It's spring--finally--and birds sing or squawk or otherwise vocalize, reminding us that they exist.

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

My favorites are the blue jays and the wrens.

Let's get to know each other a little more. What was your favorite live music event?

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Ella Fitzgerald in West Berlin in 1960 or 1961.

Never Forget On 2/19/42, the President of the United States authorized our government to ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

This act was one of the most shameful in our national history.

Did you get married in a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue?

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

My first marriage was at the Heiratsamt (marriage bureau) in the Rathaus (courthouse) Reinickendorf in Berlin. My second marriage was in a Catholic chapel at the request of my wife who is a devout Catholic (she knew that I was an atheist).

Just wish they'd quit maligning witches. Call these assholes what they ARE, criminals.

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Delightfully, bitingly stated!!

I have heard things along the lines of "only people who believe in god are good people" I like to ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

In his own way, he was just trying to thank you. Acdept the thanks and move on.

Death: what do you think will happen when you die?

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

When we are born, our neural development gives us the tools to acquire consciousness through interaction with our enviroment. The consciousness, itself, is not there when we are born. Our consciousness consists of the dognitive structures and schema which we have developed. It cannot exist outside of the neural structure which created it and stores it. When we die, it is simply gone.

San Antonio mayor says atheism causes poverty. [patheos.com]

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Taylor's comments are simply nutty.

Confrontational?

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I live it, but do not wear it on my sleeve.

Looks like I'm in the beginnings of the crazy cat lady phase.

wordywalt comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Good for you. I have adopted a number of strays over my lifetime. Most of them were loyal, loving compainions that brought much joy!

Pains from doing normal stuff around the house?

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

Reminds me of a time in Berlin in the Army. Was stationed at the US Army Hospital Berlin. Started having fever and chills one night, and wnt to the doctor on duty in the Outpatient department. He really didn't check anything, gave me an aspirin, and told me to go back to bed. The next morningI went back to OPD and a different doctor lput a stethescope to my chest and immediately put me in a hosptial bed with pneumonia.

Are there good, safe hiking paths anywhere in Florida?

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

There are many hiking/biking trails throughout Florida. I would not advise a women to use the trails alone, but to at least pair up with a partner whom you can rely on.

Are atheists and agnostics more (or less) likely to participate in alternative lifestyles (e.

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

I don't think so. One's choice of sexual behavior has nothing to do with religion. If anything, I would predict that more religious people are swingers or polygamous.

The Rapture is April 23, Says Man Whose 2017 Rapture Predictions Never Came True – Friendly ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

These religious nuts never give up, do they. They have been making such predictions for many centuries. Looks like people would wise up eventually.

I heard a saying that has me a bit baffled.

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

Nonsense couched in machematical terms.

So what’s the point?

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

He only point to our lives is what we make of them. Our DNA will affect others as long as any descendants exist. In our lives, what we do and say invluences more people than we can ever imagine, particularly if we are educators. I am sure that I have influenced others in more ways than I can count. In turn, what they do and say will influence others, ad infinitum -- so long as the species exists.

I sometimes think there is too much emphasis on science (ie, physics, chemistry, etc.

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

Science is science, whether physical, biological, cehemical, or social science.It is the approach and the data derived that matter.

Would the Republicans on this site please answer the questions below?

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

It will be interesting to see if any of tem have the courage to respond.

A wall for the dotard.

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

Good ones!

Struggling with health and.

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

You are correct. Your first obligation is to preserve your own health and well-being.

Many religions encourage large families, which adds to the population problems facing the world.

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

I do think that non-believers are likely to have smaller families. They feel no obligation to breed like rabbits for God and/or country.

Ted Cruz: Americans Have No Right To Masturbate

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

Cruz can stick it in his ear, or where the sun don't shine.

I've finally reached the age where I'm constantly either telling someone to turn it down or to speak...

wordywalt comments on Apr 23, 2018:

What'ja say?

Do humorless people KNOW that they are humorless??

