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Bio
I am not interested in a relationship and am here mainly for the forums. I do not engage in endless message conversations.
I cannot abide Trumpers or anti-vaxxers.
I lived on the north coast of California for 40 years. In those four decades, I rarely lived out of hearing range of the ocean. I could not see it, but I could hear it. On calm days, it was a subtle undertone; if you have ever held a seashell to your ear, you know what I mean. On days of extreme wind, it was a booming roar, assertive and powerful. Sometimes, the wind was not even local, but it still pushed waves from far out at sea, huge waves, big enough to lift tree trunks and throw them to the beach.
Full BioOn clear evenings, I used to stand on the precipice of the sea cliff. The ocean was a bowl; the lights of crab boats looked like faerie lanterns floating on the calm waters. On many days, the fog drifted in, sometimes in wisps, and sometimes, in blankets. Other days, the fog was faster, driven by winds not strong enough to clear it, but enough to drive it inland for miles.
But it was on those clear evenings, just as the sun was setting or just after, the last rays making the ocean opalescent, that made me long to sail into the mystic. There is no true mystery but the mystery of the mystery. We yearn for that which we have not seen but of which we have dreamed. We make our myths, and we yearn for that which has passed. We yearn for better times. We yearn to be happy.
There are poets and there are those who would be poets who merely string rhyming words together. The opalescent ocean is a poem; the white cat walking across the green field is a poem; the baby’s laugh is a song.
There are the dreamers, those who see the fantastic and the wonder, their worlds filled with colors and what ifs. There are those whose only dreams are nightmares.
There are the storytellers, those who take the dreams and speak them into existence; they spin the yarn and knit it into the colors of the dream. Then, there are those who speak in monotones and who watch TV.
My spirit is that of the gypsy, but my feet are not. I am not a poet, but I am a storyteller. I dream: sometimes, they are nightmares and other times, they are of a green world or a blue fluttering bird that is not a bird at all, but a small, blue tiger striped kitten with wings.
One does not need to believe in the supernatural to seek the mystic.
Comments
[abcnews.go.com]
Egypt's newly found tombs
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 20, 2022:
Fascinating--I love ancient history.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 20, 2022:
Fascinating--I love ancient history.
I'm a Believer
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 20, 2022:
Ah, the cult of the Coffee Drinkers. I tried it but it held no allure for me. I think that coffee drinkers are members of the biggest cult in the world, convinced that they cannot function without it and worshiping Coffena and Caffienio the addictive deities of the religion. I am a coffee atheist.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 20, 2022:
Ah, the cult of the Coffee Drinkers. I tried it but it held no allure for me. I think that coffee drinkers are members of the biggest cult in the world, convinced that they cannot function without it and worshiping Coffena and Caffienio the addictive deities of the religion. I am a coffee atheist.
A very good example of how our founding fathers really felt about religion and fairness.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 19, 2022:
Per this quote, "But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."
Most Xtians have never understood this point and they certainly do not understand it today. Like Jefferson, I have no beef with Xtians other than those who want to restrict my rights because of their beliefs.
https://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/2260
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 19, 2022:
Per this quote, "But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."
Most Xtians have never understood this point and they certainly do not understand it today. Like Jefferson, I have no beef with Xtians other than those who want to restrict my rights because of their beliefs.
https://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/2260
I don't believe in religion because I believe in humanity
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 19, 2022:
I don't believe in a deity, but religion is and therefore, it is not a "belief." What do you believe about humanity?
I put no faith in humanity per the goodness of people. I disdain the vast majority of people. They are condemning us to misery and eventual doom.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 19, 2022:
I don't believe in a deity, but religion is and therefore, it is not a "belief." What do you believe about humanity?
I put no faith in humanity per the goodness of people. I disdain the vast majority of people. They are condemning us to misery and eventual doom.
Not broken
Why you be trying to fix it?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 18, 2022:
This is inane.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 18, 2022:
This is inane.
If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 16, 2022:
Faerie tales are archetypal and are didactic. They were intended to teach children--and, originally, adults--to be moral, logical, and savvy. They were originally much grittier and explicit, but underwent a change when they were recorded by the Grimms and others. They were toned down even more in the Victorian era; i.e. two out of three of the piggies died in the original.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 16, 2022:
Faerie tales are archetypal and are didactic. They were intended to teach children--and, originally, adults--to be moral, logical, and savvy. They were originally much grittier and explicit, but underwent a change when they were recorded by the Grimms and others. They were toned down even more in the Victorian era; i.e. two out of three of the piggies died in the original.
A bit about addiction.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 16, 2022:
I'll buy into that. It is the reason why on Facebook, people will have thousands of "friends."
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 16, 2022:
I'll buy into that. It is the reason why on Facebook, people will have thousands of "friends."
Life just keeps on ticking me.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 15, 2022:
So sorry!
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 15, 2022:
So sorry!
GOP Texas lawmaker introduces bill to allow death penalty for women who have abortions | TheHill
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 13, 2022:
Texas lawmakers should be held responsible for those who froze to death in the winter freeze fiasco (the one where Cruz went to Mexico) and for any deaths resulting from a lack of adequate healthcare.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 13, 2022:
Texas lawmakers should be held responsible for those who froze to death in the winter freeze fiasco (the one where Cruz went to Mexico) and for any deaths resulting from a lack of adequate healthcare.
I was today dumbfounded to learn that my wife of 47 years took an interest in what other women wear ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 12, 2022:
It could be simple curiosity and/or she is thinking about changing what she wears. I've never been curious but then, given the number of ads I have seen in magazines (for decades) and online, I've never had to wonder. I have never seen the need to pay money for fancy undies, I rarely wear a bra any longer, and I would go commando if not for chafing. (Sorry if that's TMI, but women have been brainwashed into wearing uncomfortable underwear for societal reasons.)
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 12, 2022:
It could be simple curiosity and/or she is thinking about changing what she wears. I've never been curious but then, given the number of ads I have seen in magazines (for decades) and online, I've never had to wonder. I have never seen the need to pay money for fancy undies, I rarely wear a bra any longer, and I would go commando if not for chafing. (Sorry if that's TMI, but women have been brainwashed into wearing uncomfortable underwear for societal reasons.)
At the end of September, 1938, Britain, France and Italy allowed Nazi Germany to annexe the ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
Yup. I was saying the same to my sister this morning.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
Yup. I was saying the same to my sister this morning.
Right-wing pastor attributes climate science to Satan and blames environmentalists for Ukraine ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
Do I laugh or do I cry? Both?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
Do I laugh or do I cry? Both?
Let's get real people
Ukraine is nothing more than a good excuse for inflation!! The USA Doesn't ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
I care--speak for yourself.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
I care--speak for yourself.
Farmer love is not for everyone.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
On another note about "farmer" love--several years ago, my sister was telling me about a woman in a nearby Oklahoma town who kept hearing her cows bellow at night. Turns out Farmer Joe down the road was, ahem, pleasuring himself with the cows and was caught in the act. Seems the cows were NOT pleasured.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
On another note about "farmer" love--several years ago, my sister was telling me about a woman in a nearby Oklahoma town who kept hearing her cows bellow at night. Turns out Farmer Joe down the road was, ahem, pleasuring himself with the cows and was caught in the act. Seems the cows were NOT pleasured.
Too many ways donate to Ukraine! I want to know where we can donate to Russia's military ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
Troll--and a really, really, really ugly one, too.
I can, however, think of a great way for you to support Putin: volunteer to fight the Ukrainians. I cannot imagine that many people would miss you.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 11, 2022:
Troll--and a really, really, really ugly one, too.
