If you could get rid of any emotion, which one would it be?

manningmhsp comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Doubt!!!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 27, 2018:

Doubt is what makes us question. Doubt & curiosity is what helps us learn. If I actually had a favorite apostle it would have been Thomas!

Love Israel, Hate the Jews... [youtube.com]

VirginCotton comments on Jan 26, 2018:

@phxbillcee, lol, you making this contradictory video, and as other are doing the same, are you part of what's wrong with the present day liberal bashers of Trump? For what reason?+ It is difficult to understand how liberals can be so inconsistent and contradictory in one video and seem not to ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 27, 2018:

Well, I'm not a liberal, I'm a Progressive. But I'd like you to go ahead & state these contradictions & blunders. Also, I consider myself an agnostic atheist & have no idea what you mean in that last paragraph. Christianity was founded on the god of Abraham, I don't "support" either religion as I find both of them & their cousin, Islam, to be just as flawed, as I do any other religion that I'm aware of, either extant now or in the past. & why would I like Trump for disliking Jewish people? I dislike the religion, not the people. & tho I am not a fan of many of Israel's policies, I never offered this video as a statement of my beliefs, necessarily, but for a conversation starter. If you would like to bring up specific points, then I can tell you what my stance is. I didn't "make" this video, I uploaded it to this site from YouTube, as I do many other videos. In short, I'm really not sure what you're saying here, but it seems like you are somewhat confused.

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Let's try to put everything in perspective. I am in the Navy stationed in a small base near San Juan. Thursday FBI commence an operation arresting puertorican terrorists that favor the independence of puerto rico... is all over the news. That day I took my 8 months pregnant to see her doctor for a ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

I've been in some very iffy situations, often my own fault, but nothing like yours! Glad you're still around, bro!

What Did You Do So Far?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Not #'s 9, 13 or 14. Tho I could maybe add some to your list!!! (& I'm making an assumption on #9 as I have no idea what it is. I'll look below!)

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

OK, when very young I did #9, even graduated to the burning bag of dog-doo. Got old fast, so didn't make it a hobby!

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 25, 2018:

A dragon. Have always loved the many takes on the dragon myth in fantasy & even some Sci-Fi. So many different approaches to dragons & so many types.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@SonderOpia Is that the one w/ Sean Connery as the voice of the dragon?

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

Ryan86 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Centaur for sure.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

(BTW, I recommend just about anything he's written. One of the tops in his field (mostly SF, but it transcends the genre, IMHO)

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

Ryan86 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Centaur for sure.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@Ryan86 I agree, in many fantasy novels, & myth, centaurs have been fighters, scholars & healers. Have you read John Varley's "Gaea" trilogy? Very interesting take.

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@CharlesAhrens It's just the difference between belief & knowledge. The 2 can be linked, & are quite often. But the fundamental difference in the 2 come out in very stark terms when speaking about "religion". Many "believe" (theists) with absolutely no knowledge to back up that faith & often evidence that disproves many of the tenets of that faith (Gnosticism). That's how I understand the terms, & how I believe they are used today. Maybe someone out there has a reference to a better explanation. I recall some good videos, & books, but will have to try & dig them up for you.

TED - militant atheism - Dawkins... [youtube.com]

David1955 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

@Heathen2 You might want to consider that this site, in which you participate, has come about because of the growing profile of atheism and non believers in the world, due to the efforts of Richard Dawkins and others bringing a stronger edge to the movement. How would you compare your own ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

Absolutely! Dawkins is one of "The Four Horsemen" for a reason! & his biology & science books are damn fine, too!

Sharia Law in America ... [youtube.com]

MarcIveson comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I think you will find its not Sharia Law .... Just Sharia

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

OK. You may very well be right, but adding "Law" defines it for many non-Muslims.

Street Epistemology...(a quickie)... [youtube.com]

pnullifidian comments on Jan 26, 2018:

“I hope for the majority of the population to want to believe true things.” This is a worthy aspiration, but the problem may be that most of us already share this desire, but lack the open mindedness and critical thinking skills necessary to understand 'why,' or more importantly, 'how' we come...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

Magnabosco takes Boghossian's work out on the street & films most of it. He does a great job & I'm trying to emulate him in the sense of not being as confrontational, which can derail making headway with folk. It's still a work in progress for me!

