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Dating multiple people at once.
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
When I was dating, I sometimes dated several women at the same time, with the idea that the comparison would enable me to make better choices. That was my sole motive.
Is Mardi Gras a religious holiday? Or is it an in-your-face-Pope holiday?
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
Mardi Gras is a cultural event and an excuse to celebrate. Just like its equivalents in Brazil -- Carnival -- and in Germany -- Frsching. For most people, it is nothing more.
Existentialists often combat depression because life is so pointless in light of the fact that it ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
I am an existentialist and have been for 60 years. I have never found the perspective depressing. Instead, I find it freeing and exhilarating. I am free -- free to make my own choices, to create my own meanings free to make my own mistakes and learn from them, free to be and learn. So what if what I do will be lost within a few generations. At least I mattered while I was here! What is depressing about that?
Why all or nothing
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
Agnosticism is usually just a stage in moving from religious belief to complete religious disbelief. If that stage is what it takes to get to the end, so be it.
A good friend and I are toying with the idea of creating a sex ed blog containing content for both ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
If you blog would be based on accurate information and give good psychological advice, you could do some real good. If not, you could do some damage.
Anyone annoyed by snotty liberals?
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
I get angry at all people who fail to treat others with dignity and respect -- whether they be liberal or right-wing. I find that more such people tend to be right-wing and/or religious -- and they are also the most ill-informed..
16 yrs ago today I quit smoking so every Superbowl It's celebration time.
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
You deserve it. Quitting smoking is hard. I smoked for over 40 years and quit 22 years ago.
Football, Kneeling and Respect
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
Kneeling is a sign of deference or respect. What is being disrespected are the players civil rights the whole issue, and the flag by Trump's idiotic attempt to appeal to his reactionary base.
I would like to know which system of the brain gets activated by religion in order to produce what ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
It is the same part of the brain which is involved in violent mob activity.
How much stock do you put in a college education these days?
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
If your child has the ability to benefit from a college education and if his or her career choices require further education, a college education is always worth it. There will be many benefits, including increased lifetime earnings.
I'm not a big football fan, so I found this picture funny. Are you excited about the Superbowl?
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
No. I was much more excited about the first Super Bowl in 1967.
What to do when in a full slump?
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
Look for something that you can accomplish and DO IT! The important thing to stir yourself into action, and keep moving.
How do you spend your Sundays (or, if from a Friday-Saturday sabbath-groveling background, that same...
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
Vegetable gardening, taking care of he year, listening to and watching news programs, listening to classical music, cooking, on the net.
Ancient history suggests that atheism is as natural to humans as religion
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
We would not have all of the religions burdening us today were it not for the self-serving priestly cults at the core of each religion.
Is the idea of not eating some animals such as pork just because they are not clean some sort of ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
The idea of not eating pork came from the fact that, in the past, pork was often infested with trichina worms. Eating trichina infested pork could result in severe illness, if not death. Today, given differences in swine production and the quality of USDA inspections, trichina is no longer a problem.
What are some of your favorite (relatively clean) jokes?
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
One of my all-time favorite jokes was told by Julian Bond: In the Georgia legislature of that time, the Georgia Medical Association provided a free medical clinic for state politicians. One day, the well-known, highly racist governor at that time, Lester Maddox was not feeling well and went to the clinic. After examining him, the physician said, "Well, Lester, I have good news and bad news. Which would you like First?" Maddox replied, ?Give me the good news." The doctor replied, "The good news is that you are going to die." Lester sat up, bolt upright: "That's the good news? What in the hell is the bad news?" The doctor answered, "You are going to die of sickle cell anemia."
Pat Robertson is recovering after suffering a stroke
wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:
The world will be a better place when he dies.
At what point?
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
In what sense or senses?
Gays, Lesbians and Transgenders
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
Fist, they don't understand gays. lesbian, and transgender people. Second, That lack of understanding links with their being blind true believers to make them vulnerable to manipulation. Third, hate-mongering preachers and religious leaders tell the true believers that different people are evil.
Our relationship with food
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
I am a picky foodie. I love good tasting food, but eat no sweets other than fruit and really limit my intake of carbohydrates. I eat lots of fresh vegetables, and both animal and vegetarian protein. I like many cuisines -- Indian, Asian, Cajun, and more.
I notice a lot of atheist groups, particularly "New Atheists" tend to side with apartheid Israel ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
That I do not understand.
What are some surprising things you've learned, or realized, about yourself or others from the ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
Oh, yes. Living in Berlin, completely immersed in the German culture, gave me the opportunity to see my own beliefs and culture without blinders on. It showed me that I still held elements of the racist, and blindly conservative culture of the southern USA in my belief system, and enabled me to get rid of them and stop being an apologist for them.
