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When you finally realize that your imaginary friend is going to let you down because they are ...
RussRAB comments on Mar 18, 2020:
Now we know it is a virus. When most religions formed, they didn't have this fact and disease was something God did because humans did something bad or evil (even though those who were evil were as likely to survive as anyone else - go figure).
RussRAB replies on Mar 18, 2020:
@jlynn37 - Yes, that thought did cross my mind while writing the comment. The facts, however, only illustrate what a callous broadcast killer their God is since an omnipotent being would certainly have the means for better aim and not kill innocents. But, Indonesian tsunami killed hundreds of thousands and left many more thousands upon thousands vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation for becoming orphans or destitute or who knows what. All because, according to one Christian pastor, a few thousand gays were vacationing there. I doubt the pastor ever had any idea how many gay people perished in that disaster. It would have depended on what they were doing that day and where they were. If the whole group had travelled inland on a tour, then very few if any of these gay people would have been harmed. Is their God really that haphazard when with a single thought God could easily ersase all the gay individuals from earth as well everyone else's memory of them? Their scenarios of God's punishment through disease does not let God off the hook any differently. Their own scenario and explanation of the events reveals what a real vile monster their God is, and what vile crazies their God causes them to be to call this malevolent creature "loving" and to worship it.
RussRAB comments on Mar 18, 2020:
Now we know it is a virus. When most religions formed, they didn't have this fact and disease was something God did because humans did something bad or evil (even though those who were evil were as likely to survive as anyone else - go figure).
RussRAB replies on Mar 18, 2020:
@jlynn37 - Yes, that thought did cross my mind while writing the comment. The facts, however, only illustrate what a callous broadcast killer their God is since an omnipotent being would certainly have the means for better aim and not kill innocents. But, Indonesian tsunami killed hundreds of thousands and left many more thousands upon thousands vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation for becoming orphans or destitute or who knows what. All because, according to one Christian pastor, a few thousand gays were vacationing there. I doubt the pastor ever had any idea how many gay people perished in that disaster. It would have depended on what they were doing that day and where they were. If the whole group had travelled inland on a tour, then very few if any of these gay people would have been harmed. Is their God really that haphazard when with a single thought God could easily ersase all the gay individuals from earth as well everyone else's memory of them? Their scenarios of God's punishment through disease does not let God off the hook any differently. Their own scenario and explanation of the events reveals what a real vile monster their God is, and what vile crazies their God causes them to be to call this malevolent creature "loving" and to worship it.
These guys are popping up all over our garden beds.
OldGoat43 comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Are they some variety of crocus?
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
They are Reticulated Iris. It's a bulb variety.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281313=1=Iris reticulata
OldGoat43 comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Are they some variety of crocus?
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
They are Reticulated Iris. It's a bulb variety.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281313=1=Iris reticulata
My Redbuds trees came in bloom this past week.
Redheadedgammy comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Gorgeous trees! You have quite the green thumb growing them from seed!
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
@Redheadedgammy - I've tried transplanting thinned seedlings at times, but sometime there are just too many for the space available.
Redheadedgammy comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Gorgeous trees! You have quite the green thumb growing them from seed!
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
@Redheadedgammy - I've tried transplanting thinned seedlings at times, but sometime there are just too many for the space available.
My Redbuds trees came in bloom this past week.
Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Lovely photos. That looks like Cercis siliquastrum, which we call Judas Tree in the UK, is it the same thing ? And is It called Redbud in the US because the bible belt don't like anything to do with Judas, I wonder ? LOL
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
I'm unfamiliar with the name Judas Tree. When I looked up Cercis siliquastrum, I find a number of species in the Cercis genus. They all appear so similar, however, I couldn't easily tell them apart. In the US, most of what appears for sale is the American or Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis. There is also a Texas subspecies, but again, it appears so similar to other varieties, I can't tell the difference. The seeds I grew were collected from a tree in a public park and I have no idea what variety they are.
Fernapple comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Lovely photos. That looks like Cercis siliquastrum, which we call Judas Tree in the UK, is it the same thing ? And is It called Redbud in the US because the bible belt don't like anything to do with Judas, I wonder ? LOL
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
I'm unfamiliar with the name Judas Tree. When I looked up Cercis siliquastrum, I find a number of species in the Cercis genus. They all appear so similar, however, I couldn't easily tell them apart. In the US, most of what appears for sale is the American or Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis. There is also a Texas subspecies, but again, it appears so similar to other varieties, I can't tell the difference. The seeds I grew were collected from a tree in a public park and I have no idea what variety they are.
My Redbuds trees came in bloom this past week.
Redheadedgammy comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Gorgeous trees! You have quite the green thumb growing them from seed!
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
Well, some seeds germinate much easier than others. Redbuds and Mimosa are pretty easy and I had to thin plenty. Thinning is a standard gardening practice, but I never like doing it.
Redheadedgammy comments on Mar 17, 2020:
Gorgeous trees! You have quite the green thumb growing them from seed!
RussRAB replies on Mar 17, 2020:
Well, some seeds germinate much easier than others. Redbuds and Mimosa are pretty easy and I had to thin plenty. Thinning is a standard gardening practice, but I never like doing it.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson YouTube "Naming Rights".
Stilltrying1964 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
Brilliant, as usual! And revealing how destructive religion is.
RussRAB replies on Mar 16, 2020:
@Word - You post a YouTube of a Christian preacher from a account obviously created for Christian proselytizing, defend the Bible at length as the most purchased book ever (which means nothing), quote and defend passages from said book, and then expect any of us to believe you are not proselytizing? Give me a break! When you quack like a duck, walk like a duck, and shed duck feathers, then chances are you are a duck. Best to admit it and post at some place like Answers in Genesis instead of trying to proselytize here. In my case, been there, done that, not going back. If you continue to be an annoyance to me, my response will be to block you. I've lived long enough, and have too few good years left to spend much of them dealing with the nonsense you have to offer.
Stilltrying1964 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
Brilliant, as usual! And revealing how destructive religion is.
RussRAB replies on Mar 16, 2020:
@Word - You post a YouTube of a Christian preacher from a account obviously created for Christian proselytizing, defend the Bible at length as the most purchased book ever (which means nothing), quote and defend passages from said book, and then expect any of us to believe you are not proselytizing? Give me a break! When you quack like a duck, walk like a duck, and shed duck feathers, then chances are you are a duck. Best to admit it and post at some place like Answers in Genesis instead of trying to proselytize here. In my case, been there, done that, not going back. If you continue to be an annoyance to me, my response will be to block you. I've lived long enough, and have too few good years left to spend much of them dealing with the nonsense you have to offer.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson YouTube "Naming Rights".
silverotter11 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
I really like Neil DeGrasse Tyson - he's so exuberant. It makes me curious to know why a civilization so advanced latched onto the premise that mathematics was the work of the devil.
Byzantine rule was in play in Bulgaria, Henry I, (alias "Henry Beauclerc") youngest son of William the ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@MLinoge - My understanding of the establishment of the English colonies in America is that they had as much to do with enterprise as religious tolerance. Religious tolerance was attractive, but so was the prospect of owning land and increasing one's wealth. The History Channel article covers it pretty well.
https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/thirteen-colonies
As for English prisoners being shipped off to the Americas and Australia, a recent article I read (which I can't seem to find) said that America got a fair share of prisoners but the percentage of prisoners to others coming for other reasons was still relatively low. We probably should note that debtors were often thrown in prison at the time. Debtors may be of a bit different character than who we today often think of as criminals. I don't know enough about the prisoners sent to Australia to comment on either the numbers or possible character of prisoners released there.
silverotter11 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
I really like Neil DeGrasse Tyson - he's so exuberant. It makes me curious to know why a civilization so advanced latched onto the premise that mathematics was the work of the devil.
Byzantine rule was in play in Bulgaria, Henry I, (alias "Henry Beauclerc") youngest son of William the ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@MLinoge - My understanding of the establishment of the English colonies in America is that they had as much to do with enterprise as religious tolerance. Religious tolerance was attractive, but so was the prospect of owning land and increasing one's wealth. The History Channel article covers it pretty well.
https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/thirteen-colonies
As for English prisoners being shipped off to the Americas and Australia, a recent article I read (which I can't seem to find) said that America got a fair share of prisoners but the percentage of prisoners to others coming for other reasons was still relatively low. We probably should note that debtors were often thrown in prison at the time. Debtors may be of a bit different character than who we today often think of as criminals. I don't know enough about the prisoners sent to Australia to comment on either the numbers or possible character of prisoners released there.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson YouTube "Naming Rights".
silverotter11 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
I really like Neil DeGrasse Tyson - he's so exuberant. It makes me curious to know why a civilization so advanced latched onto the premise that mathematics was the work of the devil.
Byzantine rule was in play in Bulgaria, Henry I, (alias "Henry Beauclerc") youngest son of William the ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@silverotter11 - I have come to believe all societies contain extremist elements within them. What causes them to come to prominance from being outliers of society is difficult to say, but probably includes a number of elements. Certainly, rhetoric, fear which lends itself to hatred, and emotion play a role. The link below is an article from a little over a year ago discussing changes within the Republican party. It is written by a Republican and shouldn't be dismissed as just a liberal hit piece.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/12/how-did-republican-party-get-so-corrupt/578095/
silverotter11 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
I really like Neil DeGrasse Tyson - he's so exuberant. It makes me curious to know why a civilization so advanced latched onto the premise that mathematics was the work of the devil.
Byzantine rule was in play in Bulgaria, Henry I, (alias "Henry Beauclerc") youngest son of William the ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@silverotter11 - I have come to believe all societies contain extremist elements within them. What causes them to come to prominance from being outliers of society is difficult to say, but probably includes a number of elements. Certainly, rhetoric, fear which lends itself to hatred, and emotion play a role. The link below is an article from a little over a year ago discussing changes within the Republican party. It is written by a Republican and shouldn't be dismissed as just a liberal hit piece.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/12/how-did-republican-party-get-so-corrupt/578095/
Neil DeGrasse Tyson YouTube "Naming Rights".
silverotter11 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
I really like Neil DeGrasse Tyson - he's so exuberant. It makes me curious to know why a civilization so advanced latched onto the premise that mathematics was the work of the devil.
Byzantine rule was in play in Bulgaria, Henry I, (alias "Henry Beauclerc") youngest son of William the ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
I also very much like Mr. Tyson. He presence his message in a way that doesn't put me to sleep and they are so informative.
My suspicion judging from what I see and have experienced concerning Christianity in America today, mathanatics could be seen as of the devil if it were seen as detracting from the practice of the religion or of undermining it tenets in any way. Some of today's Christians have attacked the theory of evolution as being evil for this reason and they have also attacked secular humanists (which are not necessarily non-Christian) for their roles in schools. Anything seen as detracting from the assumed truth of the religion is deemed evil.
silverotter11 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
I really like Neil DeGrasse Tyson - he's so exuberant. It makes me curious to know why a civilization so advanced latched onto the premise that mathematics was the work of the devil.
Byzantine rule was in play in Bulgaria, Henry I, (alias "Henry Beauclerc") youngest son of William the ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
I also very much like Mr. Tyson. He presence his message in a way that doesn't put me to sleep and they are so informative.
My suspicion judging from what I see and have experienced concerning Christianity in America today, mathanatics could be seen as of the devil if it were seen as detracting from the practice of the religion or of undermining it tenets in any way. Some of today's Christians have attacked the theory of evolution as being evil for this reason and they have also attacked secular humanists (which are not necessarily non-Christian) for their roles in schools. Anything seen as detracting from the assumed truth of the religion is deemed evil.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson YouTube "Naming Rights".
