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To fellow scientists: How do you deal with people in social settings that speak with authority ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jul 3, 2019:
When it comes to climate science (the denial thereof), because it is an imminent existential threat, I will go to the mat every time. On other, more philosophical topics, I pick my battles.
Any Christopher hitchens fans here ???
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jul 3, 2019:
Yes! My favorite Hitchens quote: "Religion poisons everything."
WARNING! WARNING! DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER! So I had a desperate thought today.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jul 1, 2019:
I know where you are coming from sister. You and I and LOTS of other people are feeling isolated and lonely. I heard talk (on NPR [National Public Radio]) of a recent study that gave some big numbers (which I did not write down because I was driving) but apparently it (lonliness) is a VERY common element in modern life. Congratulations for not giving in to the temptation to attend church! As a free thinker among believers you would probably have felt your isolation even more acutely. And there is nothing quite so sad as feeling alone in a crowd. I wish I had a silver bullet to offer you, but alas all I can say is hang in there kid!
Maybe I'm looking for the impossible.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 29, 2019:
My friend, it sounds like you know more than enough science to understand biological evolution. It's really quite simple. Natural selection allows what works better to persist while eliminating less fortunate forms. DNA mutations provide a steady stream of new forms to try out. Forms that work survive to be further improved upon in later generations. Let this process play out over billions of years and it produces some wonderful and amazing critters. The key is that, instead if always starting from scratch, nature works by taking what exists and modifying it. Here are the five basic points of the Theory of Evolution: In every generation, DNA mutations give rise to organisms with different adaptations within a population. Darwin called this diversity of abilities "natural variation." In every population there is always over-reproduction, so individual organisms have to compete for resources. (Thomas Malthus famously wrote about this "struggle for existence," and Darwin was well acquainted with Malthus's work.) The environment constantly eliminates those individuals that are less fit. Those that are better suited to the environment tend to survive and pass on their good genes. Darwin called this sorting process "natural selection." Over generations the process of natural selection acting upon the population's natural variation leads to changes. The beneficial mutations accumulate in the gene pool. With time descendants look less and less like their ancestors. Darwin called this process of change through the generations "descent with modification." (If a small group of individuals leaves the main population to set up a colony in a different environment, that group may evolve separately from the mother population, thus forming another branch on the tree if life.) The Earth is very, very old, and descent with modification has been going on since the first cells self-assembled from organic molecules present on early Earth. (In considering the Earth's great antiquity, Darwin had the advantage of familiarity with the work of two early geologists: James Hutton, and his student, Charles Lyell.) The ancestry of all present species can be traced back to a single, ancient, common ancestor. That's it. Five points.
Is the universe infinite?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Last I heard, it (the universe) is finite but unbounded. If this reminds you of the sound of one hand clapping, you are not alone! 😛
Should churches be maid to pay taxes
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 24, 2019:
Yes, churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples should pay pay taxes. IMHO.
Is anyone else as scared as I am about global warming?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 24, 2019:
I am sorry to say that your fears are well-founded. It appears that we have about ten years in which to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in order to keep global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius. Beyond 2 degrees, feedbacks in the natural system kick in and temperatures spiral upward uncontrollably. Feedback mechanisms include things like decrease on Earth's albedo (reflectivity) due to disappearance of ice cover, and massive increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations (and consequent temperature increase) due to melting permafrost. If proposals to add sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere to counteract the loss of albedo sound crazy, you are right. The acid rain resulting from such so-called geoengineering would devastate our agriculture (and forests). Technologies that can suck CO2 out of the atmosphere are in development, but they will be expensive and will have to be implemented on a massive scale. Bottom line: tough times ahead.
Supreme Court Cross Case: Memorial Can Stand On Public Land : NPR
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 21, 2019:
I have to agree with the dissenters (Ginsburg and Sotomayor) in this case. The cross is a religious symbol and as such it not only promotes one religion over all others but also over non-religion. Since it is on public land and is being maintained by the State it violates the First Amendment and is therefore unconstitutional. I do not agree with Justice Alito that its removal would constitute a State move against religion, any more than pulling a thorn from ones foot it a move against flowering plants. The cross does not belong there, period. I believe I have a solution to the problem. Just cut the arms off the cross and leave the upright part standing. Then it becomes an obelisk, a neutral symbol. It is a fair compromise. Doubtless the religionists would object, but that just goes to show that it is the religious symbology, staking out this land as a Christian country, that matters to them. They need to suck it up and get over it. This country was founded on secularism.
