What is your "normal"?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Go with the flow. Enjoy the experience of living in the moment and learn from it.

Royals: They are born; they urinate; they defecate; they copulate; they flatulate.

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

While I agree with your point, your writing skiills are terrible and your your post is crude and tasteless.

How do you decide whether it's worth arguing with a religious person?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I do not argue with a religious person. One cannot reason with illogic and irrationality.

What makes a man?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Integritry, honesty, courage.

Night shifts done, gym or bed?

wordywalt comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Bed. Workouts should take place when one is at full strength.

She also has more balls than he has, and I mean that in the very best way.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Absolutely no question!

It's that time again: The Rapture Is April 23

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

And, they will always create a new reason for why it did not occur. Read Leon Festiner's, WHEN PROPHESY FAILS.

Where do you feel most comfortable going on Sundays mornings?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Fishing on either fresh or salt water. Growing up in a religious family, my father would not let me go fishing on Sunday.

What is one current piece of slang or an expression that you wish would never be used/spoken again?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

"You know." I detest it when a person is constantly saying, Your know."

What is 1 thing you want to do before you die?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

I;d like to go fishing in Alaska, and on the Great Barrier Reef.

Would you truly like to live on a sailboat and travel the world?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

No. I would not like being in such a confined space for such a long time.

Why did USA become so incredibly entrenced in religion and EU escaped?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

You should read Alan Heimert's book, THE AMERICAN MIND FROM THE GREAT AWAKENING TO THE aMERICAN rEVOLUTION. Heimert postulated that it was the religious emotionalism that was released in the wave of religious revivals which swept up and down the North American colonies that was transformed and transferred to the political sphere to become THE most important ause of the American Revolution, and laid out a strong base of evidence. I went back to original sources on both politics and religion of the time and came out convinced that Heimert was correct. In fact, evangelical Calvinism, since that time, has been a a mjor force in American culture. That is the primary reason that American culture is more religious than the European.

Ever been called ugly or some other mean spirited slur to your face?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Sounds like you are hanging around some mean-spirited people. Maybe you should try to find a different social scene in which to operate.

How come we think doggies and kitties are pets and piggies, chickens and cows are food?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Because dogs and cats are more intelligent and more sociable with humans. It's simple.

Ran across this a while back, and is the best end of discussion statement I've run across.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

A bit of widom from the ages!

“I have no respect for any human being who believes in hell.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Damned well said!

What has happened to hitchhiking?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

When I was young I hitchhiked a lot, too. Never had a bad experience as a hitchhiker. When I got back ffrom my Army assignment in Berlin, I hitchhiked from New York City to Jacksonville, Florida ( and pocketed my travel pay) Yes, times have changed. The interstate system had a lot to do with the decline of hitchhiking.

Maybe it's just me but I think most people have inconsistent political and philosophical beliefs.

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

You are totally off base! Conservatives tend to obscess on ideology and on maintaining the status quo (instead of what is needed and postive for the people). Progressives rely much more on reason and hard data. With your statement, you simply show your lack of objectivity.

McConnell, the Senate’s decider, discovers the limits of his control - The Washington Post

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Override McConnell. The only thing the man knows how to do is to obstruct.

In what way(s) has your cat trained you?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

My at is my lovely little alarm clock. When she wakes up in the morning, she makes a beeline to my bed and wakes me up wanting to shmooze. A great w;ay to begin the day!.

Who else is new here?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

Out of curiosity, did you live on or hear the Deseret Ranch near St. Cloud?

When you are dating someone, at what point in the relationship do you feel you can trust them with ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

If the person seems caring and empathetic and if the relationship seems to be one tyou might want to coitninue, try making youself a bit vulnerable by revealing something of your tgrue self. If the person reciprocates by doing the same and does not try to take advantage of what you have revealed, it is time to open up little bny little -- as long as the relationship is moving forward.

FOOOOOD!!!

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

I tried chitlings once -- only once.

What is a good reason to be happy?

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

The reasons to be happy are huge in number a warm and pleasant human contact, something that is really funny, having accomplished something of value, a beautiful sight or sound, an act of generousity (either as the recipient or as the giver), having done something very well, etc. etc., etc.

