I have been sort of estranged from my family for a while.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I suppose it would be a bad idea to just go along with it all, but then sign her birthday card, "from your agnostic/atheist son."

It's Long Been a Man's World. Can Women Save It? - TheHumanist.com

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 12, 2018:

They couldn't do worse

Happiness

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Exercise and sometimes agnostic.com. And my kids can get me away from things I'm depressed about. Fishing used to be it but starting to get tired of it

My desire to travel is kicking in again. I would love to go somewhere by railroad. Suggestions?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I don't know but if you find a way one can take a train from Central Wisconsin to Denver will you let me know? Have to take that trip with kids again this summer. I've taken it so many times. I'd like to do it by train sometime, and sleep in one of those sleeper cars, but can't find a way. I could even leave from southern Wisconsin.

The Ku Klux Klan is slowly rising again | New York Post

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I think the election of Obama probably had something to do with this. It's almost predictable that a backlash from the election of the first African-American President was going to occur. It brought an uneasiness to many white people. They denied the real reason it made them uneasy, and instead conjured up the idea that they were the ones being discriminated against. Also, us whites are on our way to no longer being the majority. The day of having privilege is coming to an end, also scary for many whites. I am not a religious or spiritual person, but it seems humanity is always faced with a choice of fear or love. Hate is just the byproduct of fear.

Reminder! It's Tournament Time! Fill out a March Madness bracket and join the Agnostics group.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I couldn't get past the first two rounds. Couldn't get the next rounds to show up on my screen

What's been occupying your free time lately?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Not sure. I just kind of piss it away.

Women, are we being too picky about the men we date?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Oh yah. One more thing. Better to be picky than get with someone in hopes of changing them. That rarely ends up well

Women, are we being too picky about the men we date?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Better to be picky now than break a heart later

Women, are we being too picky about the men we date?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Oh, this should be good

Does it bother anyone else when people thank a deity for their recovery over doctors?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Like I've talked to with someone else on a different thread.. Can't wait until a coach or player starts cursing God after they lose a game. "We played hard but that son of a bitch, God, still willed us to lose. Screw you, God, and your illegitimate son, Jesus!"

What do you like most about yourself?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

My consistency to my values

Some people seek the truth.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I like it

I have just joined this site.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Just send me 500 dollars in cash or a money order. I will send you the details if you wish.

The psychological damage endured by America's youth is at times—irreversible.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

As a parent, knowing parents do that to their kids, makes me sad and angry at the same time.

Does Evolutionary Psychology Explain Why We Believe in God?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

So it was advantageous, in a survival of the fittest way, to be programmed to look for some human or non-human animal as the cause of events around us? God and angels have many human like qualities so they would fit into that "life form like" cause we are programmed to look for?

Do you want a: 1.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

#5.) I just want someone to take care of me :) Life is soooo hard:(

Should public nudity be legal?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Yes. Is the human body so disgusting we have to make laws to prevent it being seen? No wonder we have so many problems around sex in this world. That being said, it's too late for me. I'm not showing my naked ass in public.

If you could construct your own set of "Commandments" for humankind, what would they be?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Stop putting narcissistic assholes in charge.

How do men feel about females asking them out, or females making the first move?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Well it sounds very nice, but last time it happened one of her big old male friends was waiting around the corner. He bopped me on the noggin, knocked me out and took all my money. I hope they enjoyed that four dollars and thirty two cents.

Don't you want somebody to love??

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I love my kids, my cats, my alcoholic best friend, and sometimes my sister and sometimes myself. A person has only so much love to spread cause it's like jelly on toast, if the breads too big the jelly is too thin. I'm not sure what the hell I'm talking about.

Why is it so difficult to connect?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

If you can find a support group, in addition to online groups, that might really help with the depression and feelings of isolation. I hope this place helps. Hang in there. Life changes.

How long has it been?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 11, 2018:

5 years. I don't think I'm up to such a thing again

Dining Out

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Have you ever had a vegan burger. Made from real vegans!