Trump refuses to apologize to Central Park Five after their criminal convictions were vacated
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 19, 2019:
Donald Trump is completely devoid of common decency. He is a sociopath. If you expect him to do the right thing you will be disappointed.
We Have Five Years To Save Ourselves From Climate Change, Harvard Scientist Says
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 16, 2019:
Five years...might as well be five minutes. It means that at some point our carbon emissions will have to go negative. In other words, reducing emissions to zero will not be good enough. We will need to suck carbon out of the atmosphere. Meanwhile, as the responses of government and industry lag behind the curve, individuals can do a lot to reduce their own footprints: reduce/eliminate meat and dairy from their diets; stop traveling by air; ride a bicycle or walk whenever possible; reduce driving by eliminating unnecessary trips; line dry clothing; limit heating and air conditioning to times of extreme temperatures; generate electricity at home with solar panels or wind turbines where appropriate; drive an electric car; recycle and reuse wherever possible; eat locally-grown, organic food; have fewer children!
Bob Dylan was a great songwriter. Can't stand his singing voice.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 15, 2019:
I remember making a similar comment about BD's voice about 35 yeas ago (that it was not at all good). My interlocutor strenuously objected, which surprised me, because I thought everyone felt like I did. Now, decades later I have to say that I rather like Dylan's voice. I'm not saying its a particularly good singing voice, but it's familiar, it's real, it's good enough, and now part of my cultural heritage. I'm cool with it.
Just curious. Who would not have joined this forum if it was called atheist.com?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 12, 2019:
I probably would have joined anyway. While I identify as agnostic, I function as an atheist. In other words, while I do not deny the possibility of God's existence, I think the probability of that hypothesis being correct is vanishingly small. A one-in-a-billion shot.
Why do so many men think sarcastic humor is positive?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Jun 12, 2019:
As a straight man I am not seeing men's dating profiles. When I say I like sarcastic humor I have in my mind something along the lines of a Steven Colbert (or Bill Maher, or John Oliver) monologue where they verbally dismember Donald Trump. Its thoroughly enjoyable and appropriate.
Hi I'm thinking of get a tattoo.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 27, 2019:
You might consider this: 9:3:3:1 It is the phenotypic ratio that Gregor Mendel observed in the F2 generation of his dihybrid cross experiments. It is significant in that it reveals that sexual reproduction produces diversity. And this diversity, which is the raw material upon which natural selection acts, has been the driver of our evolution. And it is all that stands between any sexual species and extinction. Sex, diversity, evolution, resilience; pretty evocative for just four little digits, no?
RICHARD DAWKINS ERROR CONCERNING THE ORIGIN OF LIFE Pursuing the concept that anything is ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 7, 2019:
Anyone who has read Dawkins or knows the basics concerning biological evolution should know that he never said life evolved by random chance. Random chance is an important element in evolution, but it is not the whole shebang. Random mutations of DNA provide the raw material, grist for the mill, if you will, for natural selection, which is a decidedly NON-RANDOM process. Dawkins (and Gould, and Mayr, and Darwin, and many others) makes this very clear. The evolution of living things is a non-random process. Any discussion of the probability of life evolving at random is an interesting footnote at best. Unfortunately it is sometimes used by demagogues in their attempts to discredit established science. Focussing only on the random aspect of evolution is a distraction that reveals a gross misunderstanding of the process.
Science in America - Neil deGrasse Tyson - YouTube
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 7, 2019:
NDGT is such good communicator!
Just like in Spain sometimes the Bull Wins in a Bullfight, in Africa sometimes the poacher do not ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 7, 2019:
If only this would happen more often! ?
Is anyone else bored to death with the entire atheist theist debate?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 6, 2019:
Yes, very bored by it. The futility of the endeavor of trying to talk sense to people who are immune to logic and reason drains away one's energy.
