The kids paradox

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I didn't have my first daughter until I was 43 so started late. I was fairly sure when turning 40 that the opportunity had past me by so was surprised and ultimately delighted when I ended up with not one but two. :-)

Original sin

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

It doesn't but I'm obviously missing the humour as I don't get the photo bit

Thoughts on kids? Have them? Want them? No!

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I have two daughters and nothing prepared me for the unconditional love I have for them both. I had to be involved with an abusive wife to do it but I wouldn't change a thing if meant not having my girls.

To what extent do you believe "with age comes wisdom?"

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I would say the adage is generally true but having made a catastrophic cock up in my 40's it certainly isn't an absolute :-)

I'm pleasantly surprised and a bit overwhelmed by responses to my post yesterday.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Safe travels, see you on the back side lol :-)

Have you ever dated someone that reminded you of one of your parents?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I've never dated anyone that looked like my mother, the fact that I've turned into my own parents, with a quirkier sense of humour, should be enough for any date without going out with someone who looks like them! :-0

What is your definition of God?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

God = The one size fits all answer to things we don't understand

Anyone believe in luck?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Good fortune can can happen to anyone but I believe the adage that harder you train/work the 'luckier' you get. Nice to here some Primus again, really love 'Winona's big brown beaver' :-)

God must be very busy with 2 trillion known galaxies in the universe with billions of planets in ...

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

The fact that he/she/it doesn't seem to give a toss about very much I don't suppose he's very busy all!

My dads on life support and the minister visits?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I would respect your dad's faith and the minister's devotion, to be flat out honest your personal opinion is largely irrelevant but I would have thought there should have been, or should be, private time if you wanted it.

Is there a non-cringy way of telling someone you think they look nice on a given day?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I like 'You scrub up well', probably explains why I'm single (well separated) lol

Is anyone watching the Olympics?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Been dipping in and out but love these big events :-)

What do you know well enough to teach others?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Depends on the level but Roman History & Autism. Bet you don't see that on a ven diagram very often lol

Would you rather never use social media sites / apps again or never watch another movie or TV show?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I use both because I can, but it wouldn't bother me particularly if I never did either again, I'd find other things to do and get involved in :-)

Would you rather have a horrible job, but be able to retire comfortably in 10 years or have your ...

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Do a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life, I'll take the latter :-)

I'd like throw down a new challenge

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I certainly like a challenge that's fun to try and do it keeps the brain cells ticking over while entertaining too. But as for the subject a tricky little thought but never say I backed away when others say I ought Do I believe in god? Which one did you have in mind? Same meat different gravy is what I tend to find There's plenty to pick from but which one should I choose It all so bloody complicated it'll drive me to the booze I know, I'll pick a nice one but that's proving tough as well You know where this one's going and it has to rhyme with hell They're all so all encompassing, to some they have no flaw, but to me they all seem samey and I just cannot be sure. Oh what to do or where to go the answer must come soon but I just can't find the difference as they hum the same old tune. I think I'm best without one, that seems what I'll do now, I can be all the things I want to be without the need to bow It's certainly a freedom to live without restriction, but with others who still believe there's a certain amount of friction But I say to hell with them, sorry old habits are hard to shed but I can't resits the next line too, I'll go where angels fear to tread. Hope you liked this ditty It's the best that I could do, If in doubt, as I was once, become an atheist too.

I'll Pray for you. Building bridges between Theist and Atheist.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Your response was the same as I would give. If someone prayed for me I would be appreciative for the thought. I can't pray for anybody or anything but that doesn't mean I can't keep them in my thoughts and wish them well. Compassion should be an integral part of the human condition irrespective of what or who you do or don't believe in.

The Science of Swearing: A new book explains the neuroscience of why we swear

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I tend to find that most days it doesn't take very long before I start using the word 'fuck' like a comma and I couldn't give a prize wank if a woman swears (that might not translate very well lol), it's the context and constructive use of the profanity that works not the ignorant use of it that makes it either effective or offensive. IMHFO lol :-)

You are attracted... but then?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I've honestly never had that experience I don't think, sure I would have remembered lol

So is there anyone on this site that likes heavier music? Tell me your favorite bands!

