rigney

If I may say so, shame on you iNow. I'm afraid that you are religiously devout, but looking for a purpose to disavow religion on any level of understanding by saying: "NO, I don't believe:" My problem is that I'm not sure; yours is strictly a prayer of denial.

I have read and listened to just about every cockamamie idea concerning differences between gravity and magnetism, and while having nowhere near the smarts of a physicist or rocket scientist; I believe an understanding should be prevalent among all people with common sense. Firstly, to assume that a force exists simply because its power can be calculated; is a stupid premise. People do that with God. Science has probed the depths of each and every atom known to man and has determined exactly how many electrons; protons, neutrons and positrons each of them contain. So why then do we continue trying to explicate a power that we can only calculate? One reason is conjecture! Without total knowledge of a condition or situation, conjecture is the only motivation for shuffling on. Take for instance planets and moons in this solar system, including our sun. Scientists have calculated almost to a grain of sand how much each of them weigh; their diameter, circumference, magnetic poles and strengths, along with composition in many cases. Why then is “Gravity” the only unknown that must play by an entirely different set of rules and be calculated by formula alone? It really shouldn’t, since it is simply another facet of the single and intrinsic unifying force in the universe, magnetism. Let me explain it this way. At some point, time as we know it; began. The who, why, how, when and where will always be open to conjecture, but I personally believe things did happen quite suddenly at the beginning. Science can give you a plethora of reasons for it, but I can only give you is mine. Like a good machine builder, things were planned out well in advance of the initial undertaking. Such as, materials, an engine, drive train, fuel, tires and safety equipment were taken into consideration long before the “Start your Engine” signal was ever given. Then the signal came and our world began. It was the first time such a machine had ever been built. That first instant alone at startup would have sent most good men back to farming or fishing. But the supreme power over everything that exists had no thought of giving up on the project. The roar must was been horrendous! Things that had lain dorment for an eternity instantly began to reverberate, even though a governor controlling the acceleration had been well thought out long in advance of this beginning. So, Pedal to the metal! Again, science can give you all of the details. For me, It will be facts as I see them. During that first few moments it was a matter of getting the right fuel mixture, throttle control and a firm but gentle hand on the wheel. Piece of cake!.

I'm not a theist, but if religion rules the day and I am at some future time doomed to an eternal pit of predition simply because of my ignorance, I certainly hope a benevolent God or Creator will have mercy on me. Not broken, just slightly bent.

I'm not sure just how you can assess another humans mind, since most of us have enough trouble trying to untangle our own. Be that as it may. But I specifically stated to you that "law" and the justice system in America is the single factor in dealing with crazies and criminals who want to s---w little boys or dump acid on older folks. While there are countries in which such practices may still take place, an enclave such as the one you seem to suggest would likely take thousands of years to even adjust to such a regime. And in the end it would only be a yoke around someone elses neck, not yours. What you have to remember is, places like Iran, and other middle eastern societies, along with the witcheries in Africa, existed long before England and America were even thought of. Yes, many people are broken in this world; but let's not simply associate religion with it. We have enough nuts on our side to scare hell out of me.

Do people, hopefully not most; look at life and their surroundings as a drag? Through a jaundiced eye, so to speak. Are they nothing more than Lemmings looking for a cliff to leap from? This is not meant as a religious or atheistic venue to spit venom, so let's keep it simple. I would just like to have your opinions and thoughts on the question. So, I will stay out of it entirely. Pardon, but I did change, "WE" to "THEY". I will only make changes to my initial comment if necessary, but no suggestions.

Let's put it this way. No! I don't think people who believe in God are broken. Many are perhaps misguided, mis-informed, ignorant or even stupid, but then, that can apply to those of us who are non-believers such as you and me. And bringing up the rape of children or tossing acid on the genitals of elders was totally rank, other than for the sensationalism of the verbiage. Thankfully there are laws in this country hopefully preventing such happenings. Again, No! I don't believe religious people are broken in the sense you suggest. You may also add this postscript. To my knowledge, I don't have an audience of even 1.

No more sad than the commentary depicted by what you wrote: What if that belief is harmful to others? What if that belief is that raping young boys will lead to riches and fortune? What about a belief that throwing acid on to the genitals of the elderly will end world hunger? Are you suggesting it is also broken to be "bent on destroying" beliefs like those? Now that is truly sad.

Oh no! I'm only suggesting that like the dog who stopped to take a crap.. Had he not chose to do so; he would have have likely caught the rabbit? And had he caught the rabbit, at least been humane enough to just bite its frikkin head off quickly, so as not to arouse the neighbors hounds? Even dogs hate to share a meal. by the way,You posted this: iNow Posted Today, 08:39 PM It has zero to do with opinion. It's about the accuracy of and use of using words properly and precisely. Regardless... do you or do you not think that people who believe in god are broken, rigney?

No more broken than someone bent on destroying another persons belief.

That may be your opinion of my problem, but not to my way of thinking. And yes, I did watch the video, but only after replying.

Please don't try confusing with basic logic about a correct definition of why I should or should not believe in God. We have run that gauntlet several times and I still can't state why I believe as I do. If there was proof of God other than than as a metaphor for a puzzle not understood, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute in becoming religious. But since there is no proof on that issue, I can't believe a God is out there. A higher power?, Yes. And by the same token, I believe there is a reason why we, and all other critters inhabit this planet, as well as billions of other planets throughout the universe.

Fortunately, I've never had to crawl into a box in my life. And it's not that I disagree with your philosophy Moon, but only in your attitude when trying to deliver it. I am agnostic by trade and probably don't make my points clear, or at all, when i'm stumping. But, I don't hate people simply because they belong to a religious sect. If they want to give their money to a religious coven rather than feed their family or to shoot it up in drugs, it's their damned business; not mine. Lighten up. Actually I don't care much for either preachers or bullies. But to hear a devout atheist of some renoun cry out for equality; well, it sort of scares me.