Rick Scott, the very man who created HCA and defrauded Medicare for over a billion dollars.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 2, 2019:
The President wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act merely because its chief sponsor was (is) a black man. Trump's racism is so pronounced that he is willing to kick millions of Americans off their health insurance just to destroy his predecessor's legacy. And this is not even his most egregious fault. This President has made the removal of environmental protections the centerpiece of his policy agenda. He has worked hard to make it easy for corporations to despoil the land, pollute the water, and defile the air. He is dedicated to obstruct progress in the development and implementation of the green energy technologies we desperately need in order to avoid climate catastrophe. His is a comprehensive plan: make Americans sick, injure Americans, and block their access to healthcare. Clearly, this President does not have our best interests at heart.
For those who have missed "Deadwood".
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 1, 2019:
Deadwood was a very entertaining show. I look forward to the movie. ?
Islam is not a religion, rather a death cult for apostates.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Apr 1, 2019:
We have all heard of such things happening in other religions. Why should Islam be any different? Once people go down the path of superstition they can become convinced of the rightness of even the most heinous acts.
I cannot comprehend the amount of bigotry and intolerance I see among my fellow atheists sometimes.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 30, 2019:
I don't disagree with anything you said, but what was it specifically that set you off? That kind of diatribe cries out for citation of particular incident(s), especially since the behavior to which you refer is, on the whole, anomalous. Free thinkers tend to be rather even-handed, logical, and incisive. Atheists and agnostics tend NOT to be demagogues.
The Loony Tunes Have Their Say on Public School Education – Christianity Style.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 30, 2019:
One thing for sure: they (the Christian demagogues) will never quit dreaming. But to make their dreams reality, they would have to either repeal the First Amendment or do away with public education. The latter appears to be the preferred route of Education Secretary Betsy De Voss. The best way to protect public education is to make damn sure of her boss's ouster in 2020. Let's get shut of the orange scourge once and for all!
Death Threats and Drained Bank Accounts: Life on the Wrong End of the Mueller Probe - POLITICO ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 29, 2019:
The post begins, "If you believe Attorney General William Barr, the special counsel report issued March 22 found no evidence that President Donald Trump’s campaign staff conspired or coordinated with Russia." I don't believe Barr. Maybe Mueller did not find enough evidence to convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt (a high standard), but that is not proof of innocence. There was obviously lots of shady dealing going on. It is very likely that Roger Stone lied about his conversations with Trump and his people. On the bright side, Mr. Trump and his cronies face legal jeopardy for a multitude of financial crimes: money laundering, tax evasion, bank fraud, illegal campaign financing, and illegal use of charity funds. Many State charges are coming, and the President will not be able to pardon his or his criminal partners out of a reckoning. So there is reason to think that justice will eventually be served. Whatever sanctions he receives will be small consolation for the damage this President has caused the nation. His rolling back of environmental protections, his demonizing of the press, his empowerment of white supremacists, his disregard for truth and embrace "alternative facts," his misogyny and bigotry and racism, his hollowing out of the State Department, his gigantic addition to the national debt via huge tax breaks for the rich, his attempts at eviscerating the Affordable Care Act, and his lowering of the level of political discourse will negatively affect the country for years to come. Trump and his minions deserve to be slapped hard.
US citizens:. Did you vote for Donald in 2016?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 28, 2019:
Hell no!
Donald Trump is the most nauseating whiner-bully-loser I have ever even heard of.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 28, 2019:
Well said Walt!
What will cause the apocalypse?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 28, 2019:
Climate change will bring on the rest.
Missouri House votes to allow Bible courses in public school
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 28, 2019:
I doubt that law will withstand a challenge on constitutional grounds.
This is to inform as many members of Agnostic that if points are mysteriously removed from your ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 28, 2019:
Just curious: why do you give a s**t about the points? Isn't the interaction with the people the reason for being here?
