What would you do/say if a Christian friend told you they're questioning their faith?

FearlessFly comments on May 17, 2020:

The word "friend" is one that I do not use lightly -- someone I can say **anything to** and hear **anything from** without losing my temper or self-confidence. If you can't be HONEST with a 'friend', perhaps they never were. :O :P

FearlessFly replies on May 18, 2020:

@VeronikaAnnJ When I commented -- "be HONEST with a 'friend' ", -- I 'got' it -- and I meant it. :O :P

I invite you to visit or follow my Facebook page "Simplicity in Musical Art" for an eclectic mix of ...

FearlessFly comments on May 18, 2020:

. . . Some of us here don't/WON'T do FB ! :O :P

FearlessFly replies on May 18, 2020:

@fishline79 . . .no, but I am rarely offended. :O

Is it still a lie if you don't know it isn't true?

AtheistReader comments on May 18, 2020:

Lie is an intentional act, or at the very least a reckless disregard for truth. Yes, we all have responsibility in attempting to ascertain the truth, but the truth can be ... elusive. I don't think ignorance equates with lying. I am not sure which is better, lying or ignorance.

FearlessFly replies on May 18, 2020:

Ignorance is not a crime, but I think ignorance is its' own punishment. :O :P

Is it still a lie if you don't know it isn't true?

Normanbites comments on May 18, 2020:

Is a poison still a poison if you don't know it is a poison? I think that is a fair analog because most poison is served up as part of an inherent lie. ... Here, eat this, its good for you!!

FearlessFly replies on May 18, 2020:

BAD analogy, a LOT of poisons are NOT harmless. SOME lies are fairly harmless, especially if the teller does not know the "truth".

Is Putin Is Well on His Way to Stealing the Next Election ?

TheInterlooper comments on May 17, 2020:

Your xenophobia is showing. Not all Russians steal elections.

FearlessFly replies on May 17, 2020:

That is a shining example of the straw man fallacy : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man I, and this post did not assert that claim

Should a Covid vaccine be patented/proprietary or open/shared worldwide ? why/not ?

Marionville comments on May 17, 2020:

This is a whole world pandemic, not to share any vaccine with the whole world equally would be immoral.

FearlessFly replies on May 17, 2020:

Business (big pharma) decisions (and Trump decisions) are rarely based on morality.

Should a Covid vaccine be patented/proprietary or open/shared worldwide ? why/not ?

Apunzelle comments on May 17, 2020:

Only in today’s climate would that even be a question. What has happened to our humanity?! 😔

FearlessFly replies on May 17, 2020:

It is hard to imagine Trump wanting to 'share', but I can imagine other countries as well (Russia, China).

Why THE FUCK are we allowing senior members of this site telling junior members to SHUT UP, to STOP,...

sassygirl3869 comments on May 17, 2020:

Every group and thread has a right to be there. Everyone has different interests.

FearlessFly replies on May 17, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 https://www.academia-research.com/freelance-writing/crediblenon-credible-sources/

Why THE FUCK are we allowing senior members of this site telling junior members to SHUT UP, to STOP,...

sassygirl3869 comments on May 17, 2020:

Every group and thread has a right to be there. Everyone has different interests.

FearlessFly replies on May 17, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 With the internet (especially FB) inundated with "fake news", I see no reason to be sanguine about less-than-credible sources -- especially on this website full of critical thinkers. Posts with lousy sources are a good way to "ruin the posts for other members".

What would you do/say if a Christian friend told you they're questioning their faith?

chiara23k comments on May 17, 2020:

why do people have a need to convince others what to believe?

FearlessFly replies on May 17, 2020:

Why should anyone **suffer** (what they consider to be) foolishness in silence ? I sincerely wish NOBODY did that.

Where is Tool Guy?

1of5 comments on May 16, 2020:

Yeah, I miss scrolling by his posts. ;)

FearlessFly replies on May 16, 2020:

I would too, but he blocked me, for NOT scrolling by his posts :P

Cartoon about the philosophy and meaning of cynic. [youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on May 16, 2020:

This is the first TED talk I have watched that didn't seem like someone "beating their chest" about 'one thing or another', and it didn't take the full time allowed.

FearlessFly replies on May 16, 2020:

@LetzGetReal I have seen a few good ones, but the "E" is for 'entertainment' (technology, entertainment, design).

