It is difficult for me to post photos.

DenoPenno comments on Mar 8, 2019:

Maybe with an app like IrFanview. It would make the photos easier to find. Even though I have it on my Windows 10 machine I usually just browse through the lot of pics until I come to the one I want to post.

Fernapple replies on Mar 8, 2019:

@ToolGuy no idea it was just a thought, what I do is keep a special folder just for transfer photos on my desk top, copy all the ones I want into that, but sadly that wont work for you. However a lot of people do post links to facebook, entries, so it does work although you get part of the FB page as well.

It is difficult for me to post photos.

DenoPenno comments on Mar 8, 2019:

Maybe with an app like IrFanview. It would make the photos easier to find. Even though I have it on my Windows 10 machine I usually just browse through the lot of pics until I come to the one I want to post.

Fernapple replies on Mar 8, 2019:

@ToolGuy Try posting them to your facebook page, and then copy those to here.

And I don't like bugs at all, sigh.

Fernapple comments on Mar 8, 2019:

I have managed a very large garden and a plant nursery now for over twenty years using only organic methods. Sometimes there is the odd white patch on a leaf, but that is it, and nobody but me ever seemed to notice.

Fernapple replies on Mar 8, 2019:

@Heidi68 Sorry no misunderstanding, just one of my sad and not very good atempts at being funny. But seriously try Diatomus Earth (hope I spelled that) brushed in regularly, also cider vinegar works I am told.

And I don't like bugs at all, sigh.

Fernapple comments on Mar 8, 2019:

I have managed a very large garden and a plant nursery now for over twenty years using only organic methods. Sometimes there is the odd white patch on a leaf, but that is it, and nobody but me ever seemed to notice.

Fernapple replies on Mar 8, 2019:

@Heidi68 Very few things attack fleas, if you are finding it hard to keep your fleas alive it could be something wrong with your blood chemistry. Ask a friend to be host to one or two of them for a couple of days, and if they thrive OK then it would perhaps be best to see a doctor. (Your little friends are trying to tell you something.) Remember though, that you can not get your fleas from a dog, these are quite different and will die on a human, to obtain a healthy population you must obtain real human fleas from a friend, this is a common mistake that a lot of people make.

What is your favorite word or phrase quirk?

Donotbelieve comments on Mar 7, 2019:

I have a few odd phrases. Usually it's something that one of my kids mispronounced or said. My longstanding favorite is, "yellow bellied, lying sack of pus." I don't use it as often as I should, but it's really fun to say and stops people in their tracks.

Fernapple replies on Mar 8, 2019:

That's interesting, because a Yellow Belly, is the term used in England for peolpe from the county of Lincolnshire. It is very old and no one knows quite why we are called that, though there are several theories.

How many of yall believe in a historical Jesus? And why?

Deb57 comments on Mar 7, 2019:

It think it's a combination. Historically, there may have been a rabbi or charismatic philosopher, at that time, who gained enough celebrity status to make the Pharisees feel threatened, but messiahs have always been a dime a dozen, so the character in the scriptures could also be a compilation of ...

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

That's my take too.

Ever heard of Alincolnism?

mordant comments on Mar 7, 2019:

Historians have standards for establishing historicity. Lincoln meets those standards; Jesus doesn't. The End. This does not mean of course that a particular person named Jesus of Nazareth didn't exist, however embellished the accounts of his life may have been -- or that he didn't found ...

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

There may also have been several of him.

? The existence of Aliens - life outside of Earth. Open discussion.

Novelty comments on Mar 7, 2019:

We have no proof of intelligent rational life anywhere in the universe, not even on Earth.

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

@Mortal Makes two, how else would I know its an old one.

? The existence of Aliens - life outside of Earth. Open discussion.

Novelty comments on Mar 7, 2019:

We have no proof of intelligent rational life anywhere in the universe, not even on Earth.

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

That's a very old joke.

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 6, 2019:

From a man who slowly degenerated into an alcoholic wreck as life went on. Sad.

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

@Diogenes It is however known that people who have a perfectionist/ OCD type personalities are more likely to suffer from alcoholism, it takes away for a while the pain of falling short of your ideals. But then of course you add guilt about the drink and its effects so that the need gets even worse. And it seems likely that E H was of that type and that towards the end he was overtrying to live up to peoples expectations.

I really don't know why we keep celebrating Christopher Columbus when he was clearly a Johnny come ...

Arouet comments on Mar 6, 2019:

Who celebrates Columbus anywhere else but in the USA? I guess they must otherwise they would have to rename much of their stuff. District of Erikson? Þorfinnr Karlsefni University? Freydís Eiríksdóttir, Ohio? They do have a romantic ring, better than, say, District of Portuguese Fishermen.

