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Inside looking out or outside looking in?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
I've done similar things in my waking life, including going over multiple scenarios in my mind before addressing them in reality, always ready because I had rehearsed every possibility in my mind. It carried over into my dream state as well, backing up a dream with an unsatisfactory ending and then replaying it one or more alternate ways until I found it satisfactory, sort of like being the main actor and the director at the same time. Alternately I can be completely fluid and just let my imagination run riot when I am feeling creative or engaged in an activity. Often I will finish an activity and have no idea how I got to the end or the intermediate steps, it's just done and done well, my conscious mind is else where and my subconscious mind is running the show. So long as it works for you then go with it.
Bullies.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
I bought a few acres on an island a couple of years ago and I built a house on it, the problem is with a right of way across one corner of my property that services a group of 13 houses about a kilometer away on the other side of the island. The people who live down the road used to use my driveway as a shortcut instead of using the right of way which also has a gravel road on it but my driveway was easier to use so they had grown used to using it. I didn't bother about it until my lumber package was delivered and the driver dropped it in the driveway, some of the people down the road threatened to sue me for blocking their right of way, I explained it was my driveway and they had a right of way already. They called in a surveyor and he confirmed that what I had told them was the truth, this just made them angry as they were now out of pocket $1,000 for the surveyor. I put up a sign asking them not to drive on my driveway and to please slow down, they stole the sign including the post the next day. Then they fabricated lies about me saying I was a dead beat builder from Florida who had stiffed some people on a subdivision, similar name and age but a totally different guy, I was amazed at how many people on FB share my name. :O Next one of them got drunk on a Friday night and threw a rock through the window of my motorhome which I was using as my site office and toilet while I built the house. Easy enough to find out who did it if you live on an island where everybody talks, he denied it of course. They called the Fire department on me several times when I was burning construction refuse with a permit until finally the Fire Chief threatened to charge them the next time the volunteer fire department was called out on a nuisance call = $5000 fine. They called the building inspector for deficiencies that weren't there, I'm a master builder and a licensed building inspector myself, another warning for wasting his time too. They even had the local mayor call the electrical utility and have them delay my electrical service hook up. Finally they sent me a 'scare letter' threatening me with legal action if I didn't give up my driveway to them, it's my only access to my house, I told the ambulance chaser to either sue or go away, he went away. Throughout this bullying the police were no help at all, a civil matter but what has come out of this is that they have learned that they cannot bully me into getting their way, I have been steadfast throughout and have earned a grudging respect from these people. It turns out that they have bullied other people in the past, driven people to move off the island and basically made people's lives a living hell in order to get their way. Bullying doesn't work with me, it just makes me dig in deeper, a bit of ...
Why do most Dr. offices have Fox news on?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
I own a television set that I play DVD's on that I get from my public library, I don't have cable TV available on the island I live on and I wouldn't pay for it even if it was available, stopped it back in 1999. I see television news perhaps once a month if I am at a doctor's appointment, having the car serviced or in a pub. It is always mindless pablum, worse than watching sports or listening to elevator music. I would say that FOX News is the worst of the lot but if the attentiveness that most people give to it is any indication then it must be just right for the average schmo's mentality. The weather channel is nice, something useful at least.
I Didn't Know!
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
If I recall my history correctly, Grandpa Bush was a bank and laundered money for the Nazis, he was caught and given a slap on the wrist because there was still a lot of pro-Hitler sentiment in the US at the time. Hitler was fighting the Communists in Germany and that was popular, plus he was anti-Semitic and there is a long history of anti-Semitism in the US. IBM provided the basic computing systems used by the Nazis for the concentration camps among other uses and the helped maintain those computing systems in the early stages of WWII before the US got involved officially and even afterwards for a wile, depending upon who you trust. Would the Nazi genocide of the Jews, Poles, Gypsies, Homosexuals and a host of others still gone ahead with one less money laundering banker and the old filing systems? Of course it would have. Lots of dirty hands if you look closely at history.
Decentcy of chivalry
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
There are plenty of decent men and women in this world and many of them are also quite civil and polite, however there does seem to be a slide in the level of civility and politeness of the general population. Provided the person you are dealing with wasn't raised in a barn by a pack of weasels it shouldn't be too difficult to meet civilized people with manners and provided you yourself are up to the standard you hold others to then you should have no issues. Work harder at being polite and civil, even if it isn't reciprocated, it's not a reflection upon you but upon them. Aim higher, if you want to soar with the eagles then it does you no good to hang out with a bunch of turkeys. Best of Luck to You.