I can, however, think of a great way for you to support Putin: volunteer to fight the Ukrainians. I cannot imagine that many people would miss you.
Quote of the day:
“ If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 10, 2022:
I am fond of saying that atheists have the higher moral/ethical ground as we choose to be "good." There is no danging carrot and no threat of punishment.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 10, 2022:
I am fond of saying that atheists have the higher moral/ethical ground as we choose to be "good." There is no danging carrot and no threat of punishment.
This logical contradiction has been around a long time but nobody wants to put their imaginary god ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 9, 2022:
When I was getting an MA, I took a class on Frankenstein and we read parts of Paradise Lost as Frank parodies PL. Concerning the war in heaven, I posed the question that since history is told by the victor, how do we know that Lucifer was not the original big man in heaven and Yahweh was the one who staged the revolt and won? My prof was thoughtful and said, "I never thought of that scenario." Someday, I will write a paper/article on this (when I have time).
But back to the "war"--it never would have happened if an omniscient, all powerful god had been in control. Why would he had let matters get so serious and why the "war" if he were all powerful?
But in answer to the question: because evil likes to see people (or whatever) suffer.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 9, 2022:
When I was getting an MA, I took a class on Frankenstein and we read parts of Paradise Lost as Frank parodies PL. Concerning the war in heaven, I posed the question that since history is told by the victor, how do we know that Lucifer was not the original big man in heaven and Yahweh was the one who staged the revolt and won? My prof was thoughtful and said, "I never thought of that scenario." Someday, I will write a paper/article on this (when I have time).
But back to the "war"--it never would have happened if an omniscient, all powerful god had been in control. Why would he had let matters get so serious and why the "war" if he were all powerful?
But in answer to the question: because evil likes to see people (or whatever) suffer.
What's up Doc?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 9, 2022:
To my friends--don't feed the troll. I will be blocking him quite soon.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 9, 2022:
To my friends--don't feed the troll. I will be blocking him quite soon.
Unbelievers. Are there any moral flaws in Jesus?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 9, 2022:
Xtians argue that Jesus was human, but if he were, he was subject to the same flaws/sins that humans are subject to. He said that to think of adultery/sex was to commit it. Jesus obviously understood the act of sex; when he considered it, did that not make him a fornicator? Even if he did not include himself in the act, isn't that like watching porn? If he thought about sex without getting aroused, then he was not human. If he got aroused, how could he not imagine having sex? That's also not human.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 9, 2022:
Xtians argue that Jesus was human, but if he were, he was subject to the same flaws/sins that humans are subject to. He said that to think of adultery/sex was to commit it. Jesus obviously understood the act of sex; when he considered it, did that not make him a fornicator? Even if he did not include himself in the act, isn't that like watching porn? If he thought about sex without getting aroused, then he was not human. If he got aroused, how could he not imagine having sex? That's also not human.
Am surprised no one has posted the fact that today is the international woman's Day ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 8, 2022:
I posted, but you beat me to it! Long day . . . sat in the dentist chair with my mouth open for two hours for the preliminary work was done for a crown (cracked tooth).
I might talk a lot, but I do not have a big mouth. My jaw is only now feeling normal and not painful when I open my mouth.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 8, 2022:
I posted, but you beat me to it! Long day . . . sat in the dentist chair with my mouth open for two hours for the preliminary work was done for a crown (cracked tooth).
I might talk a lot, but I do not have a big mouth. My jaw is only now feeling normal and not painful when I open my mouth.
Better them than me, I say.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 6, 2022:
I second that.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 6, 2022:
I second that.
January, sick and tired you have been……
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 6, 2022:
I like Hekate--she has three faces: past, present and future. However, she does not have her own month.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 6, 2022:
I like Hekate--she has three faces: past, present and future. However, she does not have her own month.
I notice that Pepsi-co and McDonalds are still operating in Russia.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 6, 2022:
I eat Quaker oats and occasionally, Doritos, but they are now out. I buy cheeseburgers at McDs for the grandkids--I never eat their food--but they can have pizza.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 6, 2022:
I eat Quaker oats and occasionally, Doritos, but they are now out. I buy cheeseburgers at McDs for the grandkids--I never eat their food--but they can have pizza.
Where did God get the feminine nature to put into women?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 5, 2022:
The view of god as "male" is an invention of the patriarchy--as, in large part, is monotheism.
In Judaism, god has several names. One is Elohim which is feminine and plural (belying the idea of one deity); it is Elohim who says let us make "man" in "our" image. I will not go into the etymology of "man," but it is English and I do not know which word is used in Hebrew. (I will say that "man" was an indefinite pronoun in Anglo-Saxon and meant he/she/it/the dog.) Another name is Yahweh which is male and singular. Yahweh is the persona most often referred to today in Xtianity and 99.9% of Xtians do not know the difference between the two names.
Some creator deities were hermaphroditic; in variant myths, Atum was the "Great He-She." Eros was male and female and plays a part in some early Greek creation myths. Some other deities who created the universe were female, i.e. the Pelasgian Eurynome. She had some help from the great serpent (male--snakes were phallic symbols) Ophion, but when he discounted her main role, she sent him to the underworld.
Greeks downplayed the roles of goddess, but didn't get rid of them. Yahweh originally had a wife. Myths changed to fit patriarchal cultures, eventually reducing women to subservient roles, i.e. Hera and the Virgin Mary.
By the way, Protestants downgraded Mary because she was simply too high up in Catholicism.
I have more to say, but will stop here.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 5, 2022:
The view of god as "male" is an invention of the patriarchy--as, in large part, is monotheism.
In Judaism, god has several names. One is Elohim which is feminine and plural (belying the idea of one deity); it is Elohim who says let us make "man" in "our" image. I will not go into the etymology of "man," but it is English and I do not know which word is used in Hebrew. (I will say that "man" was an indefinite pronoun in Anglo-Saxon and meant he/she/it/the dog.) Another name is Yahweh which is male and singular. Yahweh is the persona most often referred to today in Xtianity and 99.9% of Xtians do not know the difference between the two names.
Some creator deities were hermaphroditic; in variant myths, Atum was the "Great He-She." Eros was male and female and plays a part in some early Greek creation myths. Some other deities who created the universe were female, i.e. the Pelasgian Eurynome. She had some help from the great serpent (male--snakes were phallic symbols) Ophion, but when he discounted her main role, she sent him to the underworld.
Greeks downplayed the roles of goddess, but didn't get rid of them. Yahweh originally had a wife. Myths changed to fit patriarchal cultures, eventually reducing women to subservient roles, i.e. Hera and the Virgin Mary.
By the way, Protestants downgraded Mary because she was simply too high up in Catholicism.
I have more to say, but will stop here.
Do you believe in coincidence?
Ever say "I don't believe in coincidence"?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 4, 2022:
No, I don't. The definition of "believe" is:
"to accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of."
Coincidence is define as:
"a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection."
Coincidences happen and can be proven by empirical evidence.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 4, 2022:
No, I don't. The definition of "believe" is:
"to accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of."
Coincidence is define as:
"a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection."
Coincidences happen and can be proven by empirical evidence.
Graham Doubles Down on Putin 'Assassination' Remarks with Call to Take Him Out 'By Any Means ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 4, 2022:
Some things can be thought but should not be said aloud by someone in the government.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 4, 2022:
Some things can be thought but should not be said aloud by someone in the government.