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

Possibly the Italians and the Spanish, but the real thing was that he was perhaps the first Roman Catholic in the New World, and therefore he was important because that gave the Vatican the chance to claim it for the R. C. empires.

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 6, 2019:

From a man who slowly degenerated into an alcoholic wreck as life went on. Sad.

Fernapple replies on Mar 7, 2019:

@Marionville I would not blame him if he failed to live up to his ideal, who does, I just think that the contrast in his case is so sad. And you have to remember that the two are not perhaps unrelated, since alcoholism is often the resort of people who are driven by feelings of perfectionism they can never live up to.

Hello!!! I am Jamie from Oklahoma.

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2019:

Welcome, and I hope you will make it back to the UK again one day. Though sadly this does not seem to be a very active group, but sometimes it can be interesting.

Fernapple replies on Mar 6, 2019:

@JamieLynn80 Me too.

Your faith is determined by where you were born or where you were brainwashed. Do you agree?

Beowulfsfriend comments on Mar 5, 2019:

It is the tendency, especially since the late 19th century when colonizers mostly stopped trying to inflict their religions on the conquered peoples.

Fernapple replies on Mar 5, 2019:

@Tiramisu Yes agree.

So how do you maintain a level of respect for those who believe in these fairytales?

LenHazell53 comments on Mar 5, 2019:

I used to believe that a person had to be either gullible or self deluded to believe in religion, in time I have modified m opinion. I know good, talented and intelligent people who have a blind spot when it comes to godbothering and like to think of themselves as (insert religion here) but ...

Fernapple replies on Mar 5, 2019:

@LenHazell53 Yes that is true, and I am not sorry to say that they at least do make my blood boil, and I have no forgiveness for them.

Your faith is determined by where you were born or where you were brainwashed. Do you agree?

Beowulfsfriend comments on Mar 5, 2019:

It is the tendency, especially since the late 19th century when colonizers mostly stopped trying to inflict their religions on the conquered peoples.

Fernapple replies on Mar 5, 2019:

@Tiramisu India as a state yes, but not the sub-continent, several big chunks are islamic.

So how do you maintain a level of respect for those who believe in these fairytales?

LenHazell53 comments on Mar 5, 2019:

I used to believe that a person had to be either gullible or self deluded to believe in religion, in time I have modified m opinion. I know good, talented and intelligent people who have a blind spot when it comes to godbothering and like to think of themselves as (insert religion here) but ...

Fernapple replies on Mar 5, 2019:

@mordant Very true, and while we should not be too hard on the moderates. "Charm wins more wars." We should also not forget that there will always be a specturm, with many either side of the center, and not two camps.

So how do you maintain a level of respect for those who believe in these fairytales?

LenHazell53 comments on Mar 5, 2019:

I used to believe that a person had to be either gullible or self deluded to believe in religion, in time I have modified m opinion. I know good, talented and intelligent people who have a blind spot when it comes to godbothering and like to think of themselves as (insert religion here) but ...

Fernapple replies on Mar 5, 2019:

Agreed on the whole, yet sadly though, the many moderate theists do help to create an environment which shelters and provides swimming space for the fundamentalist.

Improvement Suggestion - Can we split the Grrr/Dislike into two emojies for a post Like vote?

Fernapple comments on Mar 5, 2019:

I think that would be good, though I asked for a "thank you" emoji but got nowhere despite support.

Fernapple replies on Mar 5, 2019:

@CeliaVL Yes and when someone answers a question for you.

There is nothing in the whole frame of man which seems to me so unaccountable as that thing called ...

Fernapple comments on Mar 4, 2019:

Burns knew nothing of course about evolution by natural selection, which would not become widely understood for another hundred years. Moreover he worked for the Revenue, which is likely to give you a strange view of the human race !

Fernapple replies on Mar 4, 2019:

@Marionville With me I just get a spell checker which marks the words not in its program ( US spelling I think ) in pink. I do not know if you can get this on your device ?

Just me trying to be experimental and arty about 35 years ago, anyone care to guess how it was done?

germangirl90439 comments on Mar 4, 2019:

35 years ago ... without a computer? Maybe a barely developed picture in the darkroom and you smeared the colors around?

Fernapple replies on Mar 4, 2019:

I would bet on that too.

My favorite quote by Christopher Hitchens: "The four most overrated things in life are ...

Marionville comments on Mar 3, 2019:

Not entirely in accord.

Fernapple replies on Mar 3, 2019:

I think we each have our own list.

