Looking for fun and good conversations

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Look no more, you found it

One thing I enjoy about this site is that many regulars are from towns I've never heard of before ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Can you see through windows with Google Earth?

I don't drink alcohol.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I have seen a lot of the negative impact of alcoholism through my job. However, there are some of us who have partaken in alcohol consumption our entire life's without negative consequences. Yes part of the appeal is getting a buzz, but not everyone becomes addicted to it and puts it ahead of important things in their life. There is strong evidence of alcoholism being genetic, so you not having an interest is probably a good thing.

Does anyone here envisage a day when religious institutions would be sued to court to expunge hate ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

They do have verses that are violent and have intolerance in them. That being said, no I don't see that day and it would be a violation of their freedom of speech. Religion has the right to express what they want. The hope is people will learn to think for themselves and not be so gullible.

Passive Aggressive Relationship Techniques

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Good humor usually has a little "sting" of reality

Are you afraid of heights?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Yes I have a fear of heights

Thanks to FB and Agnostic.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Yes. The internet has helped to bring people of reason out about their beliefs, and connected to others who are tired of pretending the emperor is wearing clothes.

When you have good and bad news, which one do you prefer to share first?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I only share the bad news and keep the good news all for myself

What do you do to help curtail negativity bias?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I log onto agnostic.com

What would you do in this situation?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Wow. That sucks. Maybe they need time to process it. The problem is even if you were to give in and say you are a believer now, it would only take a little critical thinking to know you were not really a believer now, and only saying you were out of them using their love as an extortion tactic. The only real solution is for them to accept you as you are....Sorry you have to go through this. It is their decision though.

Let me tell you a little about me.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I wouldn't be able to do that

I'm not certain this is the right category, but here's the random thought that occurred to me this ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

In a heavily induced morphine state or in my sleep

Eagles coach: "I can only thank my lord and savior jesus christ.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Yah it was a great game so I decided to watch the post game interviews. The players kept giving the credit to the man upstairs and crap like that. I thought of this group then, "no wonder so many of my fellow atheists seem to hate football.". It is annoying. Grown ass men going on about their imaginary friend. Oh well, they ain't talking when they're playing, and it's fun to watch.

Are you good at small talk?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

No. I suck at it and find it boring. The older I get the more comfortable I am with just not engaging in it.

Purpose

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Donuts

I've landed here, on this site. Why?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Welcome. And you're damn right it's a pun

Who will win the Super Bowl?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I'm the only one who thinks Eagles will win

How well do you think you can get to know someone through online communication only?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I've met people the old fashion way who ended up not being who I thought they were.

An interesting article that I wanted to share with the group. [slate.com]

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

And this is one of the internet sites that is helping people become more confident, and feel less alone, in dealing with a society that scorns people who refuse to yield to a belief that is not grounded in reality. In the mental health field there is a treatment approach called DBT. One of its pillars is that people must accept reality, where they are in life, before they can productively make changes and move on to where they want to be. Maybe that principal holds true for the human race. Maybe once we give up the idea that there is a benevolent parent always looking down on us and taking care of us, we can better solve our problems and treat each other and our Earth better. I don't know that for sure, but I do believe things are better dealt with when looked at realistically. I know centuries of religion has not succeeded in making people treat each other well. I also know people cling desperately to their delusions that give them a false sense of comfort, and are not tolerant to anything or anyone who they perceive as a threat to them being able to hold on to that delusion.

Pat Robertson is recovering after suffering a stroke

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Too bad he can't recover from his narrow minded, self absorbed and hateful way of thinking.

Can you make an argument for why free will exists?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I have my doubts that I actually have any free will over my actions, but the judge evidently thought I did.

At what point?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Usually in the morning when I'm trying to drag my ass out of bed

Did you notice Bernie Sander's did not say "god bless America" in his response to the state of the ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Pretty sure Bernie is a secular humanist. During one of the debates he was grilled some about the whole god thing. He answered it the way I would have if I didn't want to commit political suicide. I remember watching it and thinking, I didn't know I could love the man more

Do you let your emotions get in the way of rational thinking?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I think that is part of wisdom, acknowledge our emotions so they don't control us.

Soulmates

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The problem with believing the highly illogical, thanks Spock, notion of a soulmate, is that it is a setup for a life of misery if your soulmate turns into your little demon from hell. I worked with a woman in her late twenties. She said she was done with romance. She believed she had met "the one" and now that he was gone there was no point in looking again. Now, as I write this, I can't remember why they were no longer together. She might have killed him....hmmmm...can't recall.

Are you going to be single for Valentine's Day?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I will do what I always do. Fill the old bathtub up with eggnog, hop in, put on Pink Floyd "The Wall", and stay in the tub until I have consumed every ounce of the eggnog.

