Sweden records highest death tally in 150 years in first half of 2020 Covid-19 caused about 4,500...

luckytobealive comments on Aug 21, 2020:

Just saying media is trying to put sweden in a bad position....but they didn't violate humane rights and movement...and now the death rate is just the same as it was always...yes a highly 5% more death rate then normal in march april ...but the way they handled it , is in my opinion way better then...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 21, 2020:

"violate humane rights and movement" Did you intend 'humane' or 'human' ? What is humane/human about asymptomatic folks infecting others ? Do you not think governments have a duty/responsibility/compelling interest to follow science to "promote the general welfare" -- i.e. studiously work for the health/well-being of the community ?

Intellectual factual thought is definitely a dying art form.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 19, 2020:

I disagree. Critical Thinking is alive and ongoing. :P

FearlessFly replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@TCorCM . . . wasn't meant to be, perhaps the emoji could-have been left-off.

750 million genetically engineered mosquitoes approved for release in Florida Keys ...

hankster comments on Aug 20, 2020:

doesn't seem like hardly enough. i thought mosquitos were measured by the gazillions anyway.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

IIUC, the expectation is that subsequent generations of females will be sterile ----> population inevitably declines.

The antagonism to science, as it's ever increasing in our country, is taking us on a path to ...

273kelvin comments on Aug 20, 2020:

I do not think it is an opposition to science per se, rather than an opposition to science that clashes with what they want to do/think. For example, a Christian may argue with you online about evolution. They will have no trouble with Ohms theorem, Faraday's laws, or even Einstien`s as means of ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

I don't think it is secularists that still promote geocentrism . . . https://answersingenesis.org/creationism/arguments-to-avoid/geocentrism-and-creation/

I feel testing should be for antibodies, the way to go.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

I don't think it is clear that having antibodies equates to 'cured'. How many have some long-term (ongoing ? ) damage ?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@powder I don't hear the medical experts calling it 'pointless'.

Sweden records highest death tally in 150 years in first half of 2020 Covid-19 caused about 4,500...

PBuck0145 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI0Se_zVZw0=share=IwAR06HKiL40LYHrZ3BNj1nQKnPsaypX_g_7cDUrsno1Bq0ZEPpLIrp-t8rNA

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

Overall, we rate Real Climate Science a Quackery level pseudoscience website as well as a moderate conspiracy website based on promoting that the solutions for climate change lead to communism. We also rate them Low for factual reporting due to failed fact checks and a complete rejection of the consensus of science in regards to human-influenced climate change. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/real-climate-science/

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I add this idiom to apply to myself -- "ignorance is often its' own punishment" :)

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd . . . so far I'm trying to learn (and master) the basics. Do you think I would benefit from DAW -- seems like I have plenty to learn already -- of course that won't end.

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I run Linux, haven't ventured into the available packages yet, unsure if I would invest in hardware.

Robert Plant | 'If I Were A Carpenter' [youtube.com]

DenoPenno comments on Aug 20, 2020:

If I were a carpenter And your name was Sadie Would you marry me anyway And even if you did not Would you have my baby

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

I'm acquainted by a gal who goes-by the name Sadie Hawkins (not having my baby) :)

Are you just following orders? [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Saw this movie about it in college (1977) psych class, read the book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN2V2kx_vKY

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd Yes sir, right-away sir (not). :) I like to think I neither lead nor follow.

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I have been a 'strings' guy for 50+ years -- I suck, so I don't play in front of multiple people. :) Since that was all tablature, I had learned little music theory. I picked-up my Casio MT-240 (kinda a toy) in Feb which had been gathering dust for decades. I was liking it enough to splurge for a Roland FP-90. Still working on Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course, still liking it. I have recorded a couple simple things, but the learning curve is steep -- so many tools/features/buttons to play with -- much less the skill needed to want to hear it played-back. :)

NASA Is Tracking a Vast, Growing Anomaly in Earth's Magnetic Field NASA is actively monitoring a ...

Green_Soldier71 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Does this mean (theoretically speaking) that one could jump higher in South America and southwest Africa than one can...say in India. Not trying to be an idiot, but this is the first thought that popped into my head. Lower gravity/magnetic intensity...higher jumps?!?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

You are incorrectly conflating gravity and electromagnetism. There is not yet a Grand Unified Theory in physics that explains how they are 'connected' ! :P

Treetop Flyer - Stephen Stills [youtube.com]

Merseyman1 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Good one! Crosby, Him, Nash & Young!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . check-out Black Queen (earlier today) from his solo album . . .

Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Unplugged) [youtube.com]

dsharphead66 comments on Aug 11, 2020:

How about giving someone else a chance to post something on this page besides your every 5 minutes uploading a new video of a song that we've heard over and over and over and over and over again. I think the pinned post by the moderator was directed towards you . Meant with love!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@dsharphead66 . . . yawn ("pun"y but, meant as sarcasm)

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty My suggestion is/was, that if that is true, it could be a way to "gently persuade" folks (with an ongoing up/down reputation value assigned by peers) to follow the Guidelines in lieu of a tribunal. edit : reputation is actually skados' idea . . .

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty . . . (simplistic, short) reputation is the "driving force" of our morals -- read (I use the audio version from my library) the book.

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty, @of-the-mountain . . . I prefer to not block anyone to get a wide variety of POV, yet think guidelines/rules should be followed. :O

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty . . . the claim is that reputation is way more important . . . (I'm currently most-of-the-way thru) . . . a very good read : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11324722-the-righteous-mind https://righteousmind.com/ https://www.yourmorals.org/

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

EdEarl comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Personally, it seems to be a thankless job. People who crave power shouldn't be allowed, because they get a little and try to become dictators. Only those who would resign from Agnostic if they were chosen are fit to be on the tribunal. If I were on the tribunal I wouldn't want anyone to know, ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@of-the-mountain In this case, the idea stems from admin NOT "indicting" as many as some would like -- kinda the opposite of a grand jury. The 'defendants' could be chosen in a variety of ways.

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

Cutiebeauty comments on Aug 19, 2020:

OK I thought about it more.. I think each member in community should be assigned an offender grade.. Initially, all set to: Offender grade = 0.. Now, if someone is flagged or reported, with an offender grade of zero, the tribune should only have one ban option. Three days.. To allow ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

Not a bad idea. I would add it could be made 'public' on the profile as a "reputation" value.

Facebook Wanted to Be a Force for Good in Myanmar.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Ohferpetessake...if you wanted something terribly serious like Genocide investigated, would your first thought be "Facebook"??????,

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

I often hear reports that a significant percentage of folks (perhaps most of them not familiar with Critical Thinking) get ALL their 'news' from FB -- IMO, a really bad idea. So whatever appears there has non-insignificant impact (also for elections).

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Sofabeast comments on Aug 19, 2020:

So that'll be 54.4C in proper temperature measurement then.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

If you are poking fun at the US not using the metric system I totally agree, but why do you think Fahrenheit/Kelvin/etc. are not 'proper' ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

EdEarl comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Personally, it seems to be a thankless job. People who crave power shouldn't be allowed, because they get a little and try to become dictators. Only those who would resign from Agnostic if they were chosen are fit to be on the tribunal. If I were on the tribunal I wouldn't want anyone to know, ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

That 'anonymous' (even to other tribunals) -- separate logins -- idea occurred to me before logging-on today, perhaps admin had intended that as well.

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

JackPedigo comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Seems like a democratic way of dealing with problems. I have not blocked anyone but have reported a couple of members for rudeness. We have rules of civility and need to follow them.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay @JackPedigo I have never blocked anyone. I can see the benefits of report (I once reported a 'bot' ). Although I haven't reported any like your example, I'm persuaded that I likely will. I'm aware of the Community Guidelines, IMO those don't meet the (perhaps pedantic) level of rules which can/should be strict.

Google Maps is getting a lot more detail Making natural features easier to see and streets easier...

