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bookworm

Mugger Stats

  • Member Type: Mugger
  • Profile Views: 644 views
  • Friends: 10 friends
  • Last Update: 1 hour ago
  • Joined: August 30, 2018

Mugger Details

  • Screen Name* bookworm
  • Gender* Female
  • About Me:
  • Activity
    • About
    • Discussions (66)
    • Replies (1298)
    • Blogs (1)
    • Friends (10)
    • Joined Groups (1)
    • Comment Wall
    • Gifts (1)
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  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Name one thing you are happy in your life :
    Congratulations.I hope you'll share your new lifestyle and interests with us.
    • 1 hour ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Do serious and pedantic people ever realize how boring they are?:
    I think what's boring is a highly subjective personal judgement.
    Boring as a Brick
     
    Sameness. ...  more    I think what's boring is a highly subjective personal judgement.
    Boring as a Brick
     
    Sameness. 
    Ennui unending. 
    Loops and laps I mull around in my skull, 
    and it lulls me, dulls me, 
    numbs me, glums me, 
    slows me, sluggish, 
    lays me down, down, flat, still, 
    unmoving, unchanging, 
    in humdrum boredom and tedium. 
    Mundane, drab drag. 
    Arid, insipid, vapid mind.
     
    Repeat the same chores daily, 
    washing dishes, the same dishes, 
    the same routine, 
    rinse and drip dry, rinse and drip dry, 
    over and over and over again. 
    Housework and farm work will not stay done. 
    Some force of life there is 
    that undoes it every day, and if it is not redone, 
    builds entropy invisibly, 
    creeping up upon the unwary. 
    Turn your back, look back, and there it is, 
    a speck of dust fell and added to the pile. 
     
