Space debris.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:

When I was in the business (satellite operations), we had a catalog of around 17,000 objects the size of a man's fist, or larger. The number today is over 23,000 and growing rapidly. Most of this debris is in low earth orbit where the ISS operates. Of course, orbits are determined by the mission, and can vary widely in altitude, inclination and direction of travel. There's a lot more 'willy nilliness' than we may realize. Here's a couple of useful videos, but the models may be deceiving when it comes to scale ... there's a lot of space out there! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVov8o9x0yI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kBHaFcg0Z4

I see this magazine is still around.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Biblical Archeology? Never read it. Sounds like it might be similar to Biblical History or Biblical Astronomy. In other words, oxymoronic.

Report: Anti-Intellectual Christian Terrorists Destroyed Classical World

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:

This headline reads like a tabloid. Terrorists? Seriously? There can be no doubt that, following the Council of Nicea called by the Emperor Constantine in 325, a significant purge of non-canonical writings occurred, and that this spread to so-called pagan writings, helping to usher in a period of relative intellectual stagnation. We should also be grateful for the schism in Christianity that split the east (orthodox) church from the west (Roman Catholic). Without it, the writings of the ancients may have been lost to history. As to the Christians today, they are a pathetic and ineffectual lot, whose efforts will eventually fail miserably. These two-faced idiots should be deprived of all the advancements of science and technology that they exploit, while at the same time angrily criticizing. No medicines, vehicles, computers, phones, etc. Return them to the dark ages where they belong.

The inconsistencies of Christianity.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Saints don't freaking exist, except in New Orleans!

I visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum today.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:

The 'just a theory' trope is very tired and needs to be put to rest. The claim reflects a complete lack of understanding on the part of the religionist of what a scientific theory actually is. In this case, the contributors to Wikipedia appear to have summarized the topic very well. "A scientific theory is an explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can be repeatedly tested, in accordance with the scientific method, using a predefined protocol of observation and experiment. Established scientific theories have withstood rigorous scrutiny and embody scientific knowledge. The definition of a scientific theory (often contracted to theory for the sake of brevity) as used in the disciplines of science is significantly different from the common vernacular usage of the word theory. In everyday speech, theory can imply that something is an unsubstantiated and speculative guess, the opposite of its meaning in science. These different usages are comparable to the opposing usages of prediction in science versus common speech, where it denotes a mere hope."

Global Warming Linked to Higher Suicide Rates across North America - A new study suggests.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Fascinating. And even on a micro (annual) level, suicide rates go up during the spring and summer months, not during the winter, as many seem to believe. Thanks for sharing this one!

Just to make it clear.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Bravo Zulu to you for your integrity and honesty ... NEGAT Bravo Zulu on your brevity. Peace.

Not sure where to post this but think it's about right for me anyway. [youtu.be]

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Well ... an inebriated good evening to you too! ;-)

Does the bible unwittingly promote Atheism?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

One of my favorite quotes comes from Robert Green Ingersoll, the Great Agnostic of the 19th century: "All that is necessary, as it seems to me, to convince any reasonable person that the Bible is simply and purely of human invention, of barbarian invention, is to read it. Read it as you would any other book; think of it as you would of any other; get the bandage of reverence from your eyes; drive from your heart the phantom of fear; push from the throne of your brain the cowled form of superstition then read the Holy Bible, and you will be amazed that you ever, for one moment, supposed a being of infinite wisdom, goodness and purity, to be the author of such ignorance and of such atrocity." The Gods, 1876

Myers-Briggs Personality Type?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Classic ENTJ here.

Is Doubt a Sin?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

The question should be, is there such a thing as "sin?"

Conversely, as rock bands go: Who was the worst replacement for any band?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

When Michael McDonald took over for ailing Tom Johnston, the Doobie Brothers became a different band, and I personally didn't care for their sound after that. But others did, and so it basically comes down to taste. Bands inevitably morph and reinvent themselves, and more often than not, make more fans when they add new members, or pivot in their style. It's difficult to imagine Journey without Steve Perry, Fleetwood Mac without Christie McVie and Stevie Nicks, or Dream Theater without James Labrie. Some hardcore fans of the early Genesis sound regretted Peter Gabriel's departure, but drummer Phil Collins was a diamond in the rough. Speaking of talented drummers, I wonder what it was like for Dave Grohl to be overshadowed for as long as he was.

As an agnostic/athiest how do you go about getting married or having a wedding?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

City Hall is just as good a place as any church. We should remind ourselves that marriage was an economic contract, typically arranged by the parents, before religion co-opted it.

