Church weddings?

tioteo comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Certainly. Attendance is not acceptance. Besides, it's out of respect or to support someone.

Nature and 'spirituality'

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I can agree with that. I think the spirituality comes from within, but I think I understand what you're saying.

Do you play a musical instrument?

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I am a music lover. I listen mostly to classical, but not to the exclusion of all other genres. I don't play any instruments, but I do write songs (lyrics with the tune in my head) for some bands around who want originals. There are a number of people here who play.

"Being an atheist means you have to realise that when you die, that really is it.

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

None of what we do as a race will amount to a blip on the timeline of the universe; therefore, we must be content to know that what we do as individuals will be remembered only by a few for a very short time, but to those few, we should try to leave worthwhile memories.

There have been 700 proposals in Congress in the last 200 years to amend the Electoral College, more...

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Yes, it should be. Its inclusion in the Constitution came at a time when the states were more important than the citizens. At least for me, that time has passed. Within recent memory, we have had two presidents elected by the Electoral College who lost the popular vote. The ballot of an individual voter in California or New York should have as much weight as the ballot of a voter in Wyoming.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

tioteo comments on Jan 20, 2018:

It may be the last thing he got correct.

Donald trump Iq test

tioteo comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I like this. Thanks for sharing.

Just this morning, I heard this TV ad for hearing aids .

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

It's an act. Some people are lured by irrationality and willingly take the bait.

"To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with." -Mark Twain

tioteo comments on Jan 26, 2018:

My favorite author.

It's my birthday! I don't usually care about one day any more than the others, but today seems ...

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

If you keep having birthdays, you'll get to be old. If you don't, well, we don't want that.

Favorite early SF/Fantasy Book

tioteo comments on Jan 31, 2018:

When I was in elementary school, I read "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells. It still holds a place in my heart even though it is not my all-time favorite. Soon after that "20,000 Leagues under the Sea" caught my attention and my time. I still enjoy some of the older works along with many of the newer ones.

Have you noticed this?

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Unfortunately too true.

I just saw that a Texas judge, told a jury that God talked to him, and wants them to come in with a ...

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Scary as it gets.

The first "god" was El.

tioteo comments on Feb 1, 2018:

The first god was El--vis? Dude could sing. Peace.

I have a friend that has cancer that has come back.

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

You're handling it as well as you can. No words really help. Checking up on her and helping where you can mean much more.

Has anyone watched Altered Carbon, on Netflix?

tioteo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I'm convinced. I'm going to have to start.....as soon as I get Netflix.

[forbes.

tioteo comments on Feb 6, 2018:

As is the history of mankind, the haves conspire to control so that they can have more and more, always at the expense of the have-nots.

I have to have a plumber come rescue me tomorrow and it's gonna cost $90 an hour.

tioteo comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Unfortunately, you're up the creek without a paddle at the immediate time. There are a number of self-help books and sites. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with them.

Have you ever had a conversation with a religious person in which you were able to alter their ...

tioteo comments on Feb 7, 2018:

A number of times I've had such a discussion. I won't let a disagreement become an argument. Asking questions seems to be the key for me.

Recent Converts

tioteo comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I accepted religion in my early 20s. Rejecting it took time and the final split is fairly recent, but now I can say that I am true to myself.

Turbulent Hydro - Could this be the future of renewable energy?

tioteo comments on Feb 10, 2018:

This looks promising.

What kind of snob are you?

tioteo comments on Feb 13, 2018:

I am a tea snob. The water must be filtered; the temperature must be right; the tea must be loose leaf and proper flush; the steeping time must be right....There are other elements, but you get the idea.

What’s one of your funniest church experiences?

tioteo comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Not exactly "in church", but it involved a pastor's daughter. 'Nuf said.

Music and the cerebral listener

tioteo comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Although I'm much more into classical music, I enjoy the complexities of Dream Theatre.

Kids

tioteo comments on Feb 19, 2018:

We have 3: a daughter 48 who has given me two fine grandsons, a son 43 with a cognitive disability and a job with benefits who lives with us yet, and a son 40 with one son. Being a dad has been great; being a granddad is AWESOME!

I was recently asked, if I could teach anything in the world, what would it be?

tioteo comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I might take it if it were a half-day. I would be more open to 20th century because I understand that the least.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

tioteo comments on Feb 23, 2018:

There is room for it, but it must have ham with it..

Am I weird?

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I think these were called "A" shirts, but I'm not sure of that. Brando wore one, I think, in "A Streetcar Named Desire." I never did like them.

What is “worse” to you – being lied to spare your feelings, or being told the truth when the ...

tioteo comments on Feb 24, 2018:

My vote for which is worse is being lied to in order to spare feelings. That being said, how the truth is told also matters. The tone of voice can carry a lot of weight.

