What would you have done differently had you been god?

hazhapard comments on May 12, 2020:

My first thought would be that I've always wanted to be a cat. (I assume that god is a cat as they both move in mysterious ways.)

HumanistJohn replies on May 12, 2020:

You gave ne a great laugh!

Once it is safe to go out exploring, parks are a source of renewal for the human spirit.

HumanistJohn comments on May 11, 2020:

Beautiful! Thank you! Speaking of 'ecological restoration', check this out: How Wolves Change Rivers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q

HumanistJohn replies on May 12, 2020:

Thank you for the extended reply and thank you for the insight. You'll probably be interested in the following: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/legal-petition-seeks-new-rules-reduce-washington-wolf-killing-2020-05-11/

She didn't get paid enough

BirdMan1 comments on May 10, 2020:

Too bad he did not hire Lorena Bobbit!

HumanistJohn replies on May 10, 2020:

You gave me a great laugh! And, donald, when people call you a "big prick," it doesn't mean what you think it menas.

Good response...

EllenDale comments on May 10, 2020:

The minority who voted for him didn’t vote for his brain. Except Putin. Putin voted for his brain.

HumanistJohn replies on May 10, 2020:

Republicans for years have been touting a number of things which contributed to his election: 1 Government is bad, evil (remember r reagan- "government is the problem"). They fostered this attitude for years, mainly because they don't want protection for the environment, protection for women's rights, protection for worker's rights, and so on. They oppose these things because they want business to do whatever they damn well please. This is, of course, a large topic with many sides to it. 2 Science is bad (except of course when it helps to build weapons), especially evolution. 3. Democrats will take away your guns. 4 Abortion kills babies. Not, of course, that the gop gives a damn about babies once they're delivered. 5 Family values. We all know what they mean by that. The above is, of course, just a short summary and, somewhat over simplified.

Can we put this in every post office?

BirdMan1 comments on May 10, 2020:

He ought to be tried at the Hague! For crimes against humanity!

HumanistJohn replies on May 10, 2020:

The charges would be multitudinous.

Good response...

Killtheskyfairy comments on May 10, 2020:

Trump is retarded. It’s the only explanation 🤔

HumanistJohn replies on May 10, 2020:

No sense of reality... cognitive dissonance...malignant narcissism... and don t forgrt greed......

A Riddle

BestWithoutGods comments on May 10, 2020:

With a pecker! 😂

HumanistJohn replies on May 10, 2020:

Funnier if you say "a woodpecker."

Groaner alert

Merseyman1 comments on May 9, 2020:

Groan

HumanistJohn replies on May 9, 2020:

Ditto!

Landscapes — 1: Aerial view of the mudflats in Westernport Bay, Victoria, Australia, 2012.

HumanistJohn comments on May 9, 2020:

Great shots! Great photo of the clouds in #1. Great perspective in #2.

HumanistJohn replies on May 9, 2020:

The top part of the picture looked like clouds.

Can we put this in every post office?

TheDoubter comments on May 9, 2020:

without P.O. people can't vote

HumanistJohn replies on May 9, 2020:

@TheDoubter Yeah. They don't want people to vote. The gov of GA said, something to the effect that if there's a large turnout, republicans lose. He should know. As sec of state in GA, he removed thousands of voters from the polls WHILE he was running for governor.. Of course conflict of interest and morality never entered his mind. Well, since I can't read his mind , perhaps I'd better say that, if it did enter his mind, he dismissed it. The other reason they want to destroy the post office is so fedex and ups can MAKE MORE MONEY. That's the name of the game for them. Nothing else matters.

Some out of reach signs of Spring: "Tulip Poplar bloom" (way up high), Feasting spider, Allusive ...

Robecology comments on May 9, 2020:

I nominate the toadstool shot as the winner!

HumanistJohn replies on May 9, 2020:

I second that.

My flowers - Photos 1,3 & 5 are the same plant.

HumanistJohn comments on May 9, 2020:

#1 #3 #5- were they taken in the same light? The colors are fantastic. Love the raindrops (dewdrops?) on the flowers.

HumanistJohn replies on May 9, 2020:

Wow! Thank you . Such diverse color!

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

ToolGuy comments on May 7, 2020:

Wonderful. It reminds me of Sable Island.