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

The list would be extensive but to name a few: Rammstein, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Disturbed, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Wildhearts, Gojira, Halestorm, AC/DC, Ramones, Led Zep

Conspiracy theories?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Generally speaking I don't, for conspiracy read lack of evidence, but some are quite interesting and thought provoking or flat out funny. But your observation re CIA, MI5/6 et al being unable to organise a piss up in a brewery generally holds true. I would also think that a proper conspiracy wouldn't necessarily be known in the public domain.

Cremation or burial for your funeral?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I'd probably go with cremation just so I don't burden my children with the upkeep of a grave, they can always keep me in a jar on the mantle piece should they so choose but I do quite like the argument for burial given by Neil de Grasse Tyson.

What is your highest level of education?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Not entirely sure how the UK system translates but I don't have a Masters so assume my BA (Hons) is the one below :-)

What and or where, is your Utopia?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Any time spent with my daughters, a bit slushy perhaps but there is nothing that brings me greater joy or contentment :-)

Ghosts are as mythical as God but what if an atheist believes in Ghosts.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

As I've become more settled and comfortable with being an atheist I have found any 'belief' in anything supernatural falling away, ghosts included

At what age did you first have a skepticism about the existence of gods?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

As soon as I was old enough to start thinking and questioning, for me that was 8 or 9 years old. Even the most basic bible stories and 'facts' didn't seem to stand up to even an 8 or 9 year old's scrutiny. And it all grew from there but it has taken a few years and a lot of reading to reach the conclusion my instincts told me many years before.

How challenging is it to be an atheist parent?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

My daughter would appear to have the same reservations that I had at her age, namely 10. She knows I'm an atheist but was brought up a Catholic and all I say to her is you'll find your own way. I try to be even handed, explaining where certain religions are coming from and the difficulties I have with it, but hopefully I'll teach her how to think not what to think and that critical thinking will have her arrive at the same place I am only sooner. And if she did come home one day touting a crucifix I won't love her any less but I may draw the line at burning giant crosses in the back garden? :-)

What are you here for?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Found it on Facebook so am giving it a whirl. Nice to hang with like minded souls....er people rather. I may be wrong but wouldn't have thought any connection will go any further than here, either romantic or otherwise. I was also wondering about the points, having just passed the thousand I was thinking I may be on a par with Radogast the Brown?

Okay single folks, how are you spending Valentine's day?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 13, 2018:

It'll just be a normal working day. I've never received many Valentine's cards even when I was married (bit of a clue as to past tense) so don't expect tomorrow to be any different. But then again I may be surprised, if I am I hope she leaves a sizable clue, I'm really useless at spotting who likes me (see ex wife thing again!) lol

Starman 'driving' a Red Tesla Roadster Poll

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I think the whole thing was really cool and the two Falcon 9's successfully landing back on earth was straight out of the original Flash Gordon, the drone ship one less so but i do hope the film survived for the blooper reel :-)

Finding you

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I didn't have a particularly good grip on it from the day I was born lol

What Happens to Your Brain When You Stop Believing in God - Tonic

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Not sure, I don't think I ever really have so can't tell the difference :-)

Just for laughs :)

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Very good. It could also be the face when the believers misquote him....again lol

Why does society focus on looks instead of knowledge?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I agree having had a similar existence by the sound of it. All I can say is that as I've got older I find women more attractive the more I've got to know them, not much help I'm afraid, but there's obviously a lot more to attraction than the facial as I've taken a long time to find out. I'm a glass half full person so hope springs eternal, i hope it does for you even though it does grind you down a bit :-)

Where is the most beautiful place near where you live?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I live on the Isle of Wight which has coastline all around and not very far away either so there are some great views to be had especially sunrise to the east and sunsets to the west (Obviously east and west I know!) but the chalk cliffs on the south side are pretty spectacular, especially in stormy weather :-)

Why can't I stop worring about everything

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Perhaps it's just a case of prioritising. Sometimes the little things really don't matter as much as you let them. But it's also about learning to have or develope a 'shit happens' mentality. It could also be about learning to relax and breath, a clear mind will usually find solutions, a stressed one won't.

