Zster's Profile

Spring is here!! I don't care what the calendar says.

Zster comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Grass is greening here, needed to AC the house, and my pet snakes are awake and hungry! Yep, Spring.

Zster replies on Feb 17, 2018:

Yes!! I love my herps (almost made that "herpies", but realized a possible alternative connotation might result), both captive and wild. The snakes are housed in people's bedrooms. They get to know their human room mate and we get to know each snake's personality, which is unique for each. The snakes and lizards out doors are a huge perk of living in this southern US geography! If you share the fascination, you shoukd drop by the Critter Corner group. (:

What do you do that makes other people say "ew?"

Paul628 comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Drink pickle juice. The best are Claussen and Vlasic. ;)

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

I've done this and agree, Claussen dill juice RULES!

Wine, beer, liquor, or sobriety?

Farfrompukin comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I quit drinking every day. Every. Single. Day., I get up and tell myself I will NOT be drinking any alcohol today. Then I go to work......

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

24 at a time.

Pet furniture?

orange_girl comments on Feb 15, 2018:

This is fantastic! I aspire to having something this awesome for Bug some day! He has a small kitty condo, but it's not as high as m leaning bookshelf. Here is a pic of him with his portrait.

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

He looks quasi abyssinian or even ocicat. Those tufted ears kill me! Beautiful baby!

Pet furniture?

orange_girl comments on Feb 15, 2018:

This is fantastic! I aspire to having something this awesome for Bug some day! He has a small kitty condo, but it's not as high as m leaning bookshelf. Here is a pic of him with his portrait.

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

Oh my! Bug is super handsome! Purebred or luck of the mutt draw?

Pet furniture?

HeathenFarmer comments on Feb 15, 2018:

@Admin I have found a glitch; posted a photo in the comment below, I could only see the corner of the red cancelation X in the box below the comment. Posted and it did not show the photo.

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

I was having trouble posting picts within comments too. They would nit even try to load.

My dogs checking out a very angry Eastern gartersnake.

Zster comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Fantastic picture!! I am glad to hear that the snake(s) was/were rescued. I love garter snakes!

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

That's a great part of living in the southern US... lots of lizards and snakes! (:

I think I may have found my people! Hello, group! Here are some of my winter babies, Actias ...

Zster comments on Feb 14, 2018:

SO glad to finally meet some fellow critter fans! I have been fascinated by insects since I was old enough to hold one, but have discovered such a hobby repels many people. Those larvae are gorgeous! I googled the species... had no idea that there were even more beautiful Lunas! I greatly envy ...

Zster replies on Feb 15, 2018:

I saw that they were from China and wondered. Where do you keep the adults? Like similar American moths, do they have short life spans once mature? I greatly enjoy our Lunas. We get two broods per year here in the south. Love it!

My two youngster cats: Jasper (1-2 yrs old) and Bailey (3yrs).

birdingnut comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I like that covered cat frame for looking out the window!

Zster replies on Feb 14, 2018:

Mom bought it at a cat show in the early 80s and let me have it. My son was a genius to suggest putting it in that windowed corner where we dangle numerous bird feeders. For some reason, I cannot post a photo of it here...

And my more middle agers: Black Jack, 13 yrs (Sparrow, not Randall), and Supernova, 7 years.

birdingnut comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Aaaaw! They look so cuddly.

Zster replies on Feb 14, 2018:

Spoiled absolutely rotten! They seem to think we are all one big happy species under this roof...

My two youngster cats: Jasper (1-2 yrs old) and Bailey (3yrs).

RavenCT comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Cute teens!

Zster replies on Feb 14, 2018:

They are rowdy buds fo sure!

Who is your Valentine, on the most important day of the year.

Zster comments on Feb 14, 2018:

This year, my mom. Dad passed unexpectedly on Jan 20. My husband died in 2006. I know how painful this mileston can be.

Zster replies on Feb 14, 2018:

Thanks. Losing a parent is brutal.

