What’s your “guilty pleasure” song?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 29, 2018:

And I've had a serious crush on this lady for decades (& this is an interesting match-up)... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4tJiyU_gjY

What’s your “guilty pleasure” song?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Let's try this one!... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAOCw72yzII

What’s your “guilty pleasure” song?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Well, tough to call it a "guilty pleasure" as I love about everything by this group, even after Lowell George passed, but... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1AWV3F8muI

I give up. I guess dating or finding the right person isn't in the cards for me.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Dang! I'm not the "be all, end all" by any means. & it's not just about me, but for an example, I reach out to a few ladies, get a response. Respond & nothing back. & then hear "not in the cards". C'mon! At least respond back & see. A little give & take is needed to find out if anything may be there. Do you ladies not think that we guys are looking just as much?!? Please, don't expect Cyrano or Byron in the first exchange! If we're too awkward, well, ok, maybe back off. But please, give us a chance & talk to us a bit. Let us open up as you do. We are NOT Weinstein. We are trying. Cut us just a bit of slack & you may be surprised.

What do you regret the most from your last relationship?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I'm actually happy my last major relationship ended as it did. We are good friends still, & we just couldn't stay on as we were. I have had some "relationships" since, tho not recently, which I sorta miss, & do wish something was going on now. I am lonely (& horny, honestly), but I have hope for the future. I am a good guy, smarter than average. Not too bad looking. Decent dancer, & can carry a tune in a bucket. I consider my partner before myself, mostly, when love-making. I seldom spill on myself when eating. Somebody could do worse!!!

This guy is gonna try again... [livescience.com]

phxbillcee comments on Jan 29, 2018:

He doesn't give up, anyway!

If you're called crazy but know you're crazy. Are you crazy?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Well, maybe not as out of touch crazy as some others, but if you see hallucinations & hear imaginary voices, well, by definition, you've got some issues! If this really is the case, please, seek some kind of help! There is no telling when you may slip over into the serious state of dislocation. That can lead to jail or worse. It's always good to be a "little crazy", but hallucinations & voices that are more than daydreams are a troubling sign.

How many folks here know who this is, and/or remember his presidency?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I remember his presidency somewhat. I remember the tension during the Cuban missile crisis. I surely remember the day he was shot. I was in 3rd grade in a Catholic school, the nuns just flipped. The whole country was in shock. Now any real details came later, in hindsight when I was older, & as history, even if fairly recent history. Mostly remember emotions from the actual time.

Have you ever taken the "Bird" Test?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Interesting, tho I'm not sure how accurate. For the record, tho...Peacock - 45%, Eagle - 25%, Owl - 20%, Dove - 10%.

Pot & Health... [livescience.com]

phxbillcee comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Will cardiac health risks change your "smoking" habits?

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

phxbillcee comments on Jan 28, 2018:

John Oliver is great! He has done great shows on a number of important topics. The bottom line on this, as far as I'm concerned, is...tax churches! Let them meet the same tax-exempt requirements that other, secular, non-profit, charitable organizations do, & they can receive a break commensurate with the actual work they do. Other than that, tax the suckers!

Hello guys, I'm new here so this is my first post.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Welcome, obis! Death, the fear of it, or the loss it brings, has been the mainstay for religions probably from the beginning. I think for most of us, we don't look forward to death, we just try to do the best we can with this one life we're given. Tho thinking we would either find all the "answers" or be reunited with loved ones after death may be comforting, I don't think wishful thinking does anyone any good in the long run, or even the short run! If one realizes that this is what we have I think one tends to try to be & do more here & now.

If a tree falls with no one to hear it, does it make a sound?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

We would have to figure that no one means nothing with sound/vibration detectors. Would other plants count? Don't know how they would react to the "sound", but may curl or react if the vibration is strong enough. So, then, a lone tree falling in a wasteland. I'd say it died of loneliness!

5 senses

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I notice that men seem to lean heavily towards sight. Not really surprising, I guess.