TED - militant atheism - Dawkins... [youtube.com]

ErichZannIII comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Personally, I don't see the point of such aggression. Let people who believe keep believing. They're not hurting me as long as I don't let them. They can preach as aggressively as they like. They're not going to change my mind, and I know I won't change theirs.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

I don't see the "aggression" you mention, as such. & the problem, as even NdT puts it, who is much "milder", is that these "believers" too often force their ideas & beliefs on the rest of the country & schools. I won't stand idly by while that happens. To paraphrase...the way to let evil grow is for good people to stand by & do nothing!

TED - militant atheism - Dawkins... [youtube.com]

Heathen2 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I'm sure that I'm alone in this opinion, but find this guy to be as smarmy, self-righteous and obnoxious as a Jehovah's Witness. Does being an atheist mean you have to be a smug jerk?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

I just don't get the folk who see Dawkins as "smarmy". He's an English intellectual, which may have something to do with the way he comes across, but I've always seen him be respectful when speaking to others with different opinions & incredibly patient with fools who I would just jump on. Ah, well, can't please everybody, I guess.

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

Ryan86 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Centaur for sure.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 26, 2018:

You just want to be hung like a horse!!!! LOL

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

Gatovicolo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Svartalfar

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

Gesundheit!

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

stinkeye_a comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Career poet

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

Surely a mythical creature!!!

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

silvereyes comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Silvereyes the Kitsune (9 tailed fox)

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

Had a friend in an online game (Sparta) that used that as her handle. Very interesting mythos.

A little humor for your day.

Tomas comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Good one St evebee.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

St evebee = Sam Bee's beatified sister!

Godstuff (some of these are just too, too, funny)... [youtube.com]

Stevil comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Very informative! i never knew what caused zits before

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

The problem is, I wouldn't doubt that similar contraptions could be found out there. Maybe available thru the same organizations that "Pray the Gay Away"!

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

Sorry, but I think you have that wrong. Atheism is stating that one, based on available evidence (or lack thereof), have no belief in a god. It is NOT, at its core, stating a positive - that "there is no god". We just have no belief in one. Agnosticism is the stand that we lack the knowledge to answer that question (god's existence) one way or the other. I personally don't believe there is a god, & I feel fairly confident in that stance due to the lack of evidence that there is a "god" & what I think is a preponderance of the evidence that no "god" is necessary. I still, however, do not KNOW, that there is definitively no god, but the odds seem to lean that way.

Godstuff (some of these are just too, too, funny)... [youtube.com]

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Such video recording should be played widely so that people can see what idiotic, demagogic, charlatans these nuts are. It would do a lot to help discredit them.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

Yeah, but the folk who support these charlatans don't see the idiocy or hypocrisy, they just hear "Gee-Zeus"!, & send all their money!

Godstuff (some of these are just too, too, funny)... [youtube.com]

Stevil comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Very informative! i never knew what caused zits before

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

That contraption has GOT to be classed as child-abuse! What an abomination!

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

No, not really. Atheism is belief based...do I believe in a god. No. I see no reason to. Agnosticism is knowledge-based, do I have any proof, or evidence, of a "creator-god"? Again, no. Therefore I have no knowledge of or belief in a "god". Ergo, an agnostic atheist!

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 25, 2018:

I consider myself an agnostic atheist (also a humanist, skeptic, progressive & damn fine human being!!) I do not believe there is a "creator god" as I have not seen sufficient proof, but I cannot know for a fact this is so, tho I think most evidence goes against this proposition.

Differences between men & women (funny/sarcastic)... [youtube.com]

BucketlistBob comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Awww.... us men are so ... let's go burry our heads...lol.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@BucketlistBob With your head buried?!?

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

btroje comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I have had a few things happen to me that seemed beyond coincidence

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Doesn't really matter if you are talking about "coincidence". And, my statement did not denigrate anything you said, I simply made an observation. So, then, what IS your story that seemed "beyond coincidence"?

12 Step Programs - What was your higher power?

MadHadderoll comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Gin. https://youtu.be/uYgdoecq-PE

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@Hominid The first time, I agree, maybe even the first few times. But for some, once the addiction takes hold, the "choices" become fewer & harder. Would you say someone with severe depression should just "get over it"?

12 Step Programs - What was your higher power?

Reaver85 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

The mighty jigglypuff...also addiction isn't a disease it's a choice

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@Reaver85 , I'm glad for you, but, obviously, not everyone is like you. For many it is much more than a choice. Is depression a choice? Schizophrenia? When does your brain chemistry start taking your choice away from you? So, go ahead & pat yourself on the back for cleaning yourself up, just don't belittle those who have problems in this area that may have different or additional causes than you.

