Many years ago when photographic equipment was in real terms much more expensive, and I was much ...

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 23, 2019:

Geeze I wish I was half as inventive as you.

Fernapple replies on Aug 24, 2019:

I am sure you are more than that.

Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage, you can’t practice any ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 24, 2019:

Since as they say . "All good things come to those who wait." You could make a good case for patience. But then if you wait too long. "Life will pass you by." And it takes courage to wait sometimes and courage to act sometimes. Its complicated.

Fernapple replies on Aug 24, 2019:

@Marionville Then perhaps judgement is the ultimate virtue. Ever gone round in rings ?

I've been an atheist since I was 15 years old, my mom says she's a Christian.

indirect76 comments on Aug 22, 2019:

Theosophy - I had to look that one up. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy_(Blavatskian)

Fernapple replies on Aug 23, 2019:

Thanks for the link.

How sad it must be to be a Trump supporter....

Sticks48 comments on Aug 21, 2019:

The sad part is they don't realize anything in that statement. I really hate when a politician says, "Americans are not stupid". There is very little evidence to support that statement.

Fernapple replies on Aug 22, 2019:

@snytiger6 Yep I agree with that, this site really amazes sometimes.

My religions professor is very adamant about convincing us atheists are just as religious as ...

darthfaja comments on Aug 21, 2019:

I’m curious I could see what he’s trying to say here Could you ask him why and post his answer? My guess is that he’s saying we are a group Of some sort but that in itself makes us a society See what he says and post please Thank you

Fernapple replies on Aug 22, 2019:

@Rodatheist Just so.

How sad it must be to be a Trump supporter....

DenoPenno comments on Aug 21, 2019:

**I agree totally only they do not see it that way**. If you corner them on Trump being a clever businessman because he cheated others they will reply that he did that because he was a clever businessman.

Fernapple replies on Aug 22, 2019:

I did read a report by a group of analists, who said that overall Trump had earned less than bank interest rates on the wealth he inherited. Which is about as failed in business as you can get without going completely broke.

How sad it must be to be a Trump supporter....

Sticks48 comments on Aug 21, 2019:

The sad part is they don't realize anything in that statement. I really hate when a politician says, "Americans are not stupid". There is very little evidence to support that statement.

Fernapple replies on Aug 22, 2019:

There is a little evidence on this site. LOL

An important distinction to learn as an agnostic

Fernapple comments on Aug 21, 2019:

No sorry, it all depend on how you define 'religion' , and if define it as most people on this site would I suspect do, as any belief system which includes an element of the supernatural, then they are all religions except perhaps Toaism to a degree. The difference you mean, is that between religion...

Fernapple replies on Aug 22, 2019:

@JeffMesser So it does do cause and effect then.

Starved For Practicing Emotional Intimacy (SFPEI) 1: PRACTICING EMOTIONAL CONNECTABILITY ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 21, 2019:

That is all very true. But you are not unique at all, you have to remember that men on dating sites tend, (note tend) to be a special subset of the male population, and that maybe with some exceptions they are not typical of the whole.

Fernapple replies on Aug 21, 2019:

@adaptable1958 Well there are a few on this page, at least.

An important distinction to learn as an agnostic

Fernapple comments on Aug 21, 2019:

No sorry, it all depend on how you define 'religion' , and if define it as most people on this site would I suspect do, as any belief system which includes an element of the supernatural, then they are all religions except perhaps Toaism to a degree. The difference you mean, is that between religion...

Fernapple replies on Aug 21, 2019:

@JeffMesser I am not very interested in the cause and effect issue, my only vcomments were on the isue of whether these belief systems are religions. However when it comes to Scopes trials, there is a growing anti-science and anti-history movement within the Hindu world, which has to be taken into account. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/07/india-scientists-claim-ancient-hindus-invented-stem-cell-research-dismiss-einstein

My daughter’s spaceship Orion.

Fernapple comments on Aug 21, 2019:

Sorry but what is an EE ?

Fernapple replies on Aug 21, 2019:

@Antidronefreeman Thank You.

Atrocious use of power religion is nasty to allow this

snytiger6 comments on Aug 21, 2019:

It sickens me that the idea that just because of a persons religious belief, that e let them off easy, as if by violating their own beliefs they really are not all that bad.

Fernapple replies on Aug 21, 2019:

You would think that even a believer, if they are honest and genuine, (Big ask that's true.) would think that made it worse, because that is two crimes not one.

