Disqus - Latest Comments for Bill

Re: Why was the El shut down at 30th Street last Friday?

Bill — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:45:54 -0000

I was walking back from lunch at that time, and overheard some SEPTA employees saying there was a suspicious package, I believe at 34th Street.

Re: Sometimes it's hard to explain in just 140 characters

Bill — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:36:53 -0000

Port Authority Transit in Pittsburgh has a Twitter acct. PGHtransit, they usually post a link to their website using a Tiny url when updating service, such as http://bit.ly/McEVo and http://tinyurl.com/l6krrm

Re: Beware the Man on Crutches with a Camera (when you're sitting in the disability seats)

Bill — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:45:00 -0000

Chrissy,< />Wow, you're a real winner. You would think a woman would understand another woman's pain in the back, feet, etc from being pregnant. Standing isn't bad at all (I usually do).

Re: Transit Portal Signage Unveiling this Monday

Bill — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:44:00 -0000

So will tourists now think the subway system is called the "T"?

Re: 36 Trolley crushes SUV making illegal U-turn

Bill — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:17:00 -0000

I think U-turns are selfish anyway. Plus you gotta love (despite the injuries :( ) the image of mass transit kicking some SUV arse.

Re: Budget time is upon us again

Bill — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:24:00 -0000

I don't have a problem with the 81.5 million reserve whatsoever, but we need lots of service upgrades or even expansion. DC is putting in a new silver line and street car systems, Baltimore and Dallas are expanding their systems, and NYC is putting in the 2nd Ave Subway. < />< />Where is the system expansion in Philadelphia? (extension from Elwyn to Wawa on the R3?)

Re: Prosperity gospel called to judgement - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:33:00 -0000

Shit Benny Hinn will just turn this lemon of a situation into lemonade. As he did when NBC busted his ass he will just plead with his moronic followers to give more because SATAN is threatening again, and more they will give.

xrayman

Re: More distortions in the culture war - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:59:00 -0000

I don't get the fuss. I am an atheist with a wife and two kids and we will be celebrating Christmas just the same as we did before my deconversion two years ago. I wouldn't give a frogs fat ass if my wife wanted to put a life sized Nativity Scene in the front yard. In fact I think it would be a pretty cool thing for an atheist to have in the yard. I love being ironic. I love being wished a Merry Christmas. It's just that devout JW I work with who really has trouble with the phrase.

xrayman

Re: Florida churches just love Snipes - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:27:00 -0000

When I was a Christian, I had a Christian friend who believed the US government had no right to tax people. He purposely did not file his taxes one year and the IRS came after him pretty quick. He was part of a group of Christians who believed this sort of crap.

Not that I like all taxes, but mix this kind of thinking with religion and you get some really wacko ideas. After reading more of Snipes' case I wonder if he got sucked into one of those Christian groups.

Re: Stop praying, start reading - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:28:00 -0000

Much of humanity is irrantional and fear helps keep people in check. Reward also helps keep people in check.

Religion provides both fear and reward. Never mind that the after life is simply a made up belief at best.

Morality is a mix of origins, but at it's heart seems to be the idea of treating people the way you want to be treated.

Do all religious people do good things for a reward in an after life? Do religious people still hurt people and themselves even though they will be chastised in the afterlife?

Morality need not be based on fear or reward. Religion is not the reason society, in general, works together.

Fear of punishment and freedom from punishment help our irrational nature learn to be more reasonable or simply just more law abiding.

But at the very least it make sense to survive and morality is a by product of our desire to survive.

Re: Pastor reports to prison for tax evasion - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:37:00 -0000

I think ranting at Amy or anyone else is less than rational and mostly emotional. Once I get emotional about a subject I usually lose perspective.

Re: Dr. Marlene Winell on CNN talking about the recent murder in Colorado - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0000

Hi folks,

I'm an atheist and my dad is a die hard right winged conservative christian.

I told him about this site and have tried to get him to come here and debate all of you since he claims he has the truth.

He says that he doesn't care about what a bunch of idiot atheists have to say.

Re: Creationists 'peddle lies about fossil record' - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:14:00 -0000

"I learned about the evolution of the horse 30 years ago in my college biology class. The available fossils demonstrated well how the horse evolved form a dog-sized creature to the contemporary size. This is just an example of what's available as proof."

Yes Chucky J, I remember learning about the evolution of the horse in 6th grade science class. I can also remember the same teacher rolling out a 100 foot piece of paper that represented the age of the earth. Of that 100 feet one quarter inch represented the time in which humans inhabited the planet. We had a long fucking time to evolve. My sixth grade teacher had her shit together back in 1975.

xrayman

Re: Daughter of Christian music star killed by car - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:11:00 -0000

Wow what a sad story. Outside my little town of Owosso Michigan almost three years ago, a home exploded killing six children, five were from the same family. This was a very devoutly Christian family who home schooled their children and put God above all else in their lives. I asked myself the same questions that ATF had posed after his article about the Chapman's tragedy.

Why is it that Christians just don't see life as it is, which is sometimes a random series of very unfair indiscriminate events that don't give a fuck whether or not you pray to Jesus or not.

They did an interview with the father of these children one year later in our local paper. He stated that he was upset with God at first but soon was mad at himself for even thinking such thoughts. He went on to say how much he trusted and loved his God despite what he had lost. He knew that it was all part of His plan.

I just don't get the mindset. When are these people going to wake the fuck up and realize there is no shroud of protection from Gawd for anyone.

Radio host and atheist Tom Leykis does a segment on his show called "Thank You Jesus," in which he reports on similar tragedies that happen to Christians who you would think would be protected. The last one he reported on was a two year old who was accidentally left in a church van and boiled to death in the sun. After he reads the story he says, "Thank You Jesus for doing such a great job. Thank you Jesus."

xrayman

Re: Susan Led The Charge

Bill — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:43:20 -0000

Very sad news, I'll make my donation this morning. Just to let you know the the bike is worth around $11,500.00 not $30,000.00 AUS Dollars. I think you must have confused it with Pounds. Not that it matters! My thoughts are with Fatty and Family.

Re: http://thegreatplainsobserver.blogspot.com/2008/10/urinal-art.html

Bill — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:43:41 -0000

very poor taste, disrespect for a president. Wonder how sorenson would like his fase there. I could piss in it.

Re: Walker Between Worlds - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 13:40:00 -0000

bi-polar AND bi-sexual Cool ! sounds like alot of fun to me. All kinds of things going on there.

Enjoy!

Re: Send the Perverts to Hell...but don't go with 'em!!! - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 15:47:00 -0000

And nobody wants to believe that the Virgin Mary was raped by her priest...hmmmf. Religious men were just as horney 2000 years ago and no more righteous either.

Deborah I am so sorry for what you have been through, men think that women/girls constantly want sex just like they do, they think that if you do not bend over and give it to them, then you are just withholding yourself just to be a bitch. Proper sex education is still not taught in any form of education and here we are in 2006 and men still live in the dark ages. Men invented religion to get forgiveness from their imaginary god for their sexual abuse of women. Men invented religion just for them, the bible does not include women on an equal stance.

Men wrote the bible, men rule the world, men invented the bible god, the bible was written for men.

Re: Losing my religion - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 18:30:00 -0000

Until someone comes back with first hand knowledge of a hell, I would not worry to much about it.

The concept of hell sprang out of the bible, made up to make someone listen to the foolishness of their religion, and to get people to goose step to church with their wallets.

You will never hear a preacher say, be sure to leave your wallets and money at home, you will never hear this. I wonder why?

In fact they always pass the collection plate before the preacher starts to preach, he/she damn well see's to it that they get paid up front. Their fee.

It appears that it is more important that the money gets into the preachers hands before the souls get saved, it's all bullshit.

There is no soul, god, jesus heaven, hell, angels, miracles, spirits, ghosts...period.

Re: Losing my religion - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:39:00 -0000

Total manipulation is the name of the game.

When people use the biblical cliché's seek ye this, seek ye that invite Jesus, god, etc., they are saying I got fooled and I want you to be fooled like me.

Todd you've got to get away from your parents, they are dead in christ, and they are not changing, you cannot live under religious tyranny, at least a sane person cannot.

I cannot find any fault in you, and I do not condemn you, so I must be more loving than the make believe god, so what? you're gay, it just means that you're happy just the way that you are. Get away and as far away from your family as soon as you can. There's no help for them, they will go to their grave worshipping a false image, implanted in their brain by their own fear and ignorance.

Todd you already know all this, live your life for Todd, not for others.

There's a saying "Live your own life, because you die your own death." TC, Bill

Re: Letting It All Go - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 15:57:00 -0000

mq59:
That's just stupid and petty. Yes, there needs to be an accounting process to avoid embezzlement and stuff, but a WHEELCHAIR RAMP!!

They probabally had two wheel chair ramps already in place, besides why would anyone with a handicap want to go to church? To thank god for letting them become disabled?

mq59, You're really stupid!

Re: The Renaissance of My Life - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 12:36:00 -0000

Max,

Thanks for sharing you History of God !

"Could there be a good and compassionate god who condemns billions of very devout people to eternal agony for having the misfortune to have been taught the ‘wrong' set of religious beliefs?"))

The scariest part is, what if it's true? What if there is a God that is real mean and hateful. I guess that is one possible scenario..

My epiphany came when I (christian at the time) was explaining to a co-worker the non sensical logic of her adamant belief in Astrology and the Horoscopes. How ridiculous it is to believe that arrangements of space masses a kazillion miles from each other and a kazillion miles from her, could affect the day she was about to have....gheeeez. Everyone knows it is about a God/Man that was killed on a tree, then buried in a cave and then this dead man came back to life as a redemption sacrifice to a jealous invisible governor. Not only that but he himself is staying invisible and has for 2,000 years, but someday will become Visible for everyone to see him as the same time on our round Earth.

Shortly, after saying this to her...(or something like that). I said to myself..."what the fuck did I just say?" I'm suppose to be the "logical" common sense one, and none of anything I just said was logical or made any sense.

I never spoke like that again.

Re: Think for yourself - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 24 May 2006 12:50:00 -0000

I told you...

I love it when Brigid posts. ain't nuthing better, and more soothing to the self, then hearing the real truth come out in such an eloquent manner.

Bill...still lurking still

Re: Think for yourself - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 24 May 2006 13:01:00 -0000

Shannon,

That last paragraph you wrote describes probably one of the most horrific nightmares a human being would have to encounter; and of course it begs the question, How could God/Jesus assist "people who have" with more...whilist the most defenseless innocents are ravished by the worse evils of life. Jesus should NOT help even one human being..ever, until ALL the children are saved from ALL of the evils of their worlds forever..and ever and ever. NO Way should ANY other prayer be answered...until these are. If the others are answered first...then it is proof positive that the whole pray to God/Jesus ritual is a bunch of Bull Shit. proof positive

Re: Think for yourself - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 24 May 2006 13:49:00 -0000

only in my wildest dreams, brig. only the wildest ones.

Re: Think for yourself - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 25 May 2006 12:41:00 -0000

uber..

Laughing out Loud ! This is going to be good.

Re: Think for yourself - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 25 May 2006 12:49:00 -0000

rot8ing, I, myself, feel that brigid expresses herself just fine, thank you. Everybody's different. I am sorry that she does not express herself the way you desire. If everyone "talked" like you do, it would get quite boring. As for the Christians thinking we are possessed, because of the way she types words..well, they are going to think that anyhow, even about YOU. Your opinion of what is rude and immature, is that...Your opinion. Some agree and some do not. I don't. Brigid, EXPRESS YOURSELF ! as you always do. We stand in awe of You. wait, no...that's a Jesus song. Have a nice fucking day. and I mean fucking. (bill)

Re: From Pastor's wife to Atheist - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 13:37:00 -0000

.....It is unclear that if your father did wrong doing.....

the very next line in her testimony says...My father molested me. !!! What part of "wrong doing" do you not understand? Is this at ANY time NOT wrong doing? "consensual relationship with a father?"

Re: Logic versus Faith - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 09:56:00 -0000

I think if the Earth is rotating about a thousand miles per hour and it suddenly stops, well, that would cause serious problems. Now if it slowed downed gradually, that might be different; but I would still think there would be issues. I don't think that Joshua would still be able to keep fighting until the Earth started to rotate again...either slowly or 0 - 1,000 in 60 seconds. We, as kids, used to spin the small carousel real fast and then stop it real fast...and watch everyone fly off..not off the Earth, but we went flying pretty good.

Re: Logic versus Faith - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 09:52:00 -0000

Bill, as I said, the Bible claims that the sun stood still, not slowed down.

Correct. Yes, I know. I did not say the Sun slowed down. I said that the Earth's rotation would have to come to a sudden stop for the Sun to stand still in the sky. I believe this would cause big time problems are Earth if that were to happen. Josuha's army would not be standing on their feet fighting the five armies near Gibeon. Now, I do not know what would happen if the Earth's rotation were to slowly, slow down to a stall...could we handle that? Now, it says the Sun stood still in the sky for a day or so...So that means the Earth's rotation started back up again. Slowly? or real fast? 0 - 1,000mph in six seconds is pretty fast. Would that effect us on Earth at all. My bet is YES it would..yes it would. Of course gravity exists without rotation, but what happens to humans on Earth when you suddenly stop or start that rotation? I'm no scientist but my bet is action and reaction action taken place. thanks for listening.........

bill

Re: Logic versus Faith - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:26:00 -0000

I see where God helped Joshua's team by confusing he enemies and hurling large Hail stones down on them, while he also kept the Sun up for more daylight time. Sooooooo, why won't he throw some Rock Ice on the Hezbollah right about now? Surely, they are as a big of threat as those early Canninites were. no? bill

Re: My Life as a Christian and How I Got Over It - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 12:30:00 -0000

I used to think Pastors were FOGs. (Friends of God)

Re: A letter to my stepdad - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:55:00 -0000

Steve Bently said,

"it's just so fricken ridiculous, there's no words to discribe the stupidity."

How true........It's just so nutty looking at the absurdity of religion through atheist's eyes. It's been about a year for me, and the words, books, and thoughts of the religious only add strength to my non belief.

I was in Wal Mart the other day in the book department and saw a thick hardcover book by a famous lady preacher who's name escapes me, about the amazing powers of prayer. WTF? As if getting down on your knees and talking to nothing will do one a bit of good.

I was at my wife's aunt's house where she had a decrative cross in the window which read, "Through God all things are possible." I think to myself, what a load of worthless information.

I just find myself analizing everything religious and just shaking my head in disbelief that the vast majority of Americans buy into the bullshit as second nature.

Re: I searched for god with all my heart and he was nowhere to be found - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 14:08:00 -0000

You must not base your faith on bad experiences with specific churches, you must put your faith in Christ and the infalible words of the Bible which are God's words......

Just Fucking Kidding !!!!!!!!!!!

I know someone will publish those very words before we know it in this thread.

Great post my friend, and there is no such thing as a medical miracle that is why God doesn't heal amputees. Isn't it funny how Christians sometimes call an act of humans coming to the aid of other humans a miralce from God? I never am seeing where God has a thing to do with it. If food fell from the sky when your family was hungry, then we would be talking :).

Re: What made me give up on God? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:37:00 -0000

The real reason I became an atheist is because I love porn. When I belonged to a church, the guilt I felt was overwhelming. I decided I would do all I could to separate myself from the guilt and the church, so I choose atheism and I now watch porn all day long guilt free.

Now that really is something a typical Christian would believe that we choose to be atheists because we didn't want to obey the laws of God.

No seriously like you said JG, I was in search of the TRUTH, and when everything was laid out on the table and I took a real objective look at both sides, there wasn't even much thinking to do. Religion doesn't have a leg on which to stand once you start reading a bit of science and how everything in the world could be accomplished without any God let alone the Christian God.

In the end we don't choose our beliefs, our beliefs choose us.

Re: Why I am now an atheist - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:10:00 -0000

Jennifer said,

"but over the years I came to the conclusion that I never did believe in "God" or "Jesus", but said I did."

I know the feeling. As I look back on my so called religious life, it was nothing more than faking belief to try to conform to the norms. I tried really really hard to believe, but the nagging doubt would never let me fully let go.

Isn't is funny how a little bit of knowledge can just sweep any hint of religious belief one might have, right under the rug.

Welcome to reality Jennifer.

Re: Pondering death - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:59:00 -0000

Hey There Quboo John,

I loved your story of how you found the truth in your own mind as an 11 year old child. I wasn't raised in a religious home but my parents always answered the "Where do we go when we die?" question with "Heaven." I guess as a child I always doubted the whole God, Heaven, Hell thing. There was never enough evidence to fully convice me, yet I tried really hard my entire life to go through the motions of being a believer. Finally last year at 43 I opened the bag of atheist web sites and books. I was sold on strong atheism in a New York second.

As far as what happens when we die, I believe it's an eternal dreamless sleep. As Mark Twain said, "I was dead for billions of years before I was born and didn't suffer in the least." Who the fuck wants to live for eternity anyway?

xrayman

Re: If I'm not a Christian, what am I? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 17 May 2007 22:32:00 -0000

I am happy to say I never feel for the bullshit of organized religion or the Bible, but I did profess a belief in an all loving generic sort of God who rewarded the good and punished the bad(in the end). My God didn't give a rip if I lived with my wife before we were married. My God was an if it feels good do it kind of God.

Perhaps your belief system has evolved to this level Stina, but if you make it there, I can almost gaurentee you it won't be long, if you hang around this site, and start thinking outside the box, your rational brain will really kick in, and God belief will be a thing of the past.

A good friend of mine who was born again, who tried to recruit me while I was religiously confused, once told me on matters relating to belief in God/Jesus: I must learn to set my intellect aside and just have faith. Wonderful words of wisdom from a Jesusbot. Thankfully I choose to keep my critical thinking skills in high gear and I have been a proud born again atheist for well over a year.

Personally I have found my grand purpose, and it is to make love to the woman who's next to me in bed as often as possible. I've been doing it 25 years and it never gets old, so it must be my purpose.

Seriously I could never understand this need of a "grand purpose" concept. Have fun, enjoy your life, be kind to others.

xrayman

Re: I knew God was talking to me - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:57:00 -0000

Debbie said,

"I don't have to worry about church - I can just relax on Sundays."

I loved that line : ). God Damn I used to hate getting my ass out of bed on Sundays for church. Now both Saturday and Sunday are very sacared sleeping in days.

Great story. It does warm my heart to hear yet another soul has decided to side with reason and throw superstision to the wind.

Once you become a totally enlightened atheist, you couldn't believe again if you had to. I hope you are well on your way.

I have worked with a JW for many years and know really nothing about him. He just seems to live his life in isolation. Can JW's hang out with non JW's as friends? To me it doesn't seem like they can.

xrayman

May 25, 2007

Re: Confessions of a former Christian - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:46:00 -0000

Hey Thackerie,

I was riding same boat as you. I never for a minute believed any bullshit in the Bible, but I tried really really hard to believe a loving God existed, and I think at times I truly did. I thought my prayers were answered more times than I can count. Like you said I am so glad I found this site and many others like it that showed me the truth once and for all. Nothing reinforces the truth than hearing testimonies from true born again Bible thumpers who have deconverted. IF no one ever came back from Christianity I would still be trying to find it.

To the author of this thread. Most excellent post. To many great points to mention. The over riding theme is the whacky links Christians will go to make their Bible hold true.

I read something very interesting as of late: Someone said because there are so many religious figures that are so full of shit today, what would make the relgious figures in Biblical times any more credible?

xrayman

Re: I'm in a very lonely place right now - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:56:00 -0000

I have attended two sessions of the Mid Michigan Atheists meet up and will be hitting my third one next week. It's a wonderful experience being surrounded by a couple dozen people who think like yourself. Being an atheist is a very loney existince at times. I am very lucky that my wife really doesn't give a rat's ass about my non belief, but she doesn't much like hearing about it either.

I wish those well meaning folks who are praying for us would just realize that once you cross a certain line of enlightened non belief, there is no turning back without a wee bit of proof. Because the Bible says so just doesn't cut it anymore.

And for folks like Jerry oh Jerry. It's the lack of evidnece Jerry. The lack of evidence. I want to run my head through a wall when someone pops in with that tired old speal. Yes Jerry I realize we should understand that those damn kids who are starvng to death around the world and praying for food, should just realize God knows what's best and if they starve to death, that's what's best for them obviously.

What is really funny about the Mid Michigan Athiest group is the fact that we meet in a Chinesse resturant, and the owners and all the native Chineese help could not give a fuck about a group of atheists taking up half of their place. There is nothing low key about our meetings either. They are wonderful hosts.

xrayman

Re: Questions and doubts grew... I was scared - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:59:00 -0000

Hey Butch,
Great Story. I loved the quote at the end of your letter it's so simple and yet so powerful, and I will use it often in the future (and take note Marc).

"In short, this “almighty” God was crushed out of existence by reason."

Hey Crawler you made me laugh my ass off with the following:

"Marc, you have got to be high off your own faith to think that it is divine intervention that led you to Butch's story. The name of the site is EXCHRISTIAN.net. What the fuck did you think would come up when you typed "ex christian" into google?"

xrayman

Re: Everyone "fakes it" once and awhile - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:16:00 -0000

Hey Nick,

Great Topic !!!! It's very new and fresh to this site. No I never faked it. I tried so hard to feel that holy spirit but came up with a goose egg every time. I was always alone when I got down and asked for the holy spirit to come into my heart so I never had to fake it. To tell you the truth I would have felt like a fucking asshole getting up in front of a churchload of people and going though all that crazy emotional bullshit, that is why it was always a very personal thing for me, kind of like jerking off.

I always wonder what the percentage of fakers are at those Benny Hinn revivals who are all going apeshit as he runs around pushing all these idiots off their feet.

Although I never faked feeling the holy spirit, I did fake believing in God for the majority of my life and I think at times I did fool myself into it because I wanted to fit in with the rest of the God believers I knew.

xrayman

Re: A confession -- I want to believe - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:56:00 -0000

Oh how I wanted so bad to believe in my life, but I never even made it to the point of being a Christian. All my life I tried so hard to find the God that was so wonderful and filled his flock with so much hope and joy, but my skeptical subconscious would never allow me the pleasure. I faked it really hard to fit in with the masses, but I never felt the love. Coming to this site makes me realize my inner bullshit detector was right all along.

At 44 my life has had it's ups and downs but for the most part if a safe fell on my head tomorrow, I would have lived a complete life filled with love and many great pleasures.

I so much wish God and eternal life were a reality not for necessesarily for myself, but for the many who were totally fucked in this life. The person who never walked, the kid who died of cancer, or the deformed individual who never knew love. How I wish these people received paradise in the end, but unfortunately they personify the fact that life ain't fair and there is no loving God.

Minister D said,

“I honestly don’t know where I would be without Christ in my life.

I say this with I due respect, but what actually happens in your life that you attribute to Christ what wouldn’t happen without this belief? Tell me if you will, what you feel is a sign that he is with you. Back in my days at Alcoholic Anonymous many would say "I couldn't do it alone so I put my problems in God’s hands" and he worked wonders. It was only their minds that were working wonders. I always took full credit for my sobriety. The strange irony lies with the fact that some of these folks who gave God all the credit for kicking their alcohol habit, went back to drinking.

xrayman

Re: Help, My Husband Thinks I'm the Devil's Puppet - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:00:00 -0000

Jason thanks for showing us the true loving ways of Jesus you piece of shit.

Kelli,
My wife and I were lukewarm church goers when until I did a little research and all my beliefs in God/Religion came unraveled like a poorly knitted sweater. Thankfully my lovely wife is very accepting of my atheism yet will never give up her little fantasy that the invisible man does exist in one form or another. She can never fully accept Christianity because SHE is the head of the household, and I do what she tells me. I do often fatasize what I would be like to have a nice little submissive wife. I guess I could be fun :D

I had one dear Christian tell me the reason I now don't believe is because Satan has me tightly in his grips. That kind of stuff is pure comedy gold.

Of couse we must address the question of how one could possibly be happy in heaven if someone they love is in hell. And could you see bowing down to God and kissing his feet 10 billion years from now? When this life is over, I will look forward to the rest.

xayman

Re: Help, My Husband Thinks I'm the Devil's Puppet - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:12:00 -0000

Josh,
I would like to congradulate you on one thing you've avioded, that drives so many of us nuts around here. You have not once quoted the Bible in discussing your stance.

It's the grandest of ironies when a Christian will quote scripture as if the atheist, although not believing in God, would believe the words of the Bible to be final word in truth.

I like your style very much Josh, but as others have said our main reason for our stance is education and reason, not a dissatisfaction with a particular church. And also we are not mad at God.

Have a great day and hopefully this site will show you the way. Just think how nice it would be to take that 10% and spend it all on pussy and beer :D Sorry Josh just kidding, but one of the greatest virtues of this site is the lack of language censorship.

I was censored, and had an entire thread (I started) removed in a recovery site(I'm a recovering drunk) because I simply stated I do not believe in a higher power.

And one more thing Josh, like Christians say about gays, we love the Christians we just hate Christianity.

xrayman

Re: Help, My Husband Thinks I'm the Devil's Puppet - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:04:00 -0000

Huey Said,

"It is really an ill-considered opinion, based on the false belief that "since god exists, everybody MUST believe in him". An arrogant assumption really!"

Amen Brother

And adding to your above mentioned statement they assume everyone must indeed believe in the words in the Bible also.

Josh said,

"To Bill, I probably should have used Scripture much more."

Josh no more scripture please !!!!!!! Reading quotes from the Bible kind of makes me want to run my head through a wall and I am sure I speak for more than a few. Quoting from a book of fairy tales doesn't yeild a whole lot of weight around these parts.

xrayman

Re: Help, My Husband Thinks I'm the Devil's Puppet - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:04:00 -0000

Josh,
I guess my statement could have been taken two ways now that I read it again. Let me make myself clear. The quoting of scripture drives us nuts. We are not impressed by it. Many come hear trying to prove their case for the existince of God by quoting Bible verse. Like saying the Bible is the word of God because the Bible says it's the word of God etc.

Not too long ago I invited some Mormon youth into my home and the first thing I asked them is: "Without quoting the Bible or The Book of Mormon, can you tell me why you think God is real?" I got the deer in the headlights stare for a moment, but the kid did finallly give a concrete example and that's what we want around here. Tell us about a magical experience you had with God, but don't quote the book of Luke.

Peace and Love to you Josh you are a good man.

xrayman

Re: I am definitely not a Christian anymore - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:28:00 -0000

Jennifer said,

"The other problem I am having is trying to "fill the void" left by rejecting the religion that has been my spiritual center."

I was never very religious but I never realized how God Damned much I prayed on a daily basis until I completely found God to be imaginary and prayer to be worthless. Stopping it was hard, kind of like smoking. There was this huge viod in my brain that I didn't know how to fill. Well as time has gone by, things have gotten easier. It's been a year and a few months since I said my last prayer, and I just don't think about it much anymore. My head is now filled with many other thoughts and that is nice : ).

xrayman

Re: I feared hell with a nearly paralyzing fear - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:28:00 -0000

I think it was my lifelong love of porn that kept me from ever becoming a Christian in the first place :D The God I once believed in was a staunch proponent of girl/girl scenes.

xrayman

Re: I lost my faith in Bible college - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 01:40:00 -0000

Freedy,

Very crude yet wonderful analogy. I often have stated that I am incredibly jealous of the peace of mind obtained by the devoutly religious, but to go along with Freedy's example, I too am very jealous of the never ending joy of oblivious bliss that is so often presented in those with Down Syndrome.

xrayman

Re: Explaining the unexplainable - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:55:00 -0000

Michael said,

"I still believe in a God, and draw strength from the hope that there is a purpose in all of this suffering."

I was never a Christian. My beliefs once consisted of your above mentioned statement. I believed in an all loving God who gave those who suffered justice in the end. Face the facts my friend. There is no puropse to suffering. The world can be a cruel and unjust place. One of the hardest things for me to accecpt when I finally threw God belief and the afterlife out the window was the fact that those who are truly fucked in this earthly life, are just that, truly fucked and unfortunately guys like Hitler and Stalin get a free pass to the peaceful abyss.

xrayman

Re: Nothing ever came of the promises - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:29:00 -0000

Thanks for your de-conversion testimony. I am in the process of writing mine. I've also been reading this site for about 6 months. Take care.

Re: I am at peace - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0000

Hey Dano,

These words written by you, so sum up my life............

"I guess I was just lucky, or to lazy to pay attention. They never succeeded at getting me locked into their cult.

My natural skepticism was successful in inoculating me for the virus called Christianity."

Because I have always been naturally skeptic, I too was never drawn into the cult or caught the Christian virus, despite the fact that I tried so hard to get in so many times. I could never get Christianity to fully embed itself within me.

Jamie your friend you mentioned in the begining reminds me of the same old tired stories I would hear at the many AA meetings I attended. People would state that living their lives stubbornly on their terns never worked out, and it wasn't until they put their problems in God's hands and let him do things his way that positive chages occured.

It is just so crazy how something that does not exist can do so much for someone.

xrayman

Re: We are one with the Cosmos - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:31:00 -0000

Mr. Anonymous is probably a recovering addict or slightly unstable person. People who function well in society usually do not write statements like his. I'd ignore them as extreme religiosity married to an emotionally immature personality. He has a lot of growing up to do, Christian or not.

Re: I can no longer force my heart to follow what my mind cannot justify - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:27:00 -0000

Hey Chip,

What a nice story : ) I guess in all the testimonies I have read on this site I've never heard it put, "I've been duped." Unfortunately most doing those doing duping don't know they are being duped.

You did make me realize one thing about myself and why I never was duped. My childhood was great. I was raised by parents where religion was a non issue and I was surrounded by many great friends and good times. My childhood rarely had a bad mood. I never had a point where my brain was still impressionable where some religious nut tried to get to me. I was never proselytized as a kid even for a moment.

In my mid 20's during my all time low from alcoholism I tried to find Jesus and God Damn I was sincere. My rational brain was mature at that point despite the fact that it was pickled. The real thinking part of me would never accept the whole bullshit story. I pretty much went through the motions of belief and that was about it. I remember sitting in the one and only church I ever joined just thinking to myself, "What a load of shit." It was so easy for me to become a strong atheist after reading a couple good article refuting religion.

Has anyone really ever analyzed that personal relationship with God bullshit. Like God is just in the home of two billion people at the same time having coffee so to speak while maintaining the functions of the entire universe. I don't think even God could spread himself that thin. How one can have a personal relationship with nothing is beyond comical.

xrayman

Re: Don't listen to your head. Listen to your heart - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:14:00 -0000

All I can say is that the internet is responsible for me tossing God belief in the trash can. I must give amazon.com an honorable mention for having such a vast array of atheist reading material not available in stores.

I think youtube has taken the message to a new level.