Gary Moore / Midnight Blues [youtube.com]

Beowulfsfriend comments on May 15, 2020:

2 more hours to midnight

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

It's midnight in Tokyo and Rio :O :P https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

When did you join and why do you stay?

sandrarocks83 comments on May 15, 2020:

2017 and still hoping to meet someone special! 😇

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@sandrarocks83 As a (computer) scientist, I contend that is a false dichotomy : "the glass is presently at 50% utilization" :O :P

When did you join and why do you stay?

Jolanta comments on May 15, 2020:

I joined April 2018, from a face book ad. I am staying because I enjoy the interaction with like minded people or at least like minded on some fronts, although I do enjoy some different opinions too.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

. . . sorry I couldn't resist . . . :O :) https://youtu.be/pWdd6_ZxX8c

When did you join and why do you stay?

OldMetalHead comments on May 15, 2020:

May 21st, 2019 Glad you gave it another shot. I stay because this is a totally different crowd than I'm used to interacting with on FB and IG. I find the members here (of which there are much fewer) tend to be more intelligent and open minded, and most are willing to engage in intellectual ...

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

I'm not advocating 'grumpy' but I contend that there is NO (UN ? ) 'human right' to NOT be offended. :O :P

When did you join and why do you stay?

OldMetalHead comments on May 15, 2020:

May 21st, 2019 Glad you gave it another shot. I stay because this is a totally different crowd than I'm used to interacting with on FB and IG. I find the members here (of which there are much fewer) tend to be more intelligent and open minded, and most are willing to engage in intellectual ...

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@OldMetalHead I'm not advocating 'grumpy' but I contend that there is NO (UN ? ) 'human right' to NOT be offended. :O :P

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

AnneWimsey comments on May 15, 2020:

If they can mail out about a bajillion SS & SSI checks every month, plus the "W-2" & "raise" notifications to all the recipients every year, why would there be a problem?

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey The HUGE difference between the examples you give (and a lot of folks haven't caught-on) is that voting NEEDS anonymity (the others don't have it). :O https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/02/voter-privacy-what-you-need-know-about-your-digital-trail-during-2016-election

Is that so important to choose your partner who has similar thoughts on religion? Why or why not?

Mhaque93 comments on May 15, 2020:

Any thoughts and opinion are welcome.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

:O :P :) https://youtu.be/pWdd6_ZxX8c

Is that so important to choose your partner who has similar thoughts on religion? Why or why not?

Mhaque93 comments on May 15, 2020:

Any thoughts and opinion are welcome.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

opinion

When did you join and why do you stay?

Apunzelle comments on May 15, 2020:

I joined 1 year ago. I stay because I can be openly and fully atheist here without repercussions. It’s true that a few people here can be real assholes. But I guess that’s true anywhere.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

:O :P https://youtu.be/4e9CkhBb18E

When did you join and why do you stay?

Paddypereira comments on May 15, 2020:

September 2018. Here for the craic.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@AmyTheBruce https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craic

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

AnneWimsey comments on May 15, 2020:

If they can mail out about a bajillion SS & SSI checks every month, plus the "W-2" & "raise" notifications to all the recipients every year, why would there be a problem?

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I know of NO computer scientist (including me) who thinks online voting is a good idea. And I am not opposed to mail-in voting, but : https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/04/07/danger-moving-vote-by-mail-168602 https://www.heritage.org/election-integrity/commentary/americas-hidden-voting-epidemic-mail-ballot-failures https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/04/07/vote-mail-delivers-array-problems-opposing-view-editorials-and-debates/2966804001/ https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2020/04/just-say-no-to-voting-by-mail/

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

AnneWimsey comments on May 15, 2020:

If they can mail out about a bajillion SS & SSI checks every month, plus the "W-2" & "raise" notifications to all the recipients every year, why would there be a problem?

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I"m not against vote-by-mail, but some will/do argue that presents "opportunities" for 'intervention' (PO employee(s) ) and 'fraud' .

When did you join and why do you stay?

VeronicaAnn comments on May 15, 2020:

I joined in June of 2019. Deleted my account for the reasons you mentioned in your post. Then I made another account months ago. I was getting fed up with one of my classmates who keep talking about Christianity. I don't have many people in this religious town who are non religious. I wanted to ...

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@VeronikaAnnJ True enough, but transparency would allow all to know (both blocker/blockee) on profiles. :O

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

AnneWimsey comments on May 15, 2020:

If they can mail out about a bajillion SS & SSI checks every month, plus the "W-2" & "raise" notifications to all the recipients every year, why would there be a problem?