How about a member that's leaning more towards socialism against both of the 2 party establishment?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I like Democratic Socialism. Capitalism is going to bring America down at this rate.

What would you ask for, if you knew the answer was yes?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 10, 2018:

To have the ability to know everything

How else do you break societal conventions, besides being agnostic?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I don't strive for power or material possessions. Oh, and sometimes I wear my shirt inside out, but that's by mistake.

If you're not married, would you marry again?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

If I ever decide to get married again, please shoot me in the head.

New Member here.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Nice dress, honey. I'm an atheist.

Do you believe in an after life or does consciousness end when you die

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I'll let you know

What is one thing about your spouse or girl/boyfriend that is a source of pride?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

That she is invisible to everyone but me

What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters, but never has 5 letters.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

"I see what you did" has fourteen letters.

Self Care

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I go to my alternate reality in my mind

Do you "collect" anything? What is it, and do you display your collection?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I used to display it, but I learned that human skulls make people feel uneasy.

What is your opinion on Wiccans?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I knew one! She did have special powers. She cast a spell on me and made me a sad, lonely and bitter man. It took over a month to break that spell.

Hi all, new here!

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Howdy

Toxic Masculinity, they don't learn it at home.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

A combination of peer pressure, need to be accepted by them, and testerone

Would You Opt for Immortality? - Quillette

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Sometimes I think I would like to live forever, but other times I think, "oh hell no. I'm already getting tired."

What have you learned about yourself recently?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

That I really do like myself.

10 Rules of Life

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

True enough. Also better to not see life as worse than it is

Do you thinks symbols and words change meanings over time?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I have a newspaper clippings from 45 years ago. My friends and I were doing a bike ride to raise money for the local animal shelter. I am holding a sign that said, "We will ride 100 miles today to make the animals gay.". Yah I think the meaning of words change.

Drug rehabilitation and addicts

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Oh yah. I would test for methamphetamines

Drug rehabilitation and addicts

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I would guess it is something stronger, or could be he only uses pot and is coincidentally having a psychotic break that is not drug induced. However, years ago when I worked in community mental health, we tracked one guy's psychotic symptoms and it strongly correlated with his THC use. It's rare but possible. My brother had schizophrenia and there are lots of other mental health issues in my family...long story but I believe I reacted differently to marijuana than my buddies, so I stopped.

Getting Over Sugar Cravings

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I have a bad sweet addiction. I've gone spells of 2 to 4 weeks of giving it up. But always go back to it

Are You A Leader Or A Follower?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I have never been a leader, but I found I wasn't a good follower. Perhaps that is why I'm an independent contractor and keep a limited social circle

When I first realized I was an atheist and began talking about it on Facebook, Many religious ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I don't know why but I've been lucky. Nobody outwardly showed me hostility over it.

What decade of your life was the best so far and why? Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I thought and thought about this.. They were all so different can't quite compare

What's up!

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Coolmaste (the cool in me recognizes the cool in you) a reference from your bio.

Possibly against my own better judgement, I'm going to broach a subject here that I've avoided ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Hey, if we all can't talk about things then problems are sure to follow. I respect your courage in asking questions and sticking your neck out, so to speak.

How can you explain dreams..?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

That's what I love about this site, of course the comments already addressed the question with intelligent responses. I also go with the theory that dreams are our brains processing events in our life. To add to it, there is a train of thought that sometimes we distort/change things in our dreams if we can't deal head on with what we are trying to process. For example, you might have a great fear of your boss, but instead of dreaming directly about her, they are represented/replaced by a pet in your dream. Also, and this is oversimplified and I don't think provable, we are processing events and moving them from short term memory to long term memory. Repetitive dreams and nightmares would thus be an indication that our brain is struggling to do that. Everyone who I have talked to in regards to struggling with a traumatic memory, have said that when they think of the event it is experienced as just happening, even if it happened decades ago. It's also true that sometimes our dreams are influenced by things around us.. dreaming that a fire alarm is going off in your house because your alarm clock has just gone off and is buzzing in your ear.