I think there is a fighting chance that the internet will be the major catalyst that brings down the Christian religion. Ahhhh shit, who are we kidding? Christianiy will only die with the demise of mankind.

xrayman

Re: I realized that God does not exist - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:51:00 -0000

Kyle,

I can't relate to a heavily indoctrinated person who deconverts because I never was. It must be depressing at first. I do remember the moment when this tepid God believer realized the truth. It was quite the HOLY SHIT moment. I was estatic. Despite the fact I had the illusion of answered prayers,I never really felt or experienced the presence of God and damn I tried so hard to seek him at times. I guess something deep inside me always knew that God was imaginary.

xrayman

Re: I realized that God does not exist - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:44:00 -0000

Hey Bloviator,

I would love to chat with you sometime. You and I are about the same age and both recovering drunks. I would love to converse with someone who doesn't give the higher power all the credit. If you are interested drop me a <a href="mailto:line.

xrayman@chartermi.net">line.

xrayman@chartermi.net

Re: An atheist's confession - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:49:00 -0000

Hey Jeremy,

Once while I was riding in my car during an extrememly depressive moment in my life when I really wished a semi would take me out, I pulled up next to this S-10 pickup that was covered in about 500 religious bumper stickers. I actually saw this as a sign from God that every thing was going to be OK. I really believed it. Now I look back and laugh my ass off at the thought of some fucking idiot defacing his vehicle with a bunch of Jesus bumper stickers was a sign from God. I managed to work through the tough times in my life all by my lonesome and like someone else mentioned above, I felt the most incredible sense of relief when I tossed God belief out the window.

Bob P.
What a great story. I know all to well what it's like to talk to God and get no answer. I had a failed attempt at being born again when my life hit rock bottom, yet I tried really really hard to believe. You are the same age as my father and I really think dear old dad also is an atheist yet he hides behind the "agnostic" label. You are an inspiration to us all my friend. We hope to see you around here often.

xrayman

Re: I AM AN ATHEIST BECAUSE... - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:11:00 -0000

Hey Richard,
Great post. I walked away from the worst alcohol problem one could have 16 years ago. I did it all without the "Higher Power." When I hit rock bottom from my drinking I did get down on my knees and beg Jesus to come into my life, but that son of a gun must have been on vacation that night because I just didn't have the religious experience so many addicts claim. Perhaps my subconscious mind knew he didn't exist. It is kind of scary at times knowing we are on our own, yet it's worth the many trade offs we get for not believing in the big fairy tale.

xrayman

Re: I'm an atheist in the Bible Belt -- What do I do? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 22:29:00 -0000

Hey Buddy, I read the post and feel for ya. Give yourself some time. Things will come around. People are people no matter what they say they believe. Give me a holler at my email again.

Bill J.

Re: Where are you, God? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:47:00 -0000

Scott,
A former coworker of mine failed to buckle her ten year old in his seatbelt and rolled her truck after having a few drinks. He was ejected and died instantly. She lost her son, job, and did jailtime, yet she had to carry on for she had another child. She is doing remarkably well four years later. The human mind does heal over time although never fully. You will always have a hole in your heart, but you can go on and help others. Join a support group and engage with those who have suffered similar losses. Just keep talking to people like us. Read books dealing with grief. I can't imagine losing a child. Please accept my most sincre sympathy and turn to real people in the real word, not imaginary invisilbe men.

xrayman

Re: Christianity: the ultimate free-card - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:58:00 -0000

Great letter and I have thought that all along. There is no real motivation by the Christian to change their behavior because of the open ended forgiveness clause. You can fuck up until the bitter end and all will be well.

As an athesit I can be the kindest most giving person in the world but I am burning in hell, yet the Christian could rape and kill 37 people and be completely forgiven and spend eternity in heaven.

Where is the motivation to change?

xrayman

Re: How To Replace the Color Wheel in Your Samsung DLP Television and Save $400

Bill — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:35:25 -0000

I have an HLP4674W. Just changed the bulb but problem still exists.
1. Plug TV in
2. Red standby light on
3. turn on TV
4. sound but no picture
5. green lamp light flashes
6. goes into standby (red)
7. TV turns off
8. Immediately turns on by itself
9. repeats steps 4-7
10. all 3 lights flashing
11. after 2 minutes no fan and TV goes dead (just red standby light)
12. turn TV on - goes back to step 4 and repeats.

Any ideas?
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 169pt;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="225">
<tr style="height: 18pt;" height="24">
<td class="xl24" style="height: 18pt; width: 169pt;" width="225" height="24">

</td>
</tr>
</table>

Re: http://www.kansasbob.com/2009/04/life-is-adventure.html

Bill — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:36:00 -0000

These are great, Bob!

I found this one that you might like:

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time. --Jack London

Re: http://www.kansasbob.com/2009/05/american-idolatry.html

Bill — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:55:00 -0000

I'm torn between Danny Gokey and Kris Allen. But, Adam Lambert will probably win it.

Re: Calling all bloggers in the blog-o-sphere

Bill — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:49:00 -0000

Take a break and have a hazelnut mocha or some sort of chocolate. That usually works for me.

Re: PolaPola-Project

Bill — Mon, 27 Oct 2003 05:13:34 -0000

I was trying to figure out why I couldn't see any of the images, but I realized that the site is frame-based and your link takes you to a page within the frames.

But the pictures are pretty cool.

Re: Now I feel like a real New Yorker

Bill — Wed, 23 Jul 2003 07:27:00 -0000

Congrats on the move, and the overall hipness of it (socks and futons notwithstanding). I'm sure you'll enjoy it more as you get to know more people, which I'm somehow sure you'll do. It's a fun city, so have fun, and if you need a little piano bar, Don't Tell Mama is at 343 W. 46th St. Tell Elaine that Bill and Adrian say "hi."

Re: Hello New York

Bill — Wed, 09 Jul 2003 21:32:00 -0000

Yay! I've been hoping that you'd take the leap. Remember: the Bronx is up and the Battery's down.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2003/06/22/harry-potter-and-the-order/

Bill — Mon, 23 Jun 2003 09:04:23 -0000

As a Latin teacher, I'll just say that the translation of Sorcerer's Stone was done for the reason that Chuck mentioned: to give Latin students something fun to read. I'm sure that the translator and publisher went to Rowling/Bloomsbury/Scholastic asking if they could publish a Latin translation, not the other way around.

I'm also looking forward to Book 6. Gosh, it'll be when: 2006?

Re: Todd Time at Target

Bill — Wed, 21 Aug 2002 20:25:53 -0000

I needed to get a USB cord for my printer, and I found a Todd Oldham one at Target.

I can't wait until K-Mart starts making the Martha Stewart Router and Hub Collection.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2002/04/11/the-wb-has-cancelled-glory/

Bill — Thu, 11 Apr 2002 18:14:42 -0000

I'm with you all the way up to your dis of Enterprise. C'mon, Matt! Didn't you see the episode where Trip spent the entire first half in his underwear? Now that's good television.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2002/02/03/patriots-shock-rams-2017-on/

Bill — Mon, 04 Feb 2002 19:54:13 -0000

Can I just hold all the Missouri bloggers?

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2002/01/05/finally-saw-the-lord-of/

Bill — Tue, 08 Jan 2002 06:06:30 -0000

Hmph. I read all of Agatha Christie as well, but I still had time for my precious Hobbits. Of course, my favorite series at that time was probably the Foundation Trilogy, which has held up about as well as your beloved Belgariad, I'm sure.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2002/01/05/finally-saw-the-lord-of/

Bill — Mon, 07 Jan 2002 17:59:37 -0000

My god, Matt. What were you reading when you were 12 if it wasn't The Lord of the Rings? And The Belgariad??? You make me cry very sad tears.

Re: Grumble.

Bill — Thu, 25 Oct 2001 12:54:58 -0000

Your blog is showing up just fine for me in BlogTracker. But I did I have to go through and update. I suspect that we've basically lost everyone who was there before the weblogs.com change. I'm sure that after I do my php script (or whatever), that I'll have a second Mermaniac item. I think the whole changeover is really stupid, and I'm kinda pissed off that it seems designed to just rule out everyone who isn't a Weblogs.com/Editthispage.com/Userland.com user. Or maybe it's just me.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/10/23/since-it-has-been-a/

Bill — Tue, 23 Oct 2001 20:14:32 -0000

Ouch, Chris.

Matt, I'd think that you might not have anyone to travel with, but I'd bet there's a whole slew of New York blogboys who'd be more than willing to accompany you as you traipse around the city. Who knows, maybe they'd even put you up? You really ought to make the trip out, even if it's just for a long weekend. It's well worth it.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/08/21/and-now-back-to-your/

Bill — Wed, 22 Aug 2001 09:03:33 -0000

Yay, Matt! Interacting with students has got to be one of the most rewarding aspects of working in a college, so I hope this year works out for you.

And you're looking good! As someone who hasn't seen 160 since I was a freshman in college, let me just say that you wear it well.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/08/11/heres-my-submission-to-dictionaraokeorg/

Bill — Tue, 14 Aug 2001 07:20:46 -0000

You know I love it. Where do you find all these midis, anyway?

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/08/11/heres-my-submission-to-dictionaraokeorg/

Bill — Tue, 14 Aug 2001 07:16:04 -0000

You know I love it. Where do you find all these midis, anyway?

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/07/24/my-recent-redesign-will-be/

Bill — Tue, 24 Jul 2001 20:56:54 -0000

Go on, Matt. Link and tell.

Re: A bat, a jazzy dyke, and a trio.

Bill — Mon, 23 Jul 2001 08:12:54 -0000

I didn't know that Once On This Island is a one-acter. ( "Why We Tell The Story" is one of my all-time favorite theater songs. "YOU are whyyyyy we tell the story....")

And if you're talking about anthologies of one-act musicals, you shouldn't forget about FALSETTOS (does it count?) or APPLE TREE (definitely counts).

PS to Vis10n -- go hijack your own thread. :-)

Re: The Hanging Garden

Bill — Tue, 06 Mar 2001 08:03:09 -0000

Sheldon, you're thinking of The Lonely Hearts Club.

Re: How gay are you?

Bill — Mon, 05 Mar 2001 09:03:59 -0000

45%?? I'm a Mary with a website dedicated to *show tunes*. I think the meter's broken. :-)

Re: Ugly Rooms for Beautiful People

Bill — Sat, 03 Mar 2001 06:03:43 -0000

I've been digging into Lileks.com for the past few weeks, though I've long been a fan of his shrine to Art Frahm. But this new section is amazingly funny.

My favorite: the gay pride couch. Scary thing is, I'd love to have a couch like that in the basement. (Of course, I'd love to have a basement. What would you do if you had a rumpus room?)

Re: To do list:

Bill — Wed, 28 Feb 2001 06:02:32 -0000

Yay! Go on with your bad self, Matt.

Re: <nelson>Ha ha</nelson>

Bill — Wed, 21 Feb 2001 14:02:39 -0000

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. No more Amazon CDs for you, pretty boy.

Re: <nelson>Ha ha</nelson>

Bill — Wed, 21 Feb 2001 05:02:59 -0000

Hey, I got Tivo before both of you, but I'm still on 1.0. What gives?

Re: Singles day for Matt.

Bill — Thu, 15 Feb 2001 06:02:13 -0000

Hey Matt, how you doin' that recent updates thingie? Cuz I've noticed that hit-or-miss.org isn't showing up on Weblogs.com anymore. Or are you sending your own robot out?

Re: Phantom Moon

Bill — Mon, 12 Feb 2001 09:02:16 -0000

Matt, my understanding was that the new Duncan Sheik album had music from Sater's play Umbrage. That's from this article.

I suspect that Sheik can't record his new stuff until the possibility of a cast album is exhausted. I seem to recall something like that when Bruce Kimmel tried to get a Wise Guys song for the Fynsworth Alley Sondheim album.

Re: In which Matt writes about sex.

Bill — Tue, 23 Jan 2001 20:01:22 -0000

Matt,

I think this is a brave stance you're taking, or maybe more like a brave journey that you're embarking on. I suspect that anyone who would have a problem with the content of your site would have one whether you write about your sexual identity or not.

Of course, I don't write about sex all that much on my site, so what can I say? I'm on the sidelines here. Reading your journal entry is making me rethink that. Why can't I write about sex, as a part of my life, on my blog?

Re: DoomBuggies.com

Bill — Mon, 15 Jan 2001 07:01:40 -0000

Of course, Doombuggies.com is the best of the best. I went to the other one to find out about the Bride's wedding ring, and where exactly it's buried at WDW. Apparently, there isn't a ring at Disneyland, which is too bad.

Re: Dammit! Why isn’t my WalMart

Bill — Wed, 05 Jul 2000 06:07:25 -0000

Well, that's probably the exact attitude at the Wal-Mart that got early copies issued in the first place. "Geez, what's the big deal? No one's going to buy this Harry Porter book when we've got all-new Chicken Soup for the Teen-aged Christian Soul, Left Behind, Left Behind for Teens and Left Behind for Kids books available." The saddest thing is that I STILL look through the book section at Wal-Mart thinking I might find something I would like.

Re: Warm Fiddy

Bill — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:04:00 -0000

Awesome! Simpsons rule!

Re: Pastor Accused Of Throwing Puppies From Pickup Truck - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 14:11:00 -0000

naw, radio wouldn't work either. The voice sounds ugly too.

Re: Pastor Charged With Incest - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 09:29:00 -0000

They have reduced the sentences in so many cases because the jails are full, they allow plea barganing and then give probation.

The US spends more money on the running of jails than it does on the school system.

Such a fine example of a christian nation being backed by a god.

Re: Frustrated by ignorance - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 12:18:00 -0000

The silly and unwanted prayer/angel/Jesus emails forwarded to me by friends, family, and co-workers. What I used to ignore, I now abhor>>>

I love these things! It gives me the opportunity to "evangilize" the Truth and point out how silly the e-mail information is; and it is also great in pointing out inconsistancies within the various emails they keep sending. For instance, just this morning I receied one from an ole work associate about how she ask God to "care" for me today, however, I have to send it to at least five friends before it will actually "work". ? Unconditional Love? Naaa NOT! Well, I responding to everyone on her email list with my comments about God and prayer and wishes and whatnots....well over the five person requirement. However, I did NOT receive a "special Phone" call at 11am (eastern time I imagined...) as promised; but I do feel pretty good today....hmmmm.

Now, I also received a "horoscope" email from this same person..and I leaped at the opportunity to declare Gods "wrath" on the misled. As follows:

"Now, the above horoscope "quiz" is considered by the bible to be from the demonic spiritual world. Sorcery (astrology, soothsaying, talking to the dead, etc...) is not from God, but from the Deceiver. It may appear to be "true", but it is just an attempt to lead you away from what the real God needs you to believe. And if you pick wrong, he will nip your ass forever in a very bad bad place. You will be screaming for mercy and there will be none. All because you worshipped the wrong way while on Earth."".

I Love those "opportunity" e-mails ! (when I have time of course)

enjoy the freedom.
Bill.

Re: Wife Confesses in Pastor's Slaying - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 12:54:00 -0000

Maybe she found out there wasn't a Jesus and she blamed him for always telling her there was. He promised. There wasn't. Baaam !!

Re: The Gospel of Judas - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 09:40:00 -0000

tim>
Ooooh! I'll rewrite Mark, edit out the embarrassing parts, add my own theology and call it the gospel of Matthew!

and then add even more embarrassing parts. The new authors had a chance to fine tune Mark to at least some realm of believability and they completely botched it by including their ignorance of the language of their sources. (ie, 2 donkeys for Jesus to ride on during the Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem) or ( fantastic light show at the dawn of the ressurection; you would think Mark would have mentioned that...) Once I read Matthew, compared to Mark, then the reality of the agenda became obvious. I should have been shocked to the loss of my faith, but I was laughing too hard.

Re: Man cooks up the Virgin Mary on the grill - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:50:00 -0000

I believe, er, think I read somewhere last week that Mary was also formed by chocolate droppings at a confectionary factory.

Maybe chocolate droppings is the wrong word for it.

bill

Re: Man cooks up the Virgin Mary on the grill - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:53:00 -0000

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14400252/

Re: Man cooks up the Virgin Mary on the grill - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:57:00 -0000

***save us all from our filthy, nasty, discusting, putrid, rotten, stinking, unworthy, souls, ...***

Positive self talk is a good place to start !

Re: Sex allegations lobbed at Ted Haggard - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:25:00 -0000

Jerry's providing Christian love in these hard times:

Jerry Falwell, a prominent conservative Christian and Republican Party stalwart, was quick to play down the organization's role and Haggard's standing among evangelicals.

"He (Haggard) doesn't really lead the (evangelical) movement. ... He is the president of an association that is very loosely knit and I've never been a member of it," Falwell said in a CNN interview on Thursday.

Feel the love?

Re: Sex allegations lobbed at Ted Haggard - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:32:00 -0000

Jesus'got a hold of his heart... and Mike's gotta hold of his balls. (both are alledgedly)

Re: Pastor arrested for sexual assaults - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:54:00 -0000

sorry. Bill made that last comment, forgot to sign my name !

Re: Pastor sentenced to 7 years for molestation - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:39:00 -0000

That pastor violated that boy's private domain of human deciency!

That boys civil rights were violated to grow up and not be mentally affected for the rest of his life.

He put his trust in this man because he had been told by his grandmother that he was a man of God, just another religious lie.

The pastor should be executed today.

Re: Outspoken atheists hope to stem the influence of Christianity - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 20:46:00 -0000

Julia Sweeny's deconvesion testimony is a must hear for all. It's downloadable on www.digitalfreethought.com. It's on the righthand side of the homepage. She really tells her story brilliantly.

I am reading The End of Faith, and in the begining I found a wonderful quote by Sam Harris that says it all. "Our world is fast succumbing to the activities of men and women who would stake the future of our spieces on beliefs that should not survive an elementary school education." That is a powerful statement.

Re: Debating the existence of God - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:01:00 -0000

Now I've heard debates in which the most skilled Christian appologists tried their luck at proving the existence of God, and it was just laughable IMHO. Proving the existince of God seems to always entail Bible verse which should in the begining be off limits.

Cameron and his friend certainly don't qualify as skilled at least not to anyone besides children who are obviously their target. I think they should have just ran and hid after that banana incidnent. I hope the atheists are half way decent with their speal, and if so, there won't even be a challange debating these two yahoos.

xrayman

Re: Debating the existence of God - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 04 May 2007 08:09:00 -0000

Joe said,

"He's rather insecure and gets really pissed when his creatures don't stoke his little ego, so he squishes the bad ones and throws them in the fire when they die. The ones that suck up to him and tell him he's great, despite his obvious character flaws and mental deficiency, get put on a special shelf in his bedroom when they die. From there on the shelf they call heaven, they can say nice things to him 24-7."

What an awsome definition of that guy in the sky who many say loves us "unconditionally." Who the fuck started that unconditionally rumor in the first place? I don't consider making his flock worship and kiss his ass for all eternity unconditional love. He requires many conditions.

Re: Debating the existence of God - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 04 May 2007 08:29:00 -0000

The last Annymous said,

"To me, going back to believing in any god would be no different from going back to truly believing in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny."

If I could get one and only one message across to Christians, the above mentioned quote would be it.

So many Christian freinds and aquaintences will say they are praying for me, and have high hopes that I will eventually come back to God.

They just don't understand that it would be impossible to rebelieve in a myth that has been totally debunked, ever.

Now if I see a news report that there is a guy walking on water who claims to be Jesus and he performs a few miracles, then and only then could I ever believe.

xrayman

Re: Jerry Falwell is dead - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:15:00 -0000

I don't want to speak ill of the dead but the Rev Falwell was the first guy whon ever made me really hate anything about religion. I guess he was the first self righious intorrerant religious asshole I was ever aware of in my youth. He was the first one to make me aware of the fact that Christianity wasn't about the love of all mankind.

It's too bad his death can't be a metaphor for the end of all intollerant religious philosiphy, but there are so many soldiers left to carry on the hate. Pat Robertson will still be around to blame the next natural disaster on the gays.

xrayman

Re: Jerry Falwell is dead - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:03:00 -0000

NGB Said,

"I guess he didn't have time to pray, because we know that God hears the prayers of the righteous and we know that whatever we ask for in Jesus' name shall be done for us."

You would think that God would have at least given him time to say bye to the wife and kids, but that dude must have had some real skeletons in the closet that God was really pissed about.

xrayman

Re: The price of atheism - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:45:00 -0000

I live in Owosso Michigan pop.16,000. It's no Bible belt community, but we do have a shitload of churches and religious folk. I was just about to write my coming out as an atheist letter to our local paper. Now I don't know. I have a 12 year old daugher in school and now I am afraid it could have repercussions. At 12 my daughter doesn't know what she believes, and I will let her make up her own mind as she reaches the age of reason. I just wouldn't want her to be picked on for having an atheist father. What a sad shitty story that was.

Is that woman like dumb as a fence post? How could someone with an IQ above 75, especially a religious person not know what an atheist is?

xrayman

Re: Creation Museum opens in Northern Kentucky - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 29 May 2007 16:56:00 -0000

Sometimes this kind of shit makes me want to jump off a ten story building and slit my wrists on the way down. We are living in a world of fucking idiots. I just can't wait until science advances to the point where it can once and for all put an end to this nonsense.

xrayman

Re: Creation Museum opens in Northern Kentucky - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Wed, 30 May 2007 08:45:00 -0000

Anonymous Wrote

"I really think this is a positive thing. It really broadcasts just how ignorant, backward and serious these fundys are. The more popular this theme park becomes the more attention it will draw to them exposing them and no doubt causing some of those believers to wake up and leave the fold. In short they are putting the noose around their own neck and tightening it."

You may be right. I am 44 years old and until last year when I read myself out of God belief, I hadn't a clue there were knuckleheads out there who believed the earth to be 6,000 years old. My public shcool education never mentioned such nonsense. I considered myself to be fairly well read and up on most aspects of our culture, but I have never heard of a theory that man and dinasaur coexisted until I was enlighted to guys like Kent and Ken.

So maybe just maybe a few more reasonable folks will be as shocked by this shit as I was and start speaking out.

xrayman

Re: Pastor accused of diverting church money for personal use - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:07:00 -0000

Joe said,

"In addition to the con men, how many pastors are in it for simple psychological issues; the desire to be in control, to have leverage over others."

Absolutely Joe. Personally I have never been indoctrinated into organized religion. I've always seen through it, but one of my best friends fell into a church where the pastor told him to destroy his entrie rock music collection and he did. God Damn I was mad that my pal was allowed to be controled by another human like that. I would have said me and my Led Zeppelin records will be moving along mister controlling preacher. He cherished his albums up until that point, yet he gave in to the demands of a church leader and destroyed something he aquired through his entire childhood that was once priceless to him.

xrayman

Re: Benny Hinn has YouTube remove videos that criticize him - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 20:40:00 -0000

I get just as mad at the dumb fucks who keep this shyster living like a king, that I do the asshole himself. How can people be so stupid. I just watched part one of the HBO documentary on Benni and it was just so sad to see all these desparate people at the end of their ropes trusting in this asshole to heal them while shoveling the cash his way. His miracle healings never pan out in the end. The lady he claimed to heal instantly of lung cancer died. As long as there are suckers out there he will be whiping his as with $100 bills.

xrayman

Re: Benny Hinn has YouTube remove videos that criticize him - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 10:22:00 -0000

I just finished watching the Canadian documentary and despite the fact they prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Benny is a scum sucking lying sack of shit, I will say one good thing I found out about him, he is one hell of a good tipper. I fucking hate people who don't tip the help, and Benny seems to tip more in a weekend than most of us make in a month. What a guy.

xrayman

Re: Born again religion reporter loses faith - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:42:00 -0000

Man, as a former Christian, it never ceases to amaze me how Christians use the same tired stuff to answer why someone left the flock of Jesus. I mean, aren't we all tired of the "look to Jesus not man or religion". Don't Christians realize that we've all been there. I spent years in Bible College and Seminary. I served as a pastor and counselor for an Evangelical Church. I really don't want to hear the same old junk over and over. Is there some way to just put out a disclaimer for all Christians that checks out this site?

Re: Get a job, Ted... - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:34:00 -0000

How come none of the fundie trolls mouth off to us when they read this article. No balls to stand up for their man of god?

Re: Get a job, Ted... - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:27:00 -0000

Huey said,

"Who was it said that it is no wonder that the clergy preach "giving" when they themselves live on handouts?"

I believe it was our good friend Christopher Hitchens who compared clergymen to beggers and I never really thought about it in that light, but I guess in a way it is true. He also stated that he sometimes has more respect for a pick pocket.

xrayman
(not the same Bill as above)

Re: Get a job, Ted... - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:54:00 -0000

Yea Warnepiece I know what you are saying. I just couldn't fucking believe it when I was up at 5am a while back and I clicked on the tube only to see a very disheveled Jimmy Swaggart looking like a character of his former self, talking down the sinners and of course begging for cash. I couldn't believe the fucker is still out there, so yes Teddy will be back. There is plenty of cash to be made. Before we know it there will be a book tour with interviews with all the A list journalists like Diane Sawyer and he will appear on shows like Dateline NBC so he can bullshit the world and get rich. This guy is sitting on a goldmine.

xrayman

Re: The Subtle, Lethal Poison of Religion - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:13:00 -0000

Hi Dave Armstrong,

It's very difficult to come to the conclusion that Christianity doesn't make sense, or any religion for that matter. The hard part is really separating your self from it. Most people identify with their beliefs on a very personal level and are offended if someone questions them. Belief equals identity. Threatening someone’s identity usually puts people in a fight mode.

If there is no way to prove that your prayers are answered, that a god exists or that the claims in religious writings are true, then why defend them. Just leave ex-Christians alone and get on with serving your god. I surmise that the very existence of people claiming to have been where you are today is disconcerting to you and you feel compelled to prove that they are wrong. Or it may be your desire to prove your love for god, or to defeat the forces of darkness and win back the lost or disillusioned, or prove to yourself that you know better and the ex-Christian doesn’t, etc.

Whatever the belief, motivation and emotion behind your actions, you can be sure they are personal and not driven by god or pure rational thought. They are emotional driven. Hopefully you will look beyond whatever belief and emotion you possess about this subject and try and step back and think outside the Christian box. If not, there isn’t any point in these conversations. I have been where you are. I have a college and seminary degree, served as a minister, teacher, pastoral counselor and church leader. I have stepped out of the box and taken a long look at Christianity and recognize the inconsistencies and illogic of it’s beliefs. I can see the disunity in theology, doctrine, and denominations. I can see the dis-connect between science and faith. Maybe one day you will too.

Good luck

Bill J.

Re: Westboro Baptists ordered to pay $11 million to family of Marine - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 01:27:00 -0000

I once heard an interview with Shirley Phelps where she claimed the Amish kids who were murdered last year were burning in hell. How could this be with the purest of all people?

What exactly do these people want? What would make them happy? Have they ever stated their ultimate solution to make God love us as a nation? If we rounded up all the gays threw them in gas chambers would that do it? What do they really want? What is their real goal? Do they have one?

Re: Whoremonging pastor gets stung - ExChristian.Net - News and Opinion

Bill — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:37:00 -0000

I guess the whole moral of this story is the following:

"A STIFF DICK HAS NO CONSCIENCE"

XRAYMAN

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 16:20:00 -0000

” More than anything in the world, I wish I could sincerely believe in Jesus or God, but at this point in time, intellectually and logically, there is no reason to believe."

That above qoute sums up my life's philosopy to a tee. I am not an exChristian because I was never fully able to buy into it in the first place. Great post.

xrayman

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:42:00 -0000

Anny Boe Said,

"it's important to have its apostates; people like you here at exian.net. I think of you as intrepid explorers who have gone out into the darkness of religion and returned able to say "It's OK, it's all bullshit."

What a powerful statement that certainly applies to me as one who never really believed. My God belief was never beyond tepid at best. If no one had ever come back from hard core indoctrination to tell about it, I would never be comfortable with my atheist stance.

As I stated earlier I wished Xtianity were true, what an interesting take on that statement a couple of you pointed out. I never thought of the fact that if it were true the vast majority of mankind would be roasting in hell. What a solid point. I have changed my stance.

xrayman

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:41:00 -0000

Passerby is a closed minded brainwashed person. It will take him awhile to see the truth, if ever.

I always love how religious people and Jesus followers talk about listening to God. When I did that, as a Christian, it always amounted to me indulging in my own feelings. Very narcissistic.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:14:00 -0000

(xrayman, other Bill)

Hey Trancelation,

As a recovering drunk I take a mild offense to the statement you made compairing alcoholism to religion. When I was a hard core drunk, I had no illusions that I didn't have a problem. I knew it plain and simple but I didn't want to change until I was ready where as the hard core religious person is truly deluded.

What part of ExChristian don't those two Bozos above understand. It just kills me when someone stops by and acts as if none of us has heard of Jesus. This isn't called, "Been living in a Cave Never Heard of God Dot Com."

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:42:00 -0000

Dan wrote....I can no more prove to you that God is real than I can prove to you that I love my family. If you are convinced I don't love my family, no matter what I say or do will be dismissed by you as invalid. It is your presuppositions that are the problem, not whether or not God exists.

Actually you can easily prove that you love your family. It just depends on how you define love. You are trying to invalidate us former born again Christians because you think we are angry at god and deluded by god or the enemy. You are what you believe Dan. If you believe these things than you can not really hear us. Your belief is first and foremost to you. Anything else is a threat from the enemy...right. You have to reinforce your beliefs by believing that we are wrong and God is on your side. You are commanded to love us and therefor you have no choice but to argue the "truth" in order to save us from god's eternal damnation of our souls. Anything less is a lack of faith on your part.

Oswald Chambers wrote that prayer is the work not the preparation to do work. I encourage you to fast and pray for our souls and stop writing so much stuff on our website.

Why don't you just trust god to speak to us and see your faith in action. I'm sure you've been told by many Christians that you can not argue someone into the Kingdom of god. Right? Lets see the power of your prayer and faith and not your writings on this site.

Thank you!

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:15:00 -0000

I posted a plea to Dan on his blog today. When I went back later it was gone. I also clicked on one of his links that said, "All Baptists should read this". I think he is a church of god type Christian who believes one must be baptized in order to be saved. You have to click on that banner to get the true measure of Dan's way of thinking.

We used to call his kind cultish when I was a Christian. Not that it matters much now.

I would categorize Dan in the extreme fundamentalist group.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:18:00 -0000

People die for all kinds of things Dan. The reality is that humanity is not rational. We strive to be, but we realy are not.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:53:00 -0000

George Bernard Shaw: "But no public man...ever believes that the Bible means what it says: he is always convinced that it says what he means."

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:03:00 -0000

Being a priest convicted of sex abuse toward children does not mean they promote that kind of Christianity.

Of course you are motivated by men. God is not motivating you. How could God motivate you. He/She neither speaks, smells, appears or anything else for that matter.

You are motivated by the men who wrote the various collection of writings called the Bible. There is no proof that God litterly wrote any part of those letters. To claim such is purely a matter of belief. When belief comes before evidence then there is noting anyone can do to counter such thinking.

A person will litterly find any means to explain why or what God meant. The only proof I really see Christians claim as proof are their feelings and interpretation of events in their lives.

Dan, the fact that you still keep writing on this site means something. Take a week or two just to think about this. Stop writing on here and give us recovering Christians a break. Read my myspace blog if you want to know how I think.

http://www.myspace.com/billyvanwild

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:37:00 -0000

If Dan were a true Christian he would stand in front of abortion clinics to save all the unborn children being murdered. He would give his belongings away and live by faith serving God whom he trusts with all his heart. He would turn the other cheek in every situation and never advocate violence because he would trust God. If someone threatened to kill his child unless he renounced Jesus as Lord he would trust Jesus and not renounce Him. His child would be killed but Dan would earn a crown to give back to Jesus in Heaven.

