Do you say "god bless you" when someone sneezes?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 7, 2018:

I say nothing, or gesundheit (but usually nothing). At work, I'm surrounded by believers, but none of them are especially religious. That said, the impulse/urge to say something is fairly strong having been ingrained in us all our whole lives. But I am somehow able to resist. LOL! Frankly, I'M a bit offended at the expectation.

These are a few of mine ...I have 13 total and have a few more planned

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Very nice! =]

How do you all feel about having some get togethers?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 6, 2018:

That would be fun. I'm in Sacramento, CA, and I have a pool. =]

Would you accept a job or position within a company that was built around religious beliefs?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I'm saying no here, but if I'm being honest, IF I was in a situation where this was my only opportunity, I would have to consider it. I don't foresee that situation coming to pass. A related question here would be "Would you patronize a business that makes no secret of their faith (Hobby Lobby, Chick fil a)?" I like to say no to this question, but again, I have broken this "rule" many times. There is a local ice cream place (local to my area with several locations) called Leatherby's. This is a family owned "chain" of restaurants. Their food is no good, but their ice cream is unbelievable. They almost always have a line out the door and are open late. They are politically active too, sadly. I regret to admit I have patronized pretty much all of the businesses I should be boycotting because of their politico-religious activism. I'm weak. But their ice cream is SO GOOD. Walmart is another one. Not for faith-based reasons, they are just a scummy company with a horrible track record as a "great place to work." I shop at Target instead.

Marvel or DC?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 6, 2018:

It's Marvel hands-down. I grew up reading the books that are now all being done so well by Marvel/Disney (and ain't THAT a marriage made in heaven, LOL! Almost as good as Disney/Pixar). Iron Man was a big fav of mine, as was X-Men. CGI has truly made it possible for these films to come to life. Marvel has some excellent script writers because I love the storytelling and that they are always able to find a good balance between drama and comedy. There is always good comic relief. And on Guardians of the Galaxy, that retro soundtrack is genius. They seem to be employing the same synergistic strategy with the TV shows (Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Daredevil) as they did with the feature films, and it works for me for the most part. DC films, while not all completely awful, are just too damned dark. All that darkness started with the DARK Knight. I get that, but Man of Steel too? Really? And Suicide Squad? What a waste of excellent talent (I love Will Smith). Wonder Woman was good. Still pretty dark, but an improvement. I could go on and on cuz I just love this stuff, but shuttin' up now. =]

What is everyone's favorite (American) football team?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 5, 2018:

San Francisco, um when they're doing well. Coming off a 5 game win streak at the end of last season, they might be back for real next season.

If anger could be converted into physical form, what should it become?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 5, 2018:

The Hulk. That's what he is, really. A rage monster.

Stephen King fans?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 5, 2018:

The Stand is my all-time fav King novel. IT was good. Christine was good too, and Carrie. But The Stand is exceptional, IMHO. I loved the 8-hour mini-series too. LOL!

My house cleaner comes tomorrow morning, he cleans every 2 weeks, and here I am cleaning up so he ...

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 5, 2018:

Well, I can't afford a house cleaner anymore, but when I was married, we had (and she still has) one. We never "cleaned" for them, but we did pick up clutter and generally straighten up so they could focus on doing actual cleaing instead of having to move our crap around. LOL! How did Carliln put it? "Move your shit so I can put my stuff down." Cuz your shit is shit, and my shit is stuff. (not sure where that came from, but there it is)

What's your favorite horror film?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Several have mentioned John Carpenter's version of The Thing, and I really like that film. The remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers with Donald Sutherland and Leonard Nimoy is really good too. I realize these films are classified as sci-fi, they are also both very suspenseful and I'd say, horror as well. The original Halloween film was good too.

When traveling what are your thoughts on visiting religious sites?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 4, 2018:

As Livinlife said, there is historical and often architectural value in historical religious sites. Whether we like it or not, religion has (sadly) greatly influenced the world and is a part of history.

I just can't be out of wine! Lol

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 3, 2018:

Gonna remember this one. Thankfully, I am NOT out of wine! LOL!

What's better: renting or owning a home?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 3, 2018:

For me, owning is better. As a renter, you're merely borrowing someone else's property. The reality there is you are paying their mortgage for them, plus a little. As an owner, your mortgage is your rent. Should you decide to move, you sell and, hopefully, you get all your money back and possibly make a profit. Although there are market adjustments that impact property values (and other investment vehicles like 401Ks, stocks, IRA accounts), the trend is usually UP. This means your chances of making money are generally better than taking a loss.

Just started on a sleeve back in September. Work in progress.

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 3, 2018:

Very nice!

What is your most useless talent?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 3, 2018:

(Previously mentioned) I know all the lyrics to the Gilligan's Island theme song. =]

What's the best thing about being single?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Interesting question to pose to a bunch of peeps who all, to at least some degree, are trying to NOT be single here. LOL!

