http://www.answerbag.com/profile/172668 New Answerbag answers from MvL Tue, 29 May 2012 08:23:10 -0700 Tue, 29 May 2012 08:23:10 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9629661 Is it illegal if I named a character in my book after Mister Sinister from X-Men? They'll be unrelated but I really like the name.<br /><br />They may or may not sue you. But would you risk it? If you are committed to using the name, you should ask for permission, or else you risk a law suit. If you're willing to risk it, you could get sued, but even if you are you might not lose (although you might "lose" in the sense of your... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:04:20 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9629661 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9629546 Do you think the Mosque near Ground Zero is truly intended as a place of worship, or simply an Islamic political victory front?<br /><br />The terrorists from 9/11 WERE Muslim, but most Muslims are not terrorists and Islam was not responsible. Actually allowing the building of a mosque (it's actually a community center) there would show that the U.S. was a tolerant nation that did not have any irrational hatred of Islam; it might... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:33:08 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9629546 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9629424 2012. What will happen?<br /><br />Technically, I have "No Idea", but I strongly suspect that nothing out of the ordinary will happen. Also, the Mayan long calendar ends near the end of 2012, on either 12/21 or 12/23, depending on who you ask. Many people will ignore this and obsess about 2012 on 31 December 2011 near midnight,... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:46:52 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9629424 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9628651 Flying carpet or broomstick?<br /><br />I'd like to have either, but if I had a choice, I'd go with broomstick... it just seems like it would feel safer having something to hold on to while flying around, and it would provide more of a sense of control. Then again, the broomstick could maybe only fit one passenger aside from me, and... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:49:12 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9628651 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9626866 What would the impact on humanity have been if we had landed on the Moon and found that it was entirely made of cheese instead of rock?<br /><br />Well, it could also prove that some ancient civilization of humans existed. A lot of evidence actually could be used to make this scenario plausible (even if I think the evidence is for the most part false and for the rest unconvincing). Some of that "ancient human civilization" could have come... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:41:39 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9626866 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625402 How do I get my dog to eat his canned food? Should I add something to make it more appetizing?<br /><br />Mixing with dry food will give it better texture. You might want to add some cold cuts or left over meat. The best food for dogs is raw meat though. Most dog food contains loads of starches that can contribute to obesity and diabetes (just like in humans). If you can afford it, as it's only a... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:49:39 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625402 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625384 What TV show are you most looking forward to returning or premiering this fall (2010)?<br /><br />I know "Doctor Who" is returning for a Christmas special, so that's in the Winter and can't count, otherwise it would be that. So I guess it's a toss up between "Futurama" and "House, M.D." I wouldn't hate new "Family Guy" episodes either. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:40:23 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625384 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625316 Is there more liberals or conservatives on answerbag?<br /><br />Try doing a poll... "Would you describe yourself as..." - Liberal - Conservative - Socially liberal, fiscally conservative - Socially conservative, fiscally liberal - Other (please explain) That might shed some light on the matter. As for me, it's hard to say. I know I'm personally socially... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:15:20 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625316 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625300 This site claims Sep.9, 2010 is the start of the Rapture. Are you ready? Do you believe it? What if nothing happens? Does he pick a new day?<br /><br />9/9??? NOT 9/11? I thought God was an American patriot! The saddest part is I was really looking forward to seeing the new Resident Evil movie, Afterlife, on 9/10... I even bought advance tickets! What if nothing happens? Yes, of course he'll pick a new day. Just ask the early Christians,... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:11:07 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625300 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625239 what is the bottom of our universe?<br /><br />If "bottom" refers to the spatially downwards-most point, then it has none because there is no universal direction in the Universe (each way can be up or down or sideways), and it's only relative to the particular gravity well (like a planet) you happen to be close to at the moment. If "bottom"... Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:50:34 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9625239 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9621198 What do you ultimately want in life?<br /><br />To live as an immortal and indestructible decapitated head buried deep where no one will ever find me so I can have an eternity to think and enjoy the quiet and the serene solitude, floating through space after Earth and the Sun are long gone. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:10:19 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9621198 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9621157 Are you a coffee snob? Is there a special kind of coffee you drink, or a special brewing method you use? (Tell us about it.)<br /><br />I like any sort of coffee, including common instant coffee. I generally like it with a splash of heavy cream. If I can't have heavy cream, I'd rather have it black than with regular milk, half &amp; half, or with skim milk (which to me tastes gross). I like to add cinnamon, maybe sometimes a... Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:54:04 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9621157 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9621148 Why is it that eggs and chicken are never complementary breakfast items?<br /><br />I'm a vegetarian, but I haven't always been, and I'm curious about this too. Eggs and steak are done, as well as eggs and bacon, eggs and Canadian bacon, eggs and pork. Why not chicken? Also, what about turkey? If I wasn't a vegetarian I'd try both. I know that I love eggs, and I've tried... Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:49:28 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9621148 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9620716 If most Americans are dumb and uneducated where there has never been a dictator what does that make the rest of the world?