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I can't speak for 'everywhere' but around here, all libraries offer internet. :)

When did you join and why do you stay?

VeronicaAnn comments on May 15, 2020:

I joined in June of 2019. Deleted my account for the reasons you mentioned in your post. Then I made another account months ago. I was getting fed up with one of my classmates who keep talking about Christianity. I don't have many people in this religious town who are non religious. I wanted to ...

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@VeronikaAnnJ I wish all profiles would disclose who each has blocked and who each is being blocked by.

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

AnneWimsey comments on May 15, 2020:

If they can mail out about a bajillion SS & SSI checks every month, plus the "W-2" & "raise" notifications to all the recipients every year, why would there be a problem?

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

. . . that would be 'vote-by-mail' ('some' issues), digital "voting" has 'problems' :O

When did you join and why do you stay?

Mofo1953 comments on May 15, 2020:

1. Don't remember exactly when. I'm pretty sure it was last year though. 2. If I am still here it probably is because it's free and I've joined some pretty good groups that are not annoying.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

. . . not sure ? . . . your profile 'confesses' the date :O

When did you join and why do you stay?

VeronicaAnn comments on May 15, 2020:

I joined in June of 2019. Deleted my account for the reasons you mentioned in your post. Then I made another account months ago. I was getting fed up with one of my classmates who keep talking about Christianity. I don't have many people in this religious town who are non religious. I wanted to ...

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

I wish those (blocker/blockee) were transparent to all. :O :P . . . btw, I haven't blocked anyone :)

When did you join and why do you stay?

motrubl4u comments on May 15, 2020:

Can't remember when exactly I came on. As far as bad relationships with people go you should see my block list lol

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

I wish those (blocker/blockee) were transparent to all. :O . . . btw, I haven't blocked anyone :O

perhaps I missed something.

FearlessFly comments on May 15, 2020:

They have always displayed for me (except if the window I'm using is too narrow). :O

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@hankster . . . now I get it. I use a Desktop (Linux), I choose NOT to have one of these "Stalinist tracking devices" (I do have a 'dumb phone' ). :O :P

perhaps I missed something.

FearlessFly comments on May 15, 2020:

They have always displayed for me (except if the window I'm using is too narrow). :O

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

@hankster I guess I see that now (not available) on the "Browse" (general) page, but it works if the post is open in its' own page/tab, or am I missiing something ?

Sorrento finds a coronavirus antibody that blocks viral infection 100% in preclinical lab ...

AnneWimsey comments on May 15, 2020:

So does bleach...why not inject some? I get tired of these "OMG the sky is falling" things....... Oh, and their stock soared 244% after they let this "news" out........how surprising......

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

"OMG the sky is falling" -- would be bad news, this seems promising (still early) to me. :O

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

St-Sinner comments on May 15, 2020:

It is a great idea if they get their act of tightening the online security right.

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

. . . have you read the articles ? not happening :P

Do you think 'online voting' is a bad idea ? Why/not ?

lerlo comments on May 15, 2020:

No. No matter how the voting takes place trump is going to say there was fraud when he loses

FearlessFly replies on May 15, 2020:

Providing conclusive evidence for that (inevitable) claim will be HIS problem. :P

Moths are the unsung heroes of pollination | MNN - Mother Nature Network

LaDizdeOdd comments on May 14, 2020:

Cool! I read that some nocturnal plants attract months as they have actually evolved scents that draw moths in to pollinate their flowers. They include summer flowering jasmine, honeysuckle, evening primros...

FearlessFly replies on May 14, 2020:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2009/02/10/of-flowers-and-pollinators-a-case-study-of-punctuated-evolution/

Are you bored yet?

FearlessFly comments on May 14, 2020:

I am not easily bored, I have taken up the piano and riding a bicycle :O :P

FearlessFly replies on May 14, 2020:

@bingst I have had this Casio MT-240 for decades, never used it til now. It is kinda a 'toy' -- some features, but 49 keys, no weighting, etc. I'm considering going "whole-hog" for an 88 key digital. Even though it is WAY more that I will ever need/use, I like the Roland D2000. I probably would have one if the 'stores' were open so I could try it/others out. Any recommendations ?

