Do you find it offensive when theist think without a belief in god/gods, it’s impossible to have ...

zeuser comments on May 30, 2018:

More than anything, I am sorry fiction has shaped somebody's view of reality to that extent. Ignorance, just by itself. doesn't offend me. It saddens me.

He can go behind the bushes.

zeuser comments on May 30, 2018:

I like it!

I AM AN 8! The down side is l have nothing to live for anymore.

zeuser comments on May 29, 2018:

Persistence is an underrated quality. Not by me, of course. Congrats. One of these days, a looong time from now (I just turned over to a 7), I'll go to the 8 party and buy you a drink. 8-)

Westboro Baptist Church Visit

zeuser comments on May 29, 2018:

They threatened to do it when a state police officer was gunned down in my PA hometown, but the locals let them know they were ready to take vigorous physical action against them, and they wussed out. Aren't most of the "church members" actually in the same family? And you wonder why they discourage inbreeding. I do NOT deny these fucking morons have a right to say what they want due to the (currently under siege) bill of rights, but that doesn't protect them from the consequences their actions may inspire - which maybe "inspire" isn't the right word when referring to these idiots.

Why do we pay twice for the same services, police and military with our tax money?

zeuser comments on May 29, 2018:

From a public finance point of view....If the pentagon can "lose" billions of dollars through "administrative error", and blatantly allow theft through contracts that specify unneeded goods and services for hundreds of times what they actually should cost, I'd prefer to retain at least some local control over how law enforcement monies are collected and allocated here in my town. And make no mistake, this would mean more taxes for you and me and a huge ballooning of the federal deficit and debt. Otherwise, great idea.

Special Issue Mad Magazine

zeuser comments on May 29, 2018:

The resemblance is astounding!

I feel this is true for most people who finally open their eyes to reality.

zeuser comments on May 29, 2018:

This reminded me of the video where a kid does magic tricks and his stoic buddy exposes the trick right after. Very funny if you've never seen it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yogBvWB4orI

Describe yourself in one word. Mine would be "fun".

zeuser comments on May 29, 2018:

Incisive.

Is contentment a mini-death?

zeuser comments on May 28, 2018:

Only for humans. For rodents, contentment is Minnie Mouse.

Fake news at their best :P

zeuser comments on May 28, 2018:

However, the ones who died defeating the nazi's wouldn't be quite so happy, now would they?

Do you split the bill when you go on a date?

zeuser comments on May 28, 2018:

I always pay for the first date. Usually after that it's separate checks or one person pays and the other provides the tip. For things like birthdays or other celebratory outings, I'll just pick it up.

I have been meaning ask a question to all of you, but I am really busy reading and responding as ...

zeuser comments on May 28, 2018:

1970 VW bug. By that point, the horsepower was up around 42. Had to scrape frost off of the inside of the windshield in the winter. AM radio though baby!

If you had to choose between keeping 30 grand or bailing a loved one out of prison with the money, ...

zeuser comments on May 28, 2018:

Either this was you at one time or it will be you at some future point. If you were in your loved ones spot, what would you want to happen?

I like this!

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

I'm in!

Unbalanced relationships

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

I generally hold things back and like to take em slowly.

What is your goal in life?

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

Right now, just doing what I can to maintain my health. Everything else is really secondary, you can't accomplish anything if you are incapacitated by sickness or infirmity.

Deal Breakers

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

Your 30 minute guideline seems about right. You're right, it is very easy to develop reasons to rule people out online. My deal breakers would be any kind of irrational intolerance, extreme neediness, any kind of control freak behavior, rudeness, habitual lateness, slovenly personal space, and of course slavish devotion to any kind of religion at all. I shy away from people more than 3 or 4 miles from me who don't write anything in their profile. If you got nothing to say, take your picture down, FFS.

Do you believe in life after death of any kind?

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

Life before death is what counts, right? I forget who said this when asked what life after death would be like, but the answer was "exactly the same as it was before death, but without you".

At what age did you move out?

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

I lived with them on and off some in college and then grad school. I left for good and moved across the country right after I turned 23. Everyone has their own schedule.

Just for grins, how many of us still have bibles laying around the residence?

zeuser comments on May 27, 2018:

I never owned one and I still don't. I do not anticipate getting one any time soon, or ever, for that matter.

45 being schooled [dailymail.

zeuser comments on May 26, 2018:

Sigh.