Stilltrying1964 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
Brilliant, as usual! And revealing how destructive religion is.
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@Word - That would be the religion that declares math or science evil to destroy tolerance of non-believers and ideas which don't conform to the religion, or to force conversion on penalty of punishment including death. Much more is written about the requirements of religion than James 1:27, even within the Bible.
Stilltrying1964 comments on Mar 15, 2020:
Brilliant, as usual! And revealing how destructive religion is.
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@Word - That would be the religion that declares math or science evil to destroy tolerance of non-believers and ideas which don't conform to the religion, or to force conversion on penalty of punishment including death. Much more is written about the requirements of religion than James 1:27, even within the Bible.
President Trump tests negative for Covid-19.
RussRAB comments on Mar 15, 2020:
The president should be tested. He has been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Many many more Americans need to be tested but apparently can't be due to the poor response to this pandemic in the US. I've read estimates of infected individuals as high as 50,000 ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@SpikeTalon - I never said there was strong evidence for 50,000 US individuals having the coronavirus, only that I had read estimates "as high as". This estimate was due to the relative low level of testing in the US compared with other nations and the president initially calling the severity of the pandemic a hoax.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/marty-makary-on-coronavirus-in-the-us-183558545.html
I believe any news source could contain facts but I tend to trust those I believe are more to the center - they are not all only either left or right. When I read something from what I consider a more extreme source, I tend to try to find the story from a more trusted source to verify what the other has reported. The following link reflects more closely my position on the right-wing/left-wing media situation.
https://dollieslager.tncc.edu/spotting_media_bs.html
I never accused you of saying Trump didn't need to be tested, but Trump did say that he didn't need to be. This is terribly irresponsible when the president had exposure to multiple individuals who had been in contact with others who had tested positive for the disease as well as exposure to individuals who tested positive. His initial refusal to be tested saying "I feel fine" provided a terrible example for other Americans regarding testing.
https://fortune.com/2020/03/10/trump-not-tested-coronavirus-no-symptoms-cpac/
Finally, I never accused you of believing the coronavirus epidemic was a hoax; I said the president has said as much. He claims his remarks were in reference to criticism from Democrats, but Trump has continually downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic at each step which conveys that the whole situation is a hoax. Criticism of Trump's poor response to the pandemic is valid and his hoax rhetoric is reminiscent of his similar claims of the Mueller investigation or his impeachment both of which were far more damning of the president than he or his GOP defenders would admit. A reasonable person would rightly suspect the same is happening again.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/03/trump-coronavirus-threat/607825/
RussRAB comments on Mar 15, 2020:
The president should be tested. He has been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Many many more Americans need to be tested but apparently can't be due to the poor response to this pandemic in the US. I've read estimates of infected individuals as high as 50,000 ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 15, 2020:
@SpikeTalon - I never said there was strong evidence for 50,000 US individuals having the coronavirus, only that I had read estimates "as high as". This estimate was due to the relative low level of testing in the US compared with other nations and the president initially calling the severity of the pandemic a hoax.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/marty-makary-on-coronavirus-in-the-us-183558545.html
I believe any news source could contain facts but I tend to trust those I believe are more to the center - they are not all only either left or right. When I read something from what I consider a more extreme source, I tend to try to find the story from a more trusted source to verify what the other has reported. The following link reflects more closely my position on the right-wing/left-wing media situation.
https://dollieslager.tncc.edu/spotting_media_bs.html
I never accused you of saying Trump didn't need to be tested, but Trump did say that he didn't need to be. This is terribly irresponsible when the president had exposure to multiple individuals who had been in contact with others who had tested positive for the disease as well as exposure to individuals who tested positive. His initial refusal to be tested saying "I feel fine" provided a terrible example for other Americans regarding testing.
https://fortune.com/2020/03/10/trump-not-tested-coronavirus-no-symptoms-cpac/
Finally, I never accused you of believing the coronavirus epidemic was a hoax; I said the president has said as much. He claims his remarks were in reference to criticism from Democrats, but Trump has continually downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic at each step which conveys that the whole situation is a hoax. Criticism of Trump's poor response to the pandemic is valid and his hoax rhetoric is reminiscent of his similar claims of the Mueller investigation or his impeachment both of which were far more damning of the president than he or his GOP defenders would admit. A reasonable person would rightly suspect the same is happening again.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/03/trump-coronavirus-threat/607825/
I went out to check on my ladybugs and to make sure that the ones that stayed in the bag had gotten ...
itsmedammit comments on Mar 14, 2020:
I thought there was controversy about the ladybugs. This was awhile back and I did not follow but I thought the problem was the importation of a foreign species that was upsetting some balance. Has that been resolved?
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
@Wangobango3 - Oh no! I didn't know they were destructive to the plants.
itsmedammit comments on Mar 14, 2020:
I thought there was controversy about the ladybugs. This was awhile back and I did not follow but I thought the problem was the importation of a foreign species that was upsetting some balance. Has that been resolved?
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
@Wangobango3 - Oh no! I didn't know they were destructive to the plants.
Paula White Featured Speaker At Event Promising ‘Supernatural Protection’ From Coronavirus | ...
SeaGreenEyez comments on Mar 14, 2020:
😂😂😂 Jesus. You know there's people out there right now, believing they're protected.
*smh*
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
@SeaGreenEyez - Just restating the obvious.
SeaGreenEyez comments on Mar 14, 2020:
😂😂😂 Jesus. You know there's people out there right now, believing they're protected.
*smh*
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
@SeaGreenEyez - Just restating the obvious.
Paula White Featured Speaker At Event Promising ‘Supernatural Protection’ From Coronavirus | ...
SeaGreenEyez comments on Mar 14, 2020:
😂😂😂 Jesus. You know there's people out there right now, believing they're protected.
*smh*
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
@anglophone - In reality, they will be correct but not as they would think. No level or degree of faith would have ever been strong enough to have protected them from infection. This world just doesn't work that way.
SeaGreenEyez comments on Mar 14, 2020:
😂😂😂 Jesus. You know there's people out there right now, believing they're protected.
*smh*
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
@anglophone - In reality, they will be correct but not as they would think. No level or degree of faith would have ever been strong enough to have protected them from infection. This world just doesn't work that way.
Paula White Featured Speaker At Event Promising ‘Supernatural Protection’ From Coronavirus | ...
oldFloyd comments on Mar 14, 2020:
I don't know, if you think about it there might be a bright side to that. 🤯😆
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
South Korea.
oldFloyd comments on Mar 14, 2020:
I don't know, if you think about it there might be a bright side to that. 🤯😆
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
South Korea.
Nom Nom! .
itsmedammit comments on Mar 14, 2020:
Beware of dog!
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
Yeah, you just might fall in puppy love. ❤🐶❤
itsmedammit comments on Mar 14, 2020:
Beware of dog!
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
Yeah, you just might fall in puppy love. ❤🐶❤
I went out to check on my ladybugs and to make sure that the ones that stayed in the bag had gotten ...
itsmedammit comments on Mar 14, 2020:
I thought there was controversy about the ladybugs. This was awhile back and I did not follow but I thought the problem was the importation of a foreign species that was upsetting some balance. Has that been resolved?
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
The Asian Lady Beetle was a problem a while ago. They were known to bite and to be pests in other ways. Not certain what their current status is.
itsmedammit comments on Mar 14, 2020:
I thought there was controversy about the ladybugs. This was awhile back and I did not follow but I thought the problem was the importation of a foreign species that was upsetting some balance. Has that been resolved?
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
The Asian Lady Beetle was a problem a while ago. They were known to bite and to be pests in other ways. Not certain what their current status is.
YouTube: "Kenneth Copeland heals viewers of Coronavirus through their televisions"
This disease ...
Paul4747 comments on Mar 13, 2020:
The Justice Department, I heard on NPR, is going to be fining Jim Bakker for selling these quack "cures" for the COVID-19 virus. (I suppose that's if the chief executive doesn't get wind of it and order them to keep their hands off.)
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
Missouri Sues Televangelist Jim Bakker For Selling Fake Coronavirus Cure, and I believe New York has issued him a warning.
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/11/814550474/missouri-sues-televangelist-jim-bakker-for-selling-fake-coronavirus-cure?utm_campaign=storyshare=IwAR25Q0-YE0je0X18ysemK5pDau6dQuMsaOxipotAA_h-A9cdaRYrUdZXYW0
Paul4747 comments on Mar 13, 2020:
The Justice Department, I heard on NPR, is going to be fining Jim Bakker for selling these quack "cures" for the COVID-19 virus. (I suppose that's if the chief executive doesn't get wind of it and order them to keep their hands off.)
RussRAB replies on Mar 14, 2020:
Missouri Sues Televangelist Jim Bakker For Selling Fake Coronavirus Cure, and I believe New York has issued him a warning.
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/11/814550474/missouri-sues-televangelist-jim-bakker-for-selling-fake-coronavirus-cure?utm_campaign=storyshare=IwAR25Q0-YE0je0X18ysemK5pDau6dQuMsaOxipotAA_h-A9cdaRYrUdZXYW0
I have terrible aphid infestation on my loquat tree.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This site may be helpful.
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/12-organic-ways-get-rid-aphids/
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@glennlab - Cool! I hadn't looked at your location although I believe I saw it once before. We should get together sometime. I do have a number of personal things going on at the moment that allow it for awhile, however. It will need to be on the back burner for now.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This site may be helpful.
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/12-organic-ways-get-rid-aphids/
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@glennlab - Cool! I hadn't looked at your location although I believe I saw it once before. We should get together sometime. I do have a number of personal things going on at the moment that allow it for awhile, however. It will need to be on the back burner for now.
I have terrible aphid infestation on my loquat tree.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This site may be helpful.
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/12-organic-ways-get-rid-aphids/
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@glennlab - OK. You obviously have a lot more experience with this than I do. Ladybugs and praying mantis are probably the best idea, imo.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This site may be helpful.
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/12-organic-ways-get-rid-aphids/
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@glennlab - OK. You obviously have a lot more experience with this than I do. Ladybugs and praying mantis are probably the best idea, imo.
YouTube: "Kenneth Copeland heals viewers of Coronavirus through their televisions"
This disease ...
Sgt_Spanky comments on Mar 13, 2020:
After seeing that video, my headache is gone. Thank ya, Jebus!
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Well! What do you know! Kenny Copeland's TV healing cured somebody ..... 😉
Sgt_Spanky comments on Mar 13, 2020:
After seeing that video, my headache is gone. Thank ya, Jebus!
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Well! What do you know! Kenny Copeland's TV healing cured somebody ..... 😉
I have terrible aphid infestation on my loquat tree.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This site may be helpful.
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/12-organic-ways-get-rid-aphids/
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@glennlab - What I was trying to find but didn't was a colored cup on a stick. I thought I had read that the sticky trap part was vaseline but all that referred to was this YouTube.
https://youtu.be/iic-aHGhUb4
Not what I was looking for. Tried some different searches and found something much closer.
https://jimlongscolumns.blogspot.com/2011/05/tomato-beds.html
Vaseline isn't the tacky agent in this set up.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This site may be helpful.
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/12-organic-ways-get-rid-aphids/
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@glennlab - What I was trying to find but didn't was a colored cup on a stick. I thought I had read that the sticky trap part was vaseline but all that referred to was this YouTube.
https://youtu.be/iic-aHGhUb4
Not what I was looking for. Tried some different searches and found something much closer.
https://jimlongscolumns.blogspot.com/2011/05/tomato-beds.html
Vaseline isn't the tacky agent in this set up.