Conversely, as rock bands go: Who was the worst replacement for any band?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

So when David Lee Roth left to make his movie (which never was made) and start a solo career, who would you have replaced him with? Like Ronnie Montrose after Sammy Hagar left the band that bore his name, Eddie and Alex didn't think Van Halen's run was finished (disagreeing with their record label), and their first album with Sammy, 5150, was their biggest seller. Now I have "I can't drive 55" as an ear worm ... thanks for reminding me of Sammy! ;-)

I have to admit, if I had nine lives, I'd probably stick my butthole in your face too.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

A bartender says to his customer, "Sir, I think you've had enough for the evening." To which, the customer replied, "I'm not drunk, and to prove it, I can clearly see that one-eyed cat coming in the door." The bartender responds, "Sir, that cat is going out the door."

People don't kill people. God does, through "Free Will"

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Once again, for the umpteenth time, we have the 'argument from the Problem of Evil.' The 'freewill' concept is distraction.

Why do people on the Left have such a problem acknowledging that Western Civilization is superior to...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

"Western Civilization is superior to all others?" "...based on almost every possible metric?" Do tell.

Good evening peeps! I am new to this site! With hopes of reading intelligent posts, have pleasants ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Clearly you have set a high bar! We can only hope that you will not be disappointed. In the universe of free thought, there is much room for interpretation. Peace.

I was in an argument about dr.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

What would it matter? Please tell me! Dr. Oz is clearly a modern day example of a successful self promoter. It is hard to label him a pseudo scientist when he is not, in reality, a scientist of any kind ... he's merely a physician. Consider that some regard Ben Carson, who was a talented brain surgeon, as a man of science, but whose world view is nothing less than insane! Personally, and this is just my opinion, I would sooner accept the advice of a tarot card reader than I would the council of hucksters like Dr. Oz!

How convinced are you?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

"How convinced are you?" Based on this post, I remain unconvinced, if not, unimpressed. Point 1: What you call ‘anti-spirituality’ is not congruent with unbelief, or atheism. Point 2: The level of one’s conviction (i.e. ‘how convinced’ one may be) might appear important, but this metric can vary. One day a true believer may have deep doubts about the existence of God, while at the same time an avowed atheist may wonder if there is a grain of truth in those ancient belief systems. Point 3: Order in the universe and the existence of gods or a deity do not mean the same thing. Order, which is inherently subjective, could arise naturally. Point 4: Your question, ‘how deeply does that inform your views of life itself?’ is not answerable. Seriously? How deeply? Life itself? One may as well answer, “the number 42.” Your question is in line with what Daniel Dennett has labeled a ‘deepity,’ which is to say, a statement [or, in this case, a question] that appears profound, but actually asserts a triviality on one level and something meaningless on another.

Huge fires are burning all over the world, including the Arctic Circle.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

It isn't simply the heat of the day, or 'highs' that are the problem, but the nighttime lows. Firefighters have been noticing for quite some time now, that low temperatures during the night are rising, to a greater percentage than the daytime highs. This means that, in many cases, the dew point may not be reached, dry fuel is not moistened and the forest fire is not 'tamped down' during the night. It is possible that we've been focusing on an incomplete set of metrics, and that the rising daily (or nightly) lows offer even more compelling evidence of climate change.

Do you remember your dreams?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Always 'Technicolor.' For me, black and white belongs to my grandparents. Frequently I am flying, and sometimes I hear German and Italian, which understand fairly well, but speak poorly. No repeat locations or scenes, even when flying. I always remember the dream within the first few minutes of wakening, but soon lose the entire narrative and visualization. I have attempted lucid (or intentional) dreaming with some success, yet the setting (point of departure) always appears different.

Alberta scientists develop memory potentially exceeding hard drive capacity 1,000-fold - Edmonton | ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

If proven, we have yet another example of Moore's law in action ... but in this instance, on steroids.

Not really looking for advice but I just found out my ex-husband passed away today.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

My first thought is for your children who, regardless of their relationship with their father at the time, may experience at some future period, a range of emotions. The term 'closure' is, in my opinion, a fallacy. Finality never fully occurs, and the so-called term of 'closure' is not actually achievable. Events and circumstances that we've processed and worked through have a sinister way of resurrecting themselves. No matter the hours (and dollars) spent in therapy and counseling, we remain capable of revisiting the past and replaying those hours in our minds.