I found love on Agnostic.

zeuser comments on May 26, 2018:

Awwww, that is just so sweet! And based on a common rejection of superstition. The best of luck to you both. ?

Meet The Fuckups

zeuser comments on May 26, 2018:

Like Arrested Development, but it's real. Oh man...

I believe a quality and successful long-term romantic relationship is built upon a strong foundation...

zeuser comments on May 26, 2018:

Cultivating a strong friendship is never a bad idea with or without romance. Many times a romance will fizzle out, but a strong friendship will remain intact.

Is it really possible to live your life and not have any regrets.

zeuser comments on May 26, 2018:

People concentrate on the things they believe they could have done differently and always think that things would turn out better. You don't know that, maybe things would have worked out worse. Also, nobody seems to dwell on the decisions they make which turned out just dandy. Regardless, I try to balance the good vs. the bad, and try really hard not to make the same mistake twice. The past is dead and gone and the future is not certain, so focus on the here and now.

What women want on a first date.. Is it true?

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

Well, that's an important perspective. But it is, of course, just half the story. Reading through the article, yeah ok.

Innate?

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

You can have an innate understanding that what they teach you is nonsense. What you learn can trigger a deeper, and more deliberate, understanding of reality. Using your head.

I went to Catholic school for 9 years, public school for 3 years and college for 8 years.

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

Well, while I agree with you about some of the subjects for coursework you suggest, there are a LOT of different things that primary and secondary education do not address that I think are bad omissions. Some places have limited vocational training, for example, but others lack it completely. I always thought teaching things like balancing a checkbook, developing a menu, fixing a car, and growing a garden, among many other things, would be a great idea. Some basic logic and rudimentary analytics would be icing on the cake, especially combined with your list.

Why do people have such a fascination for crystals, from long before quacks and charlatans started ...

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

Something is only as valuable as someone thinks it is. Value is not the same as price, which is a function of supply and demand. Gemstones and crystals are (relatively) rare examples of non-organic order in nature, and you can understand the mechanism but still be take by their structure and appearance. I'll admit I own a couple of rocks just because I like how they look and feel. But I have a fake diamond earring in right now too.

I think it's sad when people assume that animals have no conscience or thought and that pets don't ...

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

When I had a dog, talking to him was the only thing that kept me from talking to myself. But you know what? I think it amounted to the same thing. You are correct that animals are smarter than we think they are, and certainly some limited communication with them is possible, the extent of which depends on the animal and the human involved. Animal behavioralists study the meaning of behaviors and how they facilitate communication between animals, so it's not a novel concept.

Reality..

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

I'd been dropping transistors and circuit boards for a while before the whole religion thing turned sideways for me, so it wasn't quite as traumatic for me as this meme. When the student is ready, a teacher will appear.

Thought you all would appreciate this. I had it made bought it on Amazon.

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

I used to get some ugliness here in NC with my simple Darwin fish. This right here would drive them up a wall. So I might get one too. Heh.

What's with the points?

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

Atheist points are like a Roth IRA, put in a little at a time and in 20 years you can, I dunno, be on the atheist board of directors or something. But remember, 20 years, ok? LOL

What are you having for lunch?

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

I got two leftover meatballs and a kaiser roll with my name on 'em.

How long do you have to know someone before you tell a dirty joke?

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

If the opportunity arises, any time is the right time. You need to take risks for comedy, and holding onto a joke is almost always a mistake.

Is it normal for a person to enjoy being single more than being in a relationship?

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

What in the hell is normal, exactly? If it works for you, it's normal. Relationships require effort from all parties. Not easy.

Name a great TV series you wish they would bring back. For me it would be the Highlander!

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Deep Space 9. Someone said the Rockford Files, that would be sweet too.

Matthew's Genealogy Proves That Jesus Can NOT Be Christ!! The genealogy in the Gospel of ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

This kind of analysis of the scripture inspired my original leap into full atheism. Thanks for posting, I am going to follow up.

I'm a rock star!

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Wow! All you have done is *highly* commendable. As you know, the award is not the reward. But it's nice, am I right? Congratulations, and you keep it up hon.

Movie suggestions

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Isle of Dogs. It might be out of the theaters now, but maybe in some second run discount theaters. Good stop action, superior story, excellent cast.