Could be the last word on a small mystery. [youtube.com]

Charlene comments on Mar 3, 2019:

You mean It's Nooot an Intergalatic ship?..thanks for posting!!?

Fernapple replies on Mar 3, 2019:

Sorry, unless they are throwing snowballs at us.

The river from the source to the sea.

Outlier comments on Mar 3, 2019:

Good with coffee and donuts. My head is clear and I'm ready for the Sunday morning tournament.

Fernapple replies on Mar 3, 2019:

Tournament ?

The river from the source to the sea.

Marionville comments on Mar 3, 2019:

Is the river not called the Vitava? I’ve been there many times, Im sure that’s what it’s called.

Fernapple replies on Mar 3, 2019:

That's right Silly me though the name varies a lot. No I checked, and we are both wrong its normally the Vltava.

Gun Deaths in 2018 Japan: 10 Sweden: 41 Switzerland: 47 UK: 50 Israel: 105 Australia: 207 ...

indirect76 comments on Mar 2, 2019:

I wonder how many of those deaths are suicide or justifiable homicide. I wonder if calling the NRA a terrorist organization advances the discussion, or stifles it.

Fernapple replies on Mar 3, 2019:

Actually, I have read somewhere so not certain, that most are accidents.

Dual senate?

Fernapple comments on Feb 28, 2019:

Would anyone really bother with both, I doubt it, then you would just have two going their own ways.

Fernapple replies on Feb 28, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay Yes it may not be a bother to you but the human race is lazy, and there are I think a lot who find it hard to be bothered with even one senate. And it will not follow that the two will be equal, most likely one will just attract a small group of die hards, and because they are small in number it will be very easy for everone else to forget them. Then if as seems likely they are mostly female and are there because they have been intimidated in the main senate, then the main thrust on the site and voice of the members viewed by admin. then becomes male dominated, worst case the site starts to alienate women especially.

There is nothing permanent except change. - Heraclitus

St-Sinner comments on Feb 27, 2019:

Death and taxes?

Fernapple replies on Feb 28, 2019:

Even they change. The political establishment keeps finding new ways to move the tax burden off the rich and on to the poor, and the cost of funerals keeps going up beyond inflation.

It must be spring my neighbour has lambs.

HeathenFarmer comments on Feb 27, 2019:

The weather doesn't look too baaaad there, sorry I coulds not resist. Friends of mine are lambing right now, too, but it is a little different when its Minus 30C outside.

Fernapple replies on Feb 28, 2019:

We have had an unusual warm spell this last week, 10 C above normal, but it is coming to an end sadly.

So it would appear that all or almost all of the people in this country who are against abortion are...

confidentrealm comments on Feb 25, 2019:

I agree. That same crowd has no compassion for starving people, refugees, the unemployed, etc.... For some reason they do not believe in population control, they don't give a thought to polluting the planet and they could care less about climate change. I just don't understand where they are coming ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

@confidentrealm Quite.

“It is our suffering that brings us together.

Fernapple comments on Feb 25, 2019:

If only life was that simple.

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

@Freedompath No.

It must be spring my neighbour has lambs.

Stevil comments on Feb 26, 2019:

Is your neighbor named Mary?

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

No, but her husband tells me she can be contrary.

It must be spring my neighbour has lambs.

Xanadutoo comments on Feb 26, 2019:

I love lambs of course with mint sauce.

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

You heard about the parrot who was shot by a farmer for worrying sheep. It stood on the gate and said " Mint sauces, mint sauce, mint sauce....

Northern hemisphere ?

tioteo comments on Feb 26, 2019:

This is one of those pieces which reaches down into my soul, touches it, then grabs hold and never lets go. This is a wonderful performance of the piece.

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

Yes it does the same for me, listening is nearly as good as sitting outside a cafe by the Med. watching the sun go down.

Lions Eat Three Rhino Poachers Alive In South African Game Reserve - Healthy Food House

jerry99 comments on Feb 25, 2019:

Yeah, I agree - they had it coming. Still, I can't avoid the feeling that they may have been driven to it by extreme poverty and the need to take care of their families. Of course, I guess you could try to justify all sorts of heinous crimes with that reasoning. So, beats me!

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

@dahermit Sorry can't give you the exact source, as it was a BBC documentary I saw some time ago, but I have every reason to think that the information was credible, and if it is true then it should be possible to fact check it easily, an online search should turn something up. But having said that and given that there is such a wealth divide in many African counties, is it really likely that the poaching is organized any other way, you may be sure that the rich do not involve themselves in the poaching and the poor do not access the international markets.

Lions Eat Three Rhino Poachers Alive In South African Game Reserve - Healthy Food House

DGJ0114 comments on Feb 25, 2019:

Did they taste like chicken?

