I live in a small city.

Zster comments on May 20, 2018:

You live in an urban area and complain about chimes, yet, loud music, noisy cars, barking dogs etc get a pass? If you treasure silence, how can you stand hearing ANYthing that is not by your own choice? I would seriously recommend a move to the country.

Do you like having long term friends of the opposite sex?

Zster comments on Feb 17, 2019:

Yes, though have little luck finding any. A truly platonic dude friend, to hang out and even travel with would be awesome.

What Are Your Reading Preferences?

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2017:

I really cannot just pick one. Five would have been more accurate. (sci-fi, fantasy, nonfiction, historical, AND romance).

YouTube has gone beyond greed and hate!!! Now YouTube has commercials every four to five ...

Zster comments on Sep 17, 2020:

HATE the advertising farce that YouTube has become! I am constantly barraged with far right ads and Epoch Times bull shit. Unlike FaceBook, YT/Google don’t give me any way to influence the types of ads I am seeing. I wont bitch too loud about having to watch some, but PLEASE, not this GOP crap! Guess my only option is to stop watching YT until the election is over.

Vanity Fare : Hitchin' a Ride [youtube.com]

Zster comments on May 10, 2022:

I SO loved this as a kid!!! ❤️

Cast your votes 😉😅

Zster comments on Sep 24, 2020:

I abhor white meat, due to its dryness and rubbery, tooth gluing texture. I love the juiciness of dark meat. Chose leg over thigh due to less mess.

How do you deal with anti-vaxxers?

Zster comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Call me cowardly, but I find trying to reason with antivaxxers easier than reasoning with rocks. I tend to walk away (shaking my head), much like I do with the religious. I might point out how quickly diseases that we'd had under good control (mumps, measles, whopping cough) came roaring back to relevance once vaccination rates dropped due to this (insert choice word here) movement.

as an atheist and agnostic group (whom I assume have dealt with the god issue).

Zster comments on Nov 11, 2019:

My guess is many have just escaped religion, and have to work out some anger toward it. Others might just feel refreshed to have the freedom to complain about religion without counter attacks from the religious on this "safe" site. I left religion years ago and feel I have worked through the anger issues about it. I now filter topics on here to exclude religion for just that reason. I'd really rather talk about other things.

Awoke this morning, always a plus for me, and a thought crossed my mind, (a second plus), any way, ...

Zster comments on Dec 29, 2018:

IMO, it might not so much be wanting to be an atheist as much as NOT wanting to remain religious. For me, this meant escape from constant, mostly irrational judgement, moving toward more universal acceptance, more honest motivation for good deeds (than the self serving rewards of religion for doing so), etc... Of course, atheistic society is not perfect either. There is still judgement, "us/them" division, greed and whatnot.

What kind of post do you like to see most on this site?

Zster comments on Mar 17, 2018:

I enjoy posts that encourage each commenter to share some fact about his/her/their self. I also enjoy humor, pet posts, and music or movie clip posts.

Name this musician who has left us. I saw him 10 years ago-one of my fave bands.

Zster comments on Dec 21, 2019:

Glen Frey (The Eagles).

I think there's a dude giving lessons on the Twist at the bus stop near my house.

Zster comments on Sep 1, 2018:

You needed to sneak record some video! I agree, people are the most funny when they don't even try to be...

This is the Hickory horned devil, the larval form of the regal moth (Citheronia regalis).

Zster comments on Feb 15, 2018:

I've captured a couple. They are amazing! So long, and those horns!

Employee of the month

Zster comments on May 27, 2021:

And the runner up: tape that has an edge, but splits every mm you try to peel it back...

I wouldn't say he was justified, but I also think (since they cram you in like cattle) that you ...

Zster comments on Jun 24, 2020:

I wish the airlines running shorter flights would prevent reclining at all. I’ve had the person in front of me spill food and drink on the tray all over me on two flights, slamming their seats back. Considerate behavior seems to have gone the way of the do do...

Do you remember where you were when the Challenger exploded?