Fernapple comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Good. Having said that their satellite view has always been good, the old ones they did were so detailed that I can see my fathers bald head in the view of our back garden. But it would be really nice if they would update 'street view' which is getting badly out of date now. You wonder if they were ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

They likely have all that info without street view -- highly likely do if you have an (non rooted) Android device. Open Street Maps encourages users to submit corrections, maybe Google does also. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenStreetMap

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Marionville comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I’m sorry that Mandy has gone, but she announced she was leaving three days ago, directly after the Owl disappeared or accidentally deleted himself. I messaged her when I saw she was still here and posting constantly about this Slug site yesterday and she said she was just waiting until Admin ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@FrayedBear (doubt it) I consciously try to avoid logical fallacies (not perfect). I haven't blocked anyone. :)

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Marionville comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I’m sorry that Mandy has gone, but she announced she was leaving three days ago, directly after the Owl disappeared or accidentally deleted himself. I messaged her when I saw she was still here and posting constantly about this Slug site yesterday and she said she was just waiting until Admin ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@FrayedBear Probably -- don't remember what it was about. I make no secret about 'challenging' things that don't make sense to me, and (especially here) expect others to do so also.

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Larry-new comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Ah well...I have found that those leaving...be it from here, or say, quitting my former snowplowing service, were actually doing me a favour.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@MissKathleen . . . that comment is factually subjective. Who decides what is "needful" ?

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

TheMiddleWay comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Huh. She's gone. I guess she was less interested in improving the site and more interested in having people agree with her. it's telling that despite her constant protestations about not wanting echo Chambers, when her own protestations weren't echoed, she left. Oh well. Carry on ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@dede18 'Delete' is not fully accurate. The EU "right to forget" is an analogy. The 'recorded' data exists where it has been stored, just not "published" online.

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Marionville comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I’m sorry that Mandy has gone, but she announced she was leaving three days ago, directly after the Owl disappeared or accidentally deleted himself. I messaged her when I saw she was still here and posting constantly about this Slug site yesterday and she said she was just waiting until Admin ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@MissKathleen . . . some folks 'have thicker skins'. :P On the one hand you brand this as 'public bullying' and on the other you assert "no evidence was presented" ! The claims from @FrayedBear and I INDEPENDENTLY corroborate each other. How would it be possible to satisfy BOTH of those simultaneous "charges" ! ? What would you be alleging if the 'discussions/Messages were fully disclosed ? Are your accusations intended to get that to happen ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

JackPedigo comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Seems like a democratic way of dealing with problems. I have not blocked anyone but have reported a couple of members for rudeness. We have rules of civility and need to follow them.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Aren't civility/rude subjective ? Is it just "I know it when I see it" ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

Amzungu comments on Aug 18, 2020:

The only way I see this being executed fairly and without emotional bias getting in the way of determining if someone is truly violating community standards is if the determination is made by a small panel of members (say 7-13ish who have been voted into the position by the tribunal of all level 7+ ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Amzungu . . . would panel members be subject to "voted off the island" ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

Amzungu comments on Aug 18, 2020:

The only way I see this being executed fairly and without emotional bias getting in the way of determining if someone is truly violating community standards is if the determination is made by a small panel of members (say 7-13ish who have been voted into the position by the tribunal of all level 7+ ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Good points. How would 'voting' be informed without enough transparency that say, a) might include (not 'public' ) Messenger exchanges b) takes place in groups not 'joined' c) other ?

Report: AI Company Leaks Over 2.

LucyLoohoo comments on Aug 18, 2020:

And..what recourse does anyone have? Would HIPAA laws cover this?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

https://compliancy-group.com/hipaa-fines-directory-year/ https://www.channelfutures.com/mssp-insider/epic-hipaa-fail-over-1-billion-medical-records-exposed-online https://www.hipaajournal.com/category/hipaa-breach-news/

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Votan comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Death Valley was 134 °F (56.7 °C), on July 10, 1913 :-). This was the hottest day ever recorded on the planet.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Votan . . . hmmm, the article is from Oct 2016 . . . https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-c-burt-a6839333 https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/2007539985_Christopher_C_Burt https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/author/christopher-c-burt http://www.guyonclimate.com/2019/03/09/extreme-temperature-diary-march-9th-2019-recent-global-extremes-by-weather-historian-christopher-c-burt/ https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393330151

Opinion Covid-19 Is Creating a Wave of Heart Disease Emerging data show that some of the ...

prometheus comments on Aug 18, 2020:

How does that happen if "China virus" is a liberal hoax? FML... I'm waiting to hear that Trump's brother died of it - that's going to be a closely guarded secret for sure.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Perhaps Mary Trump will know/say.