Am I getting an accurate picture of Dan Marvin and all the other fundamentalists???

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:58:00 -0000

Faith is a subjective experiential thing. It is over rated. Thomas didn't need it. He asked to see the nail holes in Jesus' hand and he got his wish. God can and does reveal Him/Herself to people if they ask. Really? Does He/She speak verbally to people? People claim these things but there is no proof. There are all kinds of contradictions from people about what God says.

One would think that with the Holy Spirit indwelling believers they'd get their stories straight? They don't. All the different sects and denominations prove that point perfectly. Each one thinks they have the correct version and all of them say the Bible says what they mean.

If God exists then there would be order in churches, theologies, sermons, etc. Just like Christians claim that creation shows order and consistency. Even with sin in creation and humans, there would be an undeniable unity. There isn't and there never will be.

Once a person realizes that the Bible is not a perfect God breathed book they run out of steam. God did not have a book published so He/She could take a break from miracles. They never took place and they still don't. Find me a soldier (from Iraq) with a missing leg. Bring the elders of the church together (like James instructs) to pray for the soldier. Pray for the soldier's leg to grow back. Once this happens I will reconvert to Christianity. I'm sure God will do this to win my soul back from Hell because God loves me enough to come to earth and and die for me. Right?

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:08:00 -0000

Hi Dan,

The fact that Christians aren't in unity regarding theology and so forth is proof that God is not speaking. No, it's not a result of the person hearing incorrectly. That would be a cop out. One has to look at the facts as they stand not what we want them to mean. If Christians claim that God speaks to them and that God is all powerful then God is powerful enough to get His/her point across.

The point about the leg regrowing isn't about tempting God. It is about the fact that the Scripture gives us a remedy for physical healing that does not work. That is the point. If it worked.....people would have something to write home about.

Just as many other things in Scripture don't work. The problem with religious thinking is that it can not be nailed down because it always allows for an out. Oh, God didn't answer your prayer because.....and the list is all encompassing. Do you get my drift?

It is one of the things that led to me leaving the fold. One can only go so far on false claims without evidence in the nature world. The claims of Christ do not unfold today as pictured in the OT and NT. If they did....I'd have never left. I don't reject Jesus. I just don't believe in him anymore or the claims of Scripture.

All the arguing in the world mean very little if it can not be backed up in practice. Thomas asked for proof and Jesus granted it. Why are the rest of us not granted proof? Please don't tell me about how God shows us proof in creation and people helping each other.

Show me an arm. leg or eye regrown. Show me the nail holes in Jesus' hands. For that matter....show me Jesus in the flesh. Surely that is not too much to ask from God who desires that no man go into the fires of Hell for ever and ever and ever.

One has to look outside of ones beliefs to seek the truth. Forget what you want to believe. Seek the truth and have the courage to believe that.

Leaving behind my faith was the second hardest thing I ever did. Never ever presume to know another person's heart and life without first getting to know them. I say this in reference to all those who say I never knew God.

I took many apologetics courses in Bible College and Seminary. I don't need the lessons in scripture because I no longer value them as God inspired.

What is the point of all this blabbering? Mostly to help people move away from the kind of thinking that set me up for failure, false guilt and wasting my life, money and time on ancient mythologies.

I would like to think that you might, one day, back away from your belief system long enough to use your skeptical brain to evaluate your beliefs.

Unfortunately, not everyone is equipped to leave behind that which gives them self esteem, purpose and hope.

The truly courageous people are those who let go of the safety net called religion and forge a new road.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 02:44:00 -0000

Jeash.....Christians on this site are dense. I guess I should understand. I used to hear from god, pray for the sick, preach, witness and so forth. I used to believe all that stuff. Man...were we really that full of ourselves?

You know what I really think brings them back? It's the fact that they are trying to convince themselves that they are right. I really think it's a matter of pride. It's a hard pill to swallow when one realizes that all they can do with all this power they supposedly have from god is talk about an old collection of writings put together selectively by men. Show me some evidence that it's supernatural. Put up or shut up.

I guess those who like answering their every bad apologetic can have at it. I took those courses in undergrad at Christian Heritage College in San Diego. It took awhile to learn there was more to the straw man stuff they fed us.

Have fun guys. Hopefully some day these christians will figure it out. O yeah.....I used to tell people about how I experienced god. I really believed I did too. I even had emotional experiences in worship and prayer and so on. Wake up man. It's not substantial nor is it supernatural.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:08:00 -0000

Negrosan....faith without evidence is really scary. I mean....wow...what kind of a person takes things on faith without having evidence in the natural world to prove what they say is real or true.

Let's take the synoptic gospels. They were written from the infamous "Q" document, which no one has ever seen. Mathew, and Luke were copied from Mark and Mark was copied from the Q. John is another animal all together.

The gospels contradict one another on many points and they were written around 30 - 50 years after the supposed death of Christ. All Christian and non-Christian scholars agree that some of the stories were never apart of the original text...like the woman caught in adultery.

My earlier point about emotion being a proof text of God was to point out the false line of reasoning that Dan used to prove god speaks to him.

To say nothing else happens to prove the existence of god except faith from a collection of writings is not a very rational or logical approach to life.

And please don't tell me that logic and reason are not needed to understand spirituality. Every aspect of life is built on the attempt to be reasonable and logical.

Religion should not be an exception. It is of course and that is why people like you defend it without understanding the dichotomy it produces. I was there once too. I said the same thing about walking by faith and not by site. Duhhhhhh! I spent 5 years and Bible College and 4 more in seminary.

I was once religiously arrogant and elite in my views. I would never have called it that when I was a born again, bible believing Christian, but now I see how I was.

Your gift to us is really about you. If you really believed in your faith you would pray for us and leave us alone. But instead you argue on hoping that in the process you will augment your doubts with positive feelings that you are doing the Lords work and He will be pleased when you die.

Christianity is a very prejudicial religion as are the Muslim and Jewish faiths. The blindness that is produced by religion is saddening. Your statements are unfalsifiable because you always have some explanation to cover your other explanation that didn’t add up. I learned about that kind of thinking when I really looked into creation science. I should know because I studied it in Bible College and I did my student ministry at the Institute for Creation Research. I used to use that stuff in my arguments to witness to people. Needless to say, I have since read a lot more about dating methods and the likes. I could never mindlessly parrot that stuff again. I hope my uncle can forgive me (he is an astrophysicist) for employing those ignorant arguments at him. J

I believe that you honestly believe that god exists and that you are probably trying to live a good life, serve Him and help others. That speaks well of you; however that does not mean that just because your intentions are good that your beliefs are true. All I ask is that you step back from what you believe and take some time to reflect and honestly evaluate your beliefs with the same skeptical mind that most of us employ in life (some of us just don’t employ it in religion). Stop reading the Word, going to church and praying and hanging out with other Christians long enough so that your rational programming, so to speak, has time to kick back in again. Have the courage to try this. Good luck!

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:18:00 -0000

Oh and by the way...Jesus does not deliver at promised otherwise the blind would be healed, limbs would grow back and so forth. No body has the faith to move mountains, heal the sick, walk on water, make wine out of water and on and on. No one drinks poison, is bitten by snakes and on and on. Jesus promised these things and greater after he left. For that matter, no christian leader seems to be able to live up to the promises of Jesus and do these things. It's the pink elephant in the room kind of thing. Either the bible is literal or it's not. You can't have it both ways.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:17:00 -0000

Negrosan

To what end did the people publish a collection of history and letter called the bible.

The answer is obvious. To believe in something that gave them hope and purpose. It also gave them stature and power. People write things for all kinds of reasons. Look at Ezekiel chapter 23 vs. 20. Weird shit. Explain why God breathed His spirit into the author of that chapter????

Yes, your thinking is foolish as was mine when I was a christian.

Re: If you logically look at Christianity, it just doesn’t add up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:17:00 -0000

Re: Make mine a DOUBLE... - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:03:00 -0000

Hey BillyBee, I too am a Billy B. I will have 17 years of slipfree sobriety from alcohol next March. I did it all on my own baby without any fucking invisible men in the sky. If God really cared so much he'd of made us puke when we took our first drink and headed the problem off in the begining. I like the way you told Trumeper where to stick it. Hope to see you around here often.

xrayman

Re: A Time That Changed Me - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:41:00 -0000

Thanks for sharing your de-conversion. I can relate.

Re: The Bible was not the product of some deity - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:24:00 -0000

My story is very similar. I even went into the military reserves for 7 years. I went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield Mo. and finished up at Christian Heritage College in San Diego Ca. Then seminary at Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland Or. They merged with George Fox University in 2000.

I'm just glad I'm no longer a part of irrational mystical thinking anymore.

Thanks for your story. I have to write mine some day.

Re: Former pastor, ex-Christian, and super-villain - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:27:00 -0000

Hi Matt,

I'm a former minister too. I just posted a couple of articles here. I can relate to the feelings you wrote about. It's amazing how people needed you and looked to you for comfort and answers, but in the end it was all about them.

These same people walk away from you as soon as you stop making them feel good.

I had to find new friends after I left the ministry. Sure, some people still talk to me, if I call them, but not a one will go out of his way to contact me.

Christianity is about as real as the tooth fairy. It does not change people's basic nature. It only white washes them.

Peace,
Bill Jeffreys

Re: Former pastor, ex-Christian, and super-villain - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:24:00 -0000

Hey Matt,

Here's my link so you can email me if you want to talk. We may have a lot in common to talk about. My daughter chose the address so please overlook the silliness of the address. :)

Bill

http://www.myspace.com/billyvanwild

Re: If I could still believe, I would - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:42:00 -0000

Enjjpt

I'm in Portland Oregon. We should talk. I've posted on this site a number of times. You can email me at w_jeffreys@msn.com.

Bill Jeffreys

Re: Never again am I going to believe anything anybody tells me without hard proof - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:24:00 -0000

Steven said,

"in a weekend (another mind-fuck) and came to the conclusion that religionists are nothing more than a bunch of power-hungry elitists who aren't interested in the truth nearly as much as they are interested in power over others."

Part of the beauty of having power and control over the masses is the power to scare people into surrendering mass amounts of their hard earned cash.

This morning when I turned on the TV beside my computer that disheveled old fuck Jimmy Swaggart was on the screen. It was quite obvious he was playing on the pure stupidity of the most moronic of Americans to milk all the cash he can in the broken twilight of his once zillion dollar ministry. I remember when I used to be scared shitless of his message in my youth, now as I watched him I felt like I was watching a Mad TV sketch. It was comedy at it's finest.

For those too young to know. Jimmy Swaggert was the Stadium filling "A list" preacher of the early 80's who preached so strongly against sexual sins and was caught with and very homely hooker.

Great post Steven. I am glad to have you here !!!!!!!!

xrayman

Re: Why does God care if we love and worship him or not? Is he really that insecure? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:06:00 -0000

That is the $64,000 question, "Why does God need Worship?" It just makes no sense does it? Yet billions of people each week bow down and give praises and worship.

I try to think of my own children. I think it's pretty fair to say that they think pretty highly of me as I do my own parents, yet could I imagine my kids bowing down several hours a week saying "Oh Dad we worship you and your infinate wisdom bla bla bla." I would say to my kids, enough already, yet everyone thinks this God being just can't get enough praises like some insecure little king.

You said,

"I have been an atheist for around 9 months and cannot see myself returning to Christianity."

If you keep educating yourself you will come to a point where you know that there isn't a chance of ever going back again, absolutely none, unless Jesus H. Christ himself personally visits you.

xrayman

Re: I gave God up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:57:00 -0000

Great testimonial. That kind of story just makes my morning cup of coffee tastes so much better.

I remember when I first realized that God and Hey-Suess were all made up, I told a female coworker who was a very lukewarm Catholic. I was very surprised by her reaction. She said, "Now what purpose could your life possibly have?" I could have gone on for hours.

I guess the beauty with me is the fact that I never was deep enough into religion for it to ever be my purpose. My purpose has always been to have as many orgasms as possible. I was never fully convinced of any of it(religion and the afterlife) yet I guess for most of my life I believed to believe, but was never fully sucked in. I always overthink everything, and overthinking religion is what kept me from being totally indoctrinated.

I just started reading Daniel Dennet's book "Breaking the Spell" and he said something in the first chapter that sums up the masses of deluted relgious folks:

"We are sometimes ignorant of our own ignorance." People are oblivious to their own blind spots.

xrayman

Re: I gave God up - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:01:00 -0000

You know what's really funny. When I first came to the realization that Christianity and God/Jesus belief were bullshit, I posted on message boards on other sites, and I would be lying if I said dickholes like Andrew didn't get to me for brief moments. I remember there were a couple guys who told me that Hell is waiting for me if I continue this path and it really got me thinking, and think is what I did.

Oh what a massive amount of education does to a man's peace of mind. I no longer fear the red man with a pitchfork. He is a fictional character like God and Jezzbutt. Sean don't let this asshole get to you for a minute, just laugh at him for the pathetic little man that he is. Always a pleasure to see you around Andrew.

xrayman

Re: Skeptical monkey - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:44:00 -0000

Great site Ted. It's always refreshing to see some new material. I loved your little piece on Pascal's Wager. Welcome to the land of reality. Andrew you can use me as an example if you must. I was NEVER a true Christian and I owe it to my liberal upbringing. Imagine this concept: My parents allowed me to think for myself. Oh how I used to feel so sorry for my Catholic friends who had to attended those fucking classes while the rest of us played.

Andrew why the fuck are you such a Masochist? Sometimes I just think Andrew is really an atheist with a very twisted sense of humor.

xrayman

Re: Skeptical monkey - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:58:00 -0000

Now that all these spelling errors have come front and center. I want to ask this question. This is how I spell realize, yet time and time again I see it spelled realise. Is there some other English speaking nation that spells it that way or do that many people spell it wrong?

Re: Do you miss yourself? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:42:00 -0000

Oh the eyes !!!!! When one of my best friends became totally sucked into religious brain washing he just had this glazed over zombified look in his eyes that was fucking creepy as hell.

ayyyy said,

"In fact, research has shown that religious people have a better sense of subjective well-being, are healthier and live longer"

I personally never had the pleasure of the religious bliss, but I must admit I do get a little bummed out whenever I see 100 year olds claiming one of their secrets to happy longevity is a strong faith in Gawd. It always seems to be a common denominator of the centenarians. Just once I want to see someone who's 105 proclaim his atheism !!!!!!!

xrayman

Re: It all seemed so empty - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:27:00 -0000

Hey Apologist777

How the fuck can you compare your God who will send his children to an eternal roasting to my friend's father who truly wanted peace for his son? God Damn the Christian mind set just blows me away with it's nonsensical logic. Now if your doctrine stated all go to Heaven no matter what, then your logic would make sense.

xrayman

Re: It all seemed so empty - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:41:00 -0000

Hey Apologist777,

I would like to give you great praises for your response to Boomslang's comments. Although I disagree with just about every counter argument you presented, you are about the first Christian in history of this blog who has managed to say so much without using one quote from the Bible and that is to be commended. You spoke from your own heart in your own words. Why can't we have more of that from our Christian friends?

I will have to agree with my friend Lance. When I had that moment when I realized that God/Jesus and religion were all the concoction of man, I did have a very wonderful emotional experience. It was like, "I am no longer in bondage to this fucking Jesus character." It was wonderful.

And as Lance also said I have had very powerful emotional experiences(that had nothing to to do with religion) that shook my body to the core and almost brought tears to my eyes. One example is when I witnessed the first lap of the Indy 500 live. When those cars take the green flag and take that first lap at 220mph it sends a rush through your body that you can't explain. I literally almost cried it was so intense. I never saw it coming. I assume that is the same feeling those sense with a religious awakening.

xrayman
(who can't figure out why my name shows up on some posts and my nickname on others)

Re: My descent into freethought - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:16:00 -0000

Hey Jackie,

Delightful little story. You failed to really mention what you now believe. You stated that you are obviously not a Christian, but are you now an atheist? I think that is really cool when husbands and wives emerge from the chains of religion together.

xrayman
(The mystery continues as to why my name showed up again this time)

Re: I came to realize that Hell doesn't exist - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:13:00 -0000

Danny please don't threaten us with "you had a chance". Can't you see what you are saying with a statement like that?

Re: NO TRUE CHRISTIANS! - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 06:37:00 -0000

Who is Matthew? A god?
You say that your god and your beliefs are real, yet you insist in useing the word (if), if you are right, if we are wrong, yet you cannot say for 100% certainty that you are right, why not? What gives you the right to come on here or anywhere else and spout your silly beliefs without 100% certainty?

Re: The End of the World - Bullshit... - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 02:05:00 -0000

Ahh, there's nothing more poetic than the condescending tripe of a self-righteous fundy!

I wonder where exactly did they heard such foolish nonsense???

Let me think....hmmm oh yea, the byebill!

Re: A letter to Jesus - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:21:00 -0000

<<< My favorite comment by the Bill O'Reilly's and others is that "Christianity is under attack." Let me see if I have this straight. Here is a religion that teaches that anyone who doesn't accept it will fry forever in hell--what am I supposed to respect about that? >>>

I once heard O-reilly - to one of his "guests" that didn't see things the same way he did- say, Sir, Faith is one of the "Gifts" from God. It sounded to me like Bill got to open all the presents.

The comment sounded so "infantile" coming out of the mouth of such a "professor". It made me laugh.

Re: Not ready to be nice - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:49:00 -0000

At least we have video footage and pictures of UFOs that show there's a possibility that there's life on other planets.>>

we do? I quit falling for those things WAY before I had problems with a 2000 year old dead guy rising from the dead so his father won't hurt human beings. But, as far as the video/pictures. Do you have anything that can be "evaluated" by the experts? Or are you getting things off the History/Discovery/Sci/Fi Channel?

Re: The celestial teapot - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 12:35:00 -0000

Here is my handle.
Here is my spout !

Re: Females, Gays, and Other Samaritans - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:33:00 -0000

But Jesus had a Penis didn't he? Wonder if it was a never used Perfect one.

Re: A father's love - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 04:55:00 -0000

Maybe God as a parent figure, is more like the woman who's two year old was found wandering beside the freeway a month or so ago. When informed by athorites her toddler was wandering near the freeway, the woman just didn't seem to give a shit.

Re: Stupid Design - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 20:57:00 -0000

Now that last topic made me laugh my ass off and it's something I've often thought about. He speaks of that area between our legs that is an entertainment area in the middle of a sewage system. What the fuck sort of intelligent designer would do that? That was a very well done quick little video clip.

Re: The Atheist's Dilemma - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 09:33:00 -0000

There have been some really good things that have come out of religion for a few. Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, Bennie Hinn, Jerry Falwell, Joel Olstein,(until recently Ted Haggard) and others in their league have become filthy rich because of it, not to mention the power to control others. I think every religous kid should strive to be like them, and then their religion would have a real good purpose, but other than that, no there is nothing good that ever came out of religion.

I am waiting for someone to come up with an infomercial on how to con the masses and become a successful T.V. or megachurch preacher.

Re: I sorta Liked the fellow, actually - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:33:00 -0000

Dagoods,
Great post as always. I really having nothing brilliant to add, but I just wanted to comment on the fact that Rev. Warren seems to be the religious flavor of the month these days cashing in and making some serious "Cha Ching." So long as he doesn't get caught with his dick where it shouldn't be, the money of the gulible will forever keep him in riches.

Re: Tabash-Friel Debate on God's Existence, 3-26-07 - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 22:03:00 -0000

I've only seen the first video so far, but the one fact that stands out is the way the Christian will say we are atheists because we don't want to answer to God. Yea right, never mind the fucking facts.

It is something once you are wearing atheist glasses and you listen to someone like Friel go at it, no matter how brilliant he may seem to some, all I see is just the spinning of total utter nonsense.

Re: Spirituality and Mind Science - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 09:54:00 -0000

I've never had the supernatural religious mental rush, but last summer I learned exactly how it felt. I had nearly front row tickets to an outdoor Beach Boys concert. Despite the fact that only the lead singer remains, the assembled group sounded exactly like the 8 track tape of the Beach Boys Endless Summer I listened to 7000 times in my youth. As they came on stage and performed their first number, the harmony was so perfect and it instantly transformed me back to the wonderful carefree days of my childhood.

Soon this uncontrolable uplifting emotional rush came over my entire being. It's like some external force took over my body. I had to do everything I could to hold back the flow of tears, and I felt like I was going to drop to the floor. At that very moment I said to myself. "This must be exactly what those who say they experience the so called holy spirit feel," and it had nothing to do with any holy spirit. It was just a pure raw inner emotional experience.

Now if I were down on my knees praying to God and felt this emotional rush, my life may have been completely different today.

Re: Evolution is full of holes - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 01:54:00 -0000

Great piece Dave, you've covered a few great points I've never thought about. If anyone is interested in a most excellent series on evolution vs. creationism go to this site.

http://www.evolutionvscreationism.info/Evolution%20vs.%20Creationism/The%20Scientists.html

It's 24 video clips of several experts from different scientific specialties discussing evolution. One thing they do make abundantly clear is the fact that in reguards to the evolution debate, there is no debate.

Re: Dr. Winell answers the Battle Cry - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:20:00 -0000

Brigid,

You lost your partner? I am so sorry. My name is Bill and I "lurk" in every now and then and always enjoy what you have to say and the way you express yourself. Oh, the pain, the pain I feel for you now.....Bill

Re: Dr. Winell answers the Battle Cry - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:03:00 -0000

Brigid,
My heart goes out to you and thank you for the lessons you teach us. This is the only life we have and we must appreciate the ones we love while they are here. You should gain strength and support through others who have suffered a similar loss and have regained their lives. People get help from other people, not invisible men in the sky.

Does anyone know what Dr. Winell's beliefs actually are? Is she an atheist or just someone like my mother who worships the all loving feel good generic God?

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/06/30/to-boldly-go-where-no/

Bill — Mon, 02 Jul 2001 12:55:41 -0000

Jeez, didn't Ivanova and the NYPD Blue Telepath have an understated fling in an episode or two of Babylon 5?

Re: Hit-or-Miss hits 1000

Bill — Wed, 13 Jun 2001 12:20:34 -0000

One other thing: I find that I do the same thing that you're saying, and then I regret it later. If I remember blogging something, it's easier to find it by doing a quick search of my site. But if I didn't blog it because everyone else did, then I'm in trouble.

Also, it makes you feel better if you know that you blogged some site that someone else mentions months later.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/05/21/when-i-moved-here-to/

Bill — Tue, 22 May 2001 15:40:00 -0000

Heh. I know that I must come off like a twelve-year-old girl in IM sessions (I get excited, OK?).

I suspect you'd get a better sense of your compatibility if you met him. I'm with Jason: it might be different if you were swamped with responses, but too much pickiness results in you never going out.

Of course, if there's other stuff in his email that you're reacting negatively to, the spelling may just be the easiest thing to focus on.

Any other matters where I can offer unsolicted advice?

Re: Centennial Banana Slugs

Bill — Tue, 01 May 2001 07:38:25 -0000

#3

"I put the Grr! in Slugger, Baby! Yeah!"

Re: The elusive Chocodile

Bill — Wed, 25 Apr 2001 11:51:23 -0000

I grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois, just a hop skip and jump away from St. Louis. I haven't had a Choco-dile in YEARS. Of course, I don't really miss them all that much.

Dolly Madison Fruit Pies are another thing altogether.

Re: In passing:

Bill — Sun, 22 Apr 2001 19:55:20 -0000

Matt, I'm sure you're just, er, too big for your buttonfly.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/04/19/i-recently-emailed-david-levy/

Bill — Fri, 20 Apr 2001 06:24:21 -0000

I've never been to any of these One Night Only concerts, but I treasure the ones that I have: Follies, Anyone Can Whistle, Elegies for Angels... :-) I'm actually excited enough about Dreamgirls to contemplate flying out to New York to see it. I've certainly never thought that about any of the Encores shows.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/04/19/i-recently-emailed-david-levy/

Bill — Thu, 19 Apr 2001 06:29:55 -0000

I agree, agree, agree. But can anyone afford to record Audra AND Heather? Maybe if they donate it to charity....

Re: Resolution.

Bill — Fri, 20 Apr 2001 06:15:36 -0000

I'll be 29 next week, and the only thing I'm dreading is everyone's assumption that I'm lying when I reveal my age. (29? Riiiight.) I agree with Max, 30 is a nice round number for getting your shit together. Jeez, what do I wanna do with my life before next April? A lot.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/04/18/wonder-womans-powers-as-the/

Bill — Thu, 19 Apr 2001 06:28:21 -0000

My favorite: "Get us out from under, Wonder Woman!" Man, that comma was crucial, wasn't it?

But what the hell does "Get us out from under" mean?

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/04/18/wonder-womans-powers-as-the/

Bill — Wed, 18 Apr 2001 19:28:40 -0000

I also twirled around. Not only if I were playing outside, or alone in my room, but even if I were out with my mom at the grocery store. But I wanted to be Wonder Woman, not Lynda. I swear!

I also ran r-e-a-l-l-y slow, thinking I had bionics.

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/04/18/wonder-womans-powers-as-the/

Bill — Wed, 18 Apr 2001 19:28:10 -0000

Just read the article. Cool. Phil Jimenez is one of my favorite comic book artists, so I was glad when he started writing and drawing WW. I've been picking it up ever since (I think there've been four issues by him, so far).

Phil is out, and *very cute*. I got a sketch from him at a comic convention a few years ago; he did Donna Troy (aka Wonder Girl). Yay!

Re: http://hitormiss.org/2001/04/18/wonder-womans-powers-as-the/

Bill — Wed, 18 Apr 2001 19:21:32 -0000

Re: Matt is a retail whore.

Bill — Mon, 16 Apr 2001 13:48:24 -0000

You're going to use the Lego Mindstorms to make a motorized webcam? Dude!

I've been watching Wonder Woman on Tivo, and all I can think of is IRA's little buddy. No, better yet, Twiggy from Buck Rodgers!

Re: Great Performances: Jesus Christ Superstar.

Bill — Fri, 13 Apr 2001 11:21:12 -0000

I blame all of this on the success of Riverdance. Once PBS realized that people will contribute if you play Riverdance several times during pledge month, they started overdoing it.

Now, I don't mind seeing ALW shows on PBS now and then. But like you, I wish it were more even. What about filming, I dunno, Parade, Violet, Floyd Collins, Marie Christine, one or both of the Wild Partys?

Why not air the Encores shows? Or little cabaret performances? Is it really that extraordinarily expensive?

Re: NBC finishes off First Years

Bill — Tue, 10 Apr 2001 05:45:35 -0000

I think they would've called it Saved By The Bell.

Re: The road to Dictionopolis

Bill — Mon, 12 Mar 2001 17:03:08 -0000

You know, when I saw this on Salon this morning, I thought of you. I was gonna blog it and everything, but then I didn't.

Re: I am a former youth pastor - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:32:00 -0000

Great post Caleb. I was a youth pastor once. I remember some of that same stuff too. Tell me what really inspired you to give up what you so obviously loved.

Re: I am a former youth pastor - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:26:00 -0000

Caleb,

No worries. I'm not a Christian either. I also de-converted. I wondered why you gave it up. It's hard to let go of something you love. When I left ministry I didn't do it because I de-converted. One of these days I will add my story to this site.

I was defensive about my de-convertion for while because I still had some doubts. I even got into an arguement with my brother over it. He can't let go of his faith, even though he doesn't go to church. He still believes in God because he swears that he cast out a demon from his ex-wife when they were still married. He gets very angry when I ask him to reconsider the evidence.

I've submitted a few articles on this site. Just look up "Bill J" in the search engine.

Re: I am a former youth pastor - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:52:00 -0000

I am a differnt Bill. I used to come up as xrayman but somehow my first name shows up.

One of my best friends who became born again tried so hard to suck me in. When I would question him on certain things I thought were bullshit he would say the number one bullshit line of all time.....

"Bill you can't let your intelecutal mind get in the way of faith."

Well my intellectual rational mind won out and after discovering this site any belief I had in a God, fell like a house of cards.

Anon Said,

"Science involves aspects of religion too"

You can't be serious. What the fuck are you trying to say? Nothing could have possibly come about without the magic wand of God I know.

xrayman

Re: I am a former youth pastor - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:37:00 -0000

This is the first Bill ( Bill J) again.

I was also a former associate pastor. I finally left the church after being disillusioned. I looked for the church to be more like I thought it was supposed to be. After awhile, I came to doubt even that type of Church. When you really look at the bible and its history, you really begin to stop taking it so literally or seriously.

Caleb, I'd be interested in chatting with you via email or phone. It's been a long and solitary road meeting people of like minds. This is the only place I have been able to articulate my thoughts and feelings. Let me know if you are interested and I will give you my email.

Bill J.

Re: I am a former youth pastor - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:36:00 -0000

I am not worried. I no longer have faith in the Bible. Years of study in college, seminary and personal experience have lead me to have little, if any faith in its credibility. I no longer believe it is inerrant or inspired. It is simply a book. There are simple truths in it but it is not the revealed Word of God. Keep reading this site if you want to challenge yourself. You can also look up some of my articles by using the search engine. Just put in Bill J.

Good Luck

Re: Why Atheist? - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:25:00 -0000

Hey Jeff,
Great read. I enjoyed your story. I never became a Christian despite my best efforts. I was an out of control alcoholic who suffered from severe adult onset depression. My subconscious mind would never allow myself to be saved. I guess I never could allow myself to be sucked into the cult. My sceptical side always won out although I did profess God(a generic one) belief and belief in heaven. I became sober(16 years) on my own after hitting complete rock bottom. It wasn't any fucking higher power that helped me, just real people in the real world. Shame had a lot to do with it also.

It really doesn't bother me that life doesn't have a grand purpose, but I am very depressed that those who come into the world totally fucked, like people with severe mental and physical hadicaps will never get there just reward in the end. When I see a child who has never walked, played, or rode a bike is the time I really wish there were more to this existence, but life is and always will be unfair.

xrayman

P.S. I lost a great friend to Christianity and he destroyed an awsome album collection that he once so much cherished. What a dumb fuck.

Re: The so called "loving and truthful" faith of Christianity - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:32:00 -0000

Thanks for your testimony. It takes courage to leave something that gave you hope.

Take Care,

Bill J

Re: Running afoul of GOD - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 19:40:00 -0000

Yea DG not all of us have given up their faith because some like me never really had it. I sort of believed in some kind of a God, but I was never a "Christian." I was always hard pressed to believe in Heaven and Hell, so when I officially became a non believer I really didn't have much fear.

Great letter and story Nick. Despite the fact that I was never very religious I for some reason prayed like an obsessive compulsive habit especially when times were tough. Filling the void that prayer left behind was hard at first. My wife had a little health scare and it was the first time something like that has come up since I stopped praying. It was wierd because with prayer it's as if you have some sort of control. Anyway it's been well over a year now and I function quite well without praying now.

xrayman

Re: I realized I was an atheist - Testimonies of Ex-Christians

Bill — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:06:00 -0000

"And then, one morning I woke up, and realized that I didn't believe it, any of it. I realized I'd NEVER believed any of it.

The relief I felt upon this realization was immense. It was like shrugging off years and years of repression and guilt. I felt lighter. I felt free. Most of all, I felt happy."