Gary Moore I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know [youtube.com]

Justme43 comments on May 14, 2020:

THAT'S a song I can get lost in the instrumental part of. What a laid-back piece! Reminded me of the attached video. The talent this boy has is totally unreal. Makes me want to believe in rebirth. How could a 9 year old boy learn so much in less than two years without memories of his past lives...

FearlessFly replies on May 14, 2020:

https://youtu.be/Rcq93txBdtM

I told my friend I went on a 2 day drinking binge & his reply was "Lol.

bingst comments on May 11, 2020:

And be mary? Drunken typo? :P

FearlessFly replies on May 14, 2020:

@VeronikaAnnJ When I was young and irresponsible, I was young and irresponsible. :O :P

This is how to end a relationship

FearlessFly comments on May 13, 2020:

Your SO is NOT your employer ! It takes two to stay together, it only take ONE to 'leave'. :O :P

FearlessFly replies on May 13, 2020:

@LetzGetReal . . . while I agree that relationships are/can be hard, it is not an 'employment' situation (severance, notice, temp).

Manhattan Faces a Reckoning if Working From Home Becomes the Norm

FearlessFly comments on May 13, 2020:

While some folks find it not easy to circumvent the 'paywall', pasting the entire article likely is a copyright violation. :O

FearlessFly replies on May 13, 2020:

@maturin1919 thx, got a good chuckle :)

For Earth Below · Robin Trower [youtube.com]

LetzGetReal comments on May 13, 2020:

Never heard of this group... Wondered if it were for the Decidedly Atheist Songs group. :) Will you post the lyrics, please?

FearlessFly replies on May 13, 2020:

It is the face that is the mirror It is the eyes to look within And the door remains open A passing dream calls you in, calls you in It is the mind that knows no distance And yet how far no one can say While the hand is helplessly waiting With each breath a life begins, a life begins Oo, don't they see it's just like sleeping Please don't wonder oh, how they know While you dream a child is weeping And each tear's a soul, for earth below, for earth below For earth below For earth below For earth below For earth below

Manhattan Faces a Reckoning if Working From Home Becomes the Norm

FearlessFly comments on May 13, 2020:

While some folks find it not easy to circumvent the 'paywall', pasting the entire article likely is a copyright violation. :O

FearlessFly replies on May 13, 2020:

@altschmerz . . . what would it take to defend against the NYT ? :O

Manhattan Faces a Reckoning if Working From Home Becomes the Norm

FearlessFly comments on May 13, 2020:

While some folks find it not easy to circumvent the 'paywall', pasting the entire article likely is a copyright violation. :O

FearlessFly replies on May 13, 2020:

@altschmerz . . . all it takes is one disgruntled "member" (perhaps a Xian interloper). :P

Survey: Atheists face discrimination, rejection in many areas of life - UPI.com

LucyLoohoo comments on May 13, 2020:

They needed a survey to learn this? Sheesh! We could've told them that over a glass of wine. MUCH more fun, right?

FearlessFly replies on May 13, 2020:

I was thinking that too, but it is good to have the well-run survey with legitimate data -- hard to dispute.

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

aintmisbehaven comments on May 12, 2020:

I don't see wearing a mask or staying 6 ft. away from everyone, in an attempt to keep from dying, as giving up an essential liberty. it's all about perspective, I guess.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@aintmisbehaven . . . the technology available to the police has not been available for 'decades', and even the DEA didn't 'buy' the product last year : https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3kxk9j/dea-didnt-buy-malware-nso-group-too-expensive

Is your area 'opening too soon' ? why/not ?

JackPedigo comments on May 12, 2020:

Luckily, I live in a civilized state and the governor has said end of the month maybe open in baby steps and then see. Putting an economy against a pandemic is pure insanity. Guess who will win and it won't be us humans.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

https://seattle.eater.com/2020/5/12/21255614/washington-state-requiring-contact-tracing-at-restaurants-logging-phones-emails https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/Phase2-RestaurantIndustryRe-OpenProposal.pdf

Apple, PC, misc -- Brand Fanaticism In conversation, when somebody mentions having driven ...

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

Kleenex seems like an obvious example . . .

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@Observer-Effect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsYf_7wPNxY

Apple, PC, misc -- Brand Fanaticism In conversation, when somebody mentions having driven ...

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

Kleenex seems like an obvious example . . .

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@Observer-Effect . . . (soapbox again) It ls less a 'phone', more a handheld computer, or, as Richard Stallman would say "a Stalinist dream come true" (tracking device) :O

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

indirect76 comments on May 12, 2020:

WTF is NSO?