Is there such thing as Atheist tattoos?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 28, 2019:
You might consider this: 9:3:3:1 It's the ratio of phenotypic combinations that Mendel got in the F2 generation in his classic dihybrid cross experiments. The underlying significance is that this ratio illustrates in microcosm the genetic recombination that occurs as a result of sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction, it turns out, is a great driver of diversity, and diversity is the raw material that natural selection acts upon in biological evolution. So if you wear that number on your body you are celebrating sex, diversity, and evolution, and there is not even the slightest reference to any religion!
when i look at all the ppl here who believe every word from the global warming, now climate change, ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 24, 2019:
The scientific community has long since reached consensus: climate change is real, it's happening now, it's accelerating, and it is caused by human activity (burning fossil fuels primarily, and deforestation secondarily). It will be much worse much sooner than most people think, unless we radically change how we generate electricity and power our transportation systems. We have about ten years before we lock in very bad effects. We are staring down the barrel of mass extinction.
Americans used to eat pigeon all the time—and it could be making a comeback.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 24, 2019:
As climate change continues to raise its ugly head and the USA remains outside the Paris Accord it will not be long before the science deniers among us will be eating crow.
U.S.’s Biggest Christian Charity Reportedly Channeled $56.1 Million to Purported Hate Groups
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 23, 2019:
We should not be surprised. The god of the Christians is an angry, jealous, and vengeful god; a paranoid schizophrenic misogynist; a pumped-up facsimile of his human/animal creator.
We atheists and atheist allies hereby declare that from now on, March 23rd is Atheist Day.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 23, 2019:
For me EVERY day is Atheist day! ?
"You must be a member of this group before commenting." What group?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 23, 2019:
I wonder why they would want to place limits on who can comment. It seems kind of silly.
The first annual International Atheist Day is coming up on March 23rd! I'm the chairman of a small ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 23, 2019:
How about a visit to the local natural history museum?
Atheism is just another religion.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 21, 2019:
Uh, no. Atheism is not a religion. The poster has made several assumptions that are not valid. For instance, atheists do not necessarily spend a lot of time thinking about the non-existence of god(s). Once one has come to this (correct) conclusion, we are free to spend our finite mental energy on other, more important matters. And we do. Neither do most atheists go around trying to convince others of their position vis-a-vis the human invention known as a deity. And we don't go out of our way to ridicule people who believe in god(s). However, an atheist may occasionally find it necessary to rebut the ridiculous assertions made by a believer. The rebuttal may seem like ridicule to the believing person who has made a ridiculous statement (e.g. "the Earth and all it life forms were created in six days"). Do atheists hold meetings? Yes, occasionally. So do bird watchers and motorcycle enthusiasts. A meeting does not make a religion. Finally, atheism is not so much a reaction as a conclusion. After being bombarded for years or decades with ridiculous assertions for which no legitimate, independently verifiable evidence was ever offered, an intelligent person can finally say "Enough!"
[alternet.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 21, 2019:
The more Trump whines about the various investigations, the more guilty he looks. An innocent person would welcome the scrutiny, knowing that ultimately they would be exonerated. But not this President. Oh no...
Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers | Steven Pinker - YouTube
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 19, 2019:
Pinker is probably right about the trend up to now. Things have been getting better over all. But they are about to get a hell of a lot worse. Global warming + feedback loops + ocean acidification + overpopulation = mass extinction.
Ilhan Omar is not deserving of her seat in The House.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 19, 2019:
To my knowledge Omar has only voiced opposition to Israeli government policies. This does not make her anti-Semitic. There is plenty in Israeli policy to criticize.
Hope this isn't a repeat - because it's really important article explaining why climate change ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 16, 2019:
In trying to understand the full import of climate change it really helps to know the history of mass extinction on this planet. The greatest die-off, known as the Permian extinction, saw the demise of around 95% of the species then inhabiting Earth. And that event was brought about by climate change. And that climate change was driven by a rapid buildup of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere. And that buildup was spurred by self-reenforcing feedback loops. And the only major difference between what happened then (about 250 million years ago) and today's situation is that it's happening about ten times faster this time around. And here I am spouting facts that many people cannot wrap their heads around -- because of the biases mentioned in the article -- but also due to a fatal lack of imagination. However, this may be beside the point. We should not expect people who have not studied mass extinction and climate science to get it. We should redouble our efforts to educate them AND couch our lessons in moral terms. And we should not wait for Joe Lunchbuckethead to get it before acting. Then it will be too late. If we have to drag those unimaginative masses kicking and screaming then so be it. There are times when those who know need to lead. Unfortunately right now, the voices of many members of the intelligentsia are muted by short-term political concerns. And even if they talk the talk, they don't walk the walk. They don't hesitate to climb aboard a jet (the mode of transport with the highest carbon footprint) or drive an Earth-destroying SUV to the grocery store. Those in the know need to lead by example. We need to tip the moral balance in favor of doing the right thing. It has to become cool to be a bicycle-riding, jet plane shunning climate warrior. ?
