

In your opinion, what habit is most annoying about other people?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Making a Spanish or Italian word out of and English onE.

Parents! How do you deal with grandparents who try to influence your children with religion?

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Exactly as my mother did with an aunt -the only believer in the family. She was told to mind her own business or to get the he...l out of our lives. BTW, she was told "this sentence" the first time she attempted to convert us.

Opinions wanted: my now ex has suddenly converted to Christianity??

DUCHESSA comments on Dec 27, 2017:

He is either using religion as an excuse to break up the relationship...or he became mentally defective in 24 hrs. You are the winner here.

Does anybody have an opinion on why the Vatican...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 1, 2018:

...select as Pope a Cardenal from Latin America?

What would you do in the event of a zombie apocalypse?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I DEAL WITH ONE EACH TIME I GO TO THE COM. CENTER TO KNIT WITH THE OLD LADIES......LOL

Living single? Loneliness or freedom?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 1, 2018:

One doesn't have to impede the other.

Protecting young men from the evil of the world with blindfolds. Ridiculous.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The Hasidim Jews can use as many blindfolds as they wish...but the facts don't change. The Hasidim Jews are men and I have seen few (as in 10+) having fun in several Long Island (NY) Nudist, winter, resorts.

Do you volunteer in your community?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I used to be a Lion....but, then, I decided that my time would be better used by knitting for the local Veterans Hosp.

Hey ALL.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Well, I do share my way of thinking. Why not? The believers do it all the times; I don't see why me saying "I am an Atheist" could offend them.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 6, 2018:

To compare circumcision to mutilation of the clitoris is as s...d as s...d does.

First Israel deported a convert from Kenya.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The rumor is Jewish people reject black human beings.

Do you consider yourself an intellectual elite or just an intellectual?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Well, no all his followers are uneducated; my Master's degree proves you wrong..and while I always saw his shortcomings, I voted for him for very specific reasons.

Church weddings?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I do...out of love for my friends.

American Atheists National Convention - Easter Weekend - Anyone going?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

No. I missed the one in New Jersey years ago. I hope it will take place -sometimes- in New York.

I have noticed a significant positive correlation between the religious (beliefs not supported by ...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Religion USES fear to manipulate people. Now from there to get Trump supporters involved in this is an stretch. I voted for Trump for very specific reasons.....and no one has to do with religion. Remember, he will be President only once....and I hope it will be enough to accomplish what I and many others voted him to do.

Does anybody come into contact with people who actually believe that the world is around 6,000 years...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Indeed, specially old / uneducated people. I ignore them and I keep going.

Dating.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Not more than two to three years younger and 10 years older.

Are you one to attend wakes and/or funerals?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Wakes....if I can't avoid going.

New here.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Those school should be reported to the Board of Education. Religion is not allowed in public schools.

Has anyone seen the commercial for the Wonder Bible. An audio version of the bible for believers?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I did.... And I agree with you. Desperation is engulfing them.

Humanists Stop Bible Distribution in Elementary School - American Humanist Association

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I will taket few of those Bibles.... to get free toilet paper

So it turns out that Mexico isn't going to pay for the wall.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Did you ever thought Mexico would? Why is so difficult to read "in between the lines"? The whole idea was to put the fear of god in the minds of those who wanted to cross the border....and he succeeded. The number if illegals crossing into USA from Mexico has dropped about 56%. BTW, the wall was started during Reagan's time....and Mexico built one at its southern border (Guatemala) to reduce the influx of illegals.