One of the best phrases i've ever seen...."Your God is a poor excuse for a human being." ;)

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

That's a great quote ... do you know who first said it? I am reminded of this one, by the 'Great Agnostic,' Robert Green Ingersoll: "No god was ever in advance of the nation that created him."

A conversation with a friend yesterday , his favorite answer to everything is ' god ' or ' the ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

I like to consider myself a conversationalist--one who listens as well as he speaks--but I leave that to the judgment of others. My ROEs begin with this--come away from a conversation knowing more about what your counterpart thinks than they do about you. Allow them to feel the imbalance, and voluntarily seek connection with you, before you offer unsolicited information about yourself. And if, after several opportunities, even in the course of a first meeting, they seem less interested in your journey or world view, than they appear about telling (or retelling) their own, the likelihood that a lasting and meaningful relationship based on genuine and heartfelt conversations is greatly diminished.

Lets talk PDA...Public display of affection. Do you mind it?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

"As long as there is not allot of kids around but otherwise go for it!" Why not? How is it unhealthy for kids to see public displays of affection? Are children made more loving by limiting their exposure?

Gene editing is GM, says European Court The European Court of Justice has ruled that genetically...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Unlike climate change, the negative reaction to GMOs comes largely from the left, and at times resembles a religious movement, more than it does a fact-based, scientifically argued position.

Greek Orthodox Leader Blames Atheist Prime Minister for Deadly Wildfires – Friendly Atheist

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Yes, and the televangelist Pat Robertson, who is a huge fan of the current irreligious President, said that hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters were God's wrath in direct response to abortionists, gays and lesbians. The orthodox rant that God visits disasters upon innocent people as punishment for their sins makes of their God an immoral monster. Why is it that these horrible crimes seem never to be perpetrated by a devil, but by a punitive, petty, narcissistic God? Is it perhaps because the most outspoken and orthodox are, in character, just like the so-called prophets of old? In other words, they are no different than their God?

National Geographic The religiously unaffiliated, called "nones," are growing significantly.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

I've been seeing this for some time, first noticing it in the lives of my kids, both of whom are unchurched millennials, as are all of their friends. The religious right in America is in the midst of making a desperate play for significance in the public sphere, but even this is a last gasp, as subsequent generations tend to be more skeptical of religious authority, more cosmopolitan in their world views, and in general, more secular in their thinking. It will take a little longer here for the churches to empty, as they have in northern Europe, but it will eventually come to that.

I'm still new here so maybe I'm not acclimated.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

You make a fair point, and if my hostility (as a nullifidian) toward religious faith in general, and organized religion in particular, makes it appear that I am unable to recognize distinctions, I apologize. As many (including yourself) have observed, the category of religion is a very broad term. It is much like the word ‘weapon,’ which ranges from non-lethal (such as pepper spray) to genocidal (hydrogen bomb). That said, nearly every religious system may be weaponized under radical extremism--of course, I'd be less concerned in the presence of an extremist Quaker than I would a radical Islamist.

I think I'm failing at parenting. My kid just turned off Tom Petty to put on Billy Idol. ?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Seriously? If your kid is listening to Billy Idol (in favor of Tom Petty) he/she is way more retro than most, and you most certainly are not failing. My goal in life was to impress my kids with the music of my youth ... Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, early Genesis and wild and crazy bands like the Tubes. I was blown away when my son bought me tickets to a Dream Theater concert, and my daughter joined a David Bowie cover band in college! The good stuff bridges many generations. And in turn, my kids helped introduce me to Radiohead, Tool and Beck.

Various funnies!

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Good laughs ... thank you!

Personally, I think Hobbes had it down.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

People need to give up rights? Are you perhaps conflating 'rights' with 'privilege?' If so, I might be persuaded to consider your argument. Can you provide the Hobbesian reference to support your premise? I could not find it. Your final sentence is fodder for another discussion.

Thanks Texas

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Wait ... isn't the Atheist Experience show headquartered in Austin? Perhaps Matt Dillahunty should invite the Governor onto their show!

So I've been told that I can't enter heaven until Jesus enters me...lmao

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Well, to be honest, we must also go through him ... at least, according to the gospel of John. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 (NIV) So who's entering whom here, and why does it matter?

Hey everyone.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Great book by an excellent author ... welcome! Cheers.

Religion is a harmful addiction.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

I find myself in agreement with @RobLes. Religion is the ultimate placebo, which the image you've provide clearly ignores. Karl Marx's 'opiate of the masses' quote comes from a period in history when the throne propped up the altar, and vice versa--the two were in league with one another, and the public were incredibly ignorant and undervalued. Education replaces the need for opiates, and religion begins to fade in significance.

