Do you think that Atheists have different senses of humor compared to other people?

wordywalt comments on Jul 7, 2018:

Unfortunately, there are some people of all ilks who are humorless. It is a personality issue.

wordywalt replies on Jul 7, 2018:

@itsmedammit Thanks. he nickname came from the fact that I used to write a lot, particularly professional writing. Where in Illinois is Wadsworth? Years ago, I lived in Galesburg for 5 years.

Do you think that Atheists have different senses of humor compared to other people?

wordywalt comments on Jul 7, 2018:

Unfortunately, there are some people of all ilks who are humorless. It is a personality issue.

wordywalt replies on Jul 7, 2018:

@itsmedammit As I do not text, I have to ask: What does "btw" mean?

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

AmelieMatisse comments on Jul 6, 2018:

Right now I am so burned out by news, drama, crisis in my country that I feel anxiety a good deal of the time. I think that to take a break and put out something silly or fun has become a stress reliever. I have seen lots of very serious questions posed in posts and people responding to them. I also...

wordywalt replies on Jul 7, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse I agree.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

GwenC comments on Jul 7, 2018:

So make your own serious and significant posts. Quit relying on others to do it for you.

wordywalt replies on Jul 7, 2018:

You have not done your homework before making a questionable assertion. I have made over 70 posts. No apology is necessary.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

Slartibartfast comments on Jul 7, 2018:

I guess I haven't been paying attention. Why do you hate silly posts?

wordywalt replies on Jul 7, 2018:

I don't hate them. I just don't think most of them are worth responding to.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

SkotlandSkye comments on Jul 6, 2018:

oh dear....more of the "people who were here first are the best".... Yes, we know. You have your own group that no one can join and you like to look down your noses at everyone who joined in 2018 because, as we all know, people who joined in 2017 are sooooooooooooooooooooooo much better. We get ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 7, 2018:

@SkotlandSkye NO! I was simply responding to the false and negative intentions you attributed to me. Why are you exhibiting such hostility?

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

poetdi56 comments on Jul 6, 2018:

I have not noticed this, and the criticism seems a bit harsh. Yes, these things happen now and again, and I am not here as much as I would like, but how does one measure "intelligence" after all?

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

Please read my responses above.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

Donotbelieve comments on Jul 6, 2018:

I've been busy. My apologies. :-p

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

You have no need to apologize.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

SkotlandSkye comments on Jul 6, 2018:

oh dear....more of the "people who were here first are the best".... Yes, we know. You have your own group that no one can join and you like to look down your noses at everyone who joined in 2018 because, as we all know, people who joined in 2017 are sooooooooooooooooooooooo much better. We get ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

Please. You entirely misinterpret almost entirely what I said. I have responded to thousands of posts, and have given hundreds of responses. I have found many intelligent, thoughtful, funny, insightful, and caring posts over the 9 months and intend to keep doing so. But, there are dull days on this site, and several of them have occurred recently. That was all that I said and meant. I see no reason to apologize for that.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

LucyLoohoo comments on Jul 6, 2018:

Frankly, I find the humor here intelligent and delightful. There are several ''serious'' discussions but you have to look for them. Have you joined a group? Sorry if you're offended.

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

I am not offended. I do enjoy humor of many sorts. I did join two groups, because of a shared interest, but not as an attempt to hide my opinions from others who might disagree. In the 9 months on this site, I have responded to several thousand posts. Many days I do find intelligent, thoughtful, humorous, aesthetic, and caring posts I do respond to.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

SLBushway comments on Jul 6, 2018:

*And.... exactly what have you contributed? I ask because I've not seen (as others have stated) the same decline you wrote about but I've also (until now) not seen anything from you. If you want to engage people in riveting and thought provoking conversation that also appeals to your superior ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

Over my time on this site, I have made over 70 original posts, several thousand comments, and hundreds of responses. Obviously, you are not speaking from knowledge. Why do you choose to be derogatory?

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

BlueWave comments on Jul 6, 2018:

C’mon Walt....gimme something really thoughtful and insightful to this. My favorite Crayola Crayon is the Burnt Sienna. What are your thoughts? Surely, that should spark lots of enticing conversation!! 😘

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

My favorite colors are dark blue, forest green. I also really enjoy the burnt orange of ripe milo heads in a farm field. That is interesting and not trivial.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

Catinahat comments on Jul 6, 2018:

That's a really obnoxious statement. Do ALL the posts have to be intellectual. Can people have some fun too? Sometimes you wanna listen to smooth jazz and then sometimes you just want to listen to the Beatles. Sheesh.

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

Your misstate what I said. I also enjoy real levity, and warm, thoughtful posts. I was simply saying that over the past several days, there were fewer serious and significant posts that I wanted to respond to. I also enjoy good music of all sorts. May statement was NOT an obnoxious one and I do not apologize for it.