My religions professor is very adamant about convincing us atheists are just as religious as ...

darthfaja comments on Aug 21, 2019:

I’m curious I could see what he’s trying to say here Could you ask him why and post his answer? My guess is that he’s saying we are a group Of some sort but that in itself makes us a society See what he says and post please Thank you

Fernapple replies on Aug 21, 2019:

I think that he is trying to push the old fallacy that an Atheist belief that there is no god is equivalent to belief in a god, because both are unprovable.

My religions professor is very adamant about convincing us atheists are just as religious as ...

273kelvin comments on Aug 21, 2019:

So many times I come across "The elephant and the Polish problem." * Where people (especially religious ones) view everything else from their own perspective and cannot conceive a view outside of it. They have faith and it is part of their world. The fact that all their bs is about as much concern ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 21, 2019:

Please do. I like a good joke especially one with wisdom, and you could just copy and paste.

Just want to run this by everyone.

Pedrohbds comments on Aug 19, 2019:

It can be a solution, but then they will simply waste one more minute answering randomly the questions.

Fernapple replies on Aug 19, 2019:

True, but a minute is an long time when you have the concentration span of a scammer.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill ?

brentan comments on Aug 18, 2019:

What about a friend in need?

Fernapple replies on Aug 19, 2019:

Yes it says " to fill your need".

Here's one from a Christian writer, but I like it anyway.

Freedompath comments on Aug 18, 2019:

I love Gibran, but I never thought of him as Christian.

Fernapple replies on Aug 19, 2019:

@OwlInASack Yes please do. I have posted a couple of bits in the past but would love to see other peoples sellections.

Here's one from a Christian writer, but I like it anyway.

IamNobody comments on Aug 18, 2019:

Gibran, in my own twisted perception, is a poet...not a Christian, or whatever denomination for that matter.

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

@IamNobody Thank you. He was always though of as a Marionite Chritian writer, though he did try to teach his idea that all religions were one. Since people seem to like him I may post some more.

Here's one from a Christian writer, but I like it anyway.

Freedompath comments on Aug 18, 2019:

I love Gibran, but I never thought of him as Christian.

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

A Lebanese American and originally a Maronite Christian, he was influenced by the Sufis, but did not give up his Christianity, though he did try to teach that all religions were one. Since people liked that I will post some more.

Here's one from a Christian writer, but I like it anyway.

bobwjr comments on Aug 18, 2019:

Read him interesting

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

Please enlarge.

Whats the wrong thing about religion?

DenoPenno comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Better still, what is the right thing about religion?

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

@averykings It can also provide a community for the lonely and does some charity work, but there are other ways of doing all those three, and secular charities especially are usually vastly better at their jobs.

Hi! Im new here.

Archeus_Lore comments on Aug 17, 2019:

I do not hide a thing, and in fact, I flaunt it . . . . I love it when they challenge me, because I know their whole system is a huge house of cards. Any who dare to venture into that conversation about religion do not last long when it comes to that . . . . like, where the fuck did they get the ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

Always wondered about the Ark. If god created all the animals in the first place, why did he not just recreate them, what did he need Noah for ? And why did all the land plants not drown, and if they did what did the animals eat when they landed, and........ ?

Should people get together and organize a boycott of electric card payments, at least until ...

NoPlanetB comments on Aug 17, 2019:

No, you have the option to not use them.

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

@NoPlanetB True.

This is a bit different for most people in the West, though only classical in the widest sense , and...

Larry-new comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Imagine it at the edge of your drifting consciousness blown in on a hot wind......sipping cool ouzo.

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

When can we go.

Public Service Announcement from the Mormons: [yahoo.com]

Fernapple comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Saw the video too. What is that building ? Is it a church or a theme park castle, the one Walt Disney rejected ?

Fernapple replies on Aug 18, 2019:

@RussRAB Yes that reminds me of a video I saw of some cleaners working on the war memorial in, I think Paris. One of the cleaners, while swishing round with her mop, accidentally snuffed out the eternal flame. So she got out her lighter and relit it. "That's what we always do."

I have got a new name!.

Deb57 comments on Aug 17, 2019:

By "one of those" did she mean "people-who-have-enough-of-a-life-that-they-can't-or-won't-just-drop-everything-they're-doing-to-indulge-over-entitled-assholes-who-randomly-bang-on-the-doors-of-strangers- demanding-chunks-of-their-time-for-no-good-reason"? I'm "one of those," as well.