    Motes of dust dance on moonbeams, saying, 
    “Ha, ha! We are lighter and fleeter than thee!&rdquo...    less
    • 2 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Do serious and pedantic people ever realize how boring they are?:
    Actually I do regard Stu as special, and not in any derogatory or sarcastic way.He's super bright.He often brings common sense, fact and logic into some seriously crazy subjects, and I find that makes what he says very interesting.I'd find it boring if ev...  moreActually I do regard Stu as special, and not in any derogatory or sarcastic way.He's super bright.He often brings common sense, fact and logic into some seriously crazy subjects, and I find that makes what he says very interesting.I'd find it boring if everyone had to conform to a homogenised sense of humour.  
    • 2 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Instead of losing weight to fit the size of the existing presidency Dondonjohn HUGELY expands it to fit his massive body. For how long?:
    I think, despite their improved numbers, the Dems still don't have enough strength. They need to be careful and strategic. For instance, if they go for impeachment, they need to have enough evidence to be certain of success. Otherwise the process would ba...  moreI think, despite their improved numbers, the Dems still don't have enough strength. They need to be careful and strategic. For instance, if they go for impeachment, they need to have enough evidence to be certain of success. Otherwise the process would backfire on them.Trump has been oily and weaselly for a very long time, hiding his tracks and using others as cover. It's possible that his numerous attempts to block the enquiries into Russiagate may prove to be sufficient grounds for impeachment. On the other hand, the fact that those he commanded to run the obstructions actually disobeyed him (hence protecting him) may make it harder to make the charges stick.I watch with interest.I can't see Trump surviving the next elections.  less
    • 2 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Can we at least AGREE that Trump made an entire mess out of his Presidency so far? Can we at least agree (government shutdown?) :
    Well said!
    • 2 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Can we at least AGREE that Trump made an entire mess out of his Presidency so far? Can we at least agree (government shutdown?) :
    I suspect that even some staunch Republicans would be privately embarrassed by Trump's manner and methods. I imagine that behind the scenes they've been working hard to attempt to limit and modify his impetuosity, to advise him, and to work out the best s...  moreI suspect that even some staunch Republicans would be privately embarrassed by Trump's manner and methods. I imagine that behind the scenes they've been working hard to attempt to limit and modify his impetuosity, to advise him, and to work out the best spin to put on the gaffs. Others might be hopeful of a chance to take his place one day. I'd be very surprised if any would agree in public. Most of them genuinely like what he's doing.It's natural that Dems don't like Trump's policies. His ways just make the conservative shift more exasperating. The best bet for the next election is to get as many pro-Dem people enrolled to vote as possible. Polls suggest that a majority of young adults are likely to prefer the Democrats.I would be Dem or Green if I lived in the States. My perspective from outside the system is that Americans have increasingly become personally identified with their politics, and with the social milieu of their affiliation. That tends to increase the heat in opposing arguments. It actually makes...    less
    • 2 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to When something is not going right who do you usually get to fix it?:
    If it's within my skills set I'll do it myself.Otherwise I'll pay a specialist.Lack of money means I prefer the regular maintenance and stitch in time strategies.
    • 9 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to how would you describe your significant others hair :
    hirsuit and grey all overstill heavily bristled across the jaw, needs two shaves a daythinning on the pate
    • 9 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Instead of losing weight to fit the size of the existing presidency Dondonjohn HUGELY expands it to fit his massive body. For how long?:
    His resilience astounds me.I frequently see people with far less weight huff and puff over climbing a few stairs or walking a few hundred yards.Perhaps he suffers in ways invisible to us on the outside.Maybe health problems will end his presidency before ...  moreHis resilience astounds me.I frequently see people with far less weight huff and puff over climbing a few stairs or walking a few hundred yards.Perhaps he suffers in ways invisible to us on the outside.Maybe health problems will end his presidency before the Dems manage to mount an effective attack.  
    • 9 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Do serious and pedantic people ever realize how boring they are?:
    They are not boring to each other.Put them in a room together and they have a wonderful time.
    • 9 hours ago
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Name one thing you are happy in your life :
    Most things.My husband.My friends.The environment in which I live.My studies at uni.There are a few niggles that periodically worry me, but for the most part I'm very happy most of the time.
    • April 20
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first?:
    Wow! I can't quite imagine it so I respect your vivid imagination.
    • April 20
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first?:
    Sympathies.We never outgrow the need for a mummy.I guess the best we get is learning to become our own mothers in self-nurture.Or if we strike it lucky we get a great life-partner and provide the mothering to one another, hopefully the positive kind.I los...  moreSympathies.We never outgrow the need for a mummy.I guess the best we get is learning to become our own mothers in self-nurture.Or if we strike it lucky we get a great life-partner and provide the mothering to one another, hopefully the positive kind.I lost my Mum about six years ago, but she had had severe dementia for quite a few years. I'd had time to adjust to the loss.And in many ways, I was more her mother.  
    • April 20
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first?:
    No!I hope not!If you're feeling down or depressed, please message me.Or even if not.I'd be more than happy to chat with you in depth.
    • April 20
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Are you any good at reading body language? If so, do you think this guy was flirting with me this afternoon? I think so. :
    Baby goats are about the most flirtatious creatures one could hope to meet.Human males could probably learn a few tips from them.On the other hand, maybe human males could also avoid some of the cheekier goatly tactics.
    • April 20
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to WTF is butter chicken?:
    Yeah, I can see it might be a bit complex and time consuming for the average cooking day.
    • April 20
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to The more diligently and consistently you look for things to make sense the less they do. Inverse propertion? WHAT? How can that be?:
    If something doesn't make sense, I look for what's missing.For a sentence, it might be a slip in the grammar or the misuse of a word.With people, odd behaviour is usually explained when we understand their motivation. If it doesn't make sense then there a...  moreIf something doesn't make sense, I look for what's missing.For a sentence, it might be a slip in the grammar or the misuse of a word.With people, odd behaviour is usually explained when we understand their motivation. If it doesn't make sense then there are things about the person, their background, values or situation that we don't yet know.Sometimes some of us are wilfully blind, by refusing to accept some aspect of reality which doesn't agree with how we would like things to be.Then there are things which really are paradoxical, such as several phenomena in quantum physics. The only way to make sense of them is to understand that a different set of laws of physics operates at the quantum and macrocosmic orders of magnitude.By a similar logic, some things in economics makes perfect sense as practical behaviours at the level of a single household, but not on the larger scales of society and the environment.To make sense of things, one must be able to see the whole pattern, not just a portion or one angle or vie...    less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Underhanded. Evenhanded. Heavyhanded. Your favorite hand of course would be a natural ROYAL FLUSH. Ever get one?:
    I've never gambled or played cards.If we're talking game of life, I've experienced under-, even- and heavy-handed behaviours from others, but never more than one style at a time.There was one phase in my life when I needed to be underhanded because it was...  moreI've never gambled or played cards.If we're talking game of life, I've experienced under-, even- and heavy-handed behaviours from others, but never more than one style at a time.There was one phase in my life when I needed to be underhanded because it was the only way available to me to subvert and undermine the actions of a bully.I've sometimes been a bit heavy-handed in verbal responses when heavily triggered.Other than that, I try to be as even-handed as possible about most things.  
    • April 18
  • Kittigate
    Kittigate is now friends with bookworm.
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Those who know don't want to hear it again. Those who don't know don't care to listen. So what's the point of discussing anything?:
    I certainly do care to listen. I tune in to news and current affairs almost every day.I usually prefer not to hear something twice, though one can't avoid it these days.Generally, hearing it the first time, I remember it. It's enough to start the discussi...  moreI certainly do care to listen. I tune in to news and current affairs almost every day.I usually prefer not to hear something twice, though one can't avoid it these days.Generally, hearing it the first time, I remember it. It's enough to start the discussion.I don't believe discussing politics is pointless.Rather, I think it's a necessary topic and a function of good citizenship and the democratic evolution of society.If we don't pay attention to these things and act responsibly, we end up responsible by default for the things we don't like.I'm grateful for friends and husband.I'm thankful that we do live in a democracy even though it's a far from perfect one.I'm thankful that we have a relatively high level of freedom of speech and lifestyle compared to many other countries.I'm thankful to have easy access to excellent public services.I'm thankful that I have enough resources to meet my basic minimum needs.I'm grateful for good health and the natural environment in which I live.  less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Those who know don't want to hear it again. Those who don't know don't care to listen. So what's the point of discussing anything?:
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Ever freak out? What about?:
    Rarely. It takes an awful lot of provocation for me to lose my temper.The greater the emergency, the more cool-headed I become. I deal with the situation and then fall apart in private afterwards.
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to What millennial stereotypes do you think are actually true?:
    None.For thousands of years the older generation has bemoaned the flaws of the younger (and vice versa.)The older tends to forget that they behaved in exactly the same ways when they were young.It's about maturity. There are natural changes in values and ...  moreNone.For thousands of years the older generation has bemoaned the flaws of the younger (and vice versa.)The older tends to forget that they behaved in exactly the same ways when they were young.It's about maturity. There are natural changes in values and behaviour that occur du to age, energy and experience.But also, conditions have changed so much in the last 40 years that many comparisons are neither fair nor valid.The older generation did not have mobile phones or computers when they were growing up; they communicated by slow mail, phone, or face to face.Also wages and work conditions were very different. Wages were far better relative to cost of living. A full time worker on an average house could afford to save a deposit, get a mortgage and eventually own their own home. Now that's an impossible dream except for upper echelon professionals, and the majority face a life of insecure tenure and struggling to pay rent.It is certainly not true that millennials are apathetic. Some may switch off from politics due...    less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you spoke with people in real life the way you talked to people while you were driving, what would happen? :
    That situation outside your daughter's school sounds like a nightmare.I wonder would the P&C consider doing something about it?The question reminds me of Carey's film, Liar Liar. What if we were all compelled to be 100% honest all of the time?We might lea...  moreThat situation outside your daughter's school sounds like a nightmare.I wonder would the P&C consider doing something about it?The question reminds me of Carey's film, Liar Liar. What if we were all compelled to be 100% honest all of the time?We might learn how to express honesty in non-abusive ways.I can't remember ever having felt road rage.But that would be because I live in a rural area where traffic is sparse. Most of the locals behave in a pretty relaxed way most of the time.We get the occasional hooning teenager or drunk. Whatever idiotic thing they do, it's over so quickly that there's no tome to sit and stew over it.  less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?:
    Or maybe not Rastafarian.Cannabis was discovered in one of the outer S-W provinces of China about 3,000 BCE - with archeological evidence that once it's medicinal properties had been discovered, it quickly spread across the routes of the old Silk Road.May...  moreOr maybe not Rastafarian.Cannabis was discovered in one of the outer S-W provinces of China about 3,000 BCE - with archeological evidence that once it's medicinal properties had been discovered, it quickly spread across the routes of the old Silk Road.Maybe your cult could be a variant of Taoism. It could have a goddess of herbs and healing like the ancient Mitannian and Indus River goddess, Soma. She would teach herb lore and the ethics and skills of unconditional love and wisdom. She could be a variant incarnation of Kuan Yin or green Tara.  less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?:
    I might join you.I think the esoteric version of Hinduism might come close.According to the Ten Principal Upanishads, consciousness existed prior to material existence. It desired to know itself but being all-one had no means of self-differentiation. So i...  moreI might join you.I think the esoteric version of Hinduism might come close.According to the Ten Principal Upanishads, consciousness existed prior to material existence. It desired to know itself but being all-one had no means of self-differentiation. So it split itself into multiples, hence creating the beginning of existence and eventually life and the multitudes of minds of individuals, in order to be able to experience itself.Interesting idea, hey?But as atheists, we could also invent new concepts of a god, or even a pantheon of gods, the nature of which is not at odds with the discoveries of science.Easiest of all, we could establish a code of ethics.For ritual - there is something similar already popular in England. Non-believers get together on Sundays to hear inspiring talks on life matters, sing songs and develop supportive community.  less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?:
    Would that be a variant sect of Rastafarianism?
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?:
    Your cult may have all Democrats on board, 48.2% of the voters.You might also have all anarchists and many of those who abstained from voting.That might make yours the most popular cult in America.How would you like the role of the first Pope-anti-Trump?W...  moreYour cult may have all Democrats on board, 48.2% of the voters.You might also have all anarchists and many of those who abstained from voting.That might make yours the most popular cult in America.How would you like the role of the first Pope-anti-Trump?With Rosie G. as your cardinal?  
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?:
    Silly mistake - the first its.Got it right in the second use.One thousand "it's = it is" in chalk on blackboard for me today.I've noticed the ragging you've taken lately over grammarian, tilde and sandwich practices.This religious persecution must stop.
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to I wonder if the destruction of part of Notre Dame could be a great leveller? Could the world unite to contribute to rebuild it?:
    The kids are mourned - now that that they are finally believed.Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse has turned out to be a world leader in its thoroughness and effectiveness.Because of it, the perpetrators have been fin...  moreThe kids are mourned - now that that they are finally believed.Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse has turned out to be a world leader in its thoroughness and effectiveness.Because of it, the perpetrators have been finally caught, taken to court, found guilty and are now in prison.Because of it, the Roman Catholic Church no longer simply posts an offender to another diocese to start all over again. Now the offender gets stripped of contact with children and given an administrative job (too lenient in my view but in keeping with their own principle of forgiveness for those who "repent.")Because of it, millions of Catholics have lost faith in the Church and have left it.But it turns out that it was not just the Catholic Church that was to blame.Institutional blind eyes to child abuse (in many cases active collusion and participation all the way up to cardinals and top bureaucrats), included the Church of England, a Synagogue, state run orphanages, and failure on the part of aut...    less
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Macron said Notre Dame will be rebuilt. It will take 5 years. There is no estimate yet about what it will cost. How do you rebuild history?:
    Yep. The big cathedrals took hundreds of years to build. Notre Dame was started in 1163, finished in 1345.So by the time the rafters were being laid, the wood had been seasoned for over a century.
    • April 18
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Mcron said Notre Dame will be rebuilt. It will take 5 years. There is no estimate yet about what it will cost. How do you rebuild history?:
    I'd be very surprised if it CAN be re-built in 5 years.Granted, we have tools like cranes that weren't around in the C13th, and with billions donated there will be no limit to the cost of labour.But I reckon there'll be furious argument about how to do it...  moreI'd be very surprised if it CAN be re-built in 5 years.Granted, we have tools like cranes that weren't around in the C13th, and with billions donated there will be no limit to the cost of labour.But I reckon there'll be furious argument about how to do it.All the design specs are recorded to the Nn'th degree by PhD students of architecture and engineering -- no problem there.But then some will want to use new technologies to strengthen, like carbon-fibre and titanium laminated beams for the rafters,while others will want to reproduce the old oak beams exactly, and there's not a single oak tree left in Europe large enough to produce such beams.Maybe a few large enough might still exist in Canada or America - would they be felled and donated? At what cost to the tree species and the natural environment?  less
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to I guess from day one...when homo saps appeared here...homo saps have spent all their time doing and saying stupid things. WHY ? :
    We're born with far fewer instincts than any other animal.We have to be taught almost everything necessary for survival in our environment.But we also need the capacity to solve problems if our environment changes or if we are forced to move.So we've evol...  moreWe're born with far fewer instincts than any other animal.We have to be taught almost everything necessary for survival in our environment.But we also need the capacity to solve problems if our environment changes or if we are forced to move.So we've evolved with an innate capacity to learn how to learn, that is, how to recognise patterns and use the information to solve problems.But this takes effort - easily as much effort as training to run marathons or climb mountains.Some people dislike making this kind of effort. They learn as youngsters that they can rely on the efforts of others and so make little or none themselves. They just go along, learning the bare minimum necessary to get by - which means they're far more prone to making frequent mistakes and experiencing the set-backs. After a while, the mind-set becomes so ingrained that it becomes resistant to change, even if the changes would clearly make a huge and beneficial difference.  less
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to I wonder if the destruction of part of Notre Dame could be a great leveller? Could the world unite to contribute to rebuild it?:
    Our news reports are saying that donations are pouring in from all over the world.But I think world unity would take a lot more than that.
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you're shy like I am getting older is a blessing. We don't get invited out nearly as often as we used to when younger. Do YOU?:
    Wow!You've really made me think.I need to invite my friends to outings more often.
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to We don't want to be too hot or too cold so we invented air conditioning and heat. We take pills to deaden us so we don't feel. Good/not?:
    Either, depending on the circumstances.There's an optimum temperature range within which we are able to act and think at our best.That range is variable for each person depending on their weight, health, fitness and the climate their body is accustomed to...  moreEither, depending on the circumstances.There's an optimum temperature range within which we are able to act and think at our best.That range is variable for each person depending on their weight, health, fitness and the climate their body is accustomed to.Some places require cooler temperatures, e.g., hospitals to reduce the spread of infection.The very young and very old do not have internal thermoregulation, so special care is required to ensure that they don't overheat or overcool.We could do much better for the planet by turning heating down a few notches in winter, and turning aircon. temp. up a few in summer -or even better, using better architectural design so that we don't need any electricity to heat or cool.In my view, it's healthier to tolerate headaches as much as possible. Analgesics taken too often over a long time can cause damage to organs, but most headaches will go away of their own accord in due course.A pain that doesn't go away may be an indicator of something wrong that needs treating prope...    less
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm started a discussion:
    If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?
    What would it believe?What would its ethical principles be?What rituals would it have?What symbols would it use?
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm started a discussion:
    What would be the hat to end all hats?
    What could you wear on your head that would make people stop what they are doing and stare in awe and amazement?
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm started a discussion:
    If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first?
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to WTF is butter chicken?:
    A classic Indian dish.
               1/2 cup yoghurt or leben 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3cm piece ginger, peeled, finely grated 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon garam masala, or one tablespoon if y...  more    A classic Indian dish.
               1/2 cup yoghurt or leben 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3cm piece ginger, peeled, finely grated 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon garam masala, or one tablespoon if you like a lot 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder, or to taste 600g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (Rice bran oil is excellent.) 20g butter 1 brown onion, halved, thickly sliced 410g can tomato puree 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup thickened cream Basmati rice cooked to dry and fluffy & coriander leaves to serve
    ~
    1. Place yoghurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala and chilli powder in a glass or ceramic dish. Add chicken. Stir to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
     