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

I think, generally, yes.

I received an interview offer today.

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

Some religious people do not bring their religiousity into the workplace. If she is one of those, it can be okay. If, not I would be leery.

Is gender equality an issue for atheists?

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

If they are moral people, yes.

Okay.

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

It depends on the person. With some, it is simply the full realization that it is going to happen, that there is nothing you can do to stop it, and that it is simply the end of existence as a biological entity. With others, it is having lived a full life, or having atained one's major goals. With others, it is simply reaching the stage of being at peace with oneself.

Easter Island “A Parable of Self-Destruction”

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

Easter Island is a perfect example of culture becoming a true curse in the manner described by Paul Bohannon.

Atheist principles - would atheists be interested in listing basic atheist principles?

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

We need to be very careful that we do not create a new ideological dogma which limits independence and true freedom of thought and action.

Evolution operates on populations of species, each having a range of traits.

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

The question is: How did that range of traits arise? One of the likely answers is via mutation.

Are the American political parties theologically driven?

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

I believe that theology plays a much larger part of in Republican politics than in the Democratic Party, especially on the far right .

I get annoyed when people insinuate that agnostics are just afraid to take a position.

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

Some really are not sure. Others are afraid to be wrong.

The 60’s were a nonstop progression of anti-war protests, leading into a counter cultural movement...

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

Yes, we should bring back the draft, in the form of 1 - 2 years of compulsory service to our ountry in some capacity -- whether it be the military, Peace Corps, Forest Service, educational support service or any other form of valid service. That service, the time away from home, the mixing with other people from across the country helped me to truly grow up in many senses. It would also convey the idea that we owe our country something , not just the country owing us.

What are the world’s 3 STUPIDEST religions?

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

All religions are unintelligent. Let's not bicker over degree.

Death and the massive expense involved with the funeral.

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

The cheapest way is cremation, with no frills or extras. When I die, my instructions are: creation, with no funeral or service, and my wife and daughters cattering my ashes near my favorite fishing spot in Kansas. Total cost -- cremation $700 - $800 plus cost of flight to Kansas.

God is a concept

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

Yes, God is a concept or an idea -- but a fallacious one.

I'm so in the right place! Love this group.

wordywalt comments on Apr 22, 2018:

I LOVE ut!!!

I really don't like the super basic definitions of spirituality and religion.

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

I really don't make sense of what you have said.

What's it all about?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

What it is all about is exiting with dignity and meaning. I create the meaning from what I think and do.The dignity comes from living with honesty, integrity, morality, caring, and by trating others with dignity and respect, and substance

I wrote this and would like it to be my epitaph.

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Those atoms and atomic particles, after my death, which were a part of me will be and do what the forces of nature cuase to happen. I will not longer exist and I am not egocentric or vain0glorious enough to ask great things of them.

How about Synchronicity?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Yes, it is coincidence. But, ity is because of the things that you dif -- or did not do -- that you happened to be at the point laty which coincidence occurred.

Lost in Translation

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

I applaud you for telling it like it is. But, calling someone a dumbass is simply tsatless and not necessary.

Is it important for you to think that you have contributed in some small way to the benefit of ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Yes. oh yes/ I believe in the quote, "Service is the rent we pay for the time we spend on this earth."

So this week my intellectual focus has been on the seemingly inevitable, transactional nature of ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

A p[erson who would lok his wife, or even his cat, in the trunk of a car for 2 hours does not deserve to be loved.

Retreating from The Now

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

By activbely fighting it at every turn. If we do not fight it, we will have to accept it.

General and hello

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

To me it is.

I find it appalling that Trump fakes his religious interests and now has a 73 percent approval from ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

And these hypocrites claim to be the most moral. Their behavior is patently absurd!

Political Hypocrisy

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

It is not hard. I never use such labels.

[thecut.com] Ah ha! Finally someone said it.

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

I do not comprehend this.

