zeuser's Profile

It's primary election day here in North Carolina, and I voted in a church facility.

indirect76 comments on May 8, 2018:

I haven’t voted since 1996, but I don’t think I would mind doing it in a church. It would seem to me that they are at least useful for one thing.

zeuser replies on May 8, 2018:

Good point.

Texas Bill would fine men for masturbation.

zeuser comments on May 7, 2018:

You underestimate the number of jerkoffs in the Texas legislature. Or maybe you don't. ?

zeuser replies on May 7, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau I dunno, dead reckoning implies some progress, but maybe it can also apply to simple movement.

Has religion deprived society of being able to cope with death? True or false?

Sticks48 comments on May 7, 2018:

It seems to me one of the reasons for the creation of religion was the inability to cope with death. I don't believe that has or will change.

zeuser replies on May 7, 2018:

Fear of death has been the greatest marketing tool for all religions. The fear of the unknown,and of death in particular, is inherent in the human condition, and while that leads to our survival instinct that is decidedly positive, but fear also sells. The shameless shamans have been using it like that for centuries and centuries. Some people catch on, but far too many swallow the bait hook, line, and sinker.

Yes, the truth will blind those who are guilty of deceit!

Bakunin comments on May 7, 2018:

Wait . . . I thought masturbation caused blindness.

zeuser replies on May 7, 2018:

That's the truth!

Wine lovers?

zeuser comments on May 4, 2018:

I drink low end Pinot Grigio everyday, but I base a lot on the venue and the meal. A nice big Zinfandel with a steak, a dry Chianti with a bolgenese, a true rose with a pizza, but a Sauvignon Blanc with shrimp. See? ? I want to try a Gewurtztraminer paired with a goat curry.

zeuser replies on May 4, 2018:

@Stargazer13 I've got a restaurant that makes it. I've never tried to buy goat, and I don't have a recipe. I may need to be more proactive. And I have no idea how to come up with garlic naan on my own. But a crisp Gewurtztraminer, a drier one, would hit the spot in a meal like this.

Over 1,100 leading economists sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the president to ...

zeuser comments on May 4, 2018:

His soy bean growing base in flyover country is raising a big stink about Chinese retaliation. He will probably hear about that, but whether this moron does anything to change his position depends more on whim than on reason or political calculation.

zeuser replies on May 4, 2018:

@skeptic99 I don't disagree. However, the economic disruption resulting from shifting policy this abruptly without a plan to mitigate the results, just based on sheer magnitude, would be, to coin a phrase, yuuuge.

Why is it that we do not hear scientists defend their postions more often.

zeuser comments on May 4, 2018:

My guess is that they do, but the coverage is minimal because it doesn't sell ads to hear a PhD get into the specifics with full scientific reasoning and results about pions or something, much less read about it. Jesus, people go to restaurants where menus have pictures of the food. Having said ...

zeuser replies on May 4, 2018:

@Marine oh I'm with you there, bro. This is one of the key reasons we need to shift the politics to concentrate on this critical need. That's where the money is, and if you spend it wisely, good things can happen. Corporate America will invest in what makes them money. Public funds can be prioritized far far better than how they are approved now, but we need the political strength and will.

I just want to be the reason that some woman somewhere lowers her standards.

zeuser comments on May 3, 2018:

Hey hey, that's my territory, bucko!

zeuser replies on May 4, 2018:

@Duke believe me, you should feel relieved. ?

Must see in DC?

zeuser comments on May 3, 2018:

The national botanic garden is underrated. Arlington it's very sobering, but takes a while if you want to see the changing of the guard and Lee's house. Is close to the Lincoln memorial. Smithsonian air and space museum, and natural history museum of you want to stay close to that area. Lots of good...

zeuser replies on May 3, 2018:

@pepperjones They have a corpse plant that was in bloom last time I was there! And a bunch of bonsai!