Zster comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Yes. I was at a large sporting goods store, buying bait to feed my reptile pets. The place was huge and largely empty. A clerk had the radio on. The newscaster sounded upset and kept mentioning "the vehicle". It was horrible. There was so much excitement around the first civilian going into space... A very, very tragic day.

And then there's Hitch (after Christopher Hitchens).

Zster comments on Feb 17, 2018:

He's a beauty!

My beasts.

Zster comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I LOVE Dobes! Your household must be an absolute blast!

I have trouble sleeping can any one recommend a drug-less cure....?

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2017:

Sleepytime tea by Celestial Seasonings really helped me. It had chamomile (sp?) and valerian in it. Now they sell that formula as Sleepytime Extra (to include the valerian). I also dropped any/all caffeine after noon.

Hi fellow Atheists etc.

Zster comments on Nov 23, 2017:

High school bands 1979-82: oboe, alto sax, soprano and alto recorders. My folks sold the oboe to pay for college (mine), but I still have a sax. My 20 YO child has two flutes and played piccolo in high school. Are we forming a band? Virtual, perhaps?

Greed: Is it good or bad?

Zster comments on Nov 24, 2017:

Greed: an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs. By this definition, I'd say bad. Taking MORE than one needs risks others having to go without what they need.

Why does no one hang out in the park anymore,its so cool there.?

Zster comments on Apr 18, 2020:

The government has closed the parks in my area due to corona. It’s frustrating because we SHOULD be able to enjoy parks in a responsibly socially distant way, but... some wont. So, we ALL lose the privilege. Thankfully, my home it set on a very park-like lot, so I am fine sheltering very much in place.

Crooked ears! (a fave catribute...)

Zster comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Lots more where those came from...

Unavailable posts?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I am just now encountering a lot of the same after months of never seeing any. I would guess it's another growing pain as features get added or tweaked for the site.

I just notice people more often sound sort of like robots repeating whatever they just heard.

Zster comments on Jul 4, 2020:

I think more increased communication (internet, etc) has just lifted the veil on the gullibility that has likely always been present, but is now more exposed. I really thought we were smarter than this, and less intellectually lazy. The current situation is pretty depressing.

At teatime I’m posting a song in memory of my son Graeme who would’ve been 46 today…he was a ...

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2023:

I love this song! My heart goes out to you as you remember.

How do you go about the subject of religion with your child?

Zster comments on Mar 3, 2018:

I share my experience and ever changing thoughts on the topic, as do my parents. I've taken them to a few types of churches, long enough to connect a bit. I encourage them to read up on it and assure them that whatever path they choose wrt matters of the spirit, I will love them and hope that they can find happiness in it. I've also made certain to convey that they can change their minds along the way. That is often where growth occurs. We have relatives who are uber religious. We discuss that, too. The kids don't hear me mock or belittle any of it.

After responding to a comment from a member and a considered friend I would like to make this very ...

Zster comments on Sep 24, 2020:

I was shocked by the public backlash when my husband was battling his cancer. All I can guess is when it's staring you in the face, it's tough to hang on to one's denial (that THEY could get it, that it happens to healthy, decent people, etc).

This is something that's been bothering me for a couple weeks.

Zster comments on Sep 29, 2018:

Come backs are wasted on a closed mind. I would just pity the fool and hope not to see him again for another twenty years.

It’s a relaxing hobby…

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2023:

That’s fantastic! I wonder if the artist was inspired by the sport of Extreme Ironing. https://facts.net/extreme-ironing/

Happy Sunday everybody! It's pose your own question day - have at it!

Zster comments on Jan 12, 2020:

What's your "go to", fave thing to eat or drink to warm up when you're cold? A nice hot cup of herbal tea, preferably tumeric (golden milk) absolutely delights me when I come in to the house shivering.

What is your dream job? What job would you never like to do?

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Dream: successful artist Never: work in any capacity at a rendering plant (any job involving cadavers is off the table for me).

In my world, you’d only qualify as a beautiful woman if you have the urge to punch men like this ...

