Innate?

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

You can have an innate understanding that what they teach you is nonsense. What you learn can trigger a deeper, and more deliberate, understanding of reality. Using your head.

I went to Catholic school for 9 years, public school for 3 years and college for 8 years.

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

Well, while I agree with you about some of the subjects for coursework you suggest, there are a LOT of different things that primary and secondary education do not address that I think are bad omissions. Some places have limited vocational training, for example, but others lack it completely. I always thought teaching things like balancing a checkbook, developing a menu, fixing a car, and growing a garden, among many other things, would be a great idea. Some basic logic and rudimentary analytics would be icing on the cake, especially combined with your list.

Why do people have such a fascination for crystals, from long before quacks and charlatans started ...

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

Something is only as valuable as someone thinks it is. Value is not the same as price, which is a function of supply and demand. Gemstones and crystals are (relatively) rare examples of non-organic order in nature, and you can understand the mechanism but still be take by their structure and appearance. I'll admit I own a couple of rocks just because I like how they look and feel. But I have a fake diamond earring in right now too.

I think it's sad when people assume that animals have no conscience or thought and that pets don't ...

zeuser comments on May 25, 2018:

When I had a dog, talking to him was the only thing that kept me from talking to myself. But you know what? I think it amounted to the same thing. You are correct that animals are smarter than we think they are, and certainly some limited communication with them is possible, the extent of which depends on the animal and the human involved. Animal behavioralists study the meaning of behaviors and how they facilitate communication between animals, so it's not a novel concept.

Reality..

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

I'd been dropping transistors and circuit boards for a while before the whole religion thing turned sideways for me, so it wasn't quite as traumatic for me as this meme. When the student is ready, a teacher will appear.

Thought you all would appreciate this. I had it made bought it on Amazon.

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

I used to get some ugliness here in NC with my simple Darwin fish. This right here would drive them up a wall. So I might get one too. Heh.

What's with the points?

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

Atheist points are like a Roth IRA, put in a little at a time and in 20 years you can, I dunno, be on the atheist board of directors or something. But remember, 20 years, ok? LOL

What are you having for lunch?

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

I got two leftover meatballs and a kaiser roll with my name on 'em.

How long do you have to know someone before you tell a dirty joke?

zeuser comments on May 24, 2018:

If the opportunity arises, any time is the right time. You need to take risks for comedy, and holding onto a joke is almost always a mistake.

Is it normal for a person to enjoy being single more than being in a relationship?

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

What in the hell is normal, exactly? If it works for you, it's normal. Relationships require effort from all parties. Not easy.

Name a great TV series you wish they would bring back. For me it would be the Highlander!

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Deep Space 9. Someone said the Rockford Files, that would be sweet too.

Matthew's Genealogy Proves That Jesus Can NOT Be Christ!! The genealogy in the Gospel of ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

This kind of analysis of the scripture inspired my original leap into full atheism. Thanks for posting, I am going to follow up.

I'm a rock star!

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Wow! All you have done is *highly* commendable. As you know, the award is not the reward. But it's nice, am I right? Congratulations, and you keep it up hon.

Movie suggestions

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Isle of Dogs. It might be out of the theaters now, but maybe in some second run discount theaters. Good stop action, superior story, excellent cast.

Ever notice how Christians are always crying persecution, but are the main ones damning people to ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Yeah, I did notice that. No, you're not the only one who feels like that. Yes, this is duplicity, hypocrisy, and willful persecution of others with differing beliefs. I wish it wasn't so, I really do.

One of the things that delight and intrigue me on this site, where religious influence is noticeable...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Happy to see you here, partner! Just jump in and hang on!

So.

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

I don't think there's a chart, like the ones that say what you should weigh based on how tall you are, that says how long it should take to feel better after a rough divorce. It sounds like this guy really treated you badly, and you didn't expect it, that has got to sting and you will never ever simply forget that kind of treatment. I felt a lot better after my split when I was able to re-establish all of the routines and activities I used to share with my ex, there was a feeling of accomplishment. Also, my friends helped -- a LOT. The best of luck to you hon, things will improve when they are supposed to.

Does appearance start the ball rolling?