HumanistJohn replies on May 8, 2020:

@ToolGuy I looked up some pictures of Sable Island and saw why Chincoteague reminded you of it. Some of the pictures had horses on the beach. The ponies of Chincoteague (actually on Asoteague Island) do go to the Atlantic beach shore but only early morning. Tom's Cove is closed then; the only way to reach it is through the Wildlife Refuge.

The true meaning of MAGA!!!!!

LucyLoohoo comments on May 8, 2020:

And all in the name of ''freedoms''....''Big Brother" is here!

HumanistJohn replies on May 8, 2020:

This administration has done so much damage to everything I believe in. The triumvirate of evil (trump, mcconnell , barr) have destroyed so much with their relentless attacks on the environment, women's rights, voting rights, minority rights, LGBTQ rights... the nightmares go on and on. It's bad enough that they got 2 supreme court judges. But they've also got scores of federal judges appointed. And the one they're pushing through now for the federal bench in DC... shudder... My only hope is that we can kick all their asses out.

Here it all is... [youtube.com]

19dacar52 comments on May 8, 2020:

This just points out all the stupid things he said. How about a video of all the good things he said? As soon as he says something good can we post it? On second thought... nevermind.

HumanistJohn replies on May 8, 2020:

It would be the shortest video ever made. Does youtube have minimum length requirements?

The true meaning of MAGA!!!!!

LucyLoohoo comments on May 8, 2020:

And all in the name of ''freedoms''....''Big Brother" is here!

HumanistJohn replies on May 8, 2020:

He'd love to have his statue everywhere , and his mug streaming from massive Screens all around. And he'd even love the Ministry of Truth even more.

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

bobwjr comments on May 7, 2020:

Not far from here beautiful

HumanistJohn replies on May 8, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Only a few miles from where I live.

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

Heidi68 comments on May 7, 2020:

One day I will go. It is just so much easier to go home (we have wild ponies on a couple of islands just near home). The photos are fabulous. I do wish the 2nd to last photo was captured a bit closer to their butt with a bit more space near the mare's nose.

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

@Heidi68 Thank you. Most of the photos in this group were taken on one of the bus tours through the Wildlife Refuge and through the bus window. The tour will stop and allow people to get off the bus once during the our. @1 was taken outside the bus when a band of ponies walked by us.

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

AnneWimsey comments on May 7, 2020:

I went to Assateague last year, was hoping to go this year....magical, the sunrise on fully 3 miles of completely deserted beach alone was worth the (tiny!) Camping fee.

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Were you aware that the Chincoteague Natural History Association sponsors bus ours of the Wildlife REfuge? They normally start in late spring and continue through the fall. You get to go places which are normally off limits. All of the pictures I posted here were taken on one of those tours except for #3. Driving through the Refuge on the way to Tom's Cove there is a portion of road where you can frequently see ponies in the distance.

[agnostic.com]

zeuser comments on May 7, 2020:

Anything past 21 for Mr. Remedial Math is a hundred, a thousand or a billion. Whatever sounds about right according to his gut at the time. Gotta trust that gut, you know? Who says there are 50 governors? CNN? That's fake news! LOL

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

If he was challenged on it, he'd say "there are 50 states. Fifty governors. Who knew? Most people don't know there are 50 states."

HumanistJohn comments on May 7, 2020:

What I want to know is how can that lying son of a bitch have ANY followers, much less the 40% who support his sorry ass? I am also concerned that the gop will once again steal an election. They make voting harder. They've closed polling locations in areas that usually vote democratic. They ...

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

Yes, I was that person. Still, the sheer numbers???

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

bobwjr comments on May 7, 2020:

Not far from here beautiful

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

It's about 2 hours from where I live. Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, then North.

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

Lincoln55 comments on May 6, 2020:

Wow! They are gorgeous.

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

Thank you/

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

Cutiebeauty comments on May 7, 2020:

Great photos

HumanistJohn replies on May 7, 2020:

Thank you.

Chincoteague I miss it. We usually go at least 4 times a year...

dede18 comments on May 6, 2020:

Pretty ponies! I was unfamiliar with Chincoteague Island and its location, so I googled it. Looks like a peaceful place to visit. Your pony pics are very nice.