Animals are emotional beings too.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Is there any doubt? At this moment, I'm looking into the eyes of my companion animal, a wonderful rescue dog whose been diagnosed with cancer, and who is wasting away before my eyes. And yet, she is still the same friend, the same walking partner, the same family member that we've had for more than 10 years. She is thrilled to see us when we get home, and happy to curl up next to us for a nap. She asks for little, yet gives so much, and our family has been blessed by her in so many ways. On the day I received the news I took this photo of a sign our vet had on the wall ... words that resonate.

GOP Candidate Claims the Founding Fathers Put “One Nation Under God” in the Pledge – Friendly ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

There has to be a point, and trust me, I don't know where exactly it is, when people begin to awaken. A time where those who truly care about the future finally begin rub their eyes and open their ears, and suddenly become aware of the madness that occupies a disproportionate amount of today's headlines. For the past several years I've lowered the bar, but I'm beyond believing that a 'new low' is impossible!

I was watching Jim Jeffries and he made a hilariously good point about circumcision.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

A barbaric custom, particularly when viewed in the light of 1 Samuel 18:27. After all, what is the point? When it comes to this particular topic, both genders have an opinion, and men are particularly sensitive to the input of women as it relates to their desire to possess the so-called 'perfect penis.'

Tired of the religious US? Where would you want to move to?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

I really don't want to move ... I'm f’ing tired of moving. Like @lerlo I would prefer that the changes occur here, in this country, rather than feeling the need to leave. And you know, if the United States could produce Robert Green Ingersoll, the 'Great Agnostic' who filled auditoriums in the late 19th century while railing against religion and a belief in gods, it would seem likely that a Renaissance of unbelief awaits. A hopeful plaintive? Perhaps.

Is gaslighting abuse?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Your initial question requires no debate. All are aware, or should be, that to manipulate another human being through psychological means that calls into question their own sanity, is inherently wrong.

If you could bring back one atheist who and why me bertrand russell such a nice guy no malice in ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

What? As your question is a non sequitur, please restate it grammatically in English that we may all understand. Perhaps after you've had the opportunity to sober up. Thank you!

Globalization "Globalization is a complicated issue.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

As a child of the 60’s and a huge fan of Gene Roddenberry, I share the vision of a one world government, or ’united Earth.’ Granted, it would seem to take an external threat to unite us, but having lived abroad and visited other continents, I am more aware of our similarities, as opposed to our differences. The world is becoming smaller, and its problems can no longer be firewalled. Even the most vehement xenophobe must come to the realization that, in order to prevent what he/she fears—mass migration—the global community must come together to provide the means required to not only allow all to remain in their place of birth, supporting their family and local community, but to enable them to flourish. This is not a ‘relief effort’ or ‘humanitarian aid’ but a path toward economic independence. There are models of success upon which to build, and we are wasting valuable lives and time waiting for spontaneity. Globalization is not the bogeyman; on the contrary, it is isolationism.

Anyone interested in going for a beer with me?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Love the pubs in England, tied or free! Wish I could be there now ... cheers!

The Humanist Dilemma: Is Tolerance Intolerable? - TheHumanist.com

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

“How can we tolerate people whose sincerely held beliefs include the conviction that certain individuals and groups should not flourish or exist because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, position on women’s rights, poverty, etc.—particularly if those people are inclined to act on their beliefs in ways that encroach on our own?” This is a poignant question. And herein lies a paradox—both extremes, it seems to me, view all of this as a zero sum game, and resort to similar tactics to 'hegemonize' their views and to stifle criticism. The far left and far right are closer than those of us who champion reason, moderation and consideration realize. Rather than occupying two ends of a linear spectrum, these extremes are like the two heels of a horseshoe, closer to one another than to the middle.

At what point in your life did you decide religion was a load of horse pucky?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

I was a late bloomer ... about my 50th birthday.

Hiya I'm new to this site.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

So, you're from 'Forney.' Great conversation starter!

This is my understanding.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

I would also add that theists on the whole believe in an interactive god—one who takes an interest in humanity and will, on occasion, act. This I do not believe. But there may also be a ‘middle ground’ in deity ideology: Deism. My avatar, like a number of his Revolutionary contemporaries, was a deist who believed that the creator (or nature's god), having made this universe and the laws governing it, moved on to other things, never to be heard from or observed. Thomas Paine eschewed all faiths. To him, religion was a fabrication of man, utterly lacking in moral authority, and it is left entirely up to people to right wrongs and make a better world. Consider a world of Deism without holy books, no prophets, no doctrines or creeds, no miracles and no clergy. Now I could live with that!