Over the past several days I have noticed fewer intelligent and/or serious posts.

AmelieMatisse comments on Jul 6, 2018:

Right now I am so burned out by news, drama, crisis in my country that I feel anxiety a good deal of the time. I think that to take a break and put out something silly or fun has become a stress reliever. I have seen lots of very serious questions posed in posts and people responding to them. I also...

wordywalt replies on Jul 6, 2018:

Most of the time, I find thoughtful, interesting, and caring posts I do wish to respond to. It's just that they have been scarce over a several day span.

If You Were A Former Believer, What Was The Last Religion You Were Affiliated With?

wordywalt comments on Jul 4, 2018:

That was over 60 years ago.

wordywalt replies on Jul 4, 2018:

@twshield I was a Methodist as a child and teenager.

If You Were A Former Believer, What Was The Last Religion You Were Affiliated With?

wordywalt comments on Jul 4, 2018:

That was over 60 years ago.

wordywalt replies on Jul 4, 2018:

@twshield It has been over 60 years ago since I was engaged with any religion.

Do you think that duality in thoughts and actions limit the living "experience"?

wordywalt comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Explain, please. I do not understand your question.

wordywalt replies on Jul 3, 2018:

@MarqMark Thank you.

Donald Trump's great grandfather was an unaccompanied German minor.

HippieChick58 comments on Jul 3, 2018:

The Republican administrations seem to have always been more interested in lining their own pocket than being helpful to the American public.

wordywalt replies on Jul 3, 2018:

I would agree that is true of the modern Republican Party. I think that it was a more constructive force in the mid 19th century, but has devolved into today's corrupt and morally bankrupt party of greed, glorification of a false past, aggressive nationalism and moral turpitude.

Have you ever noticed that many in of the immigrant groups that faced anti-immigration sentiment and...

JustKip comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Cesar Chavez strongly opposed an open border. He was trying to get a living wage for the UFW, and farmers were bringing bus loads of undocumented people directly from Mexico to undermine the union. There is nothing new under the sun.

wordywalt replies on Jul 2, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth You make my case.

Have you ever noticed that many in of the immigrant groups that faced anti-immigration sentiment and...

JustKip comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Cesar Chavez strongly opposed an open border. He was trying to get a living wage for the UFW, and farmers were bringing bus loads of undocumented people directly from Mexico to undermine the union. There is nothing new under the sun.

wordywalt replies on Jul 2, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth There are conspiracy nuts. But, I did not say that you are a conspiracy nut. I sais that with your wild CIA aspersions, you were behaving like one. You can prevent that by not making such wild statements which have no merit. Yes, the CIA has done some things I wish it had not. But, it is not the consistently nefarious actor you portray. You have no grounds for making it seem that is the case. .

Have you ever noticed that many in of the immigrant groups that faced anti-immigration sentiment and...

JustKip comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Cesar Chavez strongly opposed an open border. He was trying to get a living wage for the UFW, and farmers were bringing bus loads of undocumented people directly from Mexico to undermine the union. There is nothing new under the sun.

wordywalt replies on Jul 2, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth I am anything but compliant. I have been an iconoclast my entire adult life. But, I do not treat topics with prior bias. It is obvious that you see the CIA nefariously involved in everything with corrupt intent.

Have you ever noticed that many in of the immigrant groups that faced anti-immigration sentiment and...

JustKip comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Cesar Chavez strongly opposed an open border. He was trying to get a living wage for the UFW, and farmers were bringing bus loads of undocumented people directly from Mexico to undermine the union. There is nothing new under the sun.

wordywalt replies on Jul 2, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth You are behaving like one of the conspiracy nuts.

Is socialism and libertarianism compatible?

wordywalt comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Yes, libertarianism and socialism are incompatible. Libertarianism tends to be self-focused and self-absorbed. Marxist socialism focused on its own total system ideology which places the state above everything and falsely in the name of "the people." Non-Marxist socialism, in its many forms ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 2, 2018:

@DonThiebaut You need to read Milovan Djilas's book THE NEW CLASS. Djilas was he communist vice president of Yugoslavia. But, in that role, he came to see Marxism for what it really is. It is a false total system ideology which purports to include and explain everything (just like most religions claim). Mars calls for a "temporary" dictatorship of the proletariat by an elite of ideological purists. As Djilas pointed out, the problem is that the "temporary" dictatorship becomes a permanent elite in total control and which will never voluntarily relinquish its power. It becomes a "new class." Djilas spent 20 years in prison for writing this book.

Is socialism and libertarianism compatible?

DonThiebaut comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Libertarianism originally was a movement centered around leftist ideas, such as shared public land and cooperative endeavors. The term was intentionally hijacked by right-wing thinkers in the last century or so, in part to make it seem as though socialism was an inherently authoritarian system ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 2, 2018:

I identify myself as a progressive, and I disagree with you. Libertarianism has always been focused on self, taking the stance that I have my rights as an individual, and no one may intrude on them. It is "rugged individualism" and with little regard for others.