Zster comments on Feb 28, 2019:

https://giphy.com/gifs/monty-python-and-the-holy-grail-VR97a1hGCvPSU (my response to the list maker, not our wonderful poster).

Happy Thursday Everyone.

Zster comments on Jun 19, 2020:

The Dry Tortugas, west of Key West, FL. The sand was snow white, and the ranged from pale turquoise to an indigo so deep, it was almost violet-black.

2020 strikes again.... fk this year!!!

Zster comments on Nov 8, 2020:

A wonderful man who lived a wonderful life. I am really going to miss him.

Christmas is

Zster comments on Dec 1, 2018:

I'll jump at ANY excuse to gather with loved ones while enjoying great food! (: I cook all of the family favorites while having a blast with whoever wants to visit. We've been avoiding the commercial/religious chaos successfully for years.

So, Ive been talking to this guy on a dating site for a couple days.

Zster comments on Sep 16, 2018:

Another reason not to: https://www.krdo.com/news/colorado-springs/scambusters-hackers-exploit-victims-with-webcam-devices/750408090

These are my boys, Rick James and Biggie.

Zster comments on Mar 27, 2018:

Phenomenal names!!!!

2018; What does the year ahead hold for you?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I am not much of a planner, but... 1. My youngest geaduates frim high school. I face an empty nest as just myself. There are opportunities within that, though I also feel a little nervousness. 2. We will find out what school my youngest will get into, how we will pay for it, and how I will manage a long distance (possibly) move for him.

My daughter died yesterday.

Zster comments on Dec 24, 2022:

This is too sad for words… my heart goes out to you and to all who lost her yesterday.

What do fellow members do for a living?

Zster comments on Nov 21, 2017:

Scientist (microbiology)

I know I'm not the only person that has trouble with family members that don't accept me but ...

Zster comments on Apr 11, 2018:

I positively hate this casualty of religion! Why can't family members see the cutting out of other family members over an institution as the cultish behavior that it is? I would try a combination of the suggestions provided. Define and communicate your boundaries. Show them as much love and patience as you can. Distance yourself when you need to. Find new people to include in your life where the family has been letting you down. I hope for the best for you and am sorry that you are being treated this way. You can hang here in the mean time. Many members have suffered similarly.

Midnight Cowboy 1969

Zster comments on May 28, 2018:

A great but sad one.

Do you have emergency equipment?

Zster comments on Dec 26, 2022:

No generator, yet, though that sort of peace of mind IS attractive. Otherwise, I am pretty well decked out with camping gear, so cooking, heating water as well as very insulated beds are easy. I just bought battery powered holiday lights to create ambiance if the lights go out, and hot water bottles to fill w water heated from the camp stove to keep my reptile pets warm. Have fire wood and city water, so… should be good!

Listening to this great tune, i'm appreciating again how happy i've been travelling on this train ...

Zster comments on Nov 8, 2020:

A great classic!!

Ever been discriminated against because you were a non-believer?

Zster comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I'vr been smart enough to read the environment and bury my nonbelieving status. However, my daughter was not so lucky. She had a friend forbidden by her parents to stay friends with my daughter due to our not being christian. Also, a high school teacher, upon my daughter asking about nonreligious persecution, sent my child to the hallway and told her to never speak to the teacher or in class ever again. It's harsh down here in the south.

Happy Sunday everyone! It's about the time that everyone's at church, so I'm heading to my nice ...

Zster comments on Sep 8, 2019:

Camping and/or being on the water.

Question 1: 1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

Zster comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Lin Manuel Miranda. He is so full of love and positive energy. I would love to get his input regarding much that is happening these days.

What is the main reason why you are not religious?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Religious hatefulness dressed up as piousness. I thought religion was supposed to be a positive. Otherwise, why have one?

A rare photo of Jasper NOT getting in trouble, for once...

Zster comments on Nov 17, 2020:

This has been, by far, the most destructive animal I have ever known. Looks can be QUITE deceiving, though he is super sweet and very funny.

Good morning and happy weekend! Here's today's question: what are you doing this weekend?