Did leaving religion left you with a void?
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
You are processing the existential nature of life. It does not trouble me that I will never see people I have loved again. I still have them fondly tucked into my memory and recall them frequently with pleasure. It does not bother me that I will soon die -- that is the nature of reality. Why should it bother me that this planet and all traces of human life will eventually be obliterated? The only meaning that our existence has is that which we give to it here and now through our decisions and actions. That is fine with me. It is reality.
Theres a lot of hatred/ dislike towards religious people among the non religious crowd.
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
The Only religious people I dislike are those who fail to treat ALL people with dignity and respect and those who try to impose their religion on me.
What wildlife do you commonly see where you live?
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
I live in a city -- Tampa, Florida -- but a regularly see opossums, raccoons, squirrels, an occasional armadillo. and many different bird species -- from hawks and eagles, to herons and egrets, sand hill \\cranes, ibises, cardinals, blue jays, doves, and many more. Have seen bobcats and coyotes.
Fox News Is Driving Us Toward A Constitutional Crisis | HuffPost
wordywalt comments on Feb 3, 2018:
Fox is not in control of America, but that propaganda organization is badly damaging and threatening our democracy. It is an entirely reprehensible organization which has NO redeeming quality.
How to answer religious people's prejudiced remarks?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
I would have said, :You know, you have no business trying to teach a group of people anything if you do not treat them with full dignity and respect."
Aggressive, angry and violent Christian?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
"True believers" are capable of almost anything if their ideology is challenged or disparaged.
What is your good news and bad news?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
The good news is that I am still hanging in there. The bad news is the Trump is still president.
I get this all the time. Where do you find your morality if you don’t believe in god?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
Go back and read the posts on this topic. It has been repeated multiple times.
It is my opinion, based on what I observe and articles that I have read, that conservative ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
This idea has its origins in the wiring of evangelical Calvinist leaders during the Great Awakening of the mid 1700s. It is not at all new. People like Jonathan Edwards wrote that the "old world" has had its chance and has blown it. They had killed Jesus and martyred the saints. In their mind there was going to be a new millennium in which God established his kingdom in America.
I came across this recently and found the hypothesis quite interesting.
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
People who are risk takers will tend to underestimate the risk. Those who are risk averse will almost always badly overestimate the risk.
It is my belief that slavery is alive, and more wide spread than any time in human history.
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
For a person who loves his or her work, a 40 hour week is light duty which may be insufficient to accomplish one's goals. I do not agree with a 20 hour work week.
The expression junk science is used to describe scientific data, research, or analysis considered by...
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
In today's Trumpian political climate which HAS a less than casual relationship with truth, the term "junk science" is most often used to try to disparage and discredit real truth.
Do appointments by doctors and service people that are always late upset you as much as they do me.
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
I agree there are doctors who are totally disrespectful of patient time. I have often wished I could bill them for my time.
Mike Pence Promises Christians Will Get Special Protection
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
Pence is a knowing liar.
End of the world
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
Both the earth and the human species will be destroyed.. The only question is how.
When do you stop helping someone that refuses to help themselves?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
My oldest daughter did not apply herself in high school. After graduating, she lived at home with us for a while, doing minimum wage jobs, and hanging out with her buddies on the fringe of the drug crow until late at night. I confronted her and told her, "Your lifestyle is making me feel uncomfortable in my own home, and I don't like that. I'm giving you a choice: Change your lifestyle or move out! If you ever decide that you want to do something with your life and go to college and are willing to give 110 percent to the effort, let me know and I will help you." She moved out, and continued with dead-end jobs. Almost 2 years later, she came to me and said, "There has to be a better life than this. I want to go to college." I helped her financially and taught her how to write well. She worked hard to make up her deficits and did well in college -- and became an outstanding teacher.
What’s the worst Wal-Mart service you’ve ever had?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
I do not like the Wal-mart business model, so rarely shop there. Went to a Wal-mart store today for the first time in 3 years.
Billy Graham Warned Against Mixing Politics And Religion
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
Billy was an honorable man. His son Franklin is dangerous demagogue -- a power=hungry charlatan.
I must admit to a little surprise regarding the distribution, particularly the blue Pacific ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
The map largely confirms what I have thought.
At a certain age, should people be re-tested for their ability to drive?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
Yes. All drivers should be re-tested when they reach the age of 65, and tested again every 6 years. I say this as a man of 80 who gave up driving on my own at the age 0of 65 due to vision problems.
Just curious about political affiliation.
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
A strong and active progressive.
Was at the National Holocaust Memorial in DC today.
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
The longer that the idiot Trump stays in power, the greater the similarities between the current state of affairs in the USA and in pre-war Germany will become. Given a chance, the man will destroy our democracy.