Your story is in a sense my story. God damn I tried so hard to find God and become a Christian, but it just never took. I guess deep down inside I have always been an atheist. I remember the moment when I was in our breakroom at work on my lunch hour. I was alone on my laptop checking out atheist sites. When I read my first good article refuting religion I said to myself, "It's really is all bullshit !!!!!" It was a magical moment. I've been free for about a year and a half now.

xrayman

Re: What caused the shooting? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:13:00 -0000

HOW THE FUCK DOES BEING AN ATHEIST CHEAPEN LIFE !!!!!!!!!! WHERE DO THESE GOD DAMNED ASSHOLS OBTAIN THEIR LOGIC?

As I have said a few times before, Paul is not for real. He is a very clever atheist who knows how to get people going and he does a fine job of it.

Re: Dinesh D'Souza, Atheism, Virginia Tech - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:29:00 -0000

Last December a dear coworker lost her husband very suddenly. He died three weeks after a cancer diagnosis. She was a simple woman who was so much in love with her husband.

As an atheist I had absolutely nothing to offer as I sat with her at the funeral home and just listened. I didn't say her husband was in a better place, nor did I say his death was part of God's plan. I just listened to her pour out her heart and try to clense herself of the poisonious grief within. I suggested to my dear friend that she seek a berevement group to meet others who have gone through a similar loss and learn how they managed to live again. While so many people are at a loss for words at a funeral home visit, I know it's best just to be there and just listen, but other than that as an atheist I had absolutely nothing to offer.

xrayman

For some reason instead of my alter ego xrayman, my posts have come up as my name.

Re: A 'Bless You' and a Curse - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 14:57:00 -0000

I never say anything to strangers when they sneeze, but when someone dear to me sneezes, I usually say, "Well that was a nice one." I do often use religious overtones such as "God Bless" all the time just to be a smartass to some of my friends.

I must say I can't stop saying "Thank God" in certain situations. It's an expression that's permanantly fixed in my brain I just can't seem to ditch.

Re: Dawkins -- O'Reilly interview - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:47:00 -0000

Hey tmarcink,
Hell, O'Reilly wasn't that bad on Mr. Dawkins. I think he let him make his points. I guess what the real problem was time constraint since it was such a short interview. As a guy who's pretty much a flaming liberal, I do like O'Reilly because he is not afraid to cross party lines once(he thinks it's absurd that Exxon is making record profits which is very non Republcan) in a while on certain issues(as can I), where as someone like Sean Hannity would never dream of disagreeing with our president and has his lips firmly planted on his ass.

I loved it when O'reilly stated that Hitler and Stalin were atheists, and Dawkins fired back with the fact that both men had mustaches too but that doesn't mean all men with mustaches are bad.

Wow were are up to 12% of non believers in this country. Kick Ass.

To sum it up Mr. O'Reilly had some much weaker arguments that I am used to seeing the Christians post around here.

xrayman

Re: Dawkins -- O'Reilly interview - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:50:00 -0000

It's funny how O'Reilly used the Stalin, Hitler strawman argument and then went on to say to Mr. Dawkins. "Now I am sure you are going to mention the crusades." As if that wouldn't have been fucking fair or pertinent to the argument.

Why didn't Dawkins throw the old "Where did God come from?" question his way? I love listening to Christians answer that one.

xrayman

Re: The tragedy and a question - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:18:00 -0000

James Earl said,

"That flies in the face of an all-powerful deity that seemingly does nothing to prevent evil acts. But he is able to help his victims get over what he fails to prevent. Odd way of thinking, in my opinion, but apparently, that's how faith works."

Wow J.E. what an excellent point I have never seen laid out in such a way.

Last night I was watching a show on Discovery Health that sums up that point to a tee. A lady had given birth to premature twins both born with severe handicaps requiring many grueling painful surgeries just to be able to walk with braces and crutches. She went on to thank God for the doctors and and all the strides her kids have made, and allowing her to cope.

Despite all her thanks to God these kids are going to struggle their entire lives. Why didn't that all powerful son of a gun just make her kids normal and healthy in the first place instead of subjecting them to a lifetime of cerebral palsy?

It's just so absurd how these folks can twist such a shitty situation into a God is so wonderful senerio.

xrayman

Re: Evolution for ID-iots - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:25:00 -0000

Hey Nvrgoingbk,
I must refute one thing you said, "Kent Hovind is a moron." No T.R. Kent Hovind is actually quite brilliant and a very skilled debator. He's a lying sack of shit, not a moron. I have heard him in many debates and he is the best in the business at peddling the bullshit of creation science. Now the shit that he preaches is moronic for sure, but that dude is good at what he does and I could see how he could convince masses of children and really dumb adults of his agenda and that is scary. But I guess anyone who says dinasaurs walked with humans is rather moronic now that you mention it. I guess when one lies so much he forgets what is really the truth. He's the George Castanza of science.

xrayman

Re: On Being Sane in Insane Places - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 03 May 2007 21:38:00 -0000

Hey NGB,
Just a quick comment from your biggest fan. Last Sunday I went to my first Mid Michigan Atheist Meeting and is was so was great. Why? Because for the first time in my life I was in a room filled with 25 people who were all uninfected by the mind viris of Christianity. It was so refreshing to grab the mike and tell my story and see every head in the place nodding in agreement. It was 25 sane people in an insane world.

What you say is so true. If someone claims to hear any voice besides God/Jesus they are deemed insane but at any given time you can claim to chit chat with God, and you're completely normal. How fucking insane is that. I just reconnected with an old friend who is born again, and she has told me on several occasions of what God has told her to do in matters of her relationship among other things.

Great Post as Always !!!!!!!!!!

xrayman

Re: On Being Sane in Insane Places - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 04 May 2007 07:30:00 -0000

Well I think "That Whole Fucking Show" stopped by as an actual represenative of the insane. Pehaps it should try posting prior to sniffing the glue. Actually the purpose of my life is to fuck as often as I can, and I fulfilled my obligation last night. Thank you very much.

I just can't quite figure out what angle this asshole is coming from, but I have a feeling we will not hear from it again.

Re: On Being Sane in Insane Places - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 04 May 2007 16:43:00 -0000

Wow TWFS you got us hook line and sinker. Thanks for coming clean with the practical joke because it was a good one : ).

Joe,
You last post was really good. It is so true that saying you are Christian just gives the general public the impression you are a good person, where as your average Joe could never use the term good atheist.

xrayman

Re: Somebody please help me! - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 24 May 2007 09:56:00 -0000

Hi Mike Brown,
I've been a very interested audience member spending most of my prework morning reading this entire thread. Until last year I have spent my life in sort of a "Religious Limbo." I am sort of a wishy washy ex kind of believer. As hard as I tried, I could never fully accecpt religion in any way shape or form, and God Damn I tried. I was a really awful feeling being caught between two words(belief and non belief).

I came to this site out of curiosity last March and through reading the many testimonials I was totally cleansed of God belief in what seemed like an instant. Where religion never made a bit of sense to me, seeing the world through science and not being afraid to say, "I don't know." really made perfect sense.

I can't hold a candle to some of the intellectual minds who have posted here. My two year degree in xray technology didn't prepare me I guess, but I will say thank you for sticking around and firing up the great Ex Christian minds. Without you and the other barn storming Christians this place would be very boring.

xrayman

Re: WHY AREN'T CHRISTIANS EMBARRASSED BY BIBLE GOD? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 30 May 2007 09:29:00 -0000

Dano,
Wow that was a great read. It was brief but said so much. There is no way any of us can rule out the possibility a force far greater than ourselves being responsible for all that is, but to say that force is the Bible God is total nonsense. The Bible God reeks of a humanlike creature with human characteristics created by humans.

I personally don't believe in an afterlife, but if there is, it will be a natural process just like birth free of jundgement by a being who will send us to a firey pit for not bowing down to him.

xrayman

Re: Introduction to the Richard Dawkins Foundation - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:36:00 -0000

Hey Troy,

I respect your opinion on Mr. Dawkins but I do believe he is the "A NUMBER ONE" spokesperson for our team. I think most of us tend to ignore his flaws and respect the fact that the man has huge nuts and sometimes I think he risks his life for the cause of reason. There are thousands of outspoken assholes for religion, yet we have so very few. How else are we ever going to be heard Troy?

Now I could understand if he took a Michael Moore approach. I love Michael Moore but I do think he alienates a lot of people with his over the top tactics, where as I really do think Richard Dawkins is always respectful, and I do think the indoctrination of Children in fundementalist cults is child abuse. Some religious sects advocate knocking the shit out of children. Ironically the peaceful Amish folk are big fans of hitting children. I think it's child abuse to raise a child in that backward ass cult. Imagine growing up in modern America and having to shit outside in the winter. Need I say more? Sam Harris touches on the subject of the Amish in his book and how he does consider raising a child without choice in that enviorment to be abuse.

xrayman

Re: Jesus Did Exist - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:23:00 -0000

Hey Huey H.

Not all of us here are exChristians. As hard as I've tried and prayed in my life, my mind would never fully buy into the concept of an invisible man in the sky that sees all, hears all, and knows all. I professed some sort of generic tepid God belief most of my life, but was never a Christian. I always saw organized religions for what they were, man made institutions to control the masses. I have never read more than a few sentences of the Bible, yet I learn so much about it here. How ironic. Coming to this site reinforces what my subconscious always knew. Deep down inside I have always really been an atheist. I was born a skeptic, and it didn't hurt that I had kind and loving parents who let me think for myself.

With the wisdom you seem to pocess, you certainly do belong here. Great post.

xrayman

Re: Equating atheism with morality - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:57:00 -0000

David Mills author of "Atheist Universe" has a very short moral code that works in every situation.

CAUSE NO HARM AND HAVE EMPATHY FOR OTHERS.

Personally one of the main reasons I do the right thing is because I want to be liked by others. What a strange concept I know.

I have a wonderful marriage and I don't fuck around on my wife because(get this) I wouldn't want her fucking around on me.

And I have never had the urge to rape anyone after I abandoned my God belief. Call my crazy if you will, but I've always really liked a mutual consenting exchage during sex.

I actually had a Christian(whom I exchanged emails) tell me that without God and the Bible, rape is just something a woman doesn't like. Imagine that.

Re: Questions Your Pastor Will Hate - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:22:00 -0000

I have a rule of thumb when I acertain I will be reading a Christian post, especially a rather lengnthy one. I do I real quick visual scan and if I see many Bible verses quouted within, I move on. I have no interest as to what the porcshe guy said, and I will leave it at that.

xrayman

Re: Questions Your Pastor Will Hate - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:18:00 -0000

Well I am glad to hear it Thack, I guess great minds think alike. I have had a very longterm email relationship with a devout Bible literalist. It's very interesting getting into the mind of such a person. One thing I always say to him is........"No Bible quotes please." He can't resist sometimes but he does a pretty fair job for the most part.

xrayman

Re: How to Make the "Neo-Atheist Cabal" Move On - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 01:08:00 -0000

Just when you think you've read every great angle dealing with religion, someone comes up with something like this.

INFUCKINGCREDIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with the Danster. These words should be chiseled on stone tablets and force fed to the minds of all God's children.

xrayman

Re: I'm an agnostic because I'm lazy - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:49:00 -0000

I believe all of us here would be technically defined as "agnostic deists," but I call myself an atheist. We all know that if there is a God he doesn't give a fuck about us or what we do in our bedrooms. The botton line is the fact that all of us on this planet will most certainly go to our graves(even if we live to be 120) not knowing the truth of how it all began.

God damn it pisses me off when a slef rightious Christian will say he absolutely knows the truth. At least none of us are afraid to utter the phrase, "I DON'T KNOW."

Dano you should write a book. Your writings are always so simply briliant and thought provoking.

xrayman

Re: I'm an agnostic because I'm lazy - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:56:00 -0000

Jimmy, Personally I come here to have atheism shoved down my throat.
Come on guys keep shoving.

"Its great to see this on a website that has had atheist leanings"

A site that has had atheist leanings? That is one fucking funny statement. Yes this site founded by and operated by an athesit does tend to lean that way now and then since most of us here are ATHEISTS !!!!!!!!

xrayman

Re: An Evolution-Related Challenge - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:24:00 -0000

Hey Spirula. Xray radiation is either on or off and it's usually for less than a second. There is no lingering radiation or decay so I don't know a whole lot about half lifes other than the concept. I like what you said about the fact that if half lifes were unpredicable then there would be a whole lot of trouble in the Nuc Power Plants.

I once had a YEC tell me that the reason the earth appears to be 5 billions years old is because of the wages of sin. It has aged the earth like a lifetime of drugs or alcohol will age a body. He thinks the earth is 6000 years old, but it just looks 5 billion. I found that to be a very cute theory : )

xrayman

Re: An Evolution-Related Challenge - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:12:00 -0000

Hey Spirula,
I do take xrays for a living at a large hospital part of the reason I am an atheist is from the many things I have seen over the years at my job. When you see a child slowly die of cancer and loose their childhood and then their life, you realize their ain't no God.

xrayman

Xrays are generated by an electric current. There is no radioactive element that generates the rays. In radiation therapy it's a totally different story where they do use an radioactive isotope.

Re: Why I Believe Anti-Evangelism Is Wrong - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:21:00 -0000

I think in life we must pick our battles wisely. For instance I know I very sweet Christian woman who lost a son at 15. She holds so dear to hear beliefs in hopes of seeing him again. I keep my lips zipped with someone like that, but with the self rightous popus holier than thou assholes I will hit them with both barrells.

I am the sort of fellow who does wear my mind on my sleeve. I work at a hospital and when I see something very tragic before my eyes like a child dying of cancer, I may look up at a group of my coworkers and say, "You see people it is for this very reason I believe there is no God." I love to hear the various responses that ensue.

As someone mentioned we do need to inform the confused or undecided as I once was. I was in a land of religious confusion my entire life. I never really found God despite my best efforts which made me feel very uncomfortable. Thankfully sites like these exist and people convinced me beyond a reasonable doubt that religion is bullshit and there is no God. If no one was there to share their information and knowledge, I would have been in religious limbo until the day I died.

To say we must remain silent is like gays to just shut up and get back in the closet.

I think a lot of us who visit this site hold our discussions as a wonderful hobby of sort. I am facinated by the fact that at 43 last year I was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt there is no God. I guess I am rather obsessed with and love having discussions with those who agree with me and those who don't. I have a wonderful email relationship with a Bible literalist.

Yes I do find the whole article very ironic to say the least and agree with very little of it. We must be heard God Damn it !!!!!! But obviously we must use common fucking sense when and where we spread our message.

xrayman

Re: Supernatural or Explainable? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:11:00 -0000

Thanks for the book suggestion. I will read it. Thanks for the comments too. I've thought many of the same things regarding why God would heal one person and not the other. I've seen people claim healing and a week or month later they are ill again. Christianity is not consistant nor is it verifiable. There is always some excuse as to why a healing or prayer didn't work. We do what we believe and we believe what we do. That can make for a terrible mess if our theory of life, relationship and God is wrong. I've seen people hurt or mislead by pastors and Christian counselors.

Re: Supernatural or Explainable? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:01:00 -0000

Just to make myself clear on the issue of possession, I no longer believe that demons inhabited my client. After working with this client and a few others like her, I realized that someting didn't add up with my Christian worldview. I felt decieved and tried to bring this up with other Christian leaders and ministers in my church. They just sort of looked at me and didn't have much to say. It amazed me at the time, because I couldn't beleive they didn't want to explore my concerns. They seemed to be sold on the fact that they had helped this woman, and others, be delivered from a demon and that was that.

I've come to understand that some people only look for the truth as long as it fits within their belief system. It's hard for people to put aside their desire to be righ and just look at the facts without some need to conform them to their paradigm, worldview, perception, etc. When I was a strong beleiver I used to think I was objective and open to truth. I've since realized there are many levels of self deception. The older I get the more I discover about myself and life. I get it when people say, "The older I get the less I know".

Re: Supernatural or Explainable? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:19:00 -0000

Judas,

What are you trying to accomplish with your statement?

For anyone that might be curious, I have an undergraduate degree in counseling and psychology and a graduate degree in counseling.

Re: Supernatural or Explainable? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:39:00 -0000

Ryan & Lorena,

Thanks for the comments. Lorena, I don't beleive I have any special gift. I just had some unique experiences and wondered if anyone else experienced similar stuff. The dreams I had came to me when I was away on military duty and had a lot of time on my hands. All I had to keep me entertained was a pocket new testament. I must of been reading it every day for a week when I had those two dreams. Maybe there is a connection. I can think up a few, but either way the experience was very different than a regular old dream. I'm glad I had some of these experiences. They keep me from closing my mind to other possibilities.

Re: Supernatural or Explainable? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:46:00 -0000

Alanh,

I have thought about tracking Sandy down, but as you said, there is really no way to determine who or what healed her (if she really is). Regarding the dreams, I didn't know anything about my relative's dealings with another woman. It was a surprise when he told me.

My family has a history of such things (dreams, vision) happening. It goes back at least a couple of generations. I am not a spiritualist nor do I seek any form of spiritual power, energy power and anything like it. I find much more comfort in just dealing with the rational. The crazy thinking created by Christianity was enough for me. Thanks for the post.

Re: Supernatural or Explainable? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:56:00 -0000

To Anonymous,

First I'd like to say I'm sorry that I was one of those people who used to believ in demon possession.

I was able to back track, while working with my clients, when I was still a part of the church. I eventually worked with them to deal with the here and now. I put all of the other stuff aside and just helped them learn to manage their emotions and dissociative states.

It sickens me to see religious people shove others into pigeon holes and dismiss them as being demonized, or full of sin, or whatever else they think they are.

Re: THE LORD'S PRAYER LAID BARE - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:35:00 -0000

I am a recovering drunk who has sat through hundreds of AA meetings. Despite the fact that they claim this is a "non religious" organization, it's meetings are filled with a whole lot of religion, and for those who don't know, each and every AA meeting ends in the Lards Prayer. I for the life of me never knew what the hell the message of that damn verse was supposed to be and I never gave it much thought. I just recited it like a robot as everyone else did. Thanks so much for the enlightenment of the bullshit of it all Bill.

xrayman

Re: Christian Crazy Thinking - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:44:00 -0000

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It's still amazing to me that I used to think like that. I'm glad I'm out of it.

Re: Conversation between an atheist and a theist - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:15:00 -0000

Great little article. I will save it for the achives. One thing that you failed to mention is the fact that non belief is not a choice. That is why Pascals Wager really is bullshit. We can't simply fake what we feel to be bullshit. It would be like faking love for someone you don't.

I am sometimes jealous of the comfort the believer finds in his God, but I(as a non drinker) am also sometimes jealous of someone who is happily drunk off their ass who escapes the sometimes harshness of reality.

I guess atheists simply take life straight with no chaser.

xrayman

Re: Atheist finds god! (But it's not what you think) - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 10:07:00 -0000

Bob P said,

"1: Yes, there is one God, but it's been misrepresented, They should have said it's ONE God per person, not just one god for everybody."

I think this is really a great point and I have often thought this to myself. I think every Christian has their own personal Jesus so to speak.

I think it's really arrogant for an individual Christian to site this personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As if he could make personal time for each individual Christian. I mean can you imagine how busy that son of a gun must be with maintaining the universe and all? And to think he could sit down daily with each individual believer is just so absurd. The only way this could happen would be if everyone had their own personal little Jesus, which they do, all in their own minds.

xrayman

Re: If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 10:26:00 -0000

"so steeped in debt they would never see daylight, praying for a financial miracle while faithfully dropping their tithe in the offering plate as a "seed" for God to work with"

Great article. One of the greatest and successful cons of Christianity is the line I heard in the many Jerry Falwell sound bites after his death.

"The best time to tithe is when you are at your at your worst financially."

Then they panned to that fat fuck hopping on a private Gulfstream jet.

Even when I believed, and my finances were in good shape I would tithe around .5% tops. If I was having trouble paying the bills I would tithe O%. How the fuck can people be such idiots?

xrayman

Re: If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:06:00 -0000

Good article. I can relate. I always wondered why people continued to give when people like Falwell lived in mansions, flew in private jets and drove expensive cars. What's up with that? I thought the apostles demonstrated that Christians should live to serve God not themselves. Please, how does living like a rich SOB show that one is serving God. Even Billy Graham and his son made/make more a year then I will ever make as a public servant. The name it and claim it stuff is even worse. What a load of junk. I remember seeing this preacher on TV from LA talking about how the apostles were rich from their businesses. That was why they were able to serve God and not have to work. While he was preaching, he talked about his $800.00 hand made shoes.

Re: Christians don't really think for themselves, despite what they say - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:58:00 -0000

Computer/Anonymous

You can read my other articles by using the sites search engine and look up Bill J.

Re: Christians don't really think for themselves, despite what they say - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:00:00 -0000

Bill said...
Thanks for the feedback. I too was once fanatical about my beliefs. I can relate to the thinking of our un-invited Christian guest. It is very hard to break out of the brainwashing that happens when you follow the Bible to it's logical conclusions. At first we tell ourselves there is something wrong with us, then we tell ourselves that God is testing us or purging us or on and on and on.

Usually we burn out or realize that it doesn't work. Then we starting looking for the truth.

I like to quote Leonard Pitts. "Forget what you want to believe. Seek the truth and have the courage to believe that."

Re: Christians don't really think for themselves, despite what they say - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:12:00 -0000

"They usually believe that they, the true Christians, have it right. Feeling right about their belief unfortunately gives way to feeding the ego. If you believe that you have the real truth, what does that do to you?"

To my Christian friend,

I encourage you to re-read my post and think about this paragraph again. Every motive comes from some kind of belief. Not every belief has an honest
motive. Try looking at why you believe you are one of the few REAL Christians.

Take some time to dwell on it. Don't use the Bible, or pray to figure it out. Just think about whom you are and why you do what you do without putting God into it.

Good luck,

Bill J

Re: Christians don't really think for themselves, despite what they say - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:38:00 -0000

Thanks for the feedback Michelle and have fun learning how to live with reason.

Computer,

I didn't come from a life of drugs and so forth and I don't do drugs now. I really don't expect you to understand my encouragement to you. Time will tell.

There seems to be a barrier against reason that religious people have to cross by themselves before they can start reasoning on their own. I wish you luck and hope you find your own path one day.

Bill J

Re: Christians don't really think for themselves, despite what they say - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:33:00 -0000

Thanks for all the feedback.

Re: Why does God hate me? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:35:00 -0000

Hi Ahteist Nurse,

I am an atheist xray tech. I work in a large very busy hospital. I think I provide my patients with as much compassion as humanly possible. The most important thing I have learned over the years is just to listen. So many heath care professionals will tune out the concerns of the dying patient and put it in professional get the job done mode. I have listened to the fears of many dying patients. Athough I don't spend as much time with any given patient as a nurse, I do see the same very ill people day in and day out and get to know many of them. The fact that I don't believe in an invisible man in the sky plays no role in my patient care.

If someone gives me the "Why Me?" line, I hit them with the absolute truth. I say, "Life is not fair and it never will be and it doesn't matter who you are."

Ironically I have more patients who leave me with a "May God Bless You," than I can count. I politely offer my most sincre thank you.

xrayman

Re: Why does God hate me? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:56:00 -0000

To Norton,

I really don't believe you are for real. Something tells me you are being a wiseguy. But I do want to make a point and say one of the most devout Christian doctors in my department can be the most unconpassionate asshole in the world.

xrayman

Re: Stop looking at imperfect people; look at 'GOD' instead - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:49:00 -0000

Train'd 'n Ordain'd

I also have a masters degree from an accredited Evangelical Seminary. I am ordained and licensed but no longer practicing. All I can tell you is that it takes time and courage to forget what you want to believe and really seek rational truth. You have a long way to go. The harder you cling to your beliefs the more difficult it will become to fulfill them. Your trust in your education is obvious as is your pride. Your anger at not triumphantly winning your arguments is obvious. The truth is easy to see if you are willing. If the Holy Spirit is real, than the evidence would point toward it. Christianity will never achieve agreement or unity on even the most basic of beliefs such as salvation. Never mind all the other theologies and doctrines used to explain the compilation of writings call the bible. What religion usually boils down to for most people is the need to feel loved, secure, have purpose and direction in life. These beliefs also touch on the desire to feel that life will continue on.

To computer,

I am worried about you. You still don't seem to be able to look beyond your religious thinking. Your comments are less and less impacting and more and more desperate. You seem to have little experience to draw from other than the stories you've learned. It is unfortunate that you are working so hard to keep your beliefs going. One day when you start to think beyond your box you will look back and realize how driven you were to fulfill someone else’s fantasy.

I wish you well and hope that neither of you will become fanatics justifying irrational actions to show your love for people or God.

Bill J.

Re: Cherished Beliefs - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:16:00 -0000

Anonymous wrote:

"Actually, I think most atheists derive great comfort from thinking that they will never have to answer to any final judge."

Actually I'd suspect that you are projecting your own thinking into an agnostic or atheists thinking trying to rationalize your superior beliefs.

Just a thought.

Bill J.

Re: Cherished Beliefs - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:23:00 -0000

I just re-read my post and noticed some of the spelling errors. Forgive me, I hate it when I do that. I have never been great at editing my own stuff. :)

Bill J.

Re: NO ARGUMENTS FOR GOD'S EXISTENCE - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:47:00 -0000

I have had a very friendly almost year long email relationship with a pastor who is a young earth creationist as well as Bible literalist.

It's so hard not to just say "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND !!!!!" but I remain civil and let this guy speak and reveal the total nonsense. The more he reveals, the more I realize the Bible could not hold an ounce of truth.

The way he can justify an uncoditional loving God sending people to Hell for instance, or the reason a baby is allowed to die of a brain tumor is because Eve ate a God Damn apple.

It has been an interesting lesson in how the brain washed will carry on the brain washing. Kids and really dumb people in his church will buy into this crap hook line and sinker and I think it is so sad.

Hey Wilson if you want to prove a loving God can not exist, spend a day with me at my job at the big city hospital. We will visit the children's cancer ward where so many prayers go unanswered, and witness the many tragedies that unfold any given day at a level one trauma center.

I will always leave open the possibilty of a God existing, but there is no way in hell it's the Bible God, or that he has anything to do with the day to day operations of this planet. If a God exists she created us and moved along to the next stop never to return.

xrayman

Re: Why Can't I Own a Canadian? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:41:00 -0000

Dr. Laura is the biggest cunt that ever lived. Boy oh Boy I love the connections we have on this message board to get the link to that site. I remember seeing those in Larry Flints publication many years ago. Wow would you check out that big 1970's bush was she was sproting. Thank God we are living in the trimmed beaver age. Damn I bet that thing stunk.

Re: An atheist talks to God - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:51:00 -0000

I was never very religious, yet I prayed daily like an obsessive compulsive habit. I have been an atheist for about a year and a half now and every once in a while I will still, without thinking, say a quick prayer or I will say a prayer of thanks when something really great happens, but I will quickly laugh at myself and shake my head. As time goes by it becomes much easier to phase all that nonsense out of my life but for some reason I can never loose the expression, “Thank God.” I guess with that statement I use God as an all purpose metaphorical term.

xrayman

Re: Hello angry Christians! - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:28:00 -0000

Hey Clytemnestra,

You are relatively new to this site correct? I love your style. You made my night by reading your last post. I am very fascinated by someone who has never bought into the bullshit of God belief. I was scared into faking belief for most of my 44 years, yet deep down I knew that religion was all the product of man’s imagination. I would love to know more about your life and how you wound up never believing. I work with a guy like that. Religion is just a non issue to him, like the Loc Ness Monster would be to me. Did you ever post a testimonial? If so I would love to read it. I would love to learn more about the Natural Atheist that you are. Are you American?

Xrayman

Re: Hello angry Christians! - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:21:00 -0000

Clytemnestra,

Thanks so much for the info on your life. I am very facinated by someone actually raised by atheist parents. I have two kids and my wife is a tepid Christian at best. chances are my kids will side with reason. I would love to write you sometime. If you feel like it send me an email or post your address.

xrayman@chartermi.net

Actually I am an xray tech. A radiologist is a physician who reads the xrays I take.

Re: The Violent Heritage of Christianty - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:44:00 -0000

I have a question for the Christians. If a Christian becomes brain damaged and forgets that they ever were a Christian, and never claims Christ again before they die, will they go to heaven?

Re: Reason: the best counselor - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:37:00 -0000

Forgiveness is mostly a spiritual belief. One should not forgive someone who has not changed or asked for forgiveness. The real issue for the bitter or hurt person is the belief system they are operating under. Usually thinking errors and a lack of personal confidence (fear) prolong a persons inner agony. Once you see the situation for what it is, and no longer doubt yourself you can move on. Some things are just plain wrong and there is no reason to forgive. On the other hand, if one is stuck and can not move on, it does not mean forgiveness is the cure. I new and meaningful perspective is the real cure.

Re: Eugenie Scott vs. Stephen Meyer on intelligent design - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:26:00 -0000

Yea that discussion was a hoot. For once we didn't have someone like Bill O'Reilly or Sean Hannidy bullying the atheist. That CNBC guy clearly called this jackass out on his bullshit. I really want to know where those peer reviewed articles on creation science are laying around. Perhaps in this fellow's imagination.

I love Eugenie Scott. I have been watching a lot of her stuff lately. She is the female Richard Dawkins of America. She really doesn't look the part at all. She looks more like a Sunday School teacher than a scientist, but she knows her shit. She rocks

xrayman

Re: Fragmented Apologetic - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:52:00 -0000

Great piece JC. Very informative. As I am typing this I am watching a great show about the history of the earth on the History Channel. It told of the first discovery of a rock formation off Scotland(I can't remember if it was the 1700's or 1800's) that made a scientist realize that the age of the earth according to Genesis was bullshit. I would love to be watching this show with a YEC.

xrayman

Re: Fragmented Apologetic - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:44:00 -0000

Hey Mr Can't Spell Christ without Shit. You made some excellent points. I once asked a devout xtain why I couldn't find God after trying to hard and I really did try hard. She stated that Satan had me in his grips.

You are so correct when you are saying that obviously the communication skills of Satan far outweigh that of Yawah.

It was always in my understanding that Satan doesn't stand a chance against God. I guess we can see that to be misguided information. Satan makes his presence known loud and clear where as God seems to be napping most of the time.

xrayman

Re: If you were “God”, would “Religion” be Simple? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:37:00 -0000

To sum it up the most complicated issues of the God/Jesus religion are unconditional love and Hell coexisting as well as free will and God's will coexisting.

These two concepts alone made me realzie the Christian religion was bullshit.

If I were God for a day I would show myself and fuck up all the assholes who preached inntorrence in my name. I would make the racists and homophopes have all have a gay sex orgy for a week, and all the kind and decent torrerant folks would be treated to a never ending Hawiian vacation with an unlimited sex drive and sexual partners. How's that?

xrayman

Re: LIFE? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:37:00 -0000

I am saddened by your son's death. I was a Christian once, now I am an atheist. I just no longer believe in any supernatural beings.

Life is tragic, of that I am sure. I find no comfort in any kind of meaning. I live and I will die. I try to make the best of it by surrounding myself with people I love and love me in return.

When people die, like your son, I will take the only comfort that I can in such a situation. I will remember all the times I loved them and gave of myself to make them feel good about themselves. I will remember how I was thoughtful and caring with each day of their life. I will remember how I apologized when I hurt them and I will remember how I made it up to them.