Anybody else put their head in their hands and just say ‘how can this be possible’ whenever they...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Historians of the future may look back at the collective wisdom of Ken Ham, Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron, to name a few, and marvel at its breathtaking absurdity.

I have noticed some incredibly sloppy and prejudiced thought on this site lately.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

So, a message like this may be interpreted in several ways, and reminds me of the teacher who scolds the entire class for the behavior of a few. In the absence of specifics, all are inclined to dismiss the admonishment, including those to whom the reproach was made. The bottom line here is this: please endeavor to practice what you preach. Sloppy is as sloppy does.

Was there Russian collusion?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

I have yet to see any hard, scientific data on the risks of GMOs, and am inclined to group the anti-GMO crowd with the anti-vax'ers. That said, while the jury is still out on 'collusion,' we need not waste our time debating over Russian attempts to interfere in our elections. For me at least, I see no reason to connect the two issues in this manner.

Artificial Intelligence Shows Why Atheism Is Unpopular - The Atlantic

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Interesting! In Europe, attitudes toward diversity and pluralism are being reexamined, due to the influx of migrant refugees. Meanwhile, the US has shown its anti-pluralism colors of late, but is also deficient in education and, worse, appears to champion this deficiency. Of all the statistics gathered during the 2016 election cycle, the one that struck me was the association between educational level and the party / candidate one voted for. In each case, the difference was greater than 2:1. Since when did it become elitist to aspire to higher education?

How old were you when you lost your faith? (If this applies of course)

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

I was a late bloomer ... somewhere around the age of 50.

Not religious, but spiritual? Really?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

The problem we may have here is that we're working with a limited vocabulary. When you only have one word for something, you're unlikely to have a nuanced conversation. For instance, when I gaze through my telescope at our 'neighbor' Andromeda, and consider that the photons touching my eye took 2.5 million years to reach me, or when I look at a nebula which resulted from a supernova, and realize that such explosions were necessary to provide the building blocks of life, I feel deeply and 'spiritually' connected to the universe. Until such time as a better word may arise, I have no problem using 'spiritual' to describe those moments of awe and wonder I have about the natural world.

If Jesus was a real person, was he the first magician?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Long before the invention of organized religion, there were (and still are) shamans, or what were pejoratively called 'witch doctors.' It would seem likely that these were among the first 'magicians.'

Assuming the Christian god were real, and his biblical description is accurate; how is it that an ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Those are some extreme assumptions, but suffice to say, an omnipotent entity could pretty much do anything it wishes, right? As I see it, the Christian faith is founded on three moral outrages which pretty much scandalize the entire enterprise: 1. That guilt can be inherited, or passed down to later generations. The concept of original sin rests on the hideous notion that we all bear the stain of Adam's choice to eat an apple! Seriously? By what right does a church make such an immoral assertion and insist that we are born with this impurity? 2. That a substitute may be inserted to serve in the place of the guilty. The Christian belief rests on the story of an innocent person being sentenced to death in order to 'atone' for the ‘sins’ of all. What would we say today if, at the public execution of a convicted murderer, the governor were to accept the offer of substitution by an innocent citizen with a death wish? “Well,” says the governor, “a murder was committed and somebody has to pay, so it might as well be you.” And yet such absurdity is foundational to the Christian system. 3. That a deity or supernatural being would debauch a teenage maiden in order to produce a half-man, half-god ‘savior of mankind.’ Of all the absurdities found in religion, this story is by far the most inane. Gods mating with humans? How original! And what, after all, are the genetic constituents here? What would a paternity test have revealed? What, after all, is in a god’s DNA? And so it is upon these three absurd, immoral and indefensible principles that the Christian faith was founded. And the faithful wonder why so many have chosen to walk away.

The Age of American Unreason in a Culture of Lies

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

I have Susan Jacoby's original Age of American Unreason, as well as her book Freethinkers. She's an excellent author.

Could Obama run again in 2020?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

The 22nd Amendment would prevent this.

How many different religions, sects or denominations of a religion have you tried before you made ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

Two and a half.

From what i understand it means that you put your socks on before your shoes and so you should do ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

The universe of octonions seems very strange ... to me at least!

“An almond doesn’t lactate:” FDA to crack down on use of the word “milk” | Ars Technica

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

This is absurd! We have plant milk and we have animal milk. The entire planet recognizes this, and no one is confused. Once again, the FDA has demonstrated its weakness to industry lobbies.