Is it just me, or is anyone else sick of all the anger and hatred in this world.?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 4, 2022:
Yes. Makes me want to move to Tibet and start a pagan nunnery in the Himalayas.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 4, 2022:
Yes. Makes me want to move to Tibet and start a pagan nunnery in the Himalayas.
Fucking false news and evangelical hypocrites eating it up and proving they are evil assholes.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 3, 2022:
I thought this crap went away a few years ago--guess not. Why don't they harass boy scouts because scout leaders pedophiles?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 3, 2022:
I thought this crap went away a few years ago--guess not. Why don't they harass boy scouts because scout leaders pedophiles?
Putin isn’t ‘strong.’ Neither is his fanboy Trump
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 3, 2022:
If "everyone" could only realize this.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 3, 2022:
If "everyone" could only realize this.
New first-of-its-kind map reveals ‘whale superhighways’ throughout the oceans
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 2, 2022:
Random trivia tidbit: Interestingly enough, the Anglo-Saxons sometimes referred to the ocean as "whale roads."
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 2, 2022:
Random trivia tidbit: Interestingly enough, the Anglo-Saxons sometimes referred to the ocean as "whale roads."
Why is the majority of posts on this site political?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 2, 2022:
You can block people and you can hide groups. That's about the it.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 2, 2022:
You can block people and you can hide groups. That's about the it.
Geez! I guess not.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 2, 2022:
Well, that's something to be proud of . . .
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 2, 2022:
Well, that's something to be proud of . . .
Are you an extrovert or introvert?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
By the way, introverts are not necessarily more introspective than extroverts. From Scientific American:
"The most common misunderstanding of the extraversion-introversion dimension is that introverts are more introspective than extroverts. In reality, introverts are not necessarily introspective and highly introspective people aren't necessarily introverted."
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/will-the-real-introverts-please-stand-up/
And:
"In a nutshell:
Introspection is temporary. It is a position taken for a specific purpose (usually selfreflection). It does not affect the overall approach to life, new situations and new people.
Introversion is permanent. It is not a position taken for a specific purpose. It is an overall
cautious approach to life, new situations and new people.
Extroversion, while permanent, tends to appear less constant than does introversion.
Periods of contemplation, internal or external change, fear of certain situations or certain
types of people, and insecurity in certain areas of life can lead an individual to assume the
appearance of introversion. This behavior is, in fact, a reflection of introspection not
introversion."
http://www.coremap.com/resource/functionsadmin/files/Introversion_vs_Introspection.pdf
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
By the way, introverts are not necessarily more introspective than extroverts. From Scientific American:
"The most common misunderstanding of the extraversion-introversion dimension is that introverts are more introspective than extroverts. In reality, introverts are not necessarily introspective and highly introspective people aren't necessarily introverted."
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/will-the-real-introverts-please-stand-up/
And:
"In a nutshell:
Introspection is temporary. It is a position taken for a specific purpose (usually selfreflection). It does not affect the overall approach to life, new situations and new people.
Introversion is permanent. It is not a position taken for a specific purpose. It is an overall
cautious approach to life, new situations and new people.
Extroversion, while permanent, tends to appear less constant than does introversion.
Periods of contemplation, internal or external change, fear of certain situations or certain
types of people, and insecurity in certain areas of life can lead an individual to assume the
appearance of introversion. This behavior is, in fact, a reflection of introspection not
introversion."
http://www.coremap.com/resource/functionsadmin/files/Introversion_vs_Introspection.pdf
"The Russian Orthodox Church has endorsed Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
A religion/church is only as ethical as the people who lead it. This is no surprise--no more than the evangelicals who support Trump (as others have pointed out).
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
A religion/church is only as ethical as the people who lead it. This is no surprise--no more than the evangelicals who support Trump (as others have pointed out).
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
comedian, leader, president, hero, mortar well not quite yet, husband, leader.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
Soooo . . . what is the alternative? Please, explain.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
Soooo . . . what is the alternative? Please, explain.
Oklahoma bill would fine teachers $10k for teaching anything that contradicts religion
More ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
Considering the lack of teachers and that a couple of years ago that Oklahoma was crying for teachers, this would not be a smart move. Also, does this apply to children who are Muslim, pagan, etc.?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
Considering the lack of teachers and that a couple of years ago that Oklahoma was crying for teachers, this would not be a smart move. Also, does this apply to children who are Muslim, pagan, etc.?
Are you an extrovert or introvert?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
Cite some research that backs your claims. Otherwise, you are just giving opinion based on personal experience/thoughts.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
Cite some research that backs your claims. Otherwise, you are just giving opinion based on personal experience/thoughts.
Man who looks like he died 20 years ago, Pat Robertson, came back into the evangelical news cycle by...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
He's one of the walking dead--he doesn't care what happens.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Mar 1, 2022:
He's one of the walking dead--he doesn't care what happens.
‘Pray for Ukraine’: Religious leaders call for peace and God’s protection
In response to ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
Let 'em pray.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
Let 'em pray.
Putin meant to destroy Ukraine's identity. Instead, he's massively enhanced it
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
Yes.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
Yes.
I never vote because I've been told that you have to be 21 to vote, and I'm 38.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
You wrote, "I never vote because I've been told that you have to be to vote, and I'm 38."
Say what? Do you mean that you "have to be" in that you need to exist? If so, are you a figment of your own imagination or mine? Or does this mean that you have to be a certain "thing," ala a certain age?
This makes no sense.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
You wrote, "I never vote because I've been told that you have to be to vote, and I'm 38."
Say what? Do you mean that you "have to be" in that you need to exist? If so, are you a figment of your own imagination or mine? Or does this mean that you have to be a certain "thing," ala a certain age?
This makes no sense.
Putin has placed his nuclear forces on advanced alert.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
I hope that you are right!
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
I hope that you are right!
Pastor calls for killing gays and atheists. Evicted today.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
Geezus H.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 28, 2022:
Geezus H.
Yes, Inability to Do Math Results in Being Deeply Religious
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 27, 2022:
It does not! I can do the basics, but I became an English teacher for a reason.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 27, 2022:
It does not! I can do the basics, but I became an English teacher for a reason.
Atheist Quotes ·
Michael Binetti · t10m2mu6o557u1itt64h09tg ·
We shutter at the thought of...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 26, 2022:
Decades ago, when I was pagan, I had a "discussion" with my friend's husband who was Catholic. He wanted to know if I were on an island and the pagan natives were about to sacrifice the stereotypical virgin to stop an eruption of a volcano, would I stop them if I could. The paraphrased conversation follows:
I asked if the death would actually stop the volcano from erupting. He said, "Of course not--the natives are pagan and there is only one god who controls everything."
Me: "Do the natives really believe that it will stop the eruption?"
Him: "Yes."
Me, "Is she willing?"
Him: "Maybe, but it doesn't matter."
Me: "Before I answer, let me ask you something. If you were alive when Jesus was crucified, would you have stopped it even if you knew he were willing to die?"
Him, looking very perturbed: "Keep my religion out of this."
End of conversation.
It is the same scenario.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 26, 2022:
Decades ago, when I was pagan, I had a "discussion" with my friend's husband who was Catholic. He wanted to know if I were on an island and the pagan natives were about to sacrifice the stereotypical virgin to stop an eruption of a volcano, would I stop them if I could. The paraphrased conversation follows:
I asked if the death would actually stop the volcano from erupting. He said, "Of course not--the natives are pagan and there is only one god who controls everything."
Me: "Do the natives really believe that it will stop the eruption?"
Him: "Yes."
Me, "Is she willing?"
Him: "Maybe, but it doesn't matter."