How to answer religious people's prejudiced remarks?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

"It must have been hard for you to work with people you have sterotyped and have no positive regard or compassion for."

What is your good news and bad news?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The bad news is that it is so damn cold outside with more snow to come, Trump is still POTUS and I live among his supporters, I live paycheck to paycheck, I'm exercising but the weight isn't coming off, the cat chewed through the cord on my phone charger. .......I'm sorry, what was the rest of the question?

If you are into physics and had the chance to learn about the double slit experiment.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I'm coming back to these comments later, but for now my head is starting to hurt....

Fox News Is Driving Us Toward A Constitutional Crisis | HuffPost

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The 2018 elections can't come soon enough.

Christian Blogger: Yoga Was Designed To Cause A ‘Demonic Trance’ | HuffPost

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Should we have another conversation with atheists/agnostics about how religion is harmless and live and let live? Do you really think those who feel they have a "special knowledge of the truth", without an ounce of evidence, will leave you be to live your life as you chose? It is delusional to think there is a neutral ground. Do you really think those who have made up a fantasy, have no intention of convincing others that their fantasy is reality? We either chose to advocate for reason, or we are complicit in continuing the "group delusion". One can't improve reality until they accept reality. I heard someone say atheists don't have any better idea what happens after death than anyone else. Let's be real, there is no evidence that anything happens after we die. We are not making up some fantasy of what happens after death. There is no evidence anything happens, and anecdotal evidence is useless.

If you are into physics and had the chance to learn about the double slit experiment.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

Evidently it is a legitimate and reproducible and verifiable experiment. I'm in a little over my head with this but it did get me thinking. In the mental health field we often talk about getting the outcomes we expect, if you think people are going to be hostile, your behaviors will lead to that happening, thus confirming your original belief.. Hence, how does the fact that one observing the physical world actually changes the physical world fit in with that? I don't know but it's fascinating. That's as far as I have gotten on that. Looking forward to others thoughts on this.

Mike Pence Promises Christians Will Get Special Protection

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

1.). Those who are use to entitlement (Christians in America) see equality as persecution. 2.). Christianity is founded on a persecution complex. 3.). Does that include special protection from the Russian investigation?

Michele Bachmann asked God for a sign about running for U.S. Senate and the Lord delivered

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

She used to seem out of the mainstream of the GOP. Now she fits right in...

12 STEP GROUPS There's been some discussion of 12-step groups here but I don't think there's been a...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I'm going to be honest, at the moment I'm too lazy to read all the comments. That being said, I've been doing AODA counseling for about ten years. I've been in the mental health field for about 30. I've seen twelve step programs help some people, and I've been a little uncomfortable with the amount of 12 step bashing on the site.

How many of you have thought of relocating due to your beliefs?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I live in a small town in a rural county. I do not like it but I am not moving because my minor children are here. It is a very conservative area, but I think I make it worse because I probably stereo-type people here too much. Anyway, it is helping me in liking my own company more, and I think liking myself more.

Just curious about political affiliation.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

For 36 years I was a proud Democrat. Now I don't know what I am. I guess I might be a Justice Democrat- a movement that backs only Democrats who pledge to not have super PACs

I'm asking this not based on one's personal beliefs, but what is most appealing?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I've always liked the idea of reincarnation

"The Wise speak, because they have something to say - The Fool, because they have to say SOMEthing.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

True confidence is not walking into a room of people and feeling like you can "measure up" to anyone of them. True confidence is walking into a room full of people and not feeling a need to compare yourself to them. (Or something to that effect and I'm not sure who originally said it)

About you?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I'm a good listener and good at holding two completely opposite views in my head at the same time. However, I'm not ambitious and I'm a slob, and in my personal life I have grown intolerant of spending time with many people.

Today's political climate

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I hear you. I've been wrapped up in it pretty heavy over the last couple of years. At times it has made me so angry and depressed, and it can be so divisive, that I have had the same thought. I just want to disengage from it all. However, it's like watching a train wreck, can't take my eyes off of it. It doesn't leave me with positive feelings about human nature.

Ground Hog Day - Why is this still a thing?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

People like traditions. I think it gives us some consistency and familiarity in this wild roller coaster called life

Pick-up lines are so yesterday.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Let's play hide and seek. You go hide and I will count to the rest of my life.

Hey friends... I'm a level 8 now... love ya.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

You can cross that off your bucketlist

Does this sound like love?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Obviously not love, but if one has a need/desire for drama in their life, this is perfect. It's not for me. I got tired just reading the story.

Tell me, what is the successful recipe for a successful marriage?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Live in seperate towns?

Groupthink, a term coined by social psychologist Irving Janis, occurs when a group makes faulty ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

This post showed up at a good time for me. I just watched the series on Waco last night.