Ever notice how Christians are always crying persecution, but are the main ones damning people to ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Yeah, I did notice that. No, you're not the only one who feels like that. Yes, this is duplicity, hypocrisy, and willful persecution of others with differing beliefs. I wish it wasn't so, I really do.

One of the things that delight and intrigue me on this site, where religious influence is noticeable...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Happy to see you here, partner! Just jump in and hang on!

So.

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

I don't think there's a chart, like the ones that say what you should weigh based on how tall you are, that says how long it should take to feel better after a rough divorce. It sounds like this guy really treated you badly, and you didn't expect it, that has got to sting and you will never ever simply forget that kind of treatment. I felt a lot better after my split when I was able to re-establish all of the routines and activities I used to share with my ex, there was a feeling of accomplishment. Also, my friends helped -- a LOT. The best of luck to you hon, things will improve when they are supposed to.

Does appearance start the ball rolling?

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Appearance is a definite factor in self-confidence, which is truly what is attractive. To the extent that you *think* that you look good, your actions are definitely going to be taken with confidence and surety. Now I have known people who look great, but are still not sure that other people think so, and they obsess about it. I recently went through a period where I dropped about 40 pounds, most of it concentrated around the belly. I did see a marked increase in smiles and flirting directed my way, and that alone reinforced my self-confidence (which wasn't much of a problem to begin with, honestly). Anyway, I'd encourage you to do what you think you need to do to feel like you look attractive. When you think you do, you do, remember that. Good luck, bro.

Trump being punked by the ONION with twitter! The Onion spent all day mercilessly trolling ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

That's funny. Those guys are professionals when it comes to online trolling, very sophisticated and strategic. Just one more situation where Cohen finds himself in waaay over his head. Although now, it seems he knows what it looks like to see a Greyhound bus pass over you since that's where you-know-who has tossed him. All in all, couldn't happen to a nicer guys. Heh.

I received a friendship request on Facebook.

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Well, if he respects boundaries and shuts up about the superstition, I guess it could work out. That 800 pound gorilla would always be in the room with you, though. Risky at the very best.

Just when you think it could not be anymore Illegal, fraudulent, with over the top collusion and ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

To be fair, I never really thought that the "Illegal, fraudulent, with over the top collusion and complicity in massive laundering schemes" was really done. The really good stuff is yet to come!

This just happened.

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

I find it fascinating how bozos like this can pick each other out of a crowd. This vignette sounds like it has a happy ending, in that nobody who thought that type of conversation is pure horse manure was irritated by the conversation directly. Ok, you overheard it, but it gave you something to post about, no?

Looks familiar hmmm :P

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Something fishy about this one and its (technically) human counterpart. LOL

I fervently hope that Mueller tells 45 and his lawyers that they can shove their "parameters" up ...

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

You have a lot of company.

This article explains somethings we should all understand, not like and have to endure! ...

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

It's easy to appeal to resentment and hatred, the language is simple and the emotions are visceral and easy to understand. The Dems *are* saying and doing things, but the policies and arguments are nuanced and not easy to explain or understand, and certainly not to feel. Bernie and Elizabeth Warren have very good messages to send about income and wealth disparity and the rich in this country robbing it blind at the expense of everyone else. The 45 humpers appeal to naked bigotry and call the dems liars who look down their noses at the all the folks with "common sense". Which message sticks? I think this whole thing is on us, the public at large. Either we are intelligent, civic-minded, and discerning, or we are a bunch of marginally educated yahoos insulting muslims, minorities, the disabled, and the LGBT, and groping women. We'll see who votes this next time in November. No matter what, a lot of damage has already been done and some may not be possible to undo. Prove me wrong, America.

MRI sounds good?

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

The only time I had an MRI, I was in intense pain with an intestinal infection. So my perspective is somewhat different than yours.

Do you want to "evangelize" chistian family and friends?

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

People who proselytize for any reason are uniformly annoying.

Demon possession? What’s your opinion on it?

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

Something you see coming out of the south end of a north bound horse.

Have you ever been embarressed by what you have posted here

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

Not yet, but give me time.

Imminent Revolutionary Devolution

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

It does look grim, but I wouldn't start humming a funeral march just yet. Circumstances looked very grim many times in the past - some very recently - and civilization survived. It's only entertainment if all you do is watch. I'm a big fan of collective action and I honestly think rationality can triumph. I am trying to do my part, and it's not just me.

Fun story time.