5 senses

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

As much as I love music, I need to read. Audiobooks just aren't the same. I am already 1/2 deaf due to a tumor in my middle ear years ago, but I can still read without glasses. Would miss touch, & scent & taste are intertwined, but I would miss the sight of sunsets & stars & women even more.

Debunking 5 'Patriotic' Myths Republicans Actually Believe are True | Forward Progressives

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

And, as the article said, there's more where that came from. The Right has for years now talked about "their" America, as if they & their narrow vision is all this country is. They use revisionist history & outright lies & fear to further divide this country. Doesn't seem very patriotic to me!

Greetings and salutations to all out there.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Welcome! We have many lively conversations here, I'm sure you'll find (or make) one on your particular one.

Ismo: Ass Is The Most Complicated Word In The English Language - CONAN on TBS - YouTube

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

LMAssO!!!

Many American evangelicals believe the world is entering the Biblical End Times.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Yes, many of them want to hasten Armageddon, & that should scare the hell (excuse my French!) out of any rational person. When social & political leaders actively seek discord & war to hasten the end times that puts them in opposition to anyone legitimately working towards peace.

What do you give instead of thoughts and prayers?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Sympathy. Understanding & empathy. Concrete help. BTW, Anthony Jeselnik (sp) has a Netflix special titled "Thoughts & Prayers". It's not for the faint-hearted, but it is hilarious!

If you could get rid of any emotion, which one would it be?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

As I was thinking on this I read the other answers. I've come to the conclusion that we shouldn't rid ourselves of any emotion entirely, but learn how to channel & control the ones we have. I have to agree that we have our emotions for certain reasons, even if just to appreciate the opposite at times, & doing without them may leave us lacking. We just should not let emotion cloud our judgment or control our actions.

Jesus knocked on my door last night.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I tell them they can come in & talk, but I warn them up-front that I am an atheist that has read the bible. That usually has them saying that they will come back at a later time (which they never do!).

Opinion, please....

phxbillcee comments on Jan 27, 2018:

You watch "Ancient Aliens"???!!!???

What Did You Do So Far?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Not #'s 9, 13 or 14. Tho I could maybe add some to your list!!! (& I'm making an assumption on #9 as I have no idea what it is. I'll look below!)

There is no agnostic vs. atheist! The peeve I have...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I do consider myself an agnostic atheist. I've gone over this in detail on a few other posts on this site, but what I would like to bring up here is that I proudly sport the label "atheist" for a few reasons. One, the fact that it seems to be this "branch" of the spectrum that is the most active in opposing religious encroachment of many of our rights. Two, that "agnostic" on its own seems wishy-washy unless one is really on the fence about the god question. Do you believe there is a creator god or not? If not, you're an atheist. What type or brand of atheist, & the level of commitment can now be added as modifiers. Three, I want to see the term "atheist" used as often as possible in order to have familiarity actually lessen the "contempt" & misunderstanding that that term carries in our society. As it stands, being honest on this subject in this country virtually guarantees that one will not win an elected office, especially any higher elected office. The more the term "atheist" becomes an accepted thing, the sooner we shall stop being seen as untouchables or pariahs. There has been a good discussion on this here, so I thank silvereyes for the original post. This same question, or variants of it are floating around on this site in various places. It's always good to get different input, either for new information & outlooks, or to help one refine one's own thoughts & opinions. I'm glad I found this site, even if I still haven't scored a date!!!

If you could choose to be one mythical creature what would you choose?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 25, 2018:

A dragon. Have always loved the many takes on the dragon myth in fantasy & even some Sci-Fi. So many different approaches to dragons & so many types.

A little humor for your day.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 25, 2018:

So sorry this show is off the air, they did such great work together!

How Prepared Are You For Death?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I have funeral expenses covered, as cheap as possible because, hey, I'll be dead & won't give a hoot! The leftover money can go to an Irish type wake & I'll get everyone drunk & maudlin one last time, with hopefully some giggles thrown in. Take my organs & cremate the rest, even let student doctors mess with the body beforehand if anyone is interested. I doubt I'll feel any pain!