Good evening, Kraftwerk / Guten Abend Kraftwerk, guten Abend Stuttgart! - YouTube

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

Ich liebe Deutschland und Kraftwerk auch. Danke schön!

Ever have a conversation on science take a sharp turn into pseudoscience?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

I would simply ask her what accredited institution offers such a degree.

A few questions for Atheists out there.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

What made you become an Atheist? Logic. Arguments. Robert Green Ingersoll's work. The problem of evil. And so on ... it was a gradual progression. Are there any other members in your family who are atheists or did you become one independently? I'm the only nonbeliever in my clan, and I came about it thoroughly independently. Have you told your family about your religous [sic] thoughts and what did they say? No, my family remains unaware. Peace!

At what age did you start to begin questioning god(s)/religion?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 23, 2018:

As a teen ... perhaps 15 years of age. But I suppressed my doubts, which did not fully re-emerge for another 35 years.

"Animals have only one life that is just as important to them as ours is to us".

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

We have teeth in our mouths genetically designed to tear flesh from bone. We are omnivores, and like it or not, meat has always been an option for our species. Should we eat meat every day? Probably not. Should we learn more about where our meat comes from? Absolutely. But vegetarianism is not my path, and I have no qualms about that choice.

A Breif History of Religion

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

Alas, this is not all that funny.

So fellow unbelievers...what do you think about Astrology? Also a load of nonsense?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

As an amateur astronomer, knowing the signs of the zodiac, as they pertain to the constellations and the precession of the equinoxes is clearly important, but that is all I pay attention to. Believers in astrology are not too different from religious adherents, or those who believe in fortune telling, healing magnets, conspiracy theories, homeopathic treatments, anti-vaxers and anti-GMO'ers.

Certainly doesn't surprise me.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

You actually helped demonstrate the point of the study behind this article, namely "the psychology behind what makes people want to share content." Nice work!

Given that assimilation and appropriation of external culture traits/features is a means through ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

We probably need to remind ourselves that culture, no matter how one defines it, is a choice. As a social construct, culture is not part of our DNA, and may be adopted, shaped or abandoned, as one wishes.

Utopia?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

Assuming this lifestyle is desired, what kind of societal engineering would it take to make the single-income homeowner with a pension a reality? What would need to occur in order to really ‘make America great again’ not for whites only, but for all?

What happens after deaths accordingly to you.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

If there is a realm of existence beyond bodily death, it would be a purely natural production and not the result of some supernatural deity. There are some who accept the theory of evolution while at the same time believing in the existence of a soul that continues in the afterlife. To these ‘troubled souls’ I would ask, when in our evolutionary development did this condition arise? Did early hominids have souls? Is Lucy’s still out there, having roamed the African plain for the past 3 million years? Were there early crude, undeveloped or vestigial souls that, like George Carlin’s ‘Frisbeetarians’ whose souls get stuck on the roof, didn’t quite make it to immortality? What about other animals? The entire soul idea can be a huge time waster—a distraction from what should be our primary focus: the present, and this one life we have.

I find it difficult to remain friends with someone who is intellectually dishonest.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

How is this behavior intellectually dishonest? Sounds more like the admissions of a true believer to me!

I just took a look at Mars and it seems that the planet wide dust storm is still raging.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

I've seen it too ... a fuzzy red blob! Poor Mark Watney! ;-)

Five Foundations of Morality in America (Jonathan Haidt) When you decide whether something is ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 22, 2018:

I have Jonathan Haidt’s book, 'The Righteous Mind,' which I’ve marked up extensively, and I’ve watched most of his YouTube videos, including his TedTalks. To help clarify, the elements of Haidt’s moral matrix are as follows: - Harm/Care - Liberty/Oppression (found in The Righteous Mind, but not in his TedTalk) - Fairness/Reciprocity - Loyalty/Betrayal (or In-group/Loyalty) - Authority/Subversion (or Authority/Respect) - Sanctity/Degradation (or Sanctity/Purity) In 'The Righteous Mind,' Haidt states that Liberals most value elements 1, 2 and 3, while Libertarians are strong on 2 and 3 only, and Conservatives, as you indicated, value all 6. However, according to Haidt’s research (as presented in his TedTalk), these value differences are hardly unique to the US, and cross cultures and continents. The important question, in my opinion, relates not to the differences between Liberals, Libertarians and Conservatives, but whether or not the three unshared (i.e., Conservative) values are, in fact, legitimate moral imperatives. What, after all, may be universally judged to be moral about loyalty, authority and purity? I am not the first to assert that the foundation of all morality rests on two, and only two, pillars: Reciprocity and Empathy, the precursors of which may be observed in other primates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SOQduoLgRw

A secular ideology that rests on the core value of personal freedom can be dangerous because it ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 21, 2018:

Since the dawn of Homo sapiens, our species has always been on the move. Even without a commitment to so-called 'secular ideology,' (whatever that means) it is in our nature to venture out, take risks, abandon comfort and to wander.