I'm not sure if this is funny or just sad but it is definitely silly.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
Intelligent people question the depth of their knowledge but ignorant people believe they know everything, or words to that effect.
I trust most of us here have studied the Bible more thoroughly than those who profess belief; if ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
In broad strokes I like that the 10 Commandments were implemented to undo the confusion caused by the hundreds of religious rules created by the priests but even this was too much for the knuckle dragging, bronze age primitives to understand so iron age Jesus is sent back with just 2 rules - love your brothers and sisters and also love god which we are all expressions of, so really just one rule - LOVE. Still fucking that one up in a big way. The other general premise I like is that Lucifer is portrayed as the great evil and cause of suffering because he insisted that humankind have freewill, all the suffering of humanity is linked to this concept and god heaps pain and suffering on his creation because it has the audacity to want to be free. Makes a person wonder just where the evil truly lies, fortunately most believers let that one fly right over their little heads, bowed to the ground in fear and supplication.
Which news site you trust most?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
Getting actual information from the news stations is an exercise in separating the wheat from the chaff as they all have their own political biases and agendas. This used to be a pretty straightforward exercise but I have noticed that all of the news outlets have become highly polarized with various blocks parroting the same party line and that includes repeating the same pack of lies, often verbatim. I find that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation which used to be fairly unbiased has become slanted to the right on foreign affairs and has partnered with NPR which has also taken a hit since the Trumpster moved into the White House. RT (russian television) used to be pretty decent if only because there were nuggets of truth buried in the propaganda which were pretty easy to uncover but sadly they have become much more sophisticated at spin after bringing on a large crew of Western media types, almost not worth the effort for how much real news is left anymore. Al Jazeera had good coverage up until a few years ago but the censorship from Qatar has made it a watered down version of its former self. I get much of my news from friends on the ground that are scattered around the planet thanks to the time we spent travelling and meeting fellow travelers, the rest I pick up where I can from the usual suspects.
What have you always wanted? Did you ever get it?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
My own pet unicorn, probably not going to happen but I'm an optimist so you never know. ;)
Nice to meet you all! Im Carla, an atheist and have been for over 20 years, im excited to get to ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
Welcome fellow Atheist. Nice to see you say it loud and say it proud.
How important do you think our buying power is?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
A few things I do when shopping: Buy locally whenever possible. Shop at businesses that pay their employees a living wage and avoid the ones that engage in wage slavery. Buy less of good quality products instead of more of poor quality products that don't last, cost more in the long run and wind up in our landfill sites. Buy used items, it feeds back into your local economy and it is the reuse part of the 3 R's. Local auctions are a great way to buy locally and it is a direct injection of cash into your local economy. Minimize, the less you buy things that you don't really need the smaller the market for junk items becomes and the better utilized our natural resources.
Are progressives against enlightenment? This is what some republican talking head stated.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
What could be less enlightened than a Conservative Religious Fundamentalist?
What do you do when an event you're at is opened with a prayer or grace?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
On occasion it has been so long winded a prayer that I have been tempted to yell out mid prayer in a form of fundamentalist Tourette's syndrome. 'HALLEJULAH' !! 'PRAISE THE LORD' !! 'GOD DAMN'!! 'JESUS FUCKING CHRIST' !! Sadly I was raised to well to do it but the temptation is there and we are all subject to temptations. :D
I am sitting in Webster, Tx (I think), south of Houston near NASA on I45.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Nothing to worry about, just the gobernment looking out for your safety. If they think they saw anything suspicious about you in their fly over then expect the cops to show up soon and give you a road side cavity search, it's not easy keeping people safe. ;) With spring here there will soon be daily fly overs by black helicopters and military planes with imaging equipment looking for cannabis and smugglers and illegal immigrants trying to cross the border. The island I live on is in the middle of the St. Lawrence River and the border runs up the middle of it.
As an agnostic you don't know about god then what drives you in life?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
I never saw the belief in god as a driver in my life, not even a co-pilot.
Do people become more religious as they become old?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
In general I think more people become more religious the closer they come to the end of their life, I suppose it is a comfort to them to believe that they will carry on after their body dies. For other people I think they become much less religious or more secure in their atheism as life experience has taught them that there is no god and there is no afterlife, at that point you have put away childish thoughts of an afterlife and are focused more on enjoying life to the fullest while it last.