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

@Jnei Thats why they came out of Egypt looking for milk and honey, of course.

Lions Eat Three Rhino Poachers Alive In South African Game Reserve - Healthy Food House

jerry99 comments on Feb 25, 2019:

Yeah, I agree - they had it coming. Still, I can't avoid the feeling that they may have been driven to it by extreme poverty and the need to take care of their families. Of course, I guess you could try to justify all sorts of heinous crimes with that reasoning. So, beats me!

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

Often the gangs who employ the poachers are run by extremely rich people, the gang members never involve themselves in the poaching. They employ the poachers on by results payment, they give them guns, send them out and regard them as one time only expendables.

Lions Eat Three Rhino Poachers Alive In South African Game Reserve - Healthy Food House

DGJ0114 comments on Feb 25, 2019:

Did they taste like chicken?

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

Seems according to those who have tried it, that human tastes like pok. In some parts of the world where it was common to eat people, we were known as "long pig". So don't feed your cat pork or they may get the taste for it.

A nice windy day in Virginia.

Amisja comments on Feb 25, 2019:

Did you thank the turkey?

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

I always thought that god was a turkey anyway.

Ben Shapiro calmly EDUCATED by Stephen Woodford - Rationality Rules [youtube.com]

Hathacat comments on Feb 25, 2019:

I couldn’t get through it, lol

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

@Hathacat I guessed you had, it is not exactly original, the only amusing thing about it is seeing how many different suits of clothes it can be found wearing.

So it would appear that all or almost all of the people in this country who are against abortion are...

confidentrealm comments on Feb 25, 2019:

I agree. That same crowd has no compassion for starving people, refugees, the unemployed, etc.... For some reason they do not believe in population control, they don't give a thought to polluting the planet and they could care less about climate change. I just don't understand where they are coming ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

Where they are coming from, is the infantile world of the toddler. "I can have everything I want and I don't have to take responsibility for anything." If you think about it they are involved with a religion which says you can have everything (heaven), for nothing (belief).

Ben Shapiro calmly EDUCATED by Stephen Woodford - Rationality Rules [youtube.com]

Hathacat comments on Feb 25, 2019:

I couldn’t get through it, lol

Fernapple replies on Feb 26, 2019:

You don't need to worry, there is under it all just one very simple idea. The theists are trying to prove that something had to cause the universe, (which may or may not be granted), and then they try to make the jump to, "therefore that something must be god," while hoping no one will notice the big gap they just jumped over.

“It is our suffering that brings us together.

Fernapple comments on Feb 25, 2019:

If only life was that simple.

Fernapple replies on Feb 25, 2019:

@Quarm True, yet I do not think that life was ever quite that simple, even the political and social lives of dogs and apes are more complex than that.

Interesting shoe that would sell if it was on the shelves of a shoe store today. [mymodernmet.com]

Fernapple comments on Feb 25, 2019:

Amazing state of preservation, but how do they know it was a womans shoe and not a mans.

Fernapple replies on Feb 25, 2019:

@Surfpirate In fact not long ago, 50 plus years perhaps, it was quite common for whole families to share shoes. People often see the past only through the lens of there own times and cultures.

‘Just living is not enough”, said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom, and a ...

Pralina1 comments on Feb 23, 2019:

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I keep forgetting . THANK U FOR REMINDING US .

Fernapple replies on Feb 23, 2019:

Yes it is not getting too occupied with the triva and failing to notice the sunshine and the floowers that is the hard bit.

I do not believe in a personal god and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly.

GuyKeith comments on Feb 21, 2019:

Yet there are still straw-grabbers that insist that Einstein/Darwin/Any Threatening Scientist or Atheist really believed in god via death-bed conversions, lies, etc. Makes me fucking sick. The Religiously Impaired™ have always been desperate...dishonest...disingenuous...fucking LIARS.

Fernapple replies on Feb 22, 2019:

So you don't like them much then. LOL

Beautifully simple bit of physics, this is fun learning. [youtube.com]

magicwatch comments on Feb 21, 2019:

Fermat’s principle states that “light travels between two points along the path that requires the least time, as compared to other nearby paths.”

Fernapple replies on Feb 22, 2019:

Yes that's what happens this is why happen I think though I am still working on it.

My garden has a wildlife pond, and today I spotted the first frog-spawn of the season, I do not know...

CeliaVL comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Our frogs who have hibernated are active again but we don't get the same sort of spawn here since we have European rather than British frogs. Ours seem to lay single eggs all the year round and we always have tadpoles at different stages of development.

