Ultra-Orthodox Jews say London schools should not teach 'lies' that Earth is older than 6,000 years ...

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

Their argument would probably get more traction here in the States.......unfortunately.

Tea excitement, at least in my household! I've got some new tea coming next week! My purchases: 25 ...

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

Wish I could join you, but it's too far......and....I wasn't asked. Enjoy! Give an update.

Two truths and a lie.

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

1. I once climbed Popocatepetl. 2. I won a prize for a short story. 3. I won prizes for two different paintings. I think the lie is 1.

What doesn't impress you?

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

"Some of the most wretched humans on earth were wealthy and still are." Were you thinking of tRUMP? Actually, I've known some wealthy people who were very decent and altruistic human beings, but most equate money with power and power becomes subjugation.

Recent Converts

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

I actually tried to be religious, but it just didn't take. Irrationality and illogic far outweigh the benefits.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

I've delved into this before. Some people don't want to make decisions and are willing to subjugate themselves so as not to do so.

Do you feel lucky?

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

I used to feel Lucky, but she and I broke up years ago.

What are some interesting/unique things you like to do for fun?

tioteo comments on Mar 1, 2018:

I live in an area rich with hardwoods and lakes. There are trails, paths, sunsets enough for a lifetime. Unsurprisingly, I like to walk a lot.

Does anyone enjoy a hot cup of tea? What is your favorite kind?

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Loose leaf camellia sinensis, black, green, white, oolong. It must be steeped properly: at the correct temperature, the proper time, with the correct amount of leaves, and, if possible, filtered water.

I'm really bad at introductions, so I'll keep this short and sweet! Hello all, it's so wonderful ...

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Welcome to the group. We aren't a bad lot, with a few exceptions, perhaps, but i have no first-hand experience with that.

I love the "Blacklist "

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Yeah.

What would it take to get rid of the electoral college?

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Two words: Constitutional amendment

How well do you listen actively?

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Much better than I used to, but it depends on a number of variables. I do work very hard at it.

Greetings other agnostics, humanists, skeptics, and “heretics” of all flavors - I’m new here, ...

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

If you're crazy as a bat or sane as a ......well, whatever something is that is sane, join in. Most of us don't bite or snipe at you.

Different path?

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

We are all the products of positive and negative decisions, events, turns in our lives. If we are decent people now, it took all those forces to make us who/what we are. If we are not, the same is true but the result is different. If you don't already, may you all love yourselves for who you are.

Well - after reading the many posts on the subject, and after being on other dating sites ...

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

We wish you good things. Keep us apprised--if your want to; otherwise, it's none of our business.

Amputee Identity Disorder

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

It is a disorder which has been documented fairly extensively. Unlike transgender, which I don't see as illness, this I do. It draws others--medical professionals--into it.

Which TV News Personality Gets Under Your Skin?

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

She's not a broadcaster, but Sarah Huckabee Sanders might as well be. Honesty and she have not been acquaintances.

I am having a time wishing for my old life back.

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Time is the healer. Check. Talking helps. Check. We can't give you more time, but we can listen. Use us as a sounding board.

As some of you may recall from a post I wrote a few weeks back, I have been dealing with the grief ...

tioteo comments on Feb 27, 2018:

First, remember the love.

Hi, new user from Utah! I'll admit I'm a bit skeptical about the site but I've been looking for ...

tioteo comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I didn't ever live in Utah, but it might as well have been. It was a mile across the border in Wyoming in a place where the percentage of LDS was higher than in Salt Lake City. I can relate. Be yourself here.

Out of hardwork, dedication and consistency, one can achieve what he or she hopes to gain.

tioteo comments on Feb 27, 2018:

Giving encouragement is not incumbent on religion and is appropriate for both theists and non-theists.

Can I ever be happy again ?

tioteo comments on Feb 27, 2018:

You must want to be happy and then pursue it. Will that work? While not entirely up to you, you bear the greatest responsibility for it. Good fortune to you.

Does anyone remember the first time they had romantic feelings for another person?

tioteo comments on Feb 27, 2018:

4th grade...She was a gorgeous blonde with short, straight hair.

Christian “Prophetess”: God Told Me Who Wins the Next 5 Presidential Elections – Friendly ...

tioteo comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I heard that this idiot applied for a position as Tooth Fairy.

Are you your own best friend ? How do you treat yourself as a person ?

tioteo comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I'm my own worst enemy. I spend far too much effort on self-analysis.