The actions of Donald Trump and his administration to fragment and weaken NATO and the EEU are, at ...

Ellatynemouth comments on Jul 1, 2018:

I'm happy for NATO and the EU to be weakened. They are both immoral bodies. I don't buy this nonsense about Russia either. It's not the enemy our rulers are telling us it is. Thousands of British football fans are in Russia right now. They're having a great time by all accounts. I'm more ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth America has its mistakes and misdeeds, but the comparison of the barbarity and ruthless of Russia to the USA is patently false!

It is a good thing for Donald Trump that he has never had to be an employee working for a living.

Sticks48 comments on Jul 1, 2018:

Nope! Had he not been born into wealth, he would have been a successful used car salesman. I'm convinced of this.

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

@Sticks48 He did that with the aid of millions of dollars worth of Russian interference, and billions of dollars from corrupt PACs. He could not have done it without the aid of corrupting forces.

It is a good thing for Donald Trump that he has never had to be an employee working for a living.

Sticks48 comments on Jul 1, 2018:

Nope! Had he not been born into wealth, he would have been a successful used car salesman. I'm convinced of this.

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

Yes, he is obnoxious enough to be a good con man for suckers. But, as a used care salesman, he would turn off most people.

It is a good thing for Donald Trump that he has never had to be an employee working for a living.

gater comments on Jul 1, 2018:

lol @ Trump being lazy - hes accomplished more in his 1st year than any president in history. Facts - get to know them.

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

@gater Yes, informed, educated researchers, unlike yourself.

The actions of Donald Trump and his administration to fragment and weaken NATO and the EEU are, at ...

Ellatynemouth comments on Jul 1, 2018:

I'm happy for NATO and the EU to be weakened. They are both immoral bodies. I don't buy this nonsense about Russia either. It's not the enemy our rulers are telling us it is. Thousands of British football fans are in Russia right now. They're having a great time by all accounts. I'm more ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

Respectfully, I disagree with your assessment of Russia. I was in West Berlin when they were threatening to start World War III to force us (the Americans, British, and French trooprs out of Berlin. Under Putin, the communist threat is gone, but the Russian threat has not. Putin stirs up trouble where he can (Syria, Ukraine, Iran, in Europe and the U.S. by using the media to plant false "news" and influence elections by treacherous means.. Putin has annexed parts of Georgia and the Crimea. Unless firmly opposed, he will continue his expansionist efforts. He, like Trump, has an authoritarian lust for power. What I sorry about is that Trump will collude with Putin to weaken Europe so that the Russians can attempt further expansion at the expense of Europe. Of course, the Russians are being very nice in acting as the World Cup host. It is great public relations for Putin. What else did you expect. But, don't be fooled: He is the same man who poisoned multiple people in Britain.

It is a good thing for Donald Trump that he has never had to be an employee working for a living.

gater comments on Jul 1, 2018:

lol @ Trump being lazy - hes accomplished more in his 1st year than any president in history. Facts - get to know them.

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

Sir, you have no touch with political reality. Presidential historians are already rating Trump the WORST president in American history-- with damned good reason!

So someone created a group simply to get points.

wordywalt comments on Jul 1, 2018:

I still believe that all groups should be removed so that we can have a free and open interchange between all of us. We have groups on this site which were created solely to that we could not see the nefarious posts and criticize them. That defeats the purpose of this site.

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

@RavenCT I understand. But, I, personally, feel that evil will not go away by itself. If let go, it will feel emboldened. I feel I have to reveal it for what it is, and fight it head-on.

So someone created a group simply to get points.

wordywalt comments on Jul 1, 2018:

I still believe that all groups should be removed so that we can have a free and open interchange between all of us. We have groups on this site which were created solely to that we could not see the nefarious posts and criticize them. That defeats the purpose of this site.

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

@RavenCT I have been ravaged by the irrational rants and attacks of right wing miscreants on this site. Whie I did not enjoy that, it served a real purpose: It showed what kind of people these nuts are, and it eventually got a lot of them kicked off this site. This is for the better. And, the negative responses that they got from so many people were so great that many of them left the site voluntarily.

Quiet 45, I will you a mystical life energizing force you little one.

HippieChick58 comments on Jul 1, 2018:

Love it!!

wordywalt replies on Jul 1, 2018:

Double ditto!!

Favorite ice cream flavor!

wordywalt comments on Jun 29, 2018:

Jamocca almond fudge.

wordywalt replies on Jun 30, 2018:

@ezwryder Yes, from Baskin- Robbins. It is so good that is it almost decadent.