Differences between men & women (funny/sarcastic)... [youtube.com]

BucketlistBob comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Awww.... us men are so ... let's go burry our heads...lol.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Just watch out where you bury them!

Differences between men & women (funny/sarcastic)... [youtube.com]

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Agree with some-disagree with others-stereotypes

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

I agree, but this was meant sarcastically, so stereotypes were bound to be a part of it.

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

btroje comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I have had a few things happen to me that seemed beyond coincidence

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

I think we all have, but remember, we humans are pattern-seeking primates. We see faces in inanimate objects & dreams in the clouds. We invented pantheism & then the "great" religions.We almost seek for connections, we are hard-wired for it. &, we remember the "hits" & discount the "misses".

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I am a leukemia survivor. By all statistics I shouldn't be here. I was working as an outside sales representative for a major distributor. I drove a company vehicle long distances and did a lot of bending and lifting. I went to my doctor's office because I was tired,losing weight, getting dizzy and ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Keep up the fight!

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Don't know if anything would overcome my "objection" to the term "church". Far too much baggage!

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@CharlesAhrens Well definitely avoid the term "church" then. Maybe meeting-hall or clubhouse or something. & the group can be a foundation, organization, club, hell, get a thesaurus & be creative!

Unique Animals... [youtube.com]

Hope4Zoe comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Hey, phxbillcee, what do you do for a living? Where do you have all the time to find all these videos? They're spot on!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Let's concentrate on the second part of that! Thank you! Actually, I'm on disability, so I do have far too much time on my hands. Be thankful I spend a chunk of it reading & doing other things or I'd probably flood this site with postings!

What does evolution mean to you?

Chryflvrantacid comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Evolution is a fact not up for debate- everything evolves over time. What is truly up for debate is Darwin's theory of evolution. What people argue over is creation, where did we come from. Evolution is simply changing and adapting to your environment over time, and there is proof of that ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Darwin's theory, as you state it, is an integral part of the theory of evolution in whole. Basically, it's the component of natural selection, which goes hand in hand with everything else. Nowadays it's more "neo"-Darwinism", as Darwin at the time he wrote had no knowledge of the mechanisms that passed traits on, i.e.: genetics, but to use "Darwin's theory" as the ID or creationist schools do, & to try to split it off of the Theory of Evolution itself, is a strawman.

For those who would say 'no' to the term 'church': What would overcome your objection?

CharlesAhrens comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Unfortunately not 1 person read the question :-( "What would overcome your objection?"

phxbillcee replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Well, not totally sure about the question. What would overcome my objections to religion, especially organized religion? Keep their noses out of other people's business, for one. What would get me to join a church? Convince me not just that there is a god, but whose god it is, if anyone's, & that that god deserves to be worshipped. The actual word "church" is not the problem, it's all the other baggage associated with it.

This guy even did a TED Talk on scams, very funny... [youtube.com]

Hope4Zoe comments on Jan 22, 2018:

Thank you! I needed a good laugh!!!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

I aim to please! Glad you liked it!

Why do we need feminism?

jayneonacobb comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I don't think this new wave anti-male form of feminism is healthy or equal. I do believe that feminism has an important place in our society right now. My only hope is that one day we won't have a need for words like feminist or atheist. I hope that we can move past antiquated and wrong thinking ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

There have been "anti-male" factions in feminism from the get. Sometimes with very understandable reasons. The same with anti-white members of many civil rights org.s. Again with some very understandable reasons. Regardless, we of good faith have to still do the right thing & hope all of our actions get beyond bias & hate

Why do we need feminism?

Jnei comments on Jan 22, 2018:

If I get on a train at night and find the carriage is empty but for a woman on her own, there's a good chance she's going to worry I might attack her (so I move to a different carriage). Sometimes, when I'm walking home at night, if there's a woman in front of me she'll walk faster and get her phone...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Jnei: Well said! You, too, Andy!

(Also Politics) METOO vs Aziz Ansari Any thoughts you wish to share? [youtube.com]

Hope4Zoe comments on Jan 22, 2018:

He stopped! She didn't communicate effectively until the end, and then he complied with her request.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Yep! I won't say this may have been her ideal date, but the accusations seem exaggerated. While I do not wish to "blame" an accuser, I think we need to watch how far we go here. Men & women ARE different, so the best thing a woman can do is be clear to a guy (we can't read minds & are hoping/wishing for a yes) & the best a man can do is LISTEN! We both need to communicate better, which is maybe part of a broader issue...we ALL need to communicate better!