I just want to be the reason that some woman somewhere lowers her standards.

zeuser comments on May 3, 2018:

Hey hey, that's my territory, bucko!

zeuser replies on May 3, 2018:

@AnneWimsey ooo, you have a good sense of nasty. But I ain't gonna wrestle @Duke. I'm available for gratuitous groping that includes whipped cream, with the right person, for a modest fee. LOL

Some samples of my artwork, for those interested...

zeuser comments on May 1, 2018:

Good stuff, very polished!

zeuser replies on May 2, 2018:

@Karcreat You are in for a lot more enjoyment in that case! ?

Don't know much about fresh water fish.

zeuser comments on May 1, 2018:

Rainbow trout, wild caught in a mountain stream or lake, cooked in a pan over a wood campfire.

zeuser replies on May 1, 2018:

@JimG I've done it that way, too. Pan works better for breakfast, but as long as it's trout, it's good no matter which way.

This might be old, but still true.

doug6352 comments on May 1, 2018:

We know he is talking to John Bolton and Mike Pompeo, and that suits me just fine. Trump-bashing is so juvenile and pathetic. If you don't like his policies (and I do) just do your best to win the next election.

zeuser replies on May 1, 2018:

Kind of like saying Obama was from Kenya, and Hillary runs child prostitutes out of a pizza parlor? Yeah, I feel ya, but this was an actual quotation, and he did call himself a stable genius, his secretary of state called him a moron, and keep your eyes on the next couple of elections, so....

Let's play the "What if.

zeuser comments on Apr 30, 2018:

In spite of the signs of the Apocalypse teased in the NT, the answer is "whatever you think the cues should be". There's the beauty of faith based reality. Whatever someone convinced you, or you convinced yourself, without any credible evidence, to be true... that's it. IMO, pizza with pineapple is ...

zeuser replies on May 1, 2018:

That's my point, everyone has a different view of what constitutes an apocalyptic sign. And guess what? Nobody is wrong! Enjoy the pineapple pizza, @njoy_life_2. The Apocalypse can't touch you. ?

When arguing with a faither (a deeply religious person), against the precepts of their religion, ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 30, 2018:

My response is always, "It is your religion, it is your god, it is your heaven and hell. It exists only in your brain and mind and not in the real world. It has nothing to do with me and is of no concern of mine. Have a nice day."

zeuser replies on Apr 30, 2018:

Good approach.

Anyone up for chatting about the 5th Dimension?

zeuser comments on Apr 29, 2018:

Is Mr. Mxyzptlk in the house?

zeuser replies on Apr 30, 2018:

@Mindfuck thanks bro. ?

Today marks the ending of the Vietnam war! The fall of Saigon from the rooftop of the US Embassy!...

zeuser comments on Apr 30, 2018:

You can make a good argument that yes we did change, for the worse. Kissinger said that countries don't have friends, they have interests. We've now got chicken hawk warmongers all up and down this current excuse for an administration, and they've got interests all right, all related to profiteerng ...

zeuser replies on Apr 30, 2018:

@MissKathleen you are very gracious. @TheInterlooper I believe a lot of the current political impotence derives from trying to figure out who is to blame, or more to blame, for people screwing over those who cannot effectively respond. That is thinking about the problem. We ought to focus on the solution. I'm not trying to be glib, but I believe that shifting the emphasis of how we consider our own plight can lead to some progress. Call me crazy....

How important do you think our buying power is?

zeuser comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Well, the 1% use their buying power to purchase politicians. That's a more direct way. But your way sounds more accessible for guys like me.

zeuser replies on Apr 28, 2018:

@girlwithsmiles you have a lot of company there.

Should I get rid of my Xtian bed?

RichCC comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I like the uncurse choice. Who knows. The priestess might be someone good to meet.

zeuser replies on Apr 27, 2018:

@iamjc ask a nun! ?

Should I get rid of my Xtian bed?

RichCC comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I like the uncurse choice. Who knows. The priestess might be someone good to meet.

zeuser replies on Apr 27, 2018:

@memorylikeasieve you think nuns don't? Lol

Should I get rid of my Xtian bed?