There's a Meetup for un-believers on Houston's northside, Humanist Community of the Woodlands.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 9, 2018:

And not only Meetups....also there are many Atheists organizations: Texas ~Amarillo Freethought Oasis ~ Texas Panhandle ~Austin Atheist Community of Austin ~Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Atheists - Meetup ~Dallas Dallas Atheist Book Club Dallas-Plano Atheist Meetup Metroplex Atheists North Texas Church of Freethought ~El Paso West Texas Atheists on thinkatheist ~Houston Houston Atheists Houston Church of Freethought Houston Freethought Alliance Humanists of Houston ~San Antonio Atheist Families of San Antonio Freethinkers Association of Central Texas - F.A.C.T. San Antonio No-Non-Secs! - Secular Students and Young Professionals San Antonio Atheists (social group) San Antonio Skeptics Texas Hill Country Freethinkers

How long will abortion continue to be a major influence in politics?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 9, 2018:

It will survive because (as I was told by few politicians) if the issue becomes "obsolete" they will lose a big pillar of their campaigns

Which Religion Annoys You the Most?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 9, 2018:

All (no discrimination) The reason? Are all a lie.

Starting to register voters in my county. Something to make me feel I can make a small difference

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I want to do the same in my county but I don't know how to go about / start.

Men, what is up with the fascination of a younger woman ?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 10, 2018:

They think their bodies will "rejuvenate". LOL

Does religion interest you?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 10, 2018:

Yes...but only because its negative impact on mankind and the need to make people aware of the brainwashing.

Are ethnicity and culture inextricably linked?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 11, 2018:

And not all the people from a given ethnicity share the same culture.. Geography, outside local influence, personal situations, marriage....give to a given culture those "shades" that make those from the north to be different from the ones from the south of the same country.

Let's talk about how much we all hate Valentine's day! I know I'm not the only one!

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 11, 2018:

why do you hate VD?

Get your flu shot?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Never.

Which accent do you like the most/ find the most sexy, and which one grinds on your nerves?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 12, 2018:

My Spanish accent is annoying now....when I was young and pretty every guy said it was lovely. LOL

Where do you find community?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I find people at the Community Center ....where everybody is a believer but I don't care....at local conferences and events.

New to the group.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 13, 2018:

If your friends can't respect your new way in life....may be is time to make new friends.

Real beauty is not seen with the eyes.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Indeed....but the ugly girls are never asked out....and the not so good looking guys get rejected.

What irritating song do you hear in stores- that makes you want to leave?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 15, 2018:

Music never irritates me....but kids running amok do.

If you could live anywhere in the world except your homeland, where would that be?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Well, I chose USA to live in....My homeland is Argentina.

Shole... [youtube.com]

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Are you aware that many from Latin America use the same remarks to refer to the people from neighbor countries?

And how cold is it where you are?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 16, 2018:

29 F (NY) = -6.6 C Brrrrrrrrrrr

Pledge of Allegiance--- under god??

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 16, 2018:

I don't say "under god"....Not only god is a fairy tale but the two words were not in the original POA.

How do you make a living?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Retired college / HS prof.

My favorite vid from Bill Maher: [youtu.be]

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 18, 2018:

https://youtu.be/_25w9CE73ak

Do you think abused people should expose their abusers on social media?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Get the he...k out of the house...NOW. You don't know when he will snap all the way and kill you and the kids. Somebody said he doesn't need "ruination" but help. Well, my dear, let somebody else help him. You come first LEAVE NOW...!!!!!!!!!!

Where did Noah keep all the freshwater fish?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 21, 2018:

In his swimming pool...the want given to him by Joel the televangelist...LOL

What are the other atheist / agnostic groups and sites are you members of?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I was a member of two local groups; one not longer exist and the other has few members whom I don't respect....so, right now only Agnostics is my fun. I was planning to join AA but I don't like institutions that tell me how much I must pay.

What are the other atheist / agnostic groups and sites are you members of?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 21, 2018:

In FB I am part of two Atheists groups...one has members from different countries and the second only from Argentina.

Does ' pro-lifer' always identify a religious person?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I know it was cruel but the mother to be annoyed me to no end with her "My baby, my child....is a God's gift." I went to the Anatomy class in Dental school and I took a pic of the fetus we had in a jar....and showed it to her. She run screaming during 20 minutes.