I'm asking this not based on one's personal beliefs, but what is most appealing?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
None of those have any meaning to me.
Today's political climate
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
Yes, I am a political person. How do I deal with the idiocy of the Trump cabal? I get angry and do what I can to oppose that ,
What countries have you visited, or would like to visit?
wordywalt comments on Feb 2, 2018:
I have been in Canada, Iceland, Scotland, England, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Belgium, France, and Germany Although not a country, have also been on Greenland.
Space dust, even worse (for astronauts, anyway)... [youtube.com]
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
One of the many reasons why think that colonization of the moon or Mars is not viable.
Tell me, what is the successful recipe for a successful marriage?
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
The recipe for a successful marriage is treating each other with dignity, respect, and caring -- along with shared values and similar levels of intelligence.
Are you for tipping or anti- tipping syndrome?
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
Iam for a no-tipping policy ONLY if servers are paid a living wage.
Smart Condom [youtu.be]
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
How stupid!
Where would you live?
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
In a forested area near a stream or lake.
Too much on my mind.
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
As we age, the stressful rough patches do seem to increase, as well as the time it takes to get over them. Madesure that you have friends who can provide emotional support.
Silly Superstitions
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
I have been the beneficiary of a fortunate coincidental concurrence of things on more than a few occasions. But, I have no lucky rituals.
School shootings in U.S.: When, where each shooting has occurred in 2018 - ABC15 Arizona
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
It is interesting that 11 of the 15 school shooting events occurred in NRA friendly Republican areas. It seems that these areas care more about guns than they do for their own young people.
What are some of your favorite quotes? The ones that stick with you.
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
"It is the good in man that makes democracy possible. It is the evil in man that makes democracy absolutely necessary." Reinhold Neibuhr.
Anybody out there dealing with muscle and back pain?
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
I had severe back pain , along with sciatica, and frequent muscle spasms in the hips, for 14 years. A laminectomy (removal of a ruptured disk) solved the problem. But, if a doctor ever recommends spinal fusion, tell him or her, "No Way!" Fusion almost never works.
I know there is some debate about the existence of climate change, however, here in little NZ the ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
In Florida, it's pleasantly cool -- around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny.
Opinions, experience, thoughts wanted.
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
Grey hair does not bother mature men. What really matters is personality and behavior.
Groupthink, a term coined by social psychologist Irving Janis, occurs when a group makes faulty ...
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
I read Janis's book on the topic. It was brilliant and on target. There are many historical examples, including the Kennedy administration and the Bay of Pig, Nixon and Watergate, Bush and Iraq, now Trump. Any time that any group fails to engage in serious discourse examining all alternatives, there is a danger of group think. The consequences are almost always bad. Anyone aspiring to be involved in effective leadership of ANY organization MUST read the book!
What is your favorite way to say goodbye?
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
My usual one is, Take care."
Co-parenting and bad attitudes and younger sibling
wordywalt comments on Feb 1, 2018:
First, make it clear, in a non-hostile manner, to the older child that such behavior is destructive and will not be tolerated. Tell him or her that you love him or her, but not the behavior. Let it be known that if he or she persists in the behavior that there will be a price to pay,, and that if he or she has to pay that price, it is his or her choice. Cite alternative behaviors which are acceptable. With the younger child, talk to him or her and ask him or her not to make the choices that the older child has made, and point out how the older child's behavior is hurtful.
Wonder which Philosophers come closest to your world view, here is a fun test.
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
The ones I identify with most are Jean Paul Sartre (existentialist) and William James (pragmatist).
On a first date: Should you be honest on a first date or pretend you are what you think the other...
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
My style was always to engage in general conversation. If the person seemed interesting, I might pursue other issues like the person's opinion on issues. If the likes and dislikes were similar enough, I would attempt to continue the relationship. The probing questions came later.
Is it "shallow" to care about looks when it comes to picking a partner?
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
Few people, if any, want a physically repulsive relationship partner. But, one should not be focused almost solely on "looks" Personality and intelligence are a damned sight more important. I speak from painful experience.
Does anyone out there listen to NPR?
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
Every, several times a day. It, along with PBS comprise the 2 most accurate and objective news sites.
How many of you refer to science in socail occasions
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
When scientific knowledge contributes to a discussion, of course I use it.
How many places have you lived?
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
If you mean towns or cities, 11. If you mean states, 4. If you mean countries, 2.
Do you find learning new things exhilarating or do you feel like learning is a tedious chore?
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
At 80. I still love learning..
Have you ever burned a bible?
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
No. I have no need to. The book simply means nothing to me.
Britons View Atheists As More Moral Than Believers, Religion More Harmful Than Good
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
The Brits, as a whole, are showing far more cultural maturity.