In your opinion what is the most likely thing that could halt human progress?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Some naztural catastrophe -- asteroid strike, super-volcano eruption, global warming, ice age, etc.

Is all religious belief based on the mystical?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Yes, all eligious belief is based on th mystical. No, the mystical -- superstition, mythology, unfounded beliefs, and irrational thought -- do not have any place in today's world.

Is all religious belief based on the mystical?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Yes, all religions are based on the mystical -- supervision, unfounded myths, irrational beliefs. No, the mystical does not have ANY validity today.

Should Religion Be Taught in Schools?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

NO religions should be taught in schools.

Handshake, fist bump, high five, what's the difference?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Each is a valid form of greeting for different people. I know which to use with which friends.

Hi friends.

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Tiu will miss her, but you have so many memories of her that will warm your heart as long as you live.

Am I the only atheist that doesn’t smoke pot?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

No.

Morality: What are your thoughts on the connection between an action and its' context?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Rhe morality of an action depends on both intent and on consequences. If the intention is to violate human dignity and respect, or if the consequences result in a violation of human dignity and respect, the action is immoral.

Are there any spiritual atheists out there?

wordywalt comments on Apr 21, 2018:

I disagree. Please explain.

What is the most important thing that needs to be changed in the United States?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

The merging of the culture of greed with evangelical "true belief" and with Republican politics.

Do your family and friends think you're going to hell?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Probably some do, but I simply do not give a damn.

How do you handle rude people when you've tried your best to accommodate them?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Let them know how uncivil their behavior is and that you will not tolerate it. Tell them that they have a choice: Modify their behavior or you will leave any kind of a relationsip with them. Make sure that the latter is not what you wold prefer, but that it is what you will do if you have to.

I’ve often wondered how the term “'New Atheism”' gained such currency.

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Atheism is atheism, I don't need either a spojesperson or a guru in regarrd to my beliefs.

Visitors!!

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I vist a profile to see who "liked" one of my posts or comments, who has replied to one of my comments or posts, and who is following my posts.

I have a dilemma.

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Just tear up the sticker or placard. She will get mad with you, but she will get over it. Remember: You will be doing it for her.

Syria: who's involved, and what do they want?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Russia it definitely the real trouble maker. Its goal is to create chaos which will drain the resources and will of the western world.

How do you balance open-mindedness (in regard to people with faith-based beliefs) and teaching ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Easy. Open mindedness is remaining open to points of view as long as here is the possibility andprobability of evidence supporting it. When the prepondenerence of the evidence is against that point of view, it is time to close it out and reject it.

Regarding my post about "normal" ([agnostic.

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

That is what I thought you said. Your will find your bearings again.

Two opposing groups on a controversial issue, each thinks it has the more logical and rational point...

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

It's the old Geobbels "big lie" strategy: If a person of some authiry says something often enough, even if it is totally false, more and more people begin to believe it (as they really do not invstigate the veracity of the claims).

What is your greatest resource of meaning in life?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Whyen I was in such a situation it was my work and my daughters.

Recently, I posted about my recurring bothersome memories about past traumas.

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Glad that our attempts to help have ben of value to you.

What is your "normal"?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Go with the flow. Enjoy the experience of living in the moment and learn from it.

Royals: They are born; they urinate; they defecate; they copulate; they flatulate.

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

While I agree with your point, your writing skiills are terrible and your your post is crude and tasteless.

How do you decide whether it's worth arguing with a religious person?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I do not argue with a religious person. One cannot reason with illogic and irrationality.

What makes a man?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Integritry, honesty, courage.

Night shifts done, gym or bed?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Bed. Workouts should take place when one is at full strength.

She also has more balls than he has, and I mean that in the very best way.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Absolutely no question!

It's that time again: The Rapture Is April 23

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

And, they will always create a new reason for why it did not occur. Read Leon Festiner's, WHEN PROPHESY FAILS.

Where do you feel most comfortable going on Sundays mornings?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Fishing on either fresh or salt water. Growing up in a religious family, my father would not let me go fishing on Sunday.