    2. Heat oil and butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally until golden and caramelised. Add chicken mixture to pan. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until chicken just starts to ch...    less
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Can you think of any disparaging funny harmless names to call people ,such as " Moon calf ,Jabber Nackle or Hobbidy Oik....:
    I was called "Hairy" at boarding school.Due to my father's insistence that "a woman's hair is her crowning glory" - he was born in 1902 - my hair had not been cut since I was born. At 12, the plaits hung to half way down my thighs. When it was loose I loo...  moreI was called "Hairy" at boarding school.Due to my father's insistence that "a woman's hair is her crowning glory" - he was born in 1902 - my hair had not been cut since I was born. At 12, the plaits hung to half way down my thighs. When it was loose I looked like Cousin It from The Adams Family.The tone of voice was always affectionate so I didn't mind.  
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to correcting people's grammar online is just boneless colonialism, am I right or am I right :
    I'm not sure that it's safe to judge why a person feels compelled to correct other people's grammar.There are so many possible reasons.Or, perhaps we might judge but there's no way to know if the judgement is correct unless one knows the person very well....  moreI'm not sure that it's safe to judge why a person feels compelled to correct other people's grammar.There are so many possible reasons.Or, perhaps we might judge but there's no way to know if the judgement is correct unless one knows the person very well.And sometimes correction is a very good thing. Correct grammar can make a huge difference to meaning.Many mistakes don't matter because they've become a part of colloquial speech. We understand what is intended.Then there are times when something is expressed so poorly that not a single Mugger can decipher the meaning. One can read beneath and every response says something like, "what's the question?"Observe the differences of meaning...A woman without her man is nothing. A woman: without her, man is nothing.orMy husband tells me he's going to see Maria and he and Maria had a great time together. (As his wife, I am likely to have a vested interest in whether this visit to Maria happened in the past or is yet to happen.)Use of language can have a strong effe...    less
    • April 17
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to correcting people's grammar online is just boneless colonialism, am I right or am I right :
    Sounds like a definition of OCD.
    • April 16
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to How long does it take for you to make a 'quick reply'?:
    I rarely worry about quick.I write till the response is complete.
    • April 16
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to How many acts have you committed in your life that have "grievously" harmed others? :
    None.Some people would find me a bit extreme. For instance, I've been a vegetarian for 41 years because I don't believe in violence against animals.I would define grievous as: killing, maiming or wounding someone, not acting to save a life if it was withi...  moreNone.Some people would find me a bit extreme. For instance, I've been a vegetarian for 41 years because I don't believe in violence against animals.I would define grievous as: killing, maiming or wounding someone, not acting to save a life if it was within my means,passing on a life-threatening disease, or causing illness, stealing, damage to property,bearing false witness in a way that damaged a person's interests or relationships,not saying something necessary to prevent harm that may occur through accident or ignorance,not taking care to avoid accidents or injury,or behaving in a consistently emotionally abusive and toxic way.Of course I've done some minor harm occasionally, but nothing that's been incapable of repair.I don't count the end of a friendship.There are times when we may discover that someone is not what we first thought,when for self protection one must walk away.How the other feels is up to them.  less
    • April 15
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Do you intend to commit any acts today which will "grievously" harm others? :
    Strange question.I don't believe anyone has any intention of causing harm, today or any other. The exception would be sociopaths. According according to the DSM V that's about 1% of the population, although that proportion depends on a scale of severity.I...  moreStrange question.I don't believe anyone has any intention of causing harm, today or any other. The exception would be sociopaths. According according to the DSM V that's about 1% of the population, although that proportion depends on a scale of severity.I've certainly never intended harm. I confess that at one phase of extreme stress there was someone against whom I fantasized revenge. I took care not to act out or show my feelings. Eventually the stress ended, my ugly fantasies ceased and no harm was done.As far as I know I've never caused harm, certainly not deliberately. I have occasionally emotionally hurt someone in self-defence or unwittingly. Where possible, I've done my best to repair the damage. If not possible, I've gone my separate way.My wish is that everyone alive should be as happy and healthy as possible.  less
    • April 15
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to If you're not going into a competitive field, how much does the university your degree comes from matter?:
    Possibly.My uni ranks very low, 133rd in the Asia-Pacific.I chose it because it's the nearest to me, only two hours commute each way - and because I find tutorials with real people on campus offer more immediate and higher quality feedback than is availab...  morePossibly.My uni ranks very low, 133rd in the Asia-Pacific.I chose it because it's the nearest to me, only two hours commute each way - and because I find tutorials with real people on campus offer more immediate and higher quality feedback than is available via online uni courses.The, just last week I discovered something wonderful - ours is the only university in the world to offer a sociological and historical theoretical back ground to creative writing, as well as the full spectrum of literary theory and analysis and the works of successful creative writers . All other creative writing courses focus only the works of successful creative writers as the reading component of their courses - no theory, background or analysis whatsoever? I was at first shocked, and then suddenly felt very lucky.Even so, when I've finished this course, I may enrol in one with a record for consistently producing the highest numbers of top writers.What does make a difference is the teachers, the kind of work they've published an...    less
    • April 15
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying?:
    I've been here under several different avatars over a period of eight years.At one stage, while looking after my invalid mother for a couple of years, I was on for a few hours of every day.In years past far more members were active and the range of discus...  moreI've been here under several different avatars over a period of eight years.At one stage, while looking after my invalid mother for a couple of years, I was on for a few hours of every day.In years past far more members were active and the range of discussions was diverse and plentiful.It always slowed down during the week and when most Americans sleep, but it was usually very active on week-ends and special holidays.  
    • April 15
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying?:
    Maybe.I find I don't get good results when I ask questions, meaning very few but usually no answers.I began to find it futile.I don't really fit in here because I don't have  the same sense of humour.For me it's fun being serious, but not for most ot...  moreMaybe.I find I don't get good results when I ask questions, meaning very few but usually no answers.I began to find it futile.I don't really fit in here because I don't have  the same sense of humour.For me it's fun being serious, but not for most others.When I'm here, I tend to answer as many questions as I can find that don't seem potentially mildly trollish.  
    • April 15
  • bookworm
    bookworm replied to Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying?:
    Sorry to hear it. Hope you heal quickly and get good results.
    • April 15
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  • Screen Name* bookworm
  • Gender* Female
  • About Me:

  • If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics?

    What would it believe?What would its ethical principles be?What ...  moreWhat would it believe?What would its ethical principles be?What rituals would it have?What symbols would it use?  
    Last post by Kittigate - April 19
    140 views 3 likes
    24

  • What would be the hat to end all hats?

    What could you wear on your head that would make people stop wha...  moreWhat could you wear on your head that would make people stop what they are doing and stare in awe and amazement?  
    Last post by Nice Jugs - April 17
    26 views 2 likes
    4

  • If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first?

    Last post by Kittigate - April 20
    46 views 3 likes
    8

  • Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying?

    Last post by Kittigate - April 15
    158 views 6 likes
    18

  • What might cause a chemist to wonder whether a physicist and a botanist were dissolvable in water?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    158 views 5 likes
    17

  • Would you ever call you cat Schrodinger? Why / why not? What would be his caracteristics? What might his nick-name be?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    81 views 2 likes
    5

  • Could you invent a poem using scientific terms &/or concepts? Please let us read it here and now.

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    76 views 2 likes
    4

  • WOuld you ever call your cat Schrondinger? Why/why not?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    48 views 2 likes
    2

  • What is the dichotomy paradox?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    82 views 2 likes
    5

  • Can you explain the aerodynamics of a kite?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    65 views 1 like
    5

  • What do you think is the most enjoyable and effective way to learn maths?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    112 views 6 likes
    11

  • Are there places where adults can learn high-school level chemistry? Where?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    97 views 2 likes
    7

  • What kinds of illnesses might be healable by stem cell therapy sometime within the next ten years?

    Last post by Pearl - March 8
    63 views 2 likes
    3

  • If time ceases just over the event horizon of a black hole, does that mean that three-dimensional space also disappears there?

    Last post by Sharon Marie Therese Veronica - April 6
    170 views 2 likes
    17

  • Anyone know where Whitehair and Merlin disappeared to? Why they left? Whether they'll be back?

    Last post by Thriftymaid - February 26
    79 views 2 likes
    5

  • What are you doing to prepare a special day or event for your Belovéd on Valentine's Day?

    Last post by Livvie - February 7
    106 views 5 likes
    9

  • What are you doing to prepare a special day or event for your Belovéd on Valentine's Day?

    Last post by Nice Jugs - February 7
    51 views 1 like
    1

  • If you could choose the kind of afterlife you would most like, what would it be like?

    Last post by bookworm - February 12
    343 views 7 likes
    32

  • What would you want buried with you so you could use it in the afterlife?

    Throughout the millenia, different cultures have believed in dif...  moreThroughout the millenia, different cultures have believed in different kinds of afterlives. Some would ensure their relatives were buried with all the items they would need.  
    Last post by SavvyAnsley - February 4
    165 views 3 likes
    17

  • Something happened to you or you witnessed it, and all these years later the memory still makes you laugh. What happened?

    Last post by WelbyQuentin - February 1
    158 views 4 likes
    18

  • When did something start out badly for you but in the end, it was great?

    Last post by SavvyAnsley - January 31
    53 views 1 like
    2

  • What are your thoughts on mobile phone radiation?

    see video online:"The truth about mobile phone and wireless radi...  moresee video online:"The truth about mobile phone and wireless radiation" -- Dr Devra Davis  
    Last post by bookworm - December 19, 2018
    343 views 5 likes
    25

  • Cults do it; ads & con-men do it; some politicians & legit businesses do it. - Do you fall for it, call them on it or walk the other way?

    To "mind****" means to systematically lie with intent to profit,...  moreTo "mind****" means to systematically lie with intent to profit, often involving creating the impression that the deceived one will gain some good from it. The deception is not discovered till its way too late. Some people even die having never realised the lie (eg the Red Barn cult.)
    The process of recovery from a mind**** may require professional help, and typically involves intense and disturbing emotion, such as shock, confusion, or fear.Researchers now say that any ordinary person can be conned in this way; one does not have to be especially gullible or naive because the perpetrators are highly skilled at what they do. Have you ever had an experience like this? If so, how did you recover? If you have avoided one or more - how did you recognise the signs? Did you tell the person (or group) what you honestly thought? Did you blow the whistle?  less
    Last post by Benedict Arnold - February 9
    326 views 2 likes
    28

  • When you know someone is spreading bull dung, do you point out what it is to them? How, when, and why?

    Last post by Thriftymaid - October 22, 2018
    156 views 3 likes
    12

  • When you know someone is humbugging with politeness or flattery, do you ignore it and respond politely, or do you call them on it?

    Last post by bookworm - October 22, 2018
    122 views 2 likes
    10

  • Has anyone ever asked to temporarily store their stuff at your place and then left it there? How did you deal with the situation?

    Last post by Walt O'Reagun - October 22, 2018
    200 views 2 likes
    17

  • Could global warming be God's way of clearing the planet to make way for a new kingdom of the faithful?

    The other day, somebody told me that some sects of Christians, n...  moreThe other day, somebody told me that some sects of Christians, namely the Jehovahs Witnesses, the Seventh Day Adventists and the Christadelphians, believe in a literal Armageddon, or war to end all wars.
    He said that these groups believe that global warming is proof that Armageddon will soon be upon us because the warming will cause massive droughts, floods, sea level rise, mass migrations, and consequent global strife and global wars. 
    He said they believe that global warming the means by which God will destroy the life on the planet, and thus prepare the way for the kingdom of God on Earth.I would like to know if the claim he made is true of Armageddon eschalology.If you believe in any of the above three faiths, what is your church's official view of global warming?If so, how does this affect your choices with regard to behaviors that increase emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases?I am not judging here. I only want to find out what the beliefs areand what effects such a belief might or cou...    less
    Last post by texasescimo - February 2
    245 views 3 likes
    16

  • Is it easier to live life with black and white views? Or does it lead to all kinds of complications and dilemmas?

    Last post by Jayne S - October 7, 2018
    116 views 3 likes
    6

  • Do you think the economy in your country is improving? If so, how or by what measures? Has your pay kept pace with inflation or improved?

    Last post by Pearl - October 7, 2018
    124 views 4 likes
    4

  • In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of democracy?

    Last post by Pearl - October 7, 2018
    91 views 1 like
    2

  • In what circumstances can human-designed beauty be unethical?

    I mean beauty in the broadest sense - in human appearances, in h...  moreI mean beauty in the broadest sense - in human appearances, in how we breed animals, how we use plants, design and decoration, and architecture and arts.  
    Last post by Pearl - October 2, 2018
    139 views 1 like
    4

  • In what ways can beauty contribute towards a happier life?

