Answerbag: Incandescent's answers

Answer to It does not bother me that people believe in God but why should religious people so often become snarly when they learn that I am atheist?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:12:42 -0800

It does not bother me that people believe in God but why should religious people so often become snarly when they learn that I am atheist?

The stereotypes associated with atheism are unfortunately negative, especially in the United States (among the industrialized countries). We are seen as the antithesis of the American dream, whatever that is, and are often perceived as a threat; at least, that has been my experience.

Answer to Is it right to convert poor people to your religion by giving them money?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:24:52 -0800

Is it right to convert poor people to your religion by giving them money?

That's coercion, not conversion.

Answer to Which is a good food that always adds some unwanted calories?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:40:43 -0800

Which is a good food that always adds some unwanted calories?

Poutine. It tastes good but it's a heart attack on a plate: beef gravy, french fries, and cheese.

Answer to When the democrat say that the public option health care system will not cost one extra dime, do you really believe them?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:46:33 -0800

When the democrat say that the public option health care system will not cost one extra dime, do you really believe them?

Right now the US spends more per capita than countries with nationalized healthcare, so my first thought is that it's possible. At the same time, I don't know how the new system will be structured and they could very well bungle it up.

Answer to What's something you hope to never see, in YOUR home?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:43:50 -0800

What's something you hope to never see, in YOUR home?

Mould, insect infestations.

Answer to Why do you own a Dog?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:41:21 -0800

Why do you own a Dog?

My dog belonged to my uncle who moved away and couldn't take her with him. I'm more of a cat person, but she's a pudgy old thing and absolutely adorable!

Answer to Do you agree or disagree that the priesthood is the oldest profession?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:29:52 -0800

Do you agree or disagree that the priesthood is the oldest profession?

I disagree. I'd wager the first professions belongs to the hunters and the fishermen.

Answer to What's one cereal that YOU doubt you'll ever grow out of?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:26:02 -0800

What's one cereal that YOU doubt you'll ever grow out of?

Froot Loops!

Answer to Give me 5 reason for the earth been called unique

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:25:02 -0800

Give me 5 reason for the earth been called unique

Unique compared to what? We don't yet know the characteristics of every planet (or most/half/a small amount), so we cannot truly call ourselves unique when comparing our planet to every other in the entire universe. In our own solar system, our planet is conducive to life. We share many...

Answer to Why does society need philosophers and theologians?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:17:34 -0800

Why does society need philosophers and theologians?

Philosophers explore the extent of the human mind and try to perceive answers to questions that transcend science. Theologians are experts in the unknowable...take that to mean whatever you want.

Answer to What types of music do Penteostals listen to? Do they listen to Chris Tomlin? Jeremy Camp? Mac Powl (Third Day)? Glory Revealed?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:15:18 -0800

What types of music do Penteostals listen to? Do they listen to Chris Tomlin? Jeremy Camp? Mac Powl (Third Day)? Glory Revealed?

Lamb of God?

Answer to Do you think there should be absolutely no unauthrized internet surfing, emailing downlading game playing chatting with friends when in the ccomputer room in school?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01:58 -0800

Do you think there should be absolutely no unauthrized internet surfing, emailing downlading game playing chatting with friends when in the ccomputer room in school?

Yes, for three reasons. First, there is a limited amount of computers available. Students who truly need them to complete homework or conduct research will be unable to gain access because some will spend as much time as possible updating Facebook and surfing YouTube. Particularly with...

Answer to Do you think school is fun

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:20 -0800

Do you think school is fun

Learning is fun. The other aspects of school (social stratification, early mornings, questionable cafeteria food) are not.

Answer to What are receptive field organisations?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:46:20 -0800

What are receptive field organisations?

The receptive field of a sensory neuron is a region of space in which the presence of a stimulus will alter the firing of that neuron. In the auditory system, receptive fields can be volumes in auditory space, or can be regions of auditory frequencies. In the somatosensory system, receptive...

Answer to Should scientology be classified as a criminal organisation instead of a religion?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:35:35 -0800

Should scientology be classified as a criminal organisation instead of a religion?

It should be listed as a business and should be investigated by the BBB. I imagine it would be shut down rather quickly. However, while they are certainly responsible for some crimes, the premise of their business is not an illegal one ("Give us money and we'll give you the truth!").

Answer to What's the worst smell ever?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:21:55 -0800

What's the worst smell ever?

Black putrefaction.

Answer to Is it worth working until your old age, so you can retire and enjoy rest of your life. Wouldn't it make more sense to enjoy it until your young. than Spend life working

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:19:13 -0800

Is it worth working until your old age, so you can retire and enjoy rest of your life. Wouldn't it make more sense to enjoy it until your young. than Spend life working

It would make sense to an individual who is solely interested in personal enjoyment, but would result in a less productive, self-destructive society. First, the human brain continues to grow until we've reached twenty-one years of age. Its formation depends largely on what we do with that...

Answer to I am affected by the full moon. I have kept a record and have noted strange behaviour and violent tendancies. Am I a lunatic?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:07:42 -0800

I am affected by the full moon. I have kept a record and have noted strange behaviour and violent tendancies. Am I a lunatic?

No. Since you are recording yourself there is a strong possibility of a placebo effect or selective awareness. Placebo Effect: You think that you will have more violent tendencies during a full moon, so your body responds accordingly. Selective Awareness: You want to be considered a lunatic...

Answer to Do you think creationism should be taught in public schools? Why or Why not?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:52:47 -0800

Do you think creationism should be taught in public schools? Why or Why not?

I think it should be taught in the appropriate setting, such as a mythology or religious studies class. It should not be offered as an alternative to evolutionary theory in the science classroom because it is not science. Proponents of "teach the controversy" tactics do not realize...