No more than with a poor man getting his nails dirty and being an ass at the same time, as I believe Hitchens to have been. Whas he shrewd? Yes. An intellectual? In some respects. Made money? Yes. A humanitarian? I saw nothing to convince me of that. I only wondered how a person could pontificate on such a subject as Atheism without absolute facts. But then, if a person is a believer, regardless of what they believe, the choice is theirs. I've been fortunate in my life to have not done much nail cleaning, but I have empathy for those who do bust their ass daily making a living and scraping dirt from under their nails. I was looking through google trying to find out how this guy made his salary, etc., but couldn't find a thing. Heck!, maybe he was on relief? Perhaps you could help me find the information? I can tell you what Obama and Bush make and I'm sure they know what I've made over my lifetime, but I can't find a thing on this guy.

You're talking 'bull shit" Moon and you know it. There's Gays, Fays and Rays everywhere out there, but you can't come up with a single reason for your stance about a few religious assholes as being thieves and perverts, other than your being a devout Atheist. How do you think those people feel when you go off on them as you do? I've never herd one of them abuse you as such. Sadly, if you were rich, you'd probably still be the most obnoxious ass in the world, simply because of your attitude. You're so steeped in what you believe science is as a religion, that you can't turn your head around even for a moment to see what else might be out there???? Most religious people I know don't denounce science, but pray that it continues to grow in knowledge. Hell! they may even eventually get my vote.

No! you are not wrong to making such an assumption. And yes, we are far wealthier than most of the worlds population. But this guy who was once your countryman and could have done great things for England, came to American seeking his fortune? Tisk-tisk!. Isn't it remarkable what money can do to a person, regardless of their peerage? I've been an agnostic for my entire lifetime, but never have I used it for monetary gain. Am I some sort of an ass for not doing so? But then, I suppose that's why I never tried preaching either. Have a good one.

Ditto, ditto, ditto, my ass! I can look out across billions upon billions of people who will never attain the opulance this man has lived for an entire life time. And "fukka" his good taste in liquor. When enough asses of his caliber reach the threshhold of making poor people feel even poorer, no one with power or money will be safe. Even the very few who are actually trying to save this sorry assed planet of ours will be in jeopardy. Brilliance with only self serving interest doesn't buy you time; only fleeting accolades.

Tell me something about this overly educated and very literate ass who seems to be revered by so many. Did he actually work for a living? Get his nails dirty at a job, or donate a dime to any worthy charity with his hard eraned cash? I can't find a damned thing to argue these questions pro or con. Other than his philosophy, questions about him are as hard to pin down as they are Obama. But then, perhaps my questions should not be a part of this conversatrion? I think a person with this guys intellect and education could have done far much more for civilization had he not sit on his ass behind a desk, write books and make money by taking pot shots at anything he saw fit. So, screw a bunch of religious bastards who preach false doctrins and asses like this, who think as he did. Well, someone had the balls to give me a red star sticker, but not gonads large enough to speak their mind, without expecting some conjecture. For shame!

The most fasinating thing about science is, an accepted theory for today; is nothing more than a stepping stone into a more enlightened tomorrow. Without this constant advancement we would likely still be dragging sleds or pulling a travois around behind a dog team. Since I am neither educated in physics or any science, I can only read and try to understand. Nothing is etched in stone for me.

I am aware of what a magnetar is and I'm not trying to be contrary, but how do you and doG possess all of this knowledge without any reference at all. i gave you reference! But am I to take your word as gospel rather than evidence that has justification through theory and research?

I like your Grandpa's philosophy better. Apple butter does smell better than shinola.

I don't know who the dude was narrating such an insight to our ignorance Moon, but it was fun listening to him. It was also a bit superflouris on my part to put the question out as I did. But isn't it funny just how gullible we are at times, believing the shit that we do? I was really trying to figure out doGs slant on things.

Yes, silly answers seem to be your strongest forte. But that's another story. Try this hypothetical and let me know what you think of it, since it is still for all intent and purpose, other than through a telescope; an unknown. http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/pulsars/pulsars.html Here is a link that might be of interest to someone with silly answers. http://www.space.com/755-origin-universes-powerful-magnets.html The following statement primarily engulfed the first paragraph and I don't recall gravity even being mentioned, did you? If a magnetar flew past Earth within 100,000 miles, the intense magnetic field of the exotic object would destroy the data on every credit card on the planet.

My question was posted strictly as a hypothetical, not a qualified affirmation or even a theory. Yet, you counter with what you believe to be conclusive proof of which you know only as hear-say. You use words like leprechaun and unicorn as if you know quite a bit about "Puff the Magic Dragon" though.

Quote]doG: You're mixing up magnetic field reversals with physical reversals of Earth's axis. There have been a number of magnetic field changes through time. Movement of the Earth's iron core makes that possible. There has been no significant change of Earth's rotational axis in the time of man. That would require a physical impact from a foreign body like an asteroid. Quote]rigney: Is it possible that a close "fly-by", by a powerful magnetic entity change earths orbital orientation by 90 Degs., yet not destroy or alter our path around the sun?

Adam and Eve was written sometime during the 60s and describes what supposedly took place in just a few short hours when earth was flipped 90 degrees from its normal orbital rotation, to its side. I know earth constantly rotate at a 1,000 per hour, but a 90 degree flip from that plane in just a couple hours or so??? That would be like flipping a fast spinning gyro 90 degrees from its normal rotational path. A thin and interesting book, but as I believe; written as science fiction.