Why do believers of heaven avoid death and/or mourn?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 2, 2018:

IKR? Don't they have a "passport to heaven?" Won't they "live forever?" This is part of their hipocrasy. All their belief really does is change (worsen) their attitude in, and about life.

What are your favorite Disney songs?

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Wow, this is tough for me because I've been a Disney fan for a long, long time. It's very difficult for me to pick just one favorite because I love so many (and there are SO MANY OF THEM). I grew up with some of the older stuff and have emotional connections to many of the second animation renaissance music from Roy Disney's films (pretty much starting with Little Mermaid on). I have many memories of enjoying these songs with my children, and my daughter in-particular. Here are a few I really love (in no particular order): Colors of the Wind - Pocahontas I Won't Say (I'm in Love) - Hercules A Whole New World - Aladdin Friend Like Me - Aladdin (Robin Williams) Happy Working Song - Enchanted (not animated, but love it anyway) Be Our Guest - Beauty and the Beast Belle - Beauty and the Beast You've Got a Friend in Me - Toy Story When She Loved Me - Toy Story 2 There are more. See? I told you this wasn't easy. LOL!

Hi I'm a horrible noob from glorious Nottingham in Ye Olde England, home of Robin Hood.

IAMGROOT comments on Mar 1, 2018:

Welcome Noob! =]

Greetings other agnostics, humanists, skeptics, and “heretics” of all flavors - I’m new here, ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Welcome!

This is part of a sleeve that I'm doing.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 28, 2018:

From the perspective of art appreciation, looks awesome. You should post another pic when completed. I love tats with realism, depth, detail. Looks great so far.

How well do you listen actively?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 28, 2018:

With the Chinese "definition" shown here, horribly. I doubt I EVER listen with that level of completeness. As others have said in response to this post; it depends on the audience and the topic and my perception of the importance thereof. =] I'm basically lazy.

Is Billy Graham being on display at the Capitol Rotunda a separation of church and state issue?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Absolutely. The FFRF thinks so too! https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/31813-ffrf-protests-billy-graham-capitol-honor

Do you think non-believers are less trusting?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 28, 2018:

My guess is that, yes, non-believers are less trusting. This comes from a more self-directed thought process. I try to operate under the MO of giving others the benefit of the doubt until they give me reason not to.

As some of you may recall from a post I wrote a few weeks back, I have been dealing with the grief ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Thanks for sharing this. Having lost both parents now to different forms of cancer, I can relate to an extent. Clearly, you had a very special bond with your stepmom. I'm a bit jealous of that. I loved my mom, and cancer got her early. She died two days after her 61st BD after about 18 months of treatment. I hadn't lived near my parents for many years. That geographical separation, plus leading a busy life of work, raising my own family, etc., and, admittedly, my own laziness, limited "daily interaction." Facebook didn't even exist then and my mom had no online presence at all, ever. She never even owned an email address, so if there was any remote contact, it had to be by phone. I have regrets about that. I wish now that I had made more of an effort. I wish a lot of things though. Those wishes and $2.50 will get me a cup of coffee, right? Sadly, my most vivid memory of her near the end of her life was during her last two weeks (literally) while on home hospice "care." I put that in quotes because, as you surely know, hospice means "go home to die because there's nothing else we can do for you." Anyway, during those last two weeks, she was a mere shell of the person she had been, physically. She was extremely thin, but still had her fighting spirit. My mom was a long-term smoker until she was hospitalized with pneumonia. After being declared "cancer free" (falsely), she quit smoking cold-turkey, that very day. I could talk at length about how her care was mis-managed, both by her doctor and my dad, but I won't. Back to the memory; I recall sitting side-by-side with her on the edge of her bed. By this point, she was constantly doped up on pain meds. She asked me if she could lean on me, and then proceeded to do so. This memory always brings me to tears. It was one of the intimate moments we had shared in a long time. I can't remember for certain now, but this may have been the night she died. Thanks again for sharing. You have a large community of sympathetic ears here to whom you can vent, cry, or whatever. Hopefully, we can help you get through this suck ass time. =]

So a while back I saw an article that talked about how older folks can make/save money and one was ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Dang, man! I thought you were going to give us the secret to investing here. =\ LOL! I got nuthin on taking surveys, only that I go out of my way to avoid the customer satisfaction surveys I am solicited on from my car mfg every time I have the thing serviced (usually by phone!).

What do you do about an ex who's being a bad parent?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Your question raises more questions. What is your current custody arrangement? Sounds like it IS shared custody. That being said, you really do not have much of a say in how mom spends her time with your child. UNLESS, that is, she is somehow causing harm. With the information available here, my advice to you is to make the absolute best of the time you have with your daughter. I have gone through two divorces and both unions produced one child each. In both cases, I can't say the moms did anything I specifically disapproved of. It might be easier to comment with more information. I hope this helps.