    Last post by bookworm - October 15, 2018
    181 views 1 like
    12

  • What is your idea of beauty?

    Last post by Whitehair - October 7, 2018
    319 views 3 likes
    24

  • What sorts of images or art hang or your walls at home?

    Last post by Pearl - October 2, 2018
    340 views 4 likes
    25

  • What does your living room look like? What do you see around you when you are relaxing there?

    Last post by bookworm - October 22, 2018
    372 views 3 likes
    32

  • What has keys but no locks and space but no room? Clue: you can enter but you can’t exit. Why do you prefer that source?

    Last post by Pearl - September 30, 2018
    188 views 3 likes
    9

  • Where do you get your news? And why do you prefer that source?

    Last post by Rizz - October 7, 2018
    236 views 8 likes
    15

  • If we should love our neighbours as ourselves - what are the implications? See below...

    Many people grew up in families and environments where there was...  moreMany people grew up in families and environments where there was no love and as adults they have never learned how to love themselves.What are some of the ways we could help to break the generational cycles of abuse and create a more loving society?
    https://americanspcc.org/child-abuse-statistics/
     

    4.1 million child maltreatment referral reports received.
    Child abuse reports involved 7.4 million children.
    3.5 million children received prevention & post-response services.
    143,866 children received foster care services.
    74.8% of victims are neglected.
    18.2% of victims are physically abused.
    8.5% of victims are sexually abused.
    6.9% of victims are psychologically maltreated.
    Highest rate of child abuse in children under age one (24.8% per 1,000).1
    Over one-quarter (28.5%) of victims are younger than 3 years.1
    Annual estimate: 1,750 children died from abuse and neglect in 2016.1,
    Almost five children die every ...    less
    Last post by officegirl - September 30, 2018
    90 views 3 likes
    2

  • How do you plan to manage when you can no longer care for yourself?

    What will you do if you have outlived your spouse and have no ch...  moreWhat will you do if you have outlived your spouse and have no children?Or if your children are so overworked with their families and work that they don't have enough time to care for you?Or if your kids are disabled?Or if your kids are ice addicts or otherwise unfit as carers?  
    Last post by Randy D - December 17, 2018
    226 views 6 likes
    14

  • Are you aware of what goes on in commercially-run aged care homes? - And what will you do when it comes to your time to need care?

     
    https://www.nursinghomeabuseguide.org/
    https://iview.abc....  more     
    https://www.nursinghomeabuseguide.org/
    https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners/series/2018/video/NC1803H032S00  
    Last post by Pearl - September 23, 2018
    169 views 3 likes
    8

  • As a teenager, when you got caught doing something you shouldn’t have, what were the consequences? And how did you handle it?

    Last post by Element 99 - September 24, 2018
    160 views 2 likes
    7

  • What was the most rebellious thing you did as a teenager or young adult? What were you rebelling against?

    Last post by Pearl - September 23, 2018
    198 views 2 likes
    14

  • What do you do with your nose snot?

    Just a moment ago, I watched my husband reading the paper and pi...  moreJust a moment ago, I watched my husband reading the paper and picking his nose.I waited, knowing what was coming.
    He twirled it between his fingers, popped it in his mouth, and chewed.At which moment I asked, "What does it taste like?"He looked up, startled, then swallowed and burst into laughter, and so did I.Then he said, "like moist bread, except tasteless.""Why do you eat it?""Because it's the most convenient way to get rid of it," he answered.Hmm.I keep a tissue or hanky nearby.Others sprinkle it wherever they happen to be.Others pop it out the window at traffic lights.Presumably, many people save it for times when they visit the loo.Which must mean quite a lot of clogged and itchy noses out there in the lands of the polite.What do you do?  less
    Last post by Pearl - September 23, 2018
    426 views 7 likes
    39

  • What kinds of information do you most want to check out on a profile page?

    Last post by Thriftymaid - September 21, 2018
    222 views 4 likes
    21

  • What features of town planning best encourage and support a sense of community?

    Last post by Thriftymaid - September 20, 2018
    158 views 2 likes
    10

  • What invention doesn’t get a lot of love, but has greatly improved the world?

    Last post by bookworm - September 19, 2018
    430 views 4 likes
    34

  • When the piggery got flooded in Jackson, did someone remember to evacuate the pigs first?

    Last post by SpunkySenior - September 19, 2018
    146 views 0 likes
    6

  • What does trust mean to you? Please give one, two or three examples.

    Last post by Merlin - September 16, 2018
    223 views 4 likes
    19

  • What sorts of things do you do habitually to ensure your safety? What conditions allow you to feel safe?

    Last post by bookworm - September 17, 2018
    286 views 4 likes
    22

  • If someone is respectful towards you, how do they speak and behave?

    We often take it for granted that we know what respect is, but o...  moreWe often take it for granted that we know what respect is, but often people have different personal or cultural ideas about how it is expressed.What does it connote for you personally?Dictionary says:
    respect rɪˈspÉ›kt/


    abstract noun
     




     


    a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
     




    synonyms:
    esteem, regard, high regard, high opinion, acclaim, admiration, approbation, approval, appreciation, estimation, favour, popularity, recognition, veneration, awe, reverence, deference, honour, praise, homage


    "the respect due to a great artist"







     

     







     


    due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.
     




    synonyms:
    due regard, consideration, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, politeness, courtesy, civility, deference


    "he speaks to the old lady with respect"...    less
    Last post by bookworm - September 19, 2018
    178 views 2 likes
    9
Previous
Next
  • Congratulations.I hope you'll share your new lifestyle and inter...  moreCongratulations.I hope you'll share your new lifestyle and interests with us.  
    in Name one thing you are happy in your life April 23, 2019 6:53 PM MDT 0
  • I think what's boring is a highly subjective personal judgement....  moreI think what's boring is a highly subjective personal judgement.
    Boring as a Brick
     
    Sameness. 
    Ennui unending. 
    Loops and laps I mull around in my skull, 
    and it lulls me, dulls me, 
    numbs me, glums me, 
    slows me, sluggish, 
    lays me down, down, flat, still, 
    unmoving, unchanging, 
    in humdrum boredom and tedium. 
    Mundane, drab drag. 
    Arid, insipid, vapid mind.
     
    Repeat the same chores daily, 
    washing dishes, the same dishes, 
    the same routine, 
    rinse and drip dry, rinse and drip dry, 
    over and over and over again. 
    Housework and farm work will not stay done. 
    Some force of life there is 
    that undoes it every day, and if it is not redone, 
    builds entropy invisibly, 
    creeping up upon the unwary. 
    Turn your back, look back, and there it is, 
    a speck of dust fell and added to the pile. 
     