Fernapple replies on Feb 21, 2019:

@CeliaVL I have only been there once, and I should think it is beautiful and wildlife rich. Unfortunately we went on a coach tour and they dragged us round all the tourist hot spots at high speed, some of which were good, but I did not get to see any of the things I wanted much at all. It was my first coach tour and it will be my last.

I know this is well known and you have heard it before, but the setting is beautiful.

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2019:

Wow! Nothing new to add to the other comments. Just that. Wow!

Fernapple replies on Feb 21, 2019:

Glad you enjoyed it.

Do you prefer to be in a large group - are you happiest with a few close friends - or are you most ...

SleeplessInTexas comments on Feb 20, 2019:

I love people, but I prefer peace and quiet, away from civilisation. ?

Fernapple replies on Feb 21, 2019:

@Heidi68 Sounds perfect.

MoonTiger just posted a beautiful photo of hanging succulent gardens on some balconies.

FrayedBear comments on Feb 20, 2019:

The Philistine says "yeah, cover that crumbling old brick up!"

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@FrayedBear They are brick shaped yes, it is an easy mistake to make. Have a good night.

This has been happening since I came on the site.

Fernapple comments on Feb 20, 2019:

This may be a daft thought but I just tried it on one of my posts, and when the new page comes up your post appears at the top looking exactly like it did before. To see the list you have got to scroll to the bottom. Forgive me if you have already done this.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@bingst Yep me too.

This has been happening since I came on the site.

Fernapple comments on Feb 20, 2019:

This may be a daft thought but I just tried it on one of my posts, and when the new page comes up your post appears at the top looking exactly like it did before. To see the list you have got to scroll to the bottom. Forgive me if you have already done this.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@bingst Its something I have great personal experience of.

I know this is well known and you have heard it before, but the setting is beautiful.

brentan comments on Feb 20, 2019:

I don't know much about this sort of music but the voices are beautiful and carry really well in that church. We probably should give the church more credit for the beauty it inspired.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

It has a head start in the arts by two thousand years, sad to say. The secular world has a lot of catching up to do, but as R. Dawkins said, one day we may hear the Evolution Symphony and the Big Bang Oratorio.

This has been happening since I came on the site.

Fernapple comments on Feb 20, 2019:

When I click on the "see more" button it takes me to another page where everyones photo is displayed, Its quite a nice feature but I have no idea why people are not seeing it, only that perhaps you have to wait, some things on here are slow.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@Closeted It maybe the op system, the one I use is windows 7. Just a thought.

Yea, what a great day today turned out be.

Amisja comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Look at those eyes.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

Eye. You can only see one the other is a nostril.

Three Conservative MPs have resigned.

Fernapple comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Usually the two main parties get together and squash them flat. Sad but true.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@Jnei Could be. I have always been in the centre roughly, and think that as most people naturally sit there on the bell curve, then it is a sad failing that most people can not be represented. Having said that in many ways I do not feel that I fit on the political spectrum, having views that belong to all three positions, and in case that sounds pompus, then I will add that I think that is the case for most people, because it is not possible to both have a conscience and fit on the political spectrum. One of the sadest things about politics therefore is that to take part, you must either be without any humanity or first give up your conscience.

Three Conservative MPs have resigned.

Moravian comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Maybe they will set up a centrist party together but when the gang of four tried this in 1981 it didn't work out too well.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

I just posted this as a reply to Jeni comment below but it is worth repeating. Many years ago, don't ask me where, I remember reading a very convincing paper on political theory which made the case that in any representative parliamentary democracy you will always end up with a two party system, with both parties at the polar extremes and no middle. If that is true then if new centre parties succeed they then drift to the wings and squeeze out an old party and you are back to square one again.

MoonTiger just posted a beautiful photo of hanging succulent gardens on some balconies.

FrayedBear comments on Feb 20, 2019:

The Philistine says "yeah, cover that crumbling old brick up!"

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

Yes I think it looks better with some growth and life, though it is very old and red sandstone not brick.

MoonTiger just posted a beautiful photo of hanging succulent gardens on some balconies.

HeathenFarmer comments on Feb 20, 2019:

I wonder how their roots will effect the structure?

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

Yes that was my thought, but if a few generations get to enjoy, what is in some ways a natural looking decay, and then it needs some restoring, does it matter ?

Three Conservative MPs have resigned.

Fernapple comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Usually the two main parties get together and squash them flat. Sad but true.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@Jnei Perhaps, but many years ago, don't ask me where, I remember reading a very convincing paper on political theory, which made the case that, in any representative parliamentary democracy you will always end up with a two party system. With both parties at the polar extremes and no middle. If that is true then if new centre parties succeed they then drift to the wings and squeeze out an old party and you are back to square one again.