Let's see what this stirs up... [youtube.com]

Hominid comments on Jan 22, 2018:

Trolling are we?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

I prefer the term "stirring the pot"!

ARE WE ALONE. So the question,are we alone in the universe?

MikeJ comments on Jan 22, 2018:

If there is intelligent life it will most likely be finding earth because it wouldn't seem that we have the technology to find their planet. If they do find us let us all hope they are kinder and gentler creatures.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Gipsy, technology is not a prerequisite of intelligence. Cetaceans may well be very intelligent but have no technology for numerous reasons. Or, you have ancient man, no less intelligent than us, & yet they had not developed technology yet. Or, "primitive" peoples today that still live pre-technology (tho there are fewer & fewer of them).

ARE WE ALONE. So the question,are we alone in the universe?

Janakiraman comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I believe we are not alone and ancient aliens have played a key role in our human race too..

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Not a fan of the "Ancient Aliens" scenario. Firstly, where's the proof, secondly, it seems to demean the achievements of humans of earlier eras, who were no less intelligent. & it seems to bring in an unneeded element, just like bringing in a god to account for the "creation" of the universe.

ARE WE ALONE. So the question,are we alone in the universe?

wordywalt comments on Jan 22, 2018:

Even if there are living beings in other places in the universe, they are so distant in time and space that their existence is largely irrelevant to the human species.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Right now, yes. Will this always be the case? Don't know.

ARE WE ALONE. So the question,are we alone in the universe?

BradleyOgle comments on Jan 22, 2018:

We are not alone there are many forms of life in this universe and other universes! Humans are a lower evolved beings than most of the other intelligent civilizations. Would you really want to visit a far lower scale world? Probably not...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Tho I like your initial optimism, you are making broad assumptions here.

Is there an Afterlife?... [youtube.com]

Cynical-lion comments on Jan 21, 2018:

If there is one, I don't want what Prager and his ilk are selling. I don't like the crappy dichotomy of "a good place" and "a bad place", too simplistic and childish of an idea with all the rules that come with it. I really wanted to backhand Prager over his remarks about us living on in the ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 21, 2018:

Well said, CL!

I'm not as familiar with this British comedian as I am of others, but the points presented in this ...

Benthoven comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I feel like this vlogger is a little too hung up on semantics. There are plenty of differences between atheists and agnostics, and that whole idea of "knowing," is just a small part of it. For me, personally, it's the sense of mystery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSMC5rWvos

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

I understand what Tyson is saying here, I do feel he's being a bit disingenuous, tho.

I'm not as familiar with this British comedian as I am of others, but the points presented in this ...

Benthoven comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I feel like this vlogger is a little too hung up on semantics. There are plenty of differences between atheists and agnostics, and that whole idea of "knowing," is just a small part of it. For me, personally, it's the sense of mystery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSMC5rWvos

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

I felt he was just responding to Mitchell's mis-understanding/characterization. That's how I took it, anyway.

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

Betty comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Haven't they already been unofficially updated? Except for the child murders, it's all been done.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Of course, the xtian savior was a Jew & preached to Jews, it was Saul/Paul that started spreading it to the Gentiles. Also, Jesus said not a "tittle or jot" of the law (O.T. law) would be changed.

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

Stevil comments on Dec 31, 2017:

We meaning agnostics and atheists? If we are the ones with chisel in hand etching them. Forever in stone. I would let George Carlin have. My proxy. https://youtu.be/CE8ooMBIyC8

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

He will be missed! Just a great bit, like most of his on religion.

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

vnufall comments on Dec 31, 2017:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I48hr8HhDv0, Did you know there were 15 originally??? Bet the evangelicals don't know that....lol.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Actually, when you go thru Exodus there are many more than just those 15, even, in order to "obey" Mosaic law. & even in the case your citing, the 15 & the 10 differ on many "commandments"! You'd think god could have remembered more accurately in just the time between the originals being smashed by a p.o.'d Moses & the revision!

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

MrLink comments on Dec 31, 2017:

What people need to do is read, know and follow the criminal and civil codes of their State. Those are supremely better thought through and appropriate codes for guiding a modern society. Which is why we have invested so much time in creating them - and without pretending they were written by ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

I agree with read & know your applicable civil Codes, but sometimes one just can't follow. Some laws are just bad, archaic or biased & need to be challenged at times.