Hi, new user from Utah! I'll admit I'm a bit skeptical about the site but I've been looking for ...

tioteo comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I didn't ever live in Utah, but it might as well have been. It was a mile across the border in Wyoming in a place where the percentage of LDS was higher than in Salt Lake City. I can relate. Be yourself here.

How well do you listen actively?

tioteo comments on Feb 28, 2018:

Much better than I used to, but it depends on a number of variables. I do work very hard at it.

What gives your life meaning?

tioteo comments on Mar 2, 2018:

Lots of things: my children, my grandchildren, music, sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms, stimulation from this site.

What is something you have tried, but will never do again?

tioteo comments on Mar 2, 2018:

When I was a teen, I tried drinking hard liquor. I got very drunk, lost my wallet with all my money, hated the feeling.

My sister's dog is celebrating (okay, WE are celebrating) his 9th birthday tomorrow, so I ...

tioteo comments on Mar 3, 2018:

About anything he wants.

Any John Oliver or Trevor Noah fans on here?

tioteo comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I love John Oliver. He makes his points in SUCH a way. Haven't seen Trevor enough to judge.

What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters, but never has 5 letters.

tioteo comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Absolutely correct. I can read.

What quality or trait do you have that You really like about yourself?

tioteo comments on Mar 12, 2018:

My sense of the ridiculous, especially where I am concerned.

Stephen Hawking dies aged 76 - BBC News

tioteo comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Proof that mind matters.

Glasses: Help Me Out Folks, I'm new at this.

tioteo comments on Mar 15, 2018:

See an ophthalmologist! 'Nuf said.

I'm a closet agnostic/atheist I am a wedding photographer in Oklahoma, most of my clients are very...

tioteo comments on Mar 15, 2018:

No clean answer that I can see. I will advise you to think of it as work, not an endorsement of your surroundings. With that in mind, be as non-commital as you can, but never be untrue to your personal philosophy.

I cut 13 inches of hair yesterday.

tioteo comments on Mar 15, 2018:

I like your donating. That alone makes you beautiful.

When you questioned, was critical thinking discouraged?

tioteo comments on Mar 15, 2018:

I have observed that often those with the loudest, most vocal "faith" are trying to convince others and then themselves. Questioning is discouraged because they don't really know the answers.

Dog or cat?

tioteo comments on Mar 16, 2018:

I have a very affectionate dog. I like cats but can't have one because of allergies.

If Roberta Flack had a lisp.

tioteo comments on Mar 16, 2018:

I wish I could unsee this.

Just got knockers inviting me to a world wide event. I ask, "Regarding what?

tioteo comments on Mar 17, 2018:

Looks as if you handled it appropriately. Now, don't hang on to it.

What idiosyncratic behaviours do you have?

tioteo comments on Mar 17, 2018:

I have a few obsessive/compulsive behaviors of which I am aware, but I don't let them control me--not all the time, at least. On light switches with two or more toggles, I like all to point the same direction so I won't turn on a light for steps if it means throwing that out of sync. It makes no sense, but that's how it is. I have others, but this is enough for now.

If time were to freeze for everyone except for you, for one day, what would you do?

tioteo comments on Mar 18, 2018:

Shave tRUMP's head.

I would be interested in hearing what what the group thinks about this question: Is there a ...

tioteo comments on Mar 18, 2018:

Interesting. I have pondered the difference myself, indeed, proposing the same question with friends. I think truth is based in fact but includes elements of opinion; fact is testable and verifiable.

The First State to Address (part of) the Problem in Pet Food

tioteo comments on Mar 18, 2018:

Good for Ohio!

If you could improve one of the following areas of your life: Love, Social Network, Career and Sense...

tioteo comments on Mar 18, 2018:

For me, the answer is easy: my health. I'm now a senior citizen and many of the ailments and associated problems have set up shop in my body. Damn!

Does anyone else find that as a non-believer in an all powerful beings, it's very difficult for me ...

tioteo comments on Mar 19, 2018:

People are people, even those who have accomplished great things. A pedestal for them? Definitely not. Recognition? That was earned.

Native American Cover Of 'Unchained Melody' Will Give You Chills. WoW!

tioteo comments on Mar 20, 2018:

Shared. Thanks.

What type of area and housing do you prefer to live in?

tioteo comments on Mar 20, 2018:

I like small towns because I don't like the busy pace of most larger cities. There are disadvantages, of course, but I haven't found a perfect situation yet.

How did they keep a straight face?

tioteo comments on Mar 20, 2018:

Great! I shared.

