Mr Rayon

Richer countries have higher suicide rates? What are some plausible psychological explanations for this?

If Europe weren't a multi-cultural country, would resentment for their colonizing past in developing countries be greater? I mean it would make them appear more elite/upper class races. Perhaps a bit arrogant, would it? How has the acceptance of people from the colonized countries by Europe remedied the situation? Also, if Europe hadn't gone out to other countries to colonize them and steal their resources, how do you think our world picture of our planet would be like today? Would the gap between rich and poor be narrower? Overall, by colonizing other countries, was Europe able to accumulate enough wealth to find ways how that could benefit other countries too? In your opinion, what are some positive consequences of colonial rule?

As I understand it, one of the results of Western colonial power was the exploitation of many developing countries from spices and minerals to human slaves. Do you believe Western countries owe something to those they ruled? If so, when will Western countries pay this debt back that they have stolen from the less well-off? Or is it the colonized countries which owe something? What is your opinion?

I guess I could use a pseudonym of some sorts to protect my identity. The blog would be for my own benefit, really to organize my thoughts and keep a check on how they change with time. If I can also be open/honest without being offensive/hurtful to any peoples I might send links to it from my facebook. I'm also seeking for people to understand me. There are many things in my mind which may be easier to express when written/typed than from saying by opening my mouth.

What sort of things would you not tell a stranger? I mean, I'm not sure how it is like in other countries but in Australia we're all fairly open and honest to strangers. I regularly engage in small talk with strangers in the public transport but I feel as though I'm not open enough. I try not too lie when people ask me tough questions or give ambiguous responses.

Hi guys, What are the benefits of having a blog? To those who have blogs, why did you feel the need to make one? How does it benefit you from making one? What do you use your blog for? In real life I sorta have trouble being honest to people and expressing myself. Could starting a blog help in anyway?

It is predicted that by 2050, 1/3 of all species will become extinct. What is being done about this and are there anyways to preserve the endangered species we have now? What policies would you implement if you were part of the political elite in your respective countries?

What are peoples' opinions of international students leaving the developing world to study in the developed world and then staying there permanently? This happens very often in Australia. Many students come from China, Malaysia, Vietnam and many other countries to settle permanently in Australia/UK/USA/Europe. What are your thoughts about people who do this? Overall, is this a good thing? And as the developing world develops a solid middle class, what is it that is stopping them from taking over? Overall, is this a good thing? Any thoughts???

Are sesame seeds healthy to eat? What is the nutritional value of sesame seeds for humans and why are they so essential in balanced diet? How have sesame seeds become so popular in so many different bread? I find them a little bit tasteless but was just wondering what everybody here thinks...

When we have just become infected with the common cold why does our mucous change in colour and texture. The colour changes from a more transparent clear colour to a thicker yellow-green colour. Why is this? And how does this happen? Anyone know?

When we have just become infected with the common cold why does our mucous change in colour and texture. The colour changes from a more transparent clear colour to a thicker yellow-green colour. Why is this? And how does this happen? Anyone know?

Are sesame seeds healthy to eat? What is the nutritional value of sesame seeds for humans and why are they so essential in balanced diet? How have sesame seeds become so popular in so many different bread? I find them a little bit tasteless but was just wondering what everybody here thinks...

Is it true that women who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to convert to Islam, given the opportunity, in comparison to someone who wasn't?

As we head into the future, will religion ever lose it's grip amongst the people? What are your thoughts about this? And is the Bible guidance for humanity? Would the world be a better place if we were all evangelized? Does anything else teach better ethics than religion?

Hi, In the social setting, is it better to give fake smiles or not smile at all? How do you react when somebody gives you fake smiles and you know that they are fake? How does your reaction differ with someone who is honest and genuine but does not give fake smiles? Who would you prefer to befriend? Thanks

Why do developed countries have lower marriage rates? What are the root causes if there are any? Your speculations please...

Bump! This discussion needs to take place so that our parliament can make an informed decision about what to do! btw, why is polygamy illegal in so many non-Islamic countries? Most of these countries aren't the most conservative Christian countries imo so what gives?