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Admin comments on Aug 18, 2020:

I have always tried to be a facilitator and not a figurehead... this way, the site is more about the friendships and conversations of the members. I care deeply about the mission of this site - to help those who have exited or are exiting faith-based beliefs. As I wrote in my article, I have ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Marionville Again, I am giving my 'side'/assessments (as have you and others). Others having contact with her can relay the 'discussion', and/or she can (re ? ) create an account and speak for herself. (as you have commented before) I stand by my comments.

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Admin comments on Aug 18, 2020:

I have always tried to be a facilitator and not a figurehead... this way, the site is more about the friendships and conversations of the members. I care deeply about the mission of this site - to help those who have exited or are exiting faith-based beliefs. As I wrote in my article, I have ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Marionville . . . go back to my first reply to your comment about "Mandy" and read it again -- I wrote "(to her recently, now here)". I questioned her directly/pointedly in those Messages (and would-have 'publicly' ), she didn't answer my questions. :P

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Marionville comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I’m sorry that Mandy has gone, but she announced she was leaving three days ago, directly after the Owl disappeared or accidentally deleted himself. I messaged her when I saw she was still here and posting constantly about this Slug site yesterday and she said she was just waiting until Admin ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@MissKathleen The URL for the Messenger feature ends in 'chat' :O I was content continuing the responses to her 'publicly' in the Community Senate comments where they began. She suggested Messenger when the lengthy back-forth -- from others as well as ours -- were not as easy to follow -- again not my idea. I have here given my assessments, I haven't shown the actual messages.

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Larry-new comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Ah well...I have found that those leaving...be it from here, or say, quitting my former snowplowing service, were actually doing me a favour.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@MissKathleen . . . long-term/contributing are objective, 'valuable' is subjective. ymmv

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Admin comments on Aug 18, 2020:

I have always tried to be a facilitator and not a figurehead... this way, the site is more about the friendships and conversations of the members. I care deeply about the mission of this site - to help those who have exited or are exiting faith-based beliefs. As I wrote in my article, I have ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Marionville You are making an 'assessment' of FrayedBear despite (and before) your own admission that you are unaware of the extent (and specifics) of interactions with Allamanda that you cannot (or rather not? ) know about. I can relate to the 'misandry' assessment of Allamanda. IMO, it would be a reasonable conclusion from the PMs she 'hurled' at me. :P

Should Edward Snowden be pardoned ? Why/not ?

ASTRALMAX comments on Aug 18, 2020:

"Except in times of war any individual or employee or government who withholds secrets from friends, employees or citizens has effectively declared war on them. Despite all the spurious reasons given by individuals, employers and governments for having secrets it reduces to the zero-sum winning and ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

The notion that governments NOT keep secrets is, to me, new/odd/unrealistic. :P

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Votan comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Death Valley was 134 °F (56.7 °C), on July 10, 1913 :-). This was the hottest day ever recorded on the planet.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

"Greenland Ranch temperatures not consistent with meteorological conditions in July 1913" https://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/an-investigation-of-death-valleys-134f-world-temperature-record.html

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Admin comments on Aug 18, 2020:

I have always tried to be a facilitator and not a figurehead... this way, the site is more about the friendships and conversations of the members. I care deeply about the mission of this site - to help those who have exited or are exiting faith-based beliefs. As I wrote in my article, I have ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@FrayedBear "Poisonous through: Ingestion, dermatitis TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN; SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Symptoms may include fever, swollen lips, thirst, nausea, diarrhea; skin irritation upon contact with cell sap." https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/allamanda-cathartica/

Do That To Me One More Time · Captain & Tennille [youtube.com]

Redheadedgammy comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I sure liked them way back when I was younger!😉

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

. . . right, I stopped getting younger a long time ago :O :)

Unbelieveable! Trump picture on absentee ballots in North Carolina. [cnn.]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Mailed to his 'supporters'. MN now requires (in primaries) to designate which party the votes are being cast -- no cross voting. Which means the D/R parties get lists of 'supporters'. NC (and others) likely has the same. . . . no mention whether any rules/laws broken -- not that that would ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@bingst (from Wikipedia) The U.S. presidential election process, like all other elections in the United States, is a highly decentralized system.[13] While the U.S. Constitution does set parameters for the election of the president and other federal officials, state law, not federal, regulates most aspects of elections in the U.S., including the primaries, the eligibility of voters (beyond the basic constitutional definition), and the specific details of running each state's electoral college meeting. All elections, including federal, are administered by the individual states. The constitution states that members of the United States House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and be a (legal) inhabitant of the state they represent. Senators must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years, and be a (legal) inhabitant of the state they represent. The president and vice president must be at least 35 years old, a natural born citizen of the United States and a resident in the United States for at least fourteen years. It is the responsibility of state legislatures to regulate the qualifications for a candidate appearing on a ballot paper, although in order to get onto the ballot, a candidate must often collect a legally defined number of signatures.