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@indirect76 . . . that was blindingly obvious. :P

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

indirect76 comments on May 12, 2020:

WTF is NSO?

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

The very FIRST sentence of the article : "NSO Group, the surveillance vendor best known for selling hacking technology to authoritarian governments . . ." :O

Do you have any idea(s) to alleviate this FB 'issue' ?

RavenCT comments on May 12, 2020:

There will always be dodges like these - we didn't refer to "Weed" as weed when discussing it on pay phones in the dorms in the 1980s because we knew those phone lines were being listened in on. It's very similar to that. Once they pick up on the words though - they can shut the groups down ...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@RavenCT Given the unemployment rate, finding folks ready, willing and able to work remotely should be EASY. :O

Is your area 'opening too soon' ? why/not ?

Sticks48 comments on May 12, 2020:

Yes, because it is Texas. Nuff said.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

. . . have you read my response to Lauren (directly below) ? :)

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

creative51 comments on May 12, 2020:

He has been misquoted. Here is the actual quote and its original context (much different than how it is being used today). ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST: Ben Franklin was innovative, but it's fair to say that he didn't imagine a future of cellphones and of all the privacy issues that come with them. ...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@OldMetalHead already linked to the NPR article . . . In any case, pasting the entire article is likely a copyright violation ! :O

Apple, PC, misc -- Brand Fanaticism In conversation, when somebody mentions having driven ...

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

I'm (really, since the 90s) LINUX! (ducks) :O

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@NoMagicCookie . . . not to mention the infamous "walled garden", and ruthlessness about rejecting apps that compete with Apple apps. :O

Do you have any idea(s) to alleviate this FB 'issue' ?

RavenCT comments on May 12, 2020:

There will always be dodges like these - we didn't refer to "Weed" as weed when discussing it on pay phones in the dorms in the 1980s because we knew those phone lines were being listened in on. It's very similar to that. Once they pick up on the words though - they can shut the groups down ...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

I'm not/will never be on FB. Given that Zuck is "richer than 'god' ", how can FB be "down it's usual full slate of personnel" ? doesn't seem right.

Is your area 'opening too soon' ? why/not ?

Lauren comments on May 12, 2020:

Texas is ... being Texas. Most everyone I know thinks it's too soon (as do I), including a good number of people I know who are forced to be working, many without adequate protections. Mask and glove usage is erratic and becoming rare. I'm just watching the tally of sick and dead add up, and ...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

Texas -- sigh. (off topic soapbox) Texas should learn humility, or Alaska will split in two and make Texas the third largest state. . . . and I'll believe corporations are people when Texas executes one ! :O :P

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

mordant comments on May 12, 2020:

No one is volunteering to give up liberty ... it is just being stolen.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@jlynn37 . . . it is not easy, but there are ways to limit tracking -- TOR, VPN, Startpage, private browser windows, randomize MAC addresses. etc.

Quanta Magazine: ‘Milestone’ Evidence for Anyons, a Third Kingdom of Particles

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

I think I understand how this is a big deal in physics. I don't 'get' : "In two dimensions, the loop cannot shrink, to a point so the particle is not as constrained" . . . if the particle don't get 'stuck' in 3D why do they in 2D ?

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay . . . wonderful explanation, thx

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

mordant comments on May 12, 2020:

No one is volunteering to give up liberty ... it is just being stolen.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

. . . IMO, everyone on FB is giving up liberty (privacy). :P

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

aintmisbehaven comments on May 12, 2020:

I don't see wearing a mask or staying 6 ft. away from everyone, in an attempt to keep from dying, as giving up an essential liberty. it's all about perspective, I guess.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

The article (did you read it) is about giving police 'phone hacking tools' -- privacy invading tools. :O

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

OldMetalHead comments on May 12, 2020:

It's an awesome sounding quote, but no one using it, myself included, acknowledges the original context. Ben was supporting the right of the legislature to tax a property owner for frontier defense. It wasn't about government overstepping. ...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

I did not know that, Benjamin Wittes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the editor of Lawfare said in the article -- "And maybe it doesn't matter so much what Franklin was actually trying to say because the quotation means so much to us in terms of the tension between government power and individual liberties."