A friend of mine and I were discussing how the events we go through in our life shape the person we ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 28, 2018:

I have had several over my 80 years. Among them: 1. At the age of 11. moving to a tiny rural town of 250 people in a southern bible belt and poverty stricken culture. It took me a long time to get rid of the effects of that. 2. Winning 2 scholarships which enabled me to go to college. ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 29, 2018:

@evestrat Thank you evestrat. you are a fine young woman and our written exchanges add a delightful touch of humanity to my daily life. I enjoy our exchanges, as well.

I'm interested in learning your views on the psychology field.

Dreegle comments on Jun 28, 2018:

Psychology has lost its' way. Fundamentally there are three main reasons for people to be as they are. Physiological (psychiatrists), environmental (psychiatrists, and psychologists) and instinctive (psychiatrists and psychologists). The role of the psychologist is to treat environmentally acquired ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 28, 2018:

I disagree fundamentally with your statement. The huge field of human psychology has many facets -- behavioral, cognitive, perceptual, analytical, social, clinical. etc, etc. Each subdivision is studying somewhat different issues and has valid perspectives and does solid research. Your statement shows a basis lack of understanding of the broad field of psychology.

What or Who created the universe?

wordywalt comments on Jun 4, 2018:

The universe has no beginning or end, only cycles of expansion and contraction.

wordywalt replies on Jun 27, 2018:

@kensmile4u The big bang is simply end end of a cycle of contraction and the beginning of a cycle of expansion.

The problem with a two party system is that eventually the two parties get together and decide to ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I don't care for your cynicism. If your statement were true, our nation could not have lasted as long as it has. It is up to US -- and not to the politicians -- to make sure that the politicians understand their real job, and that we will hold them accountable for carrying out their job with ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@TheInterlooper Your sarcasm never ends, does it?

The problem with a two party system is that eventually the two parties get together and decide to ...

Etre comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Hegelian dialectic

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

You ake offense easily. I simply said that I did not care for your cynicism, which is simply a way of saying I disagree. Do you take offense when anyone disagrees with you?

The problem with a two party system is that eventually the two parties get together and decide to ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I don't care for your cynicism. If your statement were true, our nation could not have lasted as long as it has. It is up to US -- and not to the politicians -- to make sure that the politicians understand their real job, and that we will hold them accountable for carrying out their job with ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Surfpirate Listen you 59 year old "kid", I am an 81 year old man with graduate work in political science, and political involvement for most of my life. I consider it an insult that you call me naïve simply because I disagree. I would not choose to do low simply because I disagree. you misspelled "naivety." You may not want to become a responsible participant in our political system, but I do as a matte of patriotism.

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

Varn comments on Jun 25, 2018:

The US has remained the most generous nation in the world with regard to legal immigration, and perhaps the most tolerant of illegal immigration. But it’s no longer the seventeenth century… Our nation is full and our resources nearly depleted. If we allowed it, we could likely empty all of ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Varn You have a right to your opinion, but I disagree. Having had 7 graduate level statistics, research design, , and analysis of research courses, I know how easy it is to insert bias into data and into research design and make a study appear credible when it is not.

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

Varn comments on Jun 25, 2018:

The US has remained the most generous nation in the world with regard to legal immigration, and perhaps the most tolerant of illegal immigration. But it’s no longer the seventeenth century… Our nation is full and our resources nearly depleted. If we allowed it, we could likely empty all of ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Varn The site you list is not a fair unbiase4d site. It is an anti-immigration propaganda site. It is not credible.

Creation / Starting Theory

wordywalt comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Who says that there was a beginning point before which nothing existed? Why do people seem to insist that must be?

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Asa7th Because we are biological organism and because all biological organisms seem to have a birth and death, we assume that all things have a beginning and end. But that does not take into account the facts that(1) the molecules and energy that comprise us do not end when we die, but continue in some form (meaning that we are simply the latest phase of those components), and (2) we did not come into being from nothing, but are the product of DNA from our parents (ergo we are simply a continuation of them that has become independent of their personal existences).

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

Varn comments on Jun 25, 2018:

The US has remained the most generous nation in the world with regard to legal immigration, and perhaps the most tolerant of illegal immigration. But it’s no longer the seventeenth century… Our nation is full and our resources nearly depleted. If we allowed it, we could likely empty all of ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

I understand your concerns, but the data do not support many of your contentions.

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

IamNobody comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I am an immigrant. I became US Citizen under Obama administration. I have done everything by the book, every step along the way as everybody must. However, the point I must emphasize (as I have before), things were NOT easier for me then as they are not any more difficult today. All this ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

Well stated.

Why do conservative Christians feel oppressed?

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Evangelical true believers feel that the absolute certainty of their dogma entitles them to intrude on the lives of others and to impose their dogma on others to further their cause. They feel that any attempts to limit their intrusive and abusive behavior is oppression. In other words, they ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Beach_slim Your irrationality is astounding.