A modern interpretation of West African Polyrhythms dating back over 1,000 years

wordywalt comments on Apr 19, 2018:

GOOD stuff!

I’m an omnivore but could happily live on just fruit. What are your top three favorite fruits?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Oine apples, nectarines, black cherries.

What does everyone think about that new study that make pose the question of whether or not there ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

What study? Conducted by whom or what group? What did id say?

A lot of us here , seem to be of retirement age , plus .

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I am 81 years old and have no intention to EVER be in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Alright, this is going to be a fight.

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

The Brsttles. Their work had more harmony, intellectual substance, and real creativity.

How do you respond when someone shows their religion around you?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I find any exscuse I can to get away from that conversation as quickly as possible.

T-shirts........................

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Depends.

I have recently familiarized myself with the new age spiritual awakening concepts of enlightenment ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

There is no relationship between new age "spirituality" and quantum pjysics.

Name the first word(s) that comes into your mind when someone says "scientism".

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Ity is not a term I have ever heard.

Anyone else in an unhappy relationship and don't see a way forward? Any advice?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I would havbe to know more about the situation in order to respond. I have nothing to offer on such limitted information.

Trump signed an executive order to GUT the Postal Service! What next privatization of of all ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Trump sees the American people as fools he and his financial cronies can exploit. He is A THREAT TO US AND OUR COUNTRY.

Have you ever met someone who truly changed your life? tell me a little bit about it

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Not in person. But, my life has been significantly changed by contacts with the writings of some remarkable people -- Jean Paul Sartre, Jean Piaget, Hermann Hesse, John Gardner, among others..

What are your thoughts on homeschooling

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I have no experience with home schooling. But, I have real questions about the motives and qualifications of those who do it.

Why would you not respond to a private message?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

+Unless it was threatening or salacious, one should respond to a private message.

If you've got your DNA reports.

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

My DNA shows remote ancestors from the Pima or Aztec Indians , from the Bantu tribe of Africa (both about 500 years ago), and 3.0 percent Neanderthal.

Please tell me what is it about musics ability to moves you into different emotions at any given ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I love music which combines true melody and power, such as that of Aaron Copland.

Isn't it all just Brainwashing?

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Religion is brainwashing. The linkage between religion and patriotism is false, and should not occur.

Some of the posts here are serious in tone and beg a serious response.

wordywalt comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Damned irritated!

I no longer deny global warming.

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

You have gained a lot of wisdom and courage.

Was there a catalyzing event, person or perhaps a book sealing it in your mind forever the ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

A well-written book may help some to find heir voices on what about religion bothers them. I did not need a book. Simply experiences merged with reasoned analysis to provide a sound basis for rejecting religion.

Is it wrong...

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Sounds like you may well have reasons for concern. If so, you have no reason to feel any quilt. It may make you sad that this is the case, but that is natural. Simply try to do the right thing for your son.

So I have these new neighbors in a rental house next door.

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Warn them that the dogs are a real issue and that if the problem does not stop, you will report the issue to the HOA. If the person attempts to wreak retribution on you in any illegal manner, report the damge to the police and give them the full background. Do NOY be araid to stand up for your rights and quality of life.

As we age do we fear death, more or less?

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

For me, the answer is less. I cannot speak for others.

Atheism and socialization

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Mever. I have always been and will always be proud of my choice of atheism.

Objectivism in the freethinking community

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Anyone who has seriously read and analyzed Ayn Rand's work knows that her name cannot be seriously associated with real objectivity.

Quick questions... or maybe not... How does everyone feel about marriage?

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Marriage is a social rite invented by prortect women and subscquent offspring. In a good marriage, it is also a joint commitment to a long rerm caring and sharing relationship.

Well this should be interesting. What is bothering you today?

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Trump's presidency and presence on the Amreicna scene and will bother me until both go away.

I see the new Trump action figures are in.

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I don't dislike anyone badly enough to give them that -- except Trump himself.

It is said that the way to a mans heart is to keep his stomach full and his balls empty.

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I agree with the assessment that your post says you are a wise-ass kid without a sense of taste and a strong tendency toward machismo.

