For those that do a Xmas tree, what kind do you like best?

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Your list excludes almost every type of real tree available in my geography. Real trees = serious pain in the patootie, but smell like the holidays. We decorate it with fishing lures and led lights. My fave is a white pine, but down here, we almost always end up with a cedar type.

Any reaction when you see the religious "fish" symbol on the back of a car or in an ad for a ...

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Drives me away from the business as my experience is that anyone who uses their personal religion as a form of advertising is not likely to have much else about their business to advertise it. Seeing the stickers on cars tend to just make me roll my eyes.

Do you vote?

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

I vote in every election, but only for those positions for which I have information. Our darned local elections require that I vote blind, expecting name recognition alone to drive the selection (not stands on the issues or how the candidates plan to get those done).

If Christmas Music wasn't about Christmas, Into Which Genre Would you put the Instrumentals?

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Various genres depending on the style. Some are done with steel guitar in a country beat, others could be played with Celtic instruments, fitting into folk music; Trans Siberian Orchestra and Gary Hoey rock the same tunes, yet the Piano Guys, or Yo Yo Ma would fit into classical.

What type of arrangements have you made or instructions have you left for your funeral and disposal ...

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Cremation without a prior viewing or trip to bury/scatter, and certainly no religious service. I hope that my wishes are honored for a party with great food, while rolling a reel of my fave movie clips (mostly comedies) for entertainment.

Trump Bans CDC From Using Words Like ‘Fetus, Diversity, Transgender’

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Some intellectual kid must have urinated (replaced a potential cuss word) in 45's lunchbox or something, leaving him more than a bit unhinged.

I am soliciting input from all of you about the topic of addiction and Alcoholics Anonymous, or the ...

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

I don't have a deiety HP, and yet got sober in AA. For me, HP meant that accepting that sobriety was possible, based on seeing others do it. I clung to that hope, attended meetings, provided service where I could. That said, the ills polarizing the US seem to be infecting the rooms of AA. Back in 2005, it was generally accepted at meetings that some of us did not use god as an HP. A few years ago, however, I was berated for not closing with the lord's prayer and got thrown out for stating that jesus christ was not my HP. I haven't been in a room since. I am still sober. I worry that the 5% cure rate might go a lot lower now, imagining such heavy handed "godliness" is driving many in need away. Family members in another US state, with over 20 years of sobriety have also been run out of their AA and Alanon meetings recently. It seems like ANYTHING church-touched is damned these days.

I want to be entirely clear on the idea of whether or not science is a belief.

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Science yields the same answer, REGARDLESS of what one believes. Scientific method is a process for explaining the cosmos around us. Some explanations give way to newer ones as evidence is uncovered. One could choose not to accept the evidence or conclusion, or to agree with it. The evidence has been gathered, though. It exists. There is no faith or belief involved.

Is Fox News becoming the Secretary of Propaganda of the Trump Admin?

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

Fox has been at it for a LOT longer than just this administration. Check out "The Brainwashing of my Father" on NetFlix.

What are your most success methods used in conversation topics on a first date?

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

There's no method. It seems that could come off as contrived, awkward, and creepy. I just ask/answer questions ad they come up.

Quick question on views of Christmas.

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

It would still be celebrated in the US due to the money to be made by the corporations here. I celebrate it, without the huge commercial spending, because it's the one time of year that the kids and I are off from school/work and can just be together, enjoying each other's company.

Social environments

Zster comments on Dec 17, 2017:

I live in the state of Georgia, in a rural county near a college town. There are literally multiple churches per street intersection in the college town (and typically one big church, southern baptist, per rural community). Upon meeting someone new, you can expect to be asked "what church do you go to" within the first five minutes. Teachers openly proselytize as school, and my oldest had run ins over it. Trump/Pence bumper stickers are common as are "support the blue" because, you know, cop persecution. I'll stop there as I am sure you get the idea. I am not openly nonbelieving here as I could be fired for it and my kids could be punished pretty severely.

From my experience, new athiest tend to be very angry.

Zster comments on Dec 16, 2017:

I seriously do not think it is any of our job to invalidate their anger. Be the example, sure, and support positively, but allow them to work through it and heal. I was angry as well, but time has mellowed it.

How many here still work out and lead a fairly active lifestyle?

Zster comments on Dec 16, 2017:

I still work out, really only starting as age related conditions started creeping in. I am all for whatever exercise does the most good in the shortest time. Therefore, strength training, with a personal trainer to keep me honest.

Creepy McCreeperson..

