Intellectual factual thought is definitely a dying art form.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 19, 2020:

I disagree. Critical Thinking is alive and ongoing. :P

FearlessFly replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@TCorCM . . . wasn't meant to be, perhaps the emoji could-have been left-off.

750 million genetically engineered mosquitoes approved for release in Florida Keys ...

hankster comments on Aug 20, 2020:

doesn't seem like hardly enough. i thought mosquitos were measured by the gazillions anyway.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

IIUC, the expectation is that subsequent generations of females will be sterile ----> population inevitably declines.

The antagonism to science, as it's ever increasing in our country, is taking us on a path to ...

273kelvin comments on Aug 20, 2020:

I do not think it is an opposition to science per se, rather than an opposition to science that clashes with what they want to do/think. For example, a Christian may argue with you online about evolution. They will have no trouble with Ohms theorem, Faraday's laws, or even Einstien`s as means of ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

I don't think it is secularists that still promote geocentrism . . . https://answersingenesis.org/creationism/arguments-to-avoid/geocentrism-and-creation/

I feel testing should be for antibodies, the way to go.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

I don't think it is clear that having antibodies equates to 'cured'. How many have some long-term (ongoing ? ) damage ?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@powder I don't hear the medical experts calling it 'pointless'.

Sweden records highest death tally in 150 years in first half of 2020 Covid-19 caused about 4,500...

PBuck0145 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI0Se_zVZw0=share=IwAR06HKiL40LYHrZ3BNj1nQKnPsaypX_g_7cDUrsno1Bq0ZEPpLIrp-t8rNA

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

Overall, we rate Real Climate Science a Quackery level pseudoscience website as well as a moderate conspiracy website based on promoting that the solutions for climate change lead to communism. We also rate them Low for factual reporting due to failed fact checks and a complete rejection of the consensus of science in regards to human-influenced climate change. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/real-climate-science/

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I add this idiom to apply to myself -- "ignorance is often its' own punishment" :)

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd . . . so far I'm trying to learn (and master) the basics. Do you think I would benefit from DAW -- seems like I have plenty to learn already -- of course that won't end.

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I run Linux, haven't ventured into the available packages yet, unsure if I would invest in hardware.

Robert Plant | 'If I Were A Carpenter' [youtube.com]

DenoPenno comments on Aug 20, 2020:

If I were a carpenter And your name was Sadie Would you marry me anyway And even if you did not Would you have my baby

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

I'm acquainted by a gal who goes-by the name Sadie Hawkins (not having my baby) :)

Are you just following orders? [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Saw this movie about it in college (1977) psych class, read the book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN2V2kx_vKY

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd Yes sir, right-away sir (not). :) I like to think I neither lead nor follow.

The Oh of Pleasure - Live Cover [youtube.com]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . an 88, a 76, and a synth -- cool

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I have been a 'strings' guy for 50+ years -- I suck, so I don't play in front of multiple people. :) Since that was all tablature, I had learned little music theory. I picked-up my Casio MT-240 (kinda a toy) in Feb which had been gathering dust for decades. I was liking it enough to splurge for a Roland FP-90. Still working on Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course, still liking it. I have recorded a couple simple things, but the learning curve is steep -- so many tools/features/buttons to play with -- much less the skill needed to want to hear it played-back. :)

NASA Is Tracking a Vast, Growing Anomaly in Earth's Magnetic Field NASA is actively monitoring a ...

Green_Soldier71 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Does this mean (theoretically speaking) that one could jump higher in South America and southwest Africa than one can...say in India. Not trying to be an idiot, but this is the first thought that popped into my head. Lower gravity/magnetic intensity...higher jumps?!?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

You are incorrectly conflating gravity and electromagnetism. There is not yet a Grand Unified Theory in physics that explains how they are 'connected' ! :P

Treetop Flyer - Stephen Stills [youtube.com]

Merseyman1 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Good one! Crosby, Him, Nash & Young!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 20, 2020:

. . . check-out Black Queen (earlier today) from his solo album . . .

Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Unplugged) [youtube.com]

dsharphead66 comments on Aug 11, 2020:

How about giving someone else a chance to post something on this page besides your every 5 minutes uploading a new video of a song that we've heard over and over and over and over and over again. I think the pinned post by the moderator was directed towards you . Meant with love!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@dsharphead66 . . . yawn ("pun"y but, meant as sarcasm)

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty My suggestion is/was, that if that is true, it could be a way to "gently persuade" folks (with an ongoing up/down reputation value assigned by peers) to follow the Guidelines in lieu of a tribunal. edit : reputation is actually skados' idea . . .

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty . . . (simplistic, short) reputation is the "driving force" of our morals -- read (I use the audio version from my library) the book.

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty, @of-the-mountain . . . I prefer to not block anyone to get a wide variety of POV, yet think guidelines/rules should be followed. :O

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

skado comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Putting the life-or-death fate of a member in the hands of a few seems to me like a recipe for disaster. Concentrated power is a setup for abuse. I would rather see a fully democratic, and fully automated system that takes care of itself systemically. If every member over, say, level 5 is ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty . . . the claim is that reputation is way more important . . . (I'm currently most-of-the-way thru) . . . a very good read : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11324722-the-righteous-mind https://righteousmind.com/ https://www.yourmorals.org/

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

EdEarl comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Personally, it seems to be a thankless job. People who crave power shouldn't be allowed, because they get a little and try to become dictators. Only those who would resign from Agnostic if they were chosen are fit to be on the tribunal. If I were on the tribunal I wouldn't want anyone to know, ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@of-the-mountain In this case, the idea stems from admin NOT "indicting" as many as some would like -- kinda the opposite of a grand jury. The 'defendants' could be chosen in a variety of ways.

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

Cutiebeauty comments on Aug 19, 2020:

OK I thought about it more.. I think each member in community should be assigned an offender grade.. Initially, all set to: Offender grade = 0.. Now, if someone is flagged or reported, with an offender grade of zero, the tribune should only have one ban option. Three days.. To allow ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

Not a bad idea. I would add it could be made 'public' on the profile as a "reputation" value.

Facebook Wanted to Be a Force for Good in Myanmar.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Ohferpetessake...if you wanted something terribly serious like Genocide investigated, would your first thought be "Facebook"??????,

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

I often hear reports that a significant percentage of folks (perhaps most of them not familiar with Critical Thinking) get ALL their 'news' from FB -- IMO, a really bad idea. So whatever appears there has non-insignificant impact (also for elections).

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Sofabeast comments on Aug 19, 2020:

So that'll be 54.4C in proper temperature measurement then.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

If you are poking fun at the US not using the metric system I totally agree, but why do you think Fahrenheit/Kelvin/etc. are not 'proper' ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

EdEarl comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Personally, it seems to be a thankless job. People who crave power shouldn't be allowed, because they get a little and try to become dictators. Only those who would resign from Agnostic if they were chosen are fit to be on the tribunal. If I were on the tribunal I wouldn't want anyone to know, ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

That 'anonymous' (even to other tribunals) -- separate logins -- idea occurred to me before logging-on today, perhaps admin had intended that as well.

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

JackPedigo comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Seems like a democratic way of dealing with problems. I have not blocked anyone but have reported a couple of members for rudeness. We have rules of civility and need to follow them.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay @JackPedigo I have never blocked anyone. I can see the benefits of report (I once reported a 'bot' ). Although I haven't reported any like your example, I'm persuaded that I likely will. I'm aware of the Community Guidelines, IMO those don't meet the (perhaps pedantic) level of rules which can/should be strict.

Google Maps is getting a lot more detail Making natural features easier to see and streets easier...

Fernapple comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Good. Having said that their satellite view has always been good, the old ones they did were so detailed that I can see my fathers bald head in the view of our back garden. But it would be really nice if they would update 'street view' which is getting badly out of date now. You wonder if they were ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 19, 2020:

They likely have all that info without street view -- highly likely do if you have an (non rooted) Android device. Open Street Maps encourages users to submit corrections, maybe Google does also. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenStreetMap

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

JackPedigo comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Seems like a democratic way of dealing with problems. I have not blocked anyone but have reported a couple of members for rudeness. We have rules of civility and need to follow them.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Aren't civility/rude subjective ? Is it just "I know it when I see it" ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

Amzungu comments on Aug 18, 2020:

The only way I see this being executed fairly and without emotional bias getting in the way of determining if someone is truly violating community standards is if the determination is made by a small panel of members (say 7-13ish who have been voted into the position by the tribunal of all level 7+ ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Amzungu . . . would panel members be subject to "voted off the island" ?