Whats with the levels...oh and now I HAVE to put this in a certain category...ok...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Is there a prize for getting to level 10? Maybe a coupon for the movies or a nice restaurant? :D
Can you call your life a succesful life till now?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
High highs and low lows, plus everything in between. I have had a full life so far, regrets I've had only a few of but not enough to mention. I do what I want, when I want and have no real hardship so yes I would call my life successful as I am happy and upbeat most of the time.
Mistaken Identity
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Kevin Space for me (pre his disgrace) and my wife still gets Ally McGraw. Multiple occasions from friends and strangers alike.
According to a recent survey, men say the first thing they notice about women is their eyes.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Arr, If we like the cut of her jib then the eyes are just a part of it. If we told them the truth they'd never give up the booty. ;)
Altruistic prayer
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It depends upon how they say it to me. If they say it with a kind heart then I just smile back at them as I would if a deranged but harmless person came up to me and said something nice, possibly I would say Thanks. If it is the other version which is really a take off on 'Bless Your Heart' then I will quip something back at them because that's just my personality and my pet peeve on nasty hypocrites. I had one recently where a particularly vile woman who has caused much harm in the neighbourhood but considers herself a holy christian dropped that line on me. I told her that I thought it was nice that she had one friend in the world, even if he was only imaginary, that shut her up. It amazes me that people think they can do evil but be forgiven because they have an imaginary sky daddy watching their back.
What do you do when having a meal with a party that prays?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
I'm a gourmet cook, have been since my teens because I love good food, so if someone wants to disrespect the hard work and care that I have put into the meal before them by engaging in a long drawn out sermon disguised as a prayer of thanks while my meal gets cold then I am going to start eating before they get through thanking their sky daddy for the work I just did to make the meal. Rubba dub dub, thanks for the grub or a quick blessing is something I can live with out of respect for their delusional ideas but much more than that and there will be no further attempts at indulgence, it's a quid pro quo situation. I've run into it a few times and just started eating after the 1 minute mark. I never bow my head or clasp my hands in prayer as I don't want to be an enabler, instead I just sit there quietly and look around the table to make sure everything is in place and I haven't overlooked anything during my rush to get dinner on the table in prime form. Often I catch others looking around and they usually close their eyes guiltily and quickly bow their heads again which is kind of cute and gives me a chuckle.
I am beginning to see more articles and posts on social media criticising 'The new atheism' and its ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Just the usual inane drivel and ranting from the people at the shallow end of the gene pool, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Now if they start using words like CRUSADE and stockpiling Tiki Torches then I would start giving it more of my attention, until then I expect they'll just keep bombing Muslims in the hopes of bringing about the Rapture they're all so enthralled with. Jeebus they are a bunch of morons but at least without pitchforks and torches for the moment. :D
I hate it when I'm just introducing myself to someone and I mention how I am an atheist.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
After reading the comments I am amazed at how rude these christians are, just horrible people to say such things. I am openly Atheist and make no bones about it, I try to be kind towards religious people the way I would be with any village idiot but with people like you are describing I would tell them I'd be happy to go to hell except it is already full of people just like them.