Ok Guys, Here's a Hot Prospect

tioteo comments on Mar 21, 2018:

Good for her!

I didn’t find any groups for people that like to grow their own food or just gardening.

tioteo comments on Mar 21, 2018:

I like the idea. I am a home gardener also.

Learned something new today.

tioteo comments on Mar 21, 2018:

Hell?.........NO!

Hello all.

tioteo comments on Mar 21, 2018:

You will probably fit in well here. Ask questions, comment, read. Make yourself at home.

I'm usually happy, but have encountered a nemesis and need some ideas.

tioteo comments on Mar 22, 2018:

It very much depends on how much contact you have to have with this person and the amount of power he/she has over you. Is it a boss, etc.? Is something like "You should move to (small town). I hear they're looking for a new village idiot" too harsh? "Your unhappiness doesn't have to be passed on to me" might work or "Go look in the mirror when you want to make someone miserable."

Has anyone else read "Towing Jehovah?

tioteo comments on Mar 22, 2018:

Interesting sounding plot.

I totally agree with this...

tioteo comments on Mar 22, 2018:

I hadn't seen this quote from her. My philosophy: Life is too important to be taken too seriously.

What?

tioteo comments on Mar 23, 2018:

Shhh..hhhh...hhhh.....Don't tell anyone....Our motion causes the seeming retrograde. It's not magic.

Have you ever cheated on an exam? Do you think cheating in a test is moral?

tioteo comments on Mar 23, 2018:

Yes, but it was in junior high. I don't think it is moral. My morality wasn't as definite then.

9-5 work week is done, work weekend has begun.

tioteo comments on Mar 23, 2018:

Retired people don't have to sweat such things as weekends. Yeah, I'm rubbing it in, but I earned it!

What do you say?

tioteo comments on Mar 25, 2018:

Sometimes I say nothing; sometimes I say "God blast you" because it seems irreverent all around.

Hey, I am Rosie. Been an athiest for about 10 years.

tioteo comments on Mar 25, 2018:

Welcome to the zoo. Be yourself. Talk. Interact.

“Hay una clarísima correlación entre conocimiento científico y ateísmo” [cienciadelsur.com]

tioteo comments on Mar 26, 2018:

Es verdad, creo en todas culturas.

What random act of kindness do you practice regularly?

tioteo comments on Mar 28, 2018:

I do small stuff frequently: Giving my empty shopping cart to someone going into Aldis (only some will understand this), helping a person with a huge cart of groceries unload at checkout, congratulating others for the small kindness that I notice from them, opening doors for the elderly, etc.

Let's start a grammar war! It's Word Wednesday! The origin of "irregardless" is unknown.

tioteo comments on Mar 28, 2018:

It IS redundant. That's why it ain't no word!

Eating out alone?

tioteo comments on Mar 28, 2018:

Never bothered me. There are times when I prefer it and times when I like companionship.

Just googled something in relation to a post someone has made here.

tioteo comments on Mar 29, 2018:

We had a set. We used them frequently.

I have a cousin whom I love dearly.

tioteo comments on Mar 29, 2018:

Similar things have been mentioned, but "I'll send good vibes" seems to work.

What do you most like to do during your leisure time?

tioteo comments on Mar 29, 2018:

I act and direct with community theater groups. Sometimes I fish and sometimes I even catch fish. My grandkids take up some time, too.

Living in the Bible belt it has to be refreshing to hear some thoughtfull disscussion on all ...

tioteo comments on Mar 30, 2018:

The area where I live is sort of a mini bible belt. I can relate. Persevere! You'll find friends here.

"Be fruitful and multiply": Why the Abrahamic religions are winning the evolutionary race.

tioteo comments on Mar 30, 2018:

"most science minded, highly intelligent people seem too BUSY with their work to be involved with parenting." I think you missed the mark with this statement. It should always be the job of parents to parent: nurture, teach, correct, etc. That is important whether you are a secularist or not.

I started a new job and was told the two things to not discuss were politics and religion.

tioteo comments on Mar 31, 2018:

My advice is to leave it alone as long as the co-worker doesn't try to convert or otherwise discuss it with you.

Born of a Virgin - Dionysus - Horus - Osiris - Attis - Odysseus - Romulus - Ra - Tammuz But ...

tioteo comments on Mar 31, 2018:

I get such a kick out of this. We are beings who reproduce sexually. If we don't copulate, we don't reproduce. What is so "dirty" about that?

In honor of tomorrow, wishing everyone Feliz Dia de los Huevos! ;)

tioteo comments on Mar 31, 2018:

Egg-zactly!

My Mom is wonderful.

tioteo comments on Apr 1, 2018:

Good for her! And, good for you!