Want to have an Agnostic tribunal?

Amzungu comments on Aug 18, 2020:

The only way I see this being executed fairly and without emotional bias getting in the way of determining if someone is truly violating community standards is if the determination is made by a small panel of members (say 7-13ish who have been voted into the position by the tribunal of all level 7+ ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Good points. How would 'voting' be informed without enough transparency that say, a) might include (not 'public' ) Messenger exchanges b) takes place in groups not 'joined' c) other ?

Report: AI Company Leaks Over 2.

LucyLoohoo comments on Aug 18, 2020:

And..what recourse does anyone have? Would HIPAA laws cover this?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

https://compliancy-group.com/hipaa-fines-directory-year/ https://www.channelfutures.com/mssp-insider/epic-hipaa-fail-over-1-billion-medical-records-exposed-online https://www.hipaajournal.com/category/hipaa-breach-news/

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Votan comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Death Valley was 134 °F (56.7 °C), on July 10, 1913 :-). This was the hottest day ever recorded on the planet.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@Votan . . . hmmm, the article is from Oct 2016 . . . https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-c-burt-a6839333 https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/2007539985_Christopher_C_Burt https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/author/christopher-c-burt http://www.guyonclimate.com/2019/03/09/extreme-temperature-diary-march-9th-2019-recent-global-extremes-by-weather-historian-christopher-c-burt/ https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393330151

Opinion Covid-19 Is Creating a Wave of Heart Disease Emerging data show that some of the ...

prometheus comments on Aug 18, 2020:

How does that happen if "China virus" is a liberal hoax? FML... I'm waiting to hear that Trump's brother died of it - that's going to be a closely guarded secret for sure.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Perhaps Mary Trump will know/say.

Should Edward Snowden be pardoned ? Why/not ?

ASTRALMAX comments on Aug 18, 2020:

"Except in times of war any individual or employee or government who withholds secrets from friends, employees or citizens has effectively declared war on them. Despite all the spurious reasons given by individuals, employers and governments for having secrets it reduces to the zero-sum winning and ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

The notion that governments NOT keep secrets is, to me, new/odd/unrealistic. :P

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Votan comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Death Valley was 134 °F (56.7 °C), on July 10, 1913 :-). This was the hottest day ever recorded on the planet.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 18, 2020:

"Greenland Ranch temperatures not consistent with meteorological conditions in July 1913" https://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/an-investigation-of-death-valleys-134f-world-temperature-record.html

Do That To Me One More Time · Captain & Tennille [youtube.com]

Redheadedgammy comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I sure liked them way back when I was younger!😉

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

. . . right, I stopped getting younger a long time ago :O :)

Unbelieveable! Trump picture on absentee ballots in North Carolina. [cnn.]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Mailed to his 'supporters'. MN now requires (in primaries) to designate which party the votes are being cast -- no cross voting. Which means the D/R parties get lists of 'supporters'. NC (and others) likely has the same. . . . no mention whether any rules/laws broken -- not that that would ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@bingst (from Wikipedia) The U.S. presidential election process, like all other elections in the United States, is a highly decentralized system.[13] While the U.S. Constitution does set parameters for the election of the president and other federal officials, state law, not federal, regulates most aspects of elections in the U.S., including the primaries, the eligibility of voters (beyond the basic constitutional definition), and the specific details of running each state's electoral college meeting. All elections, including federal, are administered by the individual states. The constitution states that members of the United States House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and be a (legal) inhabitant of the state they represent. Senators must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years, and be a (legal) inhabitant of the state they represent. The president and vice president must be at least 35 years old, a natural born citizen of the United States and a resident in the United States for at least fourteen years. It is the responsibility of state legislatures to regulate the qualifications for a candidate appearing on a ballot paper, although in order to get onto the ballot, a candidate must often collect a legally defined number of signatures.