What's your guilty pleasure?

tioteo comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Sipping tea while listening to Beethoven's sixth symphony and watching the birds and squirrels outside my picture window.

For those without a degree... Do you ever wish that you had one or had finished one?

tioteo comments on Feb 25, 2018:

I have two degrees and a lot of education beyond that. School was always easy for me, and that's a shame in some ways. Now that I'm a senior citizen, I still have curiosity, just not a lot of energy; therefore, I pursue things a little at a time and follow only the paths that look interesting. Sometimes I don't think that is so good, either, because some things that don't look interesting can be once you get below the first layer.

The two definitions I found definitely apply to my thoughts.

tioteo comments on Feb 25, 2018:

Seems about the way I would define it.

What is the best way to excuse a Johova Witness from your front door?

tioteo comments on Feb 25, 2018:

You could ask to "borrow" a Watchtower so you could start a fire to burn a stack of bibles.

Do you in some way feel superior to those who are religious or have you remained humble?

tioteo comments on Feb 25, 2018:

No. Theists have their weaknesses; I have mine.

My mom has cancer.

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

A life well-lived is a benefit to all who have shared a part of it, even for a brief time.

What is “worse” to you – being lied to spare your feelings, or being told the truth when the ...

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

My vote for which is worse is being lied to in order to spare feelings. That being said, how the truth is told also matters. The tone of voice can carry a lot of weight.

Why do so many men find it unbelievably difficult to talk to women as people rather than as a ...

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Fortunately, I don't know.

Do you have porn saved on your computer?

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

No.

How are you all spending your Saturday?

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I'm a lot farther north so mowing a lawn is out of the question. Saturday is one day when I usually do the laundry; today, I even hung some of the clothes outside for a while. I love the fragrance of line-dried clothes.

Am I weird?

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I think these were called "A" shirts, but I'm not sure of that. Brando wore one, I think, in "A Streetcar Named Desire." I never did like them.

I thought you might appreciate this graphic.

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I love it!

When I was a kid we'd go out and never come home.

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Dying slow deaths due to inactivity.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

tioteo comments on Feb 23, 2018:

There is room for it, but it must have ham with it..

Gentlemen: How did it feel like when your voice broke?

tioteo comments on Feb 23, 2018:

My voice change started at a fairly young age, 10. It bothered me the most when I tried to sing. This was especially difficult because I had been in a school choir the year before and had a nice soprano. Then I went from a soprano to a bass in the same musical phrase. It took maybe two years for the change to settle in, but the damage was done by that time. I absolutely refused to even try to sing for years. Only in the last few years have I enjoyed singing again, and I do it well enough that other people don't mind when I do it.....and I'm still a bass.

The Two Travelers and the Farmer A traveler came upon an old farmer hoeing in his field beside the ...

tioteo comments on Feb 23, 2018:

"As we see so shall it be."

I'd like to speak here and RL, hoping to find friendships (and more?

tioteo comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Although we have certain similarities, we are a fairly eclectic group. Don't be afraid to post or reply. We like to share insights and opinions.

Music/Concert

tioteo comments on Feb 22, 2018:

An all Tchaikovsky symphony concert about a month ago.

Mark Twain once said: "Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool.”

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

My favorite author said that? If he could rise any more in my estimation, he just did.

Who else would rather use natural medicines?

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I lean that way, but I'm not fanatical about it.

I notice people talking about the pain and troubles of escaping religions to find a life without.

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

It seems to me that those who have thrown off the chains of religious oppression are more resentful of it because of the sway it had over them for years. No blanket statement is entirely true, but I seem to sense this pattern. Someone never in the grips doesn't know what it takes to free oneself.

Do you like tea? If so, what kind do you drink?

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I'm a long-time tea snob. I drink black teas, green teas, white teas, oolongs, and a few herbals. As far as real tea goes, I always use loose leaf and am very particular about the quantity I use, the temperature of the water, and the time of infusion. Black teas usually call for boiling water and a steeping time of 3-5 minutes. Green teas are generally best with water at 180 degrees and steeping time of 2 minutes. White teas vary with most taking about 2 tsp. per 8 oz. cup and steeping time of 3-5 minutes at a temperature of 170-180. I strongly recommend filtered water. There are so many teas available as to flush, growing altitude, estate that making choices can be daunting. Try different ones and see what you like. If you want any specific recommendations as to vendors, types, etc. let me know. Enjoy.