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

I think that she had heard the line as an excuse many times before, though it was true in this case. There was a learned article published on this site some days ago, which made the point that of course they are sent out to annoy people. Because that gets them rejected, lied to and insulted by lots of members of mainstream society, which in turn makes them distrust society all the more, and forces to run back to the congregation for comfort. I short it is brainwashing reinforcement, and the point of it is not to save souls, but to deepen the grip the church has on them.

I have got a new name!.

demifeministgal comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Did she think you were waiting for a stripper or sex worker to show up?? I'm confused by her automatic judgement here :s

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

I think that she had heard the line as an excuse many times before, though it was true in this case. There was a learned article published on this site some days ago, which made the point that of course they are sent out to annoy people. Because that gets them rejected, lied to and insulted by lots of members of mainstream society, which in turn makes them distrust society all the more, and forces to run back to the congregation for comfort. I short it is brainwashing reinforcement, and the point of it is not to save souls, but to deepen the grip the church has on them.

Public Service Announcement from the Mormons: [yahoo.com]

creative51 comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Wow! That church (as well as others) are really trying to micro manage their members lives. Do they have a rule on how many sheets of toilet paper one is supposed to use to wipe ones ass?

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

St. Benidict issued comands to his followers, on how long they should trim their fingernails. LOL

I have got a new name!.

Deb57 comments on Aug 17, 2019:

By "one of those" did she mean "people-who-have-enough-of-a-life-that-they-can't-or-won't-just-drop-everything-they're-doing-to-indulge-over-entitled-assholes-who-randomly-bang-on-the-doors-of-strangers- demanding-chunks-of-their-time-for-no-good-reason"? I'm "one of those," as well.

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

Yes I think that's it. Hello fellow 'Those'.

I have got a new name!.

bobwjr comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Princesses say no more you didn't worship them

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

Oh, I could have worshiped them alright, I just did not have time to listen to their talk.

Should people get together and organize a boycott of electric card payments, at least until ...

NoPlanetB comments on Aug 17, 2019:

No, you have the option to not use them.

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

@NoPlanetB Yes I think there must be a crossed wire here, I write cheques for thousands of pounds sometimes here in the UK. I think he must mean travelers cheques.

Should people get together and organize a boycott of electric card payments, at least until ...

NoPlanetB comments on Aug 17, 2019:

No, you have the option to not use them.

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

I thought that that was what Boycott meant.

I have got a new name!.

Beowulfsfriend comments on Aug 17, 2019:

Possibly one of T.H.E.M. terrible horrible evil men.

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

Yes that could be me, but I never got an invite, T.H.E.M. is very exclusive.

Should people get together and organize a boycott of electric card payments, at least until ...

Varn comments on Aug 17, 2019:

It’ll take your nation or continent to implement such a plan. In the USA, too many still feel ‘for profit’ medical care is justified by Capitalism … and that any concept *not* making the *rich* ***Richer*** is Socialism :S So please, lead the way ~

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

Long hard walk to freedom.

An old favorite, the New-Age Bullshit Generator.

Fernapple comments on Aug 17, 2019:

I would love, (No that is wrong, quite enjoy, sort of. ) seeing the actual text you used.

Fernapple replies on Aug 17, 2019:

@daylily Yes that's why I put 'sort of'. LOL But having cognized you of that vectorial and in light of the high individualization, which harmoniously follows from the engagement of organic humour, and its dimensional interface with the many subframes of culture. It seemed a enjoyable route to full economization of a leisure vector and digital spiritualization, in the outer understandings of philosophical internalization to ask. (Written without any digital help. )

This is a bit different for most people in the West, though only classical in the widest sense , and...

tioteo comments on Aug 16, 2019:

It's different for me, but I like it; however, I am not sure that "lullaby" is an appropriate category for it.

Fernapple replies on Aug 16, 2019:

Seems that is the oppinion of most people.

This is a bit different for most people in the West, though only classical in the widest sense , and...

LetzGetReal comments on Aug 16, 2019:

Exotic, not sure it would put me to sleep, might dance to it if in a certain mood. :)

Fernapple replies on Aug 16, 2019:

Yes that is what i thought, more wake you up music than a lullaby.