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

You know, I don't really remember the nuns addressing evolution in Catholic HS science. Creationism wasn't really something people promoted back then, and I know evolution was mentioned. Anyway, your poor addled teacher shows some basic science confusion, even if he was trying to do the right thing. You can't learn surgery from a butcher, or rocket science from a pyrotechnician, even though they might have some slight familiarity with the subjects.

Loaded question

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

Hey, do you got that fifty I loaned you last week?

What's in your coffee?

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

I grind my own beans, usually a dark roast arabica, and use a french press to brew. I like some nutra sweet and creamer, cuz I make it pretty strong.

Men. Whats your cologne?

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

Old Spice on days that I shave. Stetson otherwise. Drakkar Noir for a hot date, so not that frequently.

The recent posts on reproductive rights and abortion hit close to home for me so I have some pretty ...

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

This couldn't have been easy to write, let alone share. I appreciate your willingness to do so, if it even influences one person...As for teenagers, they are great when you have no internet available, because they do know just about everything. Good luck to you and your family.

What is the significance of this picture?

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

A lot of my family pictures are like this, I'm the one taking the shot. They don't have that "every living person" vibe, but ok.

I thought this in a way was kind of sad, how many of you think it is?

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

Guide dogs are expensive to train and serve a far more deserving purpose. The cartoon, though, makes an incisive metaphorical point.

Trump is actually slow enough to get suckered.

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

A blustering patsy. I'm actually all right with Bolton torpedoing the summit, it was a bad idea all along. It's up to spurs now. Always an adventure.

This could be interesting.

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

ALPU, a real brain teaser.

Does anyone else talk aloud to themselves?

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

I got into the practice after I got a divorce and I was left with the company of my dog. I talked out loud to him a lot, and when he, sadly, left this world, I continued to talk with no audience in attendance. I think it's therapeutic. Gets the two brain hemispheres connecting with each other.

A conservative I know asked why is it that liberals hated the rich.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

You hate the influence of rich guys who are dicks. Not all rich guys are dicks, but the ones who are dicks can disproportionately cause damage. The good rich guys are out-gunned, I'll give you that, but they are out there. For the record, I'm a good guy, but I am not rich. I do what I can.

What turns you on?

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Plenty of positive attention always attracts. Talking over me never does.

I have a friend in Illinois who's daughter came home from school yesterday and said the following.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

You are doing the right thing, brother.

Merely reading a profile.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

That's why people have profiles, so others can get a preview of the person. You don't have to like the preview, and you can react however you want without explaining. You can't control a feeling, only how you react to it.

Trump and Reagan, Together Again: Nothing changes but the forward march of these Fascists ...

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

No one cares as long as it pisses off liberals. I've never seen anything like it.

I hope this doesn't happen... Worth the read. [washingtonpost.com]

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Very scary, and quite plausible as a direction for the USA. The only real solution is an informed, educated, and civic-minded electorate. That might take a while, if indeed it ever materializes.

Does anyone know of a song whose lyrics are the names of classic authors?

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Hmm, they aren't all authors, but Hemingway, Pasternak and Kerouac all make an appearance. We Didn't Start the Fire by one of MY favorite atheists, Billy Joel. https://genius.com/Billy-joel-we-didnt-start-the-fire-lyrics

Okay, I would really appreciate some help.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Not sure if you are familiar with the site, but atheist republic has a good list of books for skeptical children. Some of them will probably have stuff you can use in conversations. http://www.atheistrepublic.com/blog/karenloethen/books-your-skeptical-children

No collusion, out of 14 indictments 5 guilty pleas and 1 already sentenced.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Treason comes to mind.

This is not something I just realized but felt this post fits perfectly into how I am and always ...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Makes it a lot easier, doesn't it?

Hi, thanks for having me! The material is too good here, had to join! ♥ Xoxo ♥

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Ha ha, I like Tom Cotton (I think that's him) behind OBL, it works on a couple of levels.

This article seems sums up what most of us realize are those who support this scripted TV reality ...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Oh man, I've heard some of these ideas before, but all the good ones are in this. Jeez, how the hell did we get here?

I'm not good at starting conversations and my "cool" years are well behind me.

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

When I hear "nuns on ripple", that sounds like a yes to me. "Yank train" sounds like one of my, um, hobbies. Heh.