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

Ellatynemouth comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Will you let us know if it gets published?

wordywalt replies on Jun 25, 2018:

Sure.

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

birdingnut comments on Jun 24, 2018:

Good for you for making the public more aware, since your goal is to VOTE THE CORRUPT GOP OUT OF OFFICE, and to make sure your liberal friends vote also.

wordywalt replies on Jun 24, 2018:

It is abundantly clear that every person who finds Trump lacking in character, intelligence, and judgment turn out to vote, so we can embarrass him so badly that he will hesitate to appear in public again. We must also flip Congress to create a government of, by, and for the people again. In all honesty, we need to shame Republican voters into not voting.

I sent the following letter to the editor of the Tampa Bay Times today: Except for those brought ...

Ozman comments on Jun 24, 2018:

The only thing I regret is, I can only like this once. Bravo, sir.

wordywalt replies on Jun 24, 2018:

Thanks!

Why do conservative Christians feel oppressed?

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Evangelical true believers feel that the absolute certainty of their dogma entitles them to intrude on the lives of others and to impose their dogma on others to further their cause. They feel that any attempts to limit their intrusive and abusive behavior is oppression. In other words, they ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 24, 2018:

@Beach_slim You extreme libertarians have no conscience, no moral integrity. Your mantra is self absorption. You obviously do not believe in either democracy or our U.onstitution.

Today's Republican Party is a rejuvenated Know Nothing Party dredged up from the dust bins of ...

CrankyAntie comments on Jun 23, 2018:

I can't even get into that conversation-it bothers me so. what I can say is that the party system leaves a lot to be desired, and I'm wondering if there is a better way. Like a system that allows all candidates to run and allows the entire population to vote and choose-rather than each party ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 23, 2018:

Our political system certainly needs improvement. We need to get big money out of politics completely and get rid of all PACs. I really believe that there also needs to be "truth in advertising" legislation in relation to political campaigns. We, the people, also need to tell politicians that we want to hear exactly what they plan to do, instead of their smear and hate campaigns.

Why do conservative Christians feel oppressed?

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Evangelical true believers feel that the absolute certainty of their dogma entitles them to intrude on the lives of others and to impose their dogma on others to further their cause. They feel that any attempts to limit their intrusive and abusive behavior is oppression. In other words, they ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Beach_slim Because this is a democracy, and government services which the majority feel are needed have to be paid for, in spite of freeloaders like you.

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Well studied GMOs are not a threat to anyone.

wordywalt replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Leafhead Roundup is not a GNO. It is a chemical compound.

Why do conservative Christians feel oppressed?

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Evangelical true believers feel that the absolute certainty of their dogma entitles them to intrude on the lives of others and to impose their dogma on others to further their cause. They feel that any attempts to limit their intrusive and abusive behavior is oppression. In other words, they ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Beach_slim Your statement is a damnable lie! It is a lame excuse to try to detract attention from my point. Can't you do any better than that?

This is from my last home in Florida.

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

I have 10 pineapple plants in my yard in Tampa. Right now 5 of them have maturing fruit.

wordywalt replies on Jun 22, 2018:

@Besalbub +It takes several years for one of my planted pineapple tops to produce fruit. Once a pineapple fruit appears, it takes a couple of months for it to ripen.

This is from my last home in Florida.

Besalbub comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Are those little pineapples growing from the base ? I never had a pineapple that was ripened on the root , let us know how it tastes compared to store bought .

wordywalt replies on Jun 22, 2018:

No. those are new plant shoots. Over time, they will likely produce pineapples themselves -- many months later. .

This is from my last home in Florida.

Ellatynemouth comments on Jun 22, 2018:

That's amazing! If you cut the fruit off, will another fruit grow next year?

wordywalt replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Usually, yes. About half of them bear fruit in the summer, the other half in he winter.

My two daughters' (both over 50) comments on Fathers Day, made my day.

HippieChick58 comments on Jun 19, 2018:

You're a good dad and you raised some great kids! Well done!

wordywalt replies on Jun 19, 2018:

Many thanks!

My two daughters' (both over 50) comments on Fathers Day, made my day.

Hitchens comments on Jun 19, 2018:

One of my favourite poems..great kids!

wordywalt replies on Jun 19, 2018:

I agree.

My two daughters' (both over 50) comments on Fathers Day, made my day.

zeuser comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Your daughters sound like wonderful young women. You are a lucky man, but in your case it also sounds like you made your own luck ?

wordywalt replies on Jun 19, 2018:

Thank you.

Generations ----- 1. Which named generation do you most identify as your own?