Quotes: "Collective commitment to the absurd is the greatest demonstration of group love that ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 21, 2018:

Reading these quotes immediately reminded me of the mass suicides of the besieged Zealots and Sicarii at Masada, as well as the Peoples Temple cult. Other than religion, what motivates such collective commitment behavior?

Human nature question around the "greater good".

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Absent any context, such a thought exercise is not possible to answer, in my opinion. One can never know how heroic or cowardly one would be until thrust into a situation where a life and death decision must be made.

Islamic Paradise -- virgins and slaves from Allah

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Pity the fool who came up with the 70 virgin bit as a definition of 'paradise.' Sounds more like hell to me! One experienced partner is more than enough to make me happy.

Many people are entertained by horror movies/stories.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

One should make distinctions when discussing the genre of horror. There’s 'slash film' style horror, which focuses on violence; scary films which employ tactics designed to make you jump out of your seat; monster movies of many types; seductive horror, such as vampirism; and classic horror which may involve deeply disturbing human psychological elements, just to name a few. Personally, I’ve never been into slash films, and prefer the violence to be off-camera, or implied. But almost all of us have a need to be frightened by something—the popularity of roller coasters is evidence of this desire. Experiencing fear makes us feel 'alive.'

Judging Sinners ☺

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

The fabrication of the concept of "sin" by pious and arrogant religionists was a most sinful deed! ;-)

In what ways does this happen?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Religion teaches defective reasoning. Religion gives answers in the absence of, or contrary to, evidence, and demands that we believe, based on that toxic mixture of insanity and ignorance called faith. In this way, people are inured to mental laziness and choose to remain willfully ignorant in a community where it is dangerous to question, and sinful to doubt. It seems to me that stupidity, on the other hand, may have more to do with heredity than to a given belief system or mode of thinking. To quote the comedian Ron White, "You can't fix stupid." If one is born with a given intellectual capacity, he/she doesn’t grow up to ‘become stupid or mentally defective’ just by being raised in a church—at least that’s my personal experience. ;-)

Do you feel optimistic about the future??

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

I'm no Pangloss. I remain optimistic on the macro level, while fully aware that we are experiencing a 'disturbance in the force.' The pendulum will swing back ... sooner or later. I tend to believe that many years from now students of history will look at the late 10's much as an adult looks at his/her teenage years and wonders, 'what the hell was I thinking?'

What do you think of parents who home school their children?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

It depends on the parents. I had a male colleague who was a double-e and whose wife was a teacher. They decided to home school their son while she took a good number of years off. The boy was brilliant and musically gifted, as well as athletic, and well socialized--they attended church and he was an Eagle Scout. Their son finished high school at the age of sixteen, literally aced the SAT (perfect score) and was given a scholarship at Virginia Tech (engineering, of course). Kid turned out all right, thanks to good parenting.

What is your area of expertise??

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

I strive for polymathy.

God exists: so what

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Of course we don't. Do we demand that our children thank and praise us? Only if we're narcissistic. And to think that our inconsequential lives on a little pale blue dot in the middle of one of billions of galaxies occupies the interest of an entity capable of bringing the universe into existence represents the highest form of hubris ... which is essentially what religion gives you. Like many of his contemporaries, my avatar was a Deist. To the Deist, the Almighty made the universe, set up its laws, and moved on to other things--no interaction, no need for prayer, no miracles, no doctrines, no holy books or prophets, no churches and no organized religions. That's a God I could live with. Reminds me of the lyric by Todd Rundgren: God said... You are not serving me, you're serving something else Cause I don't need to be pleased, just get over yourself You can't suck up, up to me, I know you all too well But I don't dwell upon you, so get over yourself Cause you're not praying to me, you're praying to yourself And you're not worshipping me, you're worshipping yourself And you will kill in my name and heaven knows what else When you can't prove I exist, so get over yourself

[youtube.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Best band ever not to be found on streaming media!

No one ever stood in a rainbow. Did they?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Many times ... in my backyard sprinkler! ;-)

How do you make sense of this?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Your John the Baptist dream sounds like something out of Lord of the Rings ... are you sure you didn't meet Aragorn?