Three Conservative MPs have resigned.

Fernapple comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Usually the two main parties get together and squash them flat. Sad but true.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@Jnei Yes that's what happens, it happened to the social democrats, they got lured into deals then lost their momentum, and then got squashed.

My garden has a wildlife pond, and today I spotted the first frog-spawn of the season, I do not know...

CeliaVL comments on Feb 20, 2019:

Our frogs who have hibernated are active again but we don't get the same sort of spawn here since we have European rather than British frogs. Ours seem to lay single eggs all the year round and we always have tadpoles at different stages of development.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

That's interesting I did not know that. I wonder why it changes.

I would like to get in touch with agnostic people because it changes the view on the world and ...

Fernapple comments on Jan 2, 2019:

Welcome, if you like photos there are lots of interesting photography on the groups pages.

Fernapple replies on Feb 20, 2019:

@larosadecobre https://agnostic.com/group/photography

Generally speaking I am not that keen on Handel, but this is something wonderfully simple from ...

brentan comments on Feb 19, 2019:

That's a very unusual voice. Maybe he's one of those modern versions of the old castrato. Counter-tenor? I came across it first with the Prospero character in The Enchanted Island.

Fernapple replies on Feb 19, 2019:

Yes really great counter tenor.

My garden has a wildlife pond, and today I spotted the first frog-spawn of the season, I do not know...

Surfpirate comments on Feb 18, 2019:

Life finds a way, my ponds are completely frozen, right to the bottom and there will be life there come the spring.

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

I love the seasonal cycles, they are only there because the earth does not stand up , but what wonders follow from that. And even though we are mortal, how great to be an animal who gets to watch them unfold more than once.

Mario Lanza.

Fernapple comments on Feb 18, 2019:

Its a good tune but those have to be the most dire words ever.

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

@Marionville Agree the church does have some of the best tunes.

If you work hard.

steveo270 comments on Feb 18, 2019:

“Boss makes a dollar, I make a dime. That’s why I poop on company time...”

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

Love the little rhyme, Its worth far more than a dime. Since pooping never was a crime.

“Revolution is not something fixed in ideology, nor is it something fashioned to a particular ...

creative51 comments on Feb 17, 2019:

Revolutions can not be started intentionally. They happen organically when conditions reach a tipping point. The result of a revolution can not be predicted. The result of a revolution is always different then what the intent of the revolution's original supporters had. The result of a revolution is...

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

That is true of all things, I remember that in college we had a visit from a government adviser who made all sorts of statements about the future. We were told that it was a very special thing to have the chance to listen to such an expert, who rarely spoke in public, and whose job was to inform the government about future trends. Many years have rolled by since then, (very old) and guess how many of the things he said came true. That's right none.

First frog-spawn of the year on the garden pond, I do not know how cold blooded creatures do it when...

MissKathleen comments on Feb 18, 2019:

Survival of the species.

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

Passion.

My loropetalum is in full bloom! I am still learning when things bloom here, especially things I ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 17, 2019:

I am just proud I finally know how to spell it! ? One view close up, and a second with a little perspective, showing that the shrubs have been repeatedly pruned back to keep then from overwhelming the little house and blocking the windows.

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

Beautiful plant wish I could grow them here, every so often it is just too cold. PS. You spell it with an "I" and the a "T".

I just wrote a post and could not find a category that it really fitted in.

Heraclitus comments on Feb 16, 2019:

There is a group called Action Advocates for our Environment and Ecology

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

Yes that's great, but I just feel that "environment" should be a category on the front page which everyone sees and not just a group, even if it is a good group, where only those who join the group see it.

Texas butterfly sanctuary files emergency restraining order to stop Trump's border wall construction...

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2019:

Good for them, in all the debate this is the first time I have heard an environmental issue raised.

Fernapple replies on Feb 18, 2019:

@Countrywoman Plus the huge resources that will be needed to build it, just think what they could do if put into conservation.

[ancient-origins.net] Wow...what are the creationist/young earthers going to make of this?

Moravian comments on Feb 16, 2019:

I don't think the cryogenics people should get too excited. These are very simple organisms

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2019:

@Amisja You live in Lancashire, just stand outside for a bit.

I just wrote a post and could not find a category that it really fitted in.

hankster comments on Feb 16, 2019:

maybe this? https://agnostic.com/group/PostiveNewsEnvironmentAndEcology

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2019:

@phxbillcee Ok I will put it there as well.

I just wrote a post and could not find a category that it really fitted in.

hankster comments on Feb 16, 2019:

maybe this? https://agnostic.com/group/PostiveNewsEnvironmentAndEcology

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2019:

@phxbillcee Thank you. and of course I do post there but this was not so much history, science or health as animal welfare human interest.