Howdy! New to this site but delighted to see something for our people! I'm Ken -- I'm up in the ...

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Congratulations.

I was recently asked, if I could teach anything in the world, what would it be?

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I might take it if it were a half-day. I would be more open to 20th century because I understand that the least.

What was hardest?

tioteo comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I don't think i was ever a true believer, even though I attended church regularly and had positions of leadership in the congregation. The hardest part was breaking the ties with family who remain in their theist delusions. It still has ramifications for me.

How do you feel about buddbism ?

tioteo comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Siddhartha Gautama--I hope I'm spelling that correctly--was himself an atheist. The religions which he spawned were developed by others, not him.

I notice that this site is mostly made up of people from the U.

tioteo comments on Feb 19, 2018:

People are people. I've met English (quit e few), Northern Irish (not many), and Scots (a few), but no native Welsh. There were decent souls from all--mostly--and a few jerks in the mix. The U.S. is much the same.

Kids

tioteo comments on Feb 19, 2018:

We have 3: a daughter 48 who has given me two fine grandsons, a son 43 with a cognitive disability and a job with benefits who lives with us yet, and a son 40 with one son. Being a dad has been great; being a granddad is AWESOME!

My little, but proud country today is celebrating 100th state anniversary.

tioteo comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Long live Lithuania! May your future continue to brighten!

Music and the cerebral listener

tioteo comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Although I'm much more into classical music, I enjoy the complexities of Dream Theatre.

What’s one of your funniest church experiences?

tioteo comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Not exactly "in church", but it involved a pastor's daughter. 'Nuf said.

Has life been decent or good to you for the most part?

tioteo comments on Feb 15, 2018:

There are things we can't control in life, some bad and some good. I have found that life is what I make of it, how I react to what happens. I want to be the one in charge of me.

What kind of snob are you?

tioteo comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I am a tea snob. The water must be filtered; the temperature must be right; the tea must be loose leaf and proper flush; the steeping time must be right....There are other elements, but you get the idea.

Do you have any beliefs that aren't supported by evidence?

tioteo comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Yes. I believe in happy endings, but not every time.

11 Mormon employees quit after first female mayor elected in Utah town - --

tioteo comments on Feb 12, 2018:

This is a fringe group of a ...well, never mind. I was glad to read this.

Turbulent Hydro - Could this be the future of renewable energy?

tioteo comments on Feb 10, 2018:

This looks promising.

Trying to break away from the chains of our society and religion.

tioteo comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Old habits die hard. It's not unique, but it's true, and especially so when pulling away from what we have known to navigate uncharted waters. While not everyone here is of one mind on all things, the disagreements that I have seen have been respectful. If you're seeking answers, you may find some, but probably more questions than answers, and that's okay.

Recent Converts

tioteo comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I accepted religion in my early 20s. Rejecting it took time and the final split is fairly recent, but now I can say that I am true to myself.

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

tioteo comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I hadn't seen "progtard" before, but an acquaintance uses "libtard" a lot. Having been called that a number of times, I wear it as a badge of honor, especially knowing the sources.

Natural versus learned Agnostics?

tioteo comments on Feb 8, 2018:

I think that religion only exists because of indoctrination at an early age. If children were educated and then introduced to the Bible, they would see it for the mythology it is, and the same is true of other religions as well.

Keep god out of the workforce.

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Some people think that freedom of religion and freedom from religion are the same thing. Not so, much as we may want it to be. We have to put up with the illogic. That's just how it is.

I just made a comment on social media that references that I've left the church.

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Enlightenment comes slowly; acknowledging enlightenment comes even more slowly.

There are so many reasons why I am not a restaurant fanatic, one of them is that the food is not ...

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I eat,out occasionally, but I prefer home-cooked meals. They just taste better to me.

Lorraine Vivian Hansberry was an African-American playwright and writer.

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I love this quote. Thanks for sharing.

Have you ever had a conversation with a religious person in which you were able to alter their ...

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

A number of times I've had such a discussion. I won't let a disagreement become an argument. Asking questions seems to be the key for me.

Was anyone else raised by strict, right-wing conservative, christian parents?

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I didn't attend church much with my parents because they didn't attend much. Later when I was in college my dad wondered why I was a skeptic.