    Motes of dust dance on moonbeams, saying, 
    “Ha, ha! We are lighter and fleeter than thee!&rdquo...    less
    in Do serious and pedantic people ever realize how boring they are? April 23, 2019 6:40 PM MDT 0
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 23, 2019 6:40 PM MDT
  • Actually I do regard Stu as special, and not in any derogatory o...  moreActually I do regard Stu as special, and not in any derogatory or sarcastic way.He's super bright.He often brings common sense, fact and logic into some seriously crazy subjects, and I find that makes what he says very interesting.I'd find it boring if everyone had to conform to a homogenised sense of humour.  
    in Do serious and pedantic people ever realize how boring they are? April 23, 2019 6:21 PM MDT 0
  • I think, despite their improved numbers, the Dems still don't ha...  moreI think, despite their improved numbers, the Dems still don't have enough strength. They need to be careful and strategic. For instance, if they go for impeachment, they need to have enough evidence to be certain of success. Otherwise the process would backfire on them.Trump has been oily and weaselly for a very long time, hiding his tracks and using others as cover. It's possible that his numerous attempts to block the enquiries into Russiagate may prove to be sufficient grounds for impeachment. On the other hand, the fact that those he commanded to run the obstructions actually disobeyed him (hence protecting him) may make it harder to make the charges stick.I watch with interest.I can't see Trump surviving the next elections.  less
    in Instead of losing weight to fit the size of the existing presidency Dondonjohn HUGELY expands it to fit his massive body. For how long? April 23, 2019 6:13 PM MDT 0
  • Well said!
    in Can we at least AGREE that Trump made an entire mess out of his Presidency so far? Can we at least agree (government shutdown?) April 23, 2019 6:07 PM MDT 1
  • I suspect that even some staunch Republicans would be privately ...  moreI suspect that even some staunch Republicans would be privately embarrassed by Trump's manner and methods. I imagine that behind the scenes they've been working hard to attempt to limit and modify his impetuosity, to advise him, and to work out the best spin to put on the gaffs. Others might be hopeful of a chance to take his place one day. I'd be very surprised if any would agree in public. Most of them genuinely like what he's doing.It's natural that Dems don't like Trump's policies. His ways just make the conservative shift more exasperating. The best bet for the next election is to get as many pro-Dem people enrolled to vote as possible. Polls suggest that a majority of young adults are likely to prefer the Democrats.I would be Dem or Green if I lived in the States. My perspective from outside the system is that Americans have increasingly become personally identified with their politics, and with the social milieu of their affiliation. That tends to increase the heat in opposing arguments. It actually makes...    less
    in Can we at least AGREE that Trump made an entire mess out of his Presidency so far? Can we at least agree (government shutdown?) April 23, 2019 6:04 PM MDT 1
  • If it's within my skills set I'll do it myself.Otherwise I'll pa...  moreIf it's within my skills set I'll do it myself.Otherwise I'll pay a specialist.Lack of money means I prefer the regular maintenance and stitch in time strategies.  
    in When something is not going right who do you usually get to fix it? April 23, 2019 11:11 AM MDT 1
  • hirsuit and grey all overstill heavily bristled across the jaw, ...  morehirsuit and grey all overstill heavily bristled across the jaw, needs two shaves a daythinning on the pate  
    in how would you describe your significant others hair April 23, 2019 11:07 AM MDT 0
  • His resilience astounds me.I frequently see people with far less...  moreHis resilience astounds me.I frequently see people with far less weight huff and puff over climbing a few stairs or walking a few hundred yards.Perhaps he suffers in ways invisible to us on the outside.Maybe health problems will end his presidency before the Dems manage to mount an effective attack.  
    in Instead of losing weight to fit the size of the existing presidency Dondonjohn HUGELY expands it to fit his massive body. For how long? April 23, 2019 11:01 AM MDT 2
  • They are not boring to each other.Put them in a room together an...  moreThey are not boring to each other.Put them in a room together and they have a wonderful time.  
    in Do serious and pedantic people ever realize how boring they are? April 23, 2019 10:53 AM MDT 0
  • Most things.My husband.My friends.The environment in which I liv...  moreMost things.My husband.My friends.The environment in which I live.My studies at uni.There are a few niggles that periodically worry me, but for the most part I'm very happy most of the time.  
    in Name one thing you are happy in your life April 20, 2019 8:00 PM MDT 4
  • Wow! I can't quite imagine it so I respect your vivid imagination.
    in If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first? April 20, 2019 7:57 PM MDT 1
  • Sympathies.We never outgrow the need for a mummy.I guess the bes...  moreSympathies.We never outgrow the need for a mummy.I guess the best we get is learning to become our own mothers in self-nurture.Or if we strike it lucky we get a great life-partner and provide the mothering to one another, hopefully the positive kind.I lost my Mum about six years ago, but she had had severe dementia for quite a few years. I'd had time to adjust to the loss.And in many ways, I was more her mother.  
    in If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first? April 20, 2019 7:56 PM MDT 1
  • No!I hope not!If you're feeling down or depressed, please messag...  moreNo!I hope not!If you're feeling down or depressed, please message me.Or even if not.I'd be more than happy to chat with you in depth.  
    in If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first? April 20, 2019 7:53 PM MDT 0
  • Baby goats are about the most flirtatious creatures one could ho...  moreBaby goats are about the most flirtatious creatures one could hope to meet.Human males could probably learn a few tips from them.On the other hand, maybe human males could also avoid some of the cheekier goatly tactics.  
    in Are you any good at reading body language? If so, do you think this guy was flirting with me this afternoon? I think so. April 20, 2019 7:51 PM MDT 1
  • Yeah, I can see it might be a bit complex and time consuming for...  moreYeah, I can see it might be a bit complex and time consuming for the average cooking day.  
    in WTF is butter chicken? April 20, 2019 6:55 PM MDT 1
  • If something doesn't make sense, I look for what's missing.For a...  moreIf something doesn't make sense, I look for what's missing.For a sentence, it might be a slip in the grammar or the misuse of a word.With people, odd behaviour is usually explained when we understand their motivation. If it doesn't make sense then there are things about the person, their background, values or situation that we don't yet know.Sometimes some of us are wilfully blind, by refusing to accept some aspect of reality which doesn't agree with how we would like things to be.Then there are things which really are paradoxical, such as several phenomena in quantum physics. The only way to make sense of them is to understand that a different set of laws of physics operates at the quantum and macrocosmic orders of magnitude.By a similar logic, some things in economics makes perfect sense as practical behaviours at the level of a single household, but not on the larger scales of society and the environment.To make sense of things, one must be able to see the whole pattern, not just a portion or one angle or vie...    less
    in The more diligently and consistently you look for things to make sense the less they do. Inverse propertion? WHAT? How can that be? April 18, 2019 8:22 PM MDT 1
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 18, 2019 8:22 PM MDT
  • I've never gambled or played cards.If we're talking game of life...  moreI've never gambled or played cards.If we're talking game of life, I've experienced under-, even- and heavy-handed behaviours from others, but never more than one style at a time.There was one phase in my life when I needed to be underhanded because it was the only way available to me to subvert and undermine the actions of a bully.I've sometimes been a bit heavy-handed in verbal responses when heavily triggered.Other than that, I try to be as even-handed as possible about most things.  
    in Underhanded. Evenhanded. Heavyhanded. Your favorite hand of course would be a natural ROYAL FLUSH. Ever get one? April 18, 2019 8:11 PM MDT 1
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 18, 2019 8:11 PM MDT
  • I certainly do care to listen. I tune in to news and current aff...  moreI certainly do care to listen. I tune in to news and current affairs almost every day.I usually prefer not to hear something twice, though one can't avoid it these days.Generally, hearing it the first time, I remember it. It's enough to start the discussion.I don't believe discussing politics is pointless.Rather, I think it's a necessary topic and a function of good citizenship and the democratic evolution of society.If we don't pay attention to these things and act responsibly, we end up responsible by default for the things we don't like.I'm grateful for friends and husband.I'm thankful that we do live in a democracy even though it's a far from perfect one.I'm thankful that we have a relatively high level of freedom of speech and lifestyle compared to many other countries.I'm thankful to have easy access to excellent public services.I'm thankful that I have enough resources to meet my basic minimum needs.I'm grateful for good health and the natural environment in which I live.  less
    in Those who know don't want to hear it again. Those who don't know don't care to listen. So what's the point of discussing anything? April 18, 2019 6:20 PM MDT 1
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 18, 2019 6:20 PM MDT
  • Rarely. It takes an awful lot of provocation for me to lose my t...  moreRarely. It takes an awful lot of provocation for me to lose my temper.The greater the emergency, the more cool-headed I become. I deal with the situation and then fall apart in private afterwards.  
    in Ever freak out? What about? April 18, 2019 6:11 PM MDT 1
  • None.For thousands of years the older generation has bemoaned th...  moreNone.For thousands of years the older generation has bemoaned the flaws of the younger (and vice versa.)The older tends to forget that they behaved in exactly the same ways when they were young.It's about maturity. There are natural changes in values and behaviour that occur du to age, energy and experience.But also, conditions have changed so much in the last 40 years that many comparisons are neither fair nor valid.The older generation did not have mobile phones or computers when they were growing up; they communicated by slow mail, phone, or face to face.Also wages and work conditions were very different. Wages were far better relative to cost of living. A full time worker on an average house could afford to save a deposit, get a mortgage and eventually own their own home. Now that's an impossible dream except for upper echelon professionals, and the majority face a life of insecure tenure and struggling to pay rent.It is certainly not true that millennials are apathetic. Some may switch off from politics due...    less