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

Rhetoric comments on Jan 1, 2018:

How about the 10 commandments of Solon? 1. Trust good character more than promises. 2. Do not speak falsely. 3. Do good things. 4. Do not be hasty in making friends, but do not abandon them once made. 5. Learn to obey before you command. 6. When giving advice, do not recommend what is most ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Yeah, not bad but for that # 9. Maybe change that to just "Respect everyone"?

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

GeorgeRocheleau comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Sure amend them, get congress to do it. What could possibly go wrong.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Please, NOT congress!!! The horror!

Why isn't our voting day a National holiday? Why can't we mail our votes in like absentee voters?

IndySent comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Damn good question. Election/voting days are national days here in Norway. Most people have the day off, and you are not allowed to purchase alcohol that day.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

NO! Don't stop alcohol sales! Sometimes that & holding your nose is the only way to actually make a choice!

I have never understood Christianity in the Black community.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I have noticed that Christianity seems to be very strong in Black communities. Maybe because for many years it was one of the few places Black's could congregate without fear of being "rousted". & legitimately speak out for freedom & justice in a way that was harder to oppress & prosecute. Like MLK,...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Thanks. Obviously, there are nuances to this that have to do with families & culture& I have some familiarity, but, being a "white" guy I will not presume more than I have.

I'm not as familiar with this British comedian as I am of others, but the points presented in this ...

RavenCT comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Can you imagine getting everyone to agree to these descriptors? That seems to be the problem.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Really seems straightforward to me, tho, Atheist, one who does not believe, usually for lack of evidence. Agnostic, one who does not have knowledge of a god. I consider myself an agnostic atheist, I don't 100% know, but I don't believe.

How do I increase my level???

WizardBill comments on Jan 20, 2018:

@BradBlum This site isn’r For people who want to come in and run roughshod over others. We have a great community of people who talk about things, get to know one another and are respectful.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Wiz: Well this is supposed to be a "meet-up" site, also. If those mssg.s, even tho unsolicited, are just respectful reach outs, that is to be expected. However, if anyone, male or female, is harassed here, that ought to be reported to Admin. I sent mssg.s to 3 local women here, got a response from 2 of them. I won't push things at all. I did the last mssg.s & I feel that if they are interested the ball is in their court now. So, we'll see, but I surely won't insist on a response or attention.

More History... [youtube.com]

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I love history!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

This is a good site for it, I recommend it. Knowledgeable, but with a sense of humor.

How do I increase my level???

BradBlum comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Trying to meet a female!!!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Brad: Just as in the "real world", patience is the key. Dazzle the ladies with your dialectic! Enamour them with your epistemology! Frazzle 'em with your philosophy! In other words, try to emulate me!!! LMAO!

How do I increase my level???

BradBlum comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Trying to meet a female!!!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Wafflestomp: 5"? LOL

Is Trump a racist? [youtube.com]

SteveB comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I think he believes that the only Americans that count are the mostly European ones. He reminds me of many government policies from various countries attempting to whiten the population.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Yep, a "business man" who has gone bankrupt numerous times, stiffed his suppliers & contractors, hired foreign laborers & stiffed them, & would like to "stiff" his daughter! Yeah, he's a hero, all right!

Is Trump a racist? [youtube.com]

Seriousreason comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Trump doesn’t give a liberal lepers skin flakes wether delusional self entitled dimwits. Call him racist . He gets more than his fair share of ill informed , ignorant name calling. Racist , Nazi, white supremist . You all want to know who’s a racist, that evil witch Maxine Waters. Trump is ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Well, have fun & vent, 'cause I will surely keep posting items like this. I call 'em like I see 'em & I see Drumpf's a racist (& liar & misogynist & megalomaniac & ...)

Heisenberg gets pulled over for speeding. The cop asks him, "Do you know how fast you were going?

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

LOL. Good one.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

BTW, Just noticed that you're our most recent Level 8! Congrats!

Payday Predators... [youtube.com]

Druvius comments on Jan 19, 2018:

States quietly ended their usury laws decades ago, Trump didn't start this.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Yeah, that industry's lobby has been active for a number of years. Trump didn't start this, but the Republicans controlling everything almost guarantees major deregulation on a Federal level.

Maybe when he loses his bid for a Senate seat he'll finally fade away (one can hope).

SageDave comments on Jan 19, 2018:

This is a good discussion of reasons Arpaio for a Senate run.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

So, you think he should run?