"You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not a single event - but a habit." Aristotle

IamNobody comments on Aug 16, 2019:

Keep spreading happiness buddy

Fernapple replies on Aug 16, 2019:

Thanks I hope I do.

On Flute! [www.

Marionville comments on Aug 15, 2019:

Not sure about it played on the flute...although I recognise the skill involved....there seems to be something missing.

Fernapple replies on Aug 15, 2019:

Yes but you do have to recognize the skill so much, it is said that Motzart hated the flute, because he thought that no one would ever have the skill to play it well enough for it to sound truely musical.

Melbourne Australia Catholic Church to continue protecting pedophiles? [theage.com.au]

LenHazell53 comments on Aug 14, 2019:

Who the fuck do these perverts think they are? They are as disgusting as the horrors they are protecting, the whole twisted organization needs disbanding for aiding and abetting.

Fernapple replies on Aug 15, 2019:

@LenHazell53 True.

The Acanthus are coming to the end of their flowering now.

CeliaVL comments on Aug 15, 2019:

My acanthus flowers are still going strong but the leaves have died back. They keep doing that and it makes them look scruffy.

Fernapple replies on Aug 15, 2019:

Are you growing A. spinosus or A. mollis ?

Melbourne Australia Catholic Church to continue protecting pedophiles? [theage.com.au]

LenHazell53 comments on Aug 14, 2019:

Who the fuck do these perverts think they are? They are as disgusting as the horrors they are protecting, the whole twisted organization needs disbanding for aiding and abetting.

Fernapple replies on Aug 15, 2019:

They think that they are the voice of god.

IS AMERICA RACIST AND SEXIST?

Fernapple comments on Aug 14, 2019:

There are no countries which are not sexist and racist to some degree, why should the US be any different ?

Fernapple replies on Aug 15, 2019:

@St-Sinner Yep, that is what I thought. That is why the old saying about, travel teaches you most about your own country is so true. It is no coincidense that the people of the US are among the least traveled of all the developed world, else that sort of unseeing nationalism could not exist.

ABOUT MUFFINS.

GeorgeRocheleau comments on Aug 14, 2019:

Blueberry! If you disagree, you should be stoned.

Fernapple replies on Aug 15, 2019:

Yep my favourite too. Always with the pagans.

Agnostic vs Atheist Sorry to rake up this seemingly old one up again but there have been so many ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I don't basically disagree with you but I think that the "Where are the scissors Darling?" analogue is not a good one. The real equivalent should be. "There are no scissors in an unknown draw somewhere perhaps on a distant planet." Which is the real meaning of you can not prove a negative, it does ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@OwlInASack That's it.

ABOUT MUFFINS.

KKGator comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I'd rather have unaffiliated donuts.

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

I knew you would. LOL

ABOUT MUFFINS.

graceylou comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Damn. Now I want to bake muffins (vegan, of course).

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

Please don't blame me for any weight gain.LOL

ABOUT MUFFINS.

273kelvin comments on Aug 13, 2019:

That makes sense, as I have brought quite a few ladies close to heaven with my muffin.

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

The important thing with muffin dough, (as I am sure you know) is not to be too heavy handed or overwork it.

I found reason just recently to block another participant here on this forum.

Marionville comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I have never blocked anyone, preferring to ignore posts by certain people. I do believe that I have been blocked by a few others though, one that I definitely know of. Strangely, it only seems to be youngish men with misogynist or right wing views who take issue with me!

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

Oh dash, I can't do the young bit.

I found reason just recently to block another participant here on this forum.

Allamanda comments on Aug 12, 2019:

I sometimes think it would be nice if there was a way to see what percentage of people are blocked etc. and to know why... But no idea how to find out, except if we did another 'poll' of how many have you blocked and a list of possible reasons (sexism, racism, incivility, ???)?

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

Why not, go for it.

Agnostic vs Atheist Sorry to rake up this seemingly old one up again but there have been so many ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I don't basically disagree with you but I think that the "Where are the scissors Darling?" analogue is not a good one. The real equivalent should be. "There are no scissors in an unknown draw somewhere perhaps on a distant planet." Which is the real meaning of you can not prove a negative, it does ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@273kelvin Yes very true, scissors or gods do not cut it with me at all either. But the draw far off in space is often the last retreat of the theist. Especially when pressed by reasoning to which they have no answer. So that it is that god or scissors that we are usually asked to address.