Who do you think exemplifies hypocrisy more than anyone else in public life?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

All those trafficking in religion....starting by the Pope.

Are Immigrants Ruining America?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Only those ones who come here to do bad things.

Who likes their job or used to have a good one?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I loved mine....specially when debating with my students about all inds of issues.

DId u ever notIce that people who do not lIke anImals are generally dIslIked themselves?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

How do I put it? If a person doesn't like animals I don't like him / her.

Why isn't there...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Yes......

Are you Bilingual/Trilingual/Etc.?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I am not polyglot...yet ..only bilingual (Spanish and English). My command of the Italian and French is not fluent but I am planning to take classes to improve my knowledge of both languages.

DId u ever notIce that people who do not lIke anImals are generally dIslIked themselves?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 24, 2018:

https://www.facebook.com/catsloversz/videos/1658625624207409/

Loneliness and disconnection in the virtual age.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 24, 2018:

It was always difficult for me to make friends....in particular because my Atheism....but since the arrival of Internet and years later my retirement... it have been even more complicated. So, I force myself to do things that will take me away from the puter....like going to the comm. center to read and to knit with the old believers (lol) and to join a book club (local library). Next step will be re-taking the learning of languages.

What’s your take on kids not learning cursive any longer?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 24, 2018:

When a colleague defended print over cursive because it is simpler and easier to read, I told her that "simpler and easier" were two "stupidizers".... (from stupid) I use cursive.

Unpopular Opinion 2: Two extremes don’t make a right.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 25, 2018:

What the OP told us is very common in the field of education; dissatisfied students have accused their teachers of sexual harassment... and the saddest part is the lairs won't be penalized in a criminal court because they are minors.

Can you guys give me some feedback on athiest churches?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Here. Virginia Atheist Artists and Free Thinkers, Fairfax Charlottesville Skeptics Richmond Area Freethinkers Northern Virginia / Beltway Atheists Richmond Reason and Naturalism Association Meetup Shenandoah Valley Atheist and Secular Humanist, Cross Junction Tidewater Atheists Group Meetup Washington Area Secular Humanists, Northern Virgina Chapter

Anybody from lower Westchester county, NY who think starting an A/A group will be great?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Do you live in Yonkers, Scarsdale, Mt. Vernon...even The Bronx (NYC) and don't have an Atheist / Agnostic group near by and wishes to meet with like-minded people?

Frustrated

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Why should you be "less intolerant"? As long as you don't create a mess (I do) when they try to talk you into religion you should be as intolerant as you feel. You have exactly the same right to feel uncomfortable and frustrated as anybody else....and trust me, the believers are champions at feeling offended when things do not as they want.

Well, it finally happened.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I got the flu for the first time in 37 years. Yes, 37 years. The time before I was exactly 16 y/o.

Do most older men prefer a younger model?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Many do....until they realize that a younger girl won't provide them with "" that""" a declining level testosterone to away.

What color (colour) are you?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I like orange and turquoise...but never for winter clothes. I also love white, acqua and lilac ans salmon.

[digest.bps.org.uk]

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 27, 2018:

No person who believe in a guy with a towel around his hips....jumping from cloud to cloud...24 x 7.....is smart.

I am wondering, when you meet someone for the first time and they start talking about being saved up...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I simply walk away; I have zero tolerance for the ignorant of the world.

Assuming you are out of school, does continuing to learn matter to you?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Learning never stops....unless your brain only repeats what others tell you and you don't analyze the info. received. Attending conferences, taking those classes you never had the time for while working. Discussing and reasoning every bit of info, that falls on your hands. My students knew they have to come to class with answers that were discussed among themselves several times over.

This is how I answer to the what religion are you question.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I know I sound brutal but my answer to that question is "Religion is for ignorant people."

Is it wrong to challenge the beliefs of the elderly?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 28, 2018:

The truth is the truth....as much as it hurts.