Zster comments on Feb 23, 2019:

Antique store hopping today and putting on a birthday dinner for my son tomorrow.

Don Lemon eviscerates Kalie as she departs White House podium

Zster comments on Dec 16, 2020:

Can you blame him. It’s called having to sleep in the bed that you made...

CDC was pressured 'from the top down' to change Covid-19 testing guidance, official says - ...

Zster comments on Aug 26, 2020:

Not with the current politicians in place.

Good morning and Happy Monday! When I was a teenager, I had a huge crush on David Cassidy - along...

Zster comments on Aug 12, 2019:

I had two crushes in first grade: a boy in my class and another who lived near my maternal grandmother's house. Hubba hubba! (;

Are you a paranoid individual?

Zster comments on Jan 5, 2019:

I figure other people have WAYmore interesting people/things to be spending their time on than me.

Holy molly freakin' guacamole.

Zster comments on Sep 14, 2018:

MY points keep going DOWN. Doubt that I'll ever get to 8 (from my current 7). Congrats!

Good morning and happy weekend! @ProudMerrie posted a great question on Facebook yesterday: what ...

Zster comments on Nov 9, 2019:

An antique or vintage glass epergne (attached) or other collectible glass. (:

1974 and this was so edgy but years later it showed up again in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.

Zster comments on May 15, 2022:

This song is ageless, great no matter when it's listened to! (still love it).

This points out the importance of social distancing

Zster comments on Apr 16, 2020:

Sorry, my bet is totally on a repeat (or the equivalent). We still have a lot of immunologically naive people and a lot more potential sources/shedders than before. It’s a likely recipe for disaster. I’m very glad that I enjoy my home as much as I do. (:

Without fail.

Zster comments on Jan 6, 2019:

Yep, but simplifies cage cleaning if you dump the soiled water right away. (:

One for the ladies! :)

Zster comments on Nov 25, 2017:

There are multiple uniforms for many of those... I checked navy, recalling Richard Gere in navy whites in "An Officer and a Gentleman". Honestly, a uniform warns me off as I am a free spirited nature type who tends to not mesh at all with a formal structure type (which military members tend to be).

What’s with that? At least it isn’t Karen...

Zster comments on Feb 21, 2019:

Good point. It depends on both the food AND the sex. Diet jello would be better than the last sex that I had... (;

Now this is a dystopian nightmare. [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 28, 2020:

Reminds me of another plague...

Trucks rolling slowly through the night. [youtube.com]

Zster comments on Mar 22, 2020:

Oh. My. God.... there are no suitable words.

Great Sign.

Zster comments on May 9, 2018:

My hairdresser had a variant on that which read: "Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy." (:

Gym owner rants about "debatable protection of masks" and losing business.

Zster comments on Jul 4, 2020:

My regular gym that I prepaid an 18 month membership to is not open, knowing the risks to patrons and staff. Therefore, I am now a member of a MEDICAL gym as, without proper lumbo-sacral exercise, my disc-related back pain returns. THAT particular gym is working by appointment only. Wont crowd, insists on distancing, masks, and disinfection of each piece of equipment after each use. They might not be breaking the bank with income, but I am VERY grateful they are open, hoping this pain goes back into remission SOON (5 weeks and counting…).

Is there anyone here who isn't "into weed?"

Zster comments on Jun 7, 2018:

I'm not, at all. The stuff gives me the pukes, so, no thanks. I also find that when people around me get high, they also get very boring. I don't care if others want to do it, I'd just rather be active and alert.

This is for the ladies...does size matter?

Zster comments on Nov 21, 2017:

Size matters to an extent, but turgor matters a ton (shorter but hard can be thrilling and long but semi-soft can be frustrating) as does a partner's interest and willingness regarding the lady's pleasure. A selfish clueless guy wont get me off at all, regardless of what he's packing. Give me a size typical partner who is highly turned on and reading my response, adjusting (and yes, asking is ok, for me) to escalate my pleasure ANY day! (:

We all know washing our hand's help prevent the spread of germs.