HumanistJohn replies on May 6, 2020:

@dede18 I refer to it as Chincoteague because that's the nearest town. THe ponies are wild and live on the Chincoteague Wildlife refuge which is actually on Asoteague island. Wildlife refuges are typically named for the nearest town. Check out the Chincoteague Natural History Association https://www.facebook.com/Chincoteague-Natural-History-Association-100590856717235/

Trump cult

Theresa_N comments on May 6, 2020:

A cult is a religion with fewer members. How are the repuglicans a cult? They have as many people as many religions and have a great number of simularities to religion, therefore lets call them a religion.

HumanistJohn replies on May 6, 2020:

@Mofo1953 It's more than just a personality cult. Listen to the podcast to get a more complete understanding what a cult is.

Today in Iowa

dede18 comments on May 6, 2020:

I could SMELL the pear blossoms! mind played a trick on me for a moment ... :-) All gorgeous! the sky with clouds reflected in the water ... the network of budding twigs against the clouds ... you have a marvelous eye for composition.

HumanistJohn replies on May 6, 2020:

@dede18 Our mind can do that sometimes. I was in the Smithsonian years ago and was looking at Ansel Adam's Rose on Driftwood. I smelled the rose. I told the person I was touring the exhibit with (she was in the next room still studying another photo), she said there was someone near you with rose perfume/ But there was no one near me. I smelled the rose!

Landscapes — 1: Mullion Cove, Cornwall, England, 2012.

HumanistJohn comments on May 5, 2020:

Great photos. I like the subtle colors of #2. Great composition in #3 but I think I would've brightened up the shadow portion a bit. It would've made the photo even better.

HumanistJohn replies on May 6, 2020:

Yes! It adds texture and 3-dimensionality. Thank you for considering my suggestion. As a general rule I find that making what's in shadows a trifle brighter adds to the interest of the photograph.

Trump Disbanding Coronavirus Task Force While U.

HumanistJohn comments on May 6, 2020:

Actually Pence (and Barr) are working very hard to make this country a theocracy where the DOJ prosecutes and harasses their political enemies. What they want is a king. How often have we heard the nauseating bullshit that says trump is god's anointed and comparing him to king davis? OK, I'm ...

HumanistJohn replies on May 6, 2020:

Typo- king david

Trump cult

Theresa_N comments on May 6, 2020:

A cult is a religion with fewer members. How are the repuglicans a cult? They have as many people as many religions and have a great number of simularities to religion, therefore lets call them a religion.

HumanistJohn replies on May 6, 2020:

You do not understand what a cult is. There are certain characteristics that cults share. If you really want to know I suggest that you read and listen to the following. Steven Hassan is a person who has worked with victims of cults for years. Here is an interview with him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwYR9-cZwAM&t=38s

I can actually hear him say this!!!!!

Charlene comments on May 4, 2020:

That's the Drumpster for sure..

HumanistJohn replies on May 4, 2020:

@Charlene Was that a typo? Did you mean "dumpster"? That fits, too.

Taken May 3rd, 2020 at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Fernapple comments on May 4, 2020:

You are a month ahead of us here, thank you a nice reminder of what is coming.

HumanistJohn replies on May 4, 2020:

It's good to e an optimist and look forward to something. Optimist and realist are not necessarily opposites.

Taken May 3rd, 2020 at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Heidi68 comments on May 3, 2020:

There's a few in there that look like you were in my yard 😊😁

HumanistJohn replies on May 4, 2020:

@Heidi68 Do you have many roses? What color? When I was a kid, walking to school, I would pass this house with a wooden fence that would have hundreds of climbing yellow roses. If you have more pictures of your flowers, I would like to see them.

Is this all there is?

JoeB comments on May 2, 2020:

(1) What is the first question? (2) Why do you feel somebody should empirically answer it? (3) Would the answer '42' fit? (4) If the answer to (3) is 'no', are you sure you've got the right first question?

HumanistJohn replies on May 2, 2020:

Not only is 42 the answer to the meaning of life in Hitchhiker's Guide but is also the answer to that question in Fools by Neil Simon.

Hundreds of Armed Protesters Gather at Michigan’s State Capitol Hundreds of armed protesters,...

HumanistJohn comments on May 2, 2020:

Is America a Christian Nation? This is an excellent summary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxKA4JBesB4=ULXPVloFqqkew=24

HumanistJohn replies on May 2, 2020:

The myth of the founders and a christian nation is also espoused by the Museum of the Bible: FFRF took a tour of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKPN1nWgi6o&t=115s

Hundreds of Armed Protesters Gather at Michigan’s State Capitol Hundreds of armed protesters,...