Do you think science will ever unlock the true mysteries of the true reason the Universe came to be...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I honestly don't know if the question, as framed, has an actual answer. The "true reason" the Universe came to be.?. Is there a "reason" or is it just "is". The same with life. It developed, & even developed us. Is there an underlying reason? Does there have to be? Especially as atheists/agnostics we have to live this life as the only one we have & therefore supply our own "reason" for being here.

12 Step Programs - What was your higher power?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I tried AA for a spell a while back when I was imbibing probably a bit too much (I drank like a fish there for a time!) & never got past that "tenet" & the Lord's Prayer at every meeting & the overall "church-like" atmosphere. Tried for about 4 months or so, then quit & just stayed away from drinking at all for another few months. Now I drink in moderation, mostly, & don't have the same issues in my life, so I guess all's well.

Oklahoma Lawmaker: Rape and Incest are the ‘Will of God’

phxbillcee comments on Jan 24, 2018:

What a thoroughly repulsive person!

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Also, maybe you need Warren Zevon's "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" as a theme song!

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Well, I think coincidences are "odd" by definition! &, of course, these are the things that we remember, that stick in our heads, not the misses that never register most of the time. I am very happy for you, that things worked out, but coincidence it was.

What does evolution mean to you?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Tho not every facet has been explained, & some may never be totally explained, the Theory of Evolution has been proven just about as conclusively as any scientific theory can be. Fossil records, genetics, direct observation, etc. all match up to show that "evolution" & natural selection are how we attained the diversity of life we have today. Now, Abiogenesis is still a work in progress as to what exact method, if there is/was only one, led to life. But, even that is a fairly sure bet to be explanation, in some way.

Why do we need feminism?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 22, 2018:

In uplifting women we uplift society as a whole, the same as uplifting any group that is not getting a fair shake uplifts us all (witness the civil rights movement). Bottom line is human rights (tho I am not making the same point as "all lives matter!!), feminism is recognizing an existing "unfairness" & striving to correct it. It "should" carry many other issues with it as it rises, it should NOT be exclusive, doctrinaire, or corrosive & realize that most (I believe) men do wish to help & believe we can improve.

ARE WE ALONE. So the question,are we alone in the universe?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I'll grant that in the sense of sentient life, except for this planet, we are alone in the solar system. Dolphins & possibly other animals may be smarter & more aware than we now give them credit for, so we may have some company here. & tho the universe is huge & we are unable to explore it in its entirety, that actually is a factor in the probability that there is intelligent life "out there", somewhere. We may never meet up with any others, which would be a shame, but the vastness of the cosmos makes it highly unlikely that we are the only island of life in the void.

What is your take on Satanism? a taboo subject never as far as I know reported in the media.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 21, 2018:

There are a few different types of "Satanism", there is the "modern/LeVay" version, in which Satan is more a metaphor for rebellion against the staid status quo rather than an actual character. Satan in this case is more used for shock value, I believe. Then there are the "rock and roll" Satanists that tend to pull somewhat from the previous definition & sorta dabble in religious diabolism, too. & then, the "true" Satanists that truly believe the mythos & wish to celebrate the "dark side", & usually use many of the symbols & rites associated for years with this "cult". I think they are ALL childish to a large extent, in that it seems to be a sort of nyah-nyah to the "establishment" by using a "bad" or "naughty" symbol.

Hey all just signed up.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Welcome! I just got an "Atheist Atom" tat on my right forearm. It's a good conversation starter!

SHOULD WE UPDATE THE 10 COMANDMENTS?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Well, that version is at least more honest! There are actually a number of serious, "modern" versions of the '10 commandments' online, & some of them are very thoughtful & thought-provoking.

Pony tail.... any of y'all have one?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Yep, was a child of the '60's & '70's & had long hair then 'til I went into the service. Since then it has been back & forth depending on job & circumstances. I like "letting my freak flag fly", but it's only hair. If I have to get it cut I don't worry. I am on disability now so I have one again, but I'd surely give it up to get my back back!

Why isn't our voting day a National holiday? Why can't we mail our votes in like absentee voters?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Well, in my state, Arizona, I am on the early ballot list, so I do mail in my vote. I agree about the National Voting Day, tho.

