What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

It depends. For the most part I try to be nice but sometimes they get me in a special mood and I say "Go f...yourself along with your ignorance."

I’m a electrician the owner of the company I work for is the son of a pastor.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

Did you think about finding work in another place?

Pope Francis. Bad or Good?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

Don't you think that protecting pedophiles is enough to reject him? In Argentina is not well liked.

How old is your avatar/profile picture?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

Three years old....both pics

Mother Theresa. Bad or good?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

I believe what Chris Hitchens said about her.

Celebrating a Sounders S2 victory in their inaugural game in Tacoma.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

Well, it seems soccer is growing roots in USA

What kind of post do you like to see most on this site?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 17, 2018:

The intelligent ones

When did you realize you were old?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 16, 2018:

If the secret is "weekend out"....dear, I am a teenager; I go out every day.

Is it harder for women to get a date or for men?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 16, 2018:

For a woman.

Pretty harsh if you ask me.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Not a spelling winner...

I've never been as close to anyone as I am to my husband.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Afraid your "confession" would damage the relationship?

Why is so difficult for people to ask a lady / man out on a date?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

My thread...now posted by another member......I feel honored.

Non-Religious Church?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

You have "United States Atheist " in Portland, Oregon....They even may know of an Atheist group near your town.

Non-Religious Church?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Why, instead of "non-religious churches" you don't visit local Atheist Meetups?

I have learned that rejection is just another lesson in life.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

The tendency to reject is human...but is our duty to allow the others the honest and silent chance to change our minds about them. SSC

I have learned that rejection is just another lesson in life.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 15, 2018:

The pain is "only temporary" if the rejection is not constant....but if you are being constantly bullied (yes, bulling is rejection) it will mark you deeply and maybe forever. I had a student who was called "narigueta" (big nosed) during her four years of HS. Once she told me: "I will do anything to buy myself A NEW NOSE." Two years after she graduated, she went to the school to show me her new nose. She looked beautiful and said to me "Please, don't ask me how I got the money." As I said, the pain of rejection not always fades away.

What's your favorite stage in a courtship?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I don't remember..........lol

What brings you joy?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

A chat with an intelligent person, my girlfriend's promotion last week, an student getting his/her degree, installing the flat molding on my bathroom's ceiling, preparing the costume (and the ridiculous hat) for the fashion show next month, the book I am reading....The list is long

Is a snake in the kitchen a message from the universe?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Was an anaconda? lol

Where was the last place you traveled to?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Nebraska.

Can people change?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

People change....for the better and for the worse....constantly...and in most instance we are not even aware that we have changed.

The Death of Stephen Hawking...I am heartbroken. Now he returns to the stars which birthed him.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

https://youtu.be/OH8s4N15zdg

The Death of Stephen Hawking...I am heartbroken. Now he returns to the stars which birthed him.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

He was born on the anniversary of Galileo's death and died on the anniversary of Einstein' s birth.

What are your best comebacks/quips when someone asks a question or makes a statement that is just a ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Once a teacher said to parent: "Are you looking for Mrs. S, the teacher with an accent? " I jumped back with "" I speak four languages; that's why I have an accent and you don't." BE, I only speak 2 languages and 1/4 of a third.

I find it humorous and sad that when I do something such as an act of kindness ie: the other day I ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Dear, you can't fight ignorance.

Dating after 50

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I was told that at my age I shouldn't think about dating....so, I can't answer. :-))

Teachers + guns. I think it's a shit idea. What do you think?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Fortunately, I am retired from teaching. As I said before, the idea of arming teachers popped up right after Columbine. I don't know a NYC teacher that agreed then with this suggestion. I am sure no one would agree now. Is dangerous. Very dangerous.

Ever been 'double crossed' by a friend?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Yes, I has been but I didn't seek revenge since life has a way to make them pay you....at a profit

Teach your daughters to be breadwinners.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I would say "Teach your daughter to be a breadwinner to make herself a better future." ...I will go even further by saying "Tell your daughter about the benefits of a higher education. " She will win more bread with less work.

The 20 year old killed his mom to steal the gun.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Stupidity, brain damage and the likes are ageless.