Zster comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Sanitizers are not sterilizers. They only reduce bacterial counts, not eliminate them (if they did, surgeons would not need gloves). Microbial resistance can be acquired to darned near anything we use to thwart them. So, yes, uncontrolled use might select for more resistant populations, which can make for very difficult-to-treat infections.

Alright, the results from your salmonella turkey and ecoli salad should be in.

Zster comments on Nov 23, 2018:

My turkey was a Butterball (heard that it was Jennie-Os affected by the recall). I do not menu lettuce salad on Thanksgiving, but have a nice head in the fridge. We all seem healthy enough!

What's the first thing you look at?

Zster comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Eyes, and smile. I like to check out hair, but, as I get older am not so hung up on that as the younger me was. Longer hair still does catch my eye, silver hair is nice, and none is fine, too. Beards and mustaches interest me quite a bit. Beyond that, general build and how a guy carries himself can draw me in. It's largely about projection of persona: quiet confidence, a sense of fun or even mischief, and intense curiosity can be a fascinating combo together or separately.

Happy Thursday Everyone! What's the last song that got stuck in your head?

Zster comments on Aug 20, 2020:

This has been pleasantly stuck in my head after hearing it used in Ep2S1 of The Umbrella Academy (Woodkid's "Run Boy Run"): https://youtu.be/lmc21V-zBq0

You can buy a ticket to see one perform again. Who do you go see?

Zster comments on Jan 30, 2019:

Zepp, though Metallica definitely puts on a terrific live show.

Cooking

Zster comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Grill, charcoal smoker, or camp fire. Scarce free time keeps me from it, often. So, oven/stove is second best (and often used).

Main page layout evolution You'll now see a gold button if you have new group posts since the ...

Zster comments on Apr 10, 2019:

So, what about groups we do not belong to? Is the default going to be not seeing them on the general page, or seeing them? Will we be able to turn off viewing of groups we are not wanting to follow? There definitely are some that I am not interested in reading about. I prefer a streamlined approach, if possible.

Favorite music genre

Zster comments on Aug 31, 2022:

Rock, preferably alternative or new wave.

How did you deal with the empty nest syndrome?

Zster comments on Jul 28, 2019:

My nest was empty for three months, then my daughter came home after a hospitalization got her thrown out of school. My youngest came home for the summer, so we were all together until just last week. Youngest moved to a nearby apartment and eldest moves into one in September, four hours away. My first stint on my own hurt for a couple weeks, but I got busy getting my house the way I want it. This time around, I also have a few trips planned. I've been widowed over a decade, so what I make of this is solely on me. Want to be empty nest buddies while we adjust?

Do you believe that we have souls? If so, can you answer why?

Zster comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I have longed for the consciousness to live on. You know, energy being neither created or destroyed sort of thing... BUT, a recent first experience with surgical anesthesia has me considering that to be more of a pipe dream than anything.

Watching "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives" last night.

Zster comments on Mar 28, 2020:

If the food is good enough, they will persevere, I think. Drive ins might do better.

Do you dream out loud? Yikes!

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

No, but I am plagued with near nightly hypnagogic hallucinations, most of which are terrifying, and many which get me out of bed to confirm that the household is safe (from fire or intruders).

Agnostic/Ex-Religious: Was “hip” church even more boring?

Zster comments on Dec 31, 2017:

After a long hiatus from age 18 to 40, I started attending s hip little community church. The music rocked and was largely new to me, which I enjoyed. The messages were lively, even if I had to take them with a grain of salt. After attending for a few years, the music all started sounding the same and missed the mark with me. The messages boiled down to two: guilting the congregants into tithing and "bring a friend to church!", again, to increase revenue. The superficiality drove me out.

How the world really ends..

Zster comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Oh, I can totally believe it!

Do you expect to get the tax break we were promised?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Hell no. I expect to get reamed. In this past year, my effective earnings have dropped greater than 25%, due to the company switching to high deductible medical and the cessation of paying employee bonuses (execs and shareholders still get them, of course). So sure, go ahead and tax us more to reward those same greedy assholes. My question: what will the top do once their customers are all broke and most of the money there is is out of the country?