Zster comments on Dec 16, 2017:

If she's 21, I don't think his AGE is what constitutes creepiness, but more his manner. Does he act aggressive, will he not take no for an answer, does he otherwise cling or stalk her?

Ever been a victim of proselytizing?

Zster comments on Dec 16, 2017:

It happens ALL the time here is the southeastern US! Maybe monthly or more. It happens at work, at school functions (mostly by other parents, not teachers so much), at the stores, in parking lots, at gas pumps, camp grounds, restaurants...

What's the oil to your water: who would you hope not to be your cubicle roomie?

Zster comments on Dec 16, 2017:

Top for me would be to share with a person who smells bad or eats smelly food at his/her desk. Second worst: that person who makes lots of loud, personal phone calls or listens to loud obnoxious TV or radio there. I once worked with a gal who I liked, but who had recently "fallen in love". She literally got long phone calls every twenty minutes and would gush real loudly, for all to hear, "Hi sweetie! How are you? I've been missing you...". I left once my grad work was done. Recently found out that she and "snookums" have since divorced.

If American's switched from pounds to kilograms over night, would there be mass confusion?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

People would freak out, resist, and bitch alot. Yeah, dividing by approximately 2 can be super difficult...

What has been your hardest struggle raising atheist/agnostic children?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Protecting them from vicious believers, especially in the schools and school related clubs.

Problems in life and the church’s 12 step program.

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

That's been their business model for as long as I can recall. (seems to have been so historically, too, payment of indulgences, for example). It frustrates me that more don't see through it.

Question for atheists, would you rather heaven existed or not?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I do, but not of a heaven as religions describe. I would think to enjoy a perpetual lucid dream state, where I could will the reality that I experience, even to the point of being all done, at which point I could choose to cease existing, transiently or permanently.

What would you do with your life if you and your loved ones never had to worry about money again?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Quit my job, fix my living situation (new home, location), travel often to visit family and friends, get out in nature a lot more (maybe volunteering in the field), get back into my art, possibly donating it all, and get involved in supporting my community with money and my time.

Does anyone see the death of abrahamic religions

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Yes, though not sure that it will die out so much as die back quite a bit. I worry about the collateral damage to the rest of us as it likely wont go down without a tremendous fight.

What would you buy?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Great health and long life for all of my loved ones.

Do you expect to get the tax break we were promised?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Hell no. I expect to get reamed. In this past year, my effective earnings have dropped greater than 25%, due to the company switching to high deductible medical and the cessation of paying employee bonuses (execs and shareholders still get them, of course). So sure, go ahead and tax us more to reward those same greedy assholes. My question: what will the top do once their customers are all broke and most of the money there is is out of the country?

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

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

One word: Enough. The constant greed for more, more, more rots us to our core.

Do you think religious people are mean most of the just too be mean?

Zster comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Around here, folks attend church Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, and often more (bible study, choir practice, etc). I think meanness is delivered from the pulpit and pervades from there because it's repeated multiple times per week. The meanness is largely directed outward (from the tribe). However, WITHIN, folks are often unkind, too. Church congregations are still splitting over disagreements. That was not limited to the reformation.

CAMPING?

Zster comments on Dec 14, 2017:

Camping is near the very top of my favorite pastimes! I prefer driving in and pitching a tent to backpacking or RV, though would not turn any of those down. We started off in State Parks, but prefer Army Corps grounds, in Georgia anyway. I spent a ton of time on barrier isles of FL, esp west coast and panhandle, via sailboat, as well. Mostly slept on board though (to avoid mosquitos, the FL state bird). What were your favorite stops?

What is the single most impossible trait to do without in a mate?

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Kindness.

Just finished 5 hours of baking 6 kinds of christmas cookies.

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

I am not sure if I make actual christmas cookies, BUT, I do make cookies at christmas time since I finally get time at home! Fave recipes: Toll House chocolate chip, Spritzes, Rozettes, and short bread.

What is your dream job? What job would you never like to do?

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Dream: successful artist Never: work in any capacity at a rendering plant (any job involving cadavers is off the table for me).

Family recipes

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

One great grandmother made killer yeast rolls from scratch. Another prepared amazing home made noodles. I miss both, very much.

You never stop being a parent, it’s just your role that changes, adapt to the role and support ...

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

The older generations have always told me that. As my own kids enter adult hood, it seems to be holding true. They seem to more deliberately seek my opinion as adults, rather than my having to so actively parent, though.

For those who knew their grandparents what were they like?