(Also Politics) METOO vs Aziz Ansari Any thoughts you wish to share? [youtube.com]

Naeem comments on Jan 19, 2018:

I did not see a sexual assault after reading the article, so...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Neither did I, possibly a pushy guy but he did honor a "no". I think many valid points are brought up in this piece.

I remember when MADTv made this parody when I was in high school ... sigh [youtube.com]

resserts comments on Jan 19, 2018:

I loved the early seasons of MadTV. It was funny and a little rough around the edges, so it felt like the audience was part of it — not overproduced — but they eventually made it bigger and it lost a lot of its intimate charm. This Darlene McBride video was from very early in the show's run, ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Here's another (& what language is the captioning? Swedish?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mDuD_-iMyo

I remember when MADTv made this parody when I was in high school ... sigh [youtube.com]

resserts comments on Jan 19, 2018:

I loved the early seasons of MadTV. It was funny and a little rough around the edges, so it felt like the audience was part of it — not overproduced — but they eventually made it bigger and it lost a lot of its intimate charm. This Darlene McBride video was from very early in the show's run, ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Thanks, bro! I had forgotten that.

& if you'll notice, this is 119 in a series... [youtube.com]

btroje comments on Jan 19, 2018:

well, when was it?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Uh, 12/7/1941???

How can there be global warming? It's cold outside! [livescience.com]

Paintmebright comments on Jan 19, 2018:

You're joking right?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

You are very literate for just 3 days old!!! (P.S. That was "tongue-in-cheek", also! LOL)

Piercings? Yea or Nay?

SKDeitch comments on Jan 18, 2018:

I have piercings in my ears, but I haven't had earrings in a long time. For some reason I just stopped wearing jewelry when I was about 35.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

I've sorta done the same thing, at about the same age. I have 2 "holes" in my left ear-lobe that are pretty well closed at this point. But, amusingly, shortly after refraining from jewelry I got my first tat, just recently got my 2nd (an Atheist Atom!) which I will get some "background for, & am in the planning stages for my 3rd. So, I go from temporary piercings to permanent ink! & at 63! Make of that what you will.

How can there be global warming? It's cold outside! [livescience.com]

Paintmebright comments on Jan 19, 2018:

You're joking right?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

(Should have figured that out after seeing the contents of the video!)

How can there be global warming? It's cold outside! [livescience.com]

Paintmebright comments on Jan 19, 2018:

You're joking right?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Yep. The written word doesn't always convey the tone intended, but my "intro" was definitely "tongue-in-cheek"!

Are there many Taoists here? Le Guin readers? Christian "borrowings"

MichelleJames comments on Jan 13, 2018:

She is probably my favorite author. Lathe of Heaven is great, but my favorite it The Dispossessed.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 18, 2018:

I agree. "The Dispossessed" is amazing on a number of different levels. Believe it got the Hugo & Nebula that year. (If not, it should have!)

A Guy Walks Into a Bar With a Monkey - Sean Connery

Hope4Zoe comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Everyone knows this . . . and yet nothing is done. I'm stumped.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 18, 2018:

Resist!

Immigration... [youtube.com]

Hope4Zoe comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Bridges, bridges, bridges . . . not walls. No splitting families apart.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 18, 2018:

So, supposedly the Border Patrol will no longer dump the water now that this practice has become public. I can see checking the packages to make sure it wasn't drugs or something left behind, but to dump the water is just so heartless.

Read this once and think about it when people preposition ridiculous 'alternatives' to a situation.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Another oldie & goodie, many, many lawyer jokes have been around for ages. I think this goes back to the 1800's when Dr. Frankenstein was practicing!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 18, 2018:

The person being questioned was Dr. Frankenstein, in my scenario, what with having a brain in a jar on his desk & all.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

Qualia comments on Jan 17, 2018:

My late husband was chewed up by cancer and young. I've never seen anyone in so much intractable pain in my life. I know he would have loved to check out earlier but held on due to fear of various legalities that negates benefits to heirs. He was in agony the last year of his life. He even spoke...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

btoje; received the pacemaker before his hospice stay. very shortly before. I think the medical team at the hospital thought they were doing the right thing, but it's the old "if one has a hammer, every problem is a nail" situation with the medical community.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

dahermit comments on Jan 17, 2018:

The only person who should be able to decide that the quality of life makes life not worth living is the person who wants to die. Some people cannot do it themselves for some reason or another (infirmity, etc.). Demonizing Jack Kevorkian is an ad hominem attack. I have the right to die and YOU do...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

lerlo, Part of the problem is that in many areas of this country it is illegal to even attempt suicide, by whatever means. But, you knew that. & stop with this forcing doctors or others to assist one, or to sue them if they don't. Set up a system that enables folk to get the counseling, help & assistance they need, & the only medicos involved would be ones that wish to be. How is getting assistance in something forgoing MY rights? Do I lose my rights if I retain the services of a lawyer in a legal situation? An architect in a building project? Did you play the Strawman in the "Wizard of Oz"?