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Appearance is a definite factor in self-confidence, which is truly what is attractive. To the extent that you *think* that you look good, your actions are definitely going to be taken with confidence and surety. Now I have known people who look great, but are still not sure that other people think so, and they obsess about it. I recently went through a period where I dropped about 40 pounds, most of it concentrated around the belly. I did see a marked increase in smiles and flirting directed my way, and that alone reinforced my self-confidence (which wasn't much of a problem to begin with, honestly). Anyway, I'd encourage you to do what you think you need to do to feel like you look attractive. When you think you do, you do, remember that. Good luck, bro.

Trump being punked by the ONION with twitter! The Onion spent all day mercilessly trolling ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

That's funny. Those guys are professionals when it comes to online trolling, very sophisticated and strategic. Just one more situation where Cohen finds himself in waaay over his head. Although now, it seems he knows what it looks like to see a Greyhound bus pass over you since that's where you-know-who has tossed him. All in all, couldn't happen to a nicer guys. Heh.

I received a friendship request on Facebook.

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Well, if he respects boundaries and shuts up about the superstition, I guess it could work out. That 800 pound gorilla would always be in the room with you, though. Risky at the very best.

Just when you think it could not be anymore Illegal, fraudulent, with over the top collusion and ...

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

To be fair, I never really thought that the "Illegal, fraudulent, with over the top collusion and complicity in massive laundering schemes" was really done. The really good stuff is yet to come!

This just happened.

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

I find it fascinating how bozos like this can pick each other out of a crowd. This vignette sounds like it has a happy ending, in that nobody who thought that type of conversation is pure horse manure was irritated by the conversation directly. Ok, you overheard it, but it gave you something to post about, no?

Looks familiar hmmm :P

zeuser comments on May 23, 2018:

Something fishy about this one and its (technically) human counterpart. LOL

I fervently hope that Mueller tells 45 and his lawyers that they can shove their "parameters" up ...

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

You have a lot of company.

This article explains somethings we should all understand, not like and have to endure! ...

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

It's easy to appeal to resentment and hatred, the language is simple and the emotions are visceral and easy to understand. The Dems *are* saying and doing things, but the policies and arguments are nuanced and not easy to explain or understand, and certainly not to feel. Bernie and Elizabeth Warren have very good messages to send about income and wealth disparity and the rich in this country robbing it blind at the expense of everyone else. The 45 humpers appeal to naked bigotry and call the dems liars who look down their noses at the all the folks with "common sense". Which message sticks? I think this whole thing is on us, the public at large. Either we are intelligent, civic-minded, and discerning, or we are a bunch of marginally educated yahoos insulting muslims, minorities, the disabled, and the LGBT, and groping women. We'll see who votes this next time in November. No matter what, a lot of damage has already been done and some may not be possible to undo. Prove me wrong, America.

MRI sounds good?

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

The only time I had an MRI, I was in intense pain with an intestinal infection. So my perspective is somewhat different than yours.

Do you want to "evangelize" chistian family and friends?

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

People who proselytize for any reason are uniformly annoying.

Demon possession? What’s your opinion on it?

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

Something you see coming out of the south end of a north bound horse.

Have you ever been embarressed by what you have posted here

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

Not yet, but give me time.

Imminent Revolutionary Devolution

zeuser comments on May 22, 2018:

It does look grim, but I wouldn't start humming a funeral march just yet. Circumstances looked very grim many times in the past - some very recently - and civilization survived. It's only entertainment if all you do is watch. I'm a big fan of collective action and I honestly think rationality can triumph. I am trying to do my part, and it's not just me.

Fun story time.

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

You know, I don't really remember the nuns addressing evolution in Catholic HS science. Creationism wasn't really something people promoted back then, and I know evolution was mentioned. Anyway, your poor addled teacher shows some basic science confusion, even if he was trying to do the right thing. You can't learn surgery from a butcher, or rocket science from a pyrotechnician, even though they might have some slight familiarity with the subjects.

Loaded question

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

Hey, do you got that fifty I loaned you last week?

What's in your coffee?

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

I grind my own beans, usually a dark roast arabica, and use a french press to brew. I like some nutra sweet and creamer, cuz I make it pretty strong.

Men. Whats your cologne?

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

Old Spice on days that I shave. Stetson otherwise. Drakkar Noir for a hot date, so not that frequently.