    in What millennial stereotypes do you think are actually true? April 18, 2019 6:07 PM MDT 0
  • That situation outside your daughter's school sounds like a nigh...  moreThat situation outside your daughter's school sounds like a nightmare.I wonder would the P&C consider doing something about it?The question reminds me of Carey's film, Liar Liar. What if we were all compelled to be 100% honest all of the time?We might learn how to express honesty in non-abusive ways.I can't remember ever having felt road rage.But that would be because I live in a rural area where traffic is sparse. Most of the locals behave in a pretty relaxed way most of the time.We get the occasional hooning teenager or drunk. Whatever idiotic thing they do, it's over so quickly that there's no tome to sit and stew over it.  less
    in If you spoke with people in real life the way you talked to people while you were driving, what would happen? April 18, 2019 5:53 PM MDT 1
  • Or maybe not Rastafarian.Cannabis was discovered in one of the o...  moreOr maybe not Rastafarian.Cannabis was discovered in one of the outer S-W provinces of China about 3,000 BCE - with archeological evidence that once it's medicinal properties had been discovered, it quickly spread across the routes of the old Silk Road.Maybe your cult could be a variant of Taoism. It could have a goddess of herbs and healing like the ancient Mitannian and Indus River goddess, Soma. She would teach herb lore and the ethics and skills of unconditional love and wisdom. She could be a variant incarnation of Kuan Yin or green Tara.  less
    in If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics? April 18, 2019 2:15 PM MDT 0
  • I might join you.I think the esoteric version of Hinduism might ...  moreI might join you.I think the esoteric version of Hinduism might come close.According to the Ten Principal Upanishads, consciousness existed prior to material existence. It desired to know itself but being all-one had no means of self-differentiation. So it split itself into multiples, hence creating the beginning of existence and eventually life and the multitudes of minds of individuals, in order to be able to experience itself.Interesting idea, hey?But as atheists, we could also invent new concepts of a god, or even a pantheon of gods, the nature of which is not at odds with the discoveries of science.Easiest of all, we could establish a code of ethics.For ritual - there is something similar already popular in England. Non-believers get together on Sundays to hear inspiring talks on life matters, sing songs and develop supportive community.  less
    in If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics? April 18, 2019 1:43 PM MDT 1
  • Would that be a variant sect of Rastafarianism?
    in If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics? April 18, 2019 1:33 PM MDT 0
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 18, 2019 1:33 PM MDT
  • Your cult may have all Democrats on board, 48.2% of the voters.Y...  moreYour cult may have all Democrats on board, 48.2% of the voters.You might also have all anarchists and many of those who abstained from voting.That might make yours the most popular cult in America.How would you like the role of the first Pope-anti-Trump?With Rosie G. as your cardinal?  
    in If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics? April 18, 2019 1:31 PM MDT 1
  • Silly mistake - the first its.Got it right in the second use.One...  moreSilly mistake - the first its.Got it right in the second use.One thousand "it's = it is" in chalk on blackboard for me today.I've noticed the ragging you've taken lately over grammarian, tilde and sandwich practices.This religious persecution must stop.  
    in If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics? April 18, 2019 1:25 PM MDT 1
  • The kids are mourned - now that that they are finally believed.A...  moreThe kids are mourned - now that that they are finally believed.Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse has turned out to be a world leader in its thoroughness and effectiveness.Because of it, the perpetrators have been finally caught, taken to court, found guilty and are now in prison.Because of it, the Roman Catholic Church no longer simply posts an offender to another diocese to start all over again. Now the offender gets stripped of contact with children and given an administrative job (too lenient in my view but in keeping with their own principle of forgiveness for those who "repent.")Because of it, millions of Catholics have lost faith in the Church and have left it.But it turns out that it was not just the Catholic Church that was to blame.Institutional blind eyes to child abuse (in many cases active collusion and participation all the way up to cardinals and top bureaucrats), included the Church of England, a Synagogue, state run orphanages, and failure on the part of aut...    less
    in I wonder if the destruction of part of Notre Dame could be a great leveller? Could the world unite to contribute to rebuild it? April 18, 2019 1:05 PM MDT 0
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 18, 2019 1:05 PM MDT
  • Yep. The big cathedrals took hundreds of years to build. No...  moreYep. The big cathedrals took hundreds of years to build. Notre Dame was started in 1163, finished in 1345.So by the time the rafters were being laid, the wood had been seasoned for over a century.  
    in Macron said Notre Dame will be rebuilt. It will take 5 years. There is no estimate yet about what it will cost. How do you rebuild history? April 18, 2019 12:40 PM MDT 2
  • I'd be very surprised if it CAN be re-built in 5 years.Granted, ...  moreI'd be very surprised if it CAN be re-built in 5 years.Granted, we have tools like cranes that weren't around in the C13th, and with billions donated there will be no limit to the cost of labour.But I reckon there'll be furious argument about how to do it.All the design specs are recorded to the Nn'th degree by PhD students of architecture and engineering -- no problem there.But then some will want to use new technologies to strengthen, like carbon-fibre and titanium laminated beams for the rafters,while others will want to reproduce the old oak beams exactly, and there's not a single oak tree left in Europe large enough to produce such beams.Maybe a few large enough might still exist in Canada or America - would they be felled and donated? At what cost to the tree species and the natural environment?  less
    in Macron said Notre Dame will be rebuilt. It will take 5 years. There is no estimate yet about what it will cost. How do you rebuild history? April 17, 2019 2:08 AM MDT 2
  • We're born with far fewer instincts than any other animal.We hav...  moreWe're born with far fewer instincts than any other animal.We have to be taught almost everything necessary for survival in our environment.But we also need the capacity to solve problems if our environment changes or if we are forced to move.So we've evolved with an innate capacity to learn how to learn, that is, how to recognise patterns and use the information to solve problems.But this takes effort - easily as much effort as training to run marathons or climb mountains.Some people dislike making this kind of effort. They learn as youngsters that they can rely on the efforts of others and so make little or none themselves. They just go along, learning the bare minimum necessary to get by - which means they're far more prone to making frequent mistakes and experiencing the set-backs. After a while, the mind-set becomes so ingrained that it becomes resistant to change, even if the changes would clearly make a huge and beneficial difference.  less
    in I guess from day one...when homo saps appeared here...homo saps have spent all their time doing and saying stupid things. WHY ? April 17, 2019 1:58 AM MDT 2
  • Our news reports are saying that donations are pouring in from a...  moreOur news reports are saying that donations are pouring in from all over the world.But I think world unity would take a lot more than that.  
    in I wonder if the destruction of part of Notre Dame could be a great leveller? Could the world unite to contribute to rebuild it? April 17, 2019 1:49 AM MDT 0
  • Wow!You've really made me think.I need to invite my friends to o...  moreWow!You've really made me think.I need to invite my friends to outings more often.  
    in If you're shy like I am getting older is a blessing. We don't get invited out nearly as often as we used to when younger. Do YOU? April 17, 2019 1:46 AM MDT 0
  • Either, depending on the circumstances.There's an optimum temper...  moreEither, depending on the circumstances.There's an optimum temperature range within which we are able to act and think at our best.That range is variable for each person depending on their weight, health, fitness and the climate their body is accustomed to.Some places require cooler temperatures, e.g., hospitals to reduce the spread of infection.The very young and very old do not have internal thermoregulation, so special care is required to ensure that they don't overheat or overcool.We could do much better for the planet by turning heating down a few notches in winter, and turning aircon. temp. up a few in summer -or even better, using better architectural design so that we don't need any electricity to heat or cool.In my view, it's healthier to tolerate headaches as much as possible. Analgesics taken too often over a long time can cause damage to organs, but most headaches will go away of their own accord in due course.A pain that doesn't go away may be an indicator of something wrong that needs treating prope...    less
    in We don't want to be too hot or too cold so we invented air conditioning and heat. We take pills to deaden us so we don't feel. Good/not? April 17, 2019 1:44 AM MDT 2
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 17, 2019 1:44 AM MDT
  • What would it believe?What would its ethical principles be?What ...  moreWhat would it believe?What would its ethical principles be?What rituals would it have?What symbols would it use?  
    in If you could start a cult, what would be it's main characteristics? April 17, 2019 1:30 AM MDT 0
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 17, 2019 1:30 AM MDT
  • What could you wear on your head that would make people stop wha...  moreWhat could you wear on your head that would make people stop what they are doing and stare in awe and amazement?  
    in What would be the hat to end all hats? April 17, 2019 1:25 AM MDT 0
  • in If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would your five-year-old self do first? April 17, 2019 1:23 AM MDT 0
  • A classic Indian dish.
               ...  more    A classic Indian dish.
               1/2 cup yoghurt or leben 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3cm piece ginger, peeled, finely grated 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon garam masala, or one tablespoon if you like a lot 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder, or to taste 600g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (Rice bran oil is excellent.) 20g butter 1 brown onion, halved, thickly sliced 410g can tomato puree 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup thickened cream Basmati rice cooked to dry and fluffy & coriander leaves to serve
    ~
    1. Place yoghurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala and chilli powder in a glass or ceramic dish. Add chicken. Stir to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
     