Agnostic vs Atheist Sorry to rake up this seemingly old one up again but there have been so many ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I don't basically disagree with you but I think that the "Where are the scissors Darling?" analogue is not a good one. The real equivalent should be. "There are no scissors in an unknown draw somewhere perhaps on a distant planet." Which is the real meaning of you can not prove a negative, it does ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@273kelvin, @silverotter11 You may use either, but I used analogue, because it implies a more exact match than analogy.

The Agapanthus are in full flower now.

Allamanda comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I grew up seeing these in the cooler Cape Province in S Africa, in every garden. Whether it was immigrants to New Zealand who took them there I don't know (though there are a LOT of S Africans there) but agapanthus have become a roadside pest... they are really invasive for them.

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

Yes the first place I saw them was on the island of Madiera, where they are also widespread and I think not native. But Madiera has eucalyptus as well as Wild Ginger so it has terrible problems with invasive imports.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Pralina1 Thank you.

ABOUT MUFFINS.

ADKSparky comments on Aug 13, 2019:

What about a chocolate chip lemon muffin? (I’m just being a smart ass🤪)

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

So am I. LOL

ABOUT MUFFINS.

lazylee comments on Aug 13, 2019:

I like blueberry muffins best

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

Then I think that your soul will only find rest haunting the Stygian marches. LOL

ABOUT MUFFINS.

chalupacabre comments on Aug 13, 2019:

And those on the Atkins or keto diet are already in hell, having forsaken the heavenly muffin

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

The very deepest part, and it is all their own fault.

ABOUT MUFFINS.

SleepingOnABoat comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Do you realize what you have just done? I did a google search for "muffin god" and evidently there are now over 2000 followers!

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

Oh. dear.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Marionville Sorry to have messed you about.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Marionville Thank you, I thought that I was seeing things.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Marionville This is a mystery, please help to solve it, by going to General and Hellos , it is the latest post at this time but may have moved down a bit, though it is certainly there when I look. If you can't find it that way I will just put it dow to the strange things that happen on this site.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Marionville It seems to be working now. After all that, for something not cvery important.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Pralina1 No you certainly are not blocked by me, I have not blocked anyone. I don't know why it is not there. A problem needs to be resolved.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar..........Benjamin Franklin.

Fernapple comments on Aug 13, 2019:

Very true, and funny you should quote that, I have just come from trying that myself, though perhaps not well. https://agnostic.com/post/388142/about-muffins-i-see-that-the-issue-of-atheist-agnostic-has-been-rearing-its-head-again-as-it-does

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@Marionville Possibly too soon after posting, its on the general and hellos page anyway. "About muffins."

Agnostic and More

Fernapple comments on Aug 11, 2019:

Most people on this site are atheist in practice, but most are not too bothered about labels, because when once you leave behind religion and its dogma, you realize that no god is going to punish you for spelling mistakes, even if you spell atheist, agnostic, skeptic, humanist, or twenty other ways ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@GROG To the best of my knowledge I have only one life, and I would think that that is the view of most people here too. But in any case, the issue of how many lives people have could not be more trivial and unimportant.

Nice overview and a good narrative about the deep past. Which I always love. [youtube.com]

MojoDave comments on Aug 10, 2019:

I too love learning about deep time! I recommend this book highly: Ends of the World by Peter Brannen. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075449-the-ends-of-the-world Great science but reads like novel.

Fernapple replies on Aug 10, 2019:

Thank you I will take a look at that.

Isn’t there clear evidence that the supreme something that created the universe is an unjust ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 10, 2019:

No I don't think that it exists. But even if it did then the evidence does not really support the idea of evil, or that it is evil, the idea of evil is just a human made up illusion just as much as god and the devil. And in any case there is a third possible which seems to fit the evidence more ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 10, 2019:

@Dreamrider Yes but that is the misunderstanding that they made in the bronze age. Not all pain is good for us, of course, because the pain system can malfunction, just as any purely mechanical system can. That is the proof that it is a purely mechanical and falable system, and not one designed and managed by an intelegent being with an intention, for good or evil. Cronic pain is like the state of the man who turned his car over and was trapped inside. When the car was upside down, the fuel in the tank slopped to the top of the tank, which in turn expossed the device which read the fuel depth. It greatly annoyed him therefore, that all the time he was trapped, the alarm which was suppossed to tell him his fuel was low kept going pip, pip, pip, for several hours. Under strange conditions, or when damaged, fuel alarms can be annoying, but that does not mean that fuel alarms are bad things.