Why do the faithful fear coronavirus?
david7wk comments on Mar 13, 2020:
I think the leaders of the various religions know the truth and are just lying to the faithful. Religious people will sicken at the same rate that everyone else does!
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Religious people may sicken at a higher rate if they believe in magical protections over real ones. This has been the case in South Korea.
david7wk comments on Mar 13, 2020:
I think the leaders of the various religions know the truth and are just lying to the faithful. Religious people will sicken at the same rate that everyone else does!
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Religious people may sicken at a higher rate if they believe in magical protections over real ones. This has been the case in South Korea.
YouTube: "Kenneth Copeland heals viewers of Coronavirus through their televisions"
This disease ...
Geoffrey51 comments on Mar 13, 2020:
Well done, Ken. Always puts on a good show! 🤡
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
I wonder if the glitter on his fingers is supposed to convey something. Every so often, he has some on his face as well.
Geoffrey51 comments on Mar 13, 2020:
Well done, Ken. Always puts on a good show! 🤡
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
I wonder if the glitter on his fingers is supposed to convey something. Every so often, he has some on his face as well.
Why do the faithful fear coronavirus?
TheMiddleWay comments on Mar 13, 2020:
You really don't want to go down this path because you open the door to every believer who is NOT infected to use god as the reason.
Let them fear it just like everyone else as far as I'm concerned.
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Just as some believers rationalize that God used evolution to create the world and the Bible is the poetic explanation, they may believe that protective measures are God's plan for protecting them from infection. I don't pretend this is really logical, but I'm willing to accrpt it without complaint if believers actually protect themselves. It certainly makes more sense than those who continue with risky behaviors believing they are magically protected by their faith.
TheMiddleWay comments on Mar 13, 2020:
You really don't want to go down this path because you open the door to every believer who is NOT infected to use god as the reason.
Let them fear it just like everyone else as far as I'm concerned.
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Just as some believers rationalize that God used evolution to create the world and the Bible is the poetic explanation, they may believe that protective measures are God's plan for protecting them from infection. I don't pretend this is really logical, but I'm willing to accrpt it without complaint if believers actually protect themselves. It certainly makes more sense than those who continue with risky behaviors believing they are magically protected by their faith.
Why do the faithful fear coronavirus?
sterlingdean comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This is just one of the inherent contradictions in the Christian religion.
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Agreed, and I would prefer their contradiction to the alternative.
sterlingdean comments on Mar 13, 2020:
This is just one of the inherent contradictions in the Christian religion.
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
Agreed, and I would prefer their contradiction to the alternative.
Sorry out of tp
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
Sorry, I couldn't get the link to work.
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@bobwjr - OK. I tried again and got the same result. Must be my tablet.
RussRAB comments on Mar 13, 2020:
Sorry, I couldn't get the link to work.
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@bobwjr - OK. I tried again and got the same result. Must be my tablet.
YouTube: "Kenneth Copeland heals viewers of Coronavirus through their televisions"
This disease ...
IrishTxJudy comments on Mar 13, 2020:
My late and not so great ex-husband used to follow this clown. When we were married, we drove every Sunday to his church at Eagle Mountain Lake out near Ft. Worth. These people are a joke. And the sheeple who follow him and his cohorts have no sense of reason to think for themselves. Of course, my ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@IrishTxJudy - No doubt I agree about Copeland. These guys are just charlatans looking for a quick buck and willing to scam and harm anyone who comes along.
IrishTxJudy comments on Mar 13, 2020:
My late and not so great ex-husband used to follow this clown. When we were married, we drove every Sunday to his church at Eagle Mountain Lake out near Ft. Worth. These people are a joke. And the sheeple who follow him and his cohorts have no sense of reason to think for themselves. Of course, my ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
@IrishTxJudy - No doubt I agree about Copeland. These guys are just charlatans looking for a quick buck and willing to scam and harm anyone who comes along.
YouTube: "Kenneth Copeland heals viewers of Coronavirus through their televisions"
This disease ...
IrishTxJudy comments on Mar 13, 2020:
My late and not so great ex-husband used to follow this clown. When we were married, we drove every Sunday to his church at Eagle Mountain Lake out near Ft. Worth. These people are a joke. And the sheeple who follow him and his cohorts have no sense of reason to think for themselves. Of course, my ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
I have to ask: Did Copeland perform his faith healing ritual on your ex for his cancer?
IrishTxJudy comments on Mar 13, 2020:
My late and not so great ex-husband used to follow this clown. When we were married, we drove every Sunday to his church at Eagle Mountain Lake out near Ft. Worth. These people are a joke. And the sheeple who follow him and his cohorts have no sense of reason to think for themselves. Of course, my ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
I have to ask: Did Copeland perform his faith healing ritual on your ex for his cancer?
YouTube: "Kenneth Copeland heals viewers of Coronavirus through their televisions"
This disease ...
Varn comments on Mar 13, 2020:
That’s one of the sickest things I’ve watched ...in a long time…. That - is **evil** - and it’s henchmen..
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
I agree it is disgusting and dangerous. Over half the cases of coronavirus in South Korea are all from one Christian sect. "A former member of Shincheonji [the Christian sect in question] told the New York Times that members were told not to be afraid of sickness and focus only on converting more followers." I wonder just how many cases in Copeland's reach will eventually be traced back to his TV faith healing.
https://qz.com/1808390/religion-is-at-the-heart-of-koreas-coronavirus-outbreak/
Farther in this Quartz article, "Jun Kwang-hoon, a populist reverend known for his fervent conservatism and criticism of the left-leaning national government, has been particularly outspoken since the coronavirus virus reached Korea". "Defying a ban against large gatherings, he led an anti-government rally in central Seoul on Feb. 22, where he told the crowd, mostly older Koreans, that god would cure them of the disease if they caught it and that it was “patriotic” to die from the virus, the Korea Herald reported."
Wtf?
But some in the US have spoken up for these Koresn cults. From the Reuters article: "The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has voiced concerns over members of the Shincheonji Church being blamed for the spread of the coronavirus.
"“We urge the South Korean government to condemn scapegoating and to respect religious freedom as it responds to the outbreak,” it said on Twitter on Friday."
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-south-korea/south-koreas-coronavirus-cases-climb-above-7000-most-cases-traced-to-church-idUSKBN20U02M
It would appear that human lives and health is less important than human belief in unknowable things, and religious leaders interested in expanding their congregations are being defended by some Americans to have the right to endanger the rest of us for their own purposes. It is outrageous!
Varn comments on Mar 13, 2020:
That’s one of the sickest things I’ve watched ...in a long time…. That - is **evil** - and it’s henchmen..
RussRAB replies on Mar 13, 2020:
I agree it is disgusting and dangerous. Over half the cases of coronavirus in South Korea are all from one Christian sect. "A former member of Shincheonji [the Christian sect in question] told the New York Times that members were told not to be afraid of sickness and focus only on converting more followers." I wonder just how many cases in Copeland's reach will eventually be traced back to his TV faith healing.
https://qz.com/1808390/religion-is-at-the-heart-of-koreas-coronavirus-outbreak/
Farther in this Quartz article, "Jun Kwang-hoon, a populist reverend known for his fervent conservatism and criticism of the left-leaning national government, has been particularly outspoken since the coronavirus virus reached Korea". "Defying a ban against large gatherings, he led an anti-government rally in central Seoul on Feb. 22, where he told the crowd, mostly older Koreans, that god would cure them of the disease if they caught it and that it was “patriotic” to die from the virus, the Korea Herald reported."
Wtf?
But some in the US have spoken up for these Koresn cults. From the Reuters article: "The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has voiced concerns over members of the Shincheonji Church being blamed for the spread of the coronavirus.
"“We urge the South Korean government to condemn scapegoating and to respect religious freedom as it responds to the outbreak,” it said on Twitter on Friday."
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-south-korea/south-koreas-coronavirus-cases-climb-above-7000-most-cases-traced-to-church-idUSKBN20U02M
It would appear that human lives and health is less important than human belief in unknowable things, and religious leaders interested in expanding their congregations are being defended by some Americans to have the right to endanger the rest of us for their own purposes. It is outrageous!
Right-Wing Pastor: God Sent Us Coronavirus Because of Homosexuality | Beth Stoneburner | Friendly ...
Paul4747 comments on Mar 10, 2020:
Which is why it specifically kills only gay people? Oh, wait- you mean it doesn't work that way?
I seem to have detected a flaw in the theory...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
Others get infected not because they are gay but because they don't purge gays out of existence. Homogeneity not homosexuality (and only conform to what some asshat Pastor believes).
I'd rather the damned Pastors be purged.
Paul4747 comments on Mar 10, 2020:
Which is why it specifically kills only gay people? Oh, wait- you mean it doesn't work that way?
I seem to have detected a flaw in the theory...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
Others get infected not because they are gay but because they don't purge gays out of existence. Homogeneity not homosexuality (and only conform to what some asshat Pastor believes).
I'd rather the damned Pastors be purged.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Oregon. I think I'll make a visit this year!
RussRAB comments on Mar 11, 2020:
Beautiful. I am a fan of iris and Schriener's Iris Farms are located there in Oregon. I'd love to attend their spring open house sometime.
https://www.schreinersgardens.com/about-schreiners
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
@MissKathleen - My sister moved to Oregon several years ago not far from Schreiner's. I urged her to go to their spring function one year and she and her husband decided to go. They are active and usually have a busy schedule. She later sent some pictures of gorgeous iris in bloom and reported that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
RussRAB comments on Mar 11, 2020:
Beautiful. I am a fan of iris and Schriener's Iris Farms are located there in Oregon. I'd love to attend their spring open house sometime.
https://www.schreinersgardens.com/about-schreiners
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
@MissKathleen - My sister moved to Oregon several years ago not far from Schreiner's. I urged her to go to their spring function one year and she and her husband decided to go. They are active and usually have a busy schedule. She later sent some pictures of gorgeous iris in bloom and reported that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Okay, so there is always the Atheist vs.
RussRAB comments on Mar 11, 2020:
I don't see the whole spectrum of belief and disbelief as static. Individuals change their minds about their beliefs all the time and it is not just agnostics "falling off the fence." Theists become atheist, atheist take on a theistic belief, and agnostics change to atheism or theism.
I identify ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
@twill - I agree, no one knows that there is any throne much less who sits on it. Speculating that Satan sits on a throne in heaven and speculating what that might mean is a "what if" question because no one knows. "What if" there is a heaven and God sits on a throne there, then certain conditions might be described different from "what if" Satan sits on that same throne in heaven. But Satan may be a figment of our imagination like the boogieman under our bed or hiding in the closet when we were 8 years old. Likewise, God may be part of our imagination, as well as heaven and all those things we were taught in Sunday School. What if only requires our imagination and is infinite vs. what is which has many fewer options - and the standards required for each of these two are also very different.
RussRAB comments on Mar 11, 2020:
I don't see the whole spectrum of belief and disbelief as static. Individuals change their minds about their beliefs all the time and it is not just agnostics "falling off the fence." Theists become atheist, atheist take on a theistic belief, and agnostics change to atheism or theism.
I identify ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
@twill - I agree, no one knows that there is any throne much less who sits on it. Speculating that Satan sits on a throne in heaven and speculating what that might mean is a "what if" question because no one knows. "What if" there is a heaven and God sits on a throne there, then certain conditions might be described different from "what if" Satan sits on that same throne in heaven. But Satan may be a figment of our imagination like the boogieman under our bed or hiding in the closet when we were 8 years old. Likewise, God may be part of our imagination, as well as heaven and all those things we were taught in Sunday School. What if only requires our imagination and is infinite vs. what is which has many fewer options - and the standards required for each of these two are also very different.