Jesus Miracle 1:Water into Wine - This magic trick is made quite easy taking into account two ...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

My Uncle Doc taught me this one. Every day around 3 he'd turn into a bar. I've been practicing.

Rainy days...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Friends, my kids, my dad. Any friendly face is always the best medicine. Yeah, ok, a bowl or two and a dry martini help too.

Who is your childhood celebrity crush?

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Diana Rigg when she was on the Avengers, and Barbara Feldon on Get Smart back in the 60's. I had a little thing for Pam Dawber on Mork and Mindy, but I wasn't a kid by that point. Can't forget a shout out to Ursula Andress.

Insidious nature of the closet

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Depends where you are and who you tell. Some places, and some people, are more superstitious than others.

Crystals.....

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Hey, we had those when I was in Philly! But without the crystals, we didn't believe in that crap. LOL

How many of you actually care about the royal wedding? I won’t tease you.

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Looks like a legitimate chance to counteract at least *some* of the inbreeding. Also, I like the hats. ?

Why is the 2nd the brightest star in here?

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

It's an inverse correlation.

Finish This Statement: "I Remember"

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

I remember going to a bar with 3 bucks, drinking 5 beers, buying a pack of Marlboros, playing two songs on the juke box, and leaving with half a buck in my pocket.

As if spam didn't look bad enough

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Oh man. Just, no.

How many of you actually care about the royal wedding? I won’t tease you.

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

I'm interested in watching the people who are interested, if you get my drift. It's like I meta-care about the wedding.

Have you conquered what you are afraid of ?

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

I'm not sure what I'm afraid of anymore.

We got screwed

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

There comes a point in the career of any given criminal where the greed overrides the knowledge that this can't last forever, and there are certain situations you can neither buy or lie your way out of. This bill is coming due for this set of grifters, and it can't happen too soon.

Catholics, if I may.

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

Confession. When I was an adolescent, every time I pulled my pud that was a mortal sin, and I had to tell the priest how many times I did that since the last time I was in the booth. Or else I'd go to hell if I died. I mean, WTF? To be fair, I did think that most of the dogma was questionable at best way beforehand, but this, this made it personal. Then I started getting into the exogesis of the bible. One thing led to another, and here I am. LOL

50 percent off!

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

Is a bar a store? Technically? Half price gas sounds like a good idea too.

Just how strange?

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

First, real friends are rare. You will maybe have 5 or 6 true friends in your entire life. Second, a lot of it has to do with your location and the pool of people you have surrounding you. If you have a bunch of fuckwits around you, maybe you are better off not befriending any of them. Third, being a friend involves skills you can learn; showing genuine interest in conversations, sharing your own problems or anxieties as well as your advice and encouragement, and lending a hand even when nobody asks you. 32 is still real young, you are half my age. There are a number of very good suggestions in the rest of the comments. Good luck, brother, keep posting here and that will almost certainly help.

Of all of the popular unscientific nonsense what's your biggest pet peeve?

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

There's the one where people believe we are being replaced by lizard people. Although. given how government here is deteriorating, there might be something to it. Kidding.

For the guys..Boxers or Briefs?

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Briefs. And not the ones that extend down to your thighs either. Briefs plain and simple, high and tight. ?

New summer blockbuster!

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Those are, unhappily, accurate.

Have you all had a nice day?

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Well it ain't that interesting. Spent my time on the elliptical trainer at the gym, had a nice soft boiled egg, toast, coffee and oj breakfast. Booked an appointment for an eye exam. Had a quarterly call with my finance guy (he had some 'splainin' to do), cleared off my kitchen table and filed a little, if you want to call what I do filing, ate a salad for lunch, recycled a little, shredded a little, and I am about to head to the local pub for some cold Pinot and witty (but mostly half-witted) banter. I did do some commenting here on the"ag". Oh yeah, I changed out my FB cover and profile pic. I tell ya, the pace is killing me! ?

What are your thoughts on vigilantism?

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Protection rackets have been around for a loooong time, usually abetted by a corrupt police force. I could see myself resisting this kind of systematic terrorization, but I haven't seen anything about how effective vigilante justice is in the long run. It's probably beyond the means of the victims to relocate and besides, where would they go? I've got no suggestions, but if I was on the short end of a shakedown operation, I'd probably try to fight, but how can I know that? Tough question.

I posted a pic of my new Agnostic.

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Looking good, you godless heathen you. ?