Okay y'all I have a question.

xamountofstars comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Maybe add water to his food if you aren't already? It's been helping my cat eat slower (preventing vomit) and she's slowly been losing weight. Helping her feel fuller with a tiny bit less food seems to be beneficial (quarter inch on the measuring cup). I'm really not sure if that would help or not ...

Zster replies on Feb 14, 2018:

I needed to add, be careful cutting or introducing weight loss food. A heavy cat that suddenly stops eating can trigger a rapidly fatal fatty liver. Its best to keep the cat eating and to gradually change what or how much, while keeping the appetite engaged. (honest vet advice, not some internet tidbit).

Who else love a great Old Fashioned?..

Zster comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Was my number one go to drink back in my drinking days. I preferred mine muddled. Had to give them up, though.

Zster replies on Feb 13, 2018:

Twelve years!

I am not exactly sure what the scope of this group is (serious birders, photographers, backyard ...

MrLink comments on Feb 12, 2018:

You mean crows?

Zster replies on Feb 12, 2018:

Yep! And jays, and mag pies... One raucous family!

This Bird Comedy GIF is a little tongue-in-cheek . . ? Thoughts ? [facebook.com]

Zster comments on Feb 12, 2018:

I cannot understand what the guy is saying for the lifd if me... If I tried that with my mom's parrot, I'd be down fingers! That is, IF the bird did not like it.

Zster replies on Feb 12, 2018:

I figured it was a beloved game on the bird's part. I've never seen any actually sleep under covers with a pillow... (;

I would like to have a mantis pet.

Zster comments on Feb 12, 2018:

I need to work on my arachnid appreciation. I do not mind them per se, but get skeeved out by thinking of hundreds or thousands of babies in my house.

Zster replies on Feb 12, 2018:

I have seen mantises hatch. Boy do they ever need soace, though. Little cannibals! Cute though.

Date site protocol/preferences

Zster comments on Feb 12, 2018:

I used to say a polite no thank you, but eventually got sick of being called horrible things or being begged to at least try. I quit online dating largely because of it. I get that there are people who will accept a no thanks like a man, but for each who can or will, there are many who will react ...

Zster replies on Feb 12, 2018:

CatWalker, you are a charmer! (hello!) I just got away from primary dating sites. Heck, real life, face-to-face meetings are not guaranteed either. General communication/discussion sites are a nice way to get to know people without the pressure. (:

I am not exactly sure what the scope of this group is (serious birders, photographers, backyard ...

walklightly comments on Feb 11, 2018:

welcome, just be yourself or more, as long as you love birds. what a sweet encounter in the clip!

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

THAT I can do! Thanks!

The bald eagle used to be my favourite bird - when I was a child in the USA.

Zster comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I totally envy you! I started realizing how different magpies are when I first encounteted this video. We do not have magpies where I live. ): https://youtu.be/EV4qZ_lgStw

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

You know if I was to move, I should consider the birds I'd be moving TO! Why not?

Do you have a home range that is your go-to for camping, hiking, or paddling?

CallMeDave comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I'm in the Virginia Piedmont, the AT is nearby. I climbed in NC a lot in the 80's, and then moved to CO. Now I'm getting back into climbing with my son. We've always hiked and camped in the Blue Ridge.

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

Sounds beautiful! I've got mostly flatter hiking experience (and zero rock climbing). Maybe I should get more familiar with the mtns just north of here. What part of Colorado did you hike?

Do you have a home range that is your go-to for camping, hiking, or paddling?

Stevil comments on Feb 11, 2018:

My home paddling area is southeast Tennessee north Georgia, north Alabama,and western North Carolina and an occasional trip to the south Carolina Georgia border to the Chattoga. I'm 15 miles from the Ocoee and Hiwassee rivers and just an hour and a half from the Nantahala.

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

Sounds like current! The only whitewater I've experienced were with tour guides. (:

Do you have a home range that is your go-to for camping, hiking, or paddling?

Zster comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I've been living in NE Georgia for a couple of decades now. My home area would be the Appalachian piedmont. It's forrested, rolling, and lovely. The Atlantic coast is only four hours away and mtns just an hour north.

