I think that almost anyone who has logic and can think freely will end up as an ‘A.’

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Very nice

Trumps first year

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

He is a dangerous immature twit and an embarrassment to the US.

New research on plant intelligence may forever change how you think about plants | Public Radio ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

When my tomatoes can move out of the way of my grabbing hands then I will consider not eating them. Until such time sun ripened tomatoes are the very taste of sunshine and I will not forgo that for anyone or anything.

Weddings in churches

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I think it is the fairy tale wedding that little girls have grown up with, at least in the US. And seriously churches are set up for weddings. Its traditional as well.

Religious Homosexuals?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Because god is love. Because that is not a correct translation of that passage. And hell, aren't most of the christians fornicators? And theives? And covetous, etc, etc.

A lot of the religious people look down on atheist people and consider them to be immoral.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Because they think you need god to be good. Supposedly the fear of hell and eternal damnation is needed before you can do the right thing. They haven't realized you can be good just because it is the right thing to do and you're note an immoral idiot. And I could go on but my soapbox is smoldering.

Do you use colloquialisms like “good lord” or “oh my god” despite them having religious ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I try not to swear, a good deal of my job is on the phone and I don't need "coaching" for swearing. Also being around small children, I don't want them repeating what they shouldn't be saying. But yes, I used OMG and JC and a few other choice phrases. When in traffic with moronic drivers all bets are off.

You all are so much fun! Just wanted to thank you for the entertainment, debate, and insight.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

This site has great folks and great conversations!!

A song about Donald Trump.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

very well done

American Gods: This novel is a big metaphor and great example of the gods we create.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I just put a hold on it at my library.

There's an old wartime saying that "there are no atheists in foxholes.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I have been in foxholes, there are plenty of atheists in them. But the primitive core of our being will cry out when under duress, and we are programmed by our upbringing that there is a god and under stressful or extreme conditions might cry out using that name. Like "oh god" when aroused. I was rear ended this fall, and the first thing out of my mouth was "jesus" which was followed by an unspoken "f**king christ. That wasn't a prayer and I try not to say that phrase out loud. Last winter I discovered I swear in German, my car went into a slide on ice and as I got closer to the bumper of the car in front of me I was saying "oh shit" in German. Its been 30 years since I was in Germany! It is a fluke of the subconscious programmed into us by previous life experiences.

Has anyone seen the commercial for the Wonder Bible. An audio version of the bible for believers?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I am thankful that I don't have cable TV and therefore do not have to watch commercials.

Would you run for office as a non believer?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I have considered a run for office, but I would not make my beliefs an issue.

Best space and astronomy images of 2017 - Business Insider

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Nice.

I am guessing the educational level in this group is higher than average. True or not?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I think if we aren't formally educated we've been educating ourselves and have some critical thinking skills.

Photos of the Week: Chilly Days, a Bearskin Parade, Ready for 2018 - The Atlantic

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Wow!! Amazing

Michael Wolff Did What Every Other White House Reporter Is Too Cowardly to Do

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

It can't happen too soon!

Religious liberty group says 'militant atheism' driving effort to remove cross

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Wah, wah, wah.

Anthropology top findings 2017 - SAPIENS

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Wow, pretty amazing! All those religious freaks are going to try to debunk it, or ignore it.

With a telecom shill currently leading the FCC, Net Neutrality has been effectively repealed.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

My congressman's head is so far up the ass of the industry it has disappeared. However, I have sent faxes and made calls. Won't go down without a fight.

The latest Star Wars movie doesn't dwell a lot on The Force, but it did remind me of something.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Our humanness connects us all, we are all on this globe together and we all are composed of the same elements. Skin color and religion don't matter.

A god is just an idea held by similarly-minded people, and, as such, can be fashioned to meet ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Gaia, I prefer female gods.

I saw this on a humor site. Your thoughts?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

in his book God: A Human History the author says much the same thing. We have created our gods in our image and that image has changed over the millennia.