You voted what?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Since politics is such a large part of our lives & the social "conversation" I can't see how opposing viewpoints wouldn't eventually erode whatever other attractions might have been present at the start.

What happens when an unstoppable force, let's call this "A", meets an immovable object, "B"?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I know you said not to post, but I had just watched this video a few days ago, so I couldn't resist... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eKc5kgPVrA

Spanking

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Oh, spanking children...never mind!!!

I have never understood Christianity in the Black community.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I have noticed that Christianity seems to be very strong in Black communities. Maybe because for many years it was one of the few places Black's could congregate without fear of being "rousted". & legitimately speak out for freedom & justice in a way that was harder to oppress & prosecute. Like MLK, many Black civil rights leaders were church connected. Otherwise, I am as puzzled as you seem to be. Christianity was the religion of the slave owners & in many ways taught Blacks to "mind their place". That, I believe, is one reason Islam has gained a substantial foothold in the Black community, tho not the religion of the "white man", I think it is still an oppressive religion & carries enough of its own baggage.

How do I increase my level???

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Be active. Post, respond, like, etc. It will come, but it's not a competition, so don't sweat it!

Hello. I'm new here.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Welcome!

I remember when MADTv made this parody when I was in high school ... sigh [youtube.com]

phxbillcee comments on Jan 19, 2018:

& how is this different from today? Oh, yeah, it's no longer funny!!!

Piercings? Yea or Nay?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 19, 2018:

My vote was, "Yes, If there aren't too many", but that is just my personal preference/opinion. Otherwise, whatever floats your boat. It's not for me to say what another does with their own bodies. I find certain piercings distracting, for example, on one of the "science" YT sites I visit one of the "hosts" is a young woman with a nose piercing/hoop. It keeps reminding me of someone with a "runny" nose, so tends to distract me. Now I realize that is on me, but the fact remains, I am distracted.

In Joseph Heller's book Catch-22, the Chaplain, having been told to examine a forged letter ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Was it Major Major that ordered that investigation?

Are there many Taoists here? Le Guin readers? Christian "borrowings"

phxbillcee comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Ursula K Le Guin is one of the Grandmasters (excuse the gender bias) of science-fiction 7 is too often overlooked.

Read this once and think about it when people preposition ridiculous 'alternatives' to a situation.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Another oldie & goodie, many, many lawyer jokes have been around for ages. I think this goes back to the 1800's when Dr. Frankenstein was practicing!

Q: What do you get when you cross an atheist and a Jehovah's Witness?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

An oldie, but a goodie!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

You started off with your original post with a, what seemed, somewhat genuine issue, but in all your responses have been either condescending, misleading or at the least, disingenuous. I will say, a conversation has ensued, so, for that, we owe you.

What about the other planets?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

If an advanced alien civilization landed here with the exact same mythos of ANY of our religions, that, my friends, would sincerely bring me pause. I admit i find the likelihood of that happening remote, to say the least. If they came with the concept of a "creator-being", that too, would bring me pause, but not nearly on the level of the previous scenario. All of that being said, I find no reasonable proof that this planet has been visited by E.T.'s up until now. No Alien Architects, no "Lizard-Beings", no BEM's. But, if they did come a'callin' it would be an amazing thing, my friends. The questions & answers that would be provided just by their very appearance would leave scientists enough to work on for decades, let alone any knowledge or advanced tech they may have!

I have a strange sense of humour, I know... This made me chuckle.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

LOL, bad trip, indeed!

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case I can educate some of you and hopefully clear up some ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Sorry, but you surely won't get a "thumbs-up" from me. whether Kevorkian was a paragon or not is not the issue. Freedom of choice is the issue & I don't believe the State has a right to stick their noses in this issue unless abuse can be shown. If we had common-sense, non-religious laws then you can "prosecute" if someone breaks those. We surely don't have those laws in place now.

Boycotting: Do you avoid spending money for some products/services?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 15, 2018:

I don't shop at Walmart or Hobby Lobby, eat at Chick-Fil-A or drink Coke. Probably others I should avoid, but it's tough to keep up. Sometimes you're stuck, tho.