I can not image the emotions you and your wife must be feeling. I can't imagine the sight of seeing my son cough up blood. I can't imagine the helplessness you must have felt. I wish there was something I could do.

Love

Bill

Re: Thinking of the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:32:00 -0000

As I said in my article ~Clear, each persons idea of happiness is individualistic. Some people view the Christian life in the "name it and claim it" tradition. Others see it as a difficult journey on a narrow road to heaven sort of thing.

Either way, it boils down to some like it hard and some like it soft. Which interpretation/persuasion are you?

Re: Thinking of the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:08:00 -0000

The problem with arguing about the Bible is that everyone interprets or explains the passages in such a way as to justify anything god supposedly said. I mean, god supposedly told Joshua to kill men, women and children and all the animals. End of story, because that's crazy talk right? No, the Christian argues that god is just, good, righteous and we just don't understand god.

The other reason that arguing about Bible verses is a waste of time is that when one studies it's origins and understand the process that took place over thousands of years to get what we have today, one comes to the understanding of how biased, homophobic, mixed up, contradictory and unbelievable it is. To wipe all that away with,
"you just don't understand god's ways" is sad!

Let's just leave the Bible out of the picture and argue on reason and logic. No, that doesn't work either, because the Christian will again say, god is above logic and reason and we are finite. How can we ever understand god.

I know because I used to do this stuff too. Hey Jen, most of us are ex-Christians and used to give the same arguments and then some to people too.

Maybe you should be asking the questions as to what made us leave Christianity and disavow Christ and all that mumbo jumbo. Unfortunately you dropped into the site and started into the arguments with, what appears to me as, a mixture of arrogance and pride. You sound like you are trying to give us credit for our thoughts, but a form of elitism comes through your writing. Meaning, we just don't understand, but you have a better grasp then we do.

Again, remember that many of us have spent years in the faith. I myself was trained in seminary and have two degrees from Christian colleges.

Think about that for a moment. How does a person like me leave the faith? Do you supposed that I don't know your arguments?

On another note, the world is not divided into evil people and righteous people. Good and evil are religious terms. People do bad things because of mental problems, emotional problems, organic problems and so forth. The don't do it because they are evil.

There are people who do bad things and should be imprisoned or removed from life. The good bad things is a religious dilemma used by ancient people to describe why people do bad things. There is a supposed war with god's former servants (demons), and god. We are supposedly caught in the middle. That is so silly, but people swear by it. The pope even has an arm of the church with priests trained to cast out demons. OMG

Anyway, I wish you would take a more humble approach to debating your former brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe ask more questions rather than spout off stuff that, probably all of us have used, learned, said, regretted saying (in the past) and so on.

Bye for now.

Re: Thinking of the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:40:00 -0000

I thought I might add.....

Every criminal act done was done so for emotional reasons. No one acts rational and logical and then goes out and commits a crime.

Religion is very similar. No one goes out and follows god for reasonable and logical reasons because the foundation of religion isn't based on accurate evidence, reason or logic. People don't convert because of the supposed evidence. They convert for emotional reasons. If I remember my Christian stats correctly (when I was a Christian) most people convert in their childhood or youth when the brain is most susceptible to fantastical thinking. That was why we always targeted young people. They were more impressionable.

Why do ex-Christians practice morals and ethics if they don't do so out of fear of hell? Because it is reasonable and logical to do so. It's not about good verses evil, or punishment from god if we don't obey her/him.

How many religious people are in jail or prison at any given moment vs. non-believers? Statistically, there are far more religious people in jail then atheists. I work with corrections clients, and I can tell you that most every offender I speak with has some sort of religious belief. Many of them are Christian beliefs.

That should tell us something, but most Christians will argue this fact away with something like,
"people take time to grow in Christ, we are all under grace". It almost feels hopeless arguing with Christians; however it's not always hopeless. It's usually a matter of timing and persistence. Eventually you reach some Christians and they start to think about it.

Re: Thinking of the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:24:00 -0000

Hi Wendygirl,

Thanks for asking why I left the faith. That is a story too involved to share in entirety here. I can tell you that I simply started to realize that what the Bible says, should be, just wasn't happening.

No one is doing greater things then the alleged miracles of Christ. The Bible is very clear on this. Everyone who has faith will do greater things then he did. Prayers are just not answered. Sure some things happen that we are praying about, but they happen at the same rate when we don't pray.

I've never seen anyone's missing eye regrow, walk on water, raise the dead, regrow a missing arm or leg. Change a retarded person to a normal intellect and so on.

I started to see the light when my Christian wife failed to change and mature after years of Bible college, Christian counseling, prayer, etc. I later came to realize that she most likely has a personality disorder. That was why a healthy balanced marriage was impossible with her.

I began to wonder how I could have missed this when we prayed together, worshiped together, went to Bible college together and so on.

I beat my head against a wall for ten years trying to have a normal marriage all the while watching her accuse her father of molesting her when she was a child (which was completely false), I had to listen to her tell me how she had been abducted by a satanic cult when she was young, how she had multiple personalities and how she had been physically rescued by Jesus when she was a child.

What I believed and what was happening in my life just didn't add up. I started to re-evaluate my life, values and beliefs. I began to look outside the Christian box and use reason to question my assumptions of faith. Let me tell you, it took a number of years and a lot of emotional struggle to let go. The fear of being punished by god was hard to shake (I had a good concept of grace, but it really boils down to fear of punishment when you start to think that you might actually no longer believe in Christianity, and the...but what if I am wrong and god sends me to hell...thinking kicks in), but the constant agony of my life allowed me to really question my beliefs no matter what the cost.

Eventually, I let go and I'm so glad I did. I live a much more authentic life then I ever did as a Christian. I no longer struggle with false guilt or shame because I no longer use the Bible as a measure in life. I use common sense, reason and my relationships to evaluate life. I still have guilt or shame, but only if I do something I truly know to be hurtful toward another. I don't feel guilt for not reading my Bible, not praying more, not witnessing to other, thinking impure thoughts, not tithing, not pleasing god and so on.

I don't judge people based on their sexual orientation because the Bible says homosexuality is immoral. I judge people based on the law, reason, and common sense. I don't use an ancient book strung together by ancient tribal people trying to make sense of their world thousands of years ago.

I hope this gives you at least a brief understanding of why I took the bold leap to examine my Christian faith and eventually leave it.

Peace,

Bill

P.S. I am a learned and studied former Evangelical Christian. I have both a B.S degree and M.A. degree from Evangelical schools of higher learning. I am also an ordained and licensed minister, who no longer practices the faith. I only tell you this so you can understand that I have read many books on apologetics, sat in many a classroom regarding the Bible, theology and biblical doctrines. I've taught and preached many of the same things I hear and read from other current Christians. I could go into my credentials further but I hope you get the point.

Re: Thinking of the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:43:00 -0000

Wendygirl,

What are you going to pray for me about? Because I really don't understand why you would feel the need to.

Bill

Re: A response to Christians regarding my thoughts on the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:10:00 -0000

Hey Anonymous,

Try asking clarifying questions of me. It works better than acting offended and fearful of things you may not understand.

Re: A response to Christians regarding my thoughts on the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:27:00 -0000

I watched the video and it's not bad. Atheism is the absense of a belief in a supernatural being. How a person chooses to live without the belief in a supernatural being is up to them.

You can not more lump all atheists into one description, or all religious people, or Christians into one description, for that matter. I don't view atheism as a belief system. That is a mistake I made as a Christian.

When I was a Christian, I used to view people like myself today as bad, or deceived. I also used to think that they must not have been Christians or else how could they have left an all loving god. I had a hard time seeing their arguements as reasonable or without duplicity. It takes a long time to move from being conditioned to believe in a god to not being conditioned and gaining an open mind.

Either way, I had to love them because God commanded it. "Love they neighbors", right? I'd encourage you to excercise your beliefs and try understand your ex-fellow believers. If you are not a Christian then I welcome you to explain yourself.

Re: A response to Christians regarding my thoughts on the god delusion - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:06:00 -0000

Hey Jon,

Thanks for the feedback. It's hard getting past dysfunctional conditioning and beliefs.

Take care,

Bill

Re: For Those Who are Pained by My Changes - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:22:00 -0000

Hi Valerie,

I used to be a minister and Christian Counselor. I left the faith about 5 years ago and I've just let go of my belief in a God about two years ago. I really appreciate your writings on this site. I don't suppose you live close to Portland Oregon, because it would be great to meet you and share a drink of coffee or tea and talk about leaving the faith.

Sincerely,

Bill J.

Re: Scouting and the atheist family - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:16:00 -0000

One fact about religious doctrine is the fact that it gives controlling people justification for their controlling and sometimes abusive behavior.

My late(not so great)father in law was a staunch Catholic who was the household dictator to my wife, her mother, and her brothers. He used the Bible as the basis to be a complete controlling abusive asshole, and he knew if he went too far, all he had to do was stop by the confession booth and all would be well.

He would have loved this Boy Scout leader's approach.

Now the big question. Is your children's becoming an eagle scout really worth putting up with that asshole? This guy needs a little jail time.

xrayman

Re: Scouting and the atheist family - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:25:00 -0000

Cousin Ricky said,

"If you’re not pleased with your welcome, remember that you came here like a Jack Daniel’s salesman at an AA meeting."

I have nothing insightful to add to this discussion except that I am a recovering drunk and just saw a Jack Daniels commercial on TV and God Damn do they make that shit look good(when did they start advertising liquor on TV anyway?). Those fucking alcohol companies do all they can to get me back just as the Christians who come here try to do.

xrayman

Re: Scouting and the atheist family - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:52:00 -0000

Stronger Now said,

"Get's 'em all riled up when they can't logically defend their own beliefs. Some start to get real nasty and others just have this weird thing they do...kinda like their circuitry gets fried and all they are capable of is regurgitating bible verses."

That paragraph is the best discription I've ever seen that sums up the behavior of our visiting Christians. No matter how many thousands of times it is stated that Bible verse is meaningless fiction around here, their brains just short circuit and they can't refuse.

Re: You're Kidding Me... Right? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:54:00 -0000

You did leave out Pascal's Wager in your little note to the Christians. This is the favorite tool of the more lukewarm Christian. I've had few of my friends who are not very devout say, "Bill why not just believe because if you are wrong, you have lost nothing bla bla bla bla."

Then of course I proceed to blast Pascal's Wager full of holes leaving them sorry they ever mentioned it.

xrayman

Re: Debate – Does God Exist? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:40:00 -0000

Ray Braun said,

"Because, in truth, no person can prove the non-existence of a god"

No Shit because the burden of proof does not lie on the disbeliever. One lesson we have all learned here on ExChristian.net is the fact that one can not prove a negative.

One thing I do have a hard time believing is the fact that you are neutral. I have a sneaking suspicion you just might be a wee bit on the Christian side.

xrayman

Re: Morality as Truth: A Rogerian argument on Creationism - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:43:00 -0000

Most Excellent video. That was a brilliant approach using great logic to upset the literal interpretation of the Genesis account of creation.

I would highly recommend this video.

xrayman

Re: Schism -- the movie - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:28:00 -0000

I don't have the power to let the blind people see.

Wow, and I don't have the power to make delusional people see their delusion.

Religion breeds arrogance!

Re: Schism -- the movie - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:40:00 -0000

In islam it's said that when people attack you, you are allowed to defend yourself.

Jesus said to turn the other cheek. How is it that anyone should have the right to attack another? Doesn't religion teach that faith in God or Allah is the ablility to believe that God/Allah will protect and, or vindicate you?

How is it that religious people need to pick up a sword to defend themselves or their families?

Isn't your faith strong enought to allow you to either let God/Allah defend you, or take you home and be rewarded as a martyr?

As long as one believes that a god leads them, then the rest of us are less of a person in their eyes. Religion breeds elitest thinking, "I have the truth and you don't". I understand life and you don't. I hear it all the time.

I wish their was objective proof that a god being of infinite love exisited. I wish that we all went to live in some form of heaven when we die; however fantasies are like that. Until people use objective verifiable facts and evidence to substantiate their beliefs I can not believe just because someone wants me too, or feels god/allah exists.

Re: Schism -- the movie - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:47:00 -0000

I think when people don't try to convert you or force you to believe something, who cares?!

I care. Why, because people like you make laws that don't allow women to drive, live alone or wear certain types of clothing. People like you tell people like me what is moral and what isn't. People like you feel you are right because you believe a book written thousands of years ago by a tribal mindset.

People like you tell people like me that you can see the truth but I can not. So you write your version of the truth and I have to accept it because you and your god are able to communicate and people like me are not allowed to question it.

Come on.....think about it. Truth is not handed down from a god or his/her book. It is discovered with facts, trial and error and observation in the physical world.

Re: Schism -- the movie - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:52:00 -0000

A believe in God doesn't mean people are violent. People can be.

This is a true statement; however I don't believe it is religion that always changes a person. Some people are just peaceful and some are just violent.

There are many reasons people do what they do. Much of it, in my opinion, has to do with a lack of self-awareness regarding their internal motivations.

Many people react rather than think. Many people feel their way through life rather than think.

Religion appeals to the emotional because it is not objective.

Re: Schism -- the movie - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:24:00 -0000

To Looi313,

Thanks for responding to my comments.

Not believing in the supernatural or a supernatural being is not a religion. I don't believe in anything outside of proof or evidence. I do value beliefs that are peaceful and helpful.

I agree with you too about discrimination. Unfortunately too many people use a book to discriminate. The interpretite according to their internal beliefs. Most of us already have some system of belief that we use to evaluate other people, life, beliefs, etc. We have this long before we get religion. Sometimes those beliefs are underdeveloped and weak until we educate ourselves either with religion or secular education. Even then, the foundation of our beliefs are usually based on the interpretation of events in our life. On the other hand, some religious teachers take their version of the truth and ram it down young underdeveloped minds and it perpetuates the hate and discrimination they have. Religion takes root quickly in young minds and underdeveloped minds. I was one of those once. So I don’t speak from a point of arrogance.

Religion does turn some people toward peace and acceptance, but it also turns people away from it too. In the Bible, God’s apostle Paul condemns homosexuals for no reason other than because God says it is wrong. There is no evidence to support homosexuality as morally wrong. It does not hurt people.

I think your view of turning the other cheek lends me to believe that you are a man of peace and not war. I would also gather that you tend to interpret the Koran with a "grain of salt" so to speak. You probably do not take all of it as literal just as some Christians don't take the Bible literally. Why do I say this? Because if you were to take what Jesus said as literal without exception then you have to believe that He meant to turn the other cheek literally. He meant that his followers should be a witness of peace even at the expense of their own lives or family. Did He not say, You must hate your father and mother if you want to follow me”?

If we take the Holy Books, Koran and Bible, at their face value then we have problems. That is what you video shows. That is what the other one does too. Truth can not be just yours and mine. The very nature of truth is that it is unalterable and consistent. It is not based on individual view points. If it is then we are not talking about truth. We are talking about our internal view of the world and everything that encompasses.

In regard to the attackers of the twin towers, they would use the same arguments against you that you are using against me. They would say you do not really believe and that you do not have the truth. How do we know what truth is in religion when everyone has their own idea of religious truth??? No religion is exempt!

I agree with you that our country should not have attacked Iraq. I felt for the Iraq people under Saddam but I don’t believe our country should be the police of the world. Who are we to determine what is morally right for another country? How many innocent people have died because of our governments actions to liberate Iraq. How many more continue to die? How many soldiers would gladly sacrifice their lives if they didn’t believe in a god or an after life. How many world leaders would throw people at wars if they didn’t think they would live on in paradise? How many people would be terrorists?

Religion and ideology are bed fellows and they tend to do as much harm as good.

I have to go right now, but I do enjoy our conversation.

Bill

Re: Schism -- the movie - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:08:00 -0000

Looi313,

You are entitled to believe in supernatural things. I do not wish to live your life for you.

I didn't take you mention of hell as a threat. I gave you the benefit of the doubt that you are just concerned with my future as a good Muslim should be.

I was once like that. I also feared for people who didn't know God. Things changed, I changed. I no longer have any extra-natural or supernatural beliefs.

It is a strange place to be after years of Bible College and Seminary. It is a strange place to be after thinking that life only had meaning with God. I am content and at peace.

I wish you well in your journey. I also wish you peace and joy my earthly brother.

Bill

Re: What Does Crime and Religion Have In Common? - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:36:00 -0000

Scott,

In a way you have already answered your own question. You said that you know it to be true that there are more religious people in prison than not. As far as a study...there are a few. Try a google search. The real way to do it is to go to a university library and use their research databases. I don't have the link for the ones I've read so long ago and I don't care to debate you on it. My article is food for thought. You will have to disprove my idea for yourself.

Logic is these things....
Consistency, which means that none of the theorems of the system contradict one another.

Soundness, which means that the system's rules of proof will never allow a false inference from a true premise. If a system is sound and its axioms are true then its theorems are also guaranteed to be true.

Completeness, which means that there are no true sentences in the system that cannot, at least in principle, be proved in the system.

Religion is not any of these. As I infered in my article, people who believe are doing so for emotional reasons.

Your comment is emotional. One has to look at the source of one's own thoughts, feelings and actions to determine why one believes the way they do.

You will feel based on what you believe and you will act accordingly.

Good Luck!

Re: If a watch points to a watchmaker, then... - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:23:00 -0000

Evolution of time pieces. Fascinating stuff. Starts with a stick stuck in the ground and someone noticed a shadow and then you have sundials and hour glasses and before you know it, bam, the Swiss evovled.

Re: If a watch points to a watchmaker, then... - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:55:00 -0000

Damn Poe's law. I guess my attempt at humor failed. Just trying to point out how time keeping devices have evolved over time. Similar to paintings. From drawing in the sand, to cave walls, to eventually pixels on your screen.

Re: Parenting Beyond Belief - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:50:00 -0000

"Creating a world where disbelief is normalized." What a profound statement and goal.

xrayman

Re: Love for fellow human beings - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:57:00 -0000

Loved the story about your four year old and your mother. Priceless !!!!

It is so ironic how much this atheist has learned about the Bible since I have become an atheist. I'll bring up little quotes like you mentioned to your mother and so called seasoned Christians look dumbfounded. You hit the nail on the head when you said the Bible is the greatest weapon against Christianity.

Hey Jackie the real proof of what you say(that deep down most Christians believe it's B.S.) is the fact that they avoid death like the plague. If they really thought all this eternal paradise were fact, shit people would be celebrating terminal illnesses, but the most devout of Christians will go to the ends of the earth in hopes of curing a serious life threatening illness.

xrayman

Re: A tribute to George Carlin - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:54:00 -0000

George was my all time favorite comic hands down. His bits on religion were second to none. I need to go home and have a George Carlin CD marathon.

I loved his "Interview with Jesus" bit. God Damn that was funny.

xrayman

Re: The True Christian - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:33:00 -0000

Hey Whilhelm,

Nice to see you submitted your fine article to exC. Great stuff my friend.

It's beyond comical to see infighting amongst so called "Christians" as to who is correct.

I read a little of Danny's blog and he is one of those guys who claims Catholicism to be a false religion. Everyone thinks they have the inside track whether it be James Dobson or Dan Marvin.

Not everyone's version of the Christian faith can be right, but they can most certainly all be wrong.

Get a clue Dan, you are one deluded mother fucker. I think you come to this site because you have serious doubts. Why the hell else could it be.

xrayman(who once again has his name appear WTF?)

Re: Want to Throw a Plate at a Wall?

Bill — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:59:00 -0000

What a good idea! It certainly beats throwing my "good" china at the wall when I'm frustrated. Luckily for me my good china resembles Chinet. Wish there was one of these around the DC area.

Re: Stupid Investment of the Week: Teach Me To Trade

Bill — Mon, 22 May 2006 14:17:54 -0000

frankly i have always thought that trading the stock marker or forex (foreign exchange) was just legalized gambling.

i am not sure why i got interested in trading but i got one of those practice accounts. i failed miserably thus confirming the legalized gambling view, then i took a course from fxcm.com it was actually one segment of the course on the RSI indicator and it was free. from there i went on to make make 20 sucessfull trades in a row. ok Mr. Cocky let's take the rest of the course before laying any money on the line. the course was about $400 but if u got half way thru it and was not sure about it u could retake it or cancel. i did learn a lot of the basics. and currently have my course status on hold. I was doing better than the instructors and i could not figure out why. i actually picked the bottom of the euro/usd market and should have gone all-in as they saying in texas holdem , but i was in dissagreement with my instuctors so i waited. damn it i missed turning 1000 in to 40k . my instructor wanted to know why i was so succuessfull in my practice trading. i told them that i treated it like my own money and only risked what i would have for real. and i use my "gut". they said as u prceed thru the course that they would try to get me out of the gut phase. good luck cause after all the analysis it comes down to do u "trust" it completely.

2 things about trading above all esle .

1. patience --- if u dont have it dont play it
practice alot

2. start small -- that is what i like about the forex . u can start with a lot less money than stocks. and there is quite a bit of movement most trading days which btw is 24/7 except between 500 pm est fri to about 200 pm sun.

also do some checking in the forex broker area cuz different brokers have different spreads on the bid/ask (where the make there money) and make sure they are streaming real time quotes. yes folks there are some that dont. email ur success/horror stories to me at
puss_n_boots_owner@yahoo.com

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/how-to-properly-wax-your-balls.html

Bill — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:21:00 -0000

"The pain caused by a wax is considered to be the main disadvantage of having a male brazilian wax."

Duh!

Down with equal rights if this is what is leads to!!!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/devil-went-down-to-georgia-offensive.html

Bill — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:58:00 -0000

I am so posting a pic of me with a Huge dick as I shoot a wabbit. Bet Sarah Palin herself will be posting to me then!

Hilarious post Chelle!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/caption-this-and-hey-while-youre-here.html

Bill — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:45:00 -0000

I got nuttin either, but I love CPT Willy's I said, "put the WHORES in the car."

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/10/buzz-buzz-bitches-offensive.html

Bill — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:35:00 -0000

Let's hope those Aussies don't have Fly Swatters :>) Chelle a damsel in distress? Find it hard to get my head around that one!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/10/how-do-you-like-them-apples-ed.html

Bill — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:46:00 -0000

Chelle, you're clearly working way too hard and need a break. Or at least 15 minutes with a nice piece of apple pie.

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/10/how-do-you-like-them-apples-ed.html

Bill — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:57:00 -0000

Can I announce Best Comment? Well, I will anyway. It goes to Chris C - how cool was that? LMAO

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/10/how-do-you-like-them-apples-ed.html

Bill — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:00:00 -0000

Can I announce Best Comment? Well, I will anyway. It goes to Chris C - how cool was that? LMAO

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/10/happy-day-before-my-birthday-offensive.html

Bill — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:18:00 -0000

10 out of 10 for original idea. I'd still rather have gotten candy though. Except I'd have likely choked on it when I heard you were born on All Saints Day :>)

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2007/11/saints-like-me-deserve-our-own-holiday.html

Bill — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:10:00 -0000

What the fuck are you posting a Birthday list today for when you know damn well we've done our shopping? So I guess you'll bloody well take what you get and that's an end to it.

What else? Oh ya - Happy Birthday!

Re: Julie Foudy: You Are ESPN’s Weakest Link, Goodbye!

Bill — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:50:40 -0000

I can't say she's the weakest link. My problem, and it's probably shared with a lot of hard core American fans, but still my problem, is that I'm thoroughly anglicized in all of my conceptual thinking about the game, and when she talks about soccer in American terms ("go ball", "offensive zone", etc), it grates. But she's not unique in that respect, and certainly not the worst.

Re: Premiership Preview–18. West Bromwich Albion

Bill — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:50:08 -0000

To compare West Brom to the Premiership teams you need only look back as far as the FA cup semi final when WBA were by far the better team and lost onlyto a dubious goal that came from an obvious hand ball. The fact that WBA held their own against the eventual winners and high fininshing Pompey proves they have the ability. Losing Gera was a loss, Philips not so much, but they have been replaced and the defence, West Brom's weak point last year, strengthened. Watch out for some shocks from the Albion, thats my prediction.

Re: UpsideTrader

Bill — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:48:00 -0000

I know I am an idiot...but what is/are 'Govies'?

Re: Atheist vs. Christian morality - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:55:00 -0000

Late last night I watched a show on CNBC called Greed. A group of con artist ministers duped a shitload of people out of half a billion dollars. They set up a sham of an investment scheme in the name of God. Since they were all Bible quoting preachers who were all excellent at their trade, everyone trusted them with their life savings which everyone lost. Those cock suckers did get 20 years and still deny it was a scam to this day.

There is an ad in my local paper from time to time that advertises for a Christian hanyman. I guess we are just supposed to automatically assume this guy is not going to fuck us over because he's a Christian.

That was a great letter by the way. I was raised by parents who taught me to do the right thing and I think if rubbed off on me pretty well. My sister and I were never taught to do the right thing to please an invisible man in the sky by the way. I remember when I was about 12 boasting to my dad that a man had given me five bucks too much change at a event I attened. My dad immediately drove my ass down there to give the man back the five bucks. Also my parents let us think for ourselves in regards to religion. Imagine that concept allowing your kids think for themselves.

The bottom line is the fact that the strength of one's conscience is totally independent of God belief. There are no shortage of "Christians" who will fuck you over in a heartbeat, and there are no shortage of atheists who would return a bag of money even when down on their luck.

xrayman

Re: I remember viewing atheists as antagonistic and depraved - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:32:00 -0000

Yeah, I refuse to waste my time trying to convert the converted. They are just like I used to be. It took a long time before I came around and I lived as a Christian for about 25 years of my life. I went to Bible College, finished my degree, got ordained, served God and raised my family living on faith and very little money. I gave and gave and gave. I also went to seminary and I'm still paying off that student loan. I used to look at the luke warm Christians and think, I never want to be like them. Well, I am quite content not believing in Christianity anymore. I am not an angry soul and I'm not mad at religion and so on. It just doesn't make sense to believe anymore.

Re: Evolution doesn't have a chance - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:47:00 -0000

There is a youtube video out there where a guy illustrates the point by dumping out a bunch of sugar and stating how astronomical the odds are agaist each grain of sugar lying exactly where they did in relation to the others, yet it happened and it was entirely by chance.

xrayman

Re: Loving Without God - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:25:00 -0000

Good point!

Re: Loving Without God - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:30:00 -0000

To Lance:

I'll have to read the book you recommended.

Thanks everyone for the comments.

Bill J.

Re: Let the bodies hit the floor! - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:50:00 -0000

I can't stand Benny Hinn. I liked Benny Hill. Even as a Christian I thought Benny Hinn was over-the-top. Now he's plain ludicrous.

Re: God has some explaining to do - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:37:00 -0000

Caleb said,

"If God was real, then it would be our duty as humans to be angry with him. I mean, "He" definitely has some f@#%king explaining to do right?"

Very powerful statement.

Caleb you mentioned your wife working in pediatric oncology. I work in a trama center with a pediatric cancer ward. As an xray tech I see everything in the hospital from busted bodies involved accidents to children battling cancer. Your mind learns to adapt to almost everything, but I will never get used to seeing a child going through chemo.

There is one little girl in particular who's face I will forever see in my mind. She was this Indian girl with these huge brown eyes. She battled luekemia from age five to 11 when she finally succumed. Her disease made her a regular fixture at my workplace for all those years and robbed her of her childhood. I never once saw her smile. She tore my heart out each and every time I saw her. Chistians attest to this great sacrafice of Jesus on the cross, but that wasn't fucking shit compared to the suffering of this innocent child.

Samantha you seem very kind but you must get in touch with reality. For the above mentioned situation to occur is not proof of a loving Jesus. Oh shit you know what. This little girl was from India. No wonder Jesus did not deliver her from those years of misery. She wasn't a Christian. Oh shoot now I get it.

xrayman

Re: God has some explaining to do - ExChristian.Net - Articles

Bill — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:29:00 -0000

D. Laurier said,

"No child should have to grow up believing such rubbish.

I finaly escaped from christianity when I was 21 years old.

I am now 41 years old, And quite happy with my life as an atheist."

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the power to think for myself. They allowed me to make up my own mind as far as matters of religion were concerned. I can't imagine what a child goes through growing up in a fundementalist household. It was nice not feeling guilty having normal teenage urges and relieving them in a normal teenage fashion.

After a lifetime of failed attempts to connect with God/Jesus I find myself a content atheist at 44.

I spent the weekend with three couples whom were all Christians except for one of the husbands. They just couldn't grasp the fact that my life could be complete without this "Grand Purpose." They insisted I needed something to believe in. Why can't they realize when you reach the point of being an "enlightened athesit" the fear is gone and there is no greater peace.

xrayman

Re: GrandCentral Invites - I Have a Few Left | Charles Hudson's Weblog

Bill — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 02:19:55 -0000

If you have any invites left I would be very grateful. Thanks!

Re: Adventures in troubleshooting with a happy ending

Bill — Sun, 11 Dec 2005 15:58:35 -0000

Folks,

I have the same problem (20225 warning etc) and none of the above solutions worked. The print to file to distiller workaround works, but I can't install PDFwriter. Any other hints?

THANKS!

Re: Video Advertising - two approaches

Bill — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 08:34:20 -0000

A gentle introduction… You may have an interest in noting the availability of the StreamerNet Mobile Video Producer for creating and delivering do-it-yourself video ads. <a href="http://www.streamernet.com/html/videoad.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.streamernet.com/html/videoad.html</... Regards, Bill

Re: Grape Profile - Red Grape! - Our first Project

Bill — Thu, 18 May 2006 17:53:21 -0000

Hey Ryan and Gab,

Congratulations on your new design. It looks good so far. I just logged on a few minutes ago, so I haven't been through it all yet. I've already submitted "Boris" as the vine's name. How about "Owen" the vine? Or "Clos" pronounced Clo, short for clone.

Well, back to the site. I will forward your e-mail along to my wine loving friends.

Tami and I miss you.

Regards,

Bill

Re: 2003 Bodegas Luberri Rioja Cepas Viejas

Bill — Fri, 19 May 2006 12:13:50 -0000

Hi Ryan,

Any chance that you could provide Importer information?

Bill

Re: Spanish Wine Dinner Wrap up!

Bill — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 09:21:47 -0000

How can I get my hands on the orgasmic wine? Is it distributed in Minnesota?

Nice recap, Gabriella. I wish I'd have been there.

Re: Sorry Spain…..GO PORTUGAL

Bill — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 10:14:39 -0000

Wake me up when it's over. . .

Give me American Football ANY day of the week, especially today. Happy Independence Day, you expats, from Tami and me!

Re: Bouncing around the Midwest in search of Iberian Wine

Bill — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:05:51 -0000

Personally, I like the photo. It looks as though the subject is relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the moment! Although, I must admit that the wine was French, not Iberian. We can't wait to have you back, with Ryan, of course.

By the way, I heard you stopped at my "local" wine shop at Glen Lake to promote Catavino. Dan is increasing his Iberian wine selections, so when I told him about Catavino, he said he already had the url presented to him by "a nice young woman", which is you.