Me: "Before I answer, let me ask you something. If you were alive when Jesus was crucified, would you have stopped it even if you knew he were willing to die?"
Him, looking very perturbed: "Keep my religion out of this."
End of conversation.
It is the same scenario.
Time for a reality check.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 26, 2022:
As I wrote on FB:
Let me make this clear: If you are a friend of Putin and his buds, then you ain't no friend of mine.
My dear sister pointed out to me today that my problems are momentary and though she didn't outright say it, they are trivial.
She is not always right, but she was right about this.
I have a job, a house, two vehicles, and I am sitting in a warm house without having to worry about how I will pay the utility bill. In a few minutes, I am going to eat some ice cream.
My country might be under siege in some ways, but I won't have soldiers shooting at me tonight.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 26, 2022:
As I wrote on FB:
Let me make this clear: If you are a friend of Putin and his buds, then you ain't no friend of mine.
My dear sister pointed out to me today that my problems are momentary and though she didn't outright say it, they are trivial.
She is not always right, but she was right about this.
I have a job, a house, two vehicles, and I am sitting in a warm house without having to worry about how I will pay the utility bill. In a few minutes, I am going to eat some ice cream.
My country might be under siege in some ways, but I won't have soldiers shooting at me tonight.
Let's Boycott Russian Goods
Lukoil, stations in PA, NJ, NY, DE, MD & VA
Stolichnaya and any Wine...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 26, 2022:
If I ever bought any of those products, I would stop immediately.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 26, 2022:
If I ever bought any of those products, I would stop immediately.
Most older Atheists became so after trying to learn more about religion so they could make sense of ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 23, 2022:
When I was still in church, my pastor said not to read anything that disagree with Xtianity because it could weaken one's faith, and he was right. When I had disagreements with doctrine and left that church, I started reading about other religions and delved deep into one of my longterm loves, mythology. What I read caused me to leave Xtianity because I could not accept the contradictions in the Bible any longer and I saw that all religions have the same myths.
I was a pagan for over a decade and aspects of paganism still resonate within me, but I do not believe in deities. IF deity exists, it is nothing like the human-made concept of god.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 23, 2022:
When I was still in church, my pastor said not to read anything that disagree with Xtianity because it could weaken one's faith, and he was right. When I had disagreements with doctrine and left that church, I started reading about other religions and delved deep into one of my longterm loves, mythology. What I read caused me to leave Xtianity because I could not accept the contradictions in the Bible any longer and I saw that all religions have the same myths.
I was a pagan for over a decade and aspects of paganism still resonate within me, but I do not believe in deities. IF deity exists, it is nothing like the human-made concept of god.
I live in the bible belt and it's getting worst being around those people who keep believing this is...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 23, 2022:
I live in MO and no one has jumped my derriere about not being Xtian in years--and I am very open about being an atheist. When I worked at Walmart over 20 years ago, I was pagan and there was one other pagan working there. She got dumped on consistently for being pagan, but no one ever said anything negative to me (though they sometimes said stupid things). I am not sure why people came down on her and not me, but I think it had something to do with me being older and did not put up with crap. Some were rather afraid of me--and not because I was pagan, but because I spoke in words that were not 90% monosyllabic.
I dunno why some people catch hell and others do not.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 23, 2022:
I live in MO and no one has jumped my derriere about not being Xtian in years--and I am very open about being an atheist. When I worked at Walmart over 20 years ago, I was pagan and there was one other pagan working there. She got dumped on consistently for being pagan, but no one ever said anything negative to me (though they sometimes said stupid things). I am not sure why people came down on her and not me, but I think it had something to do with me being older and did not put up with crap. Some were rather afraid of me--and not because I was pagan, but because I spoke in words that were not 90% monosyllabic.
I dunno why some people catch hell and others do not.
That's 2 Life sentences for each of these racist assholes..
[.com]
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 22, 2022:
Ya know, I hope that they have very long lives.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 22, 2022:
Ya know, I hope that they have very long lives.
I can't post this anywhere else where anybody would understand, but I had lunch with a friend ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 22, 2022:
Remember the book Why Bad Things Happen to Good People? It was tripe.
On lesser scale, when I was in grad school, there were quite a few Xtians in the program. One of them left her expensive textbooks someplace and she was telling the story in the grad office. She said she was crying and praying to Jesus that her books were where she left them when she went back for them and, by god, they were there! It MUST mean that god loved her so much, he kept her books safe. Why did he feel the need to test her?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 22, 2022:
Remember the book Why Bad Things Happen to Good People? It was tripe.
On lesser scale, when I was in grad school, there were quite a few Xtians in the program. One of them left her expensive textbooks someplace and she was telling the story in the grad office. She said she was crying and praying to Jesus that her books were where she left them when she went back for them and, by god, they were there! It MUST mean that god loved her so much, he kept her books safe. Why did he feel the need to test her?
22nd February 2022…Historic Date: This day will itself go down in the history books as it’s a ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 22, 2022:
There is no such thing as "dates." Our system of "time" is simply humans trying to make sense of the universe. The sun will become a red giant, the earth will burn, and all records of "time" will be utterly meaningless.
Yes, I have become a nihilist in my old age.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 22, 2022:
There is no such thing as "dates." Our system of "time" is simply humans trying to make sense of the universe. The sun will become a red giant, the earth will burn, and all records of "time" will be utterly meaningless.
Yes, I have become a nihilist in my old age.
Would it be fair or reasonable to say that Fascism is similar to Communism with the difference ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 21, 2022:
Are you talking about Marx's vision of communism or Russia and China's versions?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 21, 2022:
Are you talking about Marx's vision of communism or Russia and China's versions?
Do Chairs Exist?
[youtube.com]
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 21, 2022:
I didn't have time to watch the video, but my mind immediately went to an existentialist short story I read as an undergrad. I cannot remember the author or title, but it was about a man walking through an endless snowstorm with a chair. He had no past, no future, but even though it was useless, he kept going because what else could he do? If anyone is familiar with this story, let me know.
The chair was the only thing that did exist.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 21, 2022:
I didn't have time to watch the video, but my mind immediately went to an existentialist short story I read as an undergrad. I cannot remember the author or title, but it was about a man walking through an endless snowstorm with a chair. He had no past, no future, but even though it was useless, he kept going because what else could he do? If anyone is familiar with this story, let me know.
The chair was the only thing that did exist.
February 19, 1945 the US invaded the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during WW2.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 19, 2022:
What a waste war is.
Nature picks up and moves on and will continue to do so until men's wars obliterate "her" ability to do so.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 19, 2022:
What a waste war is.
Nature picks up and moves on and will continue to do so until men's wars obliterate "her" ability to do so.
I have several Facebook friends who are constantly proselytizing.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 18, 2022:
I have friends who do similar things but it is not constant. I hide the posts and move on.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 18, 2022:
I have friends who do similar things but it is not constant. I hide the posts and move on.
I do KFC vegan.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
Took me a minute to get this--no Church's around here.
And is KFC vegan a real thing?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
Took me a minute to get this--no Church's around here.
And is KFC vegan a real thing?
Two four-year-olds, a boy and a girl, compare their bodies.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
This isn't funny. In fact, it is disgusting. Children should not be sexualized, not even for an inane joke.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
This isn't funny. In fact, it is disgusting. Children should not be sexualized, not even for an inane joke.
Yeah.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
This is another reason why I hate most people.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
This is another reason why I hate most people.
"According to Psychologists, there are types of Intelligence:
1) Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
2) ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
According to Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences there are nine types of intelligence.