Should Edward Snowden be pardoned ? Why/not ?

David1955 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

No. Another Putin play. All charges should be dropped against him and he should be allowed to return home and resume his life. No pardon required, especially from a criminal president doing Putin's bidding.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

In his shoes, would you really return if only all charges were dropped ?

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Theresa_N comments on Aug 17, 2020:

And the orange turd says climate change isn't real.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

. . . current weather is not climate :P

I thought everything on Agnostic was available to members of Humanist (except profiles of members ...

sassygirl3869 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

huh?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@skado IMO, requiring a login is reasonable. ICBW, but I wouldn't expect the databases to be inextricably linked.

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

Redheadedgammy comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Dang, that’s freaking hot!! 🥵

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

Your current 90+ temps aren't that far away !

Tuba Skinny - "Maple Leaf Rag" [youtube.com]

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I love New Orleans street music. Doreen the Clarinet Queen always delights me. https://youtu.be/nLkQMjanWag

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

Nice, I remember your Jan. Doreen post. :)

Should Prisoners Have The Right To Vote?

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Oklahoma allows fomer prisoners to vote after they have served all of their sentences including any parole. One of the few things in Oklahoma that I agree with. I don't think I am comfortable with prisoners voting mainly because there is a huge amount of intimidation in prisons.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@Lorajay I didn't intend to infer that I thought there weren't any. Now, prisons are administered by commercial interests. There are typically outside 'influences' -- education, lawyers, doctors, theologians, visitors. I'm hoping for a little less retribution and more rehabilitation.

Unbelieveable! Trump picture on absentee ballots in North Carolina. [cnn.]

FearlessFly comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Mailed to his 'supporters'. MN now requires (in primaries) to designate which party the votes are being cast -- no cross voting. Which means the D/R parties get lists of 'supporters'. NC (and others) likely has the same. . . . no mention whether any rules/laws broken -- not that that would ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@bingst IIUC, Constitutionally, the only individuals mentioned are electoral college persons . . . Article II, Section 1, Clauses 2 and 4; and the Twelfth Amendment (which replaced Clause 3 after its ratification in 1804) Primaries are governed by State law. My objection to that is I don't want my party/voting preferences disclosed (to both parties) just by wanting to vote.

Should Prisoners Have The Right To Vote?

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Oklahoma allows fomer prisoners to vote after they have served all of their sentences including any parole. One of the few things in Oklahoma that I agree with. I don't think I am comfortable with prisoners voting mainly because there is a huge amount of intimidation in prisons.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@Lorajay I don't assume that the voting process would be controlled by "power brokers" any more than non-prisoner voting is.

Should Prisoners Have The Right To Vote?

Lorajay comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Oklahoma allows fomer prisoners to vote after they have served all of their sentences including any parole. One of the few things in Oklahoma that I agree with. I don't think I am comfortable with prisoners voting mainly because there is a huge amount of intimidation in prisons.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

I think it possible to keep the process private such that conclusive evidence of what an individual actually voted for is unable to be given to others.

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

Gypsy494 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I also hold my own opinion when it comes to religion . I came to my conclusions on it and just not interested in hearing others and-many times am disheartened reading all the posts on Agnostic going on about it.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 17, 2020:

. . . hmmm, How was it that you "came to my conclusions" ? New idea(s), persuasion, evidence ? Do you mean to say that more of that could not possibly ever 'interest' (or change) you ?

What about NDE's (Near Death Experiences)?

HumanistJohn comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Why is it that people with NDEs always see an afterlife as it's defined by **their** culture? The brain is an amazing organ which is quite capable of constructing fantasies (for lack of a better word) under certain conditions. If you're really serious about this, read some books which deal ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@JeffMesser . . . nothing but assertions, insults, and accusations -- where is the evidence ?

What about NDE's (Near Death Experiences)?

HumanistJohn comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Why is it that people with NDEs always see an afterlife as it's defined by **their** culture? The brain is an amazing organ which is quite capable of constructing fantasies (for lack of a better word) under certain conditions. If you're really serious about this, read some books which deal ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@JeffMesser Why would YOUR words alone (filled with the sound of certainty and no actual evidence) persuade/convince anyone ?