I have to have a plumber come rescue me tomorrow and it's gonna cost $90 an hour.

tioteo comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Unfortunately, you're up the creek without a paddle at the immediate time. There are a number of self-help books and sites. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with them.

[forbes.

tioteo comments on Feb 6, 2018:

As is the history of mankind, the haves conspire to control so that they can have more and more, always at the expense of the have-nots.

I don't drink alcohol.

tioteo comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Thanks for the sharing. I must admit that I don't like the smell or taste of alcohol now, although I used to enjoy a cold beer on a warm day.

Is Mardi Gras a religious holiday? Or is it an in-your-face-Pope holiday?

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

"What became known as the Carnival season was a kick-off to Lent, a sort of last hurrah before 40 days of penance sandwiched between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday."

Has anyone watched Altered Carbon, on Netflix?

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I'm convinced. I'm going to have to start.....as soon as I get Netflix.

Thinking of the arts, and of "spirit" - we are creative beings.

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I can only say that I know what you mean.

I have a confession to make.

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I know what you mean. I've read parts of the bible but not the whole thing. Even as a kid, it seemed like reading "Alice in Wonderland" or some other fantasy, only not as interesting. For a while I ignored my trepidation, and then....well, I'm here now.

I have a friend that has cancer that has come back.

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

You're handling it as well as you can. No words really help. Checking up on her and helping where you can mean much more.

Superbowl Sunday question

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I will watch it because I want to see who wins. My favorite pro team has been mediocre for a number of years and bad before that. It's not the most important event of the year to me.

Forgive and forget. Is it a possibility?

tioteo comments on Feb 2, 2018:

Forgiving is a choice; forgetting is not.

If you are into physics and had the chance to learn about the double slit experiment.

tioteo comments on Feb 2, 2018:

In a word, no.

It is my opinion, based on what I observe and articles that I have read, that conservative ...

tioteo comments on Feb 2, 2018:

A unique American religion? Sounds intriguing. Talk with the Mormons about this.

About you?

tioteo comments on Feb 2, 2018:

NOTE TO ALL: Thanks for the thoughts and comments.

The first "god" was El.

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

The first god was El--vis? Dude could sing. Peace.

Have always wondered....

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I try to enjoy one day at a time, or part of a day. I've thought about this, but, since I can't do anything about it, I go back to enjoying or at least trying to enjoy the day.

I just saw that a Texas judge, told a jury that God talked to him, and wants them to come in with a ...

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Scary as it gets.

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

If he wants to thank or pay tribute to a non-existent being, that's his choice. I don't think we should become as thin-skinned as evangelicals.

Wow! Thanks, religion! NOT.

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Interesting.

Who else (I hope there is someone) is finding that as they get older they are more likely to cry at ...

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I find that I am more sentimental. Puppies make me smile more broadly and more easily, as do little children. Musical pieces also seem to touch me more deeply than when I was young.

Were you the popular type in high school or more the keep to yourself type?

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Made up for a lack of confidence with forced bravado....sometimes. Most of the time I preferred to stick to myself.

Have you noticed this?

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Unfortunately too true.

Who all got up early this morning to watch the Lunar Eclipse? It was amazing!

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Couldn't make it. I've been mooned too many times before.

Laughter might not actually be the best medicine but, at least it doesn't have a co-pay.

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I like to say "I laughed my ass off." The truth is I just became old and lost muscle tone.

Favorite early SF/Fantasy Book

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

When I was in elementary school, I read "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells. It still holds a place in my heart even though it is not my all-time favorite. Soon after that "20,000 Leagues under the Sea" caught my attention and my time. I still enjoy some of the older works along with many of the newer ones.

So who else on here loves TWD and The Blacklist?

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I follow Blacklist, but I've never seen even one episode of The Walking Dead. I started watching Blacklist about halfway through the first season, caught up on missed episodes on-demand, and have watched ever since. James Spader is a wonderful character actor who plays Redington with just the right touches.

It's my birthday! I don't usually care about one day any more than the others, but today seems ...

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

If you keep having birthdays, you'll get to be old. If you don't, well, we don't want that.

Millions of Americans Believe God Made Trump President

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

If God made tRUMP president,it's no wonder we don't want anything to do with God.

Feeling good today, about to give it a go at Vegan Spaghetti.

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

It's YOUR mind over YOUR matter. Good luck. Although I've cut down over the years, I'm still a carnivore.