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

I as born as a member of the silent generation. But, I identify with the protest generation of the late 1960s to mid 1970s.

wordywalt replies on Jun 19, 2018:

@APaleBlueDot As I was over 30 at the time, I simply ignored that issue. I was in graduate school from 1967 through mid 1971, and teaching on a college campus from 1971 through 1976 where the protest generation was strong. in college scene, I and many of my friends chose not to stay quiet and do as we were told, to actively make our education what we wanted it to be. I was a part of a group actively engaged with the university faculty and administration to bring about change. As a person with limited income and a wife and two kids, I could not afford to travel much to protest. .

Hello fellow Agnostics, Seeking your experience and ideas as tonight I am pondering the impact of ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

What do you mean by intention? Be more specific or give examples.

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

@SueZ I believe that if we are to have any control over our own destiny, we must act with intent or purpose. That, of course presumes that we know our purpose. A problem occurs w, however, when we have multiple, conflicting purposes or intents. An example: Sometimes my first wife would get angry with me over something. At the same time she wanted me to change my behavior, she also often wanted to punish or unload on me for having offended her. If I thought that she was correct over the issue, I would tell her, "Make up your mind what you want to accomplish. If you want to unload on me for an honest mistake, all you are going to accomplish is tearing into me. If you really want me to change my behavior, don't tear into me just because you feel like it."

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

Coldo comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Don't hold your breath! He will not be found guilty!

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

@Coldo No way in hell, He has been so insistently corrupt, he will get nailed , on one charge or another.,

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

Coldo comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Don't hold your breath! He will not be found guilty!

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

@lerlo No way in hell!

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

Marine comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Crooks always find new ways to be crooks.

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

And, because they can't stop, many of them eventually get nailed.

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

Coldo comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Don't hold your breath! He will not be found guilty!

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

@lerlo You are totally wrong. It will inevitably be criminal case of conspiracy to evade state and federal taxes

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

Emerald comments on Jun 16, 2018:

I actually like this case, but for a different reason than the ones I see here. We've already seen the lengths the repubs will go to in order to keep from facing consequences for his actions. But this is a civil case. It could cost him money, the only thing he cares about. If staying in office ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

Whatever it takes to get this truly evil nut case out of the White House!

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

Coldo comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Don't hold your breath! He will not be found guilty!

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

@lerlo It is NOT a civil case. It is an abundantly clear case of conspiracy to evade state and federal taxes. Wake up, people, and call for the rule of law.

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

lerlo comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Nice thought, not happening. HOWEVER, the country needs to start calling him "Crooked Donald" because he has been charged with violation of the law and Hillary hasn't.

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

It damned well better happen. It is up to us, the people, to ensure that the rule of law works in this country.

This case brought by the New York AG about the Trump Foundation is nothing but colossal trouble for...

SilverDollarJedi comments on Jun 16, 2018:

No no no no.... He is the president. He can just pardon himself because he is above the law. Remember? Being president means you can do no wrong, doesn't it?

wordywalt replies on Jun 16, 2018:

Yeah, that is what the corrupt would-be tyrant wants you to believe.

How close are you to your Ex?

confidentrealm comments on Jun 14, 2018:

My ex husband and I have not spoken to each other in nine years. I think it would be really weird to date someone who is best friends with their ex. I would be very uncomfortable.

wordywalt replies on Jun 14, 2018:

It is strictly up to the person as to whether or not they want to remain friends with their ex. In my case, that would have been stupid, as it would have been asking for continuation of a nightmare. She has a right to a life of her own and I want NO part of it.

Today, my friend at work asked me if I was an atheist and I told her that I was.

ProudMerry comments on May 25, 2018:

You're very brave to admit it. I'm chickenshit.

wordywalt replies on Jun 12, 2018:

@ProudMerry This guy is a shithead who has nothing better to do than harass people for the fun of it. Don't resond to the ass.

Do you have an issue with people taking a knee?

wordywalt comments on Jun 11, 2018:

No. Tim Tebow did it long before the current Trump=provoked issue arose, and no one said a thing.

wordywalt replies on Jun 11, 2018:

Your comments throw in everything but the kitchen sink -- and still miss the mark.@jorj

More often that not, this stems to be true. Their true colors come out in time.

njoy_life_2 comments on Jun 11, 2018:

It seems to be because that's how they really perceive the universe. They honestly can't imagine others **not** lying/cheating/etc,

wordywalt replies on Jun 11, 2018:

That is right. They do it, so they cannot imagine that others do not do it. My first wife viewed life as a bad soap opera.

A suggestion for those of you who did not grow up in the deep south, but still live in a warm ...

WilliamFleming comments on Jun 10, 2018:

I keep trying to grow peas and beans but they don’t come up for some reason. I replanted this time and still, almost nothing??? Any suggestions?

wordywalt replies on Jun 11, 2018:

You may be planting the seeds too deep. Field peas should be planted just beneath the surface, and beans no deeper than a half an inch deep. Also, I get a good germination rate when I plant all of the feeds in a row and apply water directly in the row before I cover the seeds with soil. Also, you want to keep the soil most while the seeds are germinating.