Quanta Magazine: ‘Milestone’ Evidence for Anyons, a Third Kingdom of Particles

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

I think I understand how this is a big deal in physics. I don't 'get' : "In two dimensions, the loop cannot shrink, to a point so the particle is not as constrained" . . . if the particle don't get 'stuck' in 3D why do they in 2D ?

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay . . . I saw that, still didn't make sense :(

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither ...

Toonces comments on May 12, 2020:

What essential liberty do you think is being given up?

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

PRIVACY :O

Is your area 'opening too soon' ? why/not ?

mordant comments on May 12, 2020:

I'm in one of three regions of NY state that are doing a "phase 1 reopening" in a few days, based on low numbers of cases basically. I think it's too soon because I don't see what's changed in terms of my own risk of contracting the illness or being damaged or killed by it. There's no vaccine, ...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

I think @Spinliesel is in that area also . . . What are the "decent contact tracing" mechanisms ?

I am level 6 but when i log in im seeing notifications about posts in the senate group (something i ...

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

You see posts of @creative51 because you have chosen to "follow" him. :)

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@Burner Since I rarely look there, I'm not sure, but (speculation) it looks like "anything I have commented on" and "anything in the "Browse" categories show up there.

The Darkness. - Growing On Me. Great band! [youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on May 12, 2020:

Despite rumours surrounding the song's meaning, lead singer Justin Hawkins has refuted suggestions that the lyrics pertain to pubic lice or sexually transmitted infections: "People have said it's about pubic lice, but that's obviously wrong because pubic lice don't grow on you, do they?" Hawkins has...

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

@Marionville "Lucy in the sky with diamonds" :O

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

Cutiebeauty comments on May 12, 2020:

The host of a group can ban anyone for any reason at anytime... It may seem unfair but a group is like someone's house.. If they don't want you in their house, they throw you out... The only appeal is to the host and / or moderators of the group.. Posting in the Senate will get you nowhere......

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

. . . right. I concede that 'tagging' Admin wasn't a good idea. Since I couldn't post to that group (at the time) and with multiple host/mods, it wouldn't be easy to know who to 'speak' to.

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

AnneWimsey comments on May 12, 2020:

I am sorry this upsets you so much, but the purpose of a Group is for like-minded folks to congregate. Period.

FearlessFly replies on May 12, 2020:

. . . another 'philosophy' I endeavor to live by . . . Why should **anyone** suffer (what they consider to be) foolishness in silence ? I sincerely wish nobody did that.

Do you think Elon will/should get arrested ?

bingst comments on May 11, 2020:

I would think the penalty would be against the business itself, not any particular officer of the company. I would have to read the order that applies, but I would suspect the penalty would be a fine, or loss of business license, or something along those lines. Not sure why that wasn't in the ...

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

I'm reminded of the meme "I'll believe corporations are people, when the State of Texas executes one" :O :P

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

MissKathleen comments on May 11, 2020:

This is a long-standing problem now. I agree with @Sticks48, there should be no groups.

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 You say 'attacked'. I criticized the sources of your posts which mediabiasfactcheck referred to as pseudoscience : https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/medium/

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

MissKathleen comments on May 11, 2020:

I totally oppose blocking people from a group. People who do not like what a person has to say have the option to personally block them. These are children just trying to get attention however they can. Eventually, they will alienate everyone in the group and not see any posts on which to be ...

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

I don't encounter folks who say (and mean it) that they don't want honesty. . . . principles I endeavor to live by : Sugar coating leads to truth decay. I say what I mean, and mean what I say -- I don't think that makes me a mean person. . . .ymmv

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

Robecology comments on May 11, 2020:

@FearlessFly It's just one of the undemocratic quirks of Agnostic.com. They can ban you for any reason - or none at all. If they don't like your profile they can ban you. Deal with it. You're in level 8...You can now make your own groups. Call your group the Fearless Minglers ...

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 . . . "all" ? hyperbole much ?

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

BitFlipper comments on May 11, 2020:

@FearlessFly We are all here as guests. We are all here as part of a community. We are not here to defend ourselves or our community from continual criticism. If you don't like what we do here, you're free to leave. Or be banned.

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

IMO, "fake news" is what should be shunned/blocked/banned.