Do Muslims Jews and other religions hate and despise Christians as much as Christians hate them?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Do all Christians hate Jews and Muslims and other religions? I suppose a lot of them do but not all of them. In my personal experience with Jewish people they tend to follow the line that they are god's chosen people and tend to look down on everyone as a result. Do they hate Christians? I haven't seen that to be the case but many of them seem to feel that Christians are confused because they have the wrong messiah and since they are Goys it wouldn't matter in any case. Muslims I have had a few friendships with but it is tough because everyone is an infidel and so it is hard to get close. They do accept Jesus as one of their prophets so they don't hate Christians more so than they hate any other infidel and they are always hopeful for conversions to the one true religion but then aren't they all the one true fucking religion? Historically the Muslims have a better record of tolerance than the Christians do but that seems to have fallen off a bit since the Christian nations started bombing the shit out of them, time will tell. Hindus and Sikhs that I used to play field hockey with in university seemed pretty tolerant of Christians although the Hindus tend to look down on everyone else perhaps because they have been around so much longer, the Brahmins tend to be the worst about this. Still I wouldn't say they hate Christians and they certainly don't want to convert them to their point of view, you pretty much have to been born into those religions and they have no shortage of members. Buddhists tend to be pretty chill about all other religions but they are a little bit different in so far as they don't see god as separate from them but rather a spiritual state to be attained through many lives so if you're a Christian they aren't going to hate you but just feel a bit of pity for you because in their minds you are a ways down the ladder from achieving Nirvana. So NO, the other religions don't generally hate Christians as much as Christians hate the other religions. At least that's my take on it.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Well I'm off to dinner and a show. May all of you mark your own personal year in the best way you see fit. I will not be having cake with candles myself as I never understood the point, although I did go through the motions for my children at the behest of my born again christian ex-wife just to keep the peace. The devil is in the details. :D
The next time someone asks you, "What's your sign?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
The cool thing about astrology is that you can make it whatever you want, the same applies to numerology and tarot cards. Oh you're a (fill in the blank) they are very kind, jealous, sociable, smart, funny - - - who's going to say No? lol They're all parlour tricks, have fun with them. :)
Whats your go to vacation spot?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I'm not big on vacations but I do love to travel extensively for extended periods. I love central america and it is easy to reach, Nicaragua is very affordable and friendly until recently but those troubles will pass. Ecuador is a wonderful country to visit and we lived there for more than a year, I recommend it highly if you speak some spanish. The Caribbean is a mixed bag but The Caymans are fabulous and Cuba is wonderfully undeveloped so far. My all time favourite is Mexico, particularly the Baja around Santa Rosalia and Mulege or the Yucatan south of Tulum where you can still find the real Mexico far from the tourist track.
Having my lunch in a chinese-japanese cafe with Kimchi chigae with noodles.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Presuming that you are correct in your assertion that animals are not as aware as humans are, should I be more concerned about animals that were brought into being only for human consumption or should I be more concerned for humans who are tasked to slaughter and prepare for consumption those same animals, at slave labour wages? Should I love humans more than animals or the other way around? Western civilization has been feeding on cheap resources and products from third world countries for centuries now and nobody seems to care too much about it. The exploitation of animals for food has been going on for thousands of years, in fact many of those animals would never exist except for human intervention through husbandry. I have to wonder who made the kimuchi you are having for lunch and whether or not they made a living wage for their labour. Life is full of immoral decisions, I try to minimize them but I'm a realist so I know I will still make immoral decisions until I decide to go live on a mountain top and live on air and sunshine.
What accent ( French, Spanish, etc.) do you like?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
French is the sexiest accent in my opinion but then I have had several French girl friends and my wife is French Canadian. Go with what you love. :D
I don't expect pro gun people to believe me, but the NRA is lying to you.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Americans and Gun Laws, let the games begin. A gun is a tool and some guns are useful in controlling varmints or hunting for wild meat - handguns do not fall within that definition unless you want to hunt other humans for food. Other than that it's about killing people, statistically speaking it is about killing someone you know and love. I want no part of that but I appreciate that there are insecure people, people that need a security blanket in the form of a handgun and those people aren't going away any time soon.
Another confusing matter about religion
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why would he describe himself as a jealous and vengeful god? Nahum 1:2-8
This is what becoming an Atheist and shrugging off the constraints of religion felt like to me.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Please note that I didn't write the prose above but copied it from Richard Bach's 'Illusions' a book that I have read numerous times and given away many copies of over the years.
Possibilianism vs agnosticism?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Personally, I would believe in the existence of a god should I see it for myself but whether I would bend a knee to that good is another matter. Any supreme being that would demand my subservience is suspect from the get go.
Why are atheists not willing to form a coalition?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I pity the shepherd in charge of a flock composed completely of black sheep. :D I have spent a fair amount of time considering the subject and found that it is a nonstarter because Atheists are by definition, free thinkers, individualists and nonconformists. How do you put together such a group in an organized manner? The whole premise behind Atheism in my view is that we would just like to be left alone to live our lives in honour and in dignity, apart from the ridiculous shackles imposed by religion and its accomplice government. Stupid people, weak minded people, people lacking in internal fortitude - these are the people that embrace religion, conformism and subservience - forming an atheist coalition is doomed from the start unless you want to form a cult based upon the concept of atheism but not true to the concept. (don't get me wrong, there is a lot of money to be made in forming a cult but personally I can't swallow that poison pill myself, thought about it when I was young and naive but even then saw through the lie) I think discussion groups and support groups for fellow Atheists are a good thing considering the size of the mob that we have to face each day but a formal coalition just wouldn't work in my opinion.