Should Edward Snowden be pardoned ? Why/not ?

David1955 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

No. Another Putin play. All charges should be dropped against him and he should be allowed to return home and resume his life. No pardon required, especially from a criminal president doing Putin's bidding.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

In his shoes, would you really return if only all charges were dropped ?

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Theresa_N comments on Aug 17, 2020:

And the orange turd says climate change isn't real.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

. . . current weather is not climate :P

I thought everything on Agnostic was available to members of Humanist (except profiles of members ...

sassygirl3869 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

huh?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@skado IMO, requiring a login is reasonable. ICBW, but I wouldn't expect the databases to be inextricably linked.

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Redheadedgammy comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Dang, that’s freaking hot!! 🥵

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

Your current 90+ temps aren't that far away !

Tuba Skinny - "Maple Leaf Rag" [youtube.com]

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I love New Orleans street music. Doreen the Clarinet Queen always delights me. https://youtu.be/nLkQMjanWag

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

Nice, I remember your Jan. Doreen post. :)

Should Prisoners Have The Right To Vote?

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Oklahoma allows fomer prisoners to vote after they have served all of their sentences including any parole. One of the few things in Oklahoma that I agree with. I don't think I am comfortable with prisoners voting mainly because there is a huge amount of intimidation in prisons.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@Lorajay I didn't intend to infer that I thought there weren't any. Now, prisons are administered by commercial interests. There are typically outside 'influences' -- education, lawyers, doctors, theologians, visitors. I'm hoping for a little less retribution and more rehabilitation.

Unbelieveable! Trump picture on absentee ballots in North Carolina. [cnn.]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Mailed to his 'supporters'. MN now requires (in primaries) to designate which party the votes are being cast -- no cross voting. Which means the D/R parties get lists of 'supporters'. NC (and others) likely has the same. . . . no mention whether any rules/laws broken -- not that that would ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@bingst IIUC, Constitutionally, the only individuals mentioned are electoral college persons . . . Article II, Section 1, Clauses 2 and 4; and the Twelfth Amendment (which replaced Clause 3 after its ratification in 1804) Primaries are governed by State law. My objection to that is I don't want my party/voting preferences disclosed (to both parties) just by wanting to vote.

Should Prisoners Have The Right To Vote?

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Oklahoma allows fomer prisoners to vote after they have served all of their sentences including any parole. One of the few things in Oklahoma that I agree with. I don't think I am comfortable with prisoners voting mainly because there is a huge amount of intimidation in prisons.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@Lorajay I don't assume that the voting process would be controlled by "power brokers" any more than non-prisoner voting is.

Should Prisoners Have The Right To Vote?

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Oklahoma allows fomer prisoners to vote after they have served all of their sentences including any parole. One of the few things in Oklahoma that I agree with. I don't think I am comfortable with prisoners voting mainly because there is a huge amount of intimidation in prisons.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

I think it possible to keep the process private such that conclusive evidence of what an individual actually voted for is unable to be given to others.

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

Gypsy494 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I also hold my own opinion when it comes to religion . I came to my conclusions on it and just not interested in hearing others and-many times am disheartened reading all the posts on Agnostic going on about it.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

. . . hmmm, How was it that you "came to my conclusions" ? New idea(s), persuasion, evidence ? Do you mean to say that more of that could not possibly ever 'interest' (or change) you ?

What about NDE's (Near Death Experiences)?

HumanistJohn comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Why is it that people with NDEs always see an afterlife as it's defined by **their** culture? The brain is an amazing organ which is quite capable of constructing fantasies (for lack of a better word) under certain conditions. If you're really serious about this, read some books which deal ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@JeffMesser . . . nothing but assertions, insults, and accusations -- where is the evidence ?