Dating.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

One of my daughters gave me rules for dating. Must be closer to my age than to the age of my oldest. Currently I'm 60 and oldest is 33, So to be safe must not be younger than 47. And really, I'm not much interested in younger guys. As for how high to go, it depends on the health of the gentleman. Some guys have one foot in the grave at 60, and some 80 years olds are still going strong.

Food—what’s your story?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I cook from scratch because I am too cheap to eat out and I want to control what I am eating. I eat quasi vegetarian most of the time. I eat eggs, some dairy, fish. I avoid cheap wheat products and try to stay organic where I can. I grow some of my own foods. I don't bake much anymore. I cook on weekends and freeze portions for lunches during the week, and for breakfasts. Dinner will be whatever is on hand that sounds good. I eat lots of nuts while I am at work, and sometimes at home or while I'm out and about. I try (sometimes better than others) to avoid sugar which is another reason to cook from scratch. And when you cook for one and usually eat alone I don't put a great deal of effort into it. When the kids come over for dinner I will make an effort and then have leftovers for days. Pre-divorce I did more baking and cooking, but I was a stay at home mom, and had time for it.

I don't know what you all think about devotion in relationships, but here's my take: aside from ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Relationships are living organisms, they need attention and care.

I believe that the NSA, FBI, CIA, etc.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

We do live in interesting times. Stressful as hell, but interesting.

Are you spiritual?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I used to say I was more spiritual than religious. Now I'm not religious at all and probably not very spiritual.

Anyone care to Share?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I went with my Catholic Hispanic boyfriend to a service at a non denominational mostly black church at the invitation of a friend of mine. These people were ACTIVE!! in their worship. There was dancing, there was speaking in tongues, there was clapping, stomping, standing, and rocking! BF was freaking out! I leaned over to him and said, "Relax baby, remember we're the frozen chosen."

I don't usually make political posts but..... This one is good for a chuckle.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

He needs to make shorter sentences and far, far less frequency. And NEVER on Twitter.

Who among us has cut the proverbial TV cord?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I cancelled cable after I saw Ted Cruz's face in my living room during the Iowa primary. I have a Roku, I stream Netflix and Amazon Prime and a few other. I have DVD and other stuff I don't remember the TLAs for. All in all I watch less than 5 hours of TV per week. Best part, No commercials.

CREATURE KIND

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Bottom line: if I don't eat I die. We're all a big circle of life. We feed on plants and other animals. Other animals might feed on us if they get a chance, hopefully with our "superior" minds that won't happen. When those animals (including us) die we decompose and eventually feed the plants and other organisms. My choice is to eat as close to natural as possible. I eat less meat because I don't like the meat industry in the US. I eat plants of all types and I choose to eat non gmo and organic when I can. I also compost and have a worm box, so what I don't eat or cook of the plants is returned to nourish future plants. My bottom line is I have to keep me as healthy as possible. I had to increase my animal protein due to anemia, so I eat more eggs and somewhat more fish. It also has to be convenient for me to cook/prepare it. I do garden during the summer, I avoid cheap wheat products as frequently the wheat is treated with Roundup prior to harvest to speed up the harvest. IMHO Monsanto (maker of roundup) is an evil corporation. When my kids come for dinner I have cook meat, but usually not pork. One of the kids won't eat pork and the Sons-in-law think meat is necessary. If you're going to live a healthy life you're going to have to drink water regardless of the tiny creatures. I think you can eat a vegan diet and be healthy. If you choose not to brush your teeth you will have to deal with the consequences. Do plants have rights, not in my opinion. As for micro-organisms, nope, I'm going to do what is best for me.

I just ran across a holy tradition of which I was previously unaware.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Ewwww, no. That sounds like child abuse.

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O: Shel Silverstein’s Sweet Allegory for the Simple Secret of Love...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

That is so perfect!! I have a granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. I need to get this book for them, and for ME!

What are your thoughts on Hypnosis?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I have considered trying hypnosis, just time and money. There were/are times I seem to be my own worst enemy, it would be good to be able to avoid that. I'd be willing to give it a try.

Religion VS Atheism by Ricky Gervais

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Fabulous, thanks for posting this.