What was the worst sacreligious joke you’ve made? & how did people react?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

LOL... Not long ago somebody told me I should drink blessed water and read the bible. I told her "You drink the blessed water but I accept the bible just in case we have a paper toilet shortage." LOL, one of the ladies present stopped talking to me and the other got enraged. I laughed all the way to Tipperary...and back.

Teachers + guns. I think it's a shit idea. What do you think?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I didn't agree with guns N teachers right after Columbine (first time this idea popped up) and I don't agree now. BTW, I am republican and I voted for Trump.

What best describes Trump as a president?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

The guy who cut down illegal immigration to USA.

Is social security moral? [fee.org]

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Indeed is. If you contribute to it....

Opinions on being a nudist?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Which resorts has you visited? I went to several in the east coast -as well as to the beaches- and I have seen people ranging from six months old to older seniors.

How reliable is the study of history?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Everything that involves human beings is unreliable; personal interests, corruption, ignorance....have a way to cast doubts on everything.

My desire to travel is kicking in again. I would love to go somewhere by railroad. Suggestions?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Guys, thank you for all the great suggestions and for the jokes. I presented the same question to two friends...one in Buenos Aires and the other here....the first is investigating the rail trips through Argentina and the other -a travel agent- is checking the entire USA. I guess I will go somewhere. LOL

If you're not married, would you marry again?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I don't think I would marry again....but indeed I would like to be in a relationship based in respect, friend/companionship, fun, mutual interests....

Boyfriend is agnostic, I'm an atheist. How to cope with disagreements?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

IT SHOULDN'T BE THERE ANY BIG DIFFERENCE OF OPINION THERE. YOUR BF SOUNDS MORE LIKE A 'BELIEVER IN DISGUISE".

Why is so difficult for people to ask a lady / man out on a date?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I would say we are missing a chance to find happiness for fear of being ridiculed.

If you could reinvent the education system, what would it look like?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I would include in all curriculum the "Why, How, Which, Where?" discipline. The kids will be given a number of questions / topics and they will have to find the answers (their answers) and comment on the topics given. Said answers / comments will be presented to their classmates who will, in turn, questions them "Why you reached to your conclusion? How your conclusion is more beneficial? On which facts you are basing your opinions? Why should I accept tour findings as the best ones? Where your suggestions are applicable? After the debate, the kids -all- will have to answer / comment again the question / topics presented to them in the first place. The learning on given subjects...as well as the ability to reason... will be remarkable.

If you could reinvent the education system, what would it look like?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 11, 2018:

For starters....it would be tailored to the needs and abilities of the kids.

Got some photos of your local area's flora, fauna, or scenery?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Untermeyer Park and Gardens: A view of one of the 65+ gardens in this park (Yonkers, NY)

What type of outdoor markets, festivals, and state fairs do you like to attend, and why?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Usually flea markets and garage sales. I don't care for large events since I don't care for multitudes

Who's got a religious name?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I have a very long and religious last-name....which makes the believers quite confused...........juassssssssss/ lol

Ladies: What clothes a man can wear that you find horrible?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Up to the knees shorts.........specially if the guy is 5'3". lol

My Brother-in-law, who is a minister, mailed me a book entitled something about being a skeptic.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I would retirn the book to him....in its original wrappings...as is done when the addressee moved out.

How to facilitate a close and meaningful relationship with Christian siblings

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Do they do anything to facilitate their relationship with you? Things, to succeed, must be done by both sides....

Do you "collect" anything? What is it, and do you display your collection?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

My magnets

Do you "collect" anything? What is it, and do you display your collection?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

My teacups

Do you "collect" anything? What is it, and do you display your collection?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Yes. I have a collection of teacups; were bought in the places I visited and the only rule is that they must be made in England. My second collection is made of about 700 magnets; they represent every item in a household and also were bought in places I visited. I display both collections

Does it ever bother you that there are over twice as many people in the liberal Trump bashing ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 10, 2018:

No, it doesn't bother me because I take it from where it comes. What bothers me is that the Florida" s governor agrees with arming the teachers. After Columbine arming the teachers was in everybody' s mouth. I disagreed then and I do now....Anyway, the students never enter the guns "through the school's main door".....but buy the countless holes on the walls / fences...by burying them on the grounds for "later needs"....