What about NDE's (Near Death Experiences)?

HumanistJohn comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Why is it that people with NDEs always see an afterlife as it's defined by **their** culture? The brain is an amazing organ which is quite capable of constructing fantasies (for lack of a better word) under certain conditions. If you're really serious about this, read some books which deal ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@JeffMesser Why would YOUR words alone (filled with the sound of certainty and no actual evidence) persuade/convince anyone ?

I'm So Tired · The Beatles [youtube.com]

Beowulfsfriend comments on Aug 16, 2020:

A great song, lesser played

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

. . . I don't understand . . .

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

linxminx comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I teach in higher ed, and I have not been informed that I "no longer have to report sexual violence when informed of an incident." I've not been informed of any changes in Title IX, or any changes in expectations in me as a faculty member. Of course our attention right now is all Covid-19 all day ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@linxminx . . . "falls outside" -- report to local authorities (guessing) . . . violate FERPA ? -- no idea

What are your thoughts on abortion?

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 16, 2020:

My thoughts are, I plan to Mind My Own Business & so should you! Period!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . hmmm, No one is **required** to engage. You/anyone can choose otherwise. IMO, the opportunity for all is a positive. If we can't/don't engage with different POV, I don't think **avoidance** SOLVES/changes anything (individually perhaps, but not generally), especially widespread/abundant divisiveness.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Matias comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Pardon me, but just one question: How do you know that the admin of slug.com is the same person who is running "our" site? Just because the two sites look similar?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@Matias IMO, building the websites, giving the gratis opportunities for us to participate in either/both/none equates to "trying to keep the warring tribes apart".

What are your thoughts on abortion?

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 16, 2020:

My thoughts are, I plan to Mind My Own Business & so should you! Period!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

IMO, such a divisive issue (not exclusively in the US) leads to 'discussions/POV' from all. I don't expect/ask anything different here.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

MakeItGood comments on Aug 16, 2020:

From the article: it say that "Professors and administrators no longer have to report sexual violence when they’re informed of an incident." What!? Why? Makes no sense... (Also I'm a bit out of the loop on how the article relates to Admin/moral crisis)

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

. . . (not related to admin), but see my reply to linxminx above . . .

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

linxminx comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I teach in higher ed, and I have not been informed that I "no longer have to report sexual violence when informed of an incident." I've not been informed of any changes in Title IX, or any changes in expectations in me as a faculty member. Of course our attention right now is all Covid-19 all day ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

The Devos/Trump changes are not insignificant . . . https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/05/07/education-department-releases-final-title-ix-regulations

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

Marionville comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I’m sorry that Mandy has gone, but she announced she was leaving three days ago, directly after the Owl disappeared or accidentally deleted himself. I messaged her when I saw she was still here and posting constantly about this Slug site yesterday and she said she was just waiting until Admin ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

Unlike some, I don't have a expectation of agreement/'harmony', I actually prefer (what I refer-to-as) "a stiff dose of reality". I actively seek the POV of those that differ -- ymmv I do have experience of a different 'side' of Allamanda in exchanges of PM in which I received insults and accusations (I didn't reciprocate), leading me to wonder -- among other questions -- (to her recently, now here) if PM was her preferred way to do that rather than 'publicly' (it wasn't my idea). So, I'm 'sure' I 'wish' for her and all to be 'publicly online' no different than 'in private'

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Lorajay comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I think it is dangerous to our society to segregate people in any way. Unfortunately we seem to segregate ourselves. I have read some of posts in the conservative groups on this site and most of the time chose not to respond because I did not feel like I could do it in a civil way.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

. . . a very good read : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11140803-american-nations

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Lorajay comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I think it is dangerous for any of us to live in an echo chamber. Unfortunately most of us get tired of arguing. When I try to communicate with someone with completely different ideas, I feel they are making unsubstantiated arguments and ignoring my my direct questions. I have occasionly actually ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

I advocate minimizing the pejorative use. How does anyone engage in Critical Thinking without 'arguing' ? I contend that misunderstanding is typically incredibly easy and real understanding is typically incredibly hard.

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I was aware of 'IDW/Slug' long before this 'bruhaha' :P I don't think "the creator" (these two websites) has "control" (influence ? -- doubt it) of Humanist.com.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay . . . I had heard that (investors) days/week ago. Check-out my response to dede above. Obviously individuals are not out-in-the-open wrt the domain name. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Humans are predators.