Do you believe in “ true love” is that such a thing ?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Assuming you're talking about boy/girl love I would say yes. Life may seem to muddy the waters around it but I would generally agree :-)

What are some things you’re not able to tolerate as you get older?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Stupidity and ignorance. But fortunately as my intolerance grows so does my inner zen, thus allowing me to treat it with a new found total and complete contempt lol :-)

I stole this one from another site.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

You can't rationalise that kind of ignorance. So long as she's happy with that belief and it doesn't harm others let her get on with it.

Vegan vs non-vegan diet for babies

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Assuming you're reasonably sane you raise your children in a way that means they will learn basic right from wrong and be able to fit in and contribute to society as they grow. It's about teaching them how to think not what to think then when they're adults hopefully they can make up their own minds. Are you imposing your will? Yes obviously, otherwise the child would have no instruction or direction, a computers no good unless you load stuff to make it function, but hopefully this 'imposing' is done out of love and doesn't harm or damage but helps them flourish. Yes there are exceptions, yes there are caveats, but if it isn't done in a malicious way what's the problem.

Dating after 50

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I think you just about summed it up lol I would also add, and I'm not being sexist as I've only seen female profiles, there is usually of huge list of what they don't like, thus the bar is set so high it's no wonder they don't have anyone. The other one that amuses/irritates me is that prospective dates must be of a minimum height, I.e must be at least 5'10", not because they themselves are tall but because they obviously think this clearly filters out the twats.

People actually think the planet is 2018 years old today | Metro

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Of course it is!

There is no agnostic vs. atheist! The peeve I have...

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I watched a lot of debates on Youtube around definitions etc, There seems to be this need to try and trip someone up regarding a meaning or definition so that they can do the 'A-ha!' and sweep away everything you believe in. What is promoted as intelligent discourse turns out to be intellectual mumbo-jumbo that leaves everybody tied up in knots! For me it's quite simple. I see no evidence to believe in the existence of a god or gods and so don't and you are welcome to define any label you like for me, I couldn't care less :-)

Finding you

ipdg77 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Raised a Catholic and so got roped into all the stuff you do when you're young and at school but it never took hold, from as early as I can remember it always seemed flawed, it lacked consistency and coherence. I've always been interested in the subject of religions and find it a fascinating subject but I haven't come across one yet that made any sense and to be honest I'm not likely too as it doesn't.

When a church is destroyed by an “act of god” like lightning or earthquake, could the insurance ...

ipdg77 comments on Feb 10, 2018:

I don't know if it's used all the time but a lot of insurances do not cover 'Force major' which very roughly means 'Act of God' in French. But there are a few problems. In a totally secular society the 'Act of God' can't be recognised. In no case is the God for whom the act is attributed actually named. And finally who would have final arbitration over what constitutes an 'Act of God' without seeking clarification from the God in question. So I shall return to the ski jumping from the Winter Olympics where I'm sure no god interferes because if one of the jumpers f***s up his jump he will come a cropper when he lands :-)

I have yet to find a decent refutation of the argument that the religion people follow is aligned to...

ipdg77 comments on Feb 10, 2018:

I think it's not so much geographic location as culture. I was born into and raised by a white, British, Christian family because that;s what they were. Had I been born to a Zoroastrian couple I would have been raised with Zoroastrian beliefs and so on. What I choose to believe as an adult is totally different and in my case has come from investigation and critical thinking.