I don't know why its becoming harder and harder to relate to people in US especially where women ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

What behaviors in others are giving you the most concerns? How do you respond to them?

wordywalt replies on Jun 10, 2018:

@hemingwaykitten Sorry.

I don't know why its becoming harder and harder to relate to people in US especially where women ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

What behaviors in others are giving you the most concerns? How do you respond to them?

wordywalt replies on Jun 10, 2018:

@hemingwaykitten I am an 81year old man who grew up in rural south Georgia and north Florida. I have also lived in Illinois and Kansas, and have travelled to 51 of our 50 states. I have not been a part of a college or university community for over 40 years.

I don't know why its becoming harder and harder to relate to people in US especially where women ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

What behaviors in others are giving you the most concerns? How do you respond to them?

wordywalt replies on Jun 10, 2018:

@0752532706 O am sorry that the people you are trying to work with stigmatize your pronunciation differences, causing them to become barriers. Let me suggest that you ask those people what might help your communications, emphasizing that you have much to learn from them and that you would like for your relationship to be mutually beneficial.

Well I"m finally finish planting, and I got a nice rain today, which is just what the garden needed.

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

In Florida, my tomato plants have played out already, and I'm getting ready to plant a summer crop of white acre peas. Had 11 weeks of awesome black heirloom tomatoes.

wordywalt replies on Jun 10, 2018:

@kenriley You can have some great gardens in all zones. Years ago, I enjoyed gardening in Illinois and Kansas.

Why is the topic of over-population never discussed when considering climate change, sustainability,...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

You are absolutely right. I can remember in the 1960s when we were talking about the "population bomb" and the absolute need for ZPG (zero population growth). Then suddenly all of the attention went away, but the problem did not. Humans.all too often, have a stupidly short attention span. Our ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 9, 2018:

@Honey4Oshun Human overpopulation and related biodegradation are problems throughout the world, not just in the West.

Does living in a community with limited diversity affect our viewpoints?

wordywalt comments on Jun 6, 2018:

I grew up in a small town in the religious, racist, and politically extremely conservative bible belt of north Florida. Had I stayed there, I would definitely be a different person from the one I am today. My sister and her children who stayed there have very different beliefs from me.

wordywalt replies on Jun 7, 2018:

@Stacey48 I left permanently at the age of 22. In many ways the journey away started at the age of 18, when I started college. Almost all of my adult life has been spent outside of that culture.

An old friend of 50 years has become a person of extreme religiosity in his old age.

Rustee comments on Jun 7, 2018:

That is a wonderful response! (And then do you simply delete the emails he sends to you?)

wordywalt replies on Jun 7, 2018:

So far, he hasn't send any more religious stuff.

An old friend of 50 years has become a person of extreme religiosity in his old age.

zeuser comments on Jun 6, 2018:

If he's really your friend, respecting your wishes should be a natural thing for him to do and I doubt he'll take offense. However, he may feel a spiritually-based urge to "help" you or "save" you, and think he's doing you a favor with his pseudoscience information and religious overtures. That can ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 6, 2018:

I rhink your perception is correct.

An old friend of 50 years has become a person of extreme religiosity in his old age.

HippieChick58 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

Did that work?

wordywalt replies on Jun 6, 2018:

Just sent him that response yesterday. Have not heard from him yet.

An old friend of 50 years has become a person of extreme religiosity in his old age.

Storybook comments on Jun 6, 2018:

That’s great! Mind if I use your words....for emergencies only of course?

wordywalt replies on Jun 6, 2018:

You certainly may use my words.

You don’t have a right to believe whatever you want to | Aeon Ideas

wordywalt comments on Jun 5, 2018:

It is your right to believe anything you want to ONLY IF you also believe that it is your right to be an ignorant, unintelligent, bigoted, destructive. and immoral person and no one has the right to judge such vile behavior..

wordywalt replies on Jun 5, 2018:

@ArturoS The first opens the door to the second. That, in itself, is dangerous.

What or Who created the universe?

wordywalt comments on Jun 4, 2018:

The universe has no beginning or end, only cycles of expansion and contraction.

wordywalt replies on Jun 4, 2018:

@kensmile4u It is hard for all of us humans to think in that way, but why does the universe have to have a beginning?

I'm in a quandary. When is enough enough?

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

If I were in your shoes, I would very carefully craft my remarks to tell them that you find their attitudes toward your daughter hateful, cruel, and immoral, and that you expect better from them. Tell them that you would like to give them the opportunity to build a solid relationship with your ...

wordywalt replies on Jun 4, 2018:

@pixiedust Thank you.

The dangers of promoting humans over humanity.