I'm deeply interested in how we can effectively change the minds of those who hold sharply ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 9, 2018:

For a minority of people it is pissing in the wind. The good news is they are the minority. I believe the tide is changing. Opportunistic, unprincipled politicians just have to realize it is not in their interest to continue to be paid puppets for the NRA.

Are there more means of knowledge?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I believe in creativity, and I feel it has value. However, it is not knowledge nor truth.

Loneliness vs. being alone

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I think you are spot on. That's what I love about this site... Independent and good critical thinking

Free Will?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I don't know about free will but I did see Free Willie. It was kind of cheesy.

What are your deal breakers?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Obvious deal breakers include being a Trump supporter, or in this day and age even a Republican, and possibly even an establishment Democrat. Obviously being religious is a deal breaker. Their would have to be a physical attraction... They would have to accept me and my numerous quirks.. and my arrangement with my kids.... But luckily there are some strong positives to being single.

Ok, my ammosexuals post was below what I should be doing as host of this group, but damn it felt ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

People's life's are more important than the feelings of those advocating for no gun control....

What makes a relationship last?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

The high cost of divorce

What is everyone's favorite passtime?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Feeling sorry for myself, worrying and rehashing all the injustices life has bestowed upon me. :)

Have you ever pissed off your neighbors from being too loud?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

No but I've had neighbors who've pissed me off for being too loud

Co-worker

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

It's ok to like someone but really dislike some things about them. I don't see that as hypocritical. Unless it is you feel hypocritical for not telling her your true feelings in regards to her religion and judgementalism. I feel a little bit that way about a co-worker. We get along fine but he is really judgemental. I don't tell him that I think that. I mean how does one say that nicely? . However, more and more I gently disagree with him about those things.

When you discuss or argue about a topic, it could be anything, how important is it to you to "win" ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

It doesn't matter. I declare myself the winner no matter what.

Tough question here! Why are so many people absolutely certain the bible has NO truth in it if they ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Six years in a Catholic grade school let me know that it couldn't be that great of a read. There is some truth in a lot of books

I was reading an article in National Geographic that included facts about the Las Vegas shooting - ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

It's insanity to think assault rifles are not part of the problem. Well for some it is profits over people

For those who have tried the app, what do you think??

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I forgot my password. Can't seen to connect through FB with app

Who are your people?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

The introverts. But we never get together

I was offered a BIBLE !

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Take it into your hands and then yell, "It burns! It burns! What have you done to me!". Then drop it on the floor and frantically run out the door. You know? Just for levity. Or maybe not.

How are you handling your Facebook page?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Yah I did. I also post a lot of political stuff. At first I kept checking to see if my religious and or conservative FB friends had unfriended me. I was surprised how few did. A few would make comments on their disagreement with my posts, but finally I think they just stopped paying attention to my posts.

Have you seen this guy before? [facebook.com]

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Yah, I have seen a lot of his videos. He's funny and talented

Minimalism, environmentalism, consumerism, transcendentalism, Platonist, naturalist, romanticist or ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Just your run of the mill weirdo

If "the meaning of life is to make life meaningful," how are you making your life meaningful today?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Eating pizza and watching basketball

If you could teach everyone in the world one concept, what concept would have the biggest positive ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

That everyone has the same value as us, our friends, our country.....

Ever since my divorce, I've spent an exorbitant amount of time thinking about relationships and what...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Yah I know what you mean.

Humor

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

It makes me laugh so hard I cry

My Philosophy about life is that we should be journey oriented and not goal oriented.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

I've been saying that for years. I just couldn't articulate it as well as you could. I would add, it is fine to have goals but one is setting themselves up for misery if they don't appreciate the journey just for the sake of the experience. I can't tell you how many people I have worked with who get divorced after many years of marriage, and they tell me they have wasted all those years. Really? Didn't you have a lot of different experiences during that time? Didn't you learn about life and yourself during that time? Wasn't it just a part of your journey in life? Oh, I can't tell you how many people, not because there were so many, just that I have a bad memory :). Also, people will tell me they are feeling bad because they "should" have a wife, a husband, a house, a career, children, etc by this time in their life.. Enjoy and experience the journey! Thanks for posting. It will help me express this concept in a better way in the future.