Let's play a game, my fellow heathens! See how many points you can rack up per the sinner sign! I ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

There wasn't much left off that list. That being said, I only had 13, but that is due to a lack of ambition. I like how they had "bitter people" on the sign, when the whole sign reeks of bitterness.

Getting ready for the super bowl game?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I'm keeping the "faith" that the Eagles will win. I wouldn't put my money on it though because "faith" isn't reality based. Am I the only sports fan on this site? I find it a nice diversion.

Am I too young?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I don't have any advice on dating. However, it's interesting you get accused of being a Trump supporter for not being "a hard left liberal.". I suppose I could be classified as "a hard left liberal" and I have been accused of being a Trump supporter for complaining about the Democratic Party.. You don't like the DNC? You must be a Trump supporter. "There are only two sides and you're either with us or with them" mentality.

Have you ever been told you look like someone famous?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

There was a brief period 17 years ago when people kept saying I looked like Robin Williams. I think I had a beard then.

“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I seized the moment by getting double points for first response!

“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Carpe Diem

What’s a petty reason you won’t date a man/woman?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

They get a restraining order against me.

Why do some comments have a "yes" or "no" option on them before people can click that they like ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Well now I feel stupid. Had I read the administrators post on my page, it answers my above question.

I don't confuse book learning with intelligence, they go well together, are not mutually exclusive ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I also love the quality of discussion here, and the wisdom in this post. I have a Master's Degree and had been in my line of work for many years, when I was put in a position where I had to work in a factory. At the job we had to tear down the machinery and put it back together when we cleaned "the line". I have never been mechanical and felt like the stupidest person in the place, and the only one with a degree. I had a friend in college who probably would have scored in the "MENSA range" on an IQ test. However, he was the most miserable son of a bitch I knew, and his social skills were next to none. My children outsmart me everyday. There are many types of intelligence.

I just shared with a friend of 35 yr, that I am on Agnostic.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Straight lines can get boring

What is your favorite cartoon show?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Who lives in a Pineapple under the sea? That's the cartoon for me! Sponge Bob Square Pants!

I believe this is true

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

So that is why the cop's are always yawning after I yawn.

Are the Millenials right and we judge them too harshly?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I don't know, but their political views give me hope for the future, if we don't cause too much damage before then.

What ever happened to Xtians being nice, caring, and loving?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Anytime I worry about being popular I remember Donald Freaking Trump was able to get elected president.

Are atheists in general, more intelligent than religious people?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I think I'm probably smarter than over half the population, but my special skill is seeing through bullshit.

Where do you get your news from?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

The Young Turks

Naked mole rat found to defy Gompertz's mortality law.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

It kind of looks like Trump with no hair, or whatever that thing is on his head.

How old were you when you first watched porn?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Does "Charlie's Angels" count?

The richest 1 percent now owns more of the country’s wealth than at any time in the past 50 years

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Bernie 2020

Do we really value free speech anymore?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

People have the right to free speech However, colleges and universities, and the students and the faculty, have the right to decided who comes to speak to them.

What are your views on polygamy?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I worked with a guy who had four live in partners. It seemed to work for him. That being said, there are numerous cases in which polygamy involved minors, incest and domination.

Bullies---TIME'S UP Workplace drama - Day 2 A young lady from the new hire class walked out ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Good job. We all need to learn to be kind to each other as long as we share this planet together. There is no reason to bring unnecessary pain into this world. Just living gives us enough inevitable pain.

Man Unsure If He's Persecuted Because He's A Christian Or Because He's A Massive Jerk

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Funny. Very Onion like.

Dating dealbreakers

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Having a murder charge within the last year

Seems like as safe a place as any to ask this! Many men say they like a strong woman.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I think it's best to keep it real and let the chips fall where they will. If one ends up alone, living in a dumpy apartment above a laundry mat, talking to two ungrateful cats, and spending too much time online; well so be it!

I once had a young lady condemn me on Facebook for saying that all religions are one of the biggest ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

So once you pointed out those atrocities to her did she agree with you?

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

The most per mile walking I did was 70 miles in 2 days. It was on the Ice Age trail in southern, WI. I hiked from the trail head to a hotel in Whitewater. I then spent the night in a hotel that had a hot tub. The next day I walked the 35 miles back to my car. The hotel clerk was confused by the fact I did not have a car. It was cool because I did not have to carry more than a day pack. I later backpacked on the Appalachian Trail for a month. I planned on going the entire way from Georgia to Maine. I hopped off the trail in Tennessee to try again with an ex girlfriend. I still regret that decision. My last name is Rudolph, and it was during the time authorities were looking for Erik Rudolph, the Unabomber. I got some looks when I told people my last name. Hiking the Appalachian Trail was more of a social event than I predicted.

Don't fall for the idea that there are two parties.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Come on now. Democrats want a kinder and gentler oligarchy.