A few more pics from my past :)
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Love the timber frame.
What are your thoughts on sleeping in the bed with multiple pets?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I suppose it comes down to the difference between catpeople and dogpeople. :) A cat person will go peacefully to sleep surrounded by their furry friends which are cuddled up around them on the bed, pressing down on the comforter until they are entombed like a mummy and wake up cheerfully to the sight of some cat's daisy only inches from their face. A dog person is more likely to have a no dogs on the furniture rule that is strictly observed, the very idea of their shaggy pal dragging mud, twigs and ticks onto the furniture and particularly the bed being completely anathema to them. The no cats in the house rule is assumed. *Hint for dog people in love with cat people, when the little furry bejeezler climbs up on the bed and snuggles around your feet, just grab the edge of the comforter and pull it sharply up over your head which will send the feline flying gracefully through the air in a beautiful arc with a perfect 10 point landing after their dismount. ;)
Anyone with thoughts on the idea of a basic universal income for all?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I believe that a shift to basic universal income would take a radical shift in the world view for Americans who have been programmed since birth to believe that capitalism is one of the great pillars of civilization, along with democracy. This is rather ironic considering that the American system has morphed into a corporatocracy over the past half century and this subverts democracy and free enterprise. People believe that programs like social welfare are regressive but they readily accept the importance of corporate welfare in the form of tax incentives, grants and bailouts, it's very strange. Steve Hughes presents the idea in a comedic way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4-3TKy2A28
I think there are a lot more non-believers than admit to it.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
An intelligent person who did a bit of research would find it hard to believe any of the bunk found in the bible and other holy books. That said there are lot of very thick people that don't do any research or thinking for themselves.
I haven't posted in awhile, but am so proud of all the progress we've made on getting the workshop ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Is that a US Steel prefab building? The fit and finish looks very good.
Infinity war election
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Bernie because he's: (a) a real person (Iron Man otherwise) (b) would have rolled back the dooms day clock, not advanced it (c) he's a bit right wing for Canadians but at least he's close enough in his politics for us to get along with
A Handmaids Tale
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
It used to be part of the curriculum in Canadian high schools, read it, saw the movie, haven't seen the series, yet.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm a master builder, 4th in my line, so I can see the beauty of the architecture and the craftsmanship that went into the construction of some of these churches, I respect that. However, I also see the underlying point of the architecture, to inspire a sense of awe and with that a sense insignificance in the church goer. Some of the older churches I visited in South America were brilliant works of architecture and engineering, they have survived massive earthquakes for centuries and they are lined with gold and ornate carvings - they always have a crowd of beggars and hawkers of religious trinkets out front as well. So I dread entering into those spaces for the evil and oppression they represent.
These people are responding to the existence of atheists.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I bear comments like these in mind when people tell me I have to be respectful of other people's religious beliefs. Religion makes crazy people into bat shit crazy people, toxic and hateful it is a blight on humanity. They also seem to have missed the message that the gentle prophet, Jesus brought to them - LOVE.
What's the one thing your boyfriend/girlfriend does that makes it so easy to fall in love with them?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Intelligence, adventurousness and kindness are key but I have to be honest and admit that physical beauty is the first stepping stone for me, I'm shallow that way but at least I am honest about it.
In love with the Tens shock treatment device! Fairly cheap and seems to relieve shooting nerve type ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I found my TENS to be helpful after I sustained nerve damage to my lower back after a bad fall down a flight of stairs, my physiotherapist has a similar device but it goes deeper and at a different frequency apparently, much better. Use what you have though and if you can get your hands on a deep tissue massager like the Thumper it can help alleviate some of the muscles spasms that can aggravate nerve pain.
I am on a dating site and I contacted a gentleman and we spoke on the phone last night.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Frankly I'm of two minds about his Masters of Divinity. On the one hand there is nothing quite like studying the Bible to make a person an Atheist and that may explain why he is a photographer. On the other hand there is something about sex with the deeply religious, the guilt, the sin, the repressed thoughts, it's all a recipe for a potentially seriously wild ride - assuming you find him attractive and would be willing to settle for a short fling. Either way you have nothing to lose by spend some time over dinner or a coffee, you're only meeting him not marrying him.