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

All four grandparents lived into my adulthood, and three great grandparents lived through much of my childhood. My mom's parents were evangelical and quick with pretty severe physical punishment. I found her version of them difficult to merge with my experience of them being my fun set. They were fun loving pranksters. My other set was much more reserved and proper. I consider myself very fortunate to have known all of them.

xmas trees

Zster comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Love the fragrance of a fresh tree. (around here, they are farmed. Trees notcselected eventyally get bulldozed). We celebrate the year end holidays because we love the time off from work/school and greatly enjoy being together.

Happy Tears

Zster comments on Dec 12, 2017:

Walking behind my nearly grown kids when they had just reconnected after being separated by college. They were talking (and walking) a mile a minute, exchanging so much joy. I might as well been a fly on the walk, but was deeply moved by the subtly stated love there.

What does your in-laws think about you being agnostic?

Zster comments on Dec 12, 2017:

They don't need to know. They dislike me enough already, knowing what they do...

Does anyone have religious stuff out in their house at this time of year?

Zster comments on Dec 12, 2017:

IF I unbox my late husband's nativity set (that he painted as a young child), I would, but otherwise, no.

How do you communicate a refusal to donate to religious groups? (more inside)

Zster comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Tell them the truth. I've donated elsewhere, or that I don't carry cash.

Are Religious persons allowed on this Agnostic site?

Zster comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Sorry, but the net is FULL of sites where believers and atheists duke it out on a nearly constant basis. I come here to let my hair down and not have to deal with that BS. Having a safe place for nonbelievers to hang out is unique. I personally would hate to see it overrun. That said. If the group wants it to be like other sites, I would not interfere or pitch a fit. I do not have to hang here if it's not my cup of tea. Sure would be saddened to see it go that way, though.

Megachurch Pastor: ‘Woman Has No Right Over Her Own Body - It Belongs To God’

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

If we belong to god, then certain MEN need to back the hell off!

What's your favorite thing about the winter season?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Double dip: Now that I live in the south, the best thing about winter, hands down: NO fire ants!!!!

What's your favorite thing about the winter season?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Snow days! (schools and work closed) I loved listening to the wind roaring as snow storms hit at night (when I lived in the midwestern US), then waking up to silence. In the early morning, I would tip toe over to peek through the blinds, hoping for enough snow to keep us in for at least a day...

I can't date any more Christians.

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I agree with Gramz. Maybe some of these hateful attitudes will change if they meet with some honest disapproval. Church bubbles probably shield them from much of that, leaving such awfulness unchallenged.

What is the main reason why you are not religious?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Religious hatefulness dressed up as piousness. I thought religion was supposed to be a positive. Otherwise, why have one?

2018; What does the year ahead hold for you?

Zster comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I am not much of a planner, but... 1. My youngest geaduates frim high school. I face an empty nest as just myself. There are opportunities within that, though I also feel a little nervousness. 2. We will find out what school my youngest will get into, how we will pay for it, and how I will manage a long distance (possibly) move for him.

Let me add one admonition to all of us (which I did follow and served me well) about relationships:...

Zster comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I dated a guy from where I work now about 8 years ago. It did not work out. He went nuts at work and had to be escorted out. Was bad enough to convince me to swear off workplace romance, but... I remembered dating a guy at work back in '86. I ended up very happily married to him. Rather hit or miss, I guess.

Old question. What's your favorite classic song?

Zster comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Aerosmith "Last Child", Pink Floyd "One of these Days", Rolling Stones "Hang Fire", Beatles "Paperback Writer", Doors "Love Her Madly", Moody Blues "Story in your Eyes", to name a few.

What Is Your Favorite X-mas Song?

Zster comments on Dec 5, 2017:

"Carol of the Bells" Trans Siberian Orchestra; https://youtu.be/MHioIlbnS_A

CHRISTMAS MUSIC THAT DOESN'T SUCK....

Zster comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Forgot one! "I Believe in Father Christmas" by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer

CHRISTMAS MUSIC THAT DOESN'T SUCK....

Zster comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Any by Gary Hoey (hard rock guitar, NO singing); any by Trans Siberia Orchestra; And... the Kinks "Father Christmas". (;

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

Zster comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Happy Holidays as there are several celebrated this time of year and I'd rather not guess.

Songs of the season which are more appropriate for those of us who object to Christian hymns or the ...