Re: Gabriella’s in the House!(er, well, apartment)

Bill — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:36:10 -0000

Hey you two,

Glad to hear G made it back safely. After reading this latest post I am once again hit with the knowledge that there is nothing quite like living in a wine producing region. I suppose I should qualify that by saying a wine region producing vinifera grapes (as opposed to the Marechal Foch and other "varietals" growing in Minnesota).

To be able to trot down to your local wine shop/grocery store/market and pick up a bottle of wine from a "region just down the road" is a fantastic concept for those of us living in the center of the North American land mass (and dream of a Mediterranean existance). It is ironic that the 44th Parallel does run through our fair state. Maybe, just maybe, someday there will be a way to successfully grow vinifera grapes here. That would be awesome.

BB

Re: Iberian Wine Myth Busting - Sulfites

Bill — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:35:47 -0000

Thanks for the informative column.

I was very surprised to find out that white wine contains MORE sulfites than red wine because NO ONE complains about headaches caused by sulfites in white wine. Of course, there are other conclusions one might draw, namely the red wine headaches are not caused by the sulfites, and white wine drinkers are panty waists who don't enjoy the wine enough to drink to a headache the next day (tongue planted firmly in cheek :-).

p.s. Thankfully, I'm not one of those customers the Editor refers to in his note.

Re: Day Trip to Bodega Torres

Bill — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 10:50:05 -0000

I really enjoyed this article. Your observations regarding American "wine mores" vis-a-vis our Northern Mediterranean counterparts are particularly enlightening. Oh, for a vineyard in the backyard!

Re: Regional Profile - DO Pla de Bages

Bill — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 06:58:57 -0000

Would it be possible to include a map with each of your regional profiles, as was done with the Rías Baixas profile? You did state that Pla de Bages is 43 miles north of Barcelona, but it would be nice to see it on a map.

Another suggestion to add value for regular visitors to the site is the addition of an indexed map section showing where the regions are, or a nice interactive map of Spain with the D.O.'s listed. When the cursor is placed on the D.O., it highlights information and statistics.

Keep up the good work.

Re: Heading back - Thoughts on Two Years of Portuguese and Spanish Wine

Bill — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:25:13 -0000

Speaking as one of those "friends and family", I can't wait to see which bottles make it out of the cellar (and in to my mouth)!

Bon Voyages! Let us know when you get in.

Re: Wine with the Superbowl? - the How and the Why

Bill — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:26:13 -0000

How about home-made French Onion Soup with Garlic Croutons, smothered in Gruyere. Accompanied by a 2003 Old Vine Chinon? That was my Super Bowl dining experience. A wonderful combo. Plus, the home-tone boy put on quite a show at half-time. How about Prince doing a chorus of Dylan's 'All Along The Watchtower'? Pretty cool.

Re: Saint Valentine and the Remnants of a Head Cold

Bill — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:06:42 -0000

That works for me. But it's chocolate, chocolate and chocolate for my Valentine.

Get well!

Re: Open That Bottle Night with a Reflection on the past 2 years of Catavino

Bill — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:20:59 -0000

R&G,

Glad to hear the bottle met with your approval. Thanks to Ellie for schlepping that puppy across the pond. We couldn't be happier for the two of you. It is happening. . . success is coming!

Let me also say that we'll be trying that wine again in a few years time. Maybe then it won't need quite as much air.

And, lest we forget, CONGRATULATIONS on your company's new status in Spain.

Bill

Re: Latest Iberian Wine Update

Bill — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:26:32 -0000

Oh boy, as if the dollar / euro exchange rate isn't inflating the price of good Spanish wine, just wait for the ripple effects of the article mentioned above. Ryan, how about an Iberian "Best Value" section in the future?

Re: Grape Profile - Touriga Nacional

Bill — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:58:48 -0000

You must have read my mind. Ross and Nancy are coming over this weekend for a round of Portuguese reds (which will appear in the tasting notes section). I'm looking for simple yet tasteful ways to highlight the wines, which actually may or may not be made with Touriga Nacional. Lamb does look good. I'm thinking skewered kabobs with marinated leg of lamb and beef tendorloin and a small rack of pork ribs.

There are REALLY LIMITED options for Portuguese wines in Mpls. Looking on-line, France and 44 has four reds, Surdyk's has four or five reds and Byerly's website is too complicated or they don't list wines on-line. I'm leaning towards a 2001 from Evel. Any knowledge of that producer?

Re: Lancers and Mateus - Representing a Nation of Wine

Bill — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:49:48 -0000

It's funny, but I seem to recall the Mateus bottle from the 70's as being even more squat, with lower shoulders than your photo. Maybe I'm thinking of a different brand?

Like Richard, I was a Lambrusco fan in the mid to late 70's, only I preferred Zonin.

Re: 2 Fantastic White Mono-varietal Portuguese Wines

Bill — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 08:08:30 -0000

G,

Very informative article. Both wines sound wonderful.

Bill

Re: August Wrap-up of Portuguese Wines

Bill — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:53:03 -0000

I still owe you reviews of four wines. I've been busy, blah, blah, blaf, arf, arf , so haven't had time.

Ryan's suggestion to try Solovino in St. Paul was right on! They've got some very interesting wine, including a large Portuguese wine section. Thanks, Ryan. And for those of you readers in the Twin Cities, it's well worth the time to check it out.

Re: Iberian Wine News Around the Web

Bill — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:53:32 -0000

While it is nice that Spanish wines are starting to get more ink, it probably means that the prices are going to increase. With the dollar recently at it's lowest rate to the Euro, it's a double whammy.

Re: Portuguese Wine and Fado – Music for the Soul

Bill — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:04:27 -0000

Portuguese-style Blues (or even some Country and Western).

Don't forget Dulce Pontes. For a similar feel, Cesaria Evora sings fado-inspired songs of Cape Verde.

I must say I experienced a physical sensation the first time I heard Dulce Pontes. I have extolled her virtues as a singer on this blog in the past.

Re: Announcing Wine Blog Wednesday 38 – Portuguese Table Wines with Caveats!

Bill — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:17:15 -0000

Too bad you didn't get this kind of response for the August Wine of the Month tasting!

Re: 2005 Meritxell Palleja Nita

Bill — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:17:23 -0000

G,

The composition of this wine sounds interesting. Has Ryan rigged up a tarp over the grill? Or have you moved on to indoor comfort food already?

BB

Re: Wine Blogging question - Do you have to charge to be considered “professional”?

Bill — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:15:35 -0000

Ryan,

Interesting topic. Let's look at it in a slightly different context. We'll substitute vocation for professional and avocation for amatuer. In those terms, it is obvious that you are a "professional" even if you don't get paid for your expertise. The wine business is your livelihood. You are also fortunate that your vocation is your avocation. How many people can really say that? Coming back to the money for tasting discussion, you should damn well better aspire to getting paid for it! There is nothing wrong with charging for your expertise.

Part of the difference today is that the critics you mention above cut their teeth using "conventional" print media to do so. With the competition for these sorts of jobs, the professional definition is pretty much a foregone conclusion. Your situation (and that of other bloggers) is how do you define professional? And what does it take to get paid in this business?How does the cream rise to the top? Maybe that's what you are getting at.

Bill

Re: We’re Sherry Educators

Bill — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:27:05 -0000

Well, I finally decided to pop open that bottle of Lustau Amontillado I bought in July, for Catavino Sherry Month. Maybe it was your trip that inspired me. Maybe it was the futility of watching the Vikings play the national game of the week against our hated rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. In any event, I found a slightly chilled glass of sherry in front of me. It was a nice deep, oxidized color. As a port lover, the brain is anticipating something rich and complex, with a sweet payoff at the end. Well, the rich and complex came through but the finish was dry. Of course, I knew it was going to be dry, but everything else about these characteristics screamed "sweet".

The end result is that I believe I can achieve a level of appreciation for this beverage, in finely meted out doses. I drank my sherry without food. I think food is probably required if one is going to drink more than a glass or two, simply to counter the effects of the alcohol content.

In conclusion, I can no longer say that I don't like sherry. I know, not a great endorsement, but it's a start.

Re: How do we rate wine?

Bill — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:07:56 -0000

I am one of those ex-customers. Reading this post, it just dawned on me that my relationship with Ryan helped to change the way I view wine, both philosophically and in actual practice.

In the past, I was one of those people who subscribed to the industry mags and had been a number chaser for many years. Granted, I was able to drink many highly rated wines and "best buys" over the years, but it's tiring, time consuming and really blinds you to anything else. I think I was leaning away from that direction when I stumbled into Ryan's store that first time, looking for something to go with ribeyes on the grill. I say this because the old me would have done all the research before venturing out to buy something. If my coveted bottles werent' available I was unhappy and unwilling to allow any store clerk to provide recommendations. I honestly don't remember what wine I bought that night, although it was probably a Bordeaux and I'm sure I didn't ask for his recommendation (I was probably too intimidated by his shaved head and goatee :-) ). Over time, however, that changed as we got to know each other. At a certain point, I pretty much allowed Ryan to put the wines in my cart. For the most part, wines I would have poo-poo'ed in the past. He got me to look beyond the numbers, and the hype. Which brings us to today. I recently hit the Surdyk's Fall Sale and came away with a multitude of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French wines, most of them from the bottom shelves, none of them which I had ever tried or read about before. I give Ryan a lot of credit for opening my eyes to the realization that there are many well-made wines out there that deserve to be enjoyed, and that one need not worry about ratings.

I support what you guys are doing. I think it's a great idea. But, I do miss having Ryan put wine bottles in my cart..

Re: The Fear of Sherry

Bill — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:31:25 -0000

I had to mention that the latest issue (December) of Fine Cooking also had an article on Sherry, called "Discover Sherry". Maybe the blogosphere is getting the mainstream to jump on the bandwagon.

How about Amontillado, cognac and cointreau with a spritz of lemon and seltzer? Ok, I just made that up. You've have to charge a lot for one of those!

Re: How do we rate wine?

Bill — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:22:56 -0000

Gite, Version 2008. Coming soon. There's an opportunity to share more bottles!

Re: November is Dedicated to Port Wine

Bill — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:31:42 -0000

Every time someone mentions White Port, all I can think about is the song WPLJ, which opens the "Burnt Weeny Sandwich" album by The Mothers Of Invention. This song is famous for the extended Spanish and/or Mexican dialogue that occurs near the end of the song. Personally, I've never tried WP. Of course, in East LA, they're probably not really drinking Port, but something improperly labeled as such, in the vein of Chablis or Burgundy. I know I shared this before, a few years ago, so my apologies to those who have already seen the lyrics. Feel free to sing along if you know the melody:

I say WPLJ, really taste good to me

WPLJ, won't you take a drink with me

Well, it's a good good wine

It really make you feel so fine

(So fine, so fine, so fine)

I went to the store when they opened up the door

I said, "Please please please gimme some more"

White Port & Lemon Juice,

White Port & Lemon Juice,

White Port & Lemon Juice,

Ooh what it do to you!

You take the bottle, you take the can

Shake it up fine, you get a good good wine.

White Port & Lemon Juice,

(Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah . . . )

White Port & Lemon Juice,

White Port & Lemon Juice,

Ooh what it do to you!

The W is the White,

The P is the Port,

The L is the Lemon,

The J is the Juice

White Port & Lemon Juice,

White Port & Lemon Juice,

White Port & Lemon Juice,

Ooh what it do to you!

Well I feel so good, I feel so fine

I got plenty lemon, I got plenty wine

White Port & Lemon Juice,

White Port & Lemon Juice,

I said White Port & Lemon Juice,

Ooh what it do to you!

Now the Spanish dialogue, which may translate somewhat R rated, according to what I've read. Sounds like they really want their WPLJ. Personally, I'll stick to Vintage, Ruby or Tawny.

Por qué no consigues tu... tu carnal que nos compre some wine ese, ándale, pinchi vato, puto, hombre, no te hagas nalga, hombre… no seas tan denso, hombre, ándale, dile, por qué no merecer, ándale, pinchi vino, más sua... más suave es, más... más lindo que la chingada, hombre, ándale, pinchi vato, hombre, quiere tu carnal, hombre, tu carnal ese, tú, tú sabes, tú sabes esto de la movida, tú sabes la movida, ese, tú sabes cómo es, pinchi vino, puta, ándale, pinchi vato, cabrón, ándale, empechúguele, hombre, por qué no, hombre? Te digo que sí, hombre, te digo, chingao ese, está más... está más meco, hombre, nos ponemos más mecos que la chingada, ay! Ay, vato pinchi, ay! FEMALE VOICE: They… they get you after a while

Re: Port’s Popularity in the UK

Bill — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:18:42 -0000

It was Spring of 1990. I was on assignment in the UK, with sumptuous accommodations on Windsor's High Street. One could still walk the courtyard and ramparts of the castle, free of charge. It was during that trip that an avowed Port wine hater was converted.

It happened one night when I was invited into Charlie and Pam's home for Saturday night dinner. The first of many dinners shared with this wonderful couple over the years. They served a lovely leg of lamb with all the trimmings. After the main course passed, out came the Port. I honestly can't remember what kind of port it was. What I do remember are the nice port glasses that were used and that the perfectly aged Stilton married with the port wine in a moment I shall always remember.

I share this memory because I can't imagine my first true port experience without thinking about the creamy texture of that Stilton, which was also a new cheese to me. Therefore, I need to ask Andrew to qualify his hatred of Port and Stilton. Have you always hated them together? Do you just hate Stilton, full stop? Or have you gradually moved to your correct position over the years?

Re: Port’s Popularity in the UK

Bill — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:59:04 -0000

I agree with you Andrew, that pouring Port into Stilton sounds absolutely barbaric. What a waste of port.

Gabriella, I think any type of port would be ok, although it's tough to beat an older vintage port. My second choice would be a ruby port.

Starts to make one wonder how port might taste with a Bleu d'Auvergne or Roquefort, eh?

Re: Housekeeping and New Toys!

Bill — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:28:59 -0000

Ryan and Gabriella,

The buying guide is a great idea! I'll be sure to save mine so one day I can say, "I knew them when they were just getting started". :-)

BB

Re: The End of Port and the Beginning of Cava

Bill — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:52:11 -0000

Please give us some information on Parxet. I really enjoyed their Cuvee 21. I'd like more information their other cavas. I don't drink much sparkling wine, but I did buy two of the Cuvee 21's last summer and you've provided a good reason to pop a cork or two.

Lovely photos, by the way.

Re: The End of Port and the Beginning of Cava

Bill — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:38:06 -0000

You're on to something Richard.

How about donating them to the next "evils of the demon drink" abolishionist movement. "See what happens Henrietta? Don't show the children"!

: - )

But, seriously, sparkling wine for me is a special occasion wine and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Re: Catavino’s Newsletter and other House keeping

Bill — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:42:49 -0000

Let me know if you get the Cuvee 21 and I'll virtually taste with you guys.

Re: Winter Announces the Traditional Calçot and Cava Festival

Bill — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:15:47 -0000

Gabriella,

Thanks for this lively, informative article. It makes me want to fire up the grill right now! Glad I shoveled a path out to it last weekend. For those of us without access to Calcots, I suppose there's no real substitute. Green onions would be too small and not sweet enough. Sweet onions, if even available this time of year, are probably too large to get the same effect. But, we must play the cards we are dealt. Grilled onions of any kind are fabulous and I'm sure the Romesco sauce and Cava would translate.

BB

Re: Link Bait or Ignorance? A Reporter Gets Spanish Wine Wrong

Bill — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:19:32 -0000

I'm all for unfettered wine distribution throughout the world. The current system in the US is the result of several factors, of which the majority of U.S. readers of this blog are probably aware. I know it's hard to believe, but, even though Prohibition was repealed over 70 years ago, the structures that arose following Prohibition are still with us. The multi-tiered system of producer/distributor/retailer is probably the worst. And let's not forget local customs and the attendant "blue laws" that have been around even longer than Prohibition and actually fostered the support required to get Prohibition passed in the first place. In Minnesota, both of these things impact my ability to buy wine: 1. I can't buy wine on Sunday, 2. I can't buy wine in a grocery store. Thank the ICC, I can still get wine shipped in!

To come back to the topic at hand, I was actually hoping David would respond, and he did so with eloquence and restraint. Context is everything, and within the context of the story, he was certainly justified in his opinion. To answer the question posed by Gabriella, I believe David's obligation is, or was, full disclosure of his situation, which he fulfilled in his post.

Maybe you could get the list of Spanish wines available in Pennsylvania and see if any of them are worthy of David's review. I already see the angle for another article by David on Spanish wine that would recount the outrage of a well-known blogger to the article, and the subsequent "peace-making" that would include the blogger's suggestions of other Spanish (or even Portuguese) wines to try.

I'll be looking forward to more on this topic as time goes by. . .

Re: Happy Holidays to all

Bill — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 12:04:25 -0000

Merry Christmas, you two! I will echo Richard's comments for a "bon voyage" to Norway and back. Looking forward to seeing you in 2008.

Re: Gabriella’s and Ryan’s Picks for 2007

Bill — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:16:03 -0000

Let's not forget the Virtual Rooftop tasting of Bierzo wines in June.

Re: Birth Year Wines

Bill — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:22:55 -0000

Ryan, the 1975 vintage in Germany was spectacular. Ross and I hosted an annual German wine tasting for 11 years, up through 1992. The '75's and '76's were always the stars of the night. Besides Port, an Auslese or Berenauslese from the Rheingau may be your best bet. I'm not surprised the spatlese didn't pass muster, especially a Mosel-Sahr-Ruwer wine.

All you need to know about my birth year is that when I googled Rating 1954 Vintage, the first reference to wine was on page 4. The vintage was poor. When I googled Rating 1975 Vintage, the first reference on page 1 was wine.

Bill

Re: Natalie MacLean’s “Red, White and Drunk All Over”

Bill — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 09:14:15 -0000

If you can wait until June, I'll bring Bacchus and Me to the Gite (I got it for Christmas).

Re: Hey Wine Bloggers, Wanna Publish Something in Print?

Bill — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:33:00 -0000

Ryan,

As a "non-blogger", but avid reader of Catavino, I applaud your desire to put something like this together. It is obvious by the previous comments that there is a passionate group of wine bloggers out there with good ideas.

As a reader, the articles that are of most interest to me are "wine lifestyle" oriented. I don't simply want to read tasting notes about wine. I want something deeper than that. You have provided posts that touch on the lifestyle and I think those are the best. You are so lucky to live immersed in a major wine producing country. I enjoy the stories about your experiences and want more. Like Gab's post on the visit to the cava producer. It's evocative and takes me away from Minnesota to a wine dream world. I love going to that dream world. Oh, and if you can make me laugh, even better!

What I don't want is the Parker experience, which basically consists of very dry , dare I say antiseptic, notes about this wine and that. BORING!!!!! Thanks for asking me to provide feedback.

Re: Wine Blog Wednesday #43 - Comfort Wines

Bill — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:45:53 -0000

Hey Ryan,

Nice thoughts. You are basically describing the wine I have every night with dinner.

However, if I was forced to narrow it down a bit, I would choose an aged Bordeaux. That's what a cellar is for.

BTW, what are the '94 Ports going for in Oporto? Or the '63's for that matter? If you can score an older port for a reasonable price, pick one up for the gite, please.

Re: A Dream Sequence into La Rioja through the eyes of Lopez de Heredia and Dinastia Vivanco

Bill — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:23:21 -0000

Gabriella,

Thanks for this evocative look these two contrasting wineries. On the face of it, it would seem logical that cleanliness in the process would be paramount. How does Heredia insure that their wines remain free of unwanted "taint".

Re: Catavino is in Oporto Judging Wine @ Essencia do Vinho

Bill — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:42:28 -0000

I'll second that request.

Have you tried the '05 "Vale Do Bomfim" Douro Reserve? Quite nice for around $12.

Re: A Dream Sequence into La Rioja through the eyes of Lopez de Heredia and Dinastia Vivanco

Bill — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:40:21 -0000

Gabriella,

Please tell Maria that I appreciate her taking the time for a thorough explanation of their milieu. It sounds like they're sitting on a gold mine of natural biotics. This level of detail starts to hit the wine geek level, but she did a great job of explaining why the walls are covered with mold.

Thanks,

Bill

Re: Blends, Blends, Blends, a short unscheduled wine commentary!

Bill — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:46:30 -0000

Ryan,

Interesting perspective, and so true. Good experiences for your eventual plunge into winemaking. : - )

Re: Catavino moves to a more precise 1000 point scale

Bill — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:16:59 -0000

How does one say 'April Fools Day' on the Iberian Peninsula? Should I even click on the "found here" link?

Re: Txarli says it’s Time to Check in with our Readers! What have you been Drinking?

Bill — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:46:08 -0000

Hi Guys,

I've been hitting the Iberian peninsula pretty hard lately (the past four years or so), and Tami's been on a major Albarino kick.

A sampling of the cellar includes:

2005 Sante Fe De Arrailolos Alentejano

2004 Quinta dos Acprestes Douro

2005 Vale DO Bomfim Douro Reserva

2005 Altano Douro

2006 Campo Reales La Mancha

2006 Almira LosDos "Old Vines"

Generally speaking, these wines deliver excellent value for the price. I really love the Vale DO Bomfim and the Altano. As you can see, not a Rioja on the list, although I try them once in a great while.

Of course, there are the occasional Chinon's and Languedoc's thrown in, plus quite a few value priced Rosso's. And, as I've rejoined the Ridge ATP, a few highly extracted Zin's are now in the rotation.

Now you've gone and got me thirsty!

Re: How to Enjoy a nice Spanish wine

Bill — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:15:27 -0000

Coincidentally, I tried a "new" Spanish wine last night that I picked up at Sam's Wine Shop (thanks for the tip, btw). It's called Fidelium from Navarra and it's a blend of Merlot (55%), Cabernet, (30%) Grenache (20%) and Tempranillo (15%). Not a traditional Spanish blend, but an excellent wine for the price. I had the '03 and it's drinking beautifully right now. Very rich with a long tasty finish. Maybe a tad overripe, but at the price and overall quality, I'm not going to complain.

Re: Who’s up for some Good Old Dragon Killing?

Bill — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:26:59 -0000

Interesting post coming on the heels of the previous "wine journalist" post. I was actually thinking about Ryan the dragon slayer after reading that article. ;-)

Re: The Epiphany Moment when a Friend Finally Understands Wine

Bill — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:32:37 -0000

My experience is somewhat analogous to Richard's. I became a serious wine drinker in 1982 after moving to the Twin Cities and rooming with a college buddy (Ross). Back in those days, we were the only ones in our group with a serious (or even moderate) wine jones. We started pulling people in by hosting dinners, parties and wine tastings. Our yearly German wine tasting, which lasted for 11 years, is the stuff of legend. During this period of time, I started to notice that instead of beer or spirits, my friends were now starting to bring wine to our get togethers. We're talking a span of over 20 years here, but the last holdouts finally came around over the past few years. Now, we're all drinking wine. For most of my friends, I don't know if I can say there was an epiphany, in the sense of the "eureka" moment. I just hammered away like the tide and eventually they all crumbled (or had their epiphanies while I wasn't looking) . Wine became (and still is) their beverage of choice. I couldn't be happier. Ok, I could be happier if they all decided to drink great wine. But any wine, even the El Coto, is better than no wine, yes? Or does your epiphany require the distinction between two wines as opposed to wine vs. spirits or beer?

Anyway, that's my wine pied piper story, and I'm proud of it. :-)

Re: Wine Lovers, Listen up! I Love Beer!

Bill — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:07:40 -0000

Trolling for beer now, eh? Can't say that I blame you. I will corroborate your father's assurance that your store held 1,400 different beers. A veritable cornucopia of beer. I especially liked the six pack special. Great way to experience a wide variety at a reasonable price. First place I tried Bell's, for one. And the only place I've ever seen a Belgian Single. You must really trust your folks with all that great beer. :-)

Re: Why Should Readers Care about the European Wine Blogger Conference?

Bill — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:13:08 -0000

Ryan, Does the EWBC matter to our (Catavino) readers, and why should they care? Additionally, Will getting European Bloggers together for a conference make any difference? Interesting questions posed to your readers. I'm going to turn it around and ask a few of my own. Why was the EWBC proposed in the first place? What are the goals of the conference (is there a mission statement, for example)? Do any of the goals of the conference relate to the audience? How will those goals translate into action plans? If there are no goals related to the audience, should you create some? You are the ones attempting to create (and expand) demand (i.e. people reading your blogs). You should be telling us why we should care. How is the conference is going improve the experience for the audience? Personally, I believe it does matter. Whether anyone thinks about it, much less caring about it, depends on the bloggers. That be you. BB

Re: Summer Setup at Catavino

Bill — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:22:03 -0000

Ryan, You can help me "drink down" my cellar if I can help you with yours! Looking forward to seeing you; a pity Gabriella won't be along. BTW, Happy 60th, Cornell! All the best!

Re: Why Should Readers Care about the European Wine Blogger Conference?

Bill — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:39:58 -0000

Ryan, I think your round table topics are directly linked to improving the "wine blog" experience. If there is a way to get consensus on wine rating, at least within the 40 or so Euro-bloggers attending the event, you will have accomplished something. I'm impressed with the amount of effort and thought that has gone into the conference. You and your fellow conference planners deserve a round of . . . take your pick. No further questions. Bill

Re: Science of Smell - Can wine critique really be “objective”

Bill — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:58:03 -0000

You have successfully explained why wine rating by the "professionals" is done in a "sterile setting" and done blind. They are seeking the highest level of objectivity they can find within the subjective framework of our human senses. Another way for consumers to mitigate the personal preferences of tasters is to try multiple wines being rated by different publications. With Parker or Opaz, you're getting a single person's opinion on a wine. With The Wine Spectator, you are getting a blended score from multiple tasters. One is not inherently superior to the other. The goal is to find the palate(s) that consistently provide you with a good wine experience, should you so choose to use outside assistance.

Re: A Belem Lunch with a Portuguese White Wine

Bill — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:41:10 -0000

Welcome aboard! Without trying to stereotype, I would say that your comment about "people being turned off" by a whole fish can be applied readily to Americans. In general Europeans are more open to this kind of presentation, and it isn't limited to whole fish. We Americans (stereotypically) don't want to be reminded that the protein on our plates was once a living, breathing being. Personally, I believe that presenting the whole fish, or suckling pig, etc., etc., actually honors the being we are consuming, in addition to the other benefits you mention. We are acknowledging it's existance. Maybe that's weird, but that's how I feel about it.

Re: A Series of Wine Thoughts From My Time in Minnesota

Bill — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:19:34 -0000

1998 Lafon Rochet 1999 Brane Cantenac Both wines were closed at the start, even after a couple hours of decanting. They really opened up nicely over the course of the evening, although I think most people enjoyed the Tresor better. I'm looking forward to our next get together and hope Gabriella is along this time!

Re: Welcome Star Tribune Readers to Catavino, Our Humble Iberian Home!

Bill — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:28:59 -0000

It's not Opazes, it's Opai!

Re: Pre-Conference Butterflies and a Thank You

Bill — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:08:27 -0000

Have fun. You've earned it! I wish I was there, representing the 'non-geek' wine loving crowd. . .

Re: Hillary Clinton on Meet the Press — Aftermath and Impressions

Bill — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:33:00 -0000

Re Robert Johnson, she doesn't care what the black community might think of him; that isn't why she is using him. She is playing to whites here. They don't know who the f*ck he is. They just know some powerful black guy is slamming Obama. Then they see a bunch of "angry Negroes" on TV debating race and coke use. This is exactly what Hillary wants. It doesn't matter what they say. It is the imagery she is banking on. Race card 101. This doesn't make the Hillary camp "racist," just shameless and no better than the GOP.

I wouldn't vote for Hillary if she were the last Democrat on earth.

Re: Hillary Clinton on Meet the Press — Aftermath and Impressions

Bill — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:41:00 -0000

seaberry: 'they want to abolish individualism and replace it with a "folk community"'

This is why I'm against football and other collectivist sports. These sports diminish the individual and brainwash people into supporting collectives, universal health care, and the obvious next step: Nazi death camps for minorities and liberals. Oh, wait, the minorities and liberals are Nazis...or something... Anyways, I only play golf. Football, baseball, and basketball (tennis is iffy) promote socialism, which as we all know, is fascism. Black is also white. And up is down.

Re: On MTV’s Choose Or Lose. Comedy & Obama (video)

Bill — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:49:00 -0000

You hit the nail on the head in your interview. Obama does not come across as angry. As a white, southern republican, I have grown tired of what politics has become. If Obama wins the nomination, he will have my full support. If he does not, I will be going with McCain.

Re: New Ben Kweller Songs

Bill — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 13:15:00 -0000

Thank you for your good work. I loved this set.

Re: RevoPower Turns Your Bike Into A Moped

Bill — Tue, 09 May 2006 14:13:35 -0000

HURRY UP AND MAKE THIS AVAILABLE, ILL TRADE MY TRUCK FOR THIS!!!

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » Quick Survey

Bill — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 11:20:39 -0000

Splitting hairs.

Gizmodo, Engadget and OhGizmo are all in my RSS reader. It updates every hour, and since the other two generally post _something_ once an hour, and OhGizmo is much slower, that generally means I don't visit OhGizmo...

However, since Engadget and Gizmodo are often direct rips of each other, and OhGizmo usually has unique content, that doesn't put you in the #3 position.

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » Top 19 Tips To Get The Most From Your Nokia N91

Bill — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:13:07 -0000

To Javad: Sure - connect phone using USB file transfer and windows explorer will do what u asking.

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » Breville Lift-And-Look Toaster

Bill — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 06:52:50 -0000

and it beeps when your toast is done too. Once in a while it decides to burn a little but otherwise its great.

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » GiSTEQ Photo Trackr - Where Was That Again?

Bill — Wed, 09 May 2007 23:25:20 -0000

Definitely Flickr. You've used the web before, right?

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » Send Your Name Into Space

Bill — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:15:51 -0000

free+adult+vidieos++%5BURL%3D+http%3A%2F%2Forgasmp%2Dornwmv.cn%2Ffree%2Dadult%2Dvidieos.com+%5Dfree+adult+vidieos%5B%2FURL%5D+++%3Ca+href%3D+http%3A%2F%2Forgasmp%2Dornwmv.cn%2Ffree%2Dadult%2Dvidieos.net+%3Efree+adult+vidieos%3C%2Fa%3E+++http%3A%2F%2Forgasmp%2Dornwmv.cn%2Ffree%2Dadult%2Dvidieos.org+free+adult+vidieos+%0D%0AI+enjoy+your+site+very+much%21+THANK+YOUi

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » 2008 North American International Auto Show

Bill — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:11:06 -0000

Oooh, you'll have to post on the new Dodge Challenger. I'm pretty sure they're going to show them, and they've announced pre-orders. I'm actually going to a dealer today to order one, they expect them in March-ish.

Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » Question Of The Moment: How Do You Back Up Your Data?

Bill — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 03:46:34 -0000

1TB WD MYBook with Memeo AutoSync. I have it stored inside of a fireproof safe in my saferoom inside my bomb shelter. :-)

Re: Touch Screen : perspective Pixel

Bill — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:43:19 -0000

Bonjour les TMS sur une journée de taff.