Here in Australia we're seeing increasing support for the legalisation of gay/lesbian marriages. I believe one day it will be legalised world wide. But if it does so too would polygamous marriages and perhaps even other forms of marriages between different peoples (as the only thing stopping it now is our Christian roots). My question, even though polygamous marriages have a bad reputation in the developing world (particularly Islamic countries), could it serve a useful purpose in the future (e.g. political ones - to strengthen relationships between different countries) or serve as a better lifestyle choice for certain kinds of people (i.e. consensing adults) in the developed world? Certainly if I was an engineer travelling around the world to work, I would get lonely as Hell being away from family/friends. In this situation a polygamous marriage would help alleviate my loneliness as I marry different women as I travel between countries and start a family with them. There's also no reason why the offspring of polygamous couples can't be engineers, dentists/lawyers or even doctors with the appropriate love and upringing. Perhaps one could start a successful family business with all employees/workers restricted to those part of the polygamous family. Also, having multiple wives (or husbands) from different countries not only increases our appreciation of people from different cultures/backgrounds but it would also increase our linguistic capabilities and eliminate racial xenophobic tendencies we see today. So, what does everyone think? Could polygamy serve a useful purpose for people living in the developed world? Do you think rich horny Chinese businessmen will one day be able to undertake polygamous marriages? And generally is monogamy a better model for marriage than polygamy? If yes, do you think there are exceptions to this rule? Personally, I see no reason why two well-educated and consensing adults shouldn't undertake a polygamous marriage if it is what they desire and the marriage model that best suits their ideals/values. Of course, I think only a minority group of people could successfully pull this off without too much trouble. Polygamy is not for everyone and without question for most it would certainly be undesirable. What is everyone's thoughts/opinions about this? What are peoples' thoughts about its abolition is so many countries? Do you think the justification is good? Btw, currently polygamous marriages undertaken overseas are legally recognized in Australia and I suspect there will be pressure to completely legalize it as we become more liberal with increasing time so it will probably be the centre of debate for the next one or two hundred years.

Here in Australia we're seeing increasing support for the legalisation of gay/lesbian marriages. I believe one day it will be legalised world wide. But if it does so too would polygamous marriages and perhaps even other forms of marriages between different peoples (as the only thing stopping it now is our Christian roots). My question, even though polygamous marriages have a bad reputation in the developing world (particularly Islamic countries), could it serve a useful purpose in the future (e.g. political ones - to strengthen relationships between different countries) or serve as a better lifestyle choice for certain kinds of people (i.e. consensing adults) in the developed world? Certainly if I was an engineer travelling around the world to work, I would get lonely as Hell being away from family/friends. In this situation a polygamous marriage would help alleviate my loneliness as I marry different women as I travel between countries and start a family with them. There's also no reason why the offspring of polygamous couples can't be engineers, dentists/lawyers or even doctors with the appropriate love and upringing. Perhaps one could start a successful family business with all employees/workers restricted to those part of the polygamous family. Also, having multiple wives (or husbands) from different countries not only increases our appreciation of people from different cultures/backgrounds but it would also increase our linguistic capabilities and eliminate racial xenophobic tendencies we see today. So, what does everyone think? Could polygamy serve a useful purpose for people living in the developed world? Do you think rich horny Chinese businessmen will one day be able to undertake polygamous marriages? And generally is monogamy a better model for marriage than polygamy? If yes, do you think there are exceptions to this rule? Personally, I see no reason why two well-educated and consensing adults shouldn't undertake a polygamous marriage if it is what they desire and the marriage model that best suits their ideals/values. Of course, I think only a minority group of people could successfully pull this off without too much trouble. Polygamy is not for everyone and without question for most it would certainly be undesirable. What is everyone's thoughts/opinions about this? What are peoples' thoughts about its abolition is so many countries? Do you think the justification is good? Btw, currently polygamous marriages undertaken overseas are legally recognized in Australia and I suspect there will be pressure to completely legalize it as we become more liberal with increasing time so it will probably be the centre of debate for the next one or two hundred years.

http://www.eastwestcenter.org/news-center/east-west-wire/declining-birth-rates-raising-concerns-in-asia http://chronicle.com/article/After-Decades-of-Expansion/129896/ http://www.prb.org/Articles/2010/koreafertility.aspx http://www.voanews.com/content/taiwan-birth-rate-falls-to-worlds-lowest-challenging-productivity-127933153/167887.html http://www.ipsnews.net/2009/12/south-korea-low-birth-rate-blamed-on-women/ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/opinion/brooks-the-fertility-implosion.html What does everyone think about the population implosion? Will we humans cease to exist as living standards rise and as we receive higher quality education than ever before?

umm how about Pebbles or Archibald? Can you describe the gender of the cat? What does it remind you of? a python, a tiger or something entirely different?

Hi, How do you guys take it when you see an atheist who has explicitly stated that he/she is an atheist pray to God? When you see a politian do this a couple of times, does it make your blood boil? Do you feel manipulated/toyed with and how would you quantify the sincerity of their prayers? It doesn't make any sense for me to hear why atheists would pray but some still do it. What goes on in your mind when you see an atheist pray or for that matter or religious person not pray (if there is such a kind)?

Is it true that showering longer and more often increases the aging process? I know that being immersed in water for long periods of time can wrinkle your skin but after a while your skin naturally unwrinkles back again when you leave the water. My question, if you told yourself that you would never shower again or restrict the amount of time in the shower, would you theoretically have less wrinkles when you get older? ...so yeah, not necessarily aging but would you have less wrinkles when you get older if you showered less?

Also, of particular relevance doctors have one of the highest suicide rates in the world by profession. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2010/s2986807.htm Gotta watch out for the signs!

hey guys, okay easy question here. why is it that the most developed countries of the world which have the highest suicide rates? is it because of the absence of religion or other political reason? also, would you (whoever is reading this) consider committing suicide? do you believe in suicide? I have heard also that the smarter (i.e. higher IQ) you are the more likely you are of committing suicide. Is there any truth behind this?