Okay, so there is always the Atheist vs.
RussRAB comments on Mar 11, 2020:
I don't see the whole spectrum of belief and disbelief as static. Individuals change their minds about their beliefs all the time and it is not just agnostics "falling off the fence." Theists become atheist, atheist take on a theistic belief, and agnostics change to atheism or theism.
I identify ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
@twill - We can play the 'what if' game all day long and the questions have as much validity of any other speculations. Something many people do (to screw themselves up, I've been guilty) is to look back at their lives and say "If only I had done something different." The truth of this game is that if we had made a different decision in our lives at some time in the past, while it may seem to have solved problems we have today from the path we took, we cannot honestly say that the ultimate outcome of a supposed path wouldn't have been far worse for us in the long run. We tend to see such scenarios in the best light without knowing what the pitfalls and downsides are. It would be like when we compare our worst selves (because we know what that might be more than anyone else) to our perception of someone else's best self. For my purposes, I think the real question is how do we discern which is true and which is a lie? It's a more difficult question to answer and shouldn't dissuade us from speculating about what could be. But what could be is infinite while what is has many fewer options.
RussRAB comments on Mar 11, 2020:
I don't see the whole spectrum of belief and disbelief as static. Individuals change their minds about their beliefs all the time and it is not just agnostics "falling off the fence." Theists become atheist, atheist take on a theistic belief, and agnostics change to atheism or theism.
I identify ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
@twill - We can play the 'what if' game all day long and the questions have as much validity of any other speculations. Something many people do (to screw themselves up, I've been guilty) is to look back at their lives and say "If only I had done something different." The truth of this game is that if we had made a different decision in our lives at some time in the past, while it may seem to have solved problems we have today from the path we took, we cannot honestly say that the ultimate outcome of a supposed path wouldn't have been far worse for us in the long run. We tend to see such scenarios in the best light without knowing what the pitfalls and downsides are. It would be like when we compare our worst selves (because we know what that might be more than anyone else) to our perception of someone else's best self. For my purposes, I think the real question is how do we discern which is true and which is a lie? It's a more difficult question to answer and shouldn't dissuade us from speculating about what could be. But what could be is infinite while what is has many fewer options.
Okay, so there is always the Atheist vs.
Lacucaracha comments on Mar 11, 2020:
46 years and agnostic since about 15. I think that there must be a higher intelligence (cannot prove it) you could call it instinct if you may (certainly not knowledge) However, no religion or faith makes any sense to me. I do not believe in the concept of revelation either. Does not makes sense to...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
I think we may have more beliefs in common than not. I also identify as agnostic and don't rule out the possibilities of entities or beings with greater knowledge or abilities than ourselves. Even "lesser" beings (are they really or just different?) have abilities we don't possess. Dogs hear higher frequencies than we do and bats probably even higher than that. Dogs have superior olfactory abilities like nothing we can imagine and they have hearing far superor to our own. I have read that migratory birds are suspected of being able to detect gravitational forces which assist in their migration. I have no problem if another being somewhere in our universe is smarter than we are or has abilities we don't. I can respect them just as I can respect other human beings here who are smarter, or have abilities I don't possess. But this does not make then Gods, and while I can respect their abilities, I shouldn't need to worship them.
Lacucaracha comments on Mar 11, 2020:
46 years and agnostic since about 15. I think that there must be a higher intelligence (cannot prove it) you could call it instinct if you may (certainly not knowledge) However, no religion or faith makes any sense to me. I do not believe in the concept of revelation either. Does not makes sense to...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
I think we may have more beliefs in common than not. I also identify as agnostic and don't rule out the possibilities of entities or beings with greater knowledge or abilities than ourselves. Even "lesser" beings (are they really or just different?) have abilities we don't possess. Dogs hear higher frequencies than we do and bats probably even higher than that. Dogs have superior olfactory abilities like nothing we can imagine and they have hearing far superor to our own. I have read that migratory birds are suspected of being able to detect gravitational forces which assist in their migration. I have no problem if another being somewhere in our universe is smarter than we are or has abilities we don't. I can respect them just as I can respect other human beings here who are smarter, or have abilities I don't possess. But this does not make then Gods, and while I can respect their abilities, I shouldn't need to worship them.
Okay, so there is always the Atheist vs.
twill comments on Mar 11, 2020:
My son 15, was telling me last night that he is some kind of Atheist at some kind of stage.
So I asked him this morning what he meant by that.
And he said something along the lines of believing in a Higher Power, but not in any God, because God needs to prove that he exists. Actual proof.
I ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
He is a smart kid, and you are a good dad to listen to him and to give him time to explore his own beliefs in safety. A big thumbs up to you.
I think it is interesting how believers judge atheists from their own paradigm of God and the devil. Atheists no more believe in the devil to worship that deity than they believe in God. To call them "devil worshippers" is contradictory to being an atheist.
twill comments on Mar 11, 2020:
My son 15, was telling me last night that he is some kind of Atheist at some kind of stage.
So I asked him this morning what he meant by that.
And he said something along the lines of believing in a Higher Power, but not in any God, because God needs to prove that he exists. Actual proof.
I ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 11, 2020:
He is a smart kid, and you are a good dad to listen to him and to give him time to explore his own beliefs in safety. A big thumbs up to you.
I think it is interesting how believers judge atheists from their own paradigm of God and the devil. Atheists no more believe in the devil to worship that deity than they believe in God. To call them "devil worshippers" is contradictory to being an atheist.
Orthodox Israeli Rabbi Claims Coronavirus is God’s Revenge for Gay Pride Parades | Beth ...
LaDizdeOdd comments on Mar 9, 2020:
These sham claims by religious leaders is just their way of maintaining job security.
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
It's just hate mongering for the sake of creating division. Certain religions thrive on creating division.
LaDizdeOdd comments on Mar 9, 2020:
These sham claims by religious leaders is just their way of maintaining job security.
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
It's just hate mongering for the sake of creating division. Certain religions thrive on creating division.
How are these god pumping people dealing with the current virus?
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@FearlessFly - On reflection, I think you are completely correct since we are all non-believers.
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@FearlessFly - On reflection, I think you are completely correct since we are all non-believers.
How are these god pumping people dealing with the current virus?
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@FearlessFly - True, and the science is a good deal more interesting and challenging attempting to ferret out the facts. I do believe, though, that pointing out certain contradictions within the mythology has value especially when a majority of Americans are steeped in it.
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@FearlessFly - True, and the science is a good deal more interesting and challenging attempting to ferret out the facts. I do believe, though, that pointing out certain contradictions within the mythology has value especially when a majority of Americans are steeped in it.
How are these god pumping people dealing with the current virus?
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@FearlessFly - The Hebrew/Christian God wasn't completely keen on the idea of free will as demonstrated in the storey of Jonah. The whole reason Jonah ended up in the whale was that he was trying to escape a task God assigned to him. The whale prevented him from running until he agreed to go to Nineveh to preach as God wanted him to do. My understanding of the development of the Hebrew religion is that Satan was a relative late arrival in the religion. Until that time, God's adversary was willful mankind who was essentially the evil character in the stories.
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@FearlessFly - The Hebrew/Christian God wasn't completely keen on the idea of free will as demonstrated in the storey of Jonah. The whole reason Jonah ended up in the whale was that he was trying to escape a task God assigned to him. The whale prevented him from running until he agreed to go to Nineveh to preach as God wanted him to do. My understanding of the development of the Hebrew religion is that Satan was a relative late arrival in the religion. Until that time, God's adversary was willful mankind who was essentially the evil character in the stories.
How are these god pumping people dealing with the current virus?
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@Geoffrey51 - You may be correct, and I have always read it as attributed to Epicurus. I am more intersted in the message, however, than the attribution.
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
@Geoffrey51 - You may be correct, and I have always read it as attributed to Epicurus. I am more intersted in the message, however, than the attribution.
How are these god pumping people dealing with the current virus?
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
They left out Epicurus' last line:
"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then from whence comes evil?"
And that last line, "Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?"
FearlessFly comments on Mar 9, 2020:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_evil
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
They left out Epicurus' last line:
"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then from whence comes evil?"
And that last line, "Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?"
Right-Wing Pastor: God Sent Us Coronavirus Because of Homosexuality | Beth Stoneburner | Friendly ...
patchoullijulie comments on Mar 8, 2020:
Oh....but I thought that was AIDS!!!!!!
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
Well, that too ....... and hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and probably their ingrown toenail or their last hangnail. If they don't like it, they will find a way to blame the gays, the feminists, and now immigrants as well.
patchoullijulie comments on Mar 8, 2020:
Oh....but I thought that was AIDS!!!!!!
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
Well, that too ....... and hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and probably their ingrown toenail or their last hangnail. If they don't like it, they will find a way to blame the gays, the feminists, and now immigrants as well.
I wish this video had been shared millions of times in September 2015.[m.facebook.com]
Barnie2years comments on Mar 8, 2020:
Bloomberg should be running this ad everyday from now to November! And to think that the Party has only gone more off the rails since the time of Goldwater! Looking back, he seems almost quaint compared to the current crop of misfits.
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
Goldwater bares some responsibility for heading the GOP off the rails. He promoted the recruitment of Dixiecrats into the party in promoting the Southern Strategy. Imo, this is a move that caused the GOP to become more Dixiecrat controlled than reflecting traditional Republican values of Eisenhower and before. The party of Lincoln became the party defending the celebration of southern secession in defending the resistence of removing statues of southern civil war figures.
Barnie2years comments on Mar 8, 2020:
Bloomberg should be running this ad everyday from now to November! And to think that the Party has only gone more off the rails since the time of Goldwater! Looking back, he seems almost quaint compared to the current crop of misfits.
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
Goldwater bares some responsibility for heading the GOP off the rails. He promoted the recruitment of Dixiecrats into the party in promoting the Southern Strategy. Imo, this is a move that caused the GOP to become more Dixiecrat controlled than reflecting traditional Republican values of Eisenhower and before. The party of Lincoln became the party defending the celebration of southern secession in defending the resistence of removing statues of southern civil war figures.
I wish this video had been shared millions of times in September 2015.[m.facebook.com]
resserts comments on Mar 8, 2020:
My fear is that those who strongly support Donald Trump don't care that he's unfit and irresponsible. They don't care that he lacks the knowledge and skill to hold office. All they care about is his weird show of strength — confidence and unapologetic attitude, belied by the weakness of his ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
I agree with TheDoubter. For Trump's followers, his percieved persona is all that seems to matter.
resserts comments on Mar 8, 2020:
My fear is that those who strongly support Donald Trump don't care that he's unfit and irresponsible. They don't care that he lacks the knowledge and skill to hold office. All they care about is his weird show of strength — confidence and unapologetic attitude, belied by the weakness of his ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 9, 2020:
I agree with TheDoubter. For Trump's followers, his percieved persona is all that seems to matter.
"Televangelist Jonathan Shuttlesworth claims God will spare conservative red states from the ...
yvilletom comments on Mar 7, 2020:
If the red states continue getting hurricanes, tornadoes and such, their denizens might stop believing.