Inherit the Wind scene, creationism vs. evolution - YouTube
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
Was a good movie. Tracy played Clarence Darrow very well!
Suspected this would eventually happen, but it was still disappointing; was dumped because my lack ...
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
If that is the case, you really did well to be rid of her. The relationship would have been fraught with conflict.
I've been reading a lot about death, and mankind's wildly different perspectives on it over the ...
wordywalt comments on Jan 31, 2018:
No, it began with feelings of ignorance and powerlessness, and with some person's) positing that there had to be some all powerful being who did understand and control, and that by worshiping that being, we could get into its good graces.
If you ever attended church, did you ever pay tithe?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
No. I gave as little as I could get away with without rousing the ire of my parents. As a teenager, I did not sit with my parents during a church service, so I gave very little.
Is it right to only stay with your partner for the sake of the kids?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
There is no pat answer to that question. It depends on the people involved and on the question of which choice will do the least harm.
Conservative Leader Claims Only Christian Men Are Qualified For Elected Office
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
Expose and stand up to the man. He is a dangerous man and a threat to our democracy and civil rights.
Indiana Church Sends Message to Women: “Stop Sexual Harassment; Wear Clothes” – Friendly ...
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
It is hard to believe how some religious people and churches condone sexual harassment by men.
Atheists Are Brainwashed By The Scientific Method
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
What institution publishes this "Journal of crytointelligence? Where is this "Theological Institute of Technology" at which Canard is purportedly employed. What is its accreditation? Sounds life bogus crap to me.
Who is most responsible for the supply of opioids in U.S.?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
Nig Pharma is most responsible.
Noise pollution
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
I also detest unnecessary loud noise, whether from barking dogs, somebody banging on something, or people playing their radios way too loud.
How much time per day/week do you spend exercising or engaging in some form of fitness?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
I work out with weights for about 4 and 1/2 hours per week. I also take care of my lawn and yard, and and vegetable garden.
Faith-based healing bill drafted, awaiting consideration | Idaho Press-Tribune - AP State news | ...
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
What fool would propose such dangerous legislation?
State of the Union Address, anyone?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
I refuse to listen to the idiot Trump. But, I will listen to the critique of his egomaniacal speech.
Do you miss the social aspect of church?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
No. Not one bit.
Would You Be Ok With Your Child Choosing To Be a Believer?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
Yes. My child is not an extension of myself. I would prefer that she did not become a believer, but she would have to live her own life.
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced. - Søren Kierkegaard
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
A good and valid existential statement.
Where do you get your news from?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
Mainly from PBS and NPR. Those are the most credible sources available.
What do I say?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
Simply say that you are sorry for her loss.
Is it wrong to use child soldiers?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
It is one of the most immoral acts possible.
Forgiveness
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
I see no reason to forgive a person for a long, persistent pattern of verbally and psychologically abusive behavior which she knew was terribly hurtful and which was destructive to the relationship -- especially when that person is even able to admit or acknowledge what she was doing and what the effects were. I do not want to hurt or punish that person. I simply hate what she did -- knowingly -- and what its effects were. I simply want nothing to do with her for the rest of my life. If she were to ask for my forgiveness, I would probably give it, But, she has never asked and never will.
Does this bother you?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
Yes, it bothers me. I have no tolerance for wanton killing just to appear macho.
Why are Christians being marginalized in America?
wordywalt comments on Jan 30, 2018:
The fact is that Christians are NOT being marginalized. They are being more aggressive in trying to comingle religion, politics, and overall social control. This aggressive lust for power and control was not evident during the 1940s through 60s and was not so prevalent in 1979 through 200. This push for theocratizing our society is evident and must be resisted!
News Junkies?
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
All that matters to me is that Meuller makes the case against Trump!
When you left your religion you followed, do you now consider it to be the most annoying religion ...
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
No. I just knew that I could no longer be a part of it.
My mother has been on my mind a lot lately.
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
It was a great loss for both you and your mother when she chose to stop being a real mother. Remember: It was your mother who made that choice. If you are willing to take a chance, reach out to her and remind her of those early days. If she rejects the attempt to reconnect, it will be painful, but your made a try. The onus would then be on her, not you -- and she will have to live with it. If she responds, then there is a chance.
I was told by a Christian that atheist stay stressed cause they always doing research on everything.
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
No. We stay cognitively active and alert because our minds are working == and it is fun!
"Church, State and the Republican Party" forum will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina on February ...
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
Leaders of an unholy cabal.
Personal evolution?
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
Of course. the more that one learns the more him or her images of the world changes. We, unless we are cognitively dead, are constantly re-evaluating our beliefs and opinions.
Emotional responses.
wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:
What are you trying to get at?