What is your favorite plant based recipe? No meat, no dairy. I'd like to try it!

phxbillcee comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Salad. No croutons.

I love Tracie Harris on The Atheist Experience.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Tracie is great, & she is one of the few on that show that can actually rein Matt in, at times.

If I've categorized this incorrectly, please forgive me.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Vent whenever you need, Cati, we're here for you!

I was just reminded of a meme. Thought I'd share.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 13, 2018:

LOL, love it! (I used my comma.)

Here is the example that helped me to realize my beliefs on confederate monuments.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 13, 2018:

Considering it was the "daughters of the Confederacy" & other like-minded groups that erected these monuments in the '50's & '60's, that was exactly the message that was intended to convey.

So as some of you may know, my Viking reenactment group participated in the making of a music video ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 13, 2018:

Hey, Bungalow Bill, what did you kill? LOL Need some horns on those helmets! (Just kidding, I know better.)

Where were you during the Woodstock festival?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 13, 2018:

I was living in Philadelphia, I believe I was 14. I actually had tickets but had taken off a few weekends before to go to the Atlantic City Rock Festival, & was major grounded! (so a friend of a friend got my ticket) Of course, at the time, no one knew that Woodstock would become the icon it turned out to be, was just another festival at the time, & tho I was disappointed to miss it, as it had some acts that weren't at A.C., I figured another would come along soon enough. I got the L.P.'s & of course, Easy Rider soundtrack, & had a lot of that music from the artists as part of my collection, too. Was, & am, still a big fan of that era, musically, & tho I do purchase "new" music, still beef up my collection from that time (& before, like Buddy Holly & Chuck Berry & the Blues & R & B I grew up with. The only decent sounds on AM at the time, before the advent of FM rock stations.)

[youtu.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 12, 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYXenjpefNU Sorry, goofed the first time, pay no attention to that, belongs on another post here! (& I couldn't delete or edit!)

[youtu.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Here's another bunch! https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/01/12/president-trump-is-playing-politics-with-the-2020-census-it-could-backfire/?utm_term=.f80c2e766320

[youtu.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 12, 2018:

He was funny as hell, & definitely ahead of his time!

Can Celebrity Scientists Change The Way People Think About Science And Religion?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I think scientists writing or speaking on this subject can slowly "chip away" at the walls of religious belief in favor of science & rationality, especially in the young who may not have had their mind-view quite solidified, yet.

Do you believe in Divination?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Short answer...No. Longer answer, this has been researched & so far, at least, no basis for any form of divination or ESP can be found. I think this is somewhat like the reason religions formed originally, to try to find answers. It helps if the method is reliable, though, & not subject to a lot of "interpretation" & mercenary exploitation.

Gosh is it ok to talk to folks with no heavy money on this account ?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

This is a site to share comments, ideas. "Hooking up" is secondary. & money, no matter how you want to define it, is not necessary, just ideas. If by money, you mean "ideas", feel free to listen/comment for a while, & contribute as you feel comfortable. I may have missed your point entirely, & you may actually mean money/dollars. If that is the case I will go with some of the comments below..."huh"?, or, "What?".

Have you given big donations to a church?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

No. I do give, especially at the "holidays" to 2 "local" orgs (tho I think they are possibly national)...St. Vincent de Paul & St. Mary's Food Bank. They do help feed, clothe & shelter folks who need it, w/out the "pushing" of religion. I will also give to local secular groups to this end, but if a group is effective, & happens to have religious "leanings", I won't automatically refuse.

The Church For People Who Are “Spiritual, But Not Religious” - YouTube

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

BTW, What is "spiritual"??? I ain't afraid of no ghosts? Such a vague & imprecise term. Is there more to life for us than just science. Undoubtedly. But to grasp at ephemeral concepts & then use that as a basis for "understanding" is misleading (at least oneself) to say the least.

The Church For People Who Are “Spiritual, But Not Religious” - YouTube

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

& totally love the woman at the end..."I don't give..."