RussRAB replies on Mar 8, 2020:
Except there is always an excuse - even if it makes no sense at all. In 2004, a huge tsunami hit Indonesia killing 100's of thousands including families, and evangelicals blamed it on a thousand or more gay tourists from Europe. In 2005, hurricane Katrina plowed into New Orleans and contined on into the heart of Mississippi and the Bible Belt. Evangelicals blamed it on some gay pride event held in New Orleans. Hurricaines and tornados are regular events in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, etc. but evangelicals have never made the connection that perhap they are the ones being targetted and need to change their ways; it is always someone else.
yvilletom comments on Mar 7, 2020:
If the red states continue getting hurricanes, tornadoes and such, their denizens might stop believing.
RussRAB replies on Mar 8, 2020:
Except there is always an excuse - even if it makes no sense at all. In 2004, a huge tsunami hit Indonesia killing 100's of thousands including families, and evangelicals blamed it on a thousand or more gay tourists from Europe. In 2005, hurricane Katrina plowed into New Orleans and contined on into the heart of Mississippi and the Bible Belt. Evangelicals blamed it on some gay pride event held in New Orleans. Hurricaines and tornados are regular events in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, etc. but evangelicals have never made the connection that perhap they are the ones being targetted and need to change their ways; it is always someone else.
This 'gay, atheist, leftist' is taking on Poland's right-wing government — by running for ...
RussRAB comments on Mar 5, 2020:
I thought Pete Buttigieg made an excellent candidate in the Democratic Primary. He had impressive educational background, impressive military service, he was well spoken and steady when fielding criticism, etc. I would have rather he had a bit more experience in office although being mayor isn't a ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 6, 2020:
@TomMcGiverin - I think a better example of tribalism and identity politics is found on the right. Since red states by far receive more in federal tax money than they contribute, the policies of Republican administrations to cut services harms those states they count on most for support. Religion is one of the foundational forms to maintain control over their red tribe.
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2020/03/colorado-republican-lawmaker-claims-democrats-are-anti-christian/?utm_medium=email=BRSS=Nonreligious=367
RussRAB comments on Mar 5, 2020:
I thought Pete Buttigieg made an excellent candidate in the Democratic Primary. He had impressive educational background, impressive military service, he was well spoken and steady when fielding criticism, etc. I would have rather he had a bit more experience in office although being mayor isn't a ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 6, 2020:
@TomMcGiverin - I think a better example of tribalism and identity politics is found on the right. Since red states by far receive more in federal tax money than they contribute, the policies of Republican administrations to cut services harms those states they count on most for support. Religion is one of the foundational forms to maintain control over their red tribe.
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2020/03/colorado-republican-lawmaker-claims-democrats-are-anti-christian/?utm_medium=email=BRSS=Nonreligious=367
This 'gay, atheist, leftist' is taking on Poland's right-wing government — by running for ...
RussRAB comments on Mar 5, 2020:
I thought Pete Buttigieg made an excellent candidate in the Democratic Primary. He had impressive educational background, impressive military service, he was well spoken and steady when fielding criticism, etc. I would have rather he had a bit more experience in office although being mayor isn't a ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 6, 2020:
@TomMcGiverin - You and Athena may be correct about Buttigieg; what I had read about him was generally positive but I've also been so sickened by Trump that I found I have had difficulty concentrating on politics this election.
My more general point, however, is not diminished by our difference of opinion about Buttigieg. Being gay provides no greater qualification for political leadership than it provides a disqualification. It simply is not an important aspect in terms of an individual's character traits important for political leadership.
RussRAB comments on Mar 5, 2020:
I thought Pete Buttigieg made an excellent candidate in the Democratic Primary. He had impressive educational background, impressive military service, he was well spoken and steady when fielding criticism, etc. I would have rather he had a bit more experience in office although being mayor isn't a ...
RussRAB replies on Mar 6, 2020:
@TomMcGiverin - You and Athena may be correct about Buttigieg; what I had read about him was generally positive but I've also been so sickened by Trump that I found I have had difficulty concentrating on politics this election.
My more general point, however, is not diminished by our difference of opinion about Buttigieg. Being gay provides no greater qualification for political leadership than it provides a disqualification. It simply is not an important aspect in terms of an individual's character traits important for political leadership.
"Televangelist Jonathan Shuttlesworth claims God will spare conservative red states from the ...
mcgeo52 comments on Mar 5, 2020:
Best possible case is that this exposes charlatans. At lest that way people would not have died completely in vain.
RussRAB replies on Mar 5, 2020:
I wish that were the case, but it often appears that people are led into behaving irresponsibly and many more are harmed because of it. Meanwhile, the charlatans have their lists of scapegoats to sidestep responsibility for their failed prophesies and maintain their position of power allowing them to continue to place blame and to denigrate those they dislike.
mcgeo52 comments on Mar 5, 2020:
Best possible case is that this exposes charlatans. At lest that way people would not have died completely in vain.
RussRAB replies on Mar 5, 2020:
I wish that were the case, but it often appears that people are led into behaving irresponsibly and many more are harmed because of it. Meanwhile, the charlatans have their lists of scapegoats to sidestep responsibility for their failed prophesies and maintain their position of power allowing them to continue to place blame and to denigrate those they dislike.
We all believe in evidence-based science, and that's why we're agnostic/atheist, right?
RussRAB comments on Feb 28, 2020:
Is it that we believe evidence-based science, or do we basically trust it more than the alternatives? As was pointed out in a couple discussions from the Creation vs. Evolution board I once participated in, science has made a number of error over time but the errors were caught and corrected by the ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 28, 2020:
I also like SeaGreenEyez thought; the lief in Gods may or may not be related to evidence. Plenty scientists of various disciplines are still religious.
RussRAB comments on Feb 28, 2020:
Is it that we believe evidence-based science, or do we basically trust it more than the alternatives? As was pointed out in a couple discussions from the Creation vs. Evolution board I once participated in, science has made a number of error over time but the errors were caught and corrected by the ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 28, 2020:
I also like SeaGreenEyez thought; the lief in Gods may or may not be related to evidence. Plenty scientists of various disciplines are still religious.
Airlie Beach Whitsunday Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Found this lovely shrub.
Cast1es comments on Feb 28, 2020:
Looks like it might be some kind of Poinsettia .
RussRAB replies on Feb 28, 2020:
My first thought was something looking like a Poinsettia. Anyone know what it is?
Cast1es comments on Feb 28, 2020:
Looks like it might be some kind of Poinsettia .
RussRAB replies on Feb 28, 2020:
My first thought was something looking like a Poinsettia. Anyone know what it is?
AG William Barr: “Men Are Far Likelier to Obey Rules That Come from God” | Hemant Mehta | ...
demifeministgal comments on Feb 27, 2020:
These studies tend to look at general populations as they can get ethics approval easier for gen pop. They would not sample from prisons, unless it was a criminal based study. So these results can be true with the exception of prisoners.
RussRAB replies on Feb 28, 2020:
I would guess these studies are easily skewed for the results desired. They would only need to define behaviors understood to be more common amoung religious people than the non-religious as ethical or moral.
demifeministgal comments on Feb 27, 2020:
These studies tend to look at general populations as they can get ethics approval easier for gen pop. They would not sample from prisons, unless it was a criminal based study. So these results can be true with the exception of prisoners.
RussRAB replies on Feb 28, 2020:
I would guess these studies are easily skewed for the results desired. They would only need to define behaviors understood to be more common amoung religious people than the non-religious as ethical or moral.
Faith Healing Kills: Conservative Christian parents in Michigan who refused to get their dying ...
RussRAB comments on Feb 27, 2020:
I participated in a Yahoo discussion group of Creation vs. Evolution. The subject of killing in the name of God came up in one discussion. The response from one creationist was to claim that killing someone in the name of God was not immoral because God gave life and God could restore a life taken ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@rogueflyer - Isn't the concept that "God is on your side" more or less the point of a God in religion? Choosing the right set of specific beliefs and rituals gives the believer a leg up on getting favors from God. Praying often enough and in the right way, attending enough religious meetings, paying enough in offerings or donating enough time to your religion, and modifying your behavior such as what you drink or smoke, who you have sex with and wehether you are married or not, etc. is what makes the believer "worthy" of having God pay attention to them and of granting them what they need or want.
RussRAB comments on Feb 27, 2020:
I participated in a Yahoo discussion group of Creation vs. Evolution. The subject of killing in the name of God came up in one discussion. The response from one creationist was to claim that killing someone in the name of God was not immoral because God gave life and God could restore a life taken ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@rogueflyer - Isn't the concept that "God is on your side" more or less the point of a God in religion? Choosing the right set of specific beliefs and rituals gives the believer a leg up on getting favors from God. Praying often enough and in the right way, attending enough religious meetings, paying enough in offerings or donating enough time to your religion, and modifying your behavior such as what you drink or smoke, who you have sex with and wehether you are married or not, etc. is what makes the believer "worthy" of having God pay attention to them and of granting them what they need or want.
Faith Healing Kills: Conservative Christian parents in Michigan who refused to get their dying ...
RussRAB comments on Feb 26, 2020:
Jehovah's Witness have been allowed to refuse certain life saving procedures for their chidren for a long time. I believe their is a supreme Court ruling "protecting" their religious freedom (sometimes at the expense of their children's lives).
RussRAB replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@raymetcalfe - That makes sense to me. An individual can't exercise their freedom of religion if they don't survive childhood.
RussRAB comments on Feb 26, 2020:
Jehovah's Witness have been allowed to refuse certain life saving procedures for their chidren for a long time. I believe their is a supreme Court ruling "protecting" their religious freedom (sometimes at the expense of their children's lives).
RussRAB replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@raymetcalfe - That makes sense to me. An individual can't exercise their freedom of religion if they don't survive childhood.
Faith Healing Kills: Conservative Christian parents in Michigan who refused to get their dying ...
RussRAB comments on Feb 26, 2020:
Jehovah's Witness have been allowed to refuse certain life saving procedures for their chidren for a long time. I believe their is a supreme Court ruling "protecting" their religious freedom (sometimes at the expense of their children's lives).
RussRAB replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@raymetcalfe - I checked Google and couldn't find where the US Supreme Court ruled on the JW medical issue, but numerous states' top courts did rule upholding the JW's religious right to refuse life saving blood transfusions for their children. Children who have leukaemia will often need transfusions as part of their treatment. One article sounded like one state had a dystem of medical apppeals similar to what you describe in the UK. The state's top court ruled against this practice as a violation of the parent's religious right.
RussRAB comments on Feb 26, 2020:
Jehovah's Witness have been allowed to refuse certain life saving procedures for their chidren for a long time. I believe their is a supreme Court ruling "protecting" their religious freedom (sometimes at the expense of their children's lives).
RussRAB replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@raymetcalfe - I checked Google and couldn't find where the US Supreme Court ruled on the JW medical issue, but numerous states' top courts did rule upholding the JW's religious right to refuse life saving blood transfusions for their children. Children who have leukaemia will often need transfusions as part of their treatment. One article sounded like one state had a dystem of medical apppeals similar to what you describe in the UK. The state's top court ruled against this practice as a violation of the parent's religious right.
Having been encouraged by @Heidi68 who posted about her success with orchids, I had purchased one ...
Lauren comments on Feb 25, 2020:
Your choice and your photography skills are excellent. She's beautiful.
RussRAB replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@dede18 - I agree with Lauren, 20 minutes is good. Sometimes when I'm sent to the store to pick something up, it's done with specific instruction to stay out of the floral/garden department.
Lauren comments on Feb 25, 2020:
Your choice and your photography skills are excellent. She's beautiful.
RussRAB replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@dede18 - I agree with Lauren, 20 minutes is good. Sometimes when I'm sent to the store to pick something up, it's done with specific instruction to stay out of the floral/garden department.