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

Sit on kayak, though love to canoe, too.

Great idea for a group! I am a Microbiologist / immunbiologist in vaccine development for an animal ...

ScienceBiker comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Glad to have you here! Are you a fan of Prof. Vincent Racaniello?

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

Coming up through veterinary channels, I was not very familiar, but certainly recall learning about his polio work. Even vets learn about polio genetics as it is a type virus that renders other viruses easy to understand. I will check out some of his online stuff. Teaching has always been in my blood...

Oh, look, I found it! Taking My B.

Zster comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Taking? As in currently doing thesis research?

Zster replies on Feb 11, 2018:

Not a bad idea. Some "nah" days can then be followed by leaps in productivity! Enjoy!

POF - Plenty of Fish. Anyone familiar with it or use it? What are your thoughts on pof?

Zster comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Most contacts wanted meaningless sex. Not my cup of tea.

Zster replies on Feb 8, 2018:

Did not claim that there was. I simply answered the original question posted, which was what did I think. I could only answer from my own experience. Obviously the site works for many as it continues years after I tried it.

Is it possible for men and women to have a completely platonic relationship?

twshield comments on Feb 8, 2018:

umm hello....gay dudes lol

Zster replies on Feb 8, 2018:

One of my favorite platonic friends is a young gay dude. We can keep other company around town, scoping men together. (;

Do you remember where you were when the Challenger exploded?

JustLuAnn comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I was on my lunch hour and at Mazzios Pizza in the TV room. It was horrible. And to think that was the one with the first teacher on board right? Was it also the one where parts fell all over Texas? I went out and took a picture of some debris but the metal parts were not the only things that fell....

Zster replies on Feb 7, 2018:

Shuttle Columbia broke up over TX upon re-entry, as I recall.

How do feel about camping?

Zster comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I LOVE camping! I prefer a tent, unless the weather is extreme. As I keep bugs and critters as pets, they don't worry me. I hate itchy bug bites though, especially from fire ants!

Zster replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Burn at first then itch agonizingly once the immune response kicks in the next day.

I see Church summer camps everywhere and even the ones that are not Church based, might as well be.

Zster comments on Feb 4, 2018:

There are plenty of themed camps that have nothing to do with religion, either way. Art, dance, music, sports, science, nature, gaming, academic, etc... my kids attended many and benefitted from nearly all. The only religious one was a camp that my son asked to attend because a school friend invited...

Zster replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Oh yeah! He's bright as all get out and learned much from the experience!

POF, love it? Hate it? Love to hate it?

d_day comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Plenty of flakes? didn't like it. I've had the best luck on OKC.

Zster replies on Feb 4, 2018:

I had a similar experience.

Favorite instrumentals?

hankster comments on Feb 4, 2018:

https://youtu.be/_bpS-cOBK6Q

Zster replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Love this!

Favorite instrumentals?

Wafflestomp comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I think this fits the category https://youtu.be/EEzyrpfrPEI

Zster replies on Feb 4, 2018:

An absolute classic!

So, I'm ready to go off on a bit of tear right now.

BucketlistBob comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Geee.... I hear it every night that this new flu is killing more people... where does it come from? It seems like it only comes around when the north wind blows cold air to the United States...

Zster replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Joke? Sarcasm? The flu situation in Asia has been scary for years...

Anyone Have An Exotic Animal As A Pet?

AmiSue comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Several snakes, bearded dragon, Timor monitor, green iguana, black widow, tarantulas, tailless whip scorpions, gecko, turtles, fish, cat, bird....Why do you ask? :)

Zster replies on Jan 31, 2018:

What types of snakes do you have AmiSue?

NatGeoWILD is airing the most interesting show on hummingbirds.

Gert comments on Jan 30, 2018:

To bad I have neither cable nor satellite, so I guess that I probably have to wait until Hulu airs it.

Zster replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Same here. I adore hummers and would love to see it!

Household Chores

Zster comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Washing the dishes. I hate the texture, the odor... it's just blech!