If you could pick any historical period to live in,what would it be?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

If Humankind can survive the nuclear threshold, and if religion (which I hope is experiencing its last, desperate gasps as I write this) vanishes as Humans increasingly reject it (as is also happening now), I think "our" best times are ahead of us. This for me really opens a big can of worms because we all have our opinions as to how things SHOULD be managed (Human affairs that is), and I have mine as well. What I would like to see (at the risk of alienating people, but what the hey! LOL!) is the receding of government, shrinking to its only true purpose of providing an environment for its citizens in which they can pursue happiness and prosperity. When that occurs, we will see even more, and faster advances/discoveries by science and business, further improving the quality of life for people. I can only guess as to when that will be. Could happen within 100 years, or less, or not. =]

Moving--embracing the chaos. Does anyone have tips on making moving less stressful?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

The bottom line is that moving is always a lot of work. Planning your move as thoroughly as possible, packing in an organized way, reserving/renting a truck, or hiring movers. If using a company to move, be as prepared as possible when they arrive so it's just a matter of emptying your "old" abode and moving the contents to the new one. This is all common-sense stuff. I moved to a new (to me) home back in October and I'm still not fully unpacked. LOL! Someday I hope to have the use of my garage for its intended purpose.

Do you think the religious really believe?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I agree with you, but I also believe there are many "true believers," who are fully duped.

My newest tattoo. Zombie link

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 26, 2018:

Sweet! =]

What is something you should never say to the opposite sex?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 25, 2018:

To women, "calm down."

Do you think everything happen for a reason? how can we know its reason?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 24, 2018:

The cause/reason for an event/occurrence can be explained, but things are not preordained to happen unless deliberately planned. There is no mystical being orchestrating events in the universe. As someone else has already said, "shit happens."

What’s the one thing I can learn from you today?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 24, 2018:

All of the lyrics to the Gilligan's Island theme song.

What's something you've never done?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

That is a damned long list! LOL! But here are a few... • Skydiving (don’t plan to either, why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?) • Hunt (again, not something I ever intend to do) • Bungee Jumping (stolen from another poster, thanks @Naeem) • Robbed a bank (but I have shoplifted in my youth, please don’t tell) • Driven a racecar (could happen someday. I could always do it at Disney World, no really!) • Killed anyone (either intentionally or by accident, and don’t plan to) • Done stand-up comedy during open mic night (again, ain’t gonna happen) • Starred in a porn film (unlikely in the extreme, but ya neva know!)

VERY FIRST ALBUM/45 Don't think I've scene this post before but what was the very first album/45 ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

45? Oh man. Ok, I remember buying a bunch of 45s from a guy when I was a sophomore in HS. One that comes to mind is Green Eyed Lady, by Sugarloaf. I had others, but that one sticks out.

Do you try to sing karaoke?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Yes, I "sing" karaoke. LOL!

Besides your home and your work, where do you spend most of your time?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Driving the "shuttle bus" delivering my performance artist daughter to her various functions. I'm her private Uber. LOL! When I have time, and someone to bring along, I enjoy wine tasting and live fairly close to a lot of good wine producing areas.

When Considering A Relationship With Someone, How Important Is The Person's Annual Income ?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Not voting here because the choices are too black and white where the reality is much grayer. I had thought I fell into the "never consider" camp, and about a year and a half ago I entered into a relationship with someone who had virtually zero income. I have a decent job, but am dealing with a lot, financially and simply can't afford it. Yes, if I were independently wealthy I'd be happy to be the sole breadwinner in an otherwise equitable relationship, but I'm not, so my SO needs to hold up their end of things in all areas of the relationship, including financially.

Simple question: What is the purpose of government?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I believe the only true purpose of government (which has been grossly perverted and expanded FAR beyond its original intent in the US) should be to provide the conditions in which its citizens can live happily and prosper. This can be done with a VERY simple set of laws: 1. No person, group of persons, or government shall initiate force, threat of force, or fraud against any individual’s self, property, or contract. 2. Force is morally-and-legally justified only for protection from those who violate #1. 3. No exceptions shall exist for 1 and 2.

Hello, fellow heathens.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Welcome Abby! As others have said, just participate. Dating seems to be a secondary function of the site. Everyone who lands here gets sucked into the wonderful community. You will too! =]

OK so I am extremely introverted and usually don't put my self out there like this, but I'm working ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Your stuff is awesome! Looks a lot like Ed Hardy, right down to "Love Kills Slowly" and the tiger. =]

Do you think that online friendships can survive a real-life meeting?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I met my second wife in an AOL (yes, that's America Online) chatroom long before we had the kind of functionality that exists now. Back then, you could either "play" in a group chat, or could create a private chat. She and I first met in a group chat and eventually went private. We talked online, and then on the phone, for about 4 weeks before we met for the first time F2F on a dinner date. After that we were pretty inseparable and had a 15 year long marriage together. So that's a big YES from me. =]

Here is a big chest piece I did a while back.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Very cool. Nice work!