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
AnneWimsey comments on Feb 24, 2020:
Put a few dandelions in there, my fav color combo is yellow/purple, with maybe some orange (but what other than tulips is orange & blooms now?)
RussRAB replies on Feb 24, 2020:
I received a Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds catalogue recently and was surprised to see pink dandilions in it.
AnneWimsey comments on Feb 24, 2020:
Put a few dandelions in there, my fav color combo is yellow/purple, with maybe some orange (but what other than tulips is orange & blooms now?)
RussRAB replies on Feb 24, 2020:
I received a Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds catalogue recently and was surprised to see pink dandilions in it.
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 23, 2020:
These Henbit are pretty! I have read the name before but have no personal experience.
I have become increasingly fascinated with the local weeds. Bit by bit I am learning about several of them. My latest fascination is with promoting native plants. Guess what. A lot of our weeds are invasive...
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@MikeInBatonRouge - I was looking at native plants for my area and I came across a plant that looks a bit like the yellow flower you posted a picture of on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower site.
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACOPR
MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 23, 2020:
These Henbit are pretty! I have read the name before but have no personal experience.
I have become increasingly fascinated with the local weeds. Bit by bit I am learning about several of them. My latest fascination is with promoting native plants. Guess what. A lot of our weeds are invasive...
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@MikeInBatonRouge - I was looking at native plants for my area and I came across a plant that looks a bit like the yellow flower you posted a picture of on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower site.
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACOPR
I am an atheist in a supernatural God but I have come to see that as long as someone is talking ...
Mcflewster comments on Feb 23, 2020:
You need to explain why you are still talking about God. How does it benefit you? Are you hedging your bets?
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@SalC - Human being do tend to personify thr tnings in their life. We are pattern seeking beings who can find patterns where none actually exist. The tile in the restroom where I works has random patterns of shapes. I think it is kind of fun to see how many faces and other things can be found in these shapes. It's surprising how many can be seen.
Mcflewster comments on Feb 23, 2020:
You need to explain why you are still talking about God. How does it benefit you? Are you hedging your bets?
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@SalC - Human being do tend to personify thr tnings in their life. We are pattern seeking beings who can find patterns where none actually exist. The tile in the restroom where I works has random patterns of shapes. I think it is kind of fun to see how many faces and other things can be found in these shapes. It's surprising how many can be seen.
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 23, 2020:
These Henbit are pretty! I have read the name before but have no personal experience.
I have become increasingly fascinated with the local weeds. Bit by bit I am learning about several of them. My latest fascination is with promoting native plants. Guess what. A lot of our weeds are invasive...
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
Dewberry is a plant I had experience with but it was when I was young and hiking in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. My brother and I came across a stand of bushes with a few ripe berries which we tried. They were tasty but not as juicy as a blackberry: more like a raspberry. I wasn't certain it was the same plant as you referred to since my experience was so long ago (40+ years) so I looked it up on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center site and found that California was not listed. Confused, I decided to check the USDA site. There, the distribution shows all the states from the Wildflower site plus California all by itself on the west coast. I assume it is the same plant, but who knows.
Anyway, the blue mist wild ageratum are very pretty. They look a bit like a Texas native I don't recall the name of. Frogfruit is a low growing plant that is supposed to be good for groundcover. I had the same thought as you about replacing the lawn with it because it was low enough not to need mowing. The problem is that I never found it growing in the same places of the yard year to year, and that could be a problem. So I still own a lawn mower.
MikeInBatonRouge comments on Feb 23, 2020:
These Henbit are pretty! I have read the name before but have no personal experience.
I have become increasingly fascinated with the local weeds. Bit by bit I am learning about several of them. My latest fascination is with promoting native plants. Guess what. A lot of our weeds are invasive...
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
Dewberry is a plant I had experience with but it was when I was young and hiking in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. My brother and I came across a stand of bushes with a few ripe berries which we tried. They were tasty but not as juicy as a blackberry: more like a raspberry. I wasn't certain it was the same plant as you referred to since my experience was so long ago (40+ years) so I looked it up on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center site and found that California was not listed. Confused, I decided to check the USDA site. There, the distribution shows all the states from the Wildflower site plus California all by itself on the west coast. I assume it is the same plant, but who knows.
Anyway, the blue mist wild ageratum are very pretty. They look a bit like a Texas native I don't recall the name of. Frogfruit is a low growing plant that is supposed to be good for groundcover. I had the same thought as you about replacing the lawn with it because it was low enough not to need mowing. The problem is that I never found it growing in the same places of the yard year to year, and that could be a problem. So I still own a lawn mower.
It's been a while since I shared a picture or two of my two pups, Ember and Cole.
Redheadedgammy comments on Feb 23, 2020:
They have such sweet faces!
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
Well, that does match their personalities. Cole (the black & tan) in particular is a sweetie and snuggle bunny.
Redheadedgammy comments on Feb 23, 2020:
They have such sweet faces!
RussRAB replies on Feb 23, 2020:
Well, that does match their personalities. Cole (the black & tan) in particular is a sweetie and snuggle bunny.
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
RavenCT comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Johnny Jump Up - they can have as much of my lawn as they like http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/johnnyjumpup.htm
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
I love those. I've bought Johnny Jump-Up seeds from the nursury and planted them in my garden. I wouldn't mind if they grow in the lawn too. I might give that a try.
RavenCT comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Johnny Jump Up - they can have as much of my lawn as they like http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/johnnyjumpup.htm
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
I love those. I've bought Johnny Jump-Up seeds from the nursury and planted them in my garden. I wouldn't mind if they grow in the lawn too. I might give that a try.
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
OldGoat43 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Pretty plant. I grow weeds indoors in pots on my window sills.
Here's some Google info on this plant:
Edible
Henbit can be consumed fresh or cooked as an edible herb, and it can be used in teas. The stem, flowers, and leaves are edible, and although this is in the mint family, many people say it ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Also, are we talking about growing the same kind of weeds??? 😉😁😊
OldGoat43 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Pretty plant. I grow weeds indoors in pots on my window sills.
Here's some Google info on this plant:
Edible
Henbit can be consumed fresh or cooked as an edible herb, and it can be used in teas. The stem, flowers, and leaves are edible, and although this is in the mint family, many people say it ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Also, are we talking about growing the same kind of weeds??? 😉😁😊
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
OldGoat43 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Pretty plant. I grow weeds indoors in pots on my window sills.
Here's some Google info on this plant:
Edible
Henbit can be consumed fresh or cooked as an edible herb, and it can be used in teas. The stem, flowers, and leaves are edible, and although this is in the mint family, many people say it ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Thanks! I did look up this plant in a wildflower book, but it did not have all this information.
OldGoat43 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Pretty plant. I grow weeds indoors in pots on my window sills.
Here's some Google info on this plant:
Edible
Henbit can be consumed fresh or cooked as an edible herb, and it can be used in teas. The stem, flowers, and leaves are edible, and although this is in the mint family, many people say it ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Thanks! I did look up this plant in a wildflower book, but it did not have all this information.
Henbit could probably best be described as a weed.
dede18 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
it is a pretty little wildflower ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
I agree. Its only draw back as far as I see it is that the flower is very small.
dede18 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
it is a pretty little wildflower ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
I agree. Its only draw back as far as I see it is that the flower is very small.
It's been a while since I shared a picture or two of my two pups, Ember and Cole.
Lorajay comments on Feb 22, 2020:
They are beautiful. I know the visit meant a lot to your wife.
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
It did. These little ones are everything they say about dogs being the best anti-depressants and a loyal friend for life.
Lorajay comments on Feb 22, 2020:
They are beautiful. I know the visit meant a lot to your wife.
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
It did. These little ones are everything they say about dogs being the best anti-depressants and a loyal friend for life.
It's been a while since I shared a picture or two of my two pups, Ember and Cole.
OnTheInside comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Oh so cute, and I hope all is well.
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
We are stll hopeful. My wife's health has not been good for quite a while.
OnTheInside comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Oh so cute, and I hope all is well.
RussRAB replies on Feb 22, 2020:
We are stll hopeful. My wife's health has not been good for quite a while.
Air Force One does an illegal 800 foot fly over of the Daytona race track!
trump is truly the ...
RichCC comments on Feb 17, 2020:
From what I read they first posted a 2004 Bush image then when they were called on it had to pull that and post a more current tRump picture. Note the much smaller crowd size in the tRump shot. Lol.
That detail means nothing of course -- except that the White House these days is relentlessly ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 17, 2020:
Fat Donny still believes he is performing in a reality TV show.
RichCC comments on Feb 17, 2020:
From what I read they first posted a 2004 Bush image then when they were called on it had to pull that and post a more current tRump picture. Note the much smaller crowd size in the tRump shot. Lol.
That detail means nothing of course -- except that the White House these days is relentlessly ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 17, 2020:
Fat Donny still believes he is performing in a reality TV show.
Iceland Declares All Religions Are Mental Disorders
[patheos.com]
What are opinions here?
ToolGuy comments on Feb 14, 2020:
As much as I would like to believe this, I do not. Snopes has nothing.
RussRAB replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@TheoryNumber3 - I agree it was not very clear. The Borowitz Report: Not the News says what it is right up front.
ToolGuy comments on Feb 14, 2020:
As much as I would like to believe this, I do not. Snopes has nothing.
RussRAB replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@TheoryNumber3 - I agree it was not very clear. The Borowitz Report: Not the News says what it is right up front.
Iceland Declares All Religions Are Mental Disorders
[patheos.com]
What are opinions here?
ToolGuy comments on Feb 14, 2020:
As much as I would like to believe this, I do not. Snopes has nothing.
RussRAB replies on Feb 14, 2020:
It is my mistake and is a satirical story.
WilliamFlemin posted this Snopes article earlier.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/iceland-religions-mental-disorders/
ToolGuy comments on Feb 14, 2020:
As much as I would like to believe this, I do not. Snopes has nothing.
RussRAB replies on Feb 14, 2020:
It is my mistake and is a satirical story.
WilliamFlemin posted this Snopes article earlier.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/iceland-religions-mental-disorders/
Iceland Declares All Religions Are Mental Disorders
[patheos.com]
What are opinions here?
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2020:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/iceland-religions-mental-disorders/
It’s simply not true.
65% of Icelanders belong to the Church of Iceland, though many are members in name only.
RussRAB replies on Feb 14, 2020:
Thanks for posting this link; I stand corrected. I honestly didn't think to fact check the article. I found it as a link to another article about Jim Bakker hocking a Silver Solution that is supposed to cure a coronavirus infection. The Iceland article is tagged as satire, but it is a small button after the end of the article, an ad or two, and couple other links. I've been caught on satirical articles before - it's always embarrassing. Again, thanks for posting the Snopes article. Fact checking is our friend. 😊
WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2020:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/iceland-religions-mental-disorders/
It’s simply not true.
65% of Icelanders belong to the Church of Iceland, though many are members in name only.
RussRAB replies on Feb 14, 2020:
Thanks for posting this link; I stand corrected. I honestly didn't think to fact check the article. I found it as a link to another article about Jim Bakker hocking a Silver Solution that is supposed to cure a coronavirus infection. The Iceland article is tagged as satire, but it is a small button after the end of the article, an ad or two, and couple other links. I've been caught on satirical articles before - it's always embarrassing. Again, thanks for posting the Snopes article. Fact checking is our friend. 😊
Christian Blogger on Hitting Kids: “You Must Make Sure It Hurts to be Effective” | Beth ...