Zster replies on Jan 29, 2018:

I have one. I still end up dealing with stuff left in the sink to slime over. ):

Do you think scientists will find cure for aids and cancer

Rugglesby comments on Jan 28, 2018:

yes, is society lives long enough to see it, I guess a vaccination for aids and lots of different cancer treatments involving our own immune systems being "taught" to attack the cancers.

Zster replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Some are already commercially available. I doubt that all cancer targets lend themselves to exploitation by immune therapy, though. At least some might get benefit from it.

Do you think scientists will find cure for aids and cancer

kiramea comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Nope. Doctors make too much money treating them.

Zster replies on Jan 28, 2018:

As if doctors/researchers (or their loved ones) never get cancers themselves... The potential price that folks might be willing to pay for an iron clad cure could hands down beat the cost of these crap poisons we throw at it these days.

I’m here for the community with the possibility of meeting someone to date. What about you?

Zster comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Mostly here to chat without the worry of offending the religious or getting lectured. I'd love to make some lasting friendships here. I don't hold out much dating hope as online does not seem like a real good approach to me. I am not closed to the idea, just cynical.

Zster replies on Jan 28, 2018:

I appreciate that. It's just not worked for me, so far. I HAVE made some good friends online and that's worth much.

Are you a fan of live theater?

Zster comments on Jan 25, 2018:

LOVE live theater and get to see some (large and small, professional and amateur...). Absolute fave: Hamilton on Broadway, summer of 2016. I was able to get tickets right before they skyrocketed due to popularity.

Zster replies on Jan 26, 2018:

Hopefully, with multiple companies, you will get a chance. It's worth it!

Who are some of your most favorite authors?

Annaleda comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Anne McCaffrey Timothy Zhan Naomi Novik Anne McCaffrey ;)

Zster replies on Jan 18, 2018:

Hello fellow McCaffrey fan! I love the dragon riders series. Crystal singers were pretty good, too.

What is your favorite plant based recipe? No meat, no dairy. I'd like to try it!

Zster comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Tabouli salad: bulgur wheat (or Tabouli "mix"), I prefer Nile Spice brand as it comes with a wonderful seasoning packet. Soak the wheat over night per instructions, next day add in fresh parsley (chopped up), diced tomato and cucumber, mix herb/veggies with the wheat, add fresh squeezed lemon juice ...

Zster replies on Jan 14, 2018:

The boiling and mint come with the bulgur as I buy it. Forgot the onion though. That woukd have changed it a bit! Thanks!!!

How many contacts do you have In the memory of your mInd?

Zster comments on Jan 14, 2018:

About five personal and 10-15 at work. I have had a knack for memorizing numbers if I use them often by dialing, writing, calling them out verbally etc... Maybe I should set my gazillion passwords that way!

Zster replies on Jan 14, 2018:

Yep, me too! I often can recall a number if I practice dial it. Guess my fingers have better memory than the rest of me does!

Well I blocked my first "Jesus freak" on here, I tolerate that stuff on social media because there ...

SteveB comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Wow, why would they want to be here? I haven't had that experience to date. You did the right thing!

Zster replies on Jan 13, 2018:

Why indeed. Not for any KIND reason that I have seen.

What Type Of Diet Do You Personally, Or Your Family Practice?

Zster comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I eat as healthy as I can manage. Diabetes runs rampant in my family and my triGs run sky high (3000+, when normal is below 200), so my doc recently had me restrict carbs. That's made a tremendous difference! I make many of my own meals from scratch, focusing largely on lean protein, veggies, some ...

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Wow twshield! Very nicely done!

Should we give religious believers a little more slack?

El-loco comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Ouch! I was only suggesting that we be nice to people who might come and talk to us.

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

My personal experience of "come talk to us" has been that they arrive, dishing out meanness. So, no thank you. I get enough attacks from the religious on every other site that I visit on the net.

Should we give religious believers a little more slack?

El-loco comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Ouch! I was only suggesting that we be nice to people who might come and talk to us.

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Here? Or in general?