FearlessFly comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I remember reading (a few years back) that there are 5 shark attacks (not deaths) world-wide yearly, yet 300 people in the US alone die yearly from bee stings ! :P

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Atheist3 . . . understated https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_attack https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/yearly-worldwide-summary/

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I was aware of 'IDW/Slug' long before this 'bruhaha' :P I don't think "the creator" (these two websites) has "control" (influence ? -- doubt it) of Humanist.com.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda @TheMiddleWay He had (major) investors, correct ? Isn't it possible his 'building' came with some 'strings' ? Would anyone except the principals know, and would any say ? Any presumption of 'control' would need credible answers to questions like this, and where would they come from ?

What are your thoughts on abortion?

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

. . . safe, legal, rare

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AmyTheBruce . . . safer than birth, actually . . . The lines between "isn't a person" and "killing of a baby" are far from b/w, and who draws those lines ? Isn't that where the 'discomfort' stems-from ? Given that abortion and religion are inextricably linked in the US, I would posit that logic is likely a 'dream'. :P

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I was aware of 'IDW/Slug' long before this 'bruhaha' :P I don't think "the creator" (these two websites) has "control" (influence ? -- doubt it) of Humanist.com.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@SanDiegoAirport Have you 'turned-on' alerts from the Community Senate group ? Have you read the posts from the last couple weeks ? (level 7 required)

What are your thoughts on abortion?

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

. . . safe, legal, rare

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AmyTheBruce Are there to be no limits to abortion, morally or otherwise ? What politician would get elected espousing that position ? Abortion as a primary method of 'birth-control' -- morally acceptable to whom ?

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I was aware of 'IDW/Slug' long before this 'bruhaha' :P I don't think "the creator" (these two websites) has "control" (influence ? -- doubt it) of Humanist.com.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@TimeOutForMe Somewhere (TOS ? ) the connection between this site and Humanist.com is explained and IIRC, the option to opt-out is given (opt-in, I think is the default).

How many robocalls do you get in a week ?

BitFlipper comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I don't answer calls from unknown numbers, and my phone doesn’t even ring for hidden numbers. So, I'm glad so say I don't know the answer.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

"phone doesn’t even ring for hidden numbers" -- blocked ? . . . I'm ignorant of this -- please explain

Distant but Together: A Virtual Celebration of Humanism August 8, 2020 ...

AtheistNews comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I haven't found vidios for everything but some of them have been posted here. https://www.youtube.com/user/HumanistVision

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

I get "An error occurred. Please try again later. (Playback ID: 4F5G1bPy7usrdHu1)" -- can't even 'copy URL' :(

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I was aware of 'IDW/Slug' long before this 'bruhaha' :P I don't think "the creator" (these two websites) has "control" (influence ? -- doubt it) of Humanist.com.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "he can if he wishes influence it" "he can of course shut it down" . . . not CLEAR which site is being referenced, Humanist.com ? Again 'built' may be 'contracted' -- no "ownership". Any direct knowledge/evidence of your assertions ?

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Radu comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I'm fine with this community not being an echo chamber for the left, or the right.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "In fact it emerged that right-wingers were removed" Any evidence (facts) that users of other political persuasions were/are not 'removed' in similar proportions ? The 'left' (others) has **choices** -- leave/make another website/invite others. :P

Having read the Admin's posts, and the purpose of the group, I'm not sure this is the place - but as...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I was aware of 'IDW/Slug' long before this 'bruhaha' :P I don't think "the creator" (these two websites) has "control" (influence ? -- doubt it) of Humanist.com.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda . . . (as a long-time Software Developer) 'built' (Humanist) is not the same as control (influence ? maybe, sometimes none).

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda . . . any search engine will give affirmative evidence (lots) for the term. :O

Rod Stewart - I Don't Want To Talk About It [youtube.com]

Marionville comments on Aug 15, 2020:

One of my favourites by him...I think I even posted a live version from Celtic Park Football Ground fairly recently...but no problem hearing a different one...except I can’t access this one!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esUHMBHJsn8

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda I recognize that your response was to a male . . . 'rude' is **subjective**, as are **judgements** which can differ. However my question was gender 'agnostic', your response is not. Isn't that 'shocking' ?