How many of your friends know you are atheist or agnostic?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 28, 2018:

My friends, my students, my bosses, my neighbors....ALL.

Household Chores

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Many years ago I received a kick on my back (gym) and any chore that requires I bend forward (making the bed / sweeping the floor....) is still painful....so, I bought a robovac (I named Eloise) to sweep for me. I wish they invent one to make the bed.

What were you doing on 9/11?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I was teaching. We could see the gray smoke all the way from The Bronx.

A lot of angry and/or uneducated atheists around here...

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Somehow you sound like a believer who is not only angry but needs to let the world know you are.

New Tiny Implanted Pumps Can Inject Drugs Directly Into Brains | Inverse

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 29, 2018:

In Argentina (Posadas Hosp.) a group of neurosurgeons and professionals in related fields perform a localized minor intervention that in certain cases of Parkinson the patients recovers 100%. This procedure is not for all Parkinson patients.....A friend's mother's hands were "dancing non-stop"(as she described the condition). Today, after two years from the time of the treatment, her hands don't dance anymore.

I just became a level SIX! SIX! SIX! Super atheist.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Ice3-cream is on its way....

Do you find learning new things exhilarating or do you feel like learning is a tedious chore?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 31, 2018:

We learn, every day, whether we want or not....and from people of all races / ages / backgrounds....

I'm a good man...you're a good woman...what's the problem?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Fear? What do you do when you feel "that" person may be approaching you to make fun of you? This used to be my feeling when in my early 20s. )(no without reason). I never trusted the person was honestly attracted. When I met the guy who became my husband...it took about six months before I accepted to go out with him for the firdt time..

Is it "shallow" to care about looks when it comes to picking a partner?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Physical attraction is part of the package.... now, if you only date "looks" ....then, indeed, is shallow.

I need some intelligent advice and kind words.

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 31, 2018:

She is a bully and a toxic person. Stay out of her way and find another job as soon as possible...or go above her and report her to her superior. I am sure there are others in your job that will do as well. You are not the first person she messes with. No, nope.

Have you ever been told you look like someone famous?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Yes, Bette Davis....all my life.

Has Anyone Here Had Lasik Eye Surgery?

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Yes...I did. Great decision

Hey friends... I'm a level 8 now... love ya.

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Congrats

Veterans

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 2, 2018:

IMHO your suggestion is excellent....and maybe that's the reason is not implemented by the government.

If "She" claims to be more spiritual than religious, yet really enjoys going to catholic mass on ...

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 2, 2018:

Your heart...and brains...will tell you the path to follow.

Dating?

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 2, 2018:

Dear, if a person is dating I doubt very much he/she will advertise,,,here or anywhere....who is the lucky one or what they did during the date.

Does everyone know their nationality, or are some of you unsure?

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I guess "Do you know your ethnicity? " Nationality is where you were born. Ethnicity / race is provided by your ancestors....regardless of your place of birth.

Does everyone know their nationality, or are some of you unsure?

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I was born in Argentina to French parents. My grandparents were also French...I couldn't tell you which one...or how many...ancestors of different ethnicity -if any- I have.

How well do you think you can get to know someone through online communication only?

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Not well at all.

What are you guys reading?

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 4, 2018:

The tea girl in Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See.....for my book club.

Happy Waitangi day everyone!! (New Zealand day) Its a beautiful day for a day off :) The Treaty...

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Waitomo Caves, Rotorua (smell of sulfur), Wellington....great memories from your country Aotearoa

Christian missionary disappointed to find prosperous Africans

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 6, 2018:

A lovely slap on her face...!

Catholic churches burn in Chile as Pope Francis attempts damage control over sex abuse scandals | ...

DUCHESSA comments on Feb 6, 2018:

One of the main complaints against Bergoglio is the fact he didn't do anything to bring pedophile priests to justice. In fact, he did a lot to get Father Grassi -sentenced to 15 years for sexual abuse- out of jail.