This is one of the reasons I became an atheist.

VictoriaNotes comments on Jan 12, 2018:

They simply lack awareness of their insensitivity. But I also think it's telling how much they celebrate survivors given the indoctrination that heaven is a place of great joy, no pain/suffering, and they get to hang out with Jesus.

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Yep. On some signigicant level, they don't buy what they're selling, I think.

What are your thoughts on funerals?

JWDiaz comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I didn't attend my mother's wake, neither did I go to her funeral. The entire family hates me. It feels so god.

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Typo? Or play on words?

What are your thoughts on funerals?

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Never look at an open casket. Still haunted by viewing my father 3 years ago. Horror show.

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

I find viewing horrifying. Always have.

Defining Lonely vs Alone To me they are near synonymous. Does being alone not indicate lonely?

Zster comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Lonely involves my yearning for the company of another/others. Alone just means no other person is present, BUT I might not necessarily be yearning for company. I experience both in my day to day as a widow. I am alone a lot, but only lonely at certain points in the day.

Zster replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Having read your other post, THIS one now has more meaning. Soon after loss, "lonely" could be pretty huge and all encompassing. Loneliness loosened its vicious grip on me as time passed between now and the day of loss. It took a long time and is not something I ever want to weather again...

Why haven't you uploaded a pic?

Varn comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I’ve worked with some serious political campaigns, and found the less personal info out there about you, including photos, the safer you, and consequently your family are. Also, having worked within school districts, we were discouraged at placing ‘identifiable’ info on ourselves on social ...

Zster replies on Jan 11, 2018:

I totally relate. My employer could pull anything linked to me on the net and use it in HR. It's not worth the risk. Some bosses/companies are just mean that way.

Why haven't you uploaded a pic?

twshield comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Doesnt matter to me personally but its nice to put a face to those you communicate with here.

Zster replies on Jan 11, 2018:

For those interested, they can click on my profile to figure that out. Many want to look once, swipe to trash or not...

What song would you want played for your funeral?

LizBeth comments on Jan 11, 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ECUtkv2qV8

Zster replies on Jan 11, 2018:

Did you know that certain churches actually ban this at their funerals?

What kind of pets do we all have?

firecracker comments on Jan 10, 2018:

One rather large, very intelligent, vocal, and rambunctious cat who is full of personality. Meet Fujita The Cat (named after the tornado scientist Dr. Ted Fujita, who invented the F0-F5 scale for rating tornado strength -- Fujita is an F5 cat!!)

Zster replies on Jan 10, 2018:

Man, what a GREAT name for a chaotic kitten!!!

Should the U.S. Electoral College be abolished?

AnomalousB comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Absolutely. What is the point if the popular vote will not be respected and the electoral college isn't going to prevent candidates like Trump.

Zster replies on Jan 10, 2018:

Agree. Those arguing that certain states would not get heard seem to think it fine that certain INDIVIDUAL'S votes don't. Reform is in order, rather than all or none as each state does it now. I think allowing the popular vote to do the electing is most fair, vote by vote, not winning each state.

WHAT'S YOUR POSITION ON ABORTION ?

Zster comments on Nov 19, 2017:

I think its awful to need one or to have to contemplate one, though I honestly do not see it as "murder" if the embryo cannot survive on it's own. What I do NOT understand is also blocking access to birthcontrol. It's as if folks WANT to beat ladies up over abortion when pregnancy is preventable. ...

Zster replies on Jan 9, 2018:

If the fetus is of a maturity to live on it's own and anyone actively kills/has it killed, that could be murder. The abortion places I've known of go to twelve weeks. As I said, why not prevent, rather than terminate?

12 STEP GROUPS There's been some discussion of 12-step groups here but I don't think there's been a...

Zster comments on Jan 8, 2018:

One here, sober since '05, though not been to the meetings in a few years after getting chewed out a few times about prayer and some general shots about disbelief.

Zster replies on Jan 9, 2018:

Oh yes, I plan to attend my fave noon meeting once I retire and can be away from work. I am not sure I had it any worse than others, BUT was pretty upset knowing that the drinking kills and that no one should run any desiring to stop off.