@Admin Is it reasonable to be 'banned' from a group (Singles/Mingles/Chat) for criticizing a ...

sassygirl3869 comments on May 11, 2020:

You attacked my posts on dating which some members appreciate. Non political. Thats why

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

You say "attacked", I criticized your choice of source(s), which mediabiasfactcheck referred to as pseudoscience. :O https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/medium/

No irony here. Not a bit. :-) [pjmedia.com]

FearlessFly comments on May 10, 2020:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PJ_Media https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/pj-media/

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@PBuck0145 Does anyone (excepting perhaps Islamists) think the teenagers' suffering was acceptable ? I think you would have a real hard time finding someone on THIS website that would think so. This story went viral, covered by many credible sources. Even Macron found her a new school. What 'Philosophy & Meaning' are you driving at ? Why struggle with lousy sources when there are many good ones ?

................ [pbs.org]

Petter comments on May 11, 2020:

Damnit. Just drop a few H-Bombs on China and the virus will stop in next to no time.

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

. . . that's not even funny

[vice.

FearlessFly comments on May 11, 2020:

TWO does NOT qualify to say "Everyone" in a 'clickbait' headline ! :O :P

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 . . . doesn't change the 'clickbait' headline . . . "The assistant, who works in a personal capacity for US President Donald Trump’s daughter, has not been around Ivanka Trump in several weeks. She has been teleworking for nearly two months and was tested out of caution, the source said." https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-05-09-20-intl/h_93c750d3b49668ff94c0c7dcf6603602

Trump and Chip Makers Including Intel Seek Semiconductor Self-Sufficiency Pentagon says ...

bingst comments on May 11, 2020:

Duh. This has been problem since... these same corporations started moving manufacturing overseas? smh

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

Right. Perhaps it now occurs to 'whomever' that our national security has such 'parochial' vulnerabilities, and profit has other 'problems'. :O

[vice.

Huskygirl4ever comments on May 11, 2020:

No it doesn't know that Ivanka has it let's hope Trump gets it

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

Wishful thinking ? Or you have evidence ?

[vice.

FearlessFly comments on May 11, 2020:

TWO does NOT qualify to say "Everyone" in a 'clickbait' headline ! :O :P

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 "Katie Miller, a spokeswoman for Pence, did not identify the staffer, nor did she say specifically where the individual worked."

[medium.com] How to really get to know the person you're dating.

FearlessFly comments on May 11, 2020:

. . . just a blog . . . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_(website)#Criticism_and_controversy . . . and not a real good one . . . https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/medium/

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 Did you READ what mediabiasfactcheck says ? "Overall, we rate Medium Left-Center biased based on story selection that moderately favors the left and Mixed for factual reporting due to a lack of sourcing and some articles that promote conspiracy theories and pseudoscience ." Which part of pseudoscience is not understood ? I choose to 'chastise' all who post/link to less-than credible sources. IMO, that is no small part of what makes us (me) non believers.

[medium.com] How to really get to know the person you're dating.

FearlessFly comments on May 11, 2020:

. . . just a blog . . . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_(website)#Criticism_and_controversy . . . and not a real good one . . . https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/medium/

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 DUH, they are crappy sources ! :P Why do you keep linking to crappy source(s) ? :O

I told my friend I went on a 2 day drinking binge & his reply was "Lol.

bingst comments on May 11, 2020:

And be mary? Drunken typo? :P

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

Mary, Mary, quite contrary :O :P

Beware, Does your 'computer' have Thunderbolt port(s) ?

bingst comments on May 11, 2020:

Can't be fixed with a patch?! WTF? I don't buy that. If it has a driver -- how could it not? -- then it can be patched. It's not as though it's a direct connection to a data or execution bus. Even if it can't be patched, one should be able to disable it or... maybe remove the driver. It ...

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

"Thunderspy tool will then try to detect the Thunderbolt controller on your system. During the process, the tool might ask you to install additional custom drivers or enter in power saving mode." . . .drivers for the 'tool' ? or do you mean driver(s) for the Thunderbolt controller ?

I told my friend I went on a 2 day drinking binge & his reply was "Lol.

JeffMesser comments on May 11, 2020:

where does that state stand on cannabis?

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

When on cannabis, the state finds it harder to stand :O :P

Title IX: Coaches not required to report sexual misconduct

FearlessFly comments on May 10, 2020:

This will quickly be reversed when Trump is not re-elected :)

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@snytiger6 He might try, but federal elections are Constitutionally mandated. :P

No irony here. Not a bit. :-) [pjmedia.com]

FearlessFly comments on May 10, 2020:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PJ_Media https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/pj-media/

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@PBuck0145 . . . again ? are you hoping I don't check ? https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/frontpage-magazine/

This came up on another post.