Paul Manafort indicted in New York moments after sentencing in D.C. case
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 14, 2019:
If these are completely separate offenses then double jeopardy should not apply. And since they are State charges he would not be able to skate on a pardon from Trump. So maybe the dirty SOB will get what he deserves. Fingers crossed!
In the Bush - Gore election (2000) the Florida race was too close to call.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 10, 2019:
Yep! Republican has become synonymous with hypocritical. Also spineless, corrupt, greedy, ignorant, atavistic,...
any merit to this? [sciencealert.com]
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 10, 2019:
The accepted wisdom is that photons are pure energy; massless particles of light. However, a distinction is made between REST mass and mass at the speed of light. Apparently photons do have mass while they are travelling at or near the speed of light. In fact, if we look at Einstein's famous equation explaining the relationship between mass and energy, E=mc squared, we can readily see that a photon, which we all agree is energy, MUST have mass. In the equation, if mass is zero, then c (the speed of light) must also be zero, and E (energy) would also have to be zero. But there IS energy in a photon and therefore there must be mass. The question then becomes, is the mass of the light in the galaxy sufficient to explain the galaxy's high apparent gravity? Maybe not by itself, but it looks like it might be part of the solution as to why galaxies don't fly apart due to their high rotational velocities. Maybe it is the mass of light AND the as yet undefined dark matter together that keep galaxies together.
Favorite-read recommendations?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Mar 4, 2019:
Rachel Carson's Under the Sea Wind is a naturalist's peaceful masterpiece. Truly calming. I highly recommend it.
Relax, we all die
Flyingsaucesir comments on Feb 18, 2019:
A very good thing to keep in mind! ??
Favorite-read recommendations?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Feb 12, 2019:
The only current non-fiction I can think of that is somewhat comic/sarcastic is Michael Wolfe's "Fire and Fury," which is about the first year in the Trump Whitehouse. It did not really strike me as all that funny, though it is certainly full of clowns!
General Motors CEO Collects $22 Million Salary While Cutting 15,000 Jobs
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 23, 2018:
Isn't that just DANDY? The workers get pink slips, the investors get their dividends and the CEO gets a golden parachute. I love capitalism!
When I hear people criticizing Trump for withdrawing from Syria and Afghanistan, I have to think - ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 21, 2018:
I think what they are objecting to is not the withdrawal, but the precipitous nature of the withdrawal.
Happy Solstice Everyone! [timeanddate.com]
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 21, 2018:
The REAL reason for the season! Yay!!!?
Tesla's new Solar Roof is actually cheaper than a normal roof | Inhabitat - Green Design, ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 19, 2018:
Damn, I just put a new roof on my house!
[yahoo.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 19, 2018:
Nope. Can't run the clock backward. Time for a fresh start.
Is a community of like minded individuals healthy or harmful
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 19, 2018:
It depends on what ideas they all embrace. If they rally around peace and respect, good. If it's rape and pillage they go for, not good.
A federal law has been passed that requires all bump stocks to be surrendered or to be destroyed.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 19, 2018:
In this case I have no problem with the confiscation without compensation. The device was intended to circumvent the law against automatic weapons. Anyone who bought one was cheating, and they deserve at least the light slap of forfeiture.
About a million years ago.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 19, 2018:
It's still funny...just not as funny. But that may have more to do with the times we live in than the not-ready-for-prime-time players.
After six months of being in a wheelchair and feeling hopeless, I'm now up and walking again.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 18, 2018:
First I want to wish you a speedy recovery. You obviously have a great attitude and that good old pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps get up and go. I hope you are soon back in top form. To what you wrote about loving loving and respecting the self I would add that we should develop a constant awareness of the miracle that is being alive. That we are here is is a spectacular and unique natural phenomenon. We literally are made of stardust. Like leaves of grass we rise up, to briefly look about and taste higher level consciousness. Then we return to dust. We only get one shot at this thing called life. Honor the opportunity. Make the most of it!