Feeling smug in my t-shirt and festive snapchat filter today.

tioteo comments on Apr 1, 2018:

I used to wear glasses like that, but that was long ago and they are much cuter on you.....or, you are just a lot cuter than I ever was......one or the other.

Greetings, agnostic world! I am glad to find such a great, positive community through an excellent ...

tioteo comments on Apr 1, 2018:

If you flatter us too much, we'll think we're important. Hmmm...mmmm.....

Former Mormons: What broke your shelf?

tioteo comments on Apr 2, 2018:

I was a convert that didn't take. I went to services and the rest of the group totally ignored me. Not being made to feel welcome has the effect of "They don't want me." It was a good thing because I started to look into the history of the church from the point of view of outsiders to the faith. It didn't take long to see what a charlatan and conman that Joe Smith was.

Active Mormon To Agnostic

tioteo comments on Apr 2, 2018:

When I lived in Wyoming near the Utah border, I had numerous Mormon leaders trying to convert me one way or another: literature, pointing out favorable movies, display at a museum of the handcart fiasco, etc. They thought I was a gentile from the midwest. I had gone through conversion as a you;ng man. It didn't stick. I noticed that they were enthusiastic for converts but extremely harsh to anyone who was falling away or had fallen away. Questioning the revisionist history that they spouted was not acceptable. I can imagine some of the ostracism that you will endure. Depending on where you live, it could be almost unbearable at times. Arm yourself with facts and the knowledge that you are strong enough to withstand the onslaught of guilt-slinging which you will face. One more thing, there is a website, exmormon.org, to help along the way.

As a relaxed agnostic, I am in the "ignorant and apathetic" camp - I don't know, and I don't care.

tioteo comments on Apr 2, 2018:

Mission accomplished.

What does it mean to you when a members starts to follow your posts?

tioteo comments on Apr 3, 2018:

I think the answers vary almost as much as the individuals. I follow people because I've liked some of their posts. I think two people follow me; it's up to them to say why.

I understand that many people are coming into their reality of atheist or agnostic, therefore some ...

tioteo comments on Apr 5, 2018:

I notice that a discussion post that I may ignore one time may pique my interest at another. Then I ask myself why I overlooked it in the first place. Sometimes our moods play a large part.

Does anyone else think that the very pillars of religion like original sin, universal forgiveness, ...

tioteo comments on Apr 5, 2018:

The inane doctrine of original sin is one of the things that gave me the most cause to leave religion. I get your point and basically agree.

Thoughts to make you closer to nature people and animals.

tioteo comments on Apr 8, 2018:

Kind of illustrates our importance in the grand scheme of things, huh?

Follow up to "A Major Milestone" post.

tioteo comments on Apr 8, 2018:

You're not over-reacting. He spoke like a heel and acted like a heel. But, that is my reaction to the negatives. Were there any positives?

Who do you support, the teachers of Oklahoma or the Republicans and Betsy DeVos, who claim the ...

tioteo comments on Apr 9, 2018:

As a retired teacher who lives within 50 miles of Secre-idiot of education Betsy DeVos, well, definitely the teachers.

What cartoon character, past or present, matches your personality?

tioteo comments on Apr 9, 2018:

Fritz the Cat?

Believers are always asking me, "If there's no god, what's the meaning of life?

tioteo comments on Apr 9, 2018:

"Life means living, which I intend to continue doing. That's meaning enough." This could be one response.

I've been away for a while.

tioteo comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Meaningful work made even more meaningful. Good memory.

This has probably been asked a lot but here goes... Do you ever feel shame for being an atheist?

tioteo comments on Apr 10, 2018:

We have to be true to ourselves first.

When religion is more important then education?

tioteo comments on Apr 10, 2018:

The writer's educational, or rather *indoctrinational*, experience should be the greatest testimony to why even religious schools must meet the standards set by the state. Exempting them is a travesty and a disservice to the students.

I know I'm not the only person that has trouble with family members that don't accept me but ...

tioteo comments on Apr 11, 2018:

Be around as many positive (to you) people as much as you can. People can drag us down; people can buoy us up.

ITSA MIRACLE> I am finally on the top contributor list

tioteo comments on Apr 12, 2018:

Good on you. That'll be a million dollars, please.

Do you have compassion for the believers?

tioteo comments on Apr 12, 2018:

I have compassion for all people, even--and I suppose especially--for those who act like sheep.

You know what?

tioteo comments on Apr 12, 2018:

Welcome! Talk with us. Some of us are informed and some of us are informative. Most of us are interesting.

"Appropriated" from @Rudy1962 on the "Memes R Us" group...

tioteo comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Bloody hIlarIous!