Zster comments on Dec 4, 2017:

Not sure that this one is at all appropriate, but it's a family fave, considering our sense of humor... "St. Stephens Day Murders" Lyrics: https://play.google.com/music/preview/Trakj7qgircdrpaj3jxbwfjn75i?lyrics=1=google=search=lyrics=kp-lyrics Song: https://youtu.be/l8fPvODASoI

The small orchestra that I play in has just begun a series of Xmas concerts for the local community.

Zster comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I have little trouble with certain songs of the season as many of the tunes (I listen to instrumentals, not voice) were lifted by christians, originally not being religiously intended at all. Most of the old breton carols and celtic songs of the season are not religious, even in lyric. And... there's always the Nutcracker.

What do you do when you get bad news?

Zster comments on Dec 4, 2017:

It does not need to cost much to spring for a meal, even long distance. You might find a gift card for an eatery near them, put what $ you can in it, and mail it with well wishes. When I was in a bad way, food, calls, cards, help with errands were all very appreciated.

Finish this sentence: AS A KID, WHEN I GREW UP, I WANT TO BE A ?

Zster comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I am currently doing the job that I worked so hard for, but am finding it a bit less awesome than expected. Scientific innovation is NOT the fruit of corporations. Big companies can be very risk averse, preferring easier, faster, cheaper options to riskier out-of-the-box thinking. Along with that, I am burning out on corporate greed, structure, and ego. Hanging on until the opportunity for change comes (in 18 months or so).

I know it's the Holidays, so most of us indulge in unhealthy but fun foods.

Zster comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I have recently dropped carbs due to extraordinarily high fasting triglycerides (>3000). Subsequently fats came up. Proteins were already increased for training. It looks like I'm on track if science gets it right this time. Even if they don't, my numbers look the best that they have since my youth (younger than 35).

Cosplay! Who does it?

Zster comments on Dec 4, 2017:

I've done a few cons with the kids as they've grown up, mostly anime (AWA, Anime Midwest) or sci-fi (Dragon Con), though I tried my first Rennaisance fair this year. Characters: Edward Elric, Graham Specter, steam punk female, Federation Starfleet crew, village maid.

What is your favorite cake you bake?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I am not a cake person, much preferring pies and cookies. Thus, my favorite cake that I have baked happens to also be the the ONLY cake that I have baked: a pizza cake for my son's birthday. I will upload a pict of it to my profile.

Anyone watch any cringey and/or creepy Christian kids shows growing up?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I think I am older than such shows (thank goodness), or lived in the right market to miss them. You know, only three channels in black and white, needed foil on the antenna, etc...

Anyone else a cord cutter?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Yep, for about five years, I think... Had NetFlix and Hulu. Amazon Prime starting streaming vid somewhere along the way. We dropped Hulu (H had nothing that NF did not also have) and added in HBO Now solely to watch "Game of Thrones". Funny. We used satellite before cutting (rabbit ears are pointless out here). After cutting, we had Charter run a cable for using their internet. We got weekly calls to add in Charter cable, which got tiresome. Eventually a rep asked what it would take for us to switch to cable. Two words: Quality Programming. That was years ago. Charter has not called us since!

I have a wicked case of Chronic Curiosity

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

"No" sounds so harsh. I needed a "not YET" option.

Life's too short... (finish the line).

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

To NOT embrace fun as a core value.

Do you like long posts?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

A forum is better gor short blocks of text, given how they are laid out. For long treatises, I recommend blogging.

As atheists, what do you think about this quote "This is not Christianity.

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I agree that it's a gospel of greed running uncontrolled. Whether or not that is christianity? I am not so sure... There seem to be an awful lot of christians going for this crap in order to MAINTAIN their power, wealth, and status. Does that not suggest that having power, wealth, and status have always been a part of christianity? (possibly back to the rule of Constantine, anyway?)

Good artists borrow, great artists steal. Do you agree or disagree?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Stealing = plagarism. To get paid for such seems grossly wrong to me. I would not gratify such a thief with the title if artist, to be honest. To echo or reflect aspects of fellow artists that you admire, giving credit where it is due, could almost be considered paying homage. Such should not = copying. I can see where this can become grey, though; hence your asking.

Where does relationships with family stand when it comes to religion

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I know what the bible says the order of importance should be and disagree 100%. My family comes first. It always will. Most of my more distant family is religious. Most do not know of my disbelief. Most treat other family members with love and respect and do not discuss religion or politics, knowing that we can agree to disagree and still love each other. For families that DO discuss and even disown over such differences... I am at a loss why any would choose such and what can be done about it. I am very sorry if you've been hurt this way. It's mind boggling!

This is a bit of a rant-y, vent-y post, which after my wonderful “found a new friend” post ...