I just tried a simple experiment.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I think at 22 she still lacks some perspective, but really can we ever know how we'd be different if we were raised differently? And is it something we can change? That answer is no, so it is what it is, we just have to deal with it. My life would have been totally different had my mom not died or my dad not rushed into a second marriage. But it made me what I am and I'm OK, or even better than OK. Don't sweat what you can't change.

Do have friends to keep you entertained, or do you entertain yourself?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I live alone except for my cats. I do work full time and I have grown kids in the area. However, I have always entertained myself, and I made sure my kids could entertain themselves. They only told me once or twice that they were bored. I'd find something really boring for them to do or just cleaning their room. I have books, crafts, hobbies, a yard/garden/house to take care of. And then there are the cats, they are great entertainment most of the time. I used to say I was never bored, I just had trouble making up my mind of which project to work on.

Well I've only just begun on this wonderful site and the folk on here seem like the right stuff to ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Welcome!! Glad you're here.

QUOTE: 'That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence'.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I like it!

Stable Genius.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Perfect!!

This afternoon I was informed of my good friend’s death.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope it was a good death, no suffering.

Would Christianity be as popular if Jesus were portrayed more accurately?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I am positive that buybull thumpers would not be happy to see Jesus this way. We create gods in our image, therefore he must look just like us, regardless of where the buybull says he was born.

Can you all deal with an atheist Nichiren Buddhist?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

As far as I am concerned, yes.

Sexual relationship or relationship with sex?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I don't want FWB. I want a meaningful relationship, there needs to be some partnership and commitment. I don't plan to compromise, so I expect to be single for quite a while yet.

Today is Three Kings Day.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

This is also the 12th day of Christmas. When I lived in Germany 30+ years ago I discovered it was also a German holiday. I had taken a short trip to visit friends, and my car needed gas to get home. I had to drive miles and miles to find an open station. Who knew. It is also known as the Epiphany, the day when the three kings visited "baby" Jesus.

Kids sometimes

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I took it to mean that the kids are not with you full time.

Sometimes little wins are important.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Woot!! Progress!

Dating after 50

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Dating after is a nightmare. I read an article before I initiated my divorce that for women over 50, men were looking for "nurses with purses". I did it anyway. And yes, I live in a conservative Republif**k state, so the pickings are slim for a radical, liberal, hippie chick.

Atheist Books

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I just finished God: A Human History, it was excellent.

It takes a village to rescue a trapped kitten - Chicago Tribune

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Awwww!!

How can atheists profit from spreading the good word

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Well, actually you could try writing a book about the advantages of reality and non belief. I'm not sure it would ever sell.....

Just got a call from my 90 yr old mother.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I would have said "Thank you for the reminder, Mother. I will consider what you have said." and then let it go. It upsets you, she will never change or admit to wrong doing. Don't let her get a rise out of you, be as non committal and non confrontational as possible. Remember, they can't hurt you physically any more, and you can minimize the emotional hurt by disengaging. I am sorry you had such a crappy childhood, however you're stronger for it.

I stopped watching tv in 2011 after I couldn't afford it anymore.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I cut the cable during the Iowa primaries for the 2016 election. I looked up from my laptop to see Ted Cruz's face in my living room and said that HAS to go. I got a Roku streaming stick. I keep the radio on 24/7 at least in part of the house. I don't watch TV most of the time, when I want to I have Amazon Prime, Netflix, TED channel and a bunch of others. And then I have DVDs and stuff I'm no longer sure what format it is, I just know which machine to put it in. I might spend 5 hours a week watching TV if it is a holiday week or I am taking time off work. I have books and other hobbies to take me away from the TV.

I love the term Flattards for people who believe in a flat earth.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The earth is not flat and I can prove it. Cats. Cats would have pushed everything and everyone over the edge already.

Ginsburg Slaps Gorsuch in Gerrymandering Case | The New Yorker

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I love RBG! One of my kids has a T-shirt with RBG on it, I gave it to her, she loves it!! We have to find the fountain of youth because it will be a sad day for America when RBG passes on.