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Race does not exist. It is an artificial human construct. There is no human race, but a human species. To some degree, we do have different gene pools in which inbreeding has produced some characteristics which tend to be associated with specific gene pools. But, those differences are more visual...

wordywalt replies on Jun 4, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay Ethnicity is an accurate and useful term. Race is not. Use of the term condones a term which has its origins and common usage in bigotry.

The dangers of promoting humans over humanity.

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Race does not exist. It is an artificial human construct. There is no human race, but a human species. To some degree, we do have different gene pools in which inbreeding has produced some characteristics which tend to be associated with specific gene pools. But, those differences are more visual...

wordywalt replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@WilliamFleming Most educated and thinking people do not use the word race. Try using the word "culture" , as in Asian culture, Black culture, German culture. It is more accurate and descriptive and less onerous

The dangers of promoting humans over humanity.

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Race does not exist. It is an artificial human construct. There is no human race, but a human species. To some degree, we do have different gene pools in which inbreeding has produced some characteristics which tend to be associated with specific gene pools. But, those differences are more visual...

wordywalt replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay Like I said. It is the human species. There is no such thing as the human race. Ask any expert in biology or anthropology. You continue to do a disservice.

The dangers of promoting humans over humanity.

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Race does not exist. It is an artificial human construct. There is no human race, but a human species. To some degree, we do have different gene pools in which inbreeding has produced some characteristics which tend to be associated with specific gene pools. But, those differences are more visual...

wordywalt replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay Because human beings often create false constructs to serve their purposes -- often nefarious. Is that too hard to understand?

The dangers of promoting humans over humanity.

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Race does not exist. It is an artificial human construct. There is no human race, but a human species. To some degree, we do have different gene pools in which inbreeding has produced some characteristics which tend to be associated with specific gene pools. But, those differences are more visual...

wordywalt replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay Yes, racism exists. It is the false application of the concept of race in a deliberately bigoted sense. The "black experience" and the "white" experience" are perceptions of life experiences as a result of enculturation and of racism.

Do you feel that the current trend in universities being/having a "safe space" is detrimental or ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Yes. That is why universities have general education requirements in the first two years -- to expose students to thoughts and subjects in a variety of areas which they might not seek on their own. Does not "safe space" mean space where one is safe from attack and undue pressure?

wordywalt replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay The only reason that a university would avoid such topics would be a university culture which varies greatly from the proclaimed ideal of "liberal arts."

The dangers of promoting humans over humanity.

wordywalt comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Race does not exist. It is an artificial human construct. There is no human race, but a human species. To some degree, we do have different gene pools in which inbreeding has produced some characteristics which tend to be associated with specific gene pools. But, those differences are more visual...

wordywalt replies on Jun 3, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay And I repeat: Race does not exist. There are different black experiences and white experiences totally because of the cultures of those two groups. The differences are social and attitudinal, not racial. Do not perpetuate the myth. If you do, you are contributing to misunderstanding.

Here's a good example of how religion screws everything up.

wordywalt comments on Jun 1, 2018:

He is simply showing what a corrupt, morally bankrupt and hypocritical demagogue he is. He is simply a despicable excuse for a human being.

wordywalt replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@Aristopus It is hard to believe that anyone can be so gullible.

Pope laments 'hemorrhaging' of priests and nuns in Europe - Religion News ServiceReligion News ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 1, 2018:

As a whole, Europe is more advanced than the US in recognizing that they do not need religion. Jean Jacques Revel predicted that in his 1972 book, WITHOUT MARX OR JESUS.

wordywalt replies on Jun 1, 2018:

@atheist There are always pockets of religiosity in the most sectarian of societies.

Do our lives depend on facts or values the most?

wordywalt comments on May 31, 2018:

The course of our lives depends on our knowledge of facts and on our choices. Our choices depend on both our knowledge of facts and on our values. There is no way to that one is more critical than the other.

wordywalt replies on May 31, 2018:

@x0lineage0x First, tell me what verifiable information sources you use to ground your questionable opinion.

Do our lives depend on facts or values the most?

wordywalt comments on May 31, 2018:

The course of our lives depends on our knowledge of facts and on our choices. Our choices depend on both our knowledge of facts and on our values. There is no way to that one is more critical than the other.

wordywalt replies on May 31, 2018:

I already told you. You are simply rejecting the facts. @x0lineage0x

Do our lives depend on facts or values the most?

wordywalt comments on May 31, 2018:

The course of our lives depends on our knowledge of facts and on our choices. Our choices depend on both our knowledge of facts and on our values. There is no way to that one is more critical than the other.

wordywalt replies on May 31, 2018:

@x0lineage0x I do not know where you get your misinformation. My information comes from a number of graduate level courses in psychology, including excellent courses in perceptual psychology and cognitive psychology. I also did a detailed review of research on "Values and the Self System." In short, you unequivocally dead wrong.