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Wow! I have no great advice, but can offer very genuine sympathy! The current situation vs science in general and gradstudents in particular is horrid and unbelievable. One should be able to count on certain people to have their back regarding such bad news. That your very own parents wont do that is heart breaking. That they basically tout religion as their reason makes me see red. I hope we can get these political monsters voted out soon enough to minimize the damage. Then again, who would have dreamed that we'd ever have arrived here at all? Vent away! I'll join you. (This could ruin my children's plans in a huge way).

Being new to this forum, I've been lead to see myself as a freethinking agnostic atheist.

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Might you consider breaking this down into separate posts? I would have to draft a novel to answer all of that, and no one would likely read it.

Do you dream out loud? Yikes!

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

No, but I am plagued with near nightly hypnagogic hallucinations, most of which are terrifying, and many which get me out of bed to confirm that the household is safe (from fire or intruders).

Have you ever been body shamed?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

In high school, I got bullied by a kid who called me "bubble butt" and by another who dubbed me "droopy (butt)". Funny, but I do not think one can suffer both at the same time. I am very self conscious to this day, though by current fashion, probably have a desirable butt. Go figure.

What is your favorite color and why?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Turquoise, because it was the color of the "water" over the snow white sand in the eastern Gulf of Mecico where my family sailed when I was young. Incredible scenery and fantastic memories go together well.

Who believes as i do of aliens visited earth and they were made out to be gods, only because of ...

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I think a bit further outside of the proverbial box. WE define "life" as like us, recognizable. What if that's way too narrow? Could there be life forms that we would not even see as alive? I bet we'd miss many, possibly already have.

If you could change ONE thing about yourself, what would it be?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Fix my metabolism so that I could remain at a healthy weight without so much darned dietary sacrifice, assuming that said new metabolism would naturally reduce my liklihood of diabetes, heart disease, and disc issues. I keep things largely under control now, but it sure is not easy to do.

If you have the choice to eat ORGANIC would you? Meaning all the time?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Sure! If it was available, of good quality, and cost was not an impediment.

Age & Romance: How Low (or High) will you go?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I take each case as it comes. Attraction is rare for me, so a strict age cut off could guarantee being on my own for life (there are worse things, of course). I tend to be drawn to younger, vibrant men, but find that too young feels creepy and sets up for one way conversations. MUCH older and I worry about a second round of widowhood (no guarantees either way, I suppose). Generally, I seek within ten years of my age. If I feel drawn, I'll give it a try and see how it goes. Authentic connection can be preciously rare.

Do you feel alienated?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I feel very isolated due to geography as a left- leaning, intellectual non-believer (figure about a 90% fundamental christian, far right, lucky-if-they-stayed-through-all-of-high-school local population). I actually hide my politics, disbelief, and education from all but the closest friends here. I am also not a very so-called "proper" woman as I am educated, work to support my family, did not remarry, am outspoken, do not fix my hair or don make-up, and disdain what passes for fashion, which further ostracizes me from the churchie locals as well as my in-laws who staunchly believe in biblical/1950s gender roles. At least my parents, kids, and cats like me. Also, I always find people to talk to while I am out and about.

What's your favorite comedy movie?

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

I am a huge comedy fan and can not choose just one... Holy Grail Life of Brian Meaning of Life Sleeper Take the Money and Run Annie Hall Clerks 1 and 2 Chasing Amy Dogma Blazing Saddles Blues Brothers (original) Raising Arizona Stir Crazy The Jerk Roxanne Rubber Mr. Mom Money Pit Trading Places

Please share one awesome thing about where you live. :)

Zster comments on Dec 3, 2017:

A wonderful geographic mix: an hour north to the Appalachian Mountains, yet here we are in forrested, rolling hills. Another hour south brings sandy coastal plain. Four hours southeast and you arrive at the Atlantic Ocean which, unlike most states, has not been developed, but is still mostly wild, natural marsh and barrier islands.

What are some of your favourite movie lines?

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2017:

SO many! Off the top: Wouldn't it be funny if HE called me? (Arthur) Where are the white women at? (Blazing Saddles) We have a theory: that when people in your society committed a crime against the state, they were forced to watch this. (Sleeper) After thirty minutes, I completely gave up on the idea of stealing her purse. (Take the Money and Run) I thought we were an autonomous collective. (The Holy Grail) All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us? (Life of Brian) Have any of you ever noticed that building before? (The Meaning of Life) I wasn't even supposed to be here today!(Clerks) Say what you will about Jesus, but leave the rings out of it! (Clerks 2) Bitch, you almost made me laugh. (Chasing Amy) when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. (When Harry Met Sally) It's not dead! It's been reincarnated as a tricycle! (Rubber)

Are there any other recovering humans here?