What's "contagious?"

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Yawns Laughter (especially "the giggles") Communicable Disease <grin> Menstrual Cycles (this is a myth and I think it's actually been disproved, but "seems" to happen a lot)

Hey y'all Charlene, this my latest tat.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Very nice!

Just got this done.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Awesome!

I find it odd that there aren't a bunch of religious people on here trying to convert us to ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

As has been mentioned, this is a relatively new site and it's possible we just haven't been "discovered" yet, but they are advertising heavily on Facebook. That newness could be a factor. Also, I belong to a number of Atheist FB groups and religious trolls are constantly posting crap there just to piss people off. A group on FB is not the same as a whole site dedicated to Nonbelievers, so there could be a bit of a fear factor. In here, they are the stranger in a strange land.

While in a relationship with someone you do not live with, but lives say within 50 miles how often ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I feel if you're in a relationship with someone, a romantic, passionate love relationship, there are certain assumptions you can make: You're interested in each other You want to have contact From your post, it's difficult to tell how deep your relationship(s) was/were, but it could be that you just weren't that into them and therefore perceived their regular contacts as being clingy. For me, especially in the early stages of a relationship with someone I'm excited about, there is a great deal of communication/contact. I was also in a 15 year marriage and there was daily email and text contact and none of it was considered clingy. If you told me (the person you presumably care about) not to text because you're busy, I would perceive that as a sign of disinterest. IDK if this helps or not. Hope so. =]

Question for People Who Have Sex With Women

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I think any sex that results in climax for both parties, however it happens, is pretty good sex. With that said, if one or the other is preoccupied and not mentally into it, that will probably put the kibosh on achieving aforementioned climax. This scenario assumes the sex is between a couple and not just random sex with someone you met at a club. In that situation, there are other factors that contribute to the potential excitement and/or lack thereof. One could spend a lot of time writing an analysis on this. LOL!

If a guy or girl straight up asked you to have sex with them, how would you respond to it?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Man says the "S" word and here come the responses! LOL! As many commenters have said here, it'd be a "maybe." The question is too vague. "A guy or girl" could be someone I know, could be a random stranger. So it would depend on the circumstances.

Do you try not to think about religion at all?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

As others have commented; it's awfully hard not to think about religion when it is such a pervasive presence. I see people with megaphones and signs promoting it, tables piled high with religious handouts at the mall, billboards, churches everywhere. The sad and depressing truth is that although we are the largest single group (Nonbelievers), when stacked up against all of the various religious groups, we are a significant minority, so we are surrounded by believers "on all sides" and, even more terrifying, religion is making greater and greater inroads in (US) government. I would like to believe that this frenzy of religious fervor in the world is the long, last-gasps of it. I doubt it will end within my lifetime, but if it did I could forget it tomorrow

How much sleep do you need?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I can survive on 6. Less than that and I feel it.

Do you like tea? If so, what kind do you drink?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Just coffee, Ma'am, black. =]

Do people on the road raise your blood pressure? Or, are you chill on the road?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

LOL! You are about to open the floodgates here. I think I'm fairly chill behind the wheel, HOWEVER, I have very little patience for indecisive drivers, drivers who are effing around on their phones, and plain old dumb-ass drivers. Also, drivers who feel they should occupy the fast lane, yet travel slower than the other lanes. OR, tractor trailer (Semi) drivers who deliberately drift over into the merging lane to prevent cars from passing them. Total assholes, IMHO. And finally, I have traveled many, many times north and south on I-5 between NorCal and SoCal (usually on my way to or from Disneyland) and it just fries my bacon when truckers feel they need to pass each other on an incline at roughly 60MPH. Really? REALLY?? Ok, so I don't sound so chill. LOL!

Orion's Belt

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

LOL! All I can think of is Men In Black. =]

Creative Explanations

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Asimov's Foundation Trilogy is long, but very interesting. Before its time.

Soooo.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Since your company apparently values you greatly, seems to me they would have you train a replacement and then find other work for you there. Surely you could perform a different function that did not expose you to this environmental risk.