I just wrote a post and could not find a category that it really fitted in.

hankster comments on Feb 16, 2019:

maybe this? https://agnostic.com/group/PostiveNewsEnvironmentAndEcology

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2019:

Yes but I do think that some issues deserve to be on the front page.

Is a religious upbringing detrimental to the mental health of children?

HankFox comments on Feb 16, 2019:

There's a subtle but massive damage none of us recognize because we all live in the society created by pervasive religious culture. It's a fish-and-water situation, but in the case of religion, not only do we not notice the water, we don't notice the water is poisoned. I call church Crazy School ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2019:

I quite agree. Before you can say if something damages mental health you have to say what "mental health" is. If you include things like having respect for other life forms and the environment, for example, as having mental health (there are plenty of others), then yes it does.

The New Testament is merely the sequel to the Old Testament, and Islam is just a bad spinoff.

Paul_Clamberer comments on Feb 15, 2019:

Why is it that Christians refer to the old testament so often. As far as I remember, Jesus didn't. I seem to remember that he spoke out against many of the teachings of the O.T. Am I wrong?

Fernapple replies on Feb 15, 2019:

There is a different Jesus in each of the four gosples, from extreme respect for the OT, to extreme contempt for everything Jewish. You can take your pick.

Richard Feynman is supposed to have said that “Philosophy of science is about as useful to ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2019:

In the day to day working life of scientists perhaps. But to the ordinary person in the street, the basic philosophy of science, without getting too deep into the detail, is priceless! Because it is nearly the same thing as learning to think, especially understanding the idea that it is good to ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2019:

@TheAstroChuck Yes I know that Feynman was refering to scientists, please read my first sentence. And yes the phiosophy of science may be taught in schools, but since I see little evidence that it is understood, I can only assume that it is very badly taught, probably by teachers who are anti-science or who do not understand it themselves. I do however completely agree with you that the divorce between science and philosophy is a wholly good thing and that apart from a few specialist areas such as ethics science entirely replaces philosophy, and that even in places like ethics, philosophy should take second place. Indeed I think that one of the best things about science is that it is anti-cultural as a whole.

How many of us here in the Senate have read the phrase, "I came here to find love, and stayed for ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2019:

I try to post and comment only when I think I have something interesting to add, so that the few other dull, boring and mindless ones on the site will not feel there is nothing here for them. I try to do it in the groups mainly, staying away from the US political content on the front page, if I ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2019:

@Stacey48 THe mischief gene is active again. See Amisja below.

How many of us here in the Senate have read the phrase, "I came here to find love, and stayed for ...

Amisja comments on Feb 13, 2019:

I remind people they are safe to express themselves freely here (within reason) and encourage open conversation. I try to reply to as many posts as I can.

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2019:

Oh! You are so sweet you should come with a diabetes warning.

Twice, within the last 5 days I have been drawn into (at barbershop and work with no hope of egress)...

greyeyed123 comments on Feb 12, 2019:

The reason they can't agree is because they have no means or method by which TO agree. When you believe weird things on no evidence, eventually someone in your group is going to tweak things because of taste or style or to get away with something or stop someone they don't like from doing something....

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2019:

Yes, and of course they are all cherry picking from a book that does not even agree with itself.

Why do some British people not like Donald Trump?

Sticks48 comments on Feb 12, 2019:

The world knows. They know our leaders are temporary. They are waiting for him to leave. Let's not dissapoint.

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2019:

That's why you are wise in the US we have to wait five years.

This one is both history and science, and one for the ' fake moon landing nuts.' [youtube.com]

Robecology comments on Feb 12, 2019:

So - because it was, in fact, very bright on the "daylight" or "sunny" side of the moon - this drowned out the stars in the background. Sounds like justification for another moon visit. I hear our cellphones have more computer speed and memory than any one Moon landing craft that landed in the ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2019:

Good idea, although it is said that since NASA scraped the Saturn Five, we no longer have a craft powerful enough to get us there any longer. And it is said, (maybe urban myth ) that they binned the plans for it too, so we would have to design a new rocket from scratch.

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.

Fernapple comments on Feb 12, 2019:

Given that she had endured the violent occupation of her homeland, gained her education illegally through the hidden underground movement, lost her family and been forced into exile, and then lost both a baby and a husband, and by the end, possibly reach an age when the dangers of radiation were ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2019:

@Diogenes Yes it is good news that R. Franklin is getting the recognition she should. Though she will never share in the Nobel now. The strange rule about never awarding it posthumously means that many deserving people are left out.