Any fellow conspiracy theorist out there.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I am a skeptic by nature so the idea that there are conspiracies to suppress the truth in favour of the needs of special interests doesn't sound that far fetched to me, however some of the conspiracy theories are so far fetched that they are completely lacking in substance.
If you can retire early, what you will do in your Life?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I retired at 48, decided to travel instead and I don't regret it. I do what I want, when I want instead of what others want, when they want it. Currently, I am working on the construction of a home for my wife and myself but once that is done I will be looking for other projects to occupy myself. Retirement doesn't mean I stop working it just means that I do the work I want to and on my own terms.
Writing a novel and would like some opinions
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Readers love writers because without you there aren't going to be more readers, forge ahead and write it all down, then sort it all out until you have the novel you want.
Did you get married in a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
1st time I went along with my religious fanatic wife's wishes and got married in a church, almost bailed at the last moment due to all the hoops they make you jump through in order to be married in their precious building. 3 great kids out of it and a mountain of sorrow and abuse that still haunts me 30 plus years later. 2nd and last time I married the love of my life because I was working overseas and the christian dogma of the country I was working in wouldn't allow my life partner to move their unless we were married and not common law. So we threw a huge party with a Tommy Bahama theme at one of the hotels I had built, complete with a bonfire, live band and rum punch spiked with 151 proof Bermuda rum - it was a hell of a bash.
Christian Whose Rapture Prediction Failed Now Says It’ll Happen Later This Year – Friendly ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the world, I certainly hope so, lots to do yet without that kind of time crunch.
The new evangelicals, the holy power brokers, have entrenched themselves in "ministries" of radio, ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Churches have crossed the line that is supposed to separate the church and the state. Since the churches feel they have the right to involve themselves with the business of the state then it is only right that they pay their fair share of taxes like all the other stakeholders in state business. Tax the churches and there will be far less of this chicanery. While we're at it we should start taxing the corporate entities that masquerade as citizens and fund political groups, if they want to call the tune then they should pay the piper.
What is your response when you ask a christian to physically show you god as to believe in him and ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Duct tape their arms and legs to a chair so they can't move, then slip a plastic bag over their head and tape it securely in place around their neck. Ask them to indicate to you when they believe that air physically exists. Air proof in less than 3 minutes. ;)
How do you answer Pascal’s Wager?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
If one believes they can scam an omniscient being in order to get into heaven then they need to look up the definition of omniscience.
Intelligent design
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
That's a bit like asking 'Can I believe in a god and still be an Atheist?'
You have to wonder if they noticed it.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Stealing that pic.
So I've begun another relationship with a very attractive & smart man.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Ride that train for as long as it works for you but when he starts talking about saving your soul then it is time to punch his ticket and get off that train.
Why does sexism exist in atheism?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Atheists don't exist in a vacuum but in a patriarchy which is misogynistic and sexist. Whenever there is a power imbalance there will be people who will seize upon that opportunity to garner power for themselves regardless of the morality of their actions. Believing or not believing in a god is besides the point.
How would you describe your level of morality as compared to the general morals of the past 100 ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Morality is a pretty subjective matter but I think that on average an atheist is more moral than a religious person because as an atheist you have to make your own decisions on morality whereas a religious person defaults to a sky daddy for their decisions. One is acting morally and the other is just being subservient at best and hypocritical at worst.
Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
So true, if reading the Bible cover to cover instead of just cherry picking chapter and verse doesn't make you give up on religion then nothing will. :D
Just wondering if any others here get the impression that many politicians are more interested in ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
A politicians salary is just the base income, the real money is in the commissions to be earned through pandering to the people who can afford to pay. There are some good people in politics at the municipal level but beyond that things get very murky indeed.
A funny story.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
By definition that was child abuse, except that the church has been abusing children for so long that they get a free pass. Very twisted.
Channeling my inner 12 year old brain today. Anyone else like cussing?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
According to some studies there is a direct correlation between profanity and intelligence, the more profane you are the more likely you are to have a higher level of intelligence. Now with that fucking load of shite out of the way I would just like to say that language is all about communication and it needs to be adapted to the audience if ones point is going to be conveyed properly. I'm a commercial builder and that means I deal with tradespeople as well as architects and engineers and other professionals, so I have to adapt my speech to the audience. I don't use words like motherfucker, cocksucker, son of a bitch, fuckwit, or the C bomb in my meetings with professionals unless I truly want to shock them to the point their socks fall off but if I don't use all of the above words in various and creative combinations then most of my production people can't seem to understand me. The C bomb is the really tricky one, especially if I am talking to some of my Irish mates where it doesn't have the same connotation at all as it does with my North America associates but then I switch gears and start talking with people who take that completely the other way. So you use what works for you in the current situation.