I'm So Tired · The Beatles [youtube.com]

Beowulfsfriend comments on Aug 16, 2020:

A great song, lesser played

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

. . . I don't understand . . .

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

linxminx comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I teach in higher ed, and I have not been informed that I "no longer have to report sexual violence when informed of an incident." I've not been informed of any changes in Title IX, or any changes in expectations in me as a faculty member. Of course our attention right now is all Covid-19 all day ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@linxminx . . . "falls outside" -- report to local authorities (guessing) . . . violate FERPA ? -- no idea

What are your thoughts on abortion?

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 16, 2020:

My thoughts are, I plan to Mind My Own Business & so should you! Period!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . hmmm, No one is **required** to engage. You/anyone can choose otherwise. IMO, the opportunity for all is a positive. If we can't/don't engage with different POV, I don't think **avoidance** SOLVES/changes anything (individually perhaps, but not generally), especially widespread/abundant divisiveness.

What are your thoughts on abortion?

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 16, 2020:

My thoughts are, I plan to Mind My Own Business & so should you! Period!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

IMO, such a divisive issue (not exclusively in the US) leads to 'discussions/POV' from all. I don't expect/ask anything different here.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

MakeItGood comments on Aug 16, 2020:

From the article: it say that "Professors and administrators no longer have to report sexual violence when they’re informed of an incident." What!? Why? Makes no sense... (Also I'm a bit out of the loop on how the article relates to Admin/moral crisis)

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

. . . (not related to admin), but see my reply to linxminx above . . .

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

linxminx comments on Aug 16, 2020:

I teach in higher ed, and I have not been informed that I "no longer have to report sexual violence when informed of an incident." I've not been informed of any changes in Title IX, or any changes in expectations in me as a faculty member. Of course our attention right now is all Covid-19 all day ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

The Devos/Trump changes are not insignificant . . . https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/05/07/education-department-releases-final-title-ix-regulations

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Lorajay comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I think it is dangerous to our society to segregate people in any way. Unfortunately we seem to segregate ourselves. I have read some of posts in the conservative groups on this site and most of the time chose not to respond because I did not feel like I could do it in a civil way.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

. . . a very good read : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11140803-american-nations

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Lorajay comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I think it is dangerous for any of us to live in an echo chamber. Unfortunately most of us get tired of arguing. When I try to communicate with someone with completely different ideas, I feel they are making unsubstantiated arguments and ignoring my my direct questions. I have occasionly actually ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 16, 2020:

I advocate minimizing the pejorative use. How does anyone engage in Critical Thinking without 'arguing' ? I contend that misunderstanding is typically incredibly easy and real understanding is typically incredibly hard.

Humans are predators.

FearlessFly comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I remember reading (a few years back) that there are 5 shark attacks (not deaths) world-wide yearly, yet 300 people in the US alone die yearly from bee stings ! :P

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Atheist3 . . . understated https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_attack https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/yearly-worldwide-summary/

What are your thoughts on abortion?

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

. . . safe, legal, rare

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AmyTheBruce . . . safer than birth, actually . . . The lines between "isn't a person" and "killing of a baby" are far from b/w, and who draws those lines ? Isn't that where the 'discomfort' stems-from ? Given that abortion and religion are inextricably linked in the US, I would posit that logic is likely a 'dream'. :P

What are your thoughts on abortion?

FearlessFly comments on Aug 15, 2020:

. . . safe, legal, rare

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AmyTheBruce Are there to be no limits to abortion, morally or otherwise ? What politician would get elected espousing that position ? Abortion as a primary method of 'birth-control' -- morally acceptable to whom ?

How many robocalls do you get in a week ?

BitFlipper comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I don't answer calls from unknown numbers, and my phone doesn’t even ring for hidden numbers. So, I'm glad so say I don't know the answer.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

"phone doesn’t even ring for hidden numbers" -- blocked ? . . . I'm ignorant of this -- please explain

Distant but Together: A Virtual Celebration of Humanism August 8, 2020 ...