Re: A Second Look at Second Life Analogies

Bill — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:34:33 -0000

In the essay, "Why I Am Not A Conservative," Hayek said,

"In the United States, where it has become almost impossible to use "liberal" in the sense in which I have used it, the term "libertarian" has been used instead. It may be the answer; but for my part I find it singularly unattractive. For my taste it carries too much the flavor of a manufactured term and of a substitute. What I should want is a word which describes the party of life, the party that favors free growth and spontaneous evolution. But I have racked my brain unsuccessfully to find a descriptive term which commends itself."

Based on this statement, it sounds like his disagreement with the term 'libertarian' is just aesthetic. The substance is fine; he just doesn't like the sound of it. If so, then libertarians could fairly claim him, unless there is some other reason why the term doesn't fit.

Re: Huckabee Tops GOP Power Rankings, Paul Takes Third

Bill — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:09:09 -0000

VERY Distrubing Stuff on Huck Seems Huck did not just release rapist Dumond against the wishes of many, and Dumond went on to rape and murder after being released.

Huck has a habit of freeing a LOT of rapists and murderers.

http://www.arkansasl...

Re: Iowa Independent Q&A: Barack Obama On The Trail

Bill — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:19:05 -0000

Agreed As a longtime independent, I've never been excited about a politician. Obama has changed that. He makes me want to be better than I really am.

Re: Annie's Massage Bangkok

Bill — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 07:55:43 -0000

Hey Mike. What number was Olive?

Re: Ted Haggard’s Cash-For-Heaven Offer

Bill — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:04:01 -0000

Pennies! Maybe we can all mail him a penny!

Re: Ted Haggard Quits New Life ‘Restoration Team’

Bill — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:57:13 -0000

Ted No one has mentioned it, but I feel really bad for his wife and especially his children.

They are having to go through this and all this embarrassment.

I hope his wife has enough to sense to get the children and run.

Re: Pirates in the Senate: Republican Minority Discovers Booty of the Filibuster

Bill — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:15:01 -0000

S'OK With Me I guess I'm allright with that. Interesting history, anyway...

Re: Pirates in the Senate: Republican Minority Discovers Booty of the Filibuster

Bill — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:15:01 -0000

S'OK With Me I guess I'm allright with that. Interesting history, anyway...

Re: Fox News Pulls the Race card!

Bill — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:47:57 -0000

we are all racist, and if you think you're not, than your a liar. we are a country of laws. enforce them. if you don't like the current laws than change them.
lets face it, too many whites suffer from "white guilt" and an equal number of blacks suffer from "we are the victims" mentality. as to the rolling out of "rev" sharpton, every time blacks are being portrayed in some way as victims. corporate american (i.e. the democratic left) consciously gives sharpton a voice, knowing full well that sharpton, jackson, and the rest, will continue to misinform and dumb down the compliant disenfranchised blacks, realizing a ignorant group of people is easier to lead than the converse. sharpton and his ilk are seen by most educated people as a modern day "minstrel show" they do nothing but make white america laugh in disgust, which furthers the perception, or in most cases the reality that blacks are the downtrodden, or that blacks are in a perpetual state of decent. sharpton knows this and gladly aids and abets, further lining his pockets in the process. black america has made tremendous strides over the last 100 years. sadly black leaders, use the mostly self inflicted race issues to further their cause, greed/power.

Re: FOX Attacks Goddamn Sally Field

Bill — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:14:07 -0000

xdream, "I'm an ex-Air Force sergeant" how's that relevant to anyone other than ex-Air Force sergeant's? there are/were plenty of bad Air Force sergeant's out there. we get it, you like to use neo-con in a sentence, neat! you say "she's a ranting lunatic" i'm guessing, you've heard that said to you before?

Re: FOX ATTACKS: Bloggers

Bill — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:25:58 -0000

i don't care much for bill or sean. fox's tag line is "we report, you decide"? how much simpler can it get than that? they report, however they see fit (the news is a business after all) and you, the viewer decides to continue to watch or change the channel. whats the big deal here? i thought the left was the biggest supporters of free speech?
or is it that the only free speech they will allow is speech that is congruent with the left's ideology?

Re: Fox News Pulls the Race card!

Bill — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:17:53 -0000

everyone is a racist. some just more than others.
we're humans thats what we do, hate.

Re: Bill O’Reilly attacks Obama staffer

Bill — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:54:27 -0000

O'Really is a looser on TV. soon he will be fired.

Re: Bill O’Reilly Loses His Shit

Bill — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:44:16 -0000

It appears his experience hasn't taught him anything. That's the bill those conservatives all know and love.

Re: Nashua Telegraph Blogs

Bill — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:40:08 -0000

I have played and coached at every level of amateur baseball. I've enjoyed playing with some great players and I've both enjoyed and not enjoyed coaching young baseball players. I've enjoyed coaching those players who genuinely enjoy the many extra months of a focus on "baseball only". For those athletes I think the opportunity to continue playing baseball beyond the usual baseball season is great. I have however coached many young athletes who would much rather be enjoying participation in another sport once the usual baseball season is over but are pressured to focus on baseball pretty much year round by either a parent, a coach or both. They are often told that without this focus on one specific sport only they will never make the high school or legion team. Often times they have been pressured by an otherwise well-meaning parent to remain focused on the one sport while that parent is pretty much unaware they themselves are the ones enjoying that intense focus on baseball for example, something they were probably not skilled enough to do when they were the age of their child. My point is, as parents I think we should all pay special attention to who is the one really enjoying this year round focus on one sport. Sometimes our own enthusiasm puts our kid on a baseball field in October when he or she may rather be playing football in the fall. I love almost all sports. Even in these times, as a coach, I've seen many young athletes succeed in both football and baseball at the high school level and baseball at the Legion and college level when they did not maintain a single-minded focus on baseball alone while coming up through the ranks. In my opinion it is important to be a well rounded athlete especially as a young person so that you don't run the risk of losing interest in potentially all sports due to burnout in one.

Re: Jeff Carr: Two Different Histories

Bill — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 21:20:50 -0000

I am responding on behalf of Anonymous. Because of the key words he used in in his last transmission he has been abducted by a roving band of deranged neo-cons. The neo-cons were under the command of the international zionist conspiracy. This cabal of zionists (Jews) now rule the United States totally and not just by whispering in the President's ear as Pat Buchanan says. Not by just having too much influence in Congress as the beloved Jimmy Carter says. Not even just having the United States fight wars for Israel as Cindy Sheehan, David Duke and other enlightened people such as many of the Koz posters understand.
The truth is that the elete of the Zionists have built an orbiting space craft where they can use mind control waves to convert otherwise normal people into the neo-con allience with zionism. Jim Wallis warned us in Sojourners about this evil allience of the Zionist Jews, many Republicans, and Christians who do not hate Jews. Some of these groups overlap. Even Jim did not realize the extent of the conspiracy.

Many people think that George Bush is the evil genius that is causing all the evils in the world. That is only partly true. He would not be nearly as efective without his partnership with Zionism. He has been able to perfect a weather control machine that can generate and control huricanes, floods, and other so called natural phenonminum. When he wants to he can direct "natural" disasters directly at poor black people. On that note do not be fooled, the blacks appointed to positions in his administration are not real blacks. They are from the same evil civilization from a far distant planet that is assisting the elete Zionists with mind control technology. Farrakhan learned of this on one of his trips to the Mother Ship. (Please note: the Mother Ship is not part of the conspiracy of evil.)

Many of Art Bell's guests have known about this for a long time. The so called far left/right have known only pieces of this great conspiracy of evil. The general public has too often been too apethetic to realize the extreme urgency of these issues and piece it all together. Sojourners is one of the exceptions, and have given many warnings. Many things that cannot be said as directly in Sojourner writings are referenced by links. eg. Alternative News Media. That way these things can be referenced and have some deniability. There are great links to Ted Rall, Justin Raimondo and many others who understand parts of this great conspiracy that may soon destroy this planet and perhaps others.

There is much more to say, but I have to quit rampling and get back to the urgent issue at hand. Anonymous was taken by the neo-cons to a location where he could be beamed up to the zionist space craft. His guard was down when he removed the tinfoil. The mind control rays usually cannot penetrate tinfoil. Some people have a natural restance to the rays. It is not understood why, but the space aliens are working on perfecting the ray. If we ever hear from Anonymous again, it is entirely possible that the portion of his brain that understands the neocon conspiracy has been removed and replaced by a zionist chip. The implant that was placed by his dentist did not work since it was too close to a gold cap on an adjoining tooth. Drastic measures had to be taken because he was about to reveal too much.

There is much more that needs to be said about this urgent matter, but little time. Keep the foil on your head. Keep reading the postings of the far left/right blogs to reprogram what might have been erased. There is a point of no return where you may start to become a neocon and even acknowledge the "right" of Israel to exist. Remember some surfaces may reflect the mind control rays up to a non portected area of your head. Stay inside as much as possible.

Re: Comcast caps downloads - but it’s a secret cap

Bill — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:03:09 -0000

i look at a lot of porn on an adult live webcam site. do those kinds of sites use a lot of bandwidth? enough that comcast will cut me off?

Re: The DOG stands up on Friday

Bill — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:58:00 -0000

Will this be a "new" flag billet or will they take one from somewhere else?

Remember the deployable groups of WWII were not supervised by an admiral. The Coast Guard only had one at the beginning of the war and only 12 at the end. Then again the districts were run by captains and commanders.

This group is just a larger version of the mid-1960s Reserve Coastal Forces. You may ask where are the Coastal Forces today.

Re: Coast Guard using Navy landing craft for MSST deployments

Bill — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:11:00 -0000

I had the opportunity about a decade ago to ride and drive and LCAC. It was much fun and since they had a light load at the time 3 LAVs and 5 HUMVEES on board we could only get to a bit over 40 knots.

With the light load of the Coast Guard I bet they were humming about 70 knots or so.

It was nice of them to drop the trucks and trailered boats off where there was a road. I thinks a couple MH53s would be better.

I wonder if the MSST crews rode in the LCAC compartment. That can be a sea-sick space.

It did look good in the video.

Re: The Coast Guard, The Church, Right, and Wrong

Bill — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:57:00 -0000

So, what else will the Coast Guard ask him to do that is against his religion? Will he sue if he had to kill someone?

As someone mentioned, his career is over. One may contract Hep A from nearly anywhere. He should do the honorable thing and resign his commission.

Over 20 years ago, asked this killing question of a "born again" LCDR. He said he had not yet made up his mind if he could order his people to kill anyone. I told him he had to make up his mind now. Being in such a situation is too late.

Re: Thomas Jackson hits the Civil Rights program

Bill — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:07:00 -0000

Looking at the complaints statistics, it does not appear this staff is very busy.

I wonder what it costs the Coast Guard to process a complaint that could be handled at a much lower level.

I remember when the Dept. of Transportation pulled funding out of the Coast Guard to fund its expanded Civil Rights staff and lawyers.

Re: Ocean Sentry unable to land on BERTHOLF’s deck

Bill — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:25:00 -0000

KP Troll,

The Congressman must have been serving overseas in 1942 when the law was changed to reflect the naval status of the Coast Guard.

It does not matter what people think they know.

As for the article and the successful firing of the 57mm, how many unsuccessful trys were there?

Re: http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/2009/07/doodling-day-dreaming.html

Bill — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:10:08 -0000

I love this drawing!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/08/my-1st-guest-offender-offensive.html

Bill — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:36:00 -0000

Love a story with a happy ending! Great job!!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/08/caption-this-very-naughty-wordless.html

Bill — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:54:00 -0000

A group of industrious High School students are earning dollars for charity by operating their own business.

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/jesus-why-hast-thou-forsaken-me.html

Bill — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:43:00 -0000

chelle, wherever Jesus is, I'm sure he's not forgotten you. Who could? That bit about your kids - so offensive. So taco. I mean tacky. LOVED IT!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/jesus-why-hast-thou-forsaken-me.html

Bill — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:54:00 -0000

"A Special twist just for you" makes me very nervous having seen that photo of you with your HUGE B...BOW AND ARROW!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/caption-this-backstabbing-judas.html

Bill — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:50:00 -0000

Oh c'mon. You know you want to!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/i-had-dream-offensive.html

Bill — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:56:00 -0000

Remind me NEVER to accept a ride from you!

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/halleluja-i-found-jesus-offensive.html

Bill — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:55:00 -0000

Jesus says 'hello' Chelle. He also says, "he no forget that remark about hees small sombrero. You no get no discounts no more. Doan you know beeg things come in small packages? Beach".

Re: http://www.offendedblogger.com/2008/09/ugh-i-need-vacation-offensive.html

Bill — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:08:00 -0000

John J Savo - its not nice to be funnier than the blogger! LOL How offensive is that?!

Chelle, you can't take a vacation, the very idea is offensive to us lesser beings who need your help so often.

Re: We will not operate the ship until it is in compliance

Bill — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:48:00 -0000

In 1977 the Coast Guard refitted, sorta, USCGC Unimak (WHEC 379). She was in bad shape.

It took several millions of dollars, seven months at Curtis Bay and tens of thousands of man hours just to get her past the railroad bridge.

She was not ready to go and perhaps never would be. The intent was to keep her in service for five years as an interim or until another more suitable vessel could be found.

Her inspection by the then First District was announced by the then D1 commander that Unimak was "floating bomb." D1 came short of stating she was not sea worthy but many things were glossed over just to get her underway.

Topside decks measured about 1/8" and other more important items such has her broken back were just over looked. She was in bad shape. Equipment that could not be run because it was obsolete and when sent to REFTRA at Guantanamo in August the lack of air conditioning became very noticeable.

The one saving grace of Unimak was she had not flight deck. That relieved one large problem that could have kept her from any form of certification.

She was not fit to go to sea. The project was ill conceived and should not have been carried out despite the near heroic efforts of the crew to save her.

Like all things Coast Guard, she did double the expected third life span.

So, what has this to do with the NSC? Send it out ready or not. Things will be fixed in time and in 50 years people will be writing that she should be replaced with, perhaps, a new class of WPGs.

Re: Will the NSCs end up like the LPDs?

Bill — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:57:00 -0000

This is a shame. I served as a civilian instructor aboard USS Cleveland and she was in need of replacement. 30+ years of active service calls for it.

The Navy has seen fit to cut back on its Gators in favor of "Deep Blue" contrary to the general consensus that big blue warfare isn't needed. Are they not converting boomers to SPECWarfare?

The loss of a new class of vessels for amphibious work is shameful and detrimental to the national security.

Well, maybe they'll build a another aircraft carrier and call it Bush II.

Re: Operation Iraqi Freedom and the U.S. Coast Guard

Bill — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0000

Just how long can those 110s last? It there a replacement plan?

I know the 82s in Vietnam were worn out after five years of 85% underway time.

Is the navy going to replace the 110s?

Re: Coastie SEALS: Totally ridiculous with no historical link

Bill — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:43:00 -0000

One small flaw in the idea that the OSS Coasties were part of an elite force during WWII.

The simple fact is they were under the Navy Department and the Navy Department called the shots. It was not until 1943 that the Coast Guard became a separate service under the Navy Department. The Coast Guard was assimilated in 1941 and most of the men drafted or enlisted in the Coast Guard wound up working for the navy in some capacity or the other.

The navy needed men qualified in certain areas and used whatever manpower it had available. The two situations are different.

WWII was a national need. The CG SEALs of today are a Coast Guard want. The latter has far less a national basis than the former.

Ask yourself why there were no UDT Coasties after WWII. Heck, there were very few qualified (and Navy trained) SCUBA divers in the Coast Guard.

No, this latest boondoggle is the pipe dream of someone who does not believe the Coast Guard has the proper "esprit de corps" and wants to infiltrate the SEAL ethos into the Coast Guard.

There are two problems with this. The first is the Coast Guard may never see any of the people return to the Coast Guard and second the Coast Guard has no warrior spirit in its soul. That was removed long ago.

Re: CGBlog Find #6: USMilNet

Bill — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:00:00 -0000

I see no one has warned the readers about the ultra-conservative slant of the forum owner at USMILNET.

They will not tolerate any opinion or comment that does not fit their far-right wing political agenda.

Be careful there.

Re: Leaked: ABC’s Stephanopoulos interviews John McCain

Bill — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:48:09 -0000

Senator, when did you stop cheating on your first wife, you know, the one that was horribly disfigured in an auto accident while waiting for you to be released from the Hanoi Hilton in Viet Nam?

Re: Chinese Internet Scam - Buying Center & Trip To China - Guilin Youlianshiye | Israel's News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and Photos

Bill — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:33:38 -0000

Oh we've heard of the Lofty Ambition Of China. Ignore their email like you would any other spam.

Re: Chinese Internet Scam - Buying Center & Trip To China - Guilin Youlianshiye | Israel's News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and Photos

Bill — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:57:55 -0000

Tony, an international investigation is well under way. Please watch this site and I will give an update. I will also give you my contact information soon

Re: Batteries 4800 mAh : plus de peur que de mal ? - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:20:59 -0000

Bonsoir,
je confirme, étiquette 4800 pour 5200 affiché par la commande !
Sinon je l'ai commander le 30 vers 13h30, je l'ai recu le 1 février (le 2 j'ai été à la poste car j'étais absent !)

Re: Batteries 4800 mAh : plus de peur que de mal ? - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:21:40 -0000

Qu'en est il de la réponse officiel de asus sur le sujet ?
Car personnellement j'arrive bientôt à 7 jours d'utilisations, et donc il me sera impossible d'échanger le produit.

Re: Le EEEPC 900 en vidéo : Analyse. - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:46:31 -0000

hello,

la taille de l'écran était mon seul frein, bien joué asus ;)

Re: Test batteries 6600 mAh noname pour EeePC. - By Pierre Lecourt - 700, 900, asus, batterie, eeepc, test - Blogeee.net

Bill — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:02:06 -0000

Bonsoir,
au lire de ma commande pour voir la capacité la commande affiche faux. J'en conclus que les 4800mAh sont bien réelles !

Re: Le EeePC 900 disponible en mai en France. - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:49:11 -0000

Salut,

9" + 12go, à 400€ il faudrait un gadget utile en plus pour exploser la concurence! (tactile par ex.)

@+

Re: Exclu : Fiche technique et infos officielles sur le EeePC 900 - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:38:55 -0000

salut,

le 17 avril?! mais c'est dans 2 jours
même pas le temps de gratter les fonds de tiroir! :D

Re: Une station d’accueil DVD pour le EeePC. - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:44:35 -0000

69.00 €, ça fait mal

Re: En direct de la conférence de presse Asus. - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:09:17 -0000

"28 Mai. Date de sortie du EeePC en France !"

28 mai 2008? :p

Re: En direct de la conférence de presse Asus. - By Pierre Lecourt - - Blogeee.net

Bill — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:21:35 -0000

pourquoi vendre un produit à 200€ quand on peut le vendre à 300€ :D

Re: Les EeePC 900 sortent dans la précipitation avec une batterie 4400 mAh. - By Pierre Lecourt - 4400, 900, asus, batterie, eeepc, mah - Blogeee.net

Bill — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:18:40 -0000

Après les 4800mAh pour nous, je vise le 4000mAh pour le 900, vu la forte demande !

Re: Exclu : Photos officielles du EeePC 900 noir. - By Pierre Lecourt - asus, asustek, eeepc 900, haute definition, images, officielles - Blogeee.net

Bill — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:11:51 -0000

salut
le bouton power fait un peu cheap :-|

Re: Test : 3 clés AverMedia au banc d’essai ! - By Matthieu Constanzo - avermedia, dvb-t, eeepc, test, tnt, xandros - Blogeee.net

Bill — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:48:15 -0000

Bonsoir,
bon test, cependant on ne voit que 1 constructeur, et que sur un systeme d'exploitation.
Qu'en est-il sur linux ?
J'ai une pinnacle dvb-t stick ultimate, je n'ai pas réussit à l'installer sous xandros.
Pour ce qui est de la chaleur, c'est inévitable.
Pour l'antenne, celle fournit avec ma clé fonctionne parfaitement. Et je suis même stupéfait. Je reçois que tf1 fr2 à moitié et fr3, avec le râteau. L'antenne fournit fonctionne bien mieux avec la tnt ; même si je ne reçois pour l'instant que la tnt suisse.
Je cherche toujours pour la faire fonctionner sur mon eee, je ne veux pas m'encombrer avec wi....

Re: Test : 3 clés AverMedia au banc d’essai ! - By Matthieu Constanzo - avermedia, dvb-t, eeepc, test, tnt, xandros - Blogeee.net

Bill — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:49:35 -0000

Pour le râteau, c'est en hertzien !

Re: Test : 3 clés AverMedia au banc d’essai ! - By Matthieu Constanzo - avermedia, dvb-t, eeepc, test, tnt, xandros - Blogeee.net

Bill — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:35:04 -0000

Je reçois les 4 chaînes qui sont disponible dans ma région. TSR1 TSR2 et 1 chaine allemande et 1 italienne. Pour les chaines françaises, il me faut attendre le fin de l'année.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:37:38 -0000

OK..lets settle in and get two more outs.....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:37:38 -0000

OK..lets settle in and get two more outs.....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:39:44 -0000

Sweet!!! 2 K's for Huddy!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:39:44 -0000

Sweet!!! 2 K's for Huddy!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:42:46 -0000

Yuk - something to come back from.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:42:46 -0000

Yuk - something to come back from.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:50:13 -0000

Time to break out the lumber!!!1 Baseball is back...all is now right with the world..order has been restored. Ahhhhhh....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:50:13 -0000

Time to break out the lumber!!!1 Baseball is back...all is now right with the world..order has been restored. Ahhhhhh....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:53:18 -0000

McCann should know better then to try to stretch ANYTHING into a double....he's slower than Christmas!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:53:18 -0000

McCann should know better then to try to stretch ANYTHING into a double....he's slower than Christmas!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:15:24 -0000

YEEEHAAAAA!!!! 1st HR in NAts Park by our very own CHIPPER JONES!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:15:24 -0000

YEEEHAAAAA!!!! 1st HR in NAts Park by our very own CHIPPER JONES!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:16:24 -0000

JB - I'm in Orlando. My Braves just left town and went north. :(

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:16:24 -0000

JB - I'm in Orlando. My Braves just left town and went north. :(

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:19:28 -0000

YEah 0 I got to see them 3 times - twice against the Astros at Champions Staduim and once at the Nationals site in Viera. We LOVE ST!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:19:28 -0000

YEah 0 I got to see them 3 times - twice against the Astros at Champions Staduim and once at the Nationals site in Viera. We LOVE ST!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:22:45 -0000

Oh yeah - I got the MLB Extra Innings package mostly to see as many Braves games as I can...as well as catch other teams When the Braves are not on. And I like getting to catch a weekend series or two at Turner field every year..maybe 2 or 3 of them.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:22:45 -0000

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:26:01 -0000

Jonathan - Braves Blast, right? I was at both of those games. In Viera, I was in the first row, Batters Box seats. I was about 3 feet from the Nats in the on deck circle. Nick Johnson needs to shave! The Sunday gamethat weekend at Champoins field was a Hampton start that also highlighted Resop's heat and Acosta's talents. I got a good sunburn that Sunday.... :)

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:26:01 -0000

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:30:45 -0000

Now that he has found his groove, I say 7.2...maybe 8. It would be awesome for him to go the distance - provided we tag on a few more runs!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:30:45 -0000

Now that he has found his groove, I say 7.2...maybe 8. It would be awesome for him to go the distance - provided we tag on a few more runs!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:36:31 -0000

I sure hope Diaz is the every day LF for us. He has become one of my fav Braves. Just imagine what he can do given a chance to play every day. I say .315/25/95.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:36:31 -0000

I sure hope Diaz is the every day LF for us. He has become one of my fav Braves. Just imagine what he can do given a chance to play every day. I say .315/25/95.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:41:14 -0000

Mackowiak is a midget. It is amazing how small he is compared to therest of his team!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:41:14 -0000

Mackowiak is a midget. It is amazing how small he is compared to therest of his team!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:53:46 -0000

16 in a row. Huddy is awesome as always. Now if we can just get a few runs on the board.....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:53:46 -0000

16 in a row. Huddy is awesome as always. Now if we can just get a few runs on the board.....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:06:27 -0000

Kepp on keepin on, Huddy - the boys WILL come through for you!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:06:27 -0000

Kepp on keepin on, Huddy - the boys WILL come through for you!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:09:13 -0000

Yep - it's 'Go time!'.....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:09:13 -0000

Yep - it's 'Go time!'.....

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:09:52 -0000

Nope - Huddys still got some let in him tonight

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:09:52 -0000

Nope - Huddys still got some let in him tonight

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:11:32 -0000

Moylan and Ohman in the pen - Penya PH for Huddy

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:11:32 -0000

Moylan and Ohman in the pen - Penya PH for Huddy

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:12:25 -0000

Moylan is AWESOME!!!! I sure hope he continues what he did last year!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:12:25 -0000

Moylan is AWESOME!!!! I sure hope he continues what he did last year!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:18:27 -0000

Moylan is another of my fav Braves. He is avery importnant part of the Braves overall drive to fullfill the expectations that we all have for this team!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:18:27 -0000

Moylan is another of my fav Braves. He is avery importnant part of the Braves overall drive to fullfill the expectations that we all have for this team!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:25:51 -0000

Bring on Moylan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:25:51 -0000

Bring on Moylan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:30:46 -0000

Ok - Chip, Tex, and Frenchy, Follwoed by McCann! The Time is Now!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:30:46 -0000

Ok - Chip, Tex, and Frenchy, Follwoed by McCann! The Time is Now!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:33:02 -0000

Holy Crap - Look what I found!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:33:02 -0000

Holy Crap - Look what I found!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:33:55 -0000

TEX is on BASE!!!!!! IN scoring position!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:33:55 -0000

TEX is on BASE!!!!!! IN scoring position!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:34:40 -0000

crap - foul ball

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:34:40 -0000

crap - foul ball

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:35:45 -0000

C'mon Frenchy - you're better than that!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:35:45 -0000

C'mon Frenchy - you're better than that!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:36:30 -0000

2 run HR for McCann - C'mon Brian!!!!!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:36:30 -0000

2 run HR for McCann - C'mon Brian!!!!!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:36:50 -0000

TIE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEEEEHA!!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:36:50 -0000

TIE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEEEEHA!!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:37:26 -0000

Keep Moylan? Or go to Soriano?

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:37:26 -0000

Keep Moylan? Or go to Soriano?

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:44:12 -0000

Dammit

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:44:12 -0000

Dammit

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:45:20 -0000

Amazing - we completely shut them down from the first to the botom of the ninth - and we loose. Incredible.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:45:20 -0000

Amazing - we completely shut them down from the first to the botom of the ninth - and we loose. Incredible.

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:46:18 -0000

Someone apparently left the bats in Orlando.... I will trek down to Disney tomorrow and encourage them to send the bats to Pittsburgh!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:46:18 -0000

Someone apparently left the bats in Orlando.... I will trek down to Disney tomorrow and encourage them to send the bats to Pittsburgh!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:46:53 -0000

Overnight - UPS - next day air - early delivery!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:46:53 -0000

Overnight - UPS - next day air - early delivery!!!!!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:48:41 -0000

See ya tomorrow, ya'll!!

Re: In Game Thread for Opening Day

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:48:41 -0000

See ya tomorrow, ya'll!!

Re: This is Why I Blog

Bill — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:29:44 -0000

Very eloquently put, JB. Those are precisely the reasons that I visit a variety of Braves blogs, and baseball blogs in general. I get a chance to see what other fans think....to discover if my thinking is crazy or shared by the masses. It is also a forumwhere I can communicate with others who share my passion for the Braves and for baseball...not something I can necessarily accomplish in the comfort of my own home on a nightly basis. (those of you who are married know what I am talking about!) Thanks for providing another forum (an exellent one, by the way...)for all of us to meet and interact!!!! Bill

Re: This is Why I Blog

Bill — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:29:44 -0000

Re: Firefighter’s Blogs

Bill — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 11:41:00 -0000

You know, you're 100% right!

When I posted the first story about firefighting in my blog, I was not prepared for the response.

Folks love to hear about this stuff, if they're in a department or not.

Hopefully one day soon I'll get the old pics I've been promised and post a lot more of the old tales complete with pics.

I like your blog, and thanks for adding me to the blogroll.

Re: BioShock: No Sound?

Bill — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:16:16 -0000

thanks

Re: The beer pit crew

Bill — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:02:00 -0000

I think I am the only one of us that can legally wear beer deodorant and I am not referring to my age.

Re: They are easier to see in the daytime

Bill — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:16:00 -0000

Came by to see you today at the office but I missed you. Must have been your aches and pains that kept you away. Glad that you both survived the fall. Hope you guys can come our way sometime.

Re: Some Thoughts on Worship as a Lifestyle

Bill — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:20:00 -0000

Amen! I just want you to know that reading this meant a lot to me. Thanks for revealing your heart though I believe I already knew it.

Re: Gwyn is a Hebrew Scholar

Bill — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:24:00 -0000

Very cute. Except that "abba" is Aramaic not Hebrew. Where did she learn Aramaic? Oh, I know, you guys must watch "Passion of the Christ" a lot. Hope you guys are well.

Re: Bebop Drive - by Abraham Laboriel

Bill — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:05:00 -0000

He is coming to our church in July. Can't wait.

Re: 10 years down…

Bill — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:29:00 -0000

Congratulations!!! I can't believe it has been 10 years. That's a lot of spaghetti and waffles if you know what I mean.

Re: Wound For Worship - Preaching this weekend

Bill — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:26:00 -0000

Wow! What a great illustration!! I will be praying for you this weekend. I am so grateful for you and your ministry. 2 Timothy 1:7

Re: A Trend Day Down Full of Bear Flags

Bill — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:59:47 -0000

Cory,

I posted a Dollar Index chart which I believe will have implications for the market - particularly commodity related stocks. www.speculativemeasures.com

I see you've mentioned Constance Brown a few times, along with your references to confluence. I read her book a few weeks ago and still haven't made up my mind on her application of Fibonacci's for price projections (vs merely retracements). I'd love to here more of your experiences with it.

PS still can't get anything but Bollinger band "Lines" to appear on stockcharts. I've concluded you must not be using the free charts, for I do not see where there are any settings affecting how it is displayed.

Re: A Weekly Chart Look at the 1987 Market Crash

Bill — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:28:38 -0000

Cory,

Just trying to get an better feel for EW.... Is there a rule or principle that prevents wave 3 of 4 (SPX 300, Apr 87)) from being interpreted as a larger wave 5? The skeptic in me is saying that it's called 3 of 4 because we have the benefit of hindsight knowing that the top occurs later. What quides a technician otherwise?

Re: Intraday Tactics for St Patrick’s Day 09

Bill — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:00:12 -0000

I too noticed the shooting star from the prior day which led me to believe in the H & S forming. I usually don't use candlesticks much, but does a negated shooting star suggest the ST trend up has some legs?

Thanks for posting your insights.

Re: NBA Live 09 soundtrack includes Public Enemy, Busta Rhymes, N.E.R.D.

Bill — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:56:20 -0000

fifa 09 is the better music game

Re: VIDEO: Dwele’s McDonalds McCafe ad

Bill — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:52:01 -0000

Mcdonalds can suck my dick?

Re: Olivia Munn by DK : All PS3 Themes

Bill — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:53:06 -0000

All I want is the wallpaper thats it the icon are ok

Re: Batman : All PS3 Themes

Bill — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:21:16 -0000

nice this theme asweome

Re: +++ Ivan Cameron Died Overnight +++

Bill — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:32:00 -0000

Dick Cheese - appropriate name, as that is what your head is clearly stuffed with.