RichCC comments on Apr 27, 2018:

I like the uncurse choice. Who knows. The priestess might be someone good to meet.

zeuser replies on Apr 27, 2018:

Is a priestess really all that different from a nun? I have known some cool nuns though, so you might be onto something here.

There Will Soon Be a “Congressional Freethought Caucus” on Capitol Hill – Friendly Atheist

Funnygir175 comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Thanks for sharing the good news!!

zeuser replies on Apr 26, 2018:

My pleasure!

There Will Soon Be a “Congressional Freethought Caucus” on Capitol Hill – Friendly Atheist

LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 26, 2018:

Thanks, Zeuser! I was just coming to share this good news!

zeuser replies on Apr 26, 2018:

Good news travels fast. ?

There Will Soon Be a “Congressional Freethought Caucus” on Capitol Hill – Friendly Atheist

factorbelief comments on Apr 26, 2018:

We will have to wait and see how this will go. Will they be attacked by the religious right. portraying as winged horned demons. Or maybe those who choose to not believe in a god or gods. It will be interesting to see.

zeuser replies on Apr 26, 2018:

Oh, I fully expect all kinds of god based bullshit and sanctimonious denunciations. I'd be disappointed if it didn't roll that way. The christers are very predictable.

Your thoughts on going to religious ceremonies?

zeuser comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Attending for a friendship's sake doesn't imply support for the propaganda. I go. I'd draw the line at snake handling kinda stuff, but I've never been asked so it's all good.

zeuser replies on Apr 25, 2018:

You've got a point, I might rethink it. I'll let you in particular know if I get an invite, but don't get your hopes up. I don't run in those circles. Heh.

Is anyone else sick and tired of all the Superhero movies?

PickledRick comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I like the Netflix series,' Jessica Jones', very different type superhero, about the only one I care to watch now. Less CGI, if any and pretty good story lines.

zeuser replies on Apr 25, 2018:

You should check out Daredevil, that's pretty good too. And any Jessica fan should know all about Luke Cage, too. They never had sex like that in the comic books.

What is a good reason to be happy?

fathercat comments on Apr 19, 2018:

My first child born ...Walking ...Talking Sugar buzz Bacon al dente Rubbing one out Saying "I do" Signing the divorce papers Paying off the mortgage

zeuser replies on Apr 19, 2018:

That really runs the gamut. Those are all good ones.

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

zeuser comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I'm drowning in paper. My filling (or lack of it) always looms over me. I take care of most of my business without any trouble. Organizing the steady stream of incoming is always an issue.

zeuser replies on Apr 17, 2018:

I need to try something. I'll look into it. Thanks.

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

pthomas59 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I am homeless. I rent a room, but I have no home of my own. It does't look like it will be anytime soon before I can have my own place again. But I am hopeful that this time next year, I will unpack my boxes and have my own address. Then my family can come over, and I can walk nekkid in my own ...

zeuser replies on Apr 17, 2018:

It'll happen, hon. All good things come slowly.

What have any of you used as a spiritual outlet

Silver1wun comments on Apr 11, 2018:

Flatulence.. :)

zeuser replies on Apr 11, 2018:

I smell you, bro. I never considered it spiritual because of it's earthy physical nature, but I can see some potential for transcedence. And with the correct combination of proteins and fats, as well as certain spices, the effect can be artistic and spectacular. Good answer.

I recently bought a crock-pot and learning to use it.

zeuser comments on Mar 30, 2018:

I make a very good posole in the Crock-Pot, that isn't that hard, it's good and hearty, and you can spice it up quite a bit. Here's an easy one, take pork loin and put it in the crock pot with a can of root beer, let it cook on low for 5 or 6 hours, remove, shred, and serve with your favorite BBQ ...

zeuser replies on Mar 30, 2018:

With the shredded pork the spices are all in whatever BBQ sauce you make. In the posole, I put chili powder, cumin, oregano, but I also put some tomatillos, chopped Green chiles, and lotsa jalapenos. You eat it with fresh chopped cilantro on top. ?