The Church For People Who Are “Spiritual, But Not Religious” - YouTube

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

LOL! & about 1:20 I was thinking to myself, even at that he's not as bad as Deepak Chopra", and then... LMAO!

I'm not sure which disturbed me the most today: Watching Sarah Huckabee Sanders praise Wal-Mart for...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

& the hits keep on comin'! Less said about Wal-Mart, the better. That's a diatribe in & of itself. As for Drumpf & his toadies being idiots, par for the course.

Is it just me who thinks 99% of sexually oriented jokes are authored by men (boys)?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Well, men & women are definitely different & approach EVERYTHING differently. Men are surely a bit more "childish", so to speak, on this subject, &, unless this has been disproven, too, have sex on their minds most of the time. Men & women have a totally different sense of humor, & on this subject more than most. Here's one take... https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-humor-gap-2012-10-23/

Where do you get yours?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I'm single & (unintentionally) celibate. But, I have cats (no pussy jokes allowed!), so pets help. Not the same thing, & I surely miss human, female contact. I have female friends, so I get hugs, but just not the same. I have some family in the area, ditto. So, I am no hermit, but as the punchline goes, "... the crack of dawn isn't safe!" Ah, well, hope springs eternal, I guess.

How Long Do You Think You Would Survive On A Deserted Island?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I would need books!!!! I can do without sex if I have to (I'm living proof right now!), could figure out shelter, maybe fire & some food, but I would go bonkers without reading material!

So, I have a good friend who is an amazing musician, and he's also an evangelical christian.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Well, for example, "The Ode to Joy", among many others, is just incredible music. There is some decent xtian rock & black gospel out there, too. I usually just go for the music & sorta "hum-out" the lyrics, even tho there can be some very moving ones if it isn't laid on too thick.

Christian leader calls for a day of ‘fasting and prayer’ to protect Trump from impeachment – ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Wish there was an "anti-prayer", maybe the Pythagorean Theorem or E=MC^2?!?

Do you have to believe in God to be a fan of Satan?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Not knowing you it's tough to make a call on that last. If you view the whole thing as myth I see it as no different from having Thor in the Marvel comics (or movies). Heavy metal that revolves around "Satan" I personally find juvenile, tho I like some of the music. Just seems sorta pretentious & posturing to me, but, to each their own. You may not like Zappa, Mahavishnu Orch., ELO, Stanley Clarke or the Dead or The Band. I'm a big Little Feat fan, also, which is also probably not your cup of tea, or shot of Jaeger! (Which I'm not fond of, either. LOL)

Another one of my cartoons.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Another good one, bro!

American Gods: This novel is a big metaphor and great example of the gods we create.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Agreed, great book. Most of his stuff is well worth reading.

does desire to convert someone to atheistic belief sometimes undercut our abiding love for science?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I have found that a lot of "spiritual" science lovers actually tend to be pseudo-science lovers. New Age cures & treatments, homeopathy, crystals, etc. I think the fight is rationalism & humanism vs faith & let's pretend. Doesn't always involve "religion".

This is really more inspiring than silly, random and fun, but hey. [quartzy.qz.com]

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Tho she gets so much grief on social media, I still love Sarah, & this shows why. (Plus she's smart, talented & attractive) She's put herself out there with her comedy & her unapologetic political stance. This is a great story!

What eye color have you always wanted?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I've always wanted those spinning "spirals" that pretend to hypnotize you. If that wouldn't freak someone out I don't know what would! Honestly, I have mostly brown eyes that get a hazel tinge on occasion & having a striking green would be nice. Of course, they have just about any contact lens you could wish for now.

[youtu.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Cheesy, but hilarious! This isn't pure fantasy, its pure satire! I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing!

Anyone love the sci-fi of Orson Scott Card in spite of his douche bag self?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Was a fan when he first came out. Besides his "Ender" series he had the "Alvin Maker" series, which I enjoyed. I guess its always tough to enjoy someone's work, literary, musically, artistically, etc., & then find out they are less than one thought/hoped, but that's humans for ya'! I guess the baby/bathwater analogy comes into play here.