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2017:

Friend of Bill since 2005. I've gotten run out of local meetings recently for not being christian, but, when first getting sober, I had enough church left in me to allow it to work.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Zster comments on Dec 2, 2017:

Lin Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Fallon, Adam Savage, and Jackson Galaxy: four huge-hearted dudes.

For those that qualify.... What's your favourite thing about being single?

Zster comments on Dec 1, 2017:

Decision making got real simple. What I want to do is what gets done. (;

Foliage changing colors?

Zster comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Yes they are, finally seeing some reds and rust. Not many yellows or oranges though. It's not cold (60s, in degrees F), though some late nights have been (30s), due to the lack of cloud cover.

Progressive Christians

Zster comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Of course we can! John Shelby Spong's books really jump startedcthe end of my theistic faith.

What's your favorite flower?

Zster comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Forme, it's a toss up between Wisteria and Lilac. Each has a wonderful fragrance.

Can you describe yourself in one sentence?

Zster comments on Nov 30, 2017:

1. A scientific spirit packaged in an artistic noodle. 2. Cities do not speak to me. I am a nature loving wilds person. 3. Say to the city? How about "leave no footprints please" or "remember to remove your trash as you leave."

Has politics become the new religion?

Zster comments on Nov 29, 2017:

No. Noth are using each othef for personal gain, though.

Do you consider Atheism to be a religion or a belief system?

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2017:

No. It's the absence of religious belief.

Do you feel as I do that Americans (primarily men ) place way to much importance on spectator sports...

Zster comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Seems a bit excessive to me, but to each his own.

do you follow the crowd or do your own thing?

Zster comments on Nov 27, 2017:

I do what I like/enjoy. Sometimes the crowd's with me. More often, it's not.

Sorry if anyone post this topic before as I am a newby here.

Zster comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Welcome! I moved from IN to GA twenty years ago. Sadly, not THAT big of a culture shock. Indiana has caught up with, and might even pass GA for religious looniness... Yes, I decorate. I do not favor mangers OR santa, but love lights and the fragrance of pine.

Does anyone else know they don't want to be buried in their family plot?

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I am not be buried anywhere (prefer scattering ashes), but will likely place a stone in the family cemetery, maybe in more than one if I ever remarry.

How do you feel about obscene language?

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Words don't possess any particular power themselves. We assign their significance. Personally, I am not offended by swearing. However, others might be. To be free with swearing risks some judgement and possible consequences from others. That said, such language has its place. Certain words can lose their punch when over used (will we need a new F-bomb soon?). I prefer to conserve them for certain inevitable future opportunities. Also, I find a lack of creativity, and possibly even intelligence, in the overly frequent use of swearing.

Cat Owners: Inside or outside?

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Outdoor cats live MUCH shorter lives around here, due to traffic, disease (rabies is endemic), and predation (mostly by coyotes - a truly horrific way to go). I keep mine indoors, but in a multi-level house with lots of enhancements to keep my cats safe and sane. Under these conditions, with top notch medical care, several have lived to 20 or very nearly so.

Are there any atheist's or agnostics out there like me who enjoy gospel music.

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I still like what I like. A lot of tunes for christian songs were lifted from older secular music, with religious lyrics added, anyway. I tend to be a tune person, so I guess it makes sense.

Do you think there needs to be a creator to explain the universe ?

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Nope.

Can a 2nd grader be unpatriotic?

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I recall thinking that being required (forced) to pledge allegiance seemed similar to what I saw in reels about Hitler that we watched in elementary school. You are not alone in what you sensed as a child.

People who get offended over everything needs to learn that life is not always about them.

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Being offended is somewhat of a choice. I know people who seem to have made a hobby out of it. I steer clear of such types. Then, of course, they are offended that people seem to avoid them. Go figure.

Sexual harassment seems to be dominating the news, but what exactly is sexual harassment?

Zster comments on Nov 26, 2017:

It's not always having sexual advances made against the victim. At my job, I have seen a woman written up for having a sexy firefighters calendar in her office. Men working nearby said it constituted a hostile environment for them. Also, I had a female collague and her good friend male colleague written up for semisexual verbage that they tossed at each other in a joking way. A bystander charged that they were making her uncomfortable, despite her not having any direct involvement. I turn my sexual side completely off at work. It's the only safe thing to do.