Maybe one should explain to those Christians who praise god for surviving the recent massacres that ...

powder comments on Aug 8, 2019:

Adherance to doctrine retards the ability to utilize logic and reasoning ability. Pointless arguing with the retarded.

Fernapple replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@Varn Sanity and insanity, are best not measured by head counts.

These are a bit chopped up I am sorry, but it does pose an interesting question.

dede18 comments on Aug 8, 2019:

Thought-provoking! I'll have to ponder on that. Just woke up, it's 6:45 a.m. here on the West Coast, and rushing to an all-morning engagement, so will participate this afternoon.

Fernapple replies on Aug 8, 2019:

No rush. Thought for the dull bits of the day.

These are a bit chopped up I am sorry, but it does pose an interesting question.

Marionville comments on Aug 8, 2019:

Good choices...I like all of these pieces very much too...especially the Rachmaninov. I would have to give it a long and hard think....before whittling it down to only three.

Fernapple replies on Aug 8, 2019:

I would have to have Grieg 'A' but then what could you leave out.

When i make a friend i really dont care about what religion he/she is, or what their sex preference ...

darthfaja comments on Aug 6, 2019:

The only real issue I have with this site is the belief of many people on here that they are intellectually superior because they are atheist. That somehow faith makes you stupid.

Fernapple replies on Aug 7, 2019:

Yes that sort of snob annoys me too. In part that is why I always call myself a broad church sceptic, I really don't care if you call yourself atheist, agnostic, humanist or even deist. The important thing is not believing dogma which will tell you to do wrong things, while if you do still believe in dogma then you need sympathy not scorn.

Politics , sports, and religion the most corrupt institutions in the world.

Fernapple comments on Aug 6, 2019:

Yep, that's true. Spoiled my coffee thinking about it, but true.

Fernapple replies on Aug 6, 2019:

@Blackthought73 I am sorry , here in the UK we do tend to have an over developed irony button. PS. Don't forget to throw the arts in too.

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.

Freedompath comments on Aug 6, 2019:

I know people like that...I once was like that!

Fernapple replies on Aug 6, 2019:

Yes I do it less now, mainly because now I have a lot of my own I keep going back to the old ones. Also since books are now in real terms a lot cheaper than they were in my youth, I find that when I do want a new one I tend to buy it rather than use the public library, which has such a limited choice.

Fixer upper on the Road to Perdition

Fernapple comments on Aug 5, 2019:

Looks nice, but here is one with a balcony, and not far from the sea. Only two beds, so nice starter home for young couple on a budget.

Fernapple replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@AmelieMatisse Not sure about that, but if you are looking to set up in the house rental trade, and you need an investor.. ... LOL

Tell me, what's your best argument against a Christian?

nicknotes comments on Aug 3, 2019:

What did Jesus ever do, that we can see, to improve the lives of mankind? As a Prophet, what prophecies did Jesus ever make that have been fulfilled? Jesus was a charismatic orator....he said some great sayings.....but what did he ever do? IMO, all we have from Jesus are unfulfilled promises. We ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 3, 2019:

He did say that he would return before the last of his followers then alive died. Don't think he got that right.

Wow! In the name of Climate Change!! Ethiopia Just Set the World Record for Most Trees Planted in a...

RoyMillar comments on Aug 3, 2019:

was not that amazing the milllions of trees they palnted so quickly,,hope they have a good survival rate

Fernapple replies on Aug 3, 2019:

That is so true, planting a tree is easy, but getting it to live is hard. I hope it was well planned and thought through.

The wild Chicory is just going over in the hedgerows now.

Cast1es comments on Aug 2, 2019:

Kind of looks like a Bachlor Button .

Fernapple replies on Aug 3, 2019:

Much bigger flower.

As we mature most of us come to believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or more ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

No, because that is like saying that to be sensitive is religious, why stick the label religious on such experiences at all. If you think there is worth in such experiences, why not call them, 'spiritual' and if you don't call them 'Woo', or to be realistic just, 'unexplained subjective ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Allamanda Quite. You have to be very careful.