Tonight I enjoyed a wonderful evening of Strauss and Brahms courtesy of Arizona Musicfest.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Sadly, I will be deprived of any culture this week. My 16 year old daughter is heavily into musical theater and that's the main source of my "culture." The Company she is with is currently working on their production of The Addams Family. Locally, we have an annual event in the summertime called The Strauss Festival. It's 4 nights of Strauss, performed in an outdoor amphitheater at a local public park. The facility was built primarily for this event. Local citizens dance various waltzes to a loosely structured "story." Dancers are dressed in period costumes. Music is performed by a full orchestra and the show is repeated 4X during the last weekend in July. It's a lovely event. Apart from that, I have musical theater with the Kid. LOL! The Company (River City Theatre Co.) do two shows per year. My daughter also takes voice lessons and dance (tap and jazz), and both of those programs have recitals periodically.

What do people usually post on here? I'm new. Haha

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 20, 2018:

You can post whatever you want, TBH. Since this is a site for nonbelievers, topics tend to revolve around that, but it can be anything. Scroll through the groups (a relatively new thing here) and you'll see tons of different topics. Welcome!

Followers

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Agree with this, but there is also an intermittent issue on this site with message notification, so it's probably a good idea to get into the habit of checking your messages regularly, just in case. =]

What Keeps You Where You Are?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Wow! This is a loaded question for me. LOL! I have been a resident of California for a long time now. Longer than anywhere else I have lived (and those places are numerous). I love the great diversity of this state (geographically, culturally, climate), but there's a lot to hate too. Taxes are awful here. Government has its tendrils in everything and currently is pouring billions into a waste called High-Speed Rail (don't even get me started on that). With that said, I am a gov't worker myself and have a decent-paying job with a great benefit package. I don't love my work, but am trying to change that. There are many factors that keep me where I am geographically. I'm legally separated and have a teen-aged daughter I am responsible for, so I need to stay put, at least for the next several years. I'm married to a brand new mortgage, but that could be changed easily enough. What I'd love to do is hang in there with my state job long enough to earn a decent retirement and then move to a more tropical climate in semi-retirement. Possible locations would include San Diego (not tropical, but pretty warm, year-round), Hawaii (too expensive), or Florida.

I just joined last night so I'm getting the feel for the site. Does everyone like it?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Although this site advertises itself as a dating site, it is more of a social networking platform for Nonbelievers. I like that because it fosters more community/communication than just dating, so folks get to know one another by asking questions, liking, commenting, etc., and can message privately "behind the scenes" to dialog 1:1 if they want. So if you're just looking "for community," you have found it. =]

Can you fall in love with someone who you've never met in person?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I think it's at least possible for you to THINK you're falling for someone, then, as others have said, when you finally do meet F2F, there is no chemistry or perhaps they aren't who they represented themselves to be. This is something that could be borne out on this site. LOL! Personally, I dislike long-distance relationships and feel they are very difficult to make work for all of the obvious reasons, but as we all know, it is difficult to find like-minded people so we work with what's in front of us. Seeing everyone here is making me rethink the possibility of meeting someone who is located far from me.

I would like to open a Freethinking coffee house. What should I name it?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I keep coming back to this one: Imagine No Religion I know it doesn't scream coffee, but might keep the haters out. LOL!

Your tattoos and the story behind it/them

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I only have two, so far. No plan to get a lot more, but I might get one or two. We'll see. This is a pic of a pic of both of them, located on my upper-arms/shoulders. one is a Hawaiian-themed tat of the Hawaiian Tiki "God" Lono, who is supposed to represent Love and Fertility (as in crops). I'm down with that. The tat itself is a custom piece and the artist did a great job of collaborating with me to evolve my original concept into what you see. The other one is my guy Groot. I dig Groot because he values family above all else and, like Patrick Swayze said in Road House, "be nice until it's time to not be nice." Or words to that effect. Groot is kind of like that too. Anyway, that's my tats. =]

I just want to express my thankfulness for this site and it's members.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 19, 2018:

You're not alone. Although this site advertises itself as a dating site, I love that it functions more like a community site for nonbelievers. That is a great lead-in and folks here are getting to know one another through public posts and behind the scenes messaging. It's wonderful to be able to post your thoughts without the worry of being attacked. It's ok to disagree, but we can surely do that in a civilized manner.

Men... bald is not a bad thing?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 19, 2018:

If you're bald man (like I am), just shave it all of and don't pretend. I've never really enjoyed being bald, but I've learned to accept it. I shave my entire head once a week and maintain a trimmed mustache and goatee. It's more difficult for women due to social "norms."

If you had to get a song lyric tattooed on your body, what would you choose?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I wouldn't tattoo myself with text, but if I HAD to, I have always liked this one by Sting: "Poets, Priests, and Politicians have words to thank for their positions." Also, as someone else said on this thread, "Imagine No Religion!" (and I added the exclamation point).

Why isn't it socially acceptable on the first date to just hand each other questionnaires you've ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I think this is something dating sites try to do to some extent and I agree it's a good idea.