HumanistJohn comments on May 2, 2020:

I wonder how many of them have even read the Constitution??? Or know anything about the "founding father's" religious beliefs? I wonder how many of them think the earth is flat?

HumanistJohn replies on May 2, 2020:

@Birdman1 A lot of religious people believe the lie that this nation was founded on christian principles. : Most of the founders were, at best, Deists. God created the world and then left it to its own devices. It's almost funny how evangelicals repeat this myth about a christian nation and yet would react with horror at deism. "The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American: by by Andrew Seidel is a good resource.

I guess he thinks she will never vote for him no matter what. I back for once he's right.

Freedompath comments on May 1, 2020:

This American reality show, has an underground world of rabbit holes, that no one will ever find the end to!

HumanistJohn replies on May 2, 2020:

@FreedomPath As usual, a concise, informative, well thought out comment...

I guess he thinks she will never vote for him no matter what. I back for once he's right.

Freedompath comments on May 1, 2020:

This American reality show, has an underground world of rabbit holes, that no one will ever find the end to!

HumanistJohn replies on May 2, 2020:

It is said that pre-Hitler Germany was an enlightened nation. I keep thinking about the book Megatrends. If I remember correctly (and it's been decades since I read it) the authors predicted a rise in nationalism/right-wing movements. I hope that the US (and the rest of the world) can extricate themselves from all this shit. There are right-wing governments in Brazil, the Philippines, Hungary, and so on, and movements in many other countries. But hope still lingers.

This is photograph of my working on a quilt she made for as a wedding present for our son and his ...

Allamanda comments on May 1, 2020:

The lighting is wonderful.

HumanistJohn replies on May 1, 2020:

The lighting is just right to lead your eyes.to the colorful part of the quilt and your wife, hard at work.

Trump Says He Has Evidence Coronavirus Came From A Chinese Lab President Trump said Thursday ...

BirdMan1 comments on May 1, 2020:

Excellent! What he's read is the "Dick and Jane" stuff, and needed a reading coach to get through it, because his most wonderful brain in the world was too chock full of those quadratic equations he was studying!

HumanistJohn replies on May 1, 2020:

You really made me laugh! VERY loudly...

I would laugh, but.....

Freedompath comments on Apr 30, 2020:

Dare you...

HumanistJohn replies on May 1, 2020:

Love your witticidm!

I would laugh, but.....

BirdMan1 comments on Apr 30, 2020:

I used to converse with one of those folks, on-line, at a different site, imbecile that she was/may still be...maybe not.

HumanistJohn replies on May 1, 2020:

one would hope that she came to her senses and started thinking. Still, there are a lot of trump supporters out there.

More than that!!!!!

wordywalt comments on Apr 30, 2020:

Just three? That just begins the ount.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 30, 2020:

At the very least, add William Barr.

Trump has already done more harm than Jim Jones

BirdMan1 comments on Apr 30, 2020:

They do, on a daily basis. I had a heck of a discussion with my Trump loving idiot cousin, just yesterday!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 30, 2020:

And what crap did your cousin bring up?

More pictures taken from a train.

Heidi68 comments on Apr 30, 2020:

These are fabulous! A perfect spotlight of the west.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 30, 2020:

Thank you. The sky was so clear. So nice to watch scenery from the train. People have asked me, "would you take a train again?" "In a heartbeat!"

Yes, this brewery/restaurant has an observatory built in.

yvilletom comments on Apr 29, 2020:

So that’s why Bend is in the news so often: a brewery with a telescope.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 29, 2020:

They also have the only Blockbuster store (at least it was still open a few months ago). Was in Bend for less than 2 days but loved it.

THIS picture was taken by my neice.

Larry68Feminist comments on Apr 29, 2020:

Sunset is so awesome ....Mister Lawrence Seaway leads some people to change my name away from Larry .....my mom must have dated a Larry b4 she met my dad ....my siblings were named after Hollywood or bible stars .....Cherokee names have a musical quality to words .....no woman sings a Larry song ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 29, 2020:

@Larry68Feminist I am not sure what you mean by "shield". If you mean that people call themselves humanist or agnostic because they don't want to say that they're atheist? Personally, I'm a humanist, an agnostic, and an atheist. 'Agnostic' has to do with knowledge whereas 'atheist has to do with belief.