So, passed a bill where the IRS, can not investigate a church that has violated the 1st Amendment of...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Huh? What law? And what does the First Amendment have to do with donations? Please provide sources. This is what I found on the IRS website: Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501c(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

I have always admired Michael Jacksons' work.

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 20, 2018:

Not only beautiful, inspirational. Thank you!

Isn't scientific knowledge and certainty synonymous with religious dogmas and their unquestioning ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

Well, let's examine that. Science is both a body of knowledge and a process, or way of reasoning about the universe we inhabit. Science rests on the scientific method, which relies on observation, measurement and repeatability to demonstrate the validity of an hypothesis. The scientific method begins with falsifiable predictions—i.e., what observations, or data, would serve to disprove the hypothesis—and utilizes methodological naturalism when conducting its investigations. A scientific theory, such as gravity, relativity and evolution, represents the highest form of scientific knowledge, and provides causal explanations for observed phenomena, as well as predictions that can be tested. That said, science recognizes that all knowledge is provisional, and is always subject to refinement, revision and even replacement, as new information warrants. In other words, scientific authority comes from the information gathered, not scientists themselves. Like science, religion is both a body of information (or collected writings and doctrines) and a way of thinking about the universe, which in this case is based not on observation and measurement, but on faith. But unlike science, religion begins from a presupposed voice of authority—typically a special text or a self-proclaimed spokesperson. Religion then seeks to justify and explain its fundamentals, often via an elaborate superstructure of authoritative pretext. Religion never provides falsifiable predictions—it never asks, what fact or observation would serve to disprove a particular belief? Finally, religion views its knowledge as final, not open to reinvestigation or objective scrutiny. Its authority comes from a book or set of texts written by people whose testimony may never be questioned, as well as the self-proclaimed experts of interpretation, the clergy. We should all remember that nearly every religion has, as its foundation, a miracle—which is to say, a violation of the laws of nature … in other words, a lie. No miracle ever was performed, and no miracle can be performed, and until we are witness to the disruption in the steady chain of cause and effect by a power superior to nature, we may safely say that the fiction known as religion need not be seriously considered.

Are flat-earthers serious, or are they just trolling the rest of us?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

As one who spent a good portion of his career as a systems engineer and mission analyst in satellite operations and space launch for companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, I find the very notion that someone could actually believe this shit to be absurd. I mean, seriously? Take me to the edge and show me your proof. But even if they're serious about it, they're still effectively trolls and have absolutely no place in reasoned discourse or a discussion room on the topic of Science. We have a word for one who exhibits a state of mind that is so disordered that it prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction--insane. As I recently reminded Kitarae, an apparent true believer in a flat earth, who claims to be "an intelligent, spirited, freethinker" and accused me of being 'closed minded' regarding the non-existence of NASA, the Hollywood conspiracy of the moon missions, and of course, a flat earth: 'Each is entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts.'

Largest Voting Machine Vendor in US Admits Its Systems Had Remote-Access Software Installed! ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

Makes one long for the days of paper ballots and hanging chads.

What was your first reaction when you heard about the creation story, the fall of man and the ...

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

As a toddler, all Bible stories (which were told to us before we could remember) held equal sway. When you are first reminded, at the tender age of less than 3 years old, that the Bible is God's holy book, and to ever question it would be the worst thing you could possibly do, your mind is softened to accept whatever is in it. Sure, we can laugh about it now, but if you were not the product of a lifetime of brainwashing, it represents a high degree of insensitivity to question how any person could believe. Childhood victims of brainwashing have little choice in the matter. It usually takes maturity and a high degree of courage to commit apostasy.

Hilarious Clip - Christian Is Terrified By Logic Atheist Experience [youtu.be]

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

A primal scream in the face of irrepressible logic is about the same as uttering, "De do do do de da da da..."

Had anyone else seen this one ?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

Agnostic, unbelieving, nullifidian (having no faith or religious belief) who would like nothing more than to see the death of all organized religions.

You can be patriotic and not have to pump your chest, yelling about how patriotic you are...right?

p-nullifidian comments on Jul 19, 2018:

Not a chest pumper, but I served in uniform, swearing an oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our Constitution's preamble begins boldly with "We the People," and was the first official state document that denied the existence of any God's divine right over the governed. But 'We the People' sometimes forget our responsibilities in ensuring the continued viability of the rights conferred therein. In my opinion, it is our patriotic duty as citizens to ensure that the rights extended in our Constitution apply to all, and are not impinged.