The recent posts on reproductive rights and abortion hit close to home for me so I have some pretty ...

zeuser comments on May 21, 2018:

This couldn't have been easy to write, let alone share. I appreciate your willingness to do so, if it even influences one person...As for teenagers, they are great when you have no internet available, because they do know just about everything. Good luck to you and your family.

What is the significance of this picture?

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

A lot of my family pictures are like this, I'm the one taking the shot. They don't have that "every living person" vibe, but ok.

I thought this in a way was kind of sad, how many of you think it is?

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

Guide dogs are expensive to train and serve a far more deserving purpose. The cartoon, though, makes an incisive metaphorical point.

Trump is actually slow enough to get suckered.

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

A blustering patsy. I'm actually all right with Bolton torpedoing the summit, it was a bad idea all along. It's up to spurs now. Always an adventure.

This could be interesting.

zeuser comments on May 20, 2018:

ALPU, a real brain teaser.

Does anyone else talk aloud to themselves?

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

I got into the practice after I got a divorce and I was left with the company of my dog. I talked out loud to him a lot, and when he, sadly, left this world, I continued to talk with no audience in attendance. I think it's therapeutic. Gets the two brain hemispheres connecting with each other.

A conservative I know asked why is it that liberals hated the rich.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

You hate the influence of rich guys who are dicks. Not all rich guys are dicks, but the ones who are dicks can disproportionately cause damage. The good rich guys are out-gunned, I'll give you that, but they are out there. For the record, I'm a good guy, but I am not rich. I do what I can.

What turns you on?

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Plenty of positive attention always attracts. Talking over me never does.

I have a friend in Illinois who's daughter came home from school yesterday and said the following.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

You are doing the right thing, brother.

Merely reading a profile.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

That's why people have profiles, so others can get a preview of the person. You don't have to like the preview, and you can react however you want without explaining. You can't control a feeling, only how you react to it.

Trump and Reagan, Together Again: Nothing changes but the forward march of these Fascists ...

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

No one cares as long as it pisses off liberals. I've never seen anything like it.

I hope this doesn't happen... Worth the read. [washingtonpost.com]

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Very scary, and quite plausible as a direction for the USA. The only real solution is an informed, educated, and civic-minded electorate. That might take a while, if indeed it ever materializes.

Does anyone know of a song whose lyrics are the names of classic authors?

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Hmm, they aren't all authors, but Hemingway, Pasternak and Kerouac all make an appearance. We Didn't Start the Fire by one of MY favorite atheists, Billy Joel. https://genius.com/Billy-joel-we-didnt-start-the-fire-lyrics

Okay, I would really appreciate some help.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Not sure if you are familiar with the site, but atheist republic has a good list of books for skeptical children. Some of them will probably have stuff you can use in conversations. http://www.atheistrepublic.com/blog/karenloethen/books-your-skeptical-children

No collusion, out of 14 indictments 5 guilty pleas and 1 already sentenced.

zeuser comments on May 19, 2018:

Treason comes to mind.

This is not something I just realized but felt this post fits perfectly into how I am and always ...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Makes it a lot easier, doesn't it?

Hi, thanks for having me! The material is too good here, had to join! ♥ Xoxo ♥

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Ha ha, I like Tom Cotton (I think that's him) behind OBL, it works on a couple of levels.

This article seems sums up what most of us realize are those who support this scripted TV reality ...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Oh man, I've heard some of these ideas before, but all the good ones are in this. Jeez, how the hell did we get here?

I'm not good at starting conversations and my "cool" years are well behind me.

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

When I hear "nuns on ripple", that sounds like a yes to me. "Yank train" sounds like one of my, um, hobbies. Heh.

Jesus Miracle 1:Water into Wine - This magic trick is made quite easy taking into account two ...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

My Uncle Doc taught me this one. Every day around 3 he'd turn into a bar. I've been practicing.

Rainy days...

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Friends, my kids, my dad. Any friendly face is always the best medicine. Yeah, ok, a bowl or two and a dry martini help too.

Who is your childhood celebrity crush?

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Diana Rigg when she was on the Avengers, and Barbara Feldon on Get Smart back in the 60's. I had a little thing for Pam Dawber on Mork and Mindy, but I wasn't a kid by that point. Can't forget a shout out to Ursula Andress.