Allamanda comments on May 11, 2020:

'Messaging' in essence - eg. I used a photo with a mask, to signal that we ought to be wearing them. Now I figure we all know that so I can go back to a recognisable photo, and in my case my chin is particularly important as it indicates a degree of stubbornness I would be foolish to hide.

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@Allamanda . . . not hiding, HATE shaving. I also always wear a hat -- again not hiding -- my eyes are sensitive to bright light.

This came up on another post.

Allamanda comments on May 11, 2020:

'Messaging' in essence - eg. I used a photo with a mask, to signal that we ought to be wearing them. Now I figure we all know that so I can go back to a recognisable photo, and in my case my chin is particularly important as it indicates a degree of stubbornness I would be foolish to hide.

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@Allamanda The last time I was clean-shaven was 1973 ! :P

I’m an Investigative Journalist. These Are the Questions… — ProPublica

FearlessFly comments on May 10, 2020:

I love the 'checklist' from this article ! I would wish this on everyone (including on this website). Is the Presentation One-Sided? Is There an Independent Pursuit of the Truth? Is There a Careful Adherence to the Facts? Are Those Accused Allowed to Respond? Are All Sources Named and Cited,...

FearlessFly replies on May 11, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I routinely do that (although for privacy I use Startpage). I have been blocked by users for 'chastising' them about their source choices. :O :P

The 5G Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory Has Taken a Dark Turn Though social networks have pledged to...

freeofgod comments on May 10, 2020:

How ignorant can people be? Really. I would like to know.

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

"The significant difference between intelligence and stupidity is that intelligence has its' limits" :O :P

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

t1nick comments on May 10, 2020:

The 1st Amendment is a tricky thing wording wise, the only type of speech that is not protected by this amendment is speech that directly incites specific violence against another person or entity. But in a common society, there are unspelled out limits that often get ignored. For instance all ...

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

"the only type of speech that is not protected by this amendment is speech that directly incites specific violence against another person or entity" . . . errrr, that's not strictly true. Saying "F-off" to your boss (or, say an inebriated Hell's Angel) is not only not protected, but not very wise. :O :P

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

evidentialist comments on May 10, 2020:

If I have factual evidence or a reasonable argument to refute a given comment I do not hesitate to present it immediately. Also, if I find something that disturbs me I will note it publicly and provide information/evidence that clearly shows it is false/misleading/malicious.

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

@evidentialist I have (multiple times) chastised ToolGuy (he blocked me for it) for him NOT giving credible sources AND expecting others to either 'trust' that he 'trusts' it or drill-down into BLOGS to figure out whether the 'articles' are worth it -- no sale. :O . . . PM me if you want examples.

Martynas - Vivaldi: 'Winter' from 'The Four Seasons' [youtube.com]

Spinliesel comments on May 10, 2020:

Sorry, this video does not play for me.

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

. . . a longer version : https://youtu.be/ZdmRlehXZ9M

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

Green_Chile_Type comments on May 10, 2020:

I work as an instructor in the institution that changed me--higher education. I was very conservative and naive as a youth, and it took 4+ years of work at two universities before I was able to ask some important and fundamental questions of myself, examine (my) life, privileges and obligations, ...

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

I'm not advocating 'grumpy' or "demands", but : (one of my philosophies) WHY should **anyone suffer** (what they consider to be) foolishness in silence ? :O I sincerely wish no one did that.

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

SenorRotten comments on May 10, 2020:

It would help, immensely, if leaders chose to use science and evidence and facts - as opposed to using false claims. Then, perhaps, people would start to accept the fact that ignorance is NOT as good as knowledge and that professionals can actually be trusted within their fields - as long as they ...

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johntharvey/2012/07/01/texas-gop-platform/#2ed4a30e666d

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

UpsideDownAgain comments on May 10, 2020:

I would say no and think that a more productive pursuit would be to acknowledge that humans have the tendency to latch on to ideas that aren't necessarily substantiated. In every type of group I've been in, I've seen it. It doesn't matter if people are religious or atheist, political or apathetic, ...

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6252179-the-liar-in-your-life

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

Larry-new comments on May 10, 2020:

Teach critical thinking in schools.

FearlessFly replies on May 10, 2020:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johntharvey/2012/07/01/texas-gop-platform/#2ed4a30e666d