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Sorry, but you surely won't get a "thumbs-up" from me. whether Kevorkian was a paragon or not is not the issue. Freedom of choice is the issue & I don't believe the State has a right to stick their noses in this issue unless abuse can be shown. If we had common-sense, non-religious laws then you can...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

That was never the issue, to force a doctor to assist one! You are so good with strawmen (not!). I never brought that up & it was not one of your original statements. If some doctors do not wish to participate, I sincerely doubt they would ever be forced. The abortion issue is the same, no one would force doctors to perform one. There are doctors who because of many reasons would help with both matters, & they should not be persecuted. THAT is the issue!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

Trajan61 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

The gun is probably the best tool we have available at the moument for ending our life when we have reached the point of not having any quality of life. Unfornately some people only make half hearted attempts and end up just badly hurting themselves but done correctly the gun is a quick and painless...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Reallyron, a gun would be quick, & relatively painless, if you don't flinch. But the "mess factor" one leaves for the folk that have to clean up, well, shitting oneself is the least of the mess!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

WizardBill comments on Jan 17, 2018:

This is a touchy subject. Having a best friend who committed suicide, I am a proponent of that right. While I miss Neil, I do not have any right to compel his existence when it is not wanted by him. That would be selfish of me. I have NO right. No one has the right to force existence on ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

I have suffered from depression since I was a pre-teen, & have attempted a number of times, some much closer than others. Depression is painful, in its way, & exacerbates pain when in combination as it is now for me with chronic spinal problems. this is a delicate balance when talking about "rights", as you want your loved one to have at least had access to decent mental health treatment along the way. Unfortunately, in the U.S., not only are we behind other developed nations in mental health care (tho we do have "hot lines" most everywhere now), we also have a stigma that attaches to this issue. One is expected to just, "get over it", or to "pull oneself up by one's bootstraps" or even...think positive! Tho I totally support the right to end one's existence, no matter what the reason, if decent attitudes towards the treatment & recognition of mental health issues was the norm, many "suicides" of the depression type may be avoided.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

SKDeitch comments on Jan 17, 2018:

There may be issues with Dr. Kevorkian specifically, but the principal that every person owns their own life and should have the unimpeded right to end it on their own terms should they desire to do so seems obvious. We can obtain help with almost any endeavor, why not with this, ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

lerlo, You are the one that brings force into this discussion. either the force of the state to block one's wishes or the force a doctor to help one suicide. No one else ever suggested forcing doctors to euthanize someone if they didn't think it warranted, or if they didn't want to be involved. stop bringing up strawmen, such as the Nazis or "forcing" doctors to try & make your case, & then act all butt-hurt when many don't agree with you!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

shockwaverider comments on Jan 17, 2018:

I live in Washington State and we have physician assisted death laws. If I decide I don't want to live, I'd like to have help to have a dignified death rather than sticking a shotgun in my mouth. These wishes are legally documented when you are able to make that decision for yourself. There is a ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

lerlo, Right to die & right to assisted suicide should not be 2 different things! Both are predicated on individual sovereign "body" rights! It is one thing to make one's own choice & another to make that choice for one, for or against. Please stop being such a condescending person if someone disagrees with you, it surely doesn't help your abhorrent case!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

marmot84 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Thanks for honestly expressing your views. I understand the slippery slope argument but around free people it should not be an issue. Are we really free in the United States? I respectfully disagree with your position. One problem is that often people in such a state are incapable of ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

So, lerlo, its okay to kill yourself by starvation or other drawn-out or painful means, but not to get assistance from a professional that can make the process painless? I take it you are a xtian just like Mother Theresa who finds suffering ennobling in some perverse way?