Favorite pholilosophere?

zeuser comments on Mar 30, 2018:

Heidegger, Husserl, Sartre, Pierce. Phenomenologists, an existentialist, and a pragmatist. Sounds like the beginning of a joke, if you got them walking into a bar. ?

zeuser replies on Mar 30, 2018:

Nietzsche has a little Nazi baggage of his own, @CarlosElSavad

Do you agree or disagree?

zeuser comments on Mar 30, 2018:

They hype it as the greatest story ever told. But it's a story. And not even that great, if you ask me.

zeuser replies on Mar 30, 2018:

I'm a sucker for far out fantasy, but this stuff isn't even well written.

My ex has started taking my 7 year old son to a baptist church.

Deb57 comments on Mar 30, 2018:

At age 7 a child is old enough to understand that one can politely comply with the wishes of a parent while still thinking for themselves. Teach your child how to think critically, give them examples of other beliefs that are observed in the world, and allow the child to make up his own mind. He ...

zeuser replies on Mar 30, 2018:

Deb, I think you nailed it.

I gotta know.

zeuser comments on Mar 27, 2018:

I spit when I need to spit. If I spit indoors, I do it in a sink or a toilet. Outside, a sink or toilet may not always be available when the need arises. I prefer to spit in a natural area, but will spit in the street if I must. Y'all need to deal with that. ?

zeuser replies on Mar 28, 2018:

Where do you spit when you brush your teeth? A tissue?

Can a guy have a female best friend and sex never enter the frame?

zeuser comments on Mar 28, 2018:

Well, friendship is one thing, being a best friend is something else. I have several female friends without the benefit of sex. I don't consider any of them my best friend. YMMV

zeuser replies on Mar 28, 2018:

Give me the benefit of the doubt here. My wording wasn't clear. A better way to say it "without the presence of sex" is what I meant, though I understand your inference. And I agree with your point. Apologies for any offense.

Have you ever been misunderstood by someone else?

Robotbuilder comments on Mar 26, 2018:

Strangers tend to come to me with highly personal stuff. It's really quite annoying. Apparently I don't have the standard "I'm not interested| look on me, so they feel free to unload. At other times, I will say something humorous, and people will react with "I can't tell if you're serious or ...

zeuser replies on Mar 26, 2018:

This happens to me all the time. I am always incredulous, what are you telling me THAT for?

Favorite Atheist/Agnostic songwriters/songs?

zeuser comments on Mar 26, 2018:

Billy Joel, "Only the Good Die Young". I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints; the sinners are much more fun...

zeuser replies on Mar 26, 2018:

Yes he is. Go back through the lyrics of a lot of his songs and he's practically bragging about it!

How do you feel about taking chances? What is the best chance you ever took? How did it turn out?

resserts comments on Mar 21, 2018:

I'm not a fan of taking chances, but when it comes right down to it taking a chance is sometimes the least risky proposition. I can't think of a significant risk I've taken that panned out well for me, but I think a job change in the not-too-distant future will be a worthwhile chance.

zeuser replies on Mar 22, 2018:

Go for it!

Book Recommendations ??

arronpaul46 comments on Mar 20, 2018:

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus

zeuser replies on Mar 21, 2018:

Great book! Been years since I read it. Trying to figure out how you'd use it to talk to theists.

What is your take on claims that thought, emotions or intention can affect the physical world?

zeuser comments on Mar 20, 2018:

One of my good friends is the executive director of the Rhine Institute in Durham, and they do experimentation on this and all kinds of paranormal phenomena. Some of it is interesting, and they explain some things with the (objectively proven) concept of quantum entanglement. Of course, a lot of it ...

zeuser replies on Mar 20, 2018:

They link it to precognition and distance sensations. And you're right, although the understanding of the entanglement phenomenon is getting better, it's a stretch to infer any kind of causality here. But they have well designed experiments looking at it. I'm for science, but I haven't seen any evidence to support this kind of thing yet.