As we mature most of us come to believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or more ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

No, because that is like saying that to be sensitive is religious, why stick the label religious on such experiences at all. If you think there is worth in such experiences, why not call them, 'spiritual' and if you don't call them 'Woo', or to be realistic just, 'unexplained subjective ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Allamanda You do not really need a special word. You explain it very well anyway.

As we mature most of us come to believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or more ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

No, because that is like saying that to be sensitive is religious, why stick the label religious on such experiences at all. If you think there is worth in such experiences, why not call them, 'spiritual' and if you don't call them 'Woo', or to be realistic just, 'unexplained subjective ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Allamanda, @thinktwice True, I am no lover of words as such myself, I have always held that one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to give words meanings as though they are themselves a source of truth, rather than just usages, things we use to communicate ideas. I have had too much of the very short life time wasted on the meanings of words by people who made that mitake.

As we mature most of us come to believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or more ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

No, because that is like saying that to be sensitive is religious, why stick the label religious on such experiences at all. If you think there is worth in such experiences, why not call them, 'spiritual' and if you don't call them 'Woo', or to be realistic just, 'unexplained subjective ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Allamanda I can only speak for myself, but yes sometimes I get a feeling of deep time.

As we mature most of us come to believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or more ...

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

No, because that is like saying that to be sensitive is religious, why stick the label religious on such experiences at all. If you think there is worth in such experiences, why not call them, 'spiritual' and if you don't call them 'Woo', or to be realistic just, 'unexplained subjective ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@thinktwice Perhaps true, though for me spiritual seems vague enough to express vague feelings. Transcendental seems to mean that you are moving outside of yourself, and that is not perhaps always true, some would even say that it all comes from within anyway, and that transcedental is just an illusion.

It’s not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

Depends if you equate love with passion or not, if you see love as equating to friendship then no. This is one of those where you would really need to have it in the original language, and know the language well.

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Marionville I was lucky in my marrige too, we had everything for a while. Now I am older I feel that I know how to tell the things that really matter, and how to concentrate on them, so no more looking for everything anyway.

It’s not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

Depends if you equate love with passion or not, if you see love as equating to friendship then no. This is one of those where you would really need to have it in the original language, and know the language well.

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Freedompath I have been very fortunate, when my wife died very young, I was lucky enough to find a real friend, and although we are not lovers, we still love each others company. We both like travel and trade, so that, over the last few years we have been on many adventures together. Sadly there is a big age gap so that it may now be that her adventures will start to be smaller and less ambitious now, but I still love just sitting with her and chatting.

As we mature most of us come to believe that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or more ...

SallyInStitches comments on Aug 2, 2019:

Lol....in my misspent youth, I constantly heard guys say, "beauty is in the eye of the beer holder."

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

If someone has got hold of your beer, that makes them all powerful.

It’s not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.

Fernapple comments on Aug 2, 2019:

Depends if you equate love with passion or not, if you see love as equating to friendship then no. This is one of those where you would really need to have it in the original language, and know the language well.

Fernapple replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@Marionville Quite, I think I get what he meant by it, it just whether you can use love only for passion in that sense, or whether it also covers friendship in what I think would have been German just as it does in English.

The wild Chicory is just going over in the hedgerows now.

CeliaVL comments on Aug 1, 2019:

It is a lovely colour. It grows by the roadsides in Spain and wild in the garden too. I haven't heard of a cultivated version

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

Yet I wonder if the vegetable flowers, and if so is it as invasive ?

The wild Chicory is just going over in the hedgerows now.

tinkercreek comments on Aug 1, 2019:

Such a delicate, feathery blossom - I've never seen it before!

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

Usually the flowers are about two inches across but they can get to three or more. I have not yet found out if there are cultivated types that can be grown for flowers, although there are obviously one which can be grown for eating.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Mulberry Wing Skipper Monarch egg on Common Milkweed Red Spotted ...

Fernapple comments on Jul 31, 2019:

Does the Hummingbird Clear Wing hover in front of flowers just like a hummingbird ?

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

@Leafhead Soon as I retire, flying over the pond is on my bucket list.

Red garnets in Heather Lake. Heat exhaustion.

Fernapple comments on Aug 1, 2019:

Good story of a day out. I wish more people would put a narrative element into their posts, it adds a lot to the pleasure of reading them.

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

@LiterateHiker Of course I should have guessed.

"Distance changes utterly when you take the world on foot.