Egypt’s parliament in bid to ban atheism

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Between that & attacks by groups such as ISIS against Coptic Christians & others not only Egypt, but the whole Arab world is heading for rough times. Don't look to the U.S. as a brake on this action, either. I think it entirely possible that we will end up with our own "showdown" here. As it is it is an uphill fight to keep the "wall of separation" standing!

Response to the queries of the believers

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

If I found there really was a "creator/god" I would be obliged to believe. Then there is the question of which god it is, highly doubtful it will be any of the gods proffered so far by man. Then is the question of did this god actually want belief/worship & if it actually deserved such. & THEN I have to figure if I am able to offer such worship. I'm a stubborn cuss, & a Yank at that. Really tough to "bend the knee" to anyone. If respect is actually due, I would need to be convinced, & not just by the act of creation itself (tho that may bring a sense of awe), & worship would be a much harder proposition!

I was running errands with my mom, she was driving.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

This is what I say in response to "Christian Scientists" or JW's, "God helps those who help themselves." Not letting a doctor or medicine help is not just foolish, its STUPID! Even ancient peoples had some form of medicine, use it! Like the fool who asks god to let him win the lottery yet never buys a ticket! Glad you "buckled-up", tho!

Ijeoma Oluo

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Well, we are "social" animals, with pack traits. But I disagree to an extent, I think "Faith" is the real problem, tho it ties in with what is mentioned.

Atheist Books

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

One automatically has to go to the "Four Horseman" to start. Dawkins - "The God Delusion", Dennett - "Breaking The Spell", Harris - "Letter to a Christian Nation" & "The End of Faith", Hitchens - "god is not Great" & his editing of "the Portable Atheist". Some other good ones are: Barker - "God: The Most Unpleasant Character In All Fiction", Mills - "Atheist Universe", Russell - "Why I Am Not A Christian", Silverman - "Fighting God" & even Douglas Adams - "The Salmon of Doubt" & Navabi's - "Why There Is No God". Also, YouTube has a plethora of "atheist" posters, in whatever mood or complexity strikes your fancy!!

Sometimes little wins are important.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

About time! Seriously, I'm glad your township has done this. Did they do it on their own, or did they need a "push" from some group, like FFRF or American Atheists?

I gave up religion on 12/25/1966 and never looked back.

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

That you gave up religion on X-mas day & state that it is "a story in itself" makes me want to hear the story.

I just had someone come up to me in Walmart and ask if they could give me a Christian pamphlet in ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

It seems you dealt with it well. I would recommend the "Street Epistemologist" channel on YT. or Peter Boghossian's - "A Manual for Creating Atheists". Mostly try to stay pleasant & questioning, not confrontational. Now, if you come up against a Ken Ham or a Ray Comfort, all bets are off!! Just be sure to stay on ground you're familiar with, they love to twist things!

I’ve Never Believed Finding myself in a different space than most atheists and agnostics in ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Excellent post! I recall the look & comment I got from the woman who made the dog tags when I was in boot. I wasn't "active" at the time so I just went with "NP" (No Preference). The lady was like, "Are you sure?" & I don't think she got too many of those. Now, this was back in '73, but things have probably not changed that much in the military.

Have you ever noticed that if you call a Christian "Christian" or a Muslim "Muslim", it's not ...

phxbillcee comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I commented on the first part of your question, somewhat, in a reply below. As to hating all religions, well, I do "label" myself as an antitheist, so I'm not a fan, but it is more their effects than the absurdities of the religions themselves that I abhor. Also, I think one has to be very careful to separate the religion from the religious. Most folk are born into a religion/culture & a lot of their life & society may be tied up in it & its practices. People are people & some of these guys are atheists in the making. It doesn't make sense to be hostile & make enemies (more than atheists already have).

Who is your favorite intellectual?

phxbillcee comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Tho he has passed, Christopher Hitchens, tho I do like Leigh's pick of Carlin, also! All the rest of your examples are pretty spot on, but add Sagan in that mix! (& maybe Asimov, too!)