I'll just apologize now, lol

Zster comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Ha! No apology needed!

I just made Level 7. Now I am up there with the big boys and girls.

Zster comments on May 30, 2018:

I was a teen when I hit level 7. Now I'm counting the weeks to retirement! Welcome to the level that just might be for the rest of your life! (;

Wheelbug (Arilus cristatus)

Zster comments on Oct 14, 2018:

One of my favorites. They almost look steam punk!

Good morning 🌞 it's pose-your-question-day.

Zster comments on Dec 1, 2019:

For those of you who feasted on Thanksgiving, what's the first sanity food that you reach for after days of feast food? I just froze leftover turkey after eating it for three straight days. I am thinking that pizza sounds good.

If.

Zster comments on Jul 22, 2018:

Was it car SIZE that correlated? Dang! I thought it was car loudness that was tied to the driver's level of insecurity. (look at me! look at me! look at me!)

Cats Are Demons... Here Is Proof... [youtube.com]

Zster comments on Mar 16, 2018:

Makes me worry about what they do when I am away from home!

Do you think taking yourself out to eat alone is weird?

Zster comments on Aug 5, 2019:

No. It's a food providing business and I am in need of food.

Why would, or wouldn't, you date a believer?

Zster comments on Jul 15, 2019:

That depends on the ultimate goal: casual date for companionship/fun or serious relationship with hope for a long term committment? As long as we can respectively agree to disagree, not trying to convert/deconvert the other, I don't see that as a reason not to enjoy a show or dinner together. OTOH, a deeper committment would require authenticity, mutual respect, and attraction. Deluded thinking is not something I have any respect for.

Q: What is your favorite starch/complex carb

Zster comments on Mar 28, 2018:

It's a tie between breads and noodles. Pretty much anything made from dough.

Just because this is an Agnostic dating site it doesn't mean we have to talk about it.

Zster comments on Oct 8, 2017:

Can we really DO that? Some of us might run amok with topic freedom fervor! (;

Hey Guyses! Connie asked me to jump in today because she's uber busy.

Zster comments on Oct 1, 2019:

And here's my controversial answer: Quackery. Those close to me who have seen them ended up with worse injuries courtesy of "realignment". Two family members who ARE chiropractors advertise themselves as experts in skull plate adjustment for newborns. I'll stick with physicians, thank you. What others choose is their own business.

Anticipating the obligatory Thanksgiving meal.

Zster comments on Nov 20, 2018:

It's just the kids and I, with enough food to sustain us for a full week without additional cooking. (:

I spoke with a local friend today, here in GA, who told me that Friday she went by a popular barber ...

Zster comments on Apr 28, 2020:

People have decided they are done with this virus crap. I don’t think it works that way... I’ll stay in until I see proof that the glut on our medical system is past, thank you.

Life Lessons Learned.

Zster comments on Jun 3, 2019:

1. No one can honestly please everyone. 2. Be your authentic self. This helps one to efficiently figure out who dislikes the real self so that time wasted on such persons can be minimalized. 3. Liars often win. If you choose a truthful path, expect to sometimes (often?) lose to those who don't. People tend to believe what they most want to, not necessarily what's true.

These are probably the most succulent and awesome ribs I have ever created.

Zster comments on Jul 5, 2019:

It should not be possible for me to feel hunger after all we ate here today, but... you've somehow managed to get me thinking about good AGAIN! Nicely done! (:

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

Zster comments on Nov 21, 2017:

I typically will consider it a quiet moment for personal reflection. If tagged with "would you lead us in prayer", I choose a moment of silence (for the group) instead. THAT tends to prevent being asked to lead another in the future. If someone criticizes the quiet moment, I ask them who/what the prayer is for. Supposedly, it is not for human ears, for showing off before others.

It's a beautiful summer day.

Zster comments on Aug 19, 2018:

K-12 started back Aug 4. The local university resumed class Aug 13. Seems too early to me, but my kids don't complain. They like heading back.