Posts by talesin

79

Death is not something to be feared!

by iconoclastic in

science can explain how of things, but it cannot explain why of certain things (for example, why did life arise from non-life and evolved from simpler creatures to more complex life forms only to die and disappear?

) so are the conflicted religions whose chief concern is in safeguarding each ones separate identity..

next option is to look for pearls among the stonesusing power of our own reason.

talesin

Death is not to be feared. It's the leading up to death that could inspire trepidation, imho. If a person wants to believe in religious poppycock, I'm okay with that, as long as their belief system does not harm others.

Carl Sagan was also a marijuana user, who felt it enhanced his creative process and had other benefits. This was discovered after he died, in his personal journals. He felt that his use and approval of marijuana would have a deleterious effect on his credibility in 'Murica and thus, the world, so he kept it secret.

Just something I thought was interesting, since Sagan was being quoted. : )

xx

1

You Know You Are In A Cult When

by Bangalore in

jw
friends

you know you are in a cult when.

.

bangalore.

talesin

Shoot, Bangalore, it's hard to read that list and I can't seem to enlarge it.

But, I can offer my own take on it.

- when you need to check with others about your personal activities.

- when your marriage partner is chosen for you

- when you are taught you are 'different' from the rest of society

- when you believe that your every action is determined by your "belief system"

xo

tal

508

If she doesn't comply an orange jumpsuit is in her future

by DJS in

scotus: kentucky clerk must issue same-sex marriage licenses.

by ariane de vogue, cnn supreme court reporter.

updated 8:02 pm et, mon august 31, 2015. let's hope this is the final screech from the haters who wrap themselves in the bible - or their egoist political philosophy i doubt it will be, but let's hope..

talesin

It's the FEMINISTS! They are all to blame!

JUST KIDDING, DJS!

i said this, in jest, hoping we can end the feud. Maybe years ago, we 'fought' about feminism, but that was then, and this is now.

It's not where I want to be, and hell, I have no beef with you.

xx

tal

19

Not one single head was lost on the wife birthday!!!!

by James Mixon in

a surprised birthday party for the wife yesterday.

we had no idea about the planned party.. the kids (wife daughter and husband) really surprised the wife and i. sunday morning a. truck pulled up and started unloading tents, tables and chairs.

the son-in-law fired up the grill,.

talesin

How Wonderful! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Mixon!

Thank you for posting this James Mixon, it is so lovely to hear GOOD NEWS.

xoxo

tal

26

Buddhism Anyone?

by LaurenM in

so, i have recently been delving in buddhism and i must say it all makes sense!

like, the philosophies and ideas are what i've always believed but could never put a name to.

for example, they don't believe in god, they teach acceptance of all faiths, that peace can be achieved - not by changing other people - but by changing yourself, that everyone has goodness in themselves, that happiness can be gained internally (not externally as a gift from god), and that life is temporary so we should enjoy it!

talesin

my two pence ...

Like most religions, Buddhism has some good points. The Shambala school stresses "mindful meditation", which is a great healing tool.

But then, Xtianity teaches to "Love your neighbour as yourself", which is also a good value.

Hindis believe that every living thing is to be honoured.

Life is what you make it - there is some truth to be found in many religions, as there is in many schools of philosophical thought ... but keep in mind that religion, is merely a CONSTRUCT. It is a metaphor and / or allegory at best, and at worst, an injurious controlling tool of the ruling classes.

Take what you will from Buddhist thought, as you would from any fable or fairy tale, but choose your *own* ethics, your *own* morality. Refuse to COP OUT, and choose a religion or g*d to define you.

xx

33

Thought I was stronger!

by Peony in

just come home from a weight loss class early.

it's 6 months since i da'd and two and a half years since i've been to a meeting.

there was a witness there (unless she has left, i wouldn't know) we made eye contact!

talesin

I feel like such an idiot because I know I have done nothing wrong.

Hi, dear Peony (love that flower!),

Oh, how well I know that feeling! It is the sinking of my heart, KNOWING I am not perfect, and it's ALL MY FAULT.

Guess what?

No one is perfect! And YOU are perfectly normal.

We do NOT have any ideal to live up to. That is one of the biggest lies we are taught. You are good enough, you are strong enough, and you CAN do this ... AND ...

Life is better on the other side, yes it is!

Keep on keepin' on, and we shall be here to listen, and give you support when you want.

xo

27

Making wise use of magazines letter

by Saltheart Foamfollower in

hi all, just got this letter (sorry about formatting - anyone clean it up?).

christian congregationof jehovahs witnessesthe ridgeway, london, nw7 1rn telephone: 020 8906 2211august 13, 2015to all congregationsre: making wise use of our magazinesdear brothers:millions of people worldwide appreciate the bible study aids that are provided by thefaithful and discreet slave.

(matt.

talesin

Hmmm, I wonder how much free litera-trash i can get from the cart down the street? I shall stop the next time I go by, and see what they will give away!

After all, I may need quite a bit to share with my flatmates. *nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Know what I mean?*

579

Won't get fooled again ...Moon Landing.

by The Rebel in

jw
friends

so i was fooled by the witnesses.

what can i learn from that?

not to accept things at face value but to seek out opinion and different view points.. hence my question " do you believe man landed on the moon?.

talesin

Instead of questioning the Moon Landing, why not question the motivation? Also, there is a lot of bux being spent on Mars and other destinations, so I don't think that is an issue. So the billions are not labelled "NASA". *shrugs*

Exploration or Star Wars? That, to me, would be a more relevant debate.

20

Social changes- 50% of British youth think they may be a 'little' bit gay

by fulltimestudent in

this is an amazing social change, and bring humans closer to reality.. from the independent - a british newpaper.

a survey reports:.

read the full story at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/yougov-poll-homosexuality-half-young-people-10458032.html.

talesin

fulltimestudent

Hysteria actually comes from the, I believe Latin word, and means "Womb". The psycho-sexual aspect, I think, follows from that, even pre-Foucault. That is why women were said to be 'hysterical' when they were mostly, just strong willed. (Think of Frances Farmer, for example, and that was in the 40s or 50s!)I have an excellent psych textbook that goes into the origins and oh my, I'll see if it's unpacked, you can check it out on Amazon.

* it's been since I was in junior high that I took Latin for a few years, but those things never leave you. Etymology interests me. Was reading your thread(s) re Daniel and god vs divine. Fascinating, Captain!

: )

From the Online Etymology Dictionary: So, it was Greek ... meh, leave it to such a culture to label women like that, hey? Remember the Spartans? *grins*

hysterical (adj.)

1610s, from Latin hystericus "of the womb," from Greek hysterikos "of the womb, suffering in the womb," from hystera "womb" (see uterus). Originally defined as a neurotic condition peculiar to women and thought to be caused by a dysfunction of the uterus.

20

Social changes- 50% of British youth think they may be a 'little' bit gay

by fulltimestudent in

this is an amazing social change, and bring humans closer to reality.. from the independent - a british newpaper.

a survey reports:.

read the full story at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/yougov-poll-homosexuality-half-young-people-10458032.html.

talesin

This is not really surprising. I remember hearing the term "circle jerk" many times in the 70s or 80s, even used in a movie, I'm sure (you know, something like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, or Breakfast Club). Of course, that was the 70s/80s, and I was already a teen/20-something apostate and day-yum! an atheist.

It seems that at least in some parts of the West, religionism and homophobia is still rampant? SMDH