RussRAB comments on Feb 9, 2020:
Christisns can be so far behind the times.
"Spanking is correlated strongly and quite exclusively with multiple negative outcomes for children. The negative outcomes often appear only after the spanking has begun, and the effects of spanking remain significant and sizable even after controlling ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 9, 2020:
@anglophone - It's particularly difficult to understand since Jesus said at some point that some in his presence would still be alive when he returned. I wonder just how many 2000 year old humans we have living somewhere on earth?
RussRAB comments on Feb 9, 2020:
Christisns can be so far behind the times.
"Spanking is correlated strongly and quite exclusively with multiple negative outcomes for children. The negative outcomes often appear only after the spanking has begun, and the effects of spanking remain significant and sizable even after controlling ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 9, 2020:
@anglophone - It's particularly difficult to understand since Jesus said at some point that some in his presence would still be alive when he returned. I wonder just how many 2000 year old humans we have living somewhere on earth?
Attorney General Warns of 'Militant Secular Effort' to Drive Out Religion
Flyingsaucesir comments on Feb 5, 2020:
Barr makes a mistake that is all too typical of religious folk: that people who do not subscribe to their way if thinking are automatically amoral. The notion that morality springs from belief in a "higher power" is simply preposterous. Moral compass is a product of our evolutionary history as ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 5, 2020:
Religions can (and have) incorporate immoral behavior in their moral codes (i.e. institutionalized mistreatment of women, acceptance of slavery, etc). The Divine Command Theory defines whatever God commands is moral even if the commandment is murder, rape, child abuse, etc. Someone who declines to follow through on what God commands from them would be considered to be immoral.
Flyingsaucesir comments on Feb 5, 2020:
Barr makes a mistake that is all too typical of religious folk: that people who do not subscribe to their way if thinking are automatically amoral. The notion that morality springs from belief in a "higher power" is simply preposterous. Moral compass is a product of our evolutionary history as ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 5, 2020:
Religions can (and have) incorporate immoral behavior in their moral codes (i.e. institutionalized mistreatment of women, acceptance of slavery, etc). The Divine Command Theory defines whatever God commands is moral even if the commandment is murder, rape, child abuse, etc. Someone who declines to follow through on what God commands from them would be considered to be immoral.
A Nashville Art School Will Purge All Non-Christian Faculty Now That It Has Been Taken Over by a ...
ArthurK comments on Feb 2, 2020:
Now now they don't want any non-of-their-kind-of-Christians doing art. And the law, (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) allows discrimination on the basis of religion if the organizations purpose and character are primarily religious.
I once thought I would apply for an adjunct teaching ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 2, 2020:
Most significant religious experience: Discovering it is all bunk. Of course, such an answer wouldn't help you get hired.
ArthurK comments on Feb 2, 2020:
Now now they don't want any non-of-their-kind-of-Christians doing art. And the law, (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) allows discrimination on the basis of religion if the organizations purpose and character are primarily religious.
I once thought I would apply for an adjunct teaching ...
RussRAB replies on Feb 2, 2020:
Most significant religious experience: Discovering it is all bunk. Of course, such an answer wouldn't help you get hired.
These are bearded iris with one Siberian iris.
Lavergne comments on Jan 18, 2020:
Irises - all of them - are my favorites in the garden.... Yours are beautiful!! This is one of my most favorite colors....
RussRAB replies on Jan 18, 2020:
Irises are my favorites, too. I have gotten into having named varieties. Still have plenty that aren't and they are just as beautiful. This was one of my favorites. Mine was in a section of my garden that was covered when we had a house fire and the insurance adjuster shovelled a bunch of the ash out the back door to do their investigation. I'm thinking of replacing it this year.
Lavergne comments on Jan 18, 2020:
Irises - all of them - are my favorites in the garden.... Yours are beautiful!! This is one of my most favorite colors....
RussRAB replies on Jan 18, 2020:
Irises are my favorites, too. I have gotten into having named varieties. Still have plenty that aren't and they are just as beautiful. This was one of my favorites. Mine was in a section of my garden that was covered when we had a house fire and the insurance adjuster shovelled a bunch of the ash out the back door to do their investigation. I'm thinking of replacing it this year.
Washington state lawmaker accused of "domestic terrorism" refuses to resign
LucyLoohoo comments on Dec 21, 2019:
Can he be impeached? There MUST be a way to get him ousted!
RussRAB replies on Dec 22, 2019:
@LucyLoohoo - Sounds like a decent solution.
LucyLoohoo comments on Dec 21, 2019:
Can he be impeached? There MUST be a way to get him ousted!
RussRAB replies on Dec 22, 2019:
@LucyLoohoo - Sounds like a decent solution.
Washington state lawmaker accused of "domestic terrorism" refuses to resign
LucyLoohoo comments on Dec 21, 2019:
Can he be impeached? There MUST be a way to get him ousted!
RussRAB replies on Dec 22, 2019:
@LucyLoohoo - That's the problem. When he finally does put it into action, lots of people could be harmed. I don't know what the answer is especially when he has enough support to win elections.
LucyLoohoo comments on Dec 21, 2019:
Can he be impeached? There MUST be a way to get him ousted!
RussRAB replies on Dec 22, 2019:
@LucyLoohoo - That's the problem. When he finally does put it into action, lots of people could be harmed. I don't know what the answer is especially when he has enough support to win elections.
Washington state lawmaker accused of "domestic terrorism" refuses to resign
LucyLoohoo comments on Dec 21, 2019:
Can he be impeached? There MUST be a way to get him ousted!
RussRAB replies on Dec 22, 2019:
I don't know what the rules are for removing an elected state representative in Washington state. I imagine he has the right of freedom of thought even if most people would find his thoughts repugnant.
LucyLoohoo comments on Dec 21, 2019:
Can he be impeached? There MUST be a way to get him ousted!
RussRAB replies on Dec 22, 2019:
I don't know what the rules are for removing an elected state representative in Washington state. I imagine he has the right of freedom of thought even if most people would find his thoughts repugnant.
Largest U.S. Christian Charity Reportedly Donated $56.1 Million to Hate Groups
Fernapple comments on Nov 15, 2019:
I really like the line. "Donor-advised funds allow individuals sending the tax deductible contributions to remain anonymous from the IRS and instruct where they want the payments to be sent." So in other words you can donate to any hate group you want, and get the tax relief, as long as you do it ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 16, 2019:
We seem to excel at this kind of nonsense here in the US (not familier enough to comment about anywhere else). The Kochs were a very wealthy and conservative pair of brothers (one die recently, I believe) who set up a network of so called charities designed to hide where donations came from. The "donor-advised funds" are the same kind of set up but appears to give the donor more control where their money ultimately goes. It's a system to promote anonimity - donating without accountability.
The NRA was caught in such a scheme with political donatons if I got the story correctly. US law prohibits political contributions to condidates from foriegn sources. The NRA accepted a very large contribution from Russia which the NRA subsequently donated to Republicans (the party of Trump). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Moscow Mitch) and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan decided with Republican races to distribute these Russian funds to. It was an insidious scheme desogned to skirt around our laws to protect American integrity of our election processes.
Fernapple comments on Nov 15, 2019:
I really like the line. "Donor-advised funds allow individuals sending the tax deductible contributions to remain anonymous from the IRS and instruct where they want the payments to be sent." So in other words you can donate to any hate group you want, and get the tax relief, as long as you do it ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 16, 2019:
We seem to excel at this kind of nonsense here in the US (not familier enough to comment about anywhere else). The Kochs were a very wealthy and conservative pair of brothers (one die recently, I believe) who set up a network of so called charities designed to hide where donations came from. The "donor-advised funds" are the same kind of set up but appears to give the donor more control where their money ultimately goes. It's a system to promote anonimity - donating without accountability.
The NRA was caught in such a scheme with political donatons if I got the story correctly. US law prohibits political contributions to condidates from foriegn sources. The NRA accepted a very large contribution from Russia which the NRA subsequently donated to Republicans (the party of Trump). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Moscow Mitch) and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan decided with Republican races to distribute these Russian funds to. It was an insidious scheme desogned to skirt around our laws to protect American integrity of our election processes.
Ohio Law Would Allow Students To Give Wrong Answers Because Of Religious Belief | Michael Stone
RussRAB comments on Nov 14, 2019:
So, Holocaust deniers are also allowed to give wrong answers on WWII history tests because of their beliefs? Racists are allowed to give wrong answers about slavery in America and race relations afterward because of theirs? This is a slippery slope that has no useful or valid result.
RussRAB replies on Nov 14, 2019:
@Beowulfsfriend - No doubt, you are correct.
RussRAB comments on Nov 14, 2019:
So, Holocaust deniers are also allowed to give wrong answers on WWII history tests because of their beliefs? Racists are allowed to give wrong answers about slavery in America and race relations afterward because of theirs? This is a slippery slope that has no useful or valid result.
RussRAB replies on Nov 14, 2019:
@Beowulfsfriend - No doubt, you are correct.
Ohio Law Would Allow Students To Give Wrong Answers Because Of Religious Belief | Michael Stone
aintmisbehaven comments on Nov 14, 2019:
America is so f---ed up these days.... my late wife and I used to jokingly threaten to move to Canada..... hmmmm(?)...
if Trump wins again, and I were to do that, I've no doubt he'd cancel my SS... may have to become an underground resistance fighter instead.....
RussRAB replies on Nov 14, 2019:
I began looking at websites about emigrating to Canada when Trump won. It still seems like a good idea on some days.
aintmisbehaven comments on Nov 14, 2019:
America is so f---ed up these days.... my late wife and I used to jokingly threaten to move to Canada..... hmmmm(?)...
if Trump wins again, and I were to do that, I've no doubt he'd cancel my SS... may have to become an underground resistance fighter instead.....
RussRAB replies on Nov 14, 2019:
I began looking at websites about emigrating to Canada when Trump won. It still seems like a good idea on some days.
Ohio Law Would Allow Students To Give Wrong Answers Because Of Religious Belief | Michael Stone
Beowulfsfriend comments on Nov 14, 2019:
Let's just hand out diplomas that say I may be stupid, I went to Ohio.
RussRAB replies on Nov 14, 2019:
Why bother with schools at all. Just hand out the diplomas. They would be about that meaningful.
Beowulfsfriend comments on Nov 14, 2019:
Let's just hand out diplomas that say I may be stupid, I went to Ohio.
RussRAB replies on Nov 14, 2019:
Why bother with schools at all. Just hand out the diplomas. They would be about that meaningful.
And it is catalog season! I have used both Johnny's Selected Seeds and Pinetree seeds for years.
JackPedigo comments on Nov 12, 2019:
One year my daughter gave us a catalog "The Whole Seed Catalog." Talk about salivating. https://www.rareseeds.com/store/whole-seed-catalog a fantastic catalog that is really tempting.
RussRAB replies on Nov 12, 2019:
@JackPedigo - and in between those morning and evening times, everything in the garden suffers from the heat. I have no doubt your partner was thrilled to be gardening somewhere other than here.
JackPedigo comments on Nov 12, 2019:
One year my daughter gave us a catalog "The Whole Seed Catalog." Talk about salivating. https://www.rareseeds.com/store/whole-seed-catalog a fantastic catalog that is really tempting.
RussRAB replies on Nov 12, 2019:
@JackPedigo - and in between those morning and evening times, everything in the garden suffers from the heat. I have no doubt your partner was thrilled to be gardening somewhere other than here.
And it is catalog season! I have used both Johnny's Selected Seeds and Pinetree seeds for years.