Oh my, Sarah is doing her smokey eye shadow again while trying to lie her ass off.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 18, 2018:
Sarah Sanders has no credibility with me. None.
WOW!
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 18, 2018:
Nope, it's not a good trade. Then Pence becomes President, pardons everybody (after the election). Meantime we have to run against Pence instead of Trump, and suffer a lot of resentment over Trump's ouster.
Anyone hating facebook even more now that have found this website?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 18, 2018:
I hate Facebook for the monster they created without knowing how to control it. The algorithms that give people more of what they have "liked" is the perfect weapon in the hands of a crafty ex KGB naked mole rat like Vladimir Putin. People are living in echo chambers, and literally losing touch with reality. And it has resulted in THE WORST presidency in my lifetime, and that goes all the way back to Ike (and I don't mean Turner).
Someone needs to listen to Comey very carefully in this interview.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 17, 2018:
To paraphrase what syndicated columnist Mark Shields recently said on the PBS Newshour, there is no Republican Party. There is a Party of Donald J. Trump.
I'm not too familiar with this group of individuals called the "Illuminati", I'm asking because I ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 17, 2018:
The membership of the international oligarchy is only loosely tied together where their business interests intersect. They are are just rich assholes pulling whatever levers they think will make them richer. They are a crafty, self-interested, craven lot, smart but not really wise enough to be called illuminated.
Taking one more spin through the parking lot.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 17, 2018:
Asshole. 'Scuse me: horny asshole.
Anyone else notice how few antibiotics are being developed now [pharmaceutical-journal.com]
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 16, 2018:
This another example of how you cannot leave the free market and private industry to solve all problems.
Wow is the majority of people here OVER 50?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 16, 2018:
This should be encouraging to younger people. As we age we do tend to become wiser. Not always -- for instance the orange gasbag in the WH is a case of arrested development (actual age 72; apparent age 13). ?
Don't buy your boss a Lamborghini!
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 16, 2018:
The average corporate CEO salary is something like 270 times the average employee's pay. It's obscene.
Trump administration hid report showing banks charged college students high fees - CNNPolitics
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 16, 2018:
Trump + Wall Street scions = billionaire crook cabal
Why I'm worried about immediate impeachment of the Bloated Bully. Look here: [thehumanist.com]
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
So far we are seeing significant self discipline among the Dems; the only "i" word they are using is "investigation." I think it's the smart thing to do.
Evangelical Christians Helped Elect Donald Trump, but Their Time as a Major Political Force Is ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
Gawd I hope so!
How do you think Don Trump will handle Federal prison?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
Assuming a Democrat wins in 2020 and no pardon is forthcoming (I like it so far) and he goes into the general population with no special privileges, I give him five minutes before he's somebody's bitch.
The Garteful Dead Explained in a poem by John Barlow THROWING STONES Lyrics By: John Barlow ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
One of my all time favorite songs.
So let's take a look at your qualifications.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
I'm very happy to make your acquaintance. I think I would be a good fit here. This kind of work really gets my juices flowing. I will do whatever it takes. I can give 100%.
Where do you tend to go when you go down the YouTube rabbit hole?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
Like you, I gravitate towards ships on storm-tossed seas and tsunamis. I also enjoy big-wave surfing, and trials and cross-country motorcycling.