AtheistNews comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I haven't found vidios for everything but some of them have been posted here. https://www.youtube.com/user/HumanistVision

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

I get "An error occurred. Please try again later. (Playback ID: 4F5G1bPy7usrdHu1)" -- can't even 'copy URL' :(

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Radu comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I'm fine with this community not being an echo chamber for the left, or the right.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "In fact it emerged that right-wingers were removed" Any evidence (facts) that users of other political persuasions were/are not 'removed' in similar proportions ? The 'left' (others) has **choices** -- leave/make another website/invite others. :P

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda . . . any search engine will give affirmative evidence (lots) for the term. :O

Rod Stewart - I Don't Want To Talk About It [youtube.com]

Marionville comments on Aug 15, 2020:

One of my favourites by him...I think I even posted a live version from Celtic Park Football Ground fairly recently...but no problem hearing a different one...except I can’t access this one!

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esUHMBHJsn8

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda I recognize that your response was to a male . . . 'rude' is **subjective**, as are **judgements** which can differ. However my question was gender 'agnostic', your response is not. Isn't that 'shocking' ?

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "Morals are individual" . . . IMO, falsified . . . I doubt there would be much (if any) agreement that the morality of causing children severe suffering is "individual" !

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I don't doubt that advertisers don't expect every ad to succeed with everyone it reaches. I also don't doubt that they have evidence that they ultimately have some success given the money spent creating/distributing them. Given confirmation bias (and others), individuals might not be the best one to know if/when advertising has "affected" their 'decisions'. How do you tell when a salesperson is lying ? Their lips are moving ! :) I judiciously avoid the word "hate", just not when it comes to ads. :)

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda "delicate sensibilities of some right-wing members" Isn't disparaging others 'rude' ?

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

SCal comments on Aug 15, 2020:

This is the equivalent of complaining to the manager, Karen. We, as intellectuals, should be able to handle respectful discourse and ideas from any side or orientation. If you want an echo-chamber, go create one.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Allamanda IIUC, both websites are created with no small effort/expense, offering the best PrivacyPolicy/TOS that I have ever encountered, and provided gratis for those not disabusing Guidelines. Other websites exist, others can be created, choice exists. Why would 'knowledge/consent' from the creator(s) be expected ? Is there some a priori evidence to lead someone to think that it might be given ? I don't see significant justification for 'moral crisis'.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

Willow_Wisp comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I see you're making a strong case, but exactly who and why you're blaming the sorry state of things on is confusing and unclear.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Willow_Wisp Although I'm totally opposed to what the other side is doing, they certainly are "doing something about it".

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . IMO, principles apply everywhere . . . ymmv

What to do when two Tech 'giants' (FB/Apple) go-at-it -- where is the popcorn ?

redhog comments on Aug 15, 2020:

As much as I dislike Apple products gotta say that I would sooner root for them to win than Fuckerberg

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

. . . biased against Zuckerberg, or based on merit(s) of the case ?

I recently read a joke about 2020 which I need to share with the group.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 12, 2020:

I don't see how the year is a 'factor', and it is Covid 19. harrumph :P

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Waddyathink . . . spacetime (Einstein) is **relative** (just not MY relative) :)

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@AnneWimsey 'it doesn't affect me, so . . .' . . . "when they came for the Jews, I didn't complain because . . . " . . . "when they came for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " . . . .

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . force ? no -- I think entice is putting mildly. They know more about you than you do -- 'they' don't forget. They know what/when you are likely to want/need. You might think you are searching for and getting the 'best' deal. (part of) The reason why that data is SO valuable : (way) More likely, (because of the data) the ads and prices you are seeing and that are being presented is based on what is known that you are willing and capable of paying based on all the data about you. :O . . . btw, I use (privacy based) Startpage (search-engine), I use and advocate ad-blocking and javascript-blocking browser extensions ! (as well as several other useful browser extensions)

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey . . . btw, my 'tone' is like this on all my comments/replies (check profile). Those that have blocked me (8-10 ? ) "Can't Handle The Truth" :)

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey "they cannot make a profit unless you send money" Googles' revenue is 75% from ADVERTISING ! Why ? YOU are not the customer, you are the PRODUCT. That is what BigData is about, making money (billions) from the collection of data. This is the 'Information Age", info is the 'coin-of-the-realm'. Those that have (more and more of) it prosper more than those who don't. Do you think Amazon/FB/TikTok/BigTech are collecting the data for 'giggles' ?