What is one current piece of slang or an expression that you wish would never be used/spoken again?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

"You know." I detest it when a person is constantly saying, Your know."

What is 1 thing you want to do before you die?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

I;d like to go fishing in Alaska, and on the Great Barrier Reef.

Would you truly like to live on a sailboat and travel the world?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

No. I would not like being in such a confined space for such a long time.

Why did USA become so incredibly entrenced in religion and EU escaped?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

You should read Alan Heimert's book, THE AMERICAN MIND FROM THE GREAT AWAKENING TO THE aMERICAN rEVOLUTION. Heimert postulated that it was the religious emotionalism that was released in the wave of religious revivals which swept up and down the North American colonies that was transformed and transferred to the political sphere to become THE most important ause of the American Revolution, and laid out a strong base of evidence. I went back to original sources on both politics and religion of the time and came out convinced that Heimert was correct. In fact, evangelical Calvinism, since that time, has been a a mjor force in American culture. That is the primary reason that American culture is more religious than the European.

Ever been called ugly or some other mean spirited slur to your face?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Sounds like you are hanging around some mean-spirited people. Maybe you should try to find a different social scene in which to operate.

How come we think doggies and kitties are pets and piggies, chickens and cows are food?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Because dogs and cats are more intelligent and more sociable with humans. It's simple.

Ran across this a while back, and is the best end of discussion statement I've run across.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

A bit of widom from the ages!

“I have no respect for any human being who believes in hell.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Damned well said!

What has happened to hitchhiking?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

When I was young I hitchhiked a lot, too. Never had a bad experience as a hitchhiker. When I got back ffrom my Army assignment in Berlin, I hitchhiked from New York City to Jacksonville, Florida ( and pocketed my travel pay) Yes, times have changed. The interstate system had a lot to do with the decline of hitchhiking.

Maybe it's just me but I think most people have inconsistent political and philosophical beliefs.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

You are totally off base! Conservatives tend to obscess on ideology and on maintaining the status quo (instead of what is needed and postive for the people). Progressives rely much more on reason and hard data. With your statement, you simply show your lack of objectivity.

McConnell, the Senate’s decider, discovers the limits of his control - The Washington Post

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Override McConnell. The only thing the man knows how to do is to obstruct.

In what way(s) has your cat trained you?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

My at is my lovely little alarm clock. When she wakes up in the morning, she makes a beeline to my bed and wakes me up wanting to shmooze. A great w;ay to begin the day!.

Who else is new here?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Out of curiosity, did you live on or hear the Deseret Ranch near St. Cloud?

When you are dating someone, at what point in the relationship do you feel you can trust them with ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

If the person seems caring and empathetic and if the relationship seems to be one tyou might want to coitninue, try making youself a bit vulnerable by revealing something of your tgrue self. If the person reciprocates by doing the same and does not try to take advantage of what you have revealed, it is time to open up little bny little -- as long as the relationship is moving forward.

FOOOOOD!!!

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

I tried chitlings once -- only once.

What is a good reason to be happy?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

The reasons to be happy are huge in number a warm and pleasant human contact, something that is really funny, having accomplished something of value, a beautiful sight or sound, an act of generousity (either as the recipient or as the giver), having done something very well, etc. etc., etc.

A modern interpretation of West African Polyrhythms dating back over 1,000 years

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

GOOD stuff!

I’m an omnivore but could happily live on just fruit. What are your top three favorite fruits?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Oine apples, nectarines, black cherries.

What does everyone think about that new study that make pose the question of whether or not there ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

What study? Conducted by whom or what group? What did id say?

A lot of us here , seem to be of retirement age , plus .

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I am 81 years old and have no intention to EVER be in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Alright, this is going to be a fight.

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

The Brsttles. Their work had more harmony, intellectual substance, and real creativity.

How do you respond when someone shows their religion around you?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I find any exscuse I can to get away from that conversation as quickly as possible.