THIS picture was taken by my neice.

Larry68Feminist comments on Apr 29, 2020:

Sunset is so awesome ....Mister Lawrence Seaway leads some people to change my name away from Larry .....my mom must have dated a Larry b4 she met my dad ....my siblings were named after Hollywood or bible stars .....Cherokee names have a musical quality to words .....no woman sings a Larry song ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 29, 2020:

Yeah. But my name's John. At least people don't use your name as synonymous for commode.

Mrs Betty Bowers (America's Best Christian) speaks out again: [youtube.com]

Mofo1953 comments on Apr 27, 2020:

Hilarious.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 28, 2020:

Yes, she is... Check out her other videos (for example, see above).

Mrs Betty Bowers (America's Best Christian) speaks out again: [youtube.com]

Redheadedgammy comments on Apr 28, 2020:

She is Marvelous!!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 28, 2020:

Check ot her other videos, such as 'Evangelicals Breaking Up with Jesus" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsMzQA1p0lA or "Is America a Christian Nation?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxKA4JBesB4&t=36s

As Restaurants Reopen in Georgia, Gov.

LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 27, 2020:

How many ''days of prayer'' does it take before they put faith in science and not moonbeams?

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 27, 2020:

Actually, most people who think prayer works will make excuses. We prayed for healing but she died... Well, she's in a better place. God's ways are not our wys. We've all heard that crap before.

The Worst Way to be Proven Wrong.

LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 27, 2020:

Call me Brenda Bitch.....BUT....how absolutely delicious! I'm sure he'd say that the ''dark side'' somehow deliberately poisoned him to shut him up!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 27, 2020:

Yeah. He'd say the "deep state" which the right keep touting. The 'funny' thing is, they're the ones who want a deep state. They want to limit a free press. They've already outlawed protests against fossil fuels. They have a Department of "Justice" who wants to go after their political enemies. Hell, tha that son of a bitch Barr has said that you can't investigate a president.

A quote from Twitter.

Besalbub comments on Apr 27, 2020:

No different than religon .

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 27, 2020:

So true. The rationales in that picture are just what apologists say.

It's a rough job, but somebody's got to do it 😳

LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 26, 2020:

His cult's like religion for these people...and we know that millions of ''believers'' will never, ever admit they've been duped! They'll attack non-believers rather than admit anything else.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 26, 2020:

This book is by Steven Hassan who is a professional whose specialty is cults. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Cult-of-Trump/Steven-Hassan/9781982127336

Mitch McConnell would rather let states declare bankruptcy than receive more federal aid

zeuser comments on Apr 25, 2020:

This seems to be a rare misstep from Moscow Mitch. Politically, this is stupid. Who the fuck wants states to go bankrupt? Even your confirmed wingnut will concede we need police, fire, and ambulance coverage, not to mention how many more people will become unemployed. Or maybe he's got something ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 25, 2020:

The right-wing will do and say anything to stay in power. And attempt to grab more. Conservatives have always been against what they used to call "the mob." That's you and me, Friends.

Mitch McConnell would rather let states declare bankruptcy than receive more federal aid

TheGreatShadow comments on Apr 25, 2020:

Give them the trump pass. I sadly might have to file because of medical bills. But if I do, I hope it's only once...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 25, 2020:

It's truly a sad state of affairs that anyone has such large medical bills in this country. Why is it that, of all the industrialized countries in the world, only the US and South Africa don't have any kind of universal health care. That's a rhetorical question, by the way.

Mitch McConnell would rather let states declare bankruptcy than receive more federal aid

Freedompath comments on Apr 25, 2020:

That is the ‘one sided’...McConnell! He has rich people to shield for future re-election funds!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 25, 2020:

One sided is right. He always bitches about partisanship. But he's the most partisan of all. You only have to look at his treatment of Supreme Court nominees.

New campaign slogan.

TheGreatShadow comments on Apr 25, 2020:

I still don't like Biden, but this is a good one!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 25, 2020:

Maybe you don't like Biden, but please still vote for him. We need to get rid of orange-blob dumb ass.

Thank Gadzooks It's Friday

Allamanda comments on Apr 24, 2020:

Nice! but does the day make a difference right now? I guess not for most of us...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 25, 2020:

@Heidi68 Thank you for the work you do. You're one of those essential people which the GreedyOldParty doesn't think that you're worth $15/hour.