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Each is an escalation -- that last 'tracking' reference is what "BigData" does. The 'purpose' is to turn you/your data into BigProfit. Maine is fighting against that. :) Also : https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2020/07/01/california-begins-enforcing-broad-data-privacy-law---heres-what-you-should-know/

TikTok collected Android user data using tactic banned by Google Practice ended in November, ...

St-Sinner comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Do you know every social media platform and government agencies have been doing it for years?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@St-Sinner https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/maine-broadband-privacy-law-passes-early-first-amendment-test

Richard Stallman, and an anonymous digital payment method.

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 10, 2020:

There's something wrong with Paypal?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey A single person seeing a license plate is a witness. Following a person around and recording their movements is stalking. Tracking everyone's movements all the time is a surveillance state. Scale matters. . . . hopeless ? https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/07/maine-broadband-privacy-law-passes-early-first-amendment-test

Sanders Joins Calls for Resignation or Removal of Postmaster General Over Efforts to 'Suppress the ...

FearlessFly comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Kinda late in the 'game' for that. Trump would just appoint someone just as 'deplorable'.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@AnneWimsey I don't disagree, but my question has not been addressed. How would you suggest challenging a presidents' power in appointing head(s) of FEDERAL agencies ?

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

Jolanta comments on Aug 13, 2020:

No, especially if you live in Texas.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 14, 2020:

All my exes are in Texas (just one but I like saying it) ! :)

[youtube.com] Masks work

FearlessFly comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Apart from math, science doesn't PROVE anything. There is always doubt/error-bars/new-ideas. It can disprove things. Some folks likely will never be persuaded, no matter how much convincing evidence is shown.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@AtheistInNC . . . no doubt persuasive/convincing. Proof is for juries (or math), not science -- things change -- ask Isaac Newton :)

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

HumanistJohn comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I haven't read all the comments yet, nr have I read your bio. My remarks here will, therefor, be generalities. Your situation, whatever the similarities to other's circumstances, is unique. Furthermore, your relationship to each individual in your life is unique also. One size fits all doesn't ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

Good questions in the 'style' of the Socratic method.

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

powder comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I see it as chewing the fat, dribbling shite to each other rather than battles

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

How many times have you seen someone here refer to "chewing the fat" or "dribbling shite" (both ok to me) as ATTACKED, and/or using that as reason(s) to have blocked someone ?

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

Itisntwhatitis comments on Aug 13, 2020:

There are many covert ways to make a political statement without being polical. One way is to relate how a particular issue is impacting the lives of yourself and others in conversation. The political aspect can appear to be a coincidence. Sticking to facts of the matter rather than opinion can be ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

"theory" -- thx for saying so. I get criticized for advocating to not use that word colloquially because is so-much misused by believers. ("evolution is just a theory")

Perhaps I’m not as confident in my ability to discuss religion or philosophy or even politics.

Larry-new comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Actually, the subject of religion and beliefs should never come up here. Else, why are we here?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

Larry- . . . YOU MUST BE 'new' here :O :) lol

What a difference character makes

St-Sinner comments on Aug 13, 2020:

This should be under "Just for Laughs". Price has always mattered over quality no matters who says it and where they say it worldwide. It has to be a dictatorship to not even allow foreign goods. Both parties do it because they must operate a lean and efficient machine to win. We all are buying ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@St-Sinner I think I know what you are saying, I prefer to keep my record 'clean' :)

What a difference character makes

St-Sinner comments on Aug 13, 2020:

This should be under "Just for Laughs". Price has always mattered over quality no matters who says it and where they say it worldwide. It has to be a dictatorship to not even allow foreign goods. Both parties do it because they must operate a lean and efficient machine to win. We all are buying ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@St-Sinner It would not be easy for me to come-up with 'norms/culture' that I actively endorse. Reason is my aspirational metric -- no shortage of nonsense. :)

What a difference character makes

St-Sinner comments on Aug 13, 2020:

This should be under "Just for Laughs". Price has always mattered over quality no matters who says it and where they say it worldwide. It has to be a dictatorship to not even allow foreign goods. Both parties do it because they must operate a lean and efficient machine to win. We all are buying ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

I'm proud to say I have never set-foot in one :)

Lyft joins Uber in threatening to pull out of California over driver status The companies say ...