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/en/schools/prague/british-international/article/2020/12/9/the-nine-types-of-intelligence-that-should-be-considered-in-all-school-curricular
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
According to Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences there are nine types of intelligence.
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/en/schools/prague/british-international/article/2020/12/9/the-nine-types-of-intelligence-that-should-be-considered-in-all-school-curricular
I don't find it lonely at all but I suppose some people do and for those people there is church.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
My last BF used to ask me if I got lonely and the answer was "no." In winter, I sometimes get bored when I've just graded a million papers, finished the umpteenth quilt of the winter, and would like to go outside but it's too cold. I am not sure that I would a lot in common with most atheists and I can only stand people who bore me for a short time.
My sister, who is Baptist, stopped attending church because only one other person wore a mask. She lives in a small town in Oklahoma and has multiple health issues. She is often lonely. She is also upset and resentful that the congregation did not care enough about her--and other people with health issues--to wear masks. A large number of the churchgoers, including the pastor/his wife have had Covid. Churches such as this were/are death traps for the elderly.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 17, 2022:
My last BF used to ask me if I got lonely and the answer was "no." In winter, I sometimes get bored when I've just graded a million papers, finished the umpteenth quilt of the winter, and would like to go outside but it's too cold. I am not sure that I would a lot in common with most atheists and I can only stand people who bore me for a short time.
My sister, who is Baptist, stopped attending church because only one other person wore a mask. She lives in a small town in Oklahoma and has multiple health issues. She is often lonely. She is also upset and resentful that the congregation did not care enough about her--and other people with health issues--to wear masks. A large number of the churchgoers, including the pastor/his wife have had Covid. Churches such as this were/are death traps for the elderly.
In my heart of hearts I know this to be true.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
"Get bitter or get better" is the either/or fallacy; any issue is very rarely all or nothing on one side or the other. People can retain some bitterness--or ill feelings--without it dominating their lives. I know because I retain some which I take out and examine on occasion. However, most of the time, I don't think about the issues.
My mother was mentally ill--depression and bi-polarism. She was a bitter woman and it grew worse as she aged; at 80, she was still bitter about issues that happened when she was child. In part, it was because she never deal with them or was even allowed to speak of them, but the mental illness also had an effect.
And some people seem better but they aren't. I have a friend who says he hasn't had a bad day since 1968, but yeah, he has.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
"Get bitter or get better" is the either/or fallacy; any issue is very rarely all or nothing on one side or the other. People can retain some bitterness--or ill feelings--without it dominating their lives. I know because I retain some which I take out and examine on occasion. However, most of the time, I don't think about the issues.
My mother was mentally ill--depression and bi-polarism. She was a bitter woman and it grew worse as she aged; at 80, she was still bitter about issues that happened when she was child. In part, it was because she never deal with them or was even allowed to speak of them, but the mental illness also had an effect.
And some people seem better but they aren't. I have a friend who says he hasn't had a bad day since 1968, but yeah, he has.
In two years, this mainline denomination has paid off $100 million in medical debt
The United ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
I am glad to hear this!
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
I am glad to hear this!
“Hey everybody! The Only Former US Senator Currently On Tour Tour hits Bethlehem, PA on Fri.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
Love Al. I am a staunch feminist, but the "case" against him was bogus. I hope he runs again and is re-elected.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
Love Al. I am a staunch feminist, but the "case" against him was bogus. I hope he runs again and is re-elected.
Most people get drunk on their 21st birthday. Here's how I spent mine.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
I've been drunk twice in my 69 years--neither were on a birthday.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 16, 2022:
I've been drunk twice in my 69 years--neither were on a birthday.
What the hell is wrong with women -
- Having the dominant role in religions organization?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 14, 2022:
The story is backwards--the woman washed the feet of Jesus (unless there is another incident of feet washing--let me know if there is).
Luke 7:36-50
A Woman Washes Jesus’ Feet
36 One of the Pharisees ·asked [invited] Jesus to eat with him, so Jesus went into the Pharisee’s house and ·sat at the table [L reclined; C at a formal meal guests would recline at a low table with their feet stretched out behind them]. 37 [L And look/T behold] A ·sinful [immoral] woman in the town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So she brought an alabaster ·jar [vial; flask] of perfume 38 and stood behind Jesus at his feet, ·crying [weeping]. She began to ·wash [wet; drench] his feet with her tears, and she ·dried [wiped] them with her hair, kissing them many times and ·rubbing [anointing] them with the perfume. 39 When the Pharisee who asked Jesus to come to his house saw this, he thought to himself, “If ·Jesus [L this person] were a prophet, he would know ·that the woman touching him is a sinner [L who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner]!”
40 Jesus said to ·the Pharisee [L him], “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
Simon said, “Teacher, tell me.”
41 Jesus said, “Two people owed money to ·the same banker [L a certain moneylender/creditor]. One owed five hundred ·coins [L denarii; C a denarius was equal to a day’s wage for a laborer] and the other owed fifty. 42 They had no money to pay what they owed, but ·the banker [L he] ·told both of them they did not have to pay him [L forgave both (debts)]. Which person [L therefore] will love ·the banker [L him] more?”
43 Simon answered, “I ·think [suppose] it would be the one ·who owed him the most money [L for whom he forgave the larger].”
Jesus said to Simon, “You are right.” 44 Then Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she ·washed [wet; drenched] my feet with her tears and ·dried [wiped] them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss of greeting, but she has ·been [not stopped] kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You did not ·put oil on [anoint] my head, but she ·poured perfume on my feet [has anointed my feet with perfume]. 47 [L Therefore] I tell you that her many sins are forgiven, ·so [that is why] she showed great love. But the person who is forgiven only a little will love only a little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The people ·sitting at the table [L reclining together; 7:36] began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “·Because you believed, you are ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 14, 2022:
The story is backwards--the woman washed the feet of Jesus (unless there is another incident of feet washing--let me know if there is).
Luke 7:36-50
A Woman Washes Jesus’ Feet
36 One of the Pharisees ·asked [invited] Jesus to eat with him, so Jesus went into the Pharisee’s house and ·sat at the table [L reclined; C at a formal meal guests would recline at a low table with their feet stretched out behind them]. 37 [L And look/T behold] A ·sinful [immoral] woman in the town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So she brought an alabaster ·jar [vial; flask] of perfume 38 and stood behind Jesus at his feet, ·crying [weeping]. She began to ·wash [wet; drench] his feet with her tears, and she ·dried [wiped] them with her hair, kissing them many times and ·rubbing [anointing] them with the perfume. 39 When the Pharisee who asked Jesus to come to his house saw this, he thought to himself, “If ·Jesus [L this person] were a prophet, he would know ·that the woman touching him is a sinner [L who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner]!”
40 Jesus said to ·the Pharisee [L him], “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
Simon said, “Teacher, tell me.”
41 Jesus said, “Two people owed money to ·the same banker [L a certain moneylender/creditor]. One owed five hundred ·coins [L denarii; C a denarius was equal to a day’s wage for a laborer] and the other owed fifty. 42 They had no money to pay what they owed, but ·the banker [L he] ·told both of them they did not have to pay him [L forgave both (debts)]. Which person [L therefore] will love ·the banker [L him] more?”
43 Simon answered, “I ·think [suppose] it would be the one ·who owed him the most money [L for whom he forgave the larger].”