You have little to say, yet spew out so many words to say it.

Re: Gentoo Linux on new HP dv8000z

Bill — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:37:56 -0000

I have written another guide for the dv8000z which you can find at:
http://www.linlap.com/wiki/HP+Pavilion+dv8000z

Re: Coca Cola Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Ad

Bill — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:01:48 -0000

it's a fun ad. Nice to see a soda not taking htemselves too seriously

Re: http://www.aeropause.com/2006/08/psm-editor-im-getting-a-360/

Bill — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 13:38:41 -0000

I think chuck my be mentaly retarded

Re: Has Email Turned Us Into Chickens?

Bill — Tue, 22 Jun 2004 10:03:26 -0000

Email etiquette, yes indeed. This is a great article on the dos and don'ts of email, especially for managers. I am sending this one around to my colleagues.

Re: Ricky Peden

Bill — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:43:48 -0000

first off, this whole endeavor is incredible - it is wonderful to hear the stories that most assuredly would have come had i had more time with my brother. thank god i have been able to spend many late nights drinking and bumming ashley "drunken" cigarettes as we share tales of dad and ricky and the craziness that ensued with both of them. so, to everyone opening windows into the past, thank you. it's hilarious to remember your faces when i was really young, or the conversations i'd have with you as i grew a little older - none of you had any idea what to do with rick and alva's innocent child. hah! but i could always count on being welcomed, not to mention a damn good meal and a few underage beers while spending time with ricky and the few of you i was able to meet at his house(s). sadly i don't have too much to offer when it comes to stories, but i do have one that sticks in my mind that maybe some of you can appreciate, and/or elaborate upon. it's kind of two part. i remember a day - i was probably 11 or 12 at the time - when ricky and some friends were taking the bayliner out for a spin. i saw all of you guys hopping on board the "party" barge and riding off into the sunset. whether it was thirty minutes or three hours i can't remember, but some time later dad gets a phone call and, lets just say, is less than thrilled - the engine is blown. i remember from that day forth the bayliner sat behind the house as glorified lawn furniture. i didn't think too much about it.

fast forward a few years later. i'm probably 16 or so. it was around mardi gras and, hilariously, i'm playing bass with corey ray and some other guys in the attic of a warehouse at kremer marine. (corey, i have you to thank for my belief that rod stewart's tonight i'm yours really does sound better with some balls behind it. but i digress...) so it's around mardi gras and that means you guys are getting together the troupe of Eusda Migosa(sp?). corey is setting in to make the theme song for the float and lets me hear it while ricky and i are hanging out one afternoon. throughout the song i keep hearing this hook cut through over and over again. "GOTTA TRIM IT UP!!!" 'what's that all about,' i ask ricky. the shit eating grin comes up that all of you remember so well, and corey and ricky glance at each other. 'do you remember when the bayliner's engine blew,' he says to me. 'yeah, i remember that.' he then proceeded to recall himself taking the un-sagely and seemingly inebriated advice of the boat's "crew" that day, where the trim could only go one direction - "up". and by "up" he of course meant to the point of everyone being stranded near pops ferry with a blown engine and a lot of beer. good times, indeed.

keep these coming, guys. you can't know how appreciated they are, and how alive ricky remains through the memories surrounding all the he was.

Re: Daphne Rosen

Bill — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:41:02 -0000

Es una mujer muy linda con unos senos muy hermosos y me encantan sus senos de Daphne Rosen me gustaria tener algunos videos ... pero eres una mujer .. con 5 estrelallas ... bill

Re: Blog RSS Submission Site

Bill — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:50:00 -0000

http://www.listown.com/

submit rss and blog links

http://www.gvke.com/

submit links

Re: Version 4: Princess Bee

Bill — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:46:52 -0000

I really like the layout. I just stumbled across your site today and didn't see the old version but this one is very lively and inviting. The colors are pleasing and generally add the feminine quality of the site.

Nice work.

Re: Hotscripts.com Redesign

Bill — Mon, 09 Jun 2003 11:39:47 -0000

OK - "You're a Geek."

Re: Same Blog, New Clothes

Bill — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:57:37 -0000

no complaints here. great clean, easy look. i approve.

Re: Now What?

Bill — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:41:37 -0000

The City should refocus its efforts on attracting events/conventions that would come back each year.

i.e. NCAA Football Championships, College Football Bowl Games, etc..

Re: Calling it Quits

Bill — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:53:16 -0000

it is time for Monroe Gary to loose his present position

Re: Turn Your Anger Into Action

Bill — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:25:12 -0000

10-4 to a donation --- a good thing.

Re: MEET THE NEW “HIZZONER”

Bill — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 02:11:38 -0000

look again; you said it was "a lot of money", Ballard didn't have any money compared to Peterson. It was pissed off voters!

Re: New Ken

Bill — Thu, 21 Apr 2005 23:06:00 -0000

AHHH, my home town of New Ken, Pa The people there are beautiful and God is working in a mighty and awesome way.

Re: A Long Day

Bill — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 08:11:00 -0000

Thank you for this post. It blessed my heart. With the all craziness, we can accomplish alot for the case for Christ. But it does begin on our knees. Thank You

Re: Olympics 2012

Bill — Thu, 07 Jul 2005 18:24:00 -0000

What an awesome way to think. Thank you for that perspective.

Re: Jesus at G8

Bill — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 09:25:00 -0000

Are we suprise? What an awesome display of Jesus. I believe that over the next few years we will be seeing more and more of Jesus sightings, until the the best sighting of all happens.
Oh Happy Day, when Jesus comes.

Re: Boston

Bill — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 09:41:00 -0000

Growing up in Western Penn and moving to the Boston area when I got married. I have grown to love Boston and the Massachusetts Division.

Re: Foundations

Bill — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 14:54:00 -0000

Susanne and I have several instances in which we can say with certainty that was where God wanted us to be. God is awesome in ways that are impossible for us to understand. God's plan for our lives are awesome and we should look for His plans in every decision that we make in our lives.

Re: Books

Bill — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 22:02:00 -0000

I have recently since being at the Training School feel in love with books. And since you asked the question of kinds of books, I really love history books, specifically SA history, maybe even a biography section. I really love history, and would enjoy any book on SA history.

Re: Chronicles of Narnia

Bill — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 22:04:00 -0000

Thought it was fantastic, would see again in a heartbeat!!!

Re: Fellowship of Believers

Bill — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 18:41:00 -0000

Here at the SFOT, it is amazing the fellowship that goes on here. Almost perfect environment. God has really blessed me through this fellowship.

Re: Chief Of The Staff

Bill — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 19:51:00 -0000

Go Australia!!! And the first woman Chief of Staff. I know God will bless her in her service!

Re: General Bramwell Tillsley

Bill — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 23:16:00 -0000

This is true! What a wonderful opportunity to be able to hear from an amazing man of God like General Tillsley. And to be in conversation on a daily basis with a man like Major Mark Tillsley. Two men appointed by God.

Re: Congo Brazzaville

Bill — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 08:26:00 -0000

That is so awesome! God bless you and bill in your journey in Africa!!

Re: Teeth

Bill — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 22:02:00 -0000

No offense Colonel. But this is the most random blog I have ever read.

Re: Teeth

Bill — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 11:34:00 -0000

Colonel, you are correct there! I did love the randomness(if this is a word) of the teeth blog.

Re: Sunset

Bill — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 22:10:00 -0000

Know that we will continue to pray for you in your God appointed positions. Know that we love you and consider you spiritual mentors and leaders. Thank you for your example of leadership and of humility.

God Bless Jim and Carolyn Knaggs

God Bless the Australia Southern Territory

God Bless the Eastern Territory

God Bless The Salvation Army

Re: Introductions

Bill — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 11:00:00 -0000

So glad your back in the blog of things.

Re: The Ashes

Bill — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 15:20:00 -0000

Commissioner:

I always enjoyed watching Cricket with my stays in Australia. It is Susanne favorite sport and we usually try and get to a match when we visit. I personally love Rugby League out of the Australian sports.

You are loved and prayed for.

Blessings,

Bill and Susanne

Re: The Youth of the Army

Bill — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:44:00 -0000

Commissioner,

Youth of the Army are like none other with their passion and their drive to accomplish God's will for humanity. God bless them.

Side note: Did you recieve our picture?

Re: Wonders of the World

Bill — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:29:00 -0000

The little tiny park under the bridge is my favorite place to sit, eat lunch and enjoy God's beauty and wonder.

Re: Australia Eastern Territory

Bill — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:41:00 -0000

Nice view from Commissioner Strong's office. The Strongs are wonderful people, we had a chance to visit them last time we were down to Sydney.

Re: Anzac Day

Bill — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:18:00 -0000

We are celebrating Anzac Day also here in the USA. We are making Anzac biscuits with the After-school program. Susanne loves those cookies. Hope you and Mrs. Knaggs are well!

Re: Small Groups

Bill — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:54:00 -0000

Tim Tams are awesome! When we go back to Australia we buy like 12 packets of them! We cherish them!

We pray for you and the work The Salvation Army does in Australia.

Blessings

Re: Keeping the Faith

Bill — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:40:00 -0000

Thank you for this! I needed it today!

Re: Starting the Conversation on June 11th in Palo Alto

Bill — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:18:00 -0000

Wow, sounds like the place to be on June 11th...I'm sorry I am too far away to attend. Makes me want to start a Social Media club here in the Dallas, Texas area...

Re: Senate Approves $15,000 Tax Credit for Home Buyers

Bill — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:52:38 -0000

I will be claiming this credit. My wife and I were getting a house this year anyway, so it didn't change our minds. However, I told a friend of mine, and he said that if they pass this bill, he is definitely getting a house this year!! I totally agree that it would get people off the fence. How can you pass up a free 15k, with no re-payment clause?

Re: Starting the Conversation on June 11th in Palo Alto

Bill — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:18:00 -0000

Wow, sounds like the place to be on June 11th...I'm sorry I am too far away to attend. Makes me want to start a Social Media club here in the Dallas, Texas area...

Re: HTML CODE for ‘Help Make Blogs More Visible’ Post

Bill — Sun, 08 Aug 2004 17:29:00 -0000

Excellent idea. I have created an html page for mine as well, so people can copy and paste.

Thank you for the great idea to make this work better.

Re: Simian Mobile Disco – Cruel Intentions (ft. Beth Ditto)

Bill — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:05:01 -0000

You haven't even hear 10,000 horses yet. Go watch the SMD video on Youtube

Re: http://capitolfax.com/2007/05/08/3559/

Bill — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:30:07 -0000

Anon,
The Governor will never let political considerations get in the way of doing what he thinks is right for the people of Illinois.

Re: Why Marijuana Is Illegal

Bill — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:51:32 -0000

government cant get a profit thats why its illegal

Re: Google does Video Advertising

Bill — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:38:00 -0000

A gentle introduction…

You may have an interest in noting the availability of the StreamerNet Mobile Video Producer for creating and delivering do-it-yourself video ads.

http://www.streamernet.com/html/videoad.html

Re: adversity

Bill — Fri, 01 Feb 2002 03:08:20 -0000

Goddamn woman, are you sure you aren't me?
Well, as long as you're in my head, make yourself at home, there's coffee on and beer in the fridge.

Re: adversity

Bill — Fri, 01 Feb 2002 03:31:32 -0000

"Caution: blogger ahead"

Re: potential epic disaster averted

Bill — Thu, 21 Feb 2002 22:08:25 -0000

Go supermom!

And, btw, next time try talking to the service provider - when I called to cancel my service after I lost my phone in December (couldn't afford to replace it), they gave me another one. Free. Didn't want to lose my money...

Re: unhappiness is a wet cat

Bill — Thu, 13 Jun 2002 07:23:25 -0000

Poor beast! And don't forget to spray the whole apartment with raid, vacuum well and throw the vacuum cleaner bags out immediately. The live fleas on the cat are only 1/20th of the problem.

After I had to bathe mine twice in one month (for plain dirt), they adapted really well - they were being sweet and lovey before they'd even dried off! It helps that they were generally well trained, but that was still pretty impressive.

Re: a pickle!

Bill — Tue, 09 Jul 2002 21:20:02 -0000

I love pickle spears. Bliss!
Especially with condiments.

Re: you may be right, i may be crazy

Bill — Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:19:09 -0000

Well, both of my beasts were feral, untouched by human hands before I caught them, and now they're the sweetest, most docile little cats I've ever had the pleasure of owning, probbaly because I made sure I trained them well.
If you decide to go for it, you can write to me anytime for help.

Re: a pickle!

Bill — Thu, 11 Jul 2002 06:22:05 -0000

Ohhhh, cocktail onions and miniature gherkins!
kd, you can come onna over to my house anytime, we'll have a such a nosh!

Re: you can’t always get what you want

Bill — Thu, 11 Jul 2002 06:23:11 -0000

Ah, the bliss of having three bathrooms. :D

Re: Pause to reflect on senseless murder

Bill — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:59:17 -0000

Please explain or give me an example of when a murder is not senseless.

Based upon your article's title today, i did not bother to read the body of the text.

Re: How good is Manning?

Bill — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 21:33:55 -0000

This is the game I am waiting for. I wonder how many times Payton thinks he is going up to the line and changing the play. The bronco's defense will show him the speed he has never seen this year.I heard #47 has something for Manning also. Go Bronco's

Re: 002230833100

Bill — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:17:53 -0000

its 'remit2india' I have no idea what they actually do. Only managed to get there name.

Re: Inconsistencies keep consistencies less suicide-inducing

Bill — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:01:13 -0000

My head almost exploded when I say this post on my feed reader. Great, GREAT job.

Re: Britney Spears – Shattered Glass

Bill — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:05:14 -0000

seriously? i hate it.

Re: New Kanye West – Heartless (Rick Ross Remix) / Livinâ€™ A Movie

Bill — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:22:12 -0000

Yeah... 808s will just drop off completely in a few weeks and no one will remember it at all.

Re: Circus, Circus

Bill — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:34:49 -0000

I agree wholeheartedly with about every point you brought up. I am shamelessly enamored with the pop culture phenomenon that is Britney Spears!

Re: Staying true to our Constitution

Bill — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:27:19 -0000

Give me a break.
There is NOTHING this administration has done to warrent impeachment... that is why the DEMOCRATICALLY controled congress has not initiated. If you use Bill (I am a Liberal) Moyers as your guiding light - forget it. He is not even close to unbiased he has an agenda and is the Rush Limbaugh of the left.
So stop your whinning there will be an election in 18months - and a new administration will be elected...

Re: Local grocery stores’ labor negotiations

Bill — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:06:46 -0000

What Trail does not tell us is that the 35 million that will be contributed to the pension is all coming from the health care fund which will be cut dramatically. King Soopers contribution to health care fund will be decreased by 40% and pension benefits will be cut by 50%. Even a 25 or 30 cent raise for less than half of Kings "outstanding employees" is funded by the unions health care surplus. The rest of the employees get zero. Mr. Peterson is correct. This is a win-win situation for King Soopers!

Re: Never Shit Where You Eat

Bill — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:14:17 -0000

For what it's worth, my grandfather made wine for many years on his farm in Kansas, from grape stock that he imported from Germany. It was wine for the family table, not for sale. It wouldn't have won any awards, but it was the equal or better than much of what you can buy in the average liquor store.

Re: Cap and Trade Explained in Under Four Minutes (Video)

Bill — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:31:22 -0000

Mark, it's a pretty weak statement to call cleanwater's argument ad hominem. The majority of cleanwater's points are scientific/political/logical rather than ad hominem against Al Gore. He/she supports the made argument well if the claims are accurate, which is more than I can say for C. Marie:

"Green house gases exist, global warming exists, our climate is changing. Anyone with children or grandchildren should be worried. Not only will our current generation experience it's effects (we already are), but our children, and their children, will suffer even more severe effects unless we do something quickly."

I count six statements, and zero support. Way to make a case. I'd like to see more cited support for people's arguments.

Re: Should Mileage Standards Be Raised?

Bill — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:31:46 -0000

Short of any other program or initiative to increase vehicle fuel economy, this is probably the best way to push for better performance. The trick is getting consumers interested. Not every consumer is interested in hyper-mileing in a small econobox. Exactly why I see so many SmartForTwo vehicles up for sale now. We should continue to increase overall fuel economy while giving consumers options. This legislation does provides some stability for the auto sector, who doesn't have the resources to create a large variety of vehicles sold in small numbers using a wide variety of fuels.

Remember that this legislation does not kill products like the Mustang. Consumers will still be able to purchase the vehicle with a throaty V8, although they may pay a cost penalty. They may also be able to purchase a Mustang as a BEV, a PHEV, or with a small extremely energy efficient flex fuel IC engine, in additional to very fuel efficient large powertrains. I have a 2010 Mustang GT with a V8 and get 33.2 mpg on the highway.

While it is important to improve average vehicle fuel efficiency, we also need to maintain our focus on the primary consumers of energy. Homes and buildings consume more energy than all autos combined. And vehicles are no longer the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Improve vehicle fuel efficiency? Yes. But I also agree with Dr. Chu at DOE that buildings are a significant contributor to GHG and energy efficiency is the key enabler to helping the environment.

Re: On Pulling Weeds With Salazar - Outside Jobs Versus Flipping Burgers

Bill — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:47:14 -0000

I believe you're underestimating the youth. I'm 21 years old. I've spent countless hours in front of televisions/computers/video games and I've not forgotten the importance of nature. In fact, my values have rebalanced as I've gotten older. I spend more of my free time (outside of school and work) doing healthy, outdoor activities than I have in the past decade.

My parents always encouraged me to get outside when I was younger. I tossed that advice aside for video games -but, fear not. These man-made things are all shiny new stimuli for the young and impressionable (stimuli many of the readers likely never had to combat the appeal of, in their youth). They'll figure it out; just give them some time.

"Last year these partnerships got 70,000 kids into the outdoors whom, it’s likely, would not have gotten there any other way."

^The trick isn't to get them outdoors, repairing damage to our habitat. The trick is to get them to *want* to be outdoors, and want to repair our damage because they appreciate what has been lost.

Re: Must have Jailbreak app: HOOD 1.1

Bill — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:53:47 -0000

sbsettings is basically the same thing...

Re: Sunlight in a Cable

Bill — Sat, 07 May 2005 10:59:18 -0000

This is a fanstastic idea!!

Re: Deconstruction and the Rebuilding Center

Bill — Mon, 25 Apr 2005 11:50:19 -0000

You should see the huge expansion they are putting onto their existing building, doubling-ish their size. It's a wall of windows, a patchwork wall of reclaimed, random, coulda-been-in-the-dump windows. It's gorgeous, and very Portland.

Re: Instant Survey

Bill — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 11:20:54 -0000

What, no Libertarian option?

Find out what you really are:

http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html<br />

Re: Crocs. Birkys for a New Millenium?

Bill — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:30:29 -0000

I just read over the above comments and I haven't found anything said to convince me that I should stop wearing my Crocs. I do like the idea that they are made from petroleum by-products and that they can be recycled but I don't like the idea that they are not biodegradable. Yet, I do stand on my feet literally all day where I work but with Crocs on I feel far less run down at the end of the day. In fact, I wear them everywhere I go. I don't care if they're ugly to some people. Some people might look at me and think I'm ugly. I can't do any thing about that. They are just all around very comfortable. I think we need to give credit to the positive aspects of these shoes while trying to improve on perhaps one day making them biodegradable by using materials that would allow that. There is no need to throw the baby out with the bath water. I mean, just look at all the tires on the road. Think about how much more difficult it would be to make those things biodegradable. At least if these Crocs can save my feet and legs from hurting at the end of the day I can then more effectively use my head (and heart) to figure out how to take the next step toward a more conscious oriented way of living.

Re: Coal: What It Costs Us

Bill — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:02:40 -0000

If you can't come up with a reasonable alternative, then it's all whining.

Re: IPATH: A Lifestyle Brand with Skate DNA

Bill — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:28:47 -0000

This update made me understand the importance of going green.Thanks for the information on IPATH. They are doing great work.

Re: Unveiled: Aptera Typ-1 100% Electric and Series Hybrid Vehicles

Bill — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:31:52 -0000

I intend to plug my Type 1e into my 5kw solar panels on my home. Drive for free.

Bill #2292

Re: Free Bikes Flop in Brussels

Bill — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:35:04 -0000

I used to cycle to work each day across Brussels, it was one of the most scary/stressful things I have ever done - and I'm a keen snowboarder and diver so accustomed to risky activities. It is a very hilly city and I was challenged on my MTB with suspension. It would be a very miserable experience on a 3 speed heavy city bike.

Drivers in Brussels seem to have absolutely no respect for cyclists. Bikes lanes are always blocked by cars parking with hazards - which seems to be ignored by the Police. Cars ignore areas marked for bikes. It is of no wonder to me that this scheme is not used as the roads are so dangerous it would be crazy to take advantage of the service. I would say every time I take a journey on my bike I am nearly knocked off by some lunatic on his phone speeding in his/her SUV.

Compare this to how bike friendly most of Flanders and the Netherlands are is is a different world!

They should improve the infrastructure for cyclists and clamp down on (and educate) anti-social drivers if things are to improve. Rant over, cheers for reading!

Re: US Presidential Candidates' Environmental Records

Bill — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:14:05 -0000

wow

Re: Renting College Books: Greenwash or Green Choice?

Bill — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:09:09 -0000

well, chegg.com plants a tree for every textbook you rent....so not only do you supposedly save a tree by renting the book, but another one gets planted

Re: The Diaspora of Food

Bill — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:23:44 -0000

Going back to corn: another Michael Pollan book that really gets into corn and all its implications is his "The Omnivore's Dilemma". Pretty fascinating read.

Re: Lotus Wants Electric Cars and Hybrids to Make More Noise

Bill — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:26:14 -0000

Electric cars should emit sound at frequencies inaudible to the human ear but only audible to a specialized listening device used by the poor sighted (and also audible to dogs for good measure). That way, everyone is happy.

Re: China's BYD to Sell Electric Cars and Plug-in Hybrids in Israel in 2009

Bill — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:06:38 -0000

"Any word on pricing or ENCAP safety testing?"

Seems not bad:

http://ca.youtube.com/results?search_query=byd+crash+test&search_type=&aq=f

Re: Cap and Trade Explained in Under Four Minutes (Video)

Bill — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:31:22 -0000

I count six statements, and zero support. Way to make a case. I'd like to see more cited support for people's arguments.

Re: Should Mileage Standards Be Raised?

Bill — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:31:46 -0000

Re: On Pulling Weeds With Salazar - Outside Jobs Versus Flipping Burgers

Bill — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:47:14 -0000

"Last year these partnerships got 70,000 kids into the outdoors whom, it’s likely, would not have gotten there any other way."

^The trick isn't to get them outdoors, repairing damage to our habitat. The trick is to get them to *want* to be outdoors, and want to repair our damage because they appreciate what has been lost.

Re: Happy Birthday 80sTees.com! (Interview with the Founder)

Bill — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:02:00 -0000

Wow! What a fantastic interview. It is very inspiring. I hope that in 8 years my start up company will be an inspiring story to someone. I love articles like this because everytime I think about throwing in the towel, these interviews give me hope...thanks for posting it and congrats to 80stees for their much deserved success.

Bill

retroplusapparel.com

Re: The Height of Absurditee

Bill — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:14:00 -0000

So I completely missed out on the dinosaur shirt from shirt woot and am wondering if there is any other way to get one. if there is please contact me at plur620@sbcglobal.net. thanks a ton!

Re: Qmail Howto

Bill — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:22:46 -0000

This was helpful. Thank you.

Re: http://anhkhoi.blogspot.com/2007/11/exhibition-of-ignorance.html

Bill — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:30:00 -0000

In a way I see that the debate about the christmas tree would favor those saying that it provides little of religious significance. But is it normal that along with selling snowmen (the ones that emit light and can be displayed outsidde) that they are also selling lighted versions of Mary holding jesus and all those shepeards around her? Truly I believe that the sikh man is not referring simply to christmas trees but rather other things we use as decorations as well.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/12/man-sentenced-for-selling-steroids-on.html

Bill — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:18:29 -0000

i'm referring to the lyle alzado comment

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/12/man-sentenced-for-selling-steroids-on.html

Bill — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:17:21 -0000

thats funny when did the autopsy prove his death was linked to steroids? I thought he died of cancer, but because of his known steroid use everyone in the media(with no knowledge of the affects of steroids) attributed it to his use.

Re: http://www.knowliz.com/2008/07/dont-read-articles-listen-to-them.html

Bill — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:31:00 -0000

Hey,
That is very cool! Sounds a little too monotone and robotic, but still very cool.

Re: Contest : Suggest ACRONYM for KNOWLIZ and Win 100GB online storage and many other prizes

Bill — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:50:00 -0000

Oops. I forgot the acronym. Here it is:
Keep New Ogre Widget Leave Injured Zebras

Re: Contest : Suggest ACRONYM for KNOWLIZ and Win 100GB online storage and many other prizes

Bill — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:18:00 -0000

Hey, I posted about your contest on my blog. Hopefully I am also a multiple of 5 comment.

Re: I am terribly CONFUSED and afraid - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:38:00 -0000

OTC said,

"I hope you find peace Ryan, you seem to be a very angry person. Whatever was done to you, God can undo it, just ask Him."

I've been just sitting on the bleachers watching this one unfold, but after reading the above statement I just want to fucking scream. Help me OTC because I am a very angry person right now after reading your bullshit. "Just ask Him" AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!

Re: I am terribly CONFUSED and afraid - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:39:00 -0000

Well I appreciate your well thought out response there Mr. OTC. What you have presented was inner emotional experiences. I am not seeing how that proves the existence of Jesus/God. Hey whatever I respect your analogy of your experiences. I just wonder why it never happened to me. Oh wait I know why because my subconscious would never buy into something without concrete phsyical evidence.

OK now I really want to hear about the miralces. I am going to go out on a limb and say there is no such thing. Period. I've worked at a hospital for 14 years and have never seen a miracle. I've seen many people beat incredible medical odds, but I've never seen a miralce in the literal sense of the word.

xrayman

Re: Thank you for hiding the truth... - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:11:00 -0000

Adam,

You seem to be trying to witness to us. We've been there. Are you really asking questions because you doubt your faith?

If not, please just go away. This site is for exchristians. It's not for people who have an underlying desire to win people over to Christ.

Bill

Re: Thank you for hiding the truth... - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:16:00 -0000

I am sure Dave the Webmaster is going to reconsider his fall from grace, and become born again, again real soon. I am sure this atheism is just a silly rebellious phase he's going through.

Gina,
Once you cross over to the world of enlightened or well informed athesim. There is no turning back.

I tried so hard to have that emotional born again experince many years ago when I was at my lowest. I struck out. Jesus must have been busy that night. I prayed and prayed and got nothing. My inner skeptical guy was watching my back despite my despariation. I found the real truth at this site.

I actually had the exact emotional rush that almost brought tears to my eyes at recent a Beach Boys concert. For some reason I was taken back to my childhood and overcome with emotion. If that feeling would have hit me through prayer, I may have been a serious Christian. It was so powerful.

Re: I am confused, and I am a Christian still (maybe) - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:23:00 -0000

When I was a Christian counselor I was involved in a couple of "exorcisms". They amounted to people suffering from a dissociative disorder and being highly suggestive. We see and believe what we are indoctrinated to believe is possible.

There was someone else that commented on an article I wrote on this site who professed a similar experience as you. She is no longer a Christian.

Keep reading and thinking. You will figure it out.

Re: What church do you attend? Or are you Atheist or Agnostic? - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:55:00 -0000

Personally I am a go ahead make my day kind of guy. I had a born again cousin I hadn't seen in a while ask me where I stood with Jesus. I was happy to tell him I am an atheist. His facial expression was priceless. I absolutely enjoy it when the Christians bring it on. I dont' advertise that I am athesit, but when someone asks, I let the fun begin. I invite all JW's and Mormons right in the door immediately.

Hey Webmaster I just learned the meaning of the word "Apostate" the other day. For those who don't know it's one who falls from a religion or political party.

xrayman

Re: You were never a Christian - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:44:00 -0000

Anon said,

"That's funny, because I feel the same way about people who claim to have once been atheists but now have "found god"

Yes you speak of people like Kirk Cameron who claimed to have been an atheist. These people are what I have seen refered to a lazy atheists. They just never gave a hoot about religion one way or another so they could be converted because they were very uninformed, but once you get all the facts as most of us have here, there is no way one could turn back.

By the way I am guilty of not being an exChristian. I once professed God belief, but I never bought into the bullshit of Christianity.

xrayman

Re: Abominations that are causing desolation - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:36:00 -0000

Ah, but where would Edison and Gates have been without Faraday? Thank God for deluded Christian scientists!

Re: Questioning my assumptions - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:40:00 -0000

Hey Steven B. I am a recovering drunk with 16 years of sobriety under my belt. To give credit to an imaginary invisible man in the sky would be short selling my accomplishment of getting my shit together. My sobriety came from a combination of will power, the want to change, and real people in the real word. God Damn it makes me mad when people give credit to something that isn't there. It was all you Steve. If God were real and really cared he wouldn't have given you a drinking problem in the first place. He would have kept your drinking fun and under control for the long haul.

xrayman

Re: I really need answers - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:51:00 -0000

Hey Jim Earl. I am a fellow runner and I now consider my running and workout routine as my religion. I am so obsessive compulsive about it. I was training in the 95 degree heat last month and that was a spiritual experience my friend. I love pushing the body to the limit. I too used to chit chat with God on the run, asking for stregnth and all that bullshit, but now I just sing along to the music on my player. I think it works better.

xrayman

Re: I really need answers - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:56:00 -0000

I am a recovering drunk. I took my last drink 16 years ago after hitting complete rock bottom. One of the greatest realizations I had after abandoning God belief was the fact that the "higher power" I often talked about at those many AA meetings, was really just my own untapped reserve of inner stregnth. I feel really good to know I am absolutely 100% responsible for my own sobriety.

I look at it this way Nisa. If God were real and he did care so much about you, he would have never let your life get so far in the toilet in the first place.

When people tell me God is in part responsible from my sobriety from alcohol(not one slip), I say if God really gave a fuck he would have made me puke when I took the first drink of my life so I never got started. He would have made me hate the sight of any and all alcoholic beverages but shit the way my life was I would have drank a cup of piss if I knew it had a couple shots of vodka in it. My body was an alcohol craving machine.

Stay tough Nisa. Talk with real people who have overcome similar circimstances. Keep talking to us. Your life will get better, but it's all up to YOU. There is no invisible man to lend a hand.

xrayman

Re: Did I overreact? - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:59:00 -0000

Jim Arvo,

Great minds think alike. I will invite those door knockers in each and every time. I can't think of a more fun way to kill some time. I had a ball with a couple of those Mormon kids on a fine Saturday morning in June. I invited them in and we chatted until they couldn't take any more of me. With me it's like, "Go ahead make my day." I love door knockers.

xrayman

Re: I feel a connection with you guys - Letters to the Webmaster

Bill — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:45:00 -0000

Thanks for your post. I've sent in a few about crazy thinking created by Christian faith. This site has helped me get rid of some of that type of thinking too.