Is this True Love?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Sounds like an abusive persons dream partner.

Today I learned if you have lots of comments to a post, there's a "next" button.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I find the people here intelligent and kind and even wise. That being said, even with a high quality group, it still holds true here that if you want to get a lot of attention then piss people off. I know it worked on me, I responded. But be honest, you really didn't think that calling people hateful and uneducated might upset them a bit?

Well folks.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I find this site to almost always be kind and respectful. I dont believe it is possible to have a group this size and not have an occasional rude or mean comment/interaction.

What habits/behaviours that humans exhibit in public that irritates you?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

What the hell? Yah a guy beating off in front of you in the sauna is beyond irritating, it's illegal. I have to admit it took me off guard. The story was presented as a look into little things people do that are annoying, and then bam, it's about someone masturbating in front of people.

Get Ready to Cringe: Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Warning People Not to Masturbate – Friendly Atheist

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Sorry. I wanted to read the entire article but I have to go masturbate now.

Dear Grouchy Feminists (Not all feminists.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I figured this all out awhile ago. I remember times, like in traffic if I gave the right away to a man he'd always give me a nod or a wave but women often didn't acknowledge the gesture at all. Once I was fishing and I tried to ask this woman about the fishing, and she just simply didn't respond at all. It made me angry, but based on things I actually heard since those days, evidently it is because they get too much unsolicited attention by aggressive guys.... so at times they decide it's better to appear rude than chance giving someone "an in" to unwanted and awkward advances.

Transgender and Bathrooms

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I don't know but my guess is it has to do with the many sexual hangups humanity has. Boobs in public are great for trying to sell us stuff, but boobs in public to feed a child? Unacceptable. I was once at a concert and the line was so long for the women's restroom, they started using the men's. Nobody made a big deal of it.

A lot of angry and/or uneducated atheists around here...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Great. I can't wait until I'm a less angry atheist and can be condescending to other atheists. When someone starts out by saying they used to be like me, I am already put back. If you were right I'd agree, but it's you you know not me, so I must disagree.

I just found this site and now 3 hours later and I have to stop and eat some breakfast! But I know ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Me too. Welcome

" You can't love others until you learn to love yourself ", is one of the most selfish and damaging ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

In my enthusiasm I commented before reading the other comments...Damn, I probably wouldn't of had to comment had I read them. The people on this site never cease to amaze me with their wisdom and critical thinking. I swear, I've never seen a site like this before.

" You can't love others until you learn to love yourself ", is one of the most selfish and damaging ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Ok. What if I change it to this, "Don't go into a relationship being an unhappy person, with the expectation that now that you have a soul mate they will make you happy.". They probably will for awhile, but it won't last. Often that is when problems start between people. Or don't go into a relationship feeling broken or not "whole", with the expectation that person will fix you or "complete you". On the other side of that, don't find a broken person with the expectation that you are going to fix them. As a therapist, the above mentioned situations do keep me in business, but I could find another line of work.

I'm a free spirit although shy.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I like your attitude

If you haven't already seen this, you should check it out.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I love John Oliver

Have you ever felt depressed and singled out while single on Valentine’s Day?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

If I start to feel sad on Valentine's Day, I just take a deep breath and tell myself, "It's ok. Nobody loves you on all those other days of the year either.". That really seems to help.

Is being an atheist important?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I think it is important. It might help some "come out of the closet", and with others it might help tear down their misguided views about atheists - that we are sociopaths and/or evil.

I have a friend.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Mary, AKA Sally, needs to find a guy who wants to get married. Then tell her husband she has a third shift job but only has to work a couple of times a month.

How do you sex a fossil?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Very carefully

Have any of you tried online dating?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

"Jesus is boo"?

Greetings and salutations to all out there.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Welcome, and when you learn how to interact with this site would you let me know how?

Should an alleged sex offender remain anonymous until convicted?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I don't know about in the UK, but here in America I think it would be impossible to keep Trump's annonymity

Just wanted to say how grateful I am that this site is available.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I hear you. I finally quit my job to spend more time here.

Single, divorced, widowed...why does society place such importance on these titles?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

That made me laugh. Next time see how they react if you say that you killed him but got off on a technicality

Beer drinkers

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Is Corona wheat? If not I voted wrong.

I hate when people make the statement where do atheists get their moral code from if not from ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

If one needs morals to treat people right, they are just a sociopath on a leash

Good morning everyone! So a friend of mine responded to a pastors video about a black man asking if...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

It does get old. Religious people feel free to openly express their beliefs. However, if someone says they don't believe in God, they are considered rude and aggressive. Oh yah, or a militant Atheist. People think they are open minded by saying "I accept you're an atheist, but don't go around talking about it. It will offend people.". However, if they say they will pray for us, "Well they are just trying to be nice Not trying to offend you."