“Laura Macdonald, a Carleton University professor and former director of the school's Institute ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 11, 2019:

It says, faith in the role of the state. The trouble with that is, that in many nations placing faith in the state means placing your faith in an institution far more cruel, ruthless and exploitive than the worst of capitalist corporations.. Socialism only works well in states which are well ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2019:

@Wangobango3 Sadly time on this site is making me feel that, the US is nothing like the advanced country I once thought it was.

“Laura Macdonald, a Carleton University professor and former director of the school's Institute ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 11, 2019:

It says, faith in the role of the state. The trouble with that is, that in many nations placing faith in the state means placing your faith in an institution far more cruel, ruthless and exploitive than the worst of capitalist corporations.. Socialism only works well in states which are well ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2019:

@Science-guy Yes poor education is just as bad in a capitalist state as a socialist one. All dictatorships use the peoples ignorance as a sad excuse for suppressing democracy, but of course educational failings are the fault of the political establishment anyway, so the blame only goes back to the same door.

“Laura Macdonald, a Carleton University professor and former director of the school's Institute ...

PBuck0145 comments on Feb 11, 2019:

An ideal society would incorporate the best aspects of both Socialism and Capitalism. Neither pure Socialism nor pure Capitalism is beneficial for society as a whole.

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2019:

Very true. If you like you may find my comment above interesting.

Here in the UK, the winter flowering Snowdrops (Galanthus ) and Winter Aconites (Eranthis hymalis ),...

Coffeo comments on Feb 10, 2019:

This is the sort of thing I miss most about the UK.

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2019:

@Coffeo Right now I would give body parts for a little warm sun. The older I get, the more I am sure that the only real secret of happiness is exposure to sun light. The simple basic things seem more and more vital.

What can you use as a substitute for milk in tea and coffee, I have tried soya but it tastes like ...

ArdentAtheist comments on Feb 11, 2019:

I agree, I don’t put anything in my coffee or tea. I took my coffee black most of the time long before going vegan but would occasionally put milk as a treat, but no more, no longer apeels to me. Non dairy creamer will wreck a good cup of coffee as fast as dairy. Like you, I look forward to ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2019:

Thank you that's sound, but while I am happy to manage with tea black I find that coffee needs something and I would not like to give up coffee.

Two of the little joys of the cold season here in the UK, are the winter flowering Snowdrops ...

JackPedigo comments on Feb 10, 2019:

There must be lots of good compost in the graveyards. Maybe it's those who have died way of giving back.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

Pushing up the daisys.

Here in the UK, the winter flowering Snowdrops (Galanthus ) and Winter Aconites (Eranthis hymalis ),...

LB67 comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Nice shots. It may have been mentioned before, but have you checked out the findagrave website to see if your location has been photographed? There are many genealogists who would love to see these photos of the individual grave stones.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

Interesting idea, I will look at that.

Another from Germany

Fernapple comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Where in Germany please ?

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

@maxflyer Thank you, I will look that up.

Out of the mouths of babes

Denker comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Very funny. But actually I think people should take retardment in the middle of life when they are still young enough to enjoy it.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

And education when they are mature enough to appreciate it.

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence....David Hume (1711-1776)

Fernapple comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Seems such a modern idea for such a long time ago, you have to wonder at the worlds painfully slow uptake.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

@camne And when you loose the big picture, you are then primed to become victims of Sub-Cultures.

Here in the UK, the winter flowering Snowdrops (Galanthus ) and Winter Aconites (Eranthis hymalis ),...

flower_nut comments on Feb 10, 2019:

I love the graveyard photo. It's awesome! All my flowers are frozen solid today. No hope of anything growing for us until another month or so.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

Nice to have a proper spring though.

Two of the little joys of the cold season here in the UK, are the winter flowering Snowdrops ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Oh! And Fernapple, happy birthday, belatedly! You have the same B-day as my brother.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

@Nightshade1313 Thank you.

Two of the little joys of the cold season here in the UK, are the winter flowering Snowdrops ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Oh! And Fernapple, happy birthday, belatedly! You have the same B-day as my brother.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

Thank you. 62 never thought I would get that far.

Two of the little joys of the cold season here in the UK, are the winter flowering Snowdrops ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 10, 2019:

Happy images! Yes, even in a graveyard, lol. Lately I have sure been enjoying streaming tv shows about gardening. And boy! The Brits sure corner the market on public interest in gardening. I watched Monty Don's 4 part historical retrospective on British gardening, (one of his seemingly ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2019:

Try Monte Don's 'Around the World in Eighty Gardens' its not about the UK as such, but it is wonderful.