<br /><br />I don't share the sentiment that most Americans are dumb and / or uneducated. But let's not delude ourselves about dictators. During the past two administrations, we've been coming dangerously close to a Big Brother society. For "national security" reasons, the powers of the law enforcement... Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:34:15 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9620716 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617770 whos a better raper<br /><br />I sincerely hope none of them are raping anyone! But I bet if you check online you'll find the person with the most rapes under their belt (so to speak)... of course that assumes quantity over quality. Hardly a contest anyone would want to win though... :-) Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:11:10 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617770 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617359 Is Islam a rigid religion?I'm sure the religious leaders are aware of the fact that it was written centuries back.Things have changed now.<br /><br />Yes, but all religions are rigid. If a Jew took seriously every single law and rule in their religion, that would be terribly rigid (check out Orthodox Jews, including Hasidim). If a Christian took seriously every religious law and principle, it would seem very rigid too. Same goes for all... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:01:41 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617359 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617293 Socrates, was convicted by a jury of his peers and sentenced to die. His friend Crito tried to bribe a guard to help him escape: he refused.<br /><br />It should be noted that when read in context, Crito can easily be argued not to be criticizing Socrates on rational or philosophical grounds but rather to be trying to manipulate his friend via emotional arguments he hopes will convince him to escape because he doesn't want to see his friend... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:39:13 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617293 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617210 Is there a Muslim conspiracy in the US? I talked with a retired Air Force pilot, who along with other retired military officers thinks;<br /><br />Some Muslims might have such a conspiracy. Members of other groups might have such conspiracies too. That's no reason to ignore the Constitution and people's civil rights and liberties, including our First Amendment right to freedom of conscience and religious expression. In order to prevent... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:07:02 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617210 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617109 Should you worry about 2012?<br /><br />We should worry if the economy hasn't improved by then. Otherwise, I'm only concerned that I'll be two years older, and that my loved ones (especially the older ones) will be two years older (and perhaps closer to the grave). Although I think I do worry about the movie 2012; that was just awful... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:35:29 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9617109 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616796 What are some rules you have about truth?<br /><br />I have very strict standards about the truth. I'm a skeptic and demand certain knowledge before I will ever make any truth claims, or accept them. I can't say that I know that anything I've ever thought, seen, heard, or read is either true or false. I've never known or heard of anyone else who... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:16:09 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616796 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616711 Adults, boxers or briefs? What is your view?<br /><br />I like boxer briefs, especially the ones from Hanes that are tagless and have the comfortable fabric waistband. I think they look good on me (and girls agree). They're a close enough fit that they provide "bounce" protection for when I'm hiking and walking a lot (and they also prevent... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:32:20 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616711 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616695 can my landlord hold back my security deposit because my red couches left red dye on the walls and i didnt clean it when i left??<br /><br />They only have the right to hold back what they need to use to do repairs and touch ups to restore the residence to the state that it was when you moved in. In this case, that would be the cost of cleaning or repainting that part of the wall. That can't be much. You have a right to demand to... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:26:48 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616695 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616597 Do you believe that when you die, that is the end of you? Why or why not?<br /><br />Well, let's look at the facts. We see people who are brain damaged (or born with brain abnormalities) can lose certain cognitive faculties, depending on the part of the brain and the extent of the damage (like memory, vision, hearing, ability to recognize faces, impulse control, emotional... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:47:36 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616597 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616553 How do you feel about the concept of Intelligent Design?<br /><br />As a skeptic I don't "believe" in evolution or in intelligent design; I don't believe or disbelieve in anything. But I can do lend my tentative acceptance to one theory or another based on their usefulness at explaining and predicting observed phenomena. And due to the immense usefulness and... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:32:25 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616553 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616427 Is irony seeing conspiracies in everything but believing the universe is random?<br /><br />It's possible to believe that the Universe as a whole is random but that individual humans and groups of humans can act purposively to engage in conspiracies. I don't think that's really ironic. Although seeing conspiracies in everything is at least a little paranoid. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:44:58 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616427 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616419 Is enough of the US electorate really so dumb as to hand the very party that got them into this financial mess a big victory now?<br /><br />I don't think we can place all the blame on the Republicans. It's really the big banking corporations that are most to blame, and they've been hamming up their abuses for years, during both Republican and Democrat presidencies. Really the greatest mistake G.W. Bush made was when he did not bail... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:41:53 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616419 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616363 What happens to the athiests after death?<br /><br />I suspect whatever it is, it'll be the same thing that happens to theists, in a nutshell. Although if we see people who are brain damaged lose certain cognitive faculties (like vision, hearing, ability to recognize faces, impulse control, emotional expression, empathy, speech, language and... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:16:07 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616363 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616339 Has anyone here actually gone to the AB spammers websites and bought the shoes or cloths they were pitching?