JackPedigo comments on Nov 12, 2019:
One year my daughter gave us a catalog "The Whole Seed Catalog." Talk about salivating. https://www.rareseeds.com/store/whole-seed-catalog a fantastic catalog that is really tempting.
RussRAB replies on Nov 12, 2019:
@JackPedigo - It's very easy to do. I line in the area of Fort Worth and love to go to their Botanical Garden sales held twice a year. I go with the idea of not spending too much money but have never been able to follow through. It's a good thing it is only twice a year.
Buying from catalogues can be a similae experience except I can always pair down due to cost. I rarely buy everything initially selected when buying from one even when I think my original selections were conservative.
JackPedigo comments on Nov 12, 2019:
One year my daughter gave us a catalog "The Whole Seed Catalog." Talk about salivating. https://www.rareseeds.com/store/whole-seed-catalog a fantastic catalog that is really tempting.
RussRAB replies on Nov 12, 2019:
@JackPedigo - It's very easy to do. I line in the area of Fort Worth and love to go to their Botanical Garden sales held twice a year. I go with the idea of not spending too much money but have never been able to follow through. It's a good thing it is only twice a year.
Buying from catalogues can be a similae experience except I can always pair down due to cost. I rarely buy everything initially selected when buying from one even when I think my original selections were conservative.
And it is catalog season! I have used both Johnny's Selected Seeds and Pinetree seeds for years.
JackPedigo comments on Nov 12, 2019:
One year my daughter gave us a catalog "The Whole Seed Catalog." Talk about salivating. https://www.rareseeds.com/store/whole-seed-catalog a fantastic catalog that is really tempting.
RussRAB replies on Nov 12, 2019:
I got lost in their catalogue first time I ordered it. I had them send one to my sister in Oregon, but she never said anything about it. She is an avid gardener.
JackPedigo comments on Nov 12, 2019:
One year my daughter gave us a catalog "The Whole Seed Catalog." Talk about salivating. https://www.rareseeds.com/store/whole-seed-catalog a fantastic catalog that is really tempting.
RussRAB replies on Nov 12, 2019:
I got lost in their catalogue first time I ordered it. I had them send one to my sister in Oregon, but she never said anything about it. She is an avid gardener.
11 - 11 - 11am is the day the guns went silent in 1918.
SiouxcitySue comments on Nov 11, 2019:
I'm sad to hear about your loss. It isn't easy allowing a friend to go over the rainbow bridge but sometimes it makes more sense, for everyone, that allowing her to continue alive without the quality of life she loved.
RussRAB replies on Nov 11, 2019:
@SiouxcitySue - It's so sad that they aren't able to stay with us longer. We have had several we would have loved more time with.
SiouxcitySue comments on Nov 11, 2019:
I'm sad to hear about your loss. It isn't easy allowing a friend to go over the rainbow bridge but sometimes it makes more sense, for everyone, that allowing her to continue alive without the quality of life she loved.
RussRAB replies on Nov 11, 2019:
@SiouxcitySue - It's so sad that they aren't able to stay with us longer. We have had several we would have loved more time with.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I agree.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I agree.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I hope I'm not coming across as too big of a jerk. I do have a lot more time to look up some things today than usual.
I have come across religious people who are axious to be able to quote from resear h that appears to support what they believe. While the research may produce some valid and useful results, claiming it somehow proves God or proves a connection to God is a flawed conclusion. Until God can be proven as a valid and distinct identifiable entity, no conclusion using God as an assumed proven entity cannot be acceptable.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I hope I'm not coming across as too big of a jerk. I do have a lot more time to look up some things today than usual.
I have come across religious people who are axious to be able to quote from resear h that appears to support what they believe. While the research may produce some valid and useful results, claiming it somehow proves God or proves a connection to God is a flawed conclusion. Until God can be proven as a valid and distinct identifiable entity, no conclusion using God as an assumed proven entity cannot be acceptable.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - OK, here in the link I found. The article doesn't say much and doesn't say anything about God other than that speaking in tongues is a part of some believer's religious experience.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925492706001211
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - OK, here in the link I found. The article doesn't say much and doesn't say anything about God other than that speaking in tongues is a part of some believer's religious experience.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925492706001211
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I didn't find a link yet to the Psychiatry journal but did find your sciencemag link in your comment below. It does add some detail missing in this article, but Dr. Newberg is quoted in both articles referencing God as a proven entity. Such statements should be seen as indications of tainted research because brain scans show no evidence of anything to do with God, and more often from my reading, explains why the subjects feel as they do, not anything to do with God. This interpretation is an additional leap not warranted by the research.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I didn't find a link yet to the Psychiatry journal but did find your sciencemag link in your comment below. It does add some detail missing in this article, but Dr. Newberg is quoted in both articles referencing God as a proven entity. Such statements should be seen as indications of tainted research because brain scans show no evidence of anything to do with God, and more often from my reading, explains why the subjects feel as they do, not anything to do with God. This interpretation is an additional leap not warranted by the research.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - Did you intend to attach a link? I don't see one if you did.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - Did you intend to attach a link? I don't see one if you did.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I assume you found and read the study. What kind of control group did they have? That is missing in the article.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@WilliamFleming - I assume you found and read the study. What kind of control group did they have? That is missing in the article.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
Joanne comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Yeah, well, unless they are in a room full of people who speak different languages and everyone understands their babble in their own language, I am going to say it does not meet the biblical standard of speaking in tongues--and that just aint gonna happen!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@girlwithsmiles - I've never experienced anyone speaking in tongues first hand. There was a young teenager who came to a televangelist's micrhone on TV while I was scanning channels one day. He spoke plenty of "thou's", "thee's", and the like interspersed with unrecognizable syllables. Everyone on the TV was impressed; I kept scanning channels. I guess I just didn't have the right spirit of God.
Nothing much was terribly original in Mormonism unless you want to count Joseph Smith's wild imagings. Even the temple endowment ceremony was so much like the masonic ritual (Smith was a Mason who was initiated into the upper ranks because he could swell the Illinois membership of Masons significantly, like doubling it at least).
Joanne comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Yeah, well, unless they are in a room full of people who speak different languages and everyone understands their babble in their own language, I am going to say it does not meet the biblical standard of speaking in tongues--and that just aint gonna happen!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@girlwithsmiles - I've never experienced anyone speaking in tongues first hand. There was a young teenager who came to a televangelist's micrhone on TV while I was scanning channels one day. He spoke plenty of "thou's", "thee's", and the like interspersed with unrecognizable syllables. Everyone on the TV was impressed; I kept scanning channels. I guess I just didn't have the right spirit of God.
Nothing much was terribly original in Mormonism unless you want to count Joseph Smith's wild imagings. Even the temple endowment ceremony was so much like the masonic ritual (Smith was a Mason who was initiated into the upper ranks because he could swell the Illinois membership of Masons significantly, like doubling it at least).
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
MakeItGood comments on Nov 10, 2019:
So after diving about two links deep into the article, this is based on the research of Dr. andrew Newberg (http://www.andrewnewberg.com/research) who started the branch of Neurotheology, which studies the effect of prayer and belief.
Looking over his website, it is clear there is a bias in the ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
I had forgotten about having a contol group. As you say, none was mentioned in the article but is essential in any legitimate research.
MakeItGood comments on Nov 10, 2019:
So after diving about two links deep into the article, this is based on the research of Dr. andrew Newberg (http://www.andrewnewberg.com/research) who started the branch of Neurotheology, which studies the effect of prayer and belief.
Looking over his website, it is clear there is a bias in the ...
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
I had forgotten about having a contol group. As you say, none was mentioned in the article but is essential in any legitimate research.
Oh, yes. I've done the chair thing many times!
LenHazell53 comments on Nov 10, 2019:
"Every member a janitor" remember that shit after they fired all the cleaners
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
I think I must have been out before this move was made, but I did hear about it. Did they hold a lottery on who would scrub the toilets and urinals? Or was it just a "special" calling?
LenHazell53 comments on Nov 10, 2019:
"Every member a janitor" remember that shit after they fired all the cleaners
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
I think I must have been out before this move was made, but I did hear about it. Did they hold a lottery on who would scrub the toilets and urinals? Or was it just a "special" calling?
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
abyers1970 comments on Nov 10, 2019:
In my opinion, speaking in tongues is spiritual narcissism whereby the person is trying to prove how much more holy he is than everyone else by doing this. It’s pretty much like the salesmen saying have you seen the new Ferrari I bought this week.
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
I have a hyper-Christian cousin who married a Pastor. My aunt once gold my dad she was upset because other members of the congregation her husband served would often break out speaking in tongues, but my cousin never felt the urge, the call, whatever they consider it. My dad being a disbeliever at that time used to laugh recounting the story. His remedy was for her to fake it and start babbling. He figured everyone else speaking in tongues was just faking it as well.
abyers1970 comments on Nov 10, 2019:
In my opinion, speaking in tongues is spiritual narcissism whereby the person is trying to prove how much more holy he is than everyone else by doing this. It’s pretty much like the salesmen saying have you seen the new Ferrari I bought this week.
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
I have a hyper-Christian cousin who married a Pastor. My aunt once gold my dad she was upset because other members of the congregation her husband served would often break out speaking in tongues, but my cousin never felt the urge, the call, whatever they consider it. My dad being a disbeliever at that time used to laugh recounting the story. His remedy was for her to fake it and start babbling. He figured everyone else speaking in tongues was just faking it as well.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
Joanne comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Yeah, well, unless they are in a room full of people who speak different languages and everyone understands their babble in their own language, I am going to say it does not meet the biblical standard of speaking in tongues--and that just aint gonna happen!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
Among Mormons (early Mormons in particular) the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues was separate ftom the gift of interpreting those who speak in tongues. One account I once read involved a woman who stood up and began speaking in tongues (I have to wonder if she was having a stroke). While this first woman was enunciating, another woman stood up and began "interpreting" into english what the first woman was (supposedly) saying.
Joanne comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Yeah, well, unless they are in a room full of people who speak different languages and everyone understands their babble in their own language, I am going to say it does not meet the biblical standard of speaking in tongues--and that just aint gonna happen!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
Among Mormons (early Mormons in particular) the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues was separate ftom the gift of interpreting those who speak in tongues. One account I once read involved a woman who stood up and began speaking in tongues (I have to wonder if she was having a stroke). While this first woman was enunciating, another woman stood up and began "interpreting" into english what the first woman was (supposedly) saying.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
BestWithoutGods comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Bluga Shimisso Gexadowee Fazavobicur!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@BestWithoutGods - I guess the spirit didn't allow me to read in tongues. 😋🤔🤣
BestWithoutGods comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Bluga Shimisso Gexadowee Fazavobicur!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
@BestWithoutGods - I guess the spirit didn't allow me to read in tongues. 😋🤔🤣
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
whiskywoman comments on Nov 10, 2019:
they have studies to prove almost anything ten a week on morning shows
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
With so many Christion Universities, they can generate slll sorts of self fulfilling research the want under the guise of University prestige. Nearly all of it is a farce.
whiskywoman comments on Nov 10, 2019:
they have studies to prove almost anything ten a week on morning shows
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
With so many Christion Universities, they can generate slll sorts of self fulfilling research the want under the guise of University prestige. Nearly all of it is a farce.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
BestWithoutGods comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Bluga Shimisso Gexadowee Fazavobicur!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
Huh?!?
BestWithoutGods comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Bluga Shimisso Gexadowee Fazavobicur!
RussRAB replies on Nov 10, 2019:
Huh?!?
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