Insidious nature of the closet

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Depends where you are and who you tell. Some places, and some people, are more superstitious than others.

Crystals.....

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Hey, we had those when I was in Philly! But without the crystals, we didn't believe in that crap. LOL

How many of you actually care about the royal wedding? I won’t tease you.

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Looks like a legitimate chance to counteract at least *some* of the inbreeding. Also, I like the hats. ?

Why is the 2nd the brightest star in here?

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

It's an inverse correlation.

Finish This Statement: "I Remember"

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

I remember going to a bar with 3 bucks, drinking 5 beers, buying a pack of Marlboros, playing two songs on the juke box, and leaving with half a buck in my pocket.

As if spam didn't look bad enough

zeuser comments on May 18, 2018:

Oh man. Just, no.

How many of you actually care about the royal wedding? I won’t tease you.

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

I'm interested in watching the people who are interested, if you get my drift. It's like I meta-care about the wedding.

Have you conquered what you are afraid of ?

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

I'm not sure what I'm afraid of anymore.

We got screwed

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

There comes a point in the career of any given criminal where the greed overrides the knowledge that this can't last forever, and there are certain situations you can neither buy or lie your way out of. This bill is coming due for this set of grifters, and it can't happen too soon.

Catholics, if I may.

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

Confession. When I was an adolescent, every time I pulled my pud that was a mortal sin, and I had to tell the priest how many times I did that since the last time I was in the booth. Or else I'd go to hell if I died. I mean, WTF? To be fair, I did think that most of the dogma was questionable at best way beforehand, but this, this made it personal. Then I started getting into the exogesis of the bible. One thing led to another, and here I am. LOL

50 percent off!

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

Is a bar a store? Technically? Half price gas sounds like a good idea too.

Just how strange?

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

First, real friends are rare. You will maybe have 5 or 6 true friends in your entire life. Second, a lot of it has to do with your location and the pool of people you have surrounding you. If you have a bunch of fuckwits around you, maybe you are better off not befriending any of them. Third, being a friend involves skills you can learn; showing genuine interest in conversations, sharing your own problems or anxieties as well as your advice and encouragement, and lending a hand even when nobody asks you. 32 is still real young, you are half my age. There are a number of very good suggestions in the rest of the comments. Good luck, brother, keep posting here and that will almost certainly help.

Of all of the popular unscientific nonsense what's your biggest pet peeve?

zeuser comments on May 17, 2018:

There's the one where people believe we are being replaced by lizard people. Although. given how government here is deteriorating, there might be something to it. Kidding.

For the guys..Boxers or Briefs?

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Briefs. And not the ones that extend down to your thighs either. Briefs plain and simple, high and tight. ?

New summer blockbuster!

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Those are, unhappily, accurate.

Have you all had a nice day?

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Well it ain't that interesting. Spent my time on the elliptical trainer at the gym, had a nice soft boiled egg, toast, coffee and oj breakfast. Booked an appointment for an eye exam. Had a quarterly call with my finance guy (he had some 'splainin' to do), cleared off my kitchen table and filed a little, if you want to call what I do filing, ate a salad for lunch, recycled a little, shredded a little, and I am about to head to the local pub for some cold Pinot and witty (but mostly half-witted) banter. I did do some commenting here on the"ag". Oh yeah, I changed out my FB cover and profile pic. I tell ya, the pace is killing me! ?

What are your thoughts on vigilantism?

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Protection rackets have been around for a loooong time, usually abetted by a corrupt police force. I could see myself resisting this kind of systematic terrorization, but I haven't seen anything about how effective vigilante justice is in the long run. It's probably beyond the means of the victims to relocate and besides, where would they go? I've got no suggestions, but if I was on the short end of a shakedown operation, I'd probably try to fight, but how can I know that? Tough question.

I posted a pic of my new Agnostic.

zeuser comments on May 16, 2018:

Looking good, you godless heathen you. ?

Republicans Having Hard Time Finding A City For 2020 Convention: Published at Mock Paper Scissors...

zeuser comments on May 15, 2018:

How embarrassing for Charlotte, which skews more to the liberal end of the spectrum.

Are you happily married?

zeuser comments on May 15, 2018:

Happily divorced. It was a good decision, we're both much happier.

Are lotteries rigged?