Jesus said to Simon, “You are right.” 44 Then Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she ·washed [wet; drenched] my feet with her tears and ·dried [wiped] them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss of greeting, but she has ·been [not stopped] kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You did not ·put oil on [anoint] my head, but she ·poured perfume on my feet [has anointed my feet with perfume]. 47 [L Therefore] I tell you that her many sins are forgiven, ·so [that is why] she showed great love. But the person who is forgiven only a little will love only a little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The people ·sitting at the table [L reclining together; 7:36] began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “·Because you believed, you are ...
Was Jesus created by man?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 14, 2022:
No.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 14, 2022:
No.
Happy 74th birthday, Teller (born Feb.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 14, 2022:
Love Teller!
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 14, 2022:
Love Teller!
@MsKathleen donated some Raggedy Ann theme fabrics to me several months ago, and then I found out my...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 13, 2022:
You go, girl! Looks great!
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 13, 2022:
You go, girl! Looks great!
When was God born?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 13, 2022:
November 4, 1952 of the Common Era.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 13, 2022:
November 4, 1952 of the Common Era.
For most of my adult life I have been in continual cycles in search of.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 12, 2022:
Explain "religious experience."
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 12, 2022:
Explain "religious experience."
Religion is Not about God
[agnostic.com]
.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 12, 2022:
Agreed--religion is about social order and for those at the top of most churches (of any religion), control/money. People also use religion to try to get what they want via prayer.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 12, 2022:
Agreed--religion is about social order and for those at the top of most churches (of any religion), control/money. People also use religion to try to get what they want via prayer.
Your Loneliness is an Illusion Because you Lack Connection with Yourself
[medium.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
I didn't read the article, but from personal experience, I found that although I feared being alone (after a 25 year marriage and a seven year relationship), I subsequently found I preferred being alone. Most people are afraid of being alone with their thoughts, but for me, it made me face the negatives in my life and deal with them. Not only do I live alone, but am fairly reclusive; in fact, since the pandemic hit, my few friends ceased visiting. The only people who come to my house are my son's family, especially the grandkids. If I need social time, I go to Walmart and speak to random strangers.
Some people disparage social media, saying it replaces face-to-face contact, but I do not seek much face-to-face contact. My last BF used to ask me if I were ever lonely, and the answer was "no." I get bored sometimes during the winter, but that's not the same as being lonely.
Being alone is better than sitting and watching my ex-husband watch TV.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
I didn't read the article, but from personal experience, I found that although I feared being alone (after a 25 year marriage and a seven year relationship), I subsequently found I preferred being alone. Most people are afraid of being alone with their thoughts, but for me, it made me face the negatives in my life and deal with them. Not only do I live alone, but am fairly reclusive; in fact, since the pandemic hit, my few friends ceased visiting. The only people who come to my house are my son's family, especially the grandkids. If I need social time, I go to Walmart and speak to random strangers.
Some people disparage social media, saying it replaces face-to-face contact, but I do not seek much face-to-face contact. My last BF used to ask me if I were ever lonely, and the answer was "no." I get bored sometimes during the winter, but that's not the same as being lonely.
Being alone is better than sitting and watching my ex-husband watch TV.
Support Mr. Chambers.
[youtu.be]
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
That's one flag burning I would participate in.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
That's one flag burning I would participate in.
Lauren Boebert 'Splains Bible Heroes Who Got Canceled, Like Abel And Jesus
[wonkette.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
One more thing--Yahweh was practicing "cancel culture" when he criticized Cain's offering. A good godfather would have would not have said, "Hey, your offering sucks," but would have dealt with the situation in a kind and gentle manner to let Cain know that his offering could be improved.
Yahweh negated or canceled Cain's offering. Not that Boebert is smart enough to understand the concept.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
One more thing--Yahweh was practicing "cancel culture" when he criticized Cain's offering. A good godfather would have would not have said, "Hey, your offering sucks," but would have dealt with the situation in a kind and gentle manner to let Cain know that his offering could be improved.
Yahweh negated or canceled Cain's offering. Not that Boebert is smart enough to understand the concept.
Lauren Boebert 'Splains Bible Heroes Who Got Canceled, Like Abel And Jesus
[wonkette.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
She goes to show that the term "blond bimbo" is truly a stereotype as this brunette is dumb as a post. Has she read the Bible?
And apparently, she equates "cancel" with "murder/attempted murder"--that applies to her side (Jan. 6), not the sane people.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 11, 2022:
She goes to show that the term "blond bimbo" is truly a stereotype as this brunette is dumb as a post. Has she read the Bible?
And apparently, she equates "cancel" with "murder/attempted murder"--that applies to her side (Jan. 6), not the sane people.
Is "tar baby" a racist term?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 9, 2022:
Yes, it is a racist term. In the tale of Brer Rabbit, the tar baby was fashioned as a Black baby. It was used a pejorative for Black children, the same as "pickaninny."
From the Oxford English Dictionary:
The Oxford English Dictionary mentions tar baby as "a contemptuous term for a black person", and the subscription version also mentions "a derogatory term for a Black (U.S.) or a Maori (N.Z.)".
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 9, 2022:
Yes, it is a racist term. In the tale of Brer Rabbit, the tar baby was fashioned as a Black baby. It was used a pejorative for Black children, the same as "pickaninny."
From the Oxford English Dictionary:
The Oxford English Dictionary mentions tar baby as "a contemptuous term for a black person", and the subscription version also mentions "a derogatory term for a Black (U.S.) or a Maori (N.Z.)".
We're going to discuss the pragmatics of death.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 9, 2022:
I would consider this. Caitlyn Doughty (Ask a Mortician on Youtube) had a video discussing eco friendly ways of "disposal" and this was one method she covered.
Cremation is not eco friendly--better than being embalmed and buried, but still with issues.
Composting is also an alternative:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LJSEZ_pl3Y&t=1446s
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 9, 2022:
I would consider this. Caitlyn Doughty (Ask a Mortician on Youtube) had a video discussing eco friendly ways of "disposal" and this was one method she covered.
Cremation is not eco friendly--better than being embalmed and buried, but still with issues.
Composting is also an alternative:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LJSEZ_pl3Y&t=1446s
Faith Healer Convinced Pregnant Woman That Hammering a Nail in Her Skull Would Result in Baby Boy
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 9, 2022:
Geezus H.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 9, 2022:
Geezus H.
Study shows more than half of teachers ready to leave profession
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
I can understand the "why." I subbed for seven years and that gave me burn-out; full-time, especially over the last couple of years, would be even worse. I have taught college/uni classes for the last twenty and have been all online for nine years; I am also an adjunct and teach for three schools. I am burned out on teaching composition but not literature. It's not the subject that has burned me out, though, but the students.
The issues began before Covid, though. Teachers are underpaid, overworked, and under appreciated.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
I can understand the "why." I subbed for seven years and that gave me burn-out; full-time, especially over the last couple of years, would be even worse. I have taught college/uni classes for the last twenty and have been all online for nine years; I am also an adjunct and teach for three schools. I am burned out on teaching composition but not literature. It's not the subject that has burned me out, though, but the students.
The issues began before Covid, though. Teachers are underpaid, overworked, and under appreciated.
I've learned something that I have long heard about but had never experienced myself until recently.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
Although I have not instructed my son as yet, I want no service when I die. One reason is because I don't know enough people to warrant having one. If the people whom I do know want to get together in the kitchen, they can, but no service. They can also post an obituary.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
Although I have not instructed my son as yet, I want no service when I die. One reason is because I don't know enough people to warrant having one. If the people whom I do know want to get together in the kitchen, they can, but no service. They can also post an obituary.