EdEarl comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I think Uber and Lyft drivers are under paid, but this ruling, however it lands, has no bearing on the eventual change to robotaxis, except possibly to change when it occurs.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@bingst I think the idea was to (try) keep the money in austin . . .

Lyft joins Uber in threatening to pull out of California over driver status The companies say ...

EdEarl comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I think Uber and Lyft drivers are under paid, but this ruling, however it lands, has no bearing on the eventual change to robotaxis, except possibly to change when it occurs.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

It didn't happen in Austin http://www.rideaustin.com/

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

RavenCT comments on Aug 12, 2020:

BTW I believe when you voluntarily leave the site your content is removed when you go. **I stand Corrected. I checked tonight and found content from several friends who have voluntarily left the site.** I do try to remember that anything I ever have written online is always out there ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@RavenCT An admin could (willingly or inadvertently) delete as much as hasn't been backed-up by various means (cloud/RAID/ransomware/etc.).

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Aug 12, 2020:

I'm not going to miss him. It's interesting to me that most (not all) of the people lamenting Owl's departure (and threatening departure) are the same people with whom I've have a contentious relationships with on this website... marked by rude behaiviour, rhetoric over substance, and a generous ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@Spectator . . . does that make you an interloper (one "o", not interlooper), or are you back 'openly' ?

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

OldMetalHead comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Hey, what is the new direction for agnostic?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay . . . wading thru the 3 recent CS posts, again :) , I don't find any besides MK.

The Beatles - I'm Only Sleeping (2009 remaster) [youtu.be]

FearlessFly comments on Jul 25, 2020:

Credited as a Lennon–McCartney song, it was written primarily by John Lennon. The track includes a backwards (or backmasked) lead guitar part, played by George Harrison, marking the first time that such a technique had been used on a pop recording.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@AlasBabylon I have a real hard time understanding (have tried) how people say (without much explanation) that they don't like the Beatles. :(

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

Allamanda comments on Aug 12, 2020:

For further information please see Skado's post a few days ago, https://agnostic.com/group/Senate/post/522802/ok-i-do-sincerely-hope-people-dont-overreact-to-this-and-bail-out-i-love-this-community-and-hope and draw your own conclusions, do your own research etc.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@Allamanda Databases all have automatic trigger features.

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

brentan comments on Aug 12, 2020:

That's unbelievable! WTF is going on? I always thought of him as a decent guy I didn't see eye-to-eye with.

FearlessFly replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay If, as has been 'reported' here by Allamanda, he was deleting his content, I think removal would almost certainly be triggered (databases all have trigger features) automatically.

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

OldMetalHead comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Hey, what is the new direction for agnostic?

FearlessFly replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay I'm only aware of MissKathleen making such requests, there are many others ?

Popped into my head on the way to the cardiologist appointment.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 12, 2020:

The song may be about a former girlfriend, Suze Rotolo, or fellow folk singer Joan Baez, contemporary siren Nico, or Sara Lownds, the woman that Dylan would wed in November 1965. An alternative interpretation of the song is that it is a paean to Dylan's muse, depicting it as unapproachable but ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@Spinliesel THANKS, ROFL, funniest thing I have heard yet on this website !

Goodbye message from OwlInaSack: Admin has suspended my account (I’m not sure why) – but ...

RavenCT comments on Aug 12, 2020:

BTW I believe when you voluntarily leave the site your content is removed when you go. **I stand Corrected. I checked tonight and found content from several friends who have voluntarily left the site.** I do try to remember that anything I ever have written online is always out there ...

FearlessFly replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@Leontion Databases know more about you than you do, 'they' don't forget.