    2. Heat oil and butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally until golden and caramelised. Add chicken mixture to pan. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until chicken just starts to ch...    less
    in WTF is butter chicken? April 17, 2019 1:19 AM MDT 1
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 17, 2019 1:19 AM MDT
  • I was called "Hairy" at boarding school.Due to my father's insis...  moreI was called "Hairy" at boarding school.Due to my father's insistence that "a woman's hair is her crowning glory" - he was born in 1902 - my hair had not been cut since I was born. At 12, the plaits hung to half way down my thighs. When it was loose I looked like Cousin It from The Adams Family.The tone of voice was always affectionate so I didn't mind.  
    in Can you think of any disparaging funny harmless names to call people ,such as " Moon calf ,Jabber Nackle or Hobbidy Oik.... April 17, 2019 12:57 AM MDT 2
  • I'm not sure that it's safe to judge why a person feels compelle...  moreI'm not sure that it's safe to judge why a person feels compelled to correct other people's grammar.There are so many possible reasons.Or, perhaps we might judge but there's no way to know if the judgement is correct unless one knows the person very well.And sometimes correction is a very good thing. Correct grammar can make a huge difference to meaning.Many mistakes don't matter because they've become a part of colloquial speech. We understand what is intended.Then there are times when something is expressed so poorly that not a single Mugger can decipher the meaning. One can read beneath and every response says something like, "what's the question?"Observe the differences of meaning...A woman without her man is nothing. A woman: without her, man is nothing.orMy husband tells me he's going to see Maria and he and Maria had a great time together. (As his wife, I am likely to have a vested interest in whether this visit to Maria happened in the past or is yet to happen.)Use of language can have a strong effe...    less
    in correcting people's grammar online is just boneless colonialism, am I right or am I right April 17, 2019 12:51 AM MDT 0
  • Sounds like a definition of OCD.
    in correcting people's grammar online is just boneless colonialism, am I right or am I right April 16, 2019 11:41 PM MDT 0
  • I rarely worry about quick.I write till the response is complete.
    in How long does it take for you to make a 'quick reply'? April 16, 2019 11:32 PM MDT 2
  • None.Some people would find me a bit extreme. For instance, I've...  moreNone.Some people would find me a bit extreme. For instance, I've been a vegetarian for 41 years because I don't believe in violence against animals.I would define grievous as: killing, maiming or wounding someone, not acting to save a life if it was within my means,passing on a life-threatening disease, or causing illness, stealing, damage to property,bearing false witness in a way that damaged a person's interests or relationships,not saying something necessary to prevent harm that may occur through accident or ignorance,not taking care to avoid accidents or injury,or behaving in a consistently emotionally abusive and toxic way.Of course I've done some minor harm occasionally, but nothing that's been incapable of repair.I don't count the end of a friendship.There are times when we may discover that someone is not what we first thought,when for self protection one must walk away.How the other feels is up to them.  less
    in How many acts have you committed in your life that have "grievously" harmed others? April 15, 2019 7:03 PM MDT 2
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 15, 2019 7:03 PM MDT
  • Strange question.I don't believe anyone has any intention of cau...  moreStrange question.I don't believe anyone has any intention of causing harm, today or any other. The exception would be sociopaths. According according to the DSM V that's about 1% of the population, although that proportion depends on a scale of severity.I've certainly never intended harm. I confess that at one phase of extreme stress there was someone against whom I fantasized revenge. I took care not to act out or show my feelings. Eventually the stress ended, my ugly fantasies ceased and no harm was done.As far as I know I've never caused harm, certainly not deliberately. I have occasionally emotionally hurt someone in self-defence or unwittingly. Where possible, I've done my best to repair the damage. If not possible, I've gone my separate way.My wish is that everyone alive should be as happy and healthy as possible.  less
    in Do you intend to commit any acts today which will "grievously" harm others? April 15, 2019 6:38 PM MDT 2
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 15, 2019 6:38 PM MDT
  • Possibly.My uni ranks very low, 133rd in the Asia-Pacific.I chos...  morePossibly.My uni ranks very low, 133rd in the Asia-Pacific.I chose it because it's the nearest to me, only two hours commute each way - and because I find tutorials with real people on campus offer more immediate and higher quality feedback than is available via online uni courses.The, just last week I discovered something wonderful - ours is the only university in the world to offer a sociological and historical theoretical back ground to creative writing, as well as the full spectrum of literary theory and analysis and the works of successful creative writers . All other creative writing courses focus only the works of successful creative writers as the reading component of their courses - no theory, background or analysis whatsoever? I was at first shocked, and then suddenly felt very lucky.Even so, when I've finished this course, I may enrol in one with a record for consistently producing the highest numbers of top writers.What does make a difference is the teachers, the kind of work they've published an...    less
    in If you're not going into a competitive field, how much does the university your degree comes from matter? April 15, 2019 6:22 PM MDT 0
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 15, 2019 6:22 PM MDT
  • I've been here under several different avatars over a period of ...  moreI've been here under several different avatars over a period of eight years.At one stage, while looking after my invalid mother for a couple of years, I was on for a few hours of every day.In years past far more members were active and the range of discussions was diverse and plentiful.It always slowed down during the week and when most Americans sleep, but it was usually very active on week-ends and special holidays.  
    in Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying? April 15, 2019 6:04 PM MDT 0
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 15, 2019 6:04 PM MDT
  • Maybe.I find I don't get good results when I ask questions, mean...  moreMaybe.I find I don't get good results when I ask questions, meaning very few but usually no answers.I began to find it futile.I don't really fit in here because I don't have  the same sense of humour.For me it's fun being serious, but not for most others.When I'm here, I tend to answer as many questions as I can find that don't seem potentially mildly trollish.  
    in Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying? April 15, 2019 5:59 PM MDT 2
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 15, 2019 5:59 PM MDT
  • Sorry to hear it. Hope you heal quickly and get good results.
    in Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying? April 15, 2019 5:57 PM MDT 1
  • Maybe.Depends on the kind of correction. If an American tries to...  moreMaybe.Depends on the kind of correction. If an American tries to impose American punctuation on the already correct punctuation of British, South African or Australian writers (or vice versa), that would be cultural colonialism. It actually does happen in universities and publishing houses.Otherwise, no.Grammar has been set long ago. It has a specific purpose which is to ensure clarity of meaning via the order and sequence of words according to the rules of the language. It's about communicating clearly.Imposing a language on a people is colonialism because it's a means of both control and the destruction of their original language, often including the culture, beliefs and laws that go with it, because in most cultures these factors are interdependent.Imposing a grammar is merely the structure of a language, not the language itself. If someone already has the language but merely uses it in unclear ways, correcting the errors helps but does no harm (except perhaps temporarily to egos.)  less
    in correcting people's grammar online is just boneless colonialism, am I right or am I right April 15, 2019 5:53 PM MDT 1
    This post was edited by bookworm at April 15, 2019 5:53 PM MDT
  • in Slow here the last few days. Has everyone gone away for an Easter break, or is this site slowly dying? April 14, 2019 4:47 PM MDT 0
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  • On Art & Bogunism

    Posted February 3

    On Art & Bogunism    (The meaning of the word "bogun" is embedded further down in the text.) An acquaintance recently sent me a series of YouTube clips - he called them rants - by Brian Holdsworth on the topic of art.He said he agreed with the views expressed.Considering that I was a sc...

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  • Merlin
    sent you this Public gift
    Sent: September 27, 2018
    Hi~ :) For you because you make me smile. Thanks for being a cool person and contributing here. You're great .Love, Merlin :)

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