How do you handle Christian co-workers?

Zster comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Reliosity is assumed where I work (pharma R&D company in the southern US). I keep my disbelief well hidden as my current boss has me convinced that he is not above using it as a firing offense. Anytime colleagues get going on a religious topic, I discreetly leave. I absolutely can not afford to be ...

Zster replies on Jan 9, 2018:

It is the way they roll here in the deep south, unfortunately.

Should online purchase of groceries by allowed to become the norm?

Zster comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Online ordering has it's place. I use it (with store pick up; shipping costs for perishables render online too expensive) for items that only come one way (canned, frozen, etc). When I need fresh items that I need to observe to select (produce, meats), I still go to the grocery. Since I still go...

Zster replies on Jan 9, 2018:

Why? It does not matter if I order online or pick myself, the items still come from the SAME store. The sales are the same. There is no decrease in the inventory moved. If they sell the same smount of stuff, I do not see why it would close. That makes no sense.

I deleted my Facebook several months ago.

Zster comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I've quit following ALL friends who preach or politicize and joined numerous nonreligious, scientific, and humor groups. The resulting version of FB is much improved, for me for the time being.

Zster replies on Jan 8, 2018:

Maddening. I've just glutted my own FB w humor. It at least dilutes the piss-you-off clickbait, for now. I figure someone will catch on and re-balance it, though.

In a world free of religion, what rules would no longer apply to you?

Varn comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The rule of keeping my mouth shut … and not opening it until I ‘know it’s safe’ to speak freely. Granted, it’s a self imposed rule, but unfortunately, a necessary one ~

Zster replies on Jan 8, 2018:

Most would grab their guns and go to war over it. They understand the dbl standard, but are too brainwashed to care.

Who among us has cut the proverbial TV cord?

Reignmond comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I am seriously thinking about it. The problem I have is that in my area the Charter Cable company has the only viable web access and I can only have internet if I get "the package". I would otherwise need to go with wireless which is a bit iffy and slow.

Zster replies on Jan 7, 2018:

I got charter for internet. Got a pkg with a land line (good bye AT&T!). They called me weekly yo add cable. Finally they asked what it eoukdctake. I said "improved programming". They have not called since. Even at that, Rates even without TV go up and up.

Who among us has cut the proverbial TV cord?

Alliegirl comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I cut it because of the cost and I seemed to watch the same shows over and over. Now I have Netflix and Amazon Prime. I’ve rarely missed cable. I’ve actually been thinking about cutting the internet completely, but will have to wait until my boys move out.

Zster replies on Jan 7, 2018:

Cut the internet! That would cause a mutiny in my house! Might be a way to get the kids to move if they tend to linger, though.

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.

Zster replies on Jan 7, 2018:

I am not sure how much we watch on average because I can go weeks or months without. Then I might gave a stretch of series watching or a few movies. I use the TV mostly for music streaming.

Who among us has cut the proverbial TV cord?

Hominid comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I cut the cord over a year ago... the savings are great! I run a Kodi box with Terrarium & Covenant. I also have an OTA antenna and converter box for local live TV. I like to tinker with technology sometimes, which you need to do with these things to stay updated...

Zster replies on Jan 7, 2018:

We stream via Apple TV and Roku, in order to mirror our phones.

How do you handle Christian co-workers?

zeliasgrand comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I'm always amazed when I hear these types of stories because this type of thing NEVER happens at my job. If one of my coworkers started telling me stuff.like this, I'd probably report them to HR.

Zster replies on Jan 7, 2018:

Such behavior is the rule, not the exception here in the SE US... Sigh.

Was there a reason why you chose "Agnostic" for this site?

Zster comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The term atheist, for me, encompasses a degree of certainty. While I do not believe in a theistic deity, I am willing to consider different realities, which I cannot experience due to human limitations. Call it wishful thinking if you want, but I do not consider that aligned with staunch atheism....