All I know is if someone walked a mile in my shoes, they would end up in a pub.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I love that craft/microbeers have become so popular. Makes for loads of great choices. I'm a wino too and am fortunate enough to live near 3 Appalachians. And that doesn't even include Napa Valley.

How do you feel about profanity in music?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I don't have a problem with it myself, but in mixed company, or at work, it can be awkward. I love Alternative music and that's what I listen to at work (I'm an XM subscriber and have a small XM radio connected to my PC at work and use the external speakers it has). I have to be mindful of what song is playing and turn it down so low others can't hear it at all when an "objectionable" song plays. I keep the volume pretty low anyway because not everyone has my taste in music. LOL!

How do you guys motivate yourself to continue an exercise program/routine?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I draw motivation from different sources, but mostly it's three things: 1. I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic a few years ago. My doctor at the time scared the shit out of me by providing me with a packet of info that talked about diet, exercise, and losing weight. I'm medicated for a few things already and have no desire to become an insulin-dependent diabetic. Don't feel I fall into the weight-loss needed category, but I could do more to help prevent it diet-wise. Exercising is something I am already setup to do at home. 2. I see other men my age who clearly do not exercise, and it shows. They look older, and fatter than I do. No thanks! 3. Fast results. When I am on my routine, I can see and feel changes in my body. That "instant" gratification is a great motivator.

What are you addicted to now?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Caffeine Sugar This site Netflix Marvel SH Films So far...

Public gym vs fitness home dvds?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I have a home gym, but have had gym memberships more than once. I like both, but prefer the convenience of exercising at home. I get the appeal of going to the gym for many because they NEED to be immersed in that environment as part of their motivation. Also, gym EQ ain't cheap. I have an elliptical I bought new, but got a great deal on it, and I bought a multi-station gym on Craigslist for $500 that does everything I need (only one weight stack though so only one person can use it at a time). If you mainly want to do floor routines or Zumba, and have a nice surround sound system, then DVDs are great. I agree also with what others have said about crowded gyms. Especially if you go during "rush hour." Early mornings and right after work; fugheddaboutit. I had a 24HR Fitness membership for a long time and used to go in at 3am. It was perfect. LOL!

Taking my PMP (Project Management Professional) test on Saturday.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Break a leg! As they say in show-biz (my kid is into musical theater, sorry). You'll do well under your own steam. =] If your resume is longer than one page, you can probably edit it down yourself and, as has been mentioned, be mindful of spelling, punctuation, formatting and content. I hope this is helpful.

Have you ever dated someone that reminded you of one of your parents?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Nope, but I need to find someone who reminds me of my mom and can cook! LOL! Anybody do Roladen? I love that (and yes, I'm German)

Prayers are spiritual masturtbaton: they might make the person doing the praying feel a little ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Not to mention masturbation actually feels better and is tangible. =] Not just wishful thinking.

What excercise routines are people doing right now?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I have a split routine I have been doing on and off for(ever) years. It's a combination of resistance training on my multistation gym along with some freeweights, and cardio on my elliptical, plus some floor exercises (pushups, crunches and leg-lifts). I try to get in 4X/Week. I've been able to continue this despite a bi-lateral hernia repair and two shoulder surgeries to remove "bone spurs" which has been described as cleaning out arthritis. I'm back to having pain in both of my shoulders again, but doubt I'll bother with more surgery. I have been able to modulate my workouts and can still get them done.

Okay gang, I know @evestrat has posted something like this previously, but what workout music are ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I love Uptown Funk. That song always gets me going. I have a long and varied playlist on my iPod. It has a wide variety of music on it (Muse, Blue Oyster Cult, Gorillaz, Prince, ICP, Kansas, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Prodigy, and numerous other pop and rock artists and even some IZ, but it's mostly Alternative). It ain't a perfect mix, but they are songs I like and can kind of get lost in. I really only NEED them while I'm on my elliptical. I keep the music playing throughout my workout.

Sore Muscles whats your remedy I ran an 8 k yesterday, I hung around after the race to see the ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Are you a regular runner? Or was this a one-time thing? There's no "cure" I know of because muscle soreness is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles. Hydration, before, during and after your exertion is the best thing I know of. Creatine supplementation along with hydration can help as well. If I lay off my workouts for any significant length of time and then re-start, I'm sore as hell for about 72 hours and that as they say, is that. Hope this helps.

Has anyone heard of an Atheist church? How to get one started.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 14, 2018:

There's one in my area. They don't call it "church," but rather "Sunday Assembly." They have a FB page for it: https://www.facebook.com/SundayAssemblySacramento/ It's done in cooperation with a local Humanist group who lease some commercial office space. I've been to a few of them. They usually feature speakers who discuss science, there's some musical entertainment, and a potluck at the end. It's nice and tries to provide that sense of community you get at church.