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "Morals are individual" . . . IMO, falsified . . . I doubt there would be much (if any) agreement that the morality of causing children severe suffering is "individual" !

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I don't doubt that advertisers don't expect every ad to succeed with everyone it reaches. I also don't doubt that they have evidence that they ultimately have some success given the money spent creating/distributing them. Given confirmation bias (and others), individuals might not be the best one to know if/when advertising has "affected" their 'decisions'. How do you tell when a salesperson is lying ? Their lips are moving ! :) I judiciously avoid the word "hate", just not when it comes to ads. :)

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "delicate sensibilities of some right-wing members" Isn't disparaging others 'rude' ?

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda IIUC, both websites are created with no small effort/expense, offering the best PrivacyPolicy/TOS that I have ever encountered, and provided gratis for those not disabusing Guidelines. Other websites exist, others can be created, choice exists. Why would 'knowledge/consent' from the creator(s) be expected ? Is there some a priori evidence to lead someone to think that it might be given ? I don't see significant justification for 'moral crisis'.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Willow_Wisp comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I see you're making a strong case, but exactly who and why you're blaming the sorry state of things on is confusing and unclear.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Willow_Wisp Although I'm totally opposed to what the other side is doing, they certainly are "doing something about it".

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . IMO, principles apply everywhere . . . ymmv

What to do when two Tech 'giants' (FB/Apple) go-at-it -- where is the popcorn ?

redhog comments on Aug 15, 2020:

As much as I dislike Apple products gotta say that I would sooner root for them to win than Fuckerberg

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

. . . biased against Zuckerberg, or based on merit(s) of the case ?

I recently read a joke about 2020 which I need to share with the group.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 12, 2020:

I don't see how the year is a 'factor', and it is Covid 19. harrumph :P

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Waddyathink . . . spacetime (Einstein) is **relative** (just not MY relative) :)

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey 'it doesn't affect me, so . . .' . . . "when they came for the Jews, I didn't complain because . . . " . . . "when they came for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " . . . .

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . force ? no -- I think entice is putting mildly. They know more about you than you do -- 'they' don't forget. They know what/when you are likely to want/need. You might think you are searching for and getting the 'best' deal. (part of) The reason why that data is SO valuable : (way) More likely, (because of the data) the ads and prices you are seeing and that are being presented is based on what is known that you are willing and capable of paying based on all the data about you. :O . . . btw, I use (privacy based) Startpage (search-engine), I use and advocate ad-blocking and javascript-blocking browser extensions ! (as well as several other useful browser extensions)

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . btw, my 'tone' is like this on all my comments/replies (check profile). Those that have blocked me (8-10 ? ) "Can't Handle The Truth" :)

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey "they cannot make a profit unless you send money" Googles' revenue is 75% from ADVERTISING ! Why ? YOU are not the customer, you are the PRODUCT. That is what BigData is about, making money (billions) from the collection of data. This is the 'Information Age", info is the 'coin-of-the-realm'. Those that have (more and more of) it prosper more than those who don't. Do you think Amazon/FB/TikTok/BigTech are collecting the data for 'giggles' ?

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Each is an escalation -- that last 'tracking' reference is what "BigData" does. The 'purpose' is to turn you/your data into BigProfit. Maine is fighting against that. :) Also : https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2020/07/01/california-begins-enforcing-broad-data-privacy-law---heres-what-you-should-know/

TikTok collected Android user data using tactic banned by Google Practice ended in November, ...

St-Sinner comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Do you know every social media platform and government agencies have been doing it for years?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@St-Sinner https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/maine-broadband-privacy-law-passes-early-first-amendment-test

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey A single person seeing a license plate is a witness. Following a person around and recording their movements is stalking. Tracking everyone's movements all the time is a surveillance state. Scale matters. . . . hopeless ? https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/maine-broadband-privacy-law-passes-early-first-amendment-test

What if this slug.

Petter comments on Aug 14, 2020:

Since I have no intention of joining any group that promotes pests, garden or otherwise, it certainly would not work in my case - or I hope in the case of anyone with a modicum of experience backed by intelligence.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@Robecology . . . yes. I was 'referring' to satire/comedy/kidding. :)