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Oh dear. I am not much of a debator and even less a philosopher. Like bees see colors that I cannot, and dogs hear what I don't, I entertain the possibility of experiencing that which I cannot know now, perhaps a death dream that FEELs like another life, even if really occurring in microseconds. I certainly would not wager any money on such, but enjoy thinking up what ifs, even if for my own entertainment.

What is your darkest, most difficult experience?

Zster comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Watching my husband breathe his last after an 89 day cancer battle. It was a Sunday night. Cancer in his spine had spread to the level of paralyzing his diaphragm. He could not breathe, felt like he was suffocating. The hospice nurse refused to come, thinking we were being hysterical. My mom, an RN ...

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

My heart goes out to any and all who have wirnessed cancer brutalizing a lived one! I wish our case was unique, but sadly know that it is not... (((((((( Group Hug!)))))))))

Dating after 50

Zster comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I am right there with you! My young gay friend (an awesome set up, BTW) moved to Brazil! My attempts at dating lead to guys seeking: instant sex (I am not a by-the-third-date sort), instant marriage, instant bank account, or instant mom. The nonbeliever and left leaning thing further hurts my ...

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

My 17 YO is a terrific travel buddy for me, too. He got big and muscular in 2014. I can venture ANY where with him and not be harrassed. (;

In a world free of religion, what rules would no longer apply to you?

Varn comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The rule of keeping my mouth shut … and not opening it until I ‘know it’s safe’ to speak freely. Granted, it’s a self imposed rule, but unfortunately, a necessary one ~

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

No, panels were attached that cover up the verses. The players still CHOOSE to rub it before game, right before a team prayer. Sigh.

In a world free of religion, what rules would no longer apply to you?

Varn comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The rule of keeping my mouth shut … and not opening it until I ‘know it’s safe’ to speak freely. Granted, it’s a self imposed rule, but unfortunately, a necessary one ~

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Rural northest Georgia. We've made national news before: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/atheist-groups-fight-religious-statue-georgia-high-school-football-field-article-1.1956397

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

Zster comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Do you mean "just sex" or dating/relationship with sex? I dated a guy at my restaurant job back in college and ended up happily married to him for twenty years. A few years later, I got intimate with a close friend at my current scientific job. I got cold feet, asked him to slow things down (he ...

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Yeah, I had no idea how emotionally unstable that guy was. I lived in fear for my family for a few years after and have not dated since. The kids are nearly grown, though... (:

What is your take on having a "higher power"?

KKGator comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I cannot explain why we are encouraged to believe in any kind of "higher power". Perhaps it's to propagate the notion that, individually, we are not enough on our own. Although, in all actuality, I think it might be precisely what you suggested: a plea for subjugation. Something which I want ...

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

I've thought that the founders meant exactly this, though success has been achieved without such a hand off of personal power. I suspect that what works for some is not the power pass at all. Looking back, my take on my own recovery was to get myself out of the way, since, at that moment, MY repeated attempts were failing. This allowed me to listen, to be inspired, and to take a much needed mental and physical break before modifying my approach and trying again. I am glad to say that I FOUND sobriety and am still living it, today.

In a world free of religion, what rules would no longer apply to you?

Varn comments on Jan 6, 2018:

The rule of keeping my mouth shut … and not opening it until I ‘know it’s safe’ to speak freely. Granted, it’s a self imposed rule, but unfortunately, a necessary one ~

Zster replies on Jan 6, 2018:

Same here, and for my kids. Teachers and other parents at school pose no small threat to my kids now. Getting blatant christianiyy out of the public schools would be super welcome.

To boost numbers on this site I think we could possibly share it on our facebook?

MsOliver comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I quietly promote the site to like minded friends, but can't blast it, because I teach in the Bible belt and if my atheism hits social media, I'd be risking my job and probably putting on target on my house.

Zster replies on Jan 2, 2018:

Same here. My FB followers are definitely on my do-not-tell list. I assume these share features would be optional?

What makes you break out your soapbox?

Kojaksmom comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Definitely the anti choice people. The other one would be "I don't use birth control because God plans my children thing" the stpidity of that makes my blood boil.