Does anyone else worry that orange-boy will try to go out with a big bang?

Charlene comments on Apr 23, 2020:

He and McCornhole will for sure try to fuck things up royally if they lose.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 23, 2020:

They've already fucked things up in the last 3 years. And even before that. And they're getting away with even more hiding behind the pandemic so some things don't make the news as they should. Like: More attacks on a woman's right to her own body Outlawing protests of fossil fuels Making it more difficult to vote Easing regulations on lead in the environment The list goes on and on and on...

My wife came running in to tell me there was a rattler in the garden.

ToolGuy comments on Apr 23, 2020:

I was picking blueberries as a teen of about 16 years of age at my uncle’s cottage in the Muskokas of Ontario. As usual I was barefoot and wearing a bathing suit. I also used to run everywhere because it cleared my sinuses of allergy reactions. So I was ahead of the family and found a lovely ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 23, 2020:

Finish the story! What did the others in he group say/do? Did you get berries from that patch? Did your parents make you wear shoes? Did you start wearing shoes (at least when you went berry picking)?

Beware the virus

Cutiebeauty comments on Apr 22, 2020:

He's only infecting his followers..

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 22, 2020:

But he makes me want to puke.

The clown has been on TV daily while Americans have been at home social distancing.

Cutiebeauty comments on Apr 19, 2020:

How many were "not sure? "

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 19, 2020:

Thank you for the explanation.

The clown has been on TV daily while Americans have been at home social distancing.

Cutiebeauty comments on Apr 19, 2020:

How many were "not sure? "

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 19, 2020:

@cutiebeauty I wasn't asking you. My response just fit in with your comment, that's all. It was a generic question, pointing out that, many times, the way the question is worded makes a big difference in the response.

The clown has been on TV daily while Americans have been at home social distancing.

Cutiebeauty comments on Apr 19, 2020:

How many were "not sure? "

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 19, 2020:

What was the exact wording of the question? What were the choices?

The clown has been on TV daily while Americans have been at home social distancing.

19dacar52 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

Well, he has free daily air time. He is a dumb ass but one thing he excels at is pandering to people, he's been doing it all his life.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 19, 2020:

The one thing he's good at- being a con artist. PT Barnum, move over- you've been outdone.

Daylily blooms (Hemerocallis) last only one day, and even towards the end of that one day one can ...

Lincoln55 comments on Apr 17, 2020:

Not only are you gifting us with these beautiful pictures but a mini horticulture lesson as well. Quite the benefit in these days of shuttered and locked institutions of learning. All though the shelf life on Hemoracallis is indeed short lived (don't worry. There will be others tomorrow), they ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 17, 2020:

Books in a library... That's beautiful also. @lincoln55 You have such a way of expressing yourself.

Flowers...

Heidi68 comments on Apr 16, 2020:

very pretty! Especially the last 3.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 17, 2020:

I understand about just liking a photo and not being able to fully explain why. Having said that, I am trying to improve my skill and feedback from other photographers is very helpful. I'm sorry if I put you on the spot in asking. BTW, is your phone an apple or an android? Are you using the application that came with the phone?

Gosh I do love spring!

HumanistJohn comments on Apr 16, 2020:

Great detail! I love the texture and the 3-dimensional beauty of the 1st photo. Also love the deep colors in the 7th photo. The leaves in front of the flower heightens the effect. I'm also trying to figure out why I prefer #2 to #3... Perhaps because #2 has greater depth? I enjoyed them all!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 17, 2020:

I didn't mean depth of field; I was referring to the 3-dimensional effect of the central part of the flower.

Flowers...

Heidi68 comments on Apr 16, 2020:

very pretty! Especially the last 3.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 16, 2020:

Thank you. What particularly did you like about them? I am always trying to improve my skills and more detailed comments help.

Who do I write to to report a problem, possibly a bug?

TheGreatShadow comments on Apr 15, 2020:

IIRC you need to be at level 7 to be in the Community Senate. Let me double check. That bug has been reported last night. They should have it fixed soon.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 15, 2020:

Thank you.

Who do I write to to report a problem, possibly a bug?

RavenCT comments on Apr 15, 2020:

You can PM @Admin @developer or @CS10 if there appears to be a bug. I also reported that one to them directly. 👍

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 15, 2020:

Thank you!