So, tell us, do you think in terms of race or ethnicity?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 15, 2018:
The concept of race is not a real human characteristic and is not recognized as valid by biologists. It is an arbitrary and invented division where none actually exists. The race concept breaks down because there is as much natural variation WITHIN a so-called racial group as there is BETWEEN so-called racial groups. For example there are "white" people who have many of the same phenotypic traits shared by "black" people, and vice-versa. Since there is no such thing as race we cannot use that idea to describe ethnicity. That means ethnicity must be a (mostly) cultural phenomenon. Ethnicity may be defined by elements such as language, food/cuisine, music, religious tradition, mode of dress, ethics, values or morals, and even legal system. For instance, one could argue that graft is endemic in certain cultures largely as a result of the laws instituted by imperialist rulers like Napoleon, who told his tax collectors to collect their own salaries while they were at it. In other words, graft was institutionalized. Someone growing up in that system learns to accept what others would call "corruption" as simply a normal way of doing business. That system would exist in a given geographic region with a certain language or mix of languages, a dominant religious tradition, and distinctive cuisine and music. The local environmental conditions would tend to favor certain phenotypes (say, darker skin if you are located closer to the equator) but the peripatetic, migratory, explorer nature of humans would always ensure some degree of mixing with outside groups. Put it all together and you have an ethnicity.
SIGNS OF A SOCIOPATH Superficial charm Untruthful and manipulative Egocentric Devoid of ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 13, 2018:
You just described the POTUS.
Michael Flynn asks federal judge to spare him from prison time in response to government sentencing ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 12, 2018:
Apparently Mr. Mueller valued highly Flynn's cooperation. In matter of Flynn's sentencing, I think the judge should give Mueller's recommendation due consideration. This would also tend to strengthen the prosecutor's hand in negotiations with other potential witnesses.
I saw the following post on facebook and he raised points that seem to make sense to me despite my ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 11, 2018:
The author claims that... "In fact the average large ocean container ship burns through more fuel everyday than more than one million cars do." This claim is patently false. A large container ship burns between 150 and 225 tons of fuel per day. One million automobiles burn about 7,500 tons of fuel per day, assuming average miles driven to be 60, and average mileage at 30 miles per gallon, and the weight of a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel to be about 7.5 pounds. I have not had time to analyze the many other claims, but I think the author's focus on trade is a bit misplaced. The most grievous injury that Trump does is to delay our total engagement with the climate issue. The uncertainty he foments holds back investment in green technology. Talk about jobs! There are many millions of potential jobs there. And the more we delay, the worse will be the effects of climate change. We need to act NOW.
Baby It's Cold Outside
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 9, 2018:
I don't hear anyone being coerced or denied their freedom to choose in that song.
Where are you
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 8, 2018:
San Diego, on the southwest coast of the USA.
I'm very upset with myself.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 8, 2018:
Nothing wrong with that. It would have been ok to eat a real beef burger too. If you want to live sustainably just don't produce offspring.
Because ... yeah.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 7, 2018:
Damn funny looking dog he's got there! Or have I been smoking too much weed?
Guns I would like to hear thoughts from others in this group on their feelings about guns and gun ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 4, 2018:
We need much stricter gun laws. Thorough background checks, waiting periods, limits on magazine capacities, bans on military weapons, age restrictions, etc.
David Attenborough: 'The collapse of our civilizations is on the horizon' - CNN
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 4, 2018:
I was not in the tv room but the volume was up and I knew Sir David's voice immediately as he delivered his dire warning. As usual, he was spot on. If we don't act quickly human civilization as we know it will end. Unfortunately, the Paris accord may not go far enough. We are probably going to blow right past a temperature rise to 3.6 degrees F.
Well.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 2, 2018:
Slippery when wet!
It is always the ones with fuzzy toes...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 2, 2018:
How cute is that? Furry foot fetish!
Now do you understand?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 2, 2018:
I feel like some progress has been made. Doesn't mean I'm not still a dumb shit though. Lol!
Nothing I like any more than having my sleep pattern out of whack. Fuck insomnia.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 2, 2018:
I feel you. Went to sleep at midnight. Woke up about half an hour ago. It's 4:30 am now. Prolly shouldn't have eaten all that chocolate. Mmmmm! Chocolate! ☺
Whats this place coming to.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 1, 2018:
The whole bleeding world is going to shit homie.
G20 could have been conducted over Skype with various chat rooms for the one on one meetings.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Dec 1, 2018:
Good point! What was this year's G20 carbon footprint?
The climate apocalypse is now, and it’s happening to you
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 30, 2018:
Then again many people don't know their pocket is being picked or who in the news is lying to them.
Republican Lawmaker Claims Restaurant's '86 45' Shirts Are Calling for Trump's Murder - MUNCHIES
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 30, 2018:
Eighty-sixed just means kicked out and/or banned from coming on the premises.