My puppy, Monty, is 10 years old today .

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

What a sweet little face, just makes me want to kiss him! Happy Birthday, Monty!! We share a birthday, but I've had lots more of those damn things than you!!

I do custom artwork and I have people who ask me to do religious pieces every now and then.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The objective is to stay employed not to push an agenda. What you're doing is not illegal, immoral, or breaking any laws, I'd say go for it. If it keeps you up at night then that was a bad choice, but hell, it pays the bills.

Telepathy - Science or Superstition?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I don't believe telepathy exists. I think people can thinks similar thoughts, and I believe people can know each other well enough to know what the other will think in a given situation. I believe you can train people to react in certain ways to certain prompts.

Do you think that some people just pretend to be non believers to "rebel" against parents, ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I think some people will do anything for drama, so yes it is possible.

Where is your stance on tattoos?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you like it, it is your body, just understand it is there forever. I have one, and am contemplating a second. I don't disagree with your ex about waiting til they are 18. One of my kids got her first in college and now she regrets it. She did good at hiding it from her dad for many years. He wanted her to wait til she was no longer on his insurance.

I don't believe this.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Prayers ain't gonna help. If she leaves the US she may never get back in. That was a waste of a plane ticket.

Fill in the blanks-Going from Obama to Trump was like going from a ___________ to a ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Like going from Tiffany's to Walmart

Anger Management

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Golden puppies are my favorite puppies.

Have You Ever Had A Sexual Relationship With A Co-Worker?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

WAY way way back in the dark ages of my life, when I was very young and stupid, and in the Army, I did hook up with a fellow soldier a few times. Once or twice it was a superior. No lasting repercussions, someone was either transferring in our out, or I was too oblivious to notice.

Nerdy pickup lines

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I think that is adorable!

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

When I was pregnant with my youngest (26 years ago) the ex and I had a conversation about circumcision. I was not in favor of it. My ex wanted was in favor of it because he was circumcised. It was a moot discussion as we had another girl. But if I had a son today I would not elect to have him circumcised.

Are people really this dumb?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Sadly, people see what they want to see. None are so blind as those who will not see.

What are the bigest chirstian lies you have heard or seen?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Part of the biggest scam: Thou shalt not test the lord your god. Whoa, turn the critical thinking skills off.

I'm not against God, I'm not even against the notion of God.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Most of the wars ever fought were fought in the name of god or a god. This god stuff causes people to do some really ugly stuff.

Are you "out" to all in your life in terms of your atheism, agnosticism?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I'm pretty much out. I don't ever make an issue of it, I don' t know who "knows" and who doesn't, or even if any of my friends or acquaintances care. Those who matter know.

Breaking News from NY Times-Mike Schmidt on Rachel Maddow Show-Mueller has confirmed that trump ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Woot Woot!!

Little victories... [advocate.com]

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I love it!!

How do you feel when the families of murder victims stand at the microphone in the sentencing phase ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

The old saying is that not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Your bad feelings don't harm them at all. You forgive them for you, to take that load off your heart and mind. Finding forgiveness is hard, and sometimes it takes work, but it is necessary for mental health and inner peace.

Anyone ever get the feeling you're going to be forever alone?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I'm turning 60 this weekend, and I've been divorced for about 9 years. I thought I met my soul mate once, but it didn't work out. I've dated off and on, nothing has been serious. And I live in a conservative state, and I'm anything but conservative. The odds are that I will never find a mate. After being unhappily married for too many years I realized I'm better off single then I was when I was married. I don't have to put up with anyone's BS. If I need help I can call my kids, but frankly it pleases me inordinately to do things myself. After years of subtly being told I wasn't capable or smart enough, I am capable and I'm definitely smart enough. I'm being very selective about who I spend time with cuz frankly I don't have time to waste. My advice to you is to become who you were meant to be. Do what you love, invest your time in you. Be happy with you, and if you find someone that is good, and if you don't you're your own best companion.