How do you best keep a work-life balance?

zeuser comments on Mar 20, 2018:

I retired! LOL

zeuser replies on Mar 20, 2018:

You got me there, partner.

The other day two Jehova's Witnesses rang our doorbell.

zeuser comments on Mar 20, 2018:

Same basic reason the Mormons do it, recruitment. I always answer, and stop them in the middle of their pitch to tell them I'm an atheist, and to have a nice day. ?

zeuser replies on Mar 20, 2018:

Well, after I give them this business, I back into the house and close the door. Heh.

Which do you prefer, books or ereading? Why?

zeuser comments on Mar 18, 2018:

If I can't get it on my Kindle, I probably won't read it. That's for novels. I used to like newspapers, but I broke that habit too. I miss the crossword puzzles, though. And the cryptograms. Doing those online just isn't the same.

zeuser replies on Mar 19, 2018:

I used the Kindle app on a tablet for a while, but after someone gave me a Kindle device optimized for book reading, it was all over.

Who or what do you sleep with at night?

zeuser comments on Mar 18, 2018:

Just me. Two pillows, and a hanky on the bedstand next to the clock.

zeuser replies on Mar 19, 2018:

I love an audience that's easy to please. I'll be here all week, try the prime rib. ?

Do you have anyone who you can rely on to be completely wrong, so that no matter what that person ...

LeighShelton comments on Mar 18, 2018:

Yes there called wives lol. only joking.

zeuser replies on Mar 18, 2018:

Brave man!

Do you have anyone who you can rely on to be completely wrong, so that no matter what that person ...

memorylikeasieve comments on Mar 18, 2018:

If past experience is any indication, the answer would actually be me. People routinely refuse to believe me, even when it's obvious that I'm correct. Maybe I just have one of those faces.

zeuser replies on Mar 18, 2018:

That's a little hard to believe. ?

Do you have anyone who you can rely on to be completely wrong, so that no matter what that person ...

nipoleon comments on Mar 18, 2018:

I'm not too sure about Trump. Are you talking about someone who actually believes something that's wrong? Or, is it someone who know's the truth but is lying about it? Trump would qualify in both those catagories.

zeuser replies on Mar 18, 2018:

Regardless of the reason, whatever they think, you automatically go the other way. That includes someone who is clearly trolling you just to get a reaction, I know a couple of those too

Do you have anyone who you can rely on to be completely wrong, so that no matter what that person ...

godef comments on Mar 18, 2018:

Yes. He currently runs the White House.

zeuser replies on Mar 18, 2018:

That's who I had in mind, but I've got others as well.

Favorite quote

Donotbelieve comments on Mar 16, 2018:

Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.

zeuser replies on Mar 16, 2018:

Not until I actually quote you!

Favorite quote

Donotbelieve comments on Mar 16, 2018:

Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.

zeuser replies on Mar 16, 2018:

Can I quote you on that?

Game of Thrones?

zeuser comments on Mar 16, 2018:

I'm hooked. Jon Snow takes the whole thing over in the end, but Arya gives him a run for his money. Cersei is toast, Sansa will rule the North, Tyrion starts a dragon breeding ranch, and I have no idea what the hell Brann winds up doing. LOL

zeuser replies on Mar 16, 2018:

All of those predictions come directly out of my middle back pocket. Heh.

What's the best live performance you've ever seen?

zeuser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I saw the Old Crow Medicine Show open for John Prine a few years back, and they tore it the hell up. Then Prine was Prine.

zeuser replies on Mar 14, 2018:

The medicine show came back the next year as headliners. The first time I saw them, though, was the best.

I love reading! Anyone else? If so who are your favorite authors and what genre do you prefer?

zeuser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Fantasy and science fiction. Jim Butcher, Terry Goodkind, Brandon Sanderson, Frederick Pohl, the late great Richard Jordan, and Kurt Vonnegut come to mind.