So I have a question about friendships between introverts and extroverts.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
As an introverted Extrovert I can say from experience that you need to tread lightly with some introverts and respect their privacy or you can find you have run roughshod over them without even realizing it. I like smaller groups of interesting friends in laid back environments because I am the focus of attention and leadership in my professional life and extremely outgoing in that part of my life, so I understand both sides of the issue. Not all introverts want to come out of their comfort zone and not all party animals want to party all the time, sometimes it is just nice to be left alone with a good book or a few good friends in quiet conversation. If you are asking the question then you have probably crossed that line with an introvert, if so then don't worry too much as introverts can be extremely strong in ways that extroverts find challenging but ease up in the future with someone who may have found you too intense. Maybe it was just bad timing but you can always back it up a bit and try again later.
Is attraction a choice?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Physical attraction is only skin deep but inner ugliness goes to the bone.
And for those with a bit geeky in them...here is something fun to try...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Great minds have been warning us that AI was a threat to mankind but I never realized it could be that dangerous.
Is Tradition worth keeping?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Traditions change over time, it's only natural because traditions are founded in social norms and they change so traditions change. My mother is a JW, they don't do toasting because of some obscure passage in their bible, so I try to refrain from toasting around her. A small thing, a concession to her out of respect and appreciation of the unconditional love she has always given to her children. I won't go into her church or read her magazines and I do my best to avoid debates about her religious beliefs because I won't have her with me much longer. I moved back to Canada to be there for her, I hate winter but I love her more than that. Do what works for you in your heart, if it makes her happy then it's worth it in my books.
I had an interesting thought about the purpose of religion today.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Religion has always been about smart/weak people controlling stupid/strong people - the dodge has gotten better over time but it is still a dodge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZtR43MIkII
Who is your favourite atheist comedian?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. I love comedy and I love a good laugh. A lot of great comedians, sadly many of them die so young.
I suspect this could be the future.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
When you look at the popular revolutions that have occurred throughout history they all begin when too much of the wealth becomes focussed in the hands of a few people who then become completely insulated from the plight of their fellow citizens. After that it just takes one match and the heads begin to roll. Such a stupid way of doing business and yet history continues to repeat itself.
Well just wanted to talk to yall for a minute.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
It might just be a ploy to get you to go to church but that would be a deal breaker for me as well. A loving relationship is based upon mutual respect and trust, so that would be the end of that, sorry it didn't work out for you.
The United states is now a nation of 328 million ppl, weilding more influence than any ppl in human...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I wouldn't mind so much if like most primitive peoples those fundamentalist Americans only had stone tools but they have a nuclear arsenal and that is very scary. People who are passionate about bringing about the end of life on the planet should not have access to the nuclear weapons that would facilitate that end.
I scream, you scream!
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Screaming may not be the best way to order at the ice cream counter. :D
Anybody else think it’s creepy?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Considering that the very concept of god is a human invention, it follows that humans are creepy to invent such a creepy idea of a divine being. Cui bono? well what could be a better way to keep people in line than to get them to believe that they are under constant surveillance by a judgemental and vindictive divine being that will punish them for eternity if they don't toe the line?
Wheres the stinking rapture?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I was also hoping that through some stroke of luck there would be a lot less of those morons around after today, no such luck. :D
Every now and then I remember I had not wore a wristwatch in at least 4 years.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Even better than not having a wristwatch is not owning an alarm clock either. I wake up naturally, still at the crack of dawn from a life as a builder but no longer do I have that obnoxious racket going off in my ear in the morning.
Has anyone tried a home DNA kit?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I sent my test kit in for analysis last week, a 57th birthday present to myself. My family has deep roots in Canada and my mother is blonde haired and blue eyed but her siblings have a very dark complexion and native features but they insist there is no native blood in the family, naturally I am curious about my genetics. My father was adopted in the 1930's and there is no paper trail on his roots so I would also like to know about that side of my bloodline. I studied Life Sciences in the 80's so I am doubly curious.