Zster replies on Jan 1, 2018:

Pro life but anti birth control? Seems like they WANT abortions to be an issue.

Are there any New Year traditions that you celebrate?

Zster comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I have usually made both, the corned beef and cabbage per family tradition AND peas and collards per the tradition of my residential region. However, that adds up to a lot of work on my last day off before returning to work. This year, we are thinking to start a new tradition of continuing the ...

Zster replies on Jan 1, 2018:

I adore the stuff, but can wait until March 27th, I think...

First thing you did this morning? January 1st

Zster comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Grabbed my aching head after waking up from a work nightmare. The sad part is that I DON'T drink alcohol. So, this is not a post revelry case. Any time my pharmacy changes lots of blood pressure or migraine medicine, I pay the price with a headache. I started a new bottle of bp meds yesterday, so ...

Zster replies on Jan 1, 2018:

Thanks! It's better now. (:

Religious Hypocrisy In the past I worked with this guy who was an Evangelical Christian and I was...

MsOliver comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Wait for them to age out and die? Seriously. The only thing that Trump said during the entire campaign that I'm convinced is true is that he could walk out onto 5th Avenue and kills someone and his supporters would still vote for him. The man can use our military to kill whoever he wants. He can...

Zster replies on Dec 31, 2017:

I know. It's scary finding out so many are quite possibly dangerously crazy.

Can you recommend a new hobby to me?

Zster comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Jewelry production: beading, wire work, metal or leather stamping, weaving, chain mail.

Zster replies on Dec 31, 2017:

Only beading so far, and have read up on wire caging. I hope to do more once my nest empties and I possibly retire from industry, freeing up some time.

Religious Hypocrisy In the past I worked with this guy who was an Evangelical Christian and I was...

MsOliver comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Wait for them to age out and die? Seriously. The only thing that Trump said during the entire campaign that I'm convinced is true is that he could walk out onto 5th Avenue and kills someone and his supporters would still vote for him. The man can use our military to kill whoever he wants. He can...

Zster replies on Dec 31, 2017:

Sadly, I agree. I absolutely do not understand it.

Religion is dangerous because it allows human beings who don't have all the answers to think that ...

Zster comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Playing devil's advocate, I have heard the religious say similar things about science. I think there is danger in ever thinking we have all of the answers and ceasing the pursuit of new knowledge.

Zster replies on Dec 28, 2017:

I am a scientist. I certainly don't think many (if any) answers lie in religion. I just cannot imagine ever being satisfied with what I or we know. Evidence needs scrutiny. It can be shocking what different conclusions can be drawn from one data set, depending on how it is presented or analyzed.

Zapped...

BobFenner comments on Dec 28, 2017:

"Necrodestination"

Zster replies on Dec 28, 2017:

I know!! Similar response here.

Sometimes it's the simple things we tend to overlook everyday that are the most "spiritual".

notmuch comments on Dec 28, 2017:

i would just like to connect with some like minded people ...i have atheist friends (very few) ... but yet i don't really care to be with them ... i guess animal cruelty is my main cause.... i see so much suffering and misery with animals and it seems like i'm the only one who cares... being ...

Zster replies on Dec 28, 2017:

Feel free to drop me a line. There's a reason that one word for unnecessary cruelty is INHUMANE. Such behavior should be beneath us as a species, sentinent as we are.

Sometimes it's the simple things we tend to overlook everyday that are the most "spiritual".

notmuch comments on Dec 28, 2017:

nature is as cruel as are humans... . it seems like i am the only person who feels the pain of a mouse or a fish and i don't understand how anyone can smile about a cat 'playing' with a mouse... or a live fish hanging on a hook - even being scaled and filleted alive..

Zster replies on Dec 28, 2017:

Nature is set up for cruelty by requiring the eating of other life to maintain life. This is one huge reason (for me) to not believe in a benevolent creator. If there IS a creator, he or she is a sadistic sick SOB...

World's First Sex Robot: A good or a bad idea?