Mr. Spock, you are in error ... it is a 2008 Tesla Roadster... ;)

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Nimoy was a real loss. Watching these icons I grew up with die one-by-one is depressing. Shatner is in amazingly good shape. I hope he keeps hanging in there. As an aside, Alan Rickman (Galaxy Quest, Professor Snape, and, of course Hans Gruber) was also a big loss. I love his work. Anyone seen the film "Bottle Shock?" It's the true story of how California/Napa Valley entered the world stage of winemaking. Rickman plays an Englishman operating a wine boutique in Paris who puts together a wine competition and invites several vintners from Napa. His character is great and the film has many humorous moments. Chris Pine and Bill Pullman are in that movie too. (yeah, I'm a wino who loves wine movies).

Have you ever been skinny dipping?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 12, 2018:

Many times.

Have you ever helped someone and they gave all the credit to god?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 12, 2018:

<insert athlete's name here> gives divine credit for each touchdown, basket, goal, big win, when they did it themselves.

The Predator Convention

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 10, 2018:

LOL! Priests vs Predators. Priests are scarier.

I just rewatched Logan's Run for the first time in over a decade.

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 10, 2018:

The Matrix trilogy.

Do you have a tendency to over think things?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I have been called an ANALyst Nuff said. LOL!

Why didn't God populate nearby planets?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Don't worry man, it's all part of God's Plan don'tchaknow. =P =]

Do you have a nerdy side?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 9, 2018:

We definitely share the love for Marvel (and most other SH films, if they're decent). I also love other Sci-Fi/Fantasy (Star Trek, Star Wars, LOTR). I've read LOTR, The Hobbit, and even the Silmarillion, LOL! At the same time, I like to work out, so I guess I'm an exercising nerd. =] I used to do IT Tech Support for a living too. I do not, however, have a pocket protector or tape on my readers.

Life is what you make it? True or false?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Both! It's true for many to a large degree. However, circumstances you are born into have a huge impact on this. Yes, many people have it within their power to overcome adversity in their lives. But some are just born in the wrong place at the wrong time and are in an environment they have no nope of defeating and no way to improve their situation. In the US and in most "free" countries, I believe most people DO have it within their power.

Do you find yourself engaging in behaviors that you know are not scientifically sound, but are ...

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 8, 2018:

You're not crazy. People deal with grief over the loss of loved ones differently, and experience varying degrees of grief. Sounds like yours is pretty extreme, and that's okay. It's all okay. If you really do get comfort from conversing with mom, that's okay! It's also okay to face that grief head-on and bawl your eyes out while wishing she were still here, and missing her. Sometimes we never "get over" loss, and maybe we shouldn't. I lost both of my parents to different forms of cancer. I was closer to my mom, and sadly, she went first. I said I was closer to her, and I was, emotionally, but we were separated geographically so I wasn't able to see her on a daily basis and have that kind of closeness. I think my grief over her loss would be deeper had I been able to do that. For me, there are occasional tears, and sadness that she never really got to know my daughter who was still a baby back then. I will always miss her and we all need our mommies sometimes, regardless of how old we are. I think as long as your grief is not debilitating and impacting your daily life, it's just a part of you. I hope this helps.

When someone says, "Bless you," what is a witty retort?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 8, 2018:

In the sneezing context, I hate the whole thing. I even hate that I feel obligate to say "excuse me" when I sneeze, as if I've committed some offense. I also dislike feeling obligated to say anything to anyone else who sneezes. The whole thing is dumb, IMHO. Now the unsolicited "bless you," or "have a blessed day," just creates an awkward/uncomfortable situation for me. I usually just smile and say thanks and try to take it in the vein of "have a good day." My preference would be to give a sarcastic response of some kind. =]

If the customer service industry were catered specifically to you, what would it look like?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Customer service is a big topic. Most commonly considered in retail, I agree, but applicable everywhere. I work in state service (government) and, believe it or not, customer service is a buzz-word. Everyone is your up, or downstream customer. Personally, there is a level of retail/service customer service I am comfortable with. I recently took my 16YO daughter to an upscale blue jeans place called Buckle. We were immediately approached by a sales associate working near the entrance (this was at one of our local malls). She introduced herself and told us she'd be happy to answer any questions we had. My daughter started looking through racks of jeans and the salesperson just casually asked her questions and really delivered customer service that helped us zero in on "the perfect pair" of jeans. I have to admit that my daughter was absolutely thrilled with her purchase. She loves the way they look and feel. Now this was a very good example of relatively low-key, but persistent, CS by a pro. I have also experienced what you described above, CS overkill. That is most annoying. Ask me if I need help once and then leave me alone. If I need help, I'll ask YOU. LOL! When car shopping, NOBODY wants to be approached by the commissioned salespeople who hover like vultures. The better ones will just hit you once and then leave you alone. CS in a restaurant is different. I expect it there. I expect that the server keeps bottomless well drinks (soda, coffee, water) filled. I expect them to pop in once shortly after the food is delivered to make sure everything's alright. I don't expect them to vanish and be hard to find when I need something. Call center support (customer service for tech, or banking) is another animal. I know immediately, even if I'm getting "chat" support, whether I'm dealing with an offshore call center. I hate the false assurances I get right out of the gate "rest assured that I am prepared to resolve your issue today!" Yeah, right! LOL! I do my banking with USAA and had a pleasant chat session with a CS rep because I had a question. I know their call center is in TX, not Banglasesh. He was pleasant and competent and answered my question. He even had a sense of humor. I appreciate that.