Interior of Tithe Barn, near Bath, England. Built in the early 14th century.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Beautiful joinery that has passed the test of time. Do you know if it was a tithe barn for the crown or for the church?
So what’s the point?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
A wise person once shared this with me. 'Don't agonize over your agony because holding onto a hurt is like cuddling a cactus, the tighter you hold on to it the more it hurts you'. We all die and we all tell ourselves that today is not going to be that day, it probably won't be either. :)
I just have to share this email that I received from a coworker.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Sounds like he has his panties in a wad, that is some very toxic sludge he is spewing. Welcome to equality as enshrined in the constitution.
Best Film God: Who and Why?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I thought Loki played by Tom Hiddleston did a wonderful job of being a god. :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30lGrarz3MQ
Isn't it absurd that we still debate iron age religions.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
What's even more absurd is that there are still so many people living in the Space Age that have their reality firmly mired in the Bronze Age. Bronze Age explanations for everything in spite of the clear scientific evidence to the contrary.
Every now and then I remember I had not wore a wristwatch in at least 4 years.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
It's a different way of living, one I like to call freedom/ :)
Would the Republicans on this site please answer the questions below?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Many Republicans are highly religious and believe that the 2nd coming of their savior is going to happen soon, so why would they worry about these issues when soon the slate will be wiped clean by their god. At least these are some of the findings from a survey on climate change and why even those who accept that it is an issue are unwilling to take any steps to address it. So just destroy the old planet with the assurance that god will give you a new one when the old one is worn out.
At 48 yrs old, I'm not too well-versed in the "dating" or "having a boyfriend" areas and need some ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Don't be intimate with anyone who you don't know and like intimately unless you just want to have sex with them without that intimacy, easy enough to do in theory not so easy in practice. Whatever your decision, don't beat yourself up for your choices.
What horror film scared the crap out of you as a kid?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Kolchak the Nightstalker Everything about this 1970's horror series was designed to keep kids up all night with the bedroom light on.
Anyone ever heard the song about the log riding man. About a lumberjack I think
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
The Log Driver's Waltz, most Canadians will have heard this classic.
A christian numerologist (how twisted is that?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 23, 2018:
Just another Monday morning here in Canada, people back to their workaday existence. Scotty forgot to beam the rest of them up. Oh well, best get to work.
Does anyone else sit in with a book on Saturday night or am I dull as fuck?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
'Looks like we got us a Reader' to quote Bill Hicks. Most of my friends are Readers too, probably because I don't like to go out on Saturday night and hang around with a bunch of people in a bar who are as dull as fuck.
I received an interview offer today.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I'm a builder with more than 30 years of experience and if the client is a preacher I avoid the project, too much hassle dealing with someone who expects to get special priviliges because they have a personal relationship with an imaginary friend. Their imaginary friend always backs them up regardless of how badly they behave towards you and if you are really unlucky they will insist that you start believing their imaginary friend is real too. Up to you but I'd keep trying my luck for something better.
Got up this morning. It was kind of a trial run, to see if I'd like it. I didn't.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I suppose that a lot depends upon ones attitude, personally I am always pleasantly surprised when I wake up to find myself still here and breathing. Doesn't mean I have a stellar day everyday but I suppose it beats the alternative. lol
I have heard that sharks teeth as big as megalodon have been found in recent times.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I'm going to assume you mean teeth from a giant shark and not fossilized teeth. There have been some sketchy reports of a huge shark, like megalodon, from the waters off the Cape of Good Hope as well at the Sea of Cortez but these are unsubstantiated and frankly pretty sketchy. Having been in the water with normal size sharks on two ocassions I can assure you that you wouldn't want to meet up with a shark the size of Megalodon.
Dedication! I have a confession to make.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Nothing wrong with sleeping in your car, just make sure it doesn't develop a funky smell or get that lived in look about it. You must have comfortable seats to sleep in your car on a regular basis, those few ocassions where I have spent the night in my car always left me with a killer back ache and feeling groggy.
Smartass charge. Lol. It's a meme.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Shouldn't that have been a credit?
Okay.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I tend to equate giving up on the idea of an afterlife as an adult with giving up on the idea of Santa Claus as a child, it's a shock at first but you get over it with time. It's better to live life with the reality of ones mortality than to put off living this life fully in hopes of an afterlife based only on fantasy, so live each day to the fullest. Cherish the life you have and know that a life well lived is its own reward.

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Atheist
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