Was last sunset in this beautiful spot for a while.

HumanistJohn comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Lovely sunset. Where was it taken? Do you have any photos from Rougemont Gardens? Exeter Cathedral? Haldon Forest Park? Or anything else you'd like to share?

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 15, 2020:

You took those on your phone!?! Great job of framing.

Treasury Department Orders Trump’s Name Printed on Stimulus Checks In an unprecedented move, ...

johnnyrobish comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Well, seems I cannot post a pic again. Tried others browsers and clearing Safari cashe - which worked last time. Anyone have other ideas?

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 15, 2020:

I am having a similar problem uploading a photo. When I drag a thumbnail to the Photo spot, the program simply shows the enlarged photo. Sounds like a program bug. How do we contact Admin?

I obviously did not take this picture.

Robecology comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Battery operated vehicles had a decent chance to replace the horse and buggy. Batteries and charging them was already fairly well along in the early 20th century when Ford got his gas car assembly line going...and that killed them. Ironically; it was the small electric motor -installed as a ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 14, 2020:

Very interesting article. Thank you.

What a POS

Austin-Cambridge comments on Apr 13, 2020:

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, we won't be seeing that on Fox news!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Not the whole truth... much more could be said... But I get your drift.

What a POS

dkp93 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Twitter doesn't give you enough characters to fully describe the absolute horror that is Donald Trump.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 13, 2020:

140 words? It would take 140 volumes to list his crimes.

So, I just got suspended from Facebook for a day because of this picture.

Rossy92 comments on Feb 16, 2020:

Makes a great 1-2 punch with this meme I rediscovered today while looking for something else, and tagged so I could locate it when needed, not realizing it might be so soon.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 12, 2020:

This is one of the reasons I became an atheist. God either doesn't give a damn, is powerless, or doesn't exist. Doesn't exist is the more rational choice.

Since Easter is coming this week and when I was a believer, I never heard a pastor give a sermon on ...

Jk1960 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

Oh boy the walking dead going to church.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 12, 2020:

Asymptomatic church-goers on this easter sunday.

Since Easter is coming this week and when I was a believer, I never heard a pastor give a sermon on ...

LenHazell53 comments on Apr 8, 2020:

That verse always bugged me, why did none of he other gospels feel that was important enough to mention, and why are their no Roman records of legionnaires fighting Zombies? Was it a cover up conspiracy? Would make a good story though.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 12, 2020:

Hollywood, are you listening?

This website has an interactive map of COVID-19 cases.

mcgeo52 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Interesting but not as useful as it could be. It shows number of cases. That is actually number of confirmed cases, which number depends on number of people tested, and if tests are administered to the population at large or only to those already exhibiting symptoms. I don't mean to be morbid, ...

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 12, 2020:

I understand the problems with the data. But it's the data we have. Besides the problem with people not being tested (and hence a verified case), there are also cases where people die in their homes of the virus. but cause of death is attributed to something else. I don't know if the figures here include counts of cases of people in nursing homes. I've heard that covid-19 caused deaths are not being added to the death total (but I haven't verified this).

Sun up is my favorite time to be out on a walk.

Robecology comments on Apr 11, 2020:

The sunrise photo is good...but if you crop out the tower....it would be better!!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 11, 2020:

Other options for software: Affinity Photo which can do almost everything photoshop can do. It's not a subscription- $50 (US) and it's yours forever. Luminar is very powerful and easy to use. It can automatically mask the sky, for example. What a timesaver!: Both programs have videos on you tube.

Trump's special virus: [alternet.org]

Freedompath comments on Apr 11, 2020:

Trump can’t bluff his way through the coronavirus, but he can still hold people hostage...his minions better suck up or else...and the ‘people’ can get sick and die, trump stills holds the keys to the kingdom!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 11, 2020:

Viruses Don't Watch Fox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb0BTEYMiK4

This website has an interactive map of COVID-19 cases.

TheDoubter comments on Apr 11, 2020:

doesn't work for me

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 11, 2020:

What browser are you using? I've tried it in windows and on android. You need to double click on an area to drill down.

Taken April 9th 11:12 PM eastern time (USA) 1/800 sec. f/8 600mm ISO 100 Handheld

jdubose comments on Apr 10, 2020:

May I steal it for a presentation background? Please.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 11, 2020:

That's fine/ Do you want a photo with better resolution?