Funeral without religion?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 10, 2018:

In the UK you can have a totally secular/non religious funeral if you so choose. You have a celebrant who conducts the event and it includes what you want. I guess a relative could try and totally change things but you can leave clear instructions that nobody has the authority to change anything. I would hope that nobody would interfere and add anything religious to my funeral as this would make any celebration totally meaningless

Can an atheist be happy for the future

ipdg77 comments on Feb 10, 2018:

I view my future as being on this earth. As for a future afterlife who knows, there's no evidence to suggest one but I don't control what happens after I die. As for atheists being more open to depression, I would have the opposite was true, but depression itself I wouldn't have thought was normally based around religious (non) beliefs.

If money were not an issue, what is one thing you would do in your community to help the ...

ipdg77 comments on Feb 10, 2018:

I would set up a woodwork room/area for learning disabled adults and pay them a living wage to come along (And due diligence done so it doesn't bugger up their benefits) we would also be using recycled wood to do community friendly projects and refurbs.

Hey everyone! I'm new here! Have an amazing weekend!

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

You too Sandra :-)

I never answer the "what if you're wrong?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

If I ended up being wrong and a god did exist I'd just tell him/her/it that they did a piss poor job of convincing me of their existence

Who else has seen Ken Ham debate Bill Nye?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Ham, like a great many others of his ilk, come out with the biggest load of arse gravy (Thank you Stephen Fry for that phrase)

It's official I will be at slayers final tour concert.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I've seen two fo the five you mention so just enjoy :-)

Who else gets annoyed by soap operas?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I don't watch that sort of shit so they don't annoy me at all :-)

What is your favorite book or book series?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Dune :-)

Does anyone here still like "religious" type music. ie; "Amazing Grace" or "When the Saints?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Sure, I think Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) is fantastic but while a song, even an overtly religious song, might be moving it's not the divine that moves me :-)

Who is your favorite band to see live?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I love live music, metal to be specific, but Rammstein are something to behold :-)

Do you have a nerdy side?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Hell Yes!!!!!!

Happy Friday

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Thx Delilah, you too :-)

Double entendre: Erotica Intentional or Not?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

It's all bullshit so it doesn't matter how it's depicted

Did you know Jesus is a metaphor for the “Sun”?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I hadn't heard this because, at best, it's highly debatable

Being Completely Honest, Is There A Bible Or Cross Anywhere In Your Home Right Now?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I have various religious texts knocking around for reference but they're not there for my guidance or spiritual fulfilment. I'm currently sitting on a rug with sections of the Qu'ran woven into it, it's a great rug from a great holiday experience but Allah has nothing to do with it (for me)

What is your take on Satanism? a taboo subject never as far as I know reported in the media.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

It's as bogus as a religion as it proports a belief in a supernatural being, be it a god or a goat.

Recent Converts

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I was baptised a Catholic but couldn't rationalise religion as soon as I could think for myself. I was about 8 or 9 and was thinking this doesn't make sense, that feeling never changed and I've never believed in god(s) although have gone thru the motions for various reasons at various times. I guess I truly cleared the decks after 9/11, if I had any doubts before that I didn't after. From that I've just become a bit more vocal and resistant to the easy cultural habit of acceptance in the divine. I rarely miss a chance to challenge religion in all it's forms and I really am way more settled with myself than I've ever been.

I just got called a "progtard" on another site.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I've never heard the term 'Progtard', if it was used as an insult to me it would pass me by lol Could it mean a combination of Progressive & Retard? That's an oxymoron from a complete moron :-)

Have you ever seen the rain coming down on a sunny day?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

It makes rainbows :-)

Why do you reject the idea of religion?

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

The answer to this question was best done by Matt Dillahunty, 'This shit makes no sense' enough said :-)

I have many arguments by which I debunk the bible, but Amethyst_love showed me a fresh one.

ipdg77 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

The whole Noah's Ark thing has been debunked so many times but blind faith is just that. I would have to disagree about there not being any dinosaurs, there was one, and you know who and what I mean lol I would also suggest that if there had been a brontosaurus on the ark the story would be known as Noah Drowned lol