Hey ALL.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Welcome, and love your outlook. Yes we are all one people.

Dan Harris: "10% Happier" | Talks At Google - YouTube

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I read his book, and I do meditate, not as often as I should. It does help.

TV advertisements can entice me or drive me away.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I turned the cable off during the Iowa primary when I saw Ted Cruz's face in my living room. I stream with Roku now, no commercials. I don't miss them.

I want y'all to meet "the other woman", the prime contributor to my divorce.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/ I had not realized the URL did not get posted.

I was accused of being the Antichrist since I don't believe in God.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Just deluded, be patient with them.

The "dad bod" was in for a while. Will someone let me know when the "grand dad bod" is in?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

What? It's not in? It is in my book!

Any current or past military here?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

6+ years in the Army, met and married my ex husband and followed him around for another 12 years.

I met the man of my dreams.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

LOL!!

I just had blood work done.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Was it a faith based facility, out here we have Methodist Health and CHI hospital (Catholic Health Initiative). I hear faith based messages all the time from them, I just ignore it. I have considered switching my health care to the University Health system, but inertia. I hate change and their location is good.

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Frequently my bladder. And the cat. And the need to keep the job to keep the house. Frequently hunger. And if it the weekend and I don't have other things on my agenda, I can SEW!!

Good News from MSNBC 4:00 pm today-"Fire and Fury"by Michael Wolfe about trump and the white house ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I might even break my rule and buy it! Just to add to Donald's downfall.

I just had a vision-no imaginary thought-of trump and his cabinet stranded in blowing snow like ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

They have so much hot air between them they might out-blow the storm. My desire would be a long torturous freeze.

Whatever background we may have came from, one must not believe 2 illusions the world makes us ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

We are products of our environment, but we can change. However those early impressions are very lasting, good or bad. Being a victim of circumstances may or may not be true. Life can be overwhelming at times. It is possible to overcome, but it is difficult for many people when the cards are stacked against you.

Congratulations to @atheist, who posted enough philosophy during his New Year's recovery to join ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Congrats!! I'm trying to follow your lead.

What are your thoughts on THE SECRET?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

He makes some very good points. The universe does not hand you anything, you have to work at what you want and be aware of the opportunities.

I always wonder about that being “in a better place”— how is being dead a better place?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

As opposed to suffering, yeah dead is better. A fascinating book about death, medicine, and what really matters is "Being Mortal" By Atul Gawande. How we are so afraid of death and the steps we take to avoid it. My opinion is death is part of life, we haven't figured out how to live forever. We need to live and die with dignity. I've told my kids I don't ever want chemo, I don't want machines breathing for me, I don't want pain. I want to go quickly and with dignity. When I can't do what I wanna do when I wanna do it, let me go.

I am going to share something.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I'm interested in dating, but I want local men, and the reality is I live in a conservative state, the local dating pool is about the size of the intellect of the current US president. So if I can't find the right person at least I can enjoy some scintillating conversations.

Who?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I try to be practical. The odds of me finding "the one" are not very good, however if I don't look it is also not likely that I will find someone.

The Bible is fictional

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

My current book is progress is https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/19/books/review/reza-aslans-god-a-human-history.html Fascinating! How people have created god or gods since the beginning of time. He looks at how all gods have evolved though history and how those gods have interacted with other gods/other peoples. It is way better than I expected it to be, I was expecting to slog through, but it's well written, very engaging, and I'm learning and enjoying it.

Since you all have been non believers, has it ever crossed your mind "what if im wrong"?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Not for a split second.

I believe religion is destroying our nation.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

We definitely need to build that wall, the one between church and state.

Who else should be on Mueller's hit list?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

What is the other Trump son, not Barron. Eric? Him for sure.

One way to save the environment; Should we?..

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I try to live plastic free, so I'd be happy to use those bags.

This little boy is trying to help his Grandpa LOL

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

LOL!!!

Should this be included in history books? I think so. How about everyone?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Actually I learned most of this when I was in high school. However, I am sure my kids did not learn it in their schools. Yes, this should be taught everywhere.