Do you find giving advice to someone who disregards it, is a waste of time.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Advice rarely works because people often know what they should do they just don't know how to do it. If someone is in a bad relationship they usually know it. They talk to others to vent, and also hope the person they are talking to will say something new that will magically get them out of the psychological entrapment they are in. Also, the more you push someone to realize they are making a bad choice the more they will defend it. There is a whole counseling technique based around that truth, Motivational Interviewing. Many times I have worked with people in obviously abusive relationships, and I learned if I point out the behavior that is abusive, more often than not, they will start defending the abuser. If just giving people sound advice worked there would be no fat people, no addicts, no people in toxic relationships, etc... . It just isn't that simple.

Hi Carlos and I'm new on here and I'm 22 years old.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Welcome

Have you reduced your spending habits since you retired?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I reduced my spending habits when I had kids

What should men or women do to make themselves better human beings?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Be kind, patient and not judge yourself to harshly. I believe then you can more honestly do that for others. Note, this advice does not work for narcissists or sociopaths

Well, friends, I had a very scary experience the other day, and I wanted to share just in case ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Is it hard to find the camera on the front of your computer?

Conspiracy Theories - Do you believe in any?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

My cats are plotting to kill me in my sleep

What in your life gives you the most intense visceral joy?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Imagining Trump bring dragged out of the Whitehouse in cuffs

What Keeps You Where You Are?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Only my children or I'd be gone like the wind

Gloomy day in Illinois but I'm all sunshine on the inside, even though I fail, I can pick myself up ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0rDlTnBddK0 ???? The Temptations-I Got Sunshine - YouTube

I just seperated from my wife 3weeks ago.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

It gets easier

I hear various people talk about the concept of unconditional love.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Yah what Crimson67 said. Unconditional love is for my children

Do you own any exercise equipment or props?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I have an elliptical I use for 30 minutes four times a week

So.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I'm glad you are open about it, helps to get rid of the stereotypes

Lots of friends. Or, just a few? What suits you?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I only have one really close friend left and he's an alcoholic

Lots of friends. Or, just a few? What suits you?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I only have one really close friend left and he's an alcoholic

What characteristics do men and women look for in the other sex or same sex?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Desperation

Honesty

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I'm in a conservative God fearing area but they ask or start talking religion I tell them I'm an atheist. They can't arrest me and not likely to physically attack me. If they shun me all the better.

Does anyone know of a good candidate for the next president?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Bernie Sanders

Fear of Hell

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Think about it... There is no more evidence you will go to hell when you die, than there is that your soul will ride on the back of a purple unicorn for eternity. The only reason you worry about it is that others believe in hell and you were taught to believe in hell. If the majority of people believed the moon was made of cheese, that would not increase the chances that the moon is made of cheese. Keep logically challenging that fear. Also, we often think our emotions decipher what is true or not, but they don't. Being afraid of going to hell doesn't increase the chances that hell exists.

Informal Poll - Your Politics

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Liberal

I have to do this again, just because it is weighing on my mind after a conversation I had a bit ...

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I don't argue anymore with those who are still advocating for their right to own assault rifles. If dead children haven't changed their minds evidently nothing will. Besides, they are in the minority. I argue to get money out of politics so politicians will represent the will of the people, not their big money donors - the NRA in this case.

When will Donald Trump leave or be forced from office?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I don't know but after the election I bet my co-worker he wouldn't make it the entire four years. If Dems do good in 2018 it could happen. He also might choke on a chicken bone and die,

Proof....

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Ahhh. They take all the fun away

Newt Gingirch is claiming that athiests pose a bigger threat to American than does ISIS.

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 5, 2018:

A threat to those who use religion for power and influence and manipulation

What word(s) do you never want to apply to you?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 5, 2018:

Normal

How long should a question be?

Rudy1962 comments on Mar 5, 2018:

I see what you did there.