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

They've been rigged before, probably will be again. You got lots of money involved, and people in general will cheat to get it. I recall in Pennsylvania a few years back they caught someone injecting the ping pong balls they use to select the numbers, making it more likely some would rise up above the others. I prefer betting on games of skill.

In our age of technology where we are constantly on camera which has many safety benefits, do you ...

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

So many cameras are around that I expect someone is watching who shouldn't be. So I try to be entertaining. ?

What would you do if you get to know that your girlfriend is cheating on you?

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

You gotta wonder, what *else* is she lying about? Put the shoes to her. Don't look back. Burn the bridge. Five gets you ten she cheats on that guy too.

What's your favorite movie quote?

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

What we have here is a failure to communicate. I coulda been a contender, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.

Whats your weather today, May 14, 2018.

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

Here in central NC it's now 90, supposed to get to 92, with a couple of clouds and no breeze to speak of. 40% chance of rain tomorrow and for the rest of the week, which we need, and a high tomorrow predicted to be 83.

Hard copy or soft copy?

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

Cost and convenience favor soft copy. You don't need to find bookshelf space or carry heavy boxes when you move either.

Keep It Hidden.

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

Ouch.

Which Star Trek series is your favorite?

zeuser comments on May 14, 2018:

DS9, hands down.

Why do men think that they should be with younger women?

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

Your perspective focuses on a single dimension: relative age. I suggest that there may well be other secondary, and maybe even primary, drivers in any given relationship, regardless of the age differential. Something to consider.

Is Telekinesis possible?

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

One time I thought about it, and I moved my bowels. Scared the crap outta me.

How do you define "incredible" sex?

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

A partner usually helps.

Trump Pulled Out?

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

Why else? Because of a thoughtful analysis and the development of a superior alternative plan? Naaahh.

Assumptions

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

I'm guessing it happens more than I know because most of the time it simply doesn't come up. A woman I worked with who was from my hometown was appalled when I told her, and then told her my kids weren't baptized. I thought she'd die right there. (I still get anonymous "Easter cards" in the mail, but not since I moved.) Another was a real estate agent who asked me what church I attended, and the news was a shock to her as well, one she clearly didn't expect. Her husband was present to, and he just stuttered. I went with another agent. There are more instances I can come up with, but they follow the same pattern. And then there are all those people making the same assumptions who never bring them up. I think it's funny.

... and the VP and the rest of the gang, to really work!

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

I'll chip in 5 bucks for airfare.

Does anyone else find it a bit condescending that some people can have no interest in you because ...

zeuser comments on May 13, 2018:

If it makes you feel any better, people have no interest in me for a variety of reasons, even though I do have a degree or two. I've found that a lot of people with advanced degrees are arrogant pricks. Then there are a lot of people who like to be condescending for any reason that's convenient. Blow these people off.

Does anyone know which wine pairs best with Nutella and a spoon?

zeuser comments on May 12, 2018:

Vodka and blueberry wine. If you can't find a good blueberry wine, then just go with vodka and blueberry juice. It works.

Is God a Replacement for our Dad?

zeuser comments on May 12, 2018:

My dad is still with me at 93. He is WAY better than god. Just sayin'.

Movie night! What is your favorite drama?

zeuser comments on May 12, 2018:

I could watch Rocky a hundred times. YMMV

Do you care if you are remembered when you die?

zeuser comments on May 12, 2018:

This isn't a real focus for me. No, I guess I don't.

What Makes You Happy?

zeuser comments on May 11, 2018:

1 is out, you'd have to be crazy to want all the noise. 3 is out, I'm retired and that ship has already sailed. 2 seems superfluous. That leaves 4, 5, and 6. Yeah, I could live with those.

Have you ever just been so fed up with society that you have considered moving off the grid and ...

zeuser comments on May 11, 2018:

I've got zero survivalist skills. I'd be dead as soon as it got cold.

Cat lovers will so totally get this right away.

zeuser comments on May 11, 2018:

Pussy grabber!

I got a letter from the Origami Association today. I don't know what to make of it.

zeuser comments on May 11, 2018:

Just see what unfolds.

When you die you go back to the state you were in before you were born.

zeuser comments on May 11, 2018:

This has always been my assumption, the consciousness dissipates as the physical body that sustains it ceases to function.