Chimpanzees Observed Applying Insects to Their Wounds: [insidescience.org]
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
Fascinating! Maggots were used to eat away dead tissue and pus, etc., to cleanse wounds--they wouldn't touch the healthy tissue. We had to learn that somewhere.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
Fascinating! Maggots were used to eat away dead tissue and pus, etc., to cleanse wounds--they wouldn't touch the healthy tissue. We had to learn that somewhere.
A recent interlocutor informed me that Evolutionary Psychology wasn’t real science, so if that’s...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
I don't meet many atheists in "real life," but I have been on this website for a couple of years and when they existed, participated in atheist chat rooms for many years. I speak from personal experience (which is a logical fallacy, I understand this), atheists are no more intelligent than religious people. I have a higher than average IQ, have three degrees, and I have worked in academia for 20 years. Not all profs/instructors are genius material, but they tend to have higher IQs than many people. And the stereotype of the professor who is book smart but lacking common sense is just that: a stereotype. People who say this are most often uneducated people trying to ridicule those who are educated.
Having said that, it is my general perception (again, subjective) that the majority of atheists I have known/talked with were not highly intelligent. They would/will often say that religious people are "stupid" because they believe in a deity, but offer no proof of the lack of intelligence, i.e. IQ or other evidence. God belief alone is not proof of stupidity. Most of them were not well read or educated, so on what are they basing their claims? Research? Credible research?
By the same token, most of the religious people whom I have known are not highly intelligent. In fact, most people are not highly intelligent. Some people are intelligent in their areas: I am an English teacher, but I know squat about rocket science. Math never interested me, so I didn't take classes in algebra or calculus. However, the mechanic who fixes my car might or might not have a high school diploma, but he is a capable, knowledgeable mechanic, "smart" at what he does.
I have known atheists who traded one delusion for another, i.e. the ones who thinks that aliens are among us, antivaxxers, and those who buy into conspiracy theories and say the rest of us are ignorant sheep.
Studies tend to show that atheists are more intelligent than god believers; maybe they are, but maybe those atheists aren't hanging out online touting their superiority.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 8, 2022:
I don't meet many atheists in "real life," but I have been on this website for a couple of years and when they existed, participated in atheist chat rooms for many years. I speak from personal experience (which is a logical fallacy, I understand this), atheists are no more intelligent than religious people. I have a higher than average IQ, have three degrees, and I have worked in academia for 20 years. Not all profs/instructors are genius material, but they tend to have higher IQs than many people. And the stereotype of the professor who is book smart but lacking common sense is just that: a stereotype. People who say this are most often uneducated people trying to ridicule those who are educated.
Having said that, it is my general perception (again, subjective) that the majority of atheists I have known/talked with were not highly intelligent. They would/will often say that religious people are "stupid" because they believe in a deity, but offer no proof of the lack of intelligence, i.e. IQ or other evidence. God belief alone is not proof of stupidity. Most of them were not well read or educated, so on what are they basing their claims? Research? Credible research?
By the same token, most of the religious people whom I have known are not highly intelligent. In fact, most people are not highly intelligent. Some people are intelligent in their areas: I am an English teacher, but I know squat about rocket science. Math never interested me, so I didn't take classes in algebra or calculus. However, the mechanic who fixes my car might or might not have a high school diploma, but he is a capable, knowledgeable mechanic, "smart" at what he does.
I have known atheists who traded one delusion for another, i.e. the ones who thinks that aliens are among us, antivaxxers, and those who buy into conspiracy theories and say the rest of us are ignorant sheep.
Studies tend to show that atheists are more intelligent than god believers; maybe they are, but maybe those atheists aren't hanging out online touting their superiority.
There may be a reactionary attitude creeping into this site's administration.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 6, 2022:
Who is seeing the content? I have had to block numerous forums as I do not appreciate posts of "slightly adult nature" (and overt nature adult nature) show up in my feed.
Addendum: I saw the picture in question on another post, and I am also not interested in seeing inane fart jokes.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 6, 2022:
Who is seeing the content? I have had to block numerous forums as I do not appreciate posts of "slightly adult nature" (and overt nature adult nature) show up in my feed.
Addendum: I saw the picture in question on another post, and I am also not interested in seeing inane fart jokes.
Ted Nugent Calls Bruce Springsteen "Dirtbag," Says He Supports "Communists" - iHeart
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 6, 2022:
Maybe Nugent is still suffering from cat scratch fever--or maybe he has toxoplasmosis by now.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 6, 2022:
Maybe Nugent is still suffering from cat scratch fever--or maybe he has toxoplasmosis by now.
The last 2 paragraphs are important to understand.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 6, 2022:
Canndue writes, "Individuality reigns supreme in America,," but in reality, it doesn't. "Individuality" in the USA is a myth. While the anti-vaxxers claim that sane, realistic people are sheep for blindly getting vaccinated, their own resistance is not based on individuality, but a group (even a mob) mentality. These people are not "exceptional" based on their "exceptionalism" in refusing to accept that Covid is real and vaccines help prevent dying; they are a huddled mass gaining approbation from each other. They practically share the same group mind.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 6, 2022:
Canndue writes, "Individuality reigns supreme in America,," but in reality, it doesn't. "Individuality" in the USA is a myth. While the anti-vaxxers claim that sane, realistic people are sheep for blindly getting vaccinated, their own resistance is not based on individuality, but a group (even a mob) mentality. These people are not "exceptional" based on their "exceptionalism" in refusing to accept that Covid is real and vaccines help prevent dying; they are a huddled mass gaining approbation from each other. They practically share the same group mind.
In keeping with the standards that have become the norm on this site (if they were ever different) I...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 5, 2022:
Well, of course I am special.
I agree with your takes and not only from my observations on this site, but a couple of others, as well.
(And I am well aware of the logical fallacy of depending on personal experience.)
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 5, 2022:
Well, of course I am special.
I agree with your takes and not only from my observations on this site, but a couple of others, as well.
(And I am well aware of the logical fallacy of depending on personal experience.)
In my continuing effort to understand why so many atheists and agnostics (the people one would ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 4, 2022:
Sorry, I'm an English teacher, not a science teacher. However, I have seen the existence of a "god spot" debated for some time. First, "they" said it existed. Then, "they" said it didn't. The latest I could find on the debate is that it does exist, but who knows as yet?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisonescalante/2021/08/24/scientists-think-they-just-found-the-brains-spirituality-network/?sh=4fd1e6c619b4
As a non scientist, I lean toward an evolutionary explanation, but my opinion counts for nothing. I remain open, which is what all should do.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 4, 2022:
Sorry, I'm an English teacher, not a science teacher. However, I have seen the existence of a "god spot" debated for some time. First, "they" said it existed. Then, "they" said it didn't. The latest I could find on the debate is that it does exist, but who knows as yet?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisonescalante/2021/08/24/scientists-think-they-just-found-the-brains-spirituality-network/?sh=4fd1e6c619b4
As a non scientist, I lean toward an evolutionary explanation, but my opinion counts for nothing. I remain open, which is what all should do.
I was at Walmart and one of my hearing aids fell out.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 4, 2022:
I would not have done so! I would have said "I am an atheist; god had nothing to do with," and that would have been the end of it. I don't mind disillusioning people who are delusional.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 4, 2022:
I would not have done so! I would have said "I am an atheist; god had nothing to do with," and that would have been the end of it. I don't mind disillusioning people who are delusional.
I have been sick since October, went for endoscopy and biopsy last week, found out I have hiatal ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 2, 2022:
You do not owe your mother anything. If you have family members for whom you care and they cared about your mother, that would be one reason to go. I only went to my mother's funeral to be support for my sister. Also, my son/his wife expected me to go; we went in their car for the 250 mile drive.