If you knew that if you came out as an atheist that you would lose everyone you called family would ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Relatives who don't respect your way of thinking are not too much of a family..............

Should public nudity be legal?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Once I went to a nude diner...in Manhattan.

Would you avoid naming your child a name with religious connotations?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Some times is imposible....specially if the the first part of last name is "Saint"

Do you think that conservatives and liberals have any common ground to meet in the middle when it ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 9, 2018:

What I think is that no person is 100% conservative or 100% liberal. We are a mix -different %- of both.

What if you are wrong and there IS a god

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

OK, if any day science proves the existence of god...I will say "OK, I was mistaken. Next"

What do you do for a living?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

A happily retired HS / college prof.

Has anyone ever been to a godless wedding or funeral?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Yes...an Atheist and nudist wedding.

How do u politely tell a religious person they have their head wrapped around a fairy tale?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

In a language he/she understand....lol Now, seriously....do you need to tell a person he /she is living immersed in BS?

Do you cry when you have to put your suffering pet to sleep.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Don't even ask...it was the second most horrible moment in my life.

Have you ever pissed off your neighbors from being too loud?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

No directly...but through laud music. My former neighbor worked late and each morning (arrived home about 2AM) he made all possible noises.........so around 9 AM -when he was sleeping- I played rap music as laud as possible. LOL He moved out three months later.

PA pastor holds blessing for worshipers with AR-15 rifles | Daily Mail Online

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I am all for gun possession...but this is a little too much. Please.

How are you handling your Facebook page?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 8, 2018:

If your friends unfriend you on account of your beliefs / lack of....they are not your friends. BTW, there are several Atheist groups in FB.

Guns.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

@dahermit: Here is the list of all school shootings in USA; you can add the few last incidents 18th century Colonial America / 1746 19th century 1840s /1850s /1860s /1870s / 1880s / 1890s 20th century 1900s /1910s /1920s /1930s / 1940s / 1960s / 1970s /1980s / 21st century 2000s / 2010s

I know this subject can get deep and I'm sure it's been presented many times but my questions is: Is...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

When the person sentenced to death is guilty beyond all doubt...Nicholas Cruz, for instance....the morality of the issue is of no importance to me. We shouldn't risk the chance of him escaping and killing more people.

Wondering?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Since I have a robovac the sexiest thing a man can do for me is to cook evert night............lol

Reporting fraud

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Change jobs, move out of town....and then report the fraud. These people may have long arms.

When you actually say “conservative atheist” aloud doesn’t it sound like an oxymoron?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Not so sure...since the first refers to politics and the second to beliefs.

You're are an enlightened and helpful bunch.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

I would go the natural way. I will eat turkey, prunes, walnuts, honey, sweet potatoes, cherry, nut butter.... There are many list of sleep inducing foods in google. Going to bed always at the same time helps a lot...as does shooting off cells and TV

If applicable, how did you quit smoking?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

The oncologist told me to be smokeless for two days prior to the surgery....and I decided that if I could be two days smoke free I also could be smoke free the rest of my life. I stop smoking 2/11/01 (after 40 years) and I have not smoked since...

Where do you stand on education in Liberal Arts?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

The American mentality about learning other languages is a scary one. Many Americans think learning Spanish is lowering themselves because this language is spoken mostly by laborers ....while learning French is exactly the opposite. Whether kids learn Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Japanese, Hebrew, Tagalog..........or even sign language....the truth is all this learning goes to enrich their lives because it opens the mind to the understanding of other cultures. To oppose the learning of foreing languages is xenophobic.

Favorite hot beverage?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Coffee with cinnamon and a touch of mil and stevia Yerba mate tea (green tea from Argentina).

Is he just not into me?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Who knows; may be he likes you but is not ready for a serious relationship.

Where do you stand on education in Liberal Arts?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Languages (my fïeld) should be taught from kinder.....two languages besides the official one.