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

Qualia comments on Jan 17, 2018:

My late husband was chewed up by cancer and young. I've never seen anyone in so much intractable pain in my life. I know he would have loved to check out earlier but held on due to fear of various legalities that negates benefits to heirs. He was in agony the last year of his life. He even spoke...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Qualia, my Dad finally passed at home with the "help" of hospice. They did not hasten, just eased some of the pain he was going thru. He had major congestive heart issues & he kept "trying" to go, but the pacemaker that the hospital had just recently installed prevented him from "easing" out on his own. It kept bringing him back to go through the same process all over again. We (his family) & he didn't need assistance for his passing, just a bit more common sense on the part of hospital staff. Hospice folk were just great (Hospice of the Valley here in Phoenix, AZ) & they have my undying (well, obviously not really) gratitude. A whole other story involved in the local priest at the church my dad attended & his "schedule", but that's a whole other story!

X marks the spot... [youtube.com]

HeathenFarmer comments on Jan 17, 2018:

y

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

or, even, "z"

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

KKGator comments on Jan 17, 2018:

I'll make my own choices, thank you. If I can't wipe my own ass, it's time to go. Already have arrangements in place for that contingency. I don't give a flying rat's ass what the government deems "appropriate". I have no problem with breaking laws that I think are wrong. Been doing it all my life,...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

You tell 'em, KK!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

ChestRockfield comments on Jan 17, 2018:

"Let me also say that I'm a strong believer in the right to die...I just can't have help doing it." You, sir, are not a strong believer in the right to die. Replace the word 'die' with the word 'abortion' to see how wrong you are. Actually, for quadriplegics, any right is a right they'd need ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Jeff, I agreed with you right up until you wished these maladies on him. I wish a fate like that on no one, & would hope just the recognition of these situations would be enough to sway him. I know it probably won't, especially if his views are religiously based, but I will still not wish this on anyone.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

Trajan61 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

The gun is probably the best tool we have available at the moument for ending our life when we have reached the point of not having any quality of life. Unfornately some people only make half hearted attempts and end up just badly hurting themselves but done correctly the gun is a quick and painless...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Yeah, a shotgun would be fast, but the mess would be considerable.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

JackPedigo comments on Jan 17, 2018:

My late partner opted for the "Death with Dignity" program immediately upon hearing she had a brain tumor. She did not care if it was curable (it wasn't) all she knew was her quality of life was going to be reduced and that was unbearable to her. I live on an island in Washing state in an area ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Well said.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

Qualia comments on Jan 17, 2018:

My late husband was chewed up by cancer and young. I've never seen anyone in so much intractable pain in my life. I know he would have loved to check out earlier but held on due to fear of various legalities that negates benefits to heirs. He was in agony the last year of his life. He even spoke...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

That had to have been excruciating for you, also. You have my sympathy & understanding, & hopefully, we will wake up to the problems that these laws impose on many.

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

SKDeitch comments on Jan 17, 2018:

There may be issues with Dr. Kevorkian specifically, but the principal that every person owns their own life and should have the unimpeded right to end it on their own terms should they desire to do so seems obvious. We can obtain help with almost any endeavor, why not with this, ...

phxbillcee replies on Jan 17, 2018:

You have stated this much better than I did. Spot on!

Money, money, money? [youtube.com]

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 15, 2018:

This guy has some talent!!

phxbillcee replies on Jan 15, 2018:

Isn't that incredible?!?

What's in a Name? [youtube.com]

MrLizard comments on Jan 15, 2018:

This was fun. I'd love a species names from me.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 15, 2018:

Isn't there a whole bunch of animals already named for you? (lizard?)

I love Tracie Harris on The Atheist Experience.

briangs comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Thank you for introducing me to Tracie Harris. I just watched the video below and I loved her arguments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxBwBPHHqig

phxbillcee replies on Jan 14, 2018:

Yep, she's always been a voice of reason, without losing her cool. Another good ScienceNet compilation there, I think.

Did all of you hear about this one?

EllenDale comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Cruel irony that it could have been real.

phxbillcee replies on Jan 14, 2018:

Yep, just a year or so ago if this would have happened folks would have had second thoughts. Now, between "Little Rocket Man" & his feud w/ the "Dotard" the scenario is all too real!

Read this poem if you are NOT a Racist, an Islamophobe, a Bigot or a Colonizer.

Maya405 comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Hello! Anyone who's not a racist, islamophobe, bigot or a colonizer?

phxbillcee replies on Jan 13, 2018:

Well, I do my best, but I do have worries & concerns, mostly over Islam. I consider the religion as a whole, both major "sects", as a clear & present danger to the rest of the world. I don't believe it is a religion of peace, any more than Christianity was for centuries, & may be again in this country & areas of Europe that are trending nationalist/"populist". (& somewhat in response to the Islamic threat, real & perceived, tho I think it was coming anyway.)