I have had a hiatal hernia for decades. It won't bother me for years and then, will start in again--but with different symptoms. I have been having some discomfort late, no pain, and I am sure it is the HH. I will have it checked out when Covid is down a bit more. It appears that my county has peaked and rolling down instead of up now.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 2, 2022:
You do not owe your mother anything. If you have family members for whom you care and they cared about your mother, that would be one reason to go. I only went to my mother's funeral to be support for my sister. Also, my son/his wife expected me to go; we went in their car for the 250 mile drive.
I have had a hiatal hernia for decades. It won't bother me for years and then, will start in again--but with different symptoms. I have been having some discomfort late, no pain, and I am sure it is the HH. I will have it checked out when Covid is down a bit more. It appears that my county has peaked and rolling down instead of up now.
Four year old shoots self in head in back of car.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 2, 2022:
Both adults and the father.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 2, 2022:
Both adults and the father.
I'm in the midst of the snowmageddon here.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 2, 2022:
We have five to eight inches forecast here with a bit of ice underneath. However, the snow flurries predicted for today didn't materialize, so who knows? Unless the power goes off, no problem for me as I work from home.
And "everybody" turns to the crock pot/slow cooker on snow days! I'm just going to pop a veggie chic patty in the microwave.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Feb 2, 2022:
We have five to eight inches forecast here with a bit of ice underneath. However, the snow flurries predicted for today didn't materialize, so who knows? Unless the power goes off, no problem for me as I work from home.
And "everybody" turns to the crock pot/slow cooker on snow days! I'm just going to pop a veggie chic patty in the microwave.
The Urn Is Probably More Intelligent Than Most Antivaxxers.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 31, 2022:
Sigh.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 31, 2022:
Sigh.
Ending religion lessons in schools leads to overall decline in belief but not morals | Torsten Bell ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
I prefer "ethics" over "morals," but this is no surprise as ethics/morals are culturally related. Religions have never been apt in instilling ethics--except via fear tactics. However, not "sinning" out of fear of going to hell is not truly being ethical. Ethical atheists have the high road as we are ethical out of empathy and reason, not fear.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
I prefer "ethics" over "morals," but this is no surprise as ethics/morals are culturally related. Religions have never been apt in instilling ethics--except via fear tactics. However, not "sinning" out of fear of going to hell is not truly being ethical. Ethical atheists have the high road as we are ethical out of empathy and reason, not fear.
Epidemiologist explains why Omicron is infecting more kids
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
My son and his wife had Covid last week. They are both vaccinated and wear masks. My eight year old grandson showed symptoms for one day (ran a slight fever), but that was it. My son had no symptoms and his wife was sick, but still functioned. My four year old granddaughter just bopped along, no symptoms.
Who can explain the ways of Covid?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
My son and his wife had Covid last week. They are both vaccinated and wear masks. My eight year old grandson showed symptoms for one day (ran a slight fever), but that was it. My son had no symptoms and his wife was sick, but still functioned. My four year old granddaughter just bopped along, no symptoms.
Who can explain the ways of Covid?
Priorities for next 14 days :
No matter what , making sure I have no wear down panties on and ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
My dad has a kidney stone. Not fun. My son has had a couple, though not lately. Not fun.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
My dad has a kidney stone. Not fun. My son has had a couple, though not lately. Not fun.
Any non god fearing entomologists out there who can identify this critter who's living under our ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
I had an uncle who loved to fish. He used grasshoppers as bait. One summer, the 'hoppers were two inches long and longer. Uncle Abner got a bunch of them and headed to the river. He cast out and wham! He was reeling in a fish. However, when he got it close to shore, he saw that the fish had not swallowed the grasshopper: the bug was clinging to the fish's head, riding him like buckin' bronco.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 30, 2022:
I had an uncle who loved to fish. He used grasshoppers as bait. One summer, the 'hoppers were two inches long and longer. Uncle Abner got a bunch of them and headed to the river. He cast out and wham! He was reeling in a fish. However, when he got it close to shore, he saw that the fish had not swallowed the grasshopper: the bug was clinging to the fish's head, riding him like buckin' bronco.
Lawrence Welk thought the refrain "Sweet Jesus" made it a modern hymn.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 28, 2022:
My dad was an ardent Welk fan. I remember when Welk was on opposite The Muppet Show and we HAD to watch Welk instead of the Muppets.
The Welk show was the first time I heard the racist phrase "he is a credit to his race"; Lawrence was talking about the Black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 28, 2022:
My dad was an ardent Welk fan. I remember when Welk was on opposite The Muppet Show and we HAD to watch Welk instead of the Muppets.
The Welk show was the first time I heard the racist phrase "he is a credit to his race"; Lawrence was talking about the Black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan.
Even while dying in the hospital, he can't quit anti-vaxx sht-posting on Facebook
"Anyway, this ...
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 27, 2022:
Oh, well.
My son, his wife, and eight year old son have Covid; the adults are vaccinated and all wear masks, but my DIL was exposed to Covid twice in less than two weeks in a small space at work. However, none of them are in ICU and though they are sick, they are not deathly sick.
I was exposed to Covid by an overnight visitor and either did not catch it or was asymptomatic. She was vaccinated and wears masks, too; though she was sick, she made a quick recovery.
Let this guy suffer and if he dies, that was his choice. My sympathies are only with others whom he exposed.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 27, 2022:
Oh, well.
My son, his wife, and eight year old son have Covid; the adults are vaccinated and all wear masks, but my DIL was exposed to Covid twice in less than two weeks in a small space at work. However, none of them are in ICU and though they are sick, they are not deathly sick.
I was exposed to Covid by an overnight visitor and either did not catch it or was asymptomatic. She was vaccinated and wears masks, too; though she was sick, she made a quick recovery.
Let this guy suffer and if he dies, that was his choice. My sympathies are only with others whom he exposed.
Those mocking and celebrating the deaths of the un-vaxxed. What you going to do about this guy?
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 26, 2022:
I would say that there are consequences for every action. I would not dance on his grave, but I will shrug and say, "Oh, well." I had no clue he even existed, so I certainly won't mourn.
In other news, my son, DIL, and eight year old grandson have Covid. The adults were vaccinated and wore masks, but the people with whom my DIL works would not. She was exposed twice in less than two weeks. The irony is that she gave her two weeks notice on Friday and has a new job, but it came too late.
They are sick because other people refused to get vaccinated and to wear masks--just like this athlete.
By the way, they are not deathly ill, but they are still sick and confined to home. The grandson just started showing symptoms; hopefully, it will be light case for him and that my four year old granddaughter will not get it.
On the other hand, there might be a few graves I would dance on.
Gwendolyn2018 comments on Jan 26, 2022:
I would say that there are consequences for every action. I would not dance on his grave, but I will shrug and say, "Oh, well." I had no clue he even existed, so I certainly won't mourn.
In other news, my son, DIL, and eight year old grandson have Covid. The adults were vaccinated and wore masks, but the people with whom my DIL works would not. She was exposed twice in less than two weeks. The irony is that she gave her two weeks notice on Friday and has a new job, but it came too late.
They are sick because other people refused to get vaccinated and to wear masks--just like this athlete.
By the way, they are not deathly ill, but they are still sick and confined to home. The grandson just started showing symptoms; hopefully, it will be light case for him and that my four year old granddaughter will not get it.
On the other hand, there might be a few graves I would dance on.
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