How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 6, 2018:

In plain English

Going on 10 years being a closet atheist, in my case a "shadow mormon", and it's very challenging! ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Few words: The only person you must please is yourself. BTW, "I will kill; myself" is the mothers' most common tool to induce guilt....regardless of their beliefs.

Cancer cure(s)

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Present

What are some social etiquette rules everyone should know and follow?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Never introduce a person to a friend / relative unless you know the person's name. IAW: never say "Hi, this is Nancy's sister / friend / college...." The correct way is "Hi, let me introduce Sally, She is Bob's brother / friend....."

What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I laugh my head off.........lol

I used to be a member of American Atheist until they attacked Mitt Romney’s Mormonism during the ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 5, 2018:

I am against any association that attacks the right of a person to think as he/she sees fit.

Being polite when confronted by the religious

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 4, 2018:

I don't waste my time with them. Period.

Breasts

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 4, 2018:

LOL...juassssssss

Addicts. Let me ask you guys about addicts. Drug addicts in particular. How do you view them?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 4, 2018:

It bothers me when people compare drug addiction to suffering from cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, Parkinson...and to all other conditions they didn't ask for. Sorry, people, but if you don't take the first dosage you won't become an addict. Please, don't tell me that many individuals don't know how to cope with difficult moments so they reach to drugs to palliate the harshness life presents to them.

Addicts. Let me ask you guys about addicts. Drug addicts in particular. How do you view them?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 4, 2018:

I view them as people who -knowing what drugs do to a person- go and take their first snore / get the first injection / smoke their first joint..... I presented this question to my students...in every class...and the answers (9 out of 10) were "They don't think they will be hooked."

When traveling what are your thoughts on visiting religious sites?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Whether it was the Cathedral in Mexico, the Sagrada Familia en Barcelona or the Buddhist temples in Thailand....I visited them for the cultural enrichment they provide

I do so think that on occasion atheists tend to think religion is not all bad.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Whoever thinks religion is not all bad is not an Atheist.

Need help defending my lack of faith in Christianity

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 3, 2018:

Do you have to refute them? Let them realize on their own how wrong they are. If they do...fine, if they don't...also fine. You can't use logic with those who believe because "a desperate need to believe."

When looking for a significant other, there are lots of easy to detect deal-breakers like smoking, ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 3, 2018:

It bothers me when a person needs to see his family every week.

Why is it so important to break someone else's faith?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 3, 2018:

It's not to me....and when somebody starts to talk religion to me I get up and leave.

Full Premier League program this weekend.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 3, 2018:

Ja...nobody like the great Lionel Messi.

Why do people think you need to believe in a god and read the bible and or go to church to live a ...

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 3, 2018:

Because you don't do as they believe is the correct way ...as they WERE TOLD IS THE CORRECT WAY....you may be showing them something they are too scared to accept. The truth is always difficult to swallow

Is anybody else an outcast of their family?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 3, 2018:

I was lucky to be born in an Atheist family....and in particular one that won't have outcast-ed any of us in the case we wished to become believers

I would like to ask a question.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Would you move out of town?

The 20 year old killed his mom to steal the gun.

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

To remove guns from decent citizens will make the ""criminals' job"" a lot safer.

Philly also has a naked bike ride in Oct. Anyone here from philly area?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

I was at a local store and one of the employee -who knows I am a nudist- yelled "Today is a great day to go to he nude beach." Everybody laughed because the wind right now in New York feels like a hurricane....and is raining and snowing. The customers laugh even harder when I answer "Yes, I am a nudist." and, then, I proceeded to tell everybody how to get to the local nude beach.

Philly also has a naked bike ride in Oct. Anyone here from philly area?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Is Gunninson Beach..a.k.a Fire Island. I used to go every summer....until the dunes were swallowed by the hurricane. They say that now is only a topless beach.

Which of these quotes is your favorite?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

I love all of them...but I chose Carlin's because I have seen people to do exactly as he said.

Should public nudity be legal?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Google "Cap d'Adge" Is a nudist village. I would love to go.

Should public nudity be legal?

DUCHESSA comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Nudity is legal in USA since 1932....I mean, nudity in places designated to its practice. Now, public nudity in general needs a highly educated population no tolead to all kinds of problems.