Do you like being intelligent?

wordywalt comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I have an IQ of 145, but I have almost always fought most of the tendencies you describe. As a child and young man, I had the privilege of knowing some remarkable uneducated people and from whom I learned some important things. I am repulsed by elitism, including intellectual elitism. In 1968, while in graduate school I received a written invitation from Mensa to join the group. I declined in writing, citing the elitism I saw in people I knew who were drawn to Mensa.

After reading yet ANOTHER article about Trump's discomfort with doing anything to antagonize his ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Yes, she did meet with Tri\ump.

Hannity Says He Totally Forgot Michael Cohen Was His Lawyer When He Criticized F.

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Hannity is such a crook ad damnable liar that the sound of his voice makes me gag.

Women and the old love songs by the great saxophonists. What more does a man need?

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

I loved to hear Paul Desxmond -- such a sweet sound.

Why does it seem that some people go out of their way to be unpleasant?

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

I also do not understant such a person.

Evangelicals are planning a high-profile meeting with Trump - The Washington Post

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

These charlatans should hang their heads in absolute shame.

What can I do to be a better representative of atheists?

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Be yourself, and act and speak with confidence. omre;;oghemce. and caring. Be civil, except in the facte of disrespect for others.

What Are the Psychological Effects of Losing Your Religion? [neurosciencenews.com]

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

For me, it improved my mental health and self-image. Yes, it also led me to be more of an iconoclast -- and I am proud of that.

What would you do if your spouse of many years developed cancer and ultimately is unable to ambulate...

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Only if I am unable to care for her.

Fake news and Reality

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Experience teaches us which news sources tend to be reliable and which do not. Before I would believe it, I would fact-check everyword that comes from Fox "News."

What is better - to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Only psychopaths seem to have an inherently evil nature. We all have the potential for good and evil.

It is said that the way to a mans heart is to keep his stomach full and his balls empty.

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

That may be enough for some men, but not for me.

Why is everyone looking for love?

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Well stated.

How do you deal with the death of a son? Last thursday I lost my son (Age 32)

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

I am very sorry for your deeply personal loss. I hope that you have many positive memories of him to hold on to.

Anyone watch the James Comey interview?

wordywalt comments on Apr 16, 2018:

No, it was not a bombshell. But, that is not the point, at all! What it does show is what a crrooked, duplicitious, lying, morally bankrupt cretin Trump is, We have known that, but Comey makes the pattern abundantly clear. That IS important!

Atheism isn’t a culture as any atheist can tell you.

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

A culture includes of the norms, practices, philosophies, knowledge, values -- everything that humans create. To base a culture on atheism is analyyous to forming a one dimensional image in a multi-dimensional world.

Mitch McConnell

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

McCpnnell;is as morally crooked as they come.

So, there is a dog park close to me and I take my little dog to the park almost every day so she can...

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

You acted appropriately. The woman has some real personality problems.

I wonder if animals have an actual sense of right and wrong.

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Goof question. I am sure that many animals know when they do something other than what is expected from them. But, I am not sure that is a moral judgment.

To those who have left religious or ideological communities or social structure, have you maintained...

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

No. not really. But, it was not because I pushed away from those friends, but because I moved to communities far away and became actively engaged with my own children, wife, career and other pursuits.

"People have lost the ability to judge what is real and what is not.

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

His statement is true, The political and religious right, along with the extrme libertarians, are doing everything they can to limit and restrict rational, critical thinking, and intellectual activity. They are the most destructive force active in America today.

Trump's political advice comes from...

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Love it!

HOT or COLD, or somewhere in between maybe... What kind of showers do you prefer?

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Depends on the season. In the winter, I like hot showers. In the summer, cold.

I just spent the last 2 weeks with a friend who is getting cancer treatments in Seattle.

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

I am, by upbringing and nature, more of a small town or small city person. But. here in Tampa. I live in a secluded (but, not gated) neighborhood full of trees and greenery.It is easy to foregt that there is an eight-lane street with heavy traffic less than 10 blocks away. The only large city I have ever loved was Berlin, Germany. The city was full of parks and forest where one could get away from people, sidewalk pubs and cafes, and cultural events, along with a public transportation system so good that one did not need a car.

Do you think there is a difference between liberal and progressive?

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

No, not really.

How many of you older people listen to current pop music, or is it only "noise" to you?