It's better to take a photo of the moon when it's not full.

starwatcher-al comments on Apr 10, 2020:

Yup, shadows are your friend when photographing the moon, altho a full moon shot will show some interesting detail. These were taken with either an 8 in. or a 13 in reflector with eyepiece projection to a small samsung camera on "auto".

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 11, 2020:

fantastic!

Taken April 9th 11:12 PM eastern time (USA) 1/800 sec. f/8 600mm ISO 100 Handheld

jdubose comments on Apr 10, 2020:

May I steal it for a presentation background? Please.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 10, 2020:

Is it possible to give me credit? Also, I have to reduce resolution quite a bit to post it on this site. If you'd like I could message you on your profile and attach a better copy.

It's hard to argue with the willfully ignorant

BirdMan1 comments on Apr 10, 2020:

The beatific looks on their faces says that they think they are in the presence of their wonder man, and have given up any semblance of critical thought.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 10, 2020:

Critical thought? Some of them have never attempted it.

Another picture from our train trip...

jdubose comments on Apr 10, 2020:

You have a good eye for the majestic.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 10, 2020:

Thank you. I hope I never lose my sense of wonder.

Taken April 9th 11:12 PM eastern time (USA) 1/800 sec. f/8 600mm ISO 100 Handheld

starwatcher-al comments on Apr 10, 2020:

Really nice for hand held. Did you prop against a pole or something?

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 10, 2020:

And a fast shutter speed helps of course. I did have to play around with settings- I wanted to use a low ISO. I started out with auto ISO using different shutter and f-stop but I wasn't happy with the results... 1st photo: 1/1000 sec. f/29 600mm ISO 6400 Sigma 150-600 2nd photo: 1/160 sec. f/11 400mm ISO 100 Tamron 18-400

Taken April 9th 11:12 PM eastern time (USA) 1/800 sec. f/8 600mm ISO 100 Handheld

starwatcher-al comments on Apr 10, 2020:

Really nice for hand held. Did you prop against a pole or something?

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 10, 2020:

No. And the sigma 150-600 lens is massive. And, at 600mm, is about 12 inches. I had to take a number of shots before I got one I halfway liked.

Another picture from our train trip...

gigihein comments on Apr 9, 2020:

IOh my. Amazing

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 9, 2020:

The views we saw on our basically 2-week train trip were fantastic. It was so nice to sit (or crouch in the aisle of the sleeper) and watch the scenery, camera ready.

Another picture from our train trip...

ToolGuy comments on Apr 9, 2020:

Dramatic. Lovely!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Thank you. I broke the rule-of-thirds for this photo. I'm glad I did; it wouldn't have been the same.

Another picture from our train trip...

Lincoln55 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

Oh the clouds.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 9, 2020:

The sky out west was amazing during our train trip from the east coast to the west coast in August 2017. And we're also looking forward to the next total solar eclipse in North America in 2024.

I wish I could say that this was taken on a photo safari.

glennlab comments on Apr 8, 2020:

Zoos can provide some of the best animal pics,, these are from the Belize zoo, the last one was on the trail. All of their animals are rescues either undergoing rehab or unable to be returned to the wild.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Great pictures! The difference between the horizontal leaves and the animal's spots add interest to the photo.

My husband and I went on a little adventure today.

dede18 comments on Apr 8, 2020:

nice comprehensive view from the quarry’s overlook platform ... what type of stone do they quarry? could tell that it is sedimentary, from the layers in the rock walls ... but that’s only half of the story.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Limestone? Any fossils?

Clivia flowered this week

ToolGuy comments on Apr 8, 2020:

Well all of our snow has melted but we are supposed to get some more tomorrow. Since it will be relatively mild, likely it will not stay.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Snow? Haven't seen a flake for over a year. It hit 81 degrees today here in Norfolk, Virginia (on the Chesapeake Bay).

1 1/800 sec.

Robecology comments on Apr 8, 2020:

The sedimentary (?) rock layering in two of those images...wow!

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 8, 2020:

We passed through many areas with rock layering.

1 1/800 sec.

jdubose comments on Apr 8, 2020:

You always have such good from train shots.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Thank you. But of course I don't post the bad ones!

1 1/800 sec.

Budgie comments on Apr 8, 2020:

They came out well the colours are great.

HumanistJohn replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Thank you. It was such beautiful country to watch and photograph.