Climate Change / Global Warming and the Loony Tunes Right-Wing.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 29, 2018:
Climate change is the biggest thing ever in human history, and the denial we see in our leaders is a really interesting and scary phenomenon. Some of the deniers are just stupid and uncomprehending and others are sociopathic and just don't give a damn. Thanks for posting.
Justice Department Seeks DisruptJ20 Activists' Facebook Data | Fortune
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 28, 2018:
This is pretty Orwellian. Not a good development.
The thing is, its 13 days UNTIL we get to the shortest day of the year. Dang.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 28, 2018:
Time flies! ?✈??
Feeling ambitious and inspired and tired of America! Would anybody be interested in starting a new ...
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 28, 2018:
I think this one can still be fixed.
If our ancestors did it, why not everyone else
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 28, 2018:
While I agree with the sentiment it is only fair that we (the USA) own our role in helping to create conditions favorable to corrupt dictatorships and organized crime in Latin America. We have toppled democratically elected leaders and installed stooges friendly to United Fruit and Dole. We have empowered drug cartels by consuming their product (vast quantities of their product!), and keeping their business profitable by artificially keeping prices high with our "war on drugs."
Pfizer, Amgen, Walmart among companies withdrawing support for Mississippi GOP Sen.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 26, 2018:
I don't think the woman is just tone deaf. I think she let her true flag fly; the one emblazoned with an image of a tree bearing strange fruit. Here are the lyrics to the song that was performed by the late great jazz singer, Billy Holiday: Southern trees bear strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the root Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees Pastoral scene of the gallant south The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh Then the sudden smell of burning flesh Here is fruit for the crows to pluck For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop Here is a strange and bitter crop Songwriters: Lewis Allan / Maurice Pearl / Dwayne P Wiggins
What's your stance on Roe vs Wade?
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 26, 2018:
Society does have an interest in women's health as well as in that of their offspring. From a public health perspective it makes sense to have legal abortions available. If the procedure is illegal it will happen anyway, but clandestinely. And that is when women die. If they live, they may make the choice to reproduce at some future time when conditions are more favorable for child rearing. Loss of an embryo, while lamentable, is no tragedy. It is not the same as losing a person. In fact, a fetus has no consciousness and should be considered nothing more than a potentiality. Also, we should note that natural, spontaneous abortions (miscarraiges) are at least as common as live births. And they occur with more frequency in the USA than in other developed nations. So if "pro life" people really want to have a positive impact on human reproduction they could vote only for representatives who will fix our broken healthcare system and fund the Affordable Care Act.
U.S. Healthcare Ranked Worst In The Developed World - The Intellectualist
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 25, 2018:
In terms of healthcare the US has lagged behind other developed countries for a long time. What we do well here is buy in to false premises and flawed ideologies like the ridiculous idea that the unregulated marketplace will always produce the best outcome.
Oklahoma Republican Declares That Rape Is The ‘Will Of God’ [churchandstate.org.uk]
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 25, 2018:
What an asshole!
How do i get to level three...? ? i thought i did everything it asked. lol
Flyingsaucesir comments on Nov 25, 2018:
Just keep interacting with others here. You'll get there. Hey, wait a minute. Your profile says you are already at level three! Well, to get to level 4, the same advice applies.

Photos

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Moonrise at sundown
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On the fly
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Mt. Laguna
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Unbeknownst to me, this 40-litre Florence flask had sat unused in storage for years. It had been donated to the school by County Sheriff, who had confiscated it from an illegal drug lab. The Science Dept. Chair was going to throw it in the trash. I rescued it, made a base for it, and used it as a classroom fish tank. 🙂
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Three Sisters Falls, San Diego Co., CA
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Hauled out for bottom paint.
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Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is a concentrated solar thermal plant in the Mojave Desert. It is located at the base of Clark Mountain in California, across the state line from Primm, Nevada.
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San Diego, January, 2023.
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People collect the damnedest things.
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1960 Gibson LG-0; solid mahogany top, back, sides, and neck.
Agnostic, Atheist, Humanist, Secularist, Skeptic, Freethinker
Open to meeting women
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