Did you ever have a best friend? What earned them the title?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 8, 2018:

As a former military brat, and having completed my own military service (just one hitch, during peacetime), I led a rather nomadic lifestyle up until my family moved to California when my dad retired from the Army after a 20 year career. He went into business with his brother. Up until that time I had not lived in one place for longer than 2-3 years. This made it difficult to develop deep friendships. I do have someone I consider a life-long friend. We met shortly after my arrival in CA and, ironically now, became close friends, neighbors, and Baptist disciples. LOL! Our paths diverged long ago and we have had very little face-to-face contact over the years since we graduated from HS and both enlisted in the Air Force, but we have sustained a connection that predates cellphones and social media. Those things have certainly helped it since their arrival. He is still a X-tian and on that we "agree to disagree," but we are non-biological brothers. Despite his mysticism, he is a very intelligent person and trying to do the right thing in his life. So, I consider him my best friend even though we do not interact on a daily basis. It's one of those bonds that has stuck.

How Christians Are Controlled

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 8, 2018:

I was not raised "in religion" despite both of my parents coming from religious families. My dad was a 7th Day Adventist and my mom was Lutheran (She was a German National her whole life despite spending most of it in the US). My parents NEVER practiced their religions and never pushed them on me or my siblings. For that I am thankful. Even with that safe home environment, I was not protected from religious predators out "in the real world." Shortly after my family moved to California, I was invited to a social gathering by a friend and neighbor (and fellow student). I was 16 at the time. The event was, interestingly, a Halloween party through my friend's churches youth group (a Baptist church). I don't even remember the event itself, but as I was being dropped off at my house, the youth leader "witnessed" to me in the middle of the street outside my house. He pointed out that we were standing in the middle of the street and said "if a car came around the corner right now and ran you down and killed you, do you KNOW whether or not you'd go to Heaven?" Of course I didn't know, and said so. He then said "Would you like to know?" Of course I would. Then I got the "take Jesus into your heart and be saved" pitch, which I fell for hook, line, and sinker. This man (whose name was Mike Flood, oddly), deliberately manipulated my still rather impressionable mind right where he wanted it. That was the beginning of my rather zealous religious experience. I became heavily involved in the small, local Baptist church and managed to piss off just about everyone I knew trying to "save" them. I have seen the light now, LOL! And am somewhat ashamed of my behavior back then. I see religion for what it is now; an institution created by Humans to control other Humans.

Can black people be racist?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I believe anyone can be racist. I don't deny what is described above is true, but that is not the only definition of racism. In my opinion, ANY time race is a factor in anything, that's racism. NAACP, racist. Affirmative Action, racist. Same with individuals, social groups (notably, ethnic groups in schools). Whether the purpose is positive or negative, it's all racism to me. I wish we were all colorblind, ethnically speaking anyway. =]

At what point is charity necessary? At what point do you say NO?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I generally do not encourage panhandlers. I live in Sacramento, CA, in a low-middle class area. I own my home and purchased it recently. The "hood" I live in is quite a step down demographically so I see a lot of panhandling. They sit on the median at almost every intersection. I have also seen organized panhandling. I once saw them being dropped off at two different mall entrances by a van where they proceeded to take up stations under the marquis signs at the parking lot entrances. I certainly don't support career panhandling and prefer to help persons I know who are experiencing difficult times. I recently drove about 20 miles to fill the gas tank of someone I know and then took her to the grocery store and bought her some groceries. I did this using credit, and am not wealthy, but I want to help people I know are trying to help themselves. I will not help someone who thinks they should be provided for.

“Do not pray for an easy life, acquire the strength to endure a difficult one”- Bruce Lee

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I agree! Love Bruce Lee. I don't like the mysticism implied in his life and death. Even in biographical films about him. I think he was a remarkable person.

What's your favorite easy snack?

IAMGROOT comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Cheez-Its. LOL! I'll grab a few of those if I just wanna put something in my mouth. I also eat a lot of them on soup or chili. They are the perfect snack. <JK> TBH, I wish I could develop a healthy habit of snacking on fruit or raw veggies. I try to compensate for my questionable diet with vigorous exercise.