Diogenes comments on Aug 1, 2019:

Don't agree with Mr.Bryson, whoever he be. There is no greater prison than a "comfortable chair". I enjoy going out on hikes, and talking with people who are wise enough, and awake, to know 'lots about lots'. Of cardinal importance: sit long enough and a person will not be able to get up. The ...

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

I think that is what he meant, distance changes so that more fits into it.

The Buddleja is also out now, called the Butterfly Bush it is covered in them.

Allamanda comments on Jul 31, 2019:

Beautiful photo! In southern UK we spell and say that Buddleia (bud-lee-ah) and we say it is purple not blue!

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

@Allamanda Yes that is true. And of course I should have used Italics, but life is short.

The Buddleja is also out now, called the Butterfly Bush it is covered in them.

Allamanda comments on Jul 31, 2019:

Beautiful photo! In southern UK we spell and say that Buddleia (bud-lee-ah) and we say it is purple not blue!

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

The Buddleia spelling is out of date now, in the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature the latest 2006 edition requires Buddleja, which was C. L.'s original spelling. But you are right about it being called purple, I am just casual with colours sometimes.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Mulberry Wing Skipper Monarch egg on Common Milkweed Red Spotted ...

Fernapple comments on Jul 31, 2019:

Does the Hummingbird Clear Wing hover in front of flowers just like a hummingbird ?

Fernapple replies on Aug 1, 2019:

@Leafhead Thanks, yes I did wonder since the Hummingbird Hawk Moth that we get in the UK does that, though sadly it is never likely to be taken for the bird since we do not have those.

The Buddleja is also out now, called the Butterfly Bush it is covered in them.

Hathacat comments on Jul 31, 2019:

I have never seen that butterfly before. Colorful!

Fernapple replies on Jul 31, 2019:

Called a Peacock I think you can see why. Having seen a number of butterfly posts on this site from US members I think that it may not be common in the US, if there at all, but it is quite common here in the UK.

The Buddleja is also out now, called the Butterfly Bush it is covered in them.

CeliaVL comments on Jul 31, 2019:

I find the species (purple) one is the best for butterflies. It has escaped all over Devon so you see it everywhere here- especially along the edges of railway lines.

Fernapple replies on Jul 31, 2019:

It is said that it is to be banned from sale, since it is becoming such a weed.

Sunday school teacher blames Noah's flood on climate change.

greyeyed123 comments on Jul 30, 2019:

In 10,000 years, we won't believe any of this crap. Many will believe some other crap, we'll all be dead, or we'll have all grown up...or some mix of those three, lol. What if there was a shot you could get to make you realize your stupid, baseless ideas were stupid and baseless?

Fernapple replies on Jul 31, 2019:

The truth is always there to be rediscovered, but every lie will be forgotten one day.

My points are 166,666. Does this mean I'm the Antichrist?

RussRAB comments on Jul 29, 2019:

I once read that the 666 was a mistranslation and the number was actually 616 (sounds more like a phone area code). I'm no expert, so who knows? My queztion, however, does 666 represent good luck in Confucianism, or you're in for a tranquil day in Buddhism?

Fernapple replies on Jul 30, 2019:

I heard that too. I also heard a story that in Moscow, Russia, all the streets have numbers. So the people who lived no street 666 did not like what they thought was bad luck and all the jokes. Therefore they asked the city council if they could change the name. The council said yes they could, because there were a few numbers spare due to some streets being demolished, and so they gave them another number. Yep you guessed it, they got 616. ( Sadly it could be an urban myth.)

Not A True Atheist -- We mostly see this with Xtians, saying "you're not really atheist, you're just...

Fernapple comments on Jul 27, 2019:

What they think they know of atheists/agnostics, is what the preacher told them, most 'nones' do not wear a label saying so, and so they assume that everyone they know who treats them well is a Christian ,because the preacher also said that only Christians treat people kindly. And since they have ...

Fernapple replies on Jul 29, 2019:

@UpsideDownAgain Glad you sscaped. And nice to have your thoughts confirmed by someone with first hand experience.

Fuck you, 14 mm mower blade bolt.

Fernapple comments on Jul 28, 2019:

Good plan, and don't forget to switch off and (belt and braces ) take the lead off the spark plug first.

Fernapple replies on Jul 29, 2019:

@TrailRider Go for it, it train you in quick reactions.