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Probably true. I do sometimes listen to music from the 1960s through 1970s, but most of the time I listen to classical music today. Yes, I do consider most of today's pop music noise.

Anyone have anything to say about our amazing prime minister Thresa May, who decided to bomb Syria ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

You should be more prone to judge Assad and Putin the what they have done. The Western world had to do something, even if it was just symbolic.

Religious doctrine disguised as morality and ethics?

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Morality or ethics are based on one's defintion of right and wrong and the beliefs on what is bthe basis for those choices or definitions. Religious people tend to base their moral beliefs on their religious dogma, not reasoned judgment. Others have well-founded moral coes based on reasoned judgment. The two are very different on form and content. I consider myself a moral person based on my reasoned judment. I have choices and it is the effect of my choices that I weigh.

Do you get visits from missionaries often?

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Seldom. It seems less frequently today than several years ago. Maybe word spreads. When they do appear, I am not aggressively disrespectual, but I am also not welcoming.

Photographer Tiptoes Through The Tulips To Shoot Harvest Mice, And The Result Will Make Your Day | ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Delightful.

Fighting in the middle East will continue as long as the religions hate each other because of the ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Religions do not hate each other. Some people with certain religious beliefs hate people of different beliefs.

What is your atheist anthem? (Music)

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I have no aheist anthem and don't need one.

What is your idea of a man "taking care of" a woman?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I agree, but I would also add ,whenever it is relevant, helping to provide information which can help the wife in decision-making to make her life better.

Why does it seem to be that there are more male atheists and agnostics when women are often ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

That is probably due to the fact that society's stereotypical sex roles encourages men to be more risk-takers, and discourages that in women.

How did you start your career?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

After a stint in the US Army (the draft was still in deffect), I started as a high school teacher. From theere to graduate school on the GI bill and assistantships (and later 2 fellowships) I taught at the ollege leel,then the rest of my career in educational leadership positions focusing on school iumprovement.

What is the Origin of the Universe?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I believe that the universe has always existed, but has gone through many alternating stages of extreme xpansion and contraction.

Are people changing, or am I?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

You are experiencing cognitive dissonance. The groups with which you are associated share common values, and some of your values are substantially diffeent. They are putting pressure on you to "shape up" and adopt their values. If you do not they will start excluding you from contacts with and activities of the group. Your best choice, if you want to maintain your human rights values, is to find new groups to associate with. Otherwise, your current group is going to make life uncomfortable for you and -- if you are not strong enough -- coerce you into to dropping your human rights values. I don't think you want to do that.

Syrian conflict sparked a thought, would we the human race still fight and kill each other if no ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Yes. There wou.ld still be conflicts between tribes and ethnic groups over culture and resources.

Everything is nothing.

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Are you saying that nothing matters, ergo, hedonism is justified? If so, I heartily disagree.

Any Sapiosexuals here?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Most definitely!

How does music effect you...?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I do not know how to explain why, but the one piece of music that grabs me that way is Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor -- conducted by Calaudio Abaddo and with the Violinist Schlomo Minsk. It moves from quiet poignance to joyful exuberance.

Is a married human being happier than unmarried one?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

There is no pat answer to that question. It depends on the personality of the person(s) and on the quality of the specific marriage.

Do more non-believers view life as a painful, unpleasant experience?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Why should that have you concerned? Contrary to your staement, I do not find life to be a painful, unpleasant experience.. I enjoy many things about my life and always have. But, if I reach the stage in which I am a burden on others and.or in constant pain, I WILL choose to end my life. That is my choice, and none of your concern. It would be senseless to hang onto life when in agony, and selfish to hang onto life while costing others eotionally and financially.

Any Sapiosexuals here?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Am unfamiliar with the erm. Please define.

I don't need a label, atheist or agnostic or what have you.

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I agree totally. To me, flaunting one's beliefs is not productive. It is often seen as inflamatory and aggressive.

Is a married human being happier than unmarried one?

wordywalt comments on Apr 14, 2018:

In a good marriage, yes. Otherwise, no.

Do you agree that if wasn't for the Dark Ages and religious prosecution, our civilization would so ...

wordywalt comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Accurate predictions of "what ifs" is impossible.