<br /><br />I'm very vigilant in reporting them as Spam, and I've never once visited their sites (at least not from AB). But I don't keep a mental note of what sites are doing it here, and so from somewhere else, I might go to their sites and if interested make purchases. I honestly don't see spamming AB... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:06:55 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616339 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616270 Is there anything wrong with giving an adult cat some milk?<br /><br />I haven't met a cat yet that doesn't like cow milk, and most especially like heavy cream. The calcium and fortified vitamins A and D in milk will be good for their teeth and bones just as they are in humans. But some cats are lactose intolerant, and your only problem will be gas and diarrhea,... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:42:02 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616270 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616244 My friend is way stronger and more athletic than I am. It makes me really jealous. How can i deal with the jealousy?<br /><br />I think your jealousy is a manifestation of your disappointment in yourself for giving up in advance. Most of the time, when we feel negative feeling towards others, the feelings really stem from negative feelings towards ourselves. You just started working out with him. Give it time. Ask him... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:34:17 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616244 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616214 How to make a not so funny joke?<br /><br />As far as I'm concerned, any "knock knock" joke. I've yet to hear one that ever made me laugh... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 06:20:15 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9616214 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9615244 Atheists: Do you agree with Richard Dawkins that everybody who does not believe in Evolution is stupid?<br /><br />My thoughts on Richard Dawkins aside, no, I don't agree that everybody who does not believe in the theory of evolution for explaining the variety and speciation in the natural world is stupid. To be clear, I'm a skeptic - I don't believe or disbelieve in anything and thus don't make truth... Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:28:02 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9615244 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9614126 If cigarettes kill so many people, why wont the politicians make them illegal?<br /><br />People should have the right to do things that hurt themselves. I hate smoking and don't smoke, and I hate the smell of smoke. But I would always support the right of others to smoke. Besides, refined sugars kill more people than tobacco. They're not even taxing that for consumers, let alone... Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:47:37 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9614126 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9613922 What do you think of Franklin Delano Roosevelt?<br /><br />I think he was one of the worst U.S. presidents in history, and a bad man. He sent 120,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans, as well as thousands of Italian and German Americans, to relocation camps. Of those interned, 62% were American citizens. Anyone with at least one-eighth Japanese... Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:36:25 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9613922 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612981 Do you think females take the (correct) 'no hitting' policy of humanity and use it against us men?<br /><br />The correct policy is that no one should be hitting anyone. As far as "a man should never hit a woman", this is all based on the idea that women are inherently physically weaker than men. While it is true that most women are physically weaker than most men, some women are physically stronger... Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:01:17 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612981 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612697 Can the integrity of a Holy text be self-verified?<br /><br />Self-verification is impossible for anything, including texts described as holy. Any attempt at self-verification is going to be an example of circular reasoning, and using circular reasoning only verifies a lack of understanding what reasoning is. For if circular reasoning is allowed for... Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:39:46 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612697 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612690 what has a positive and negative charge<br /><br />An electrically neutral atom has equal positive charges (in the nucleus) and negative charges (its electrons). But overall it has no charge. Some molecules which are overall electrically neutral can display slight negative and positive charges based on the fact that the electrons move around... Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:32:26 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612690 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612680 Do you use Google as spell check?<br /><br />Frequently. Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:25:54 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612680 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612593 Do you think it were really Jews who killed Jesus?<br /><br />The Romans were sometimes crucifying Jews by the hundreds. The Jews were in no position to order any man executed. Many other Jewish messianic figures during this time were also crucified - Jesus was one of many. Crucifixion was a uniquely Roman form of execution and Jews would never kill... Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:50:45 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9612593 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9611270 Would you continue to study something if you weren't improving yourself as a person and your overall life from it?<br /><br />Studying anything has intrinsic value, even if it never benefits you in any other way besides gaining knowledge and/or a new skill. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:09:35 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9611270 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9611147 god vs chuck norris! who would win?<br /><br />If the god was an omnipotent and omniscient being, then the only contest Chuck Norris could ever hope to win is a "who is weaker" or "who is more likely to lose in physical combat" combat, hands down. But if this a god in the spirit of the ancient Greeks... you know, I'm going to put money on... Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:26:48 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9611147 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9611090 Why do people pick on child molesters? I would feel more threatened living next to a murderer than a child molester.<br /><br />I'd personally rather live next door to a child molester than a murderer, because the latter might get me killed whereas the other wouldn't harm me at all (aside, perhaps, from my property values). On the other hand, I might feel differently if I had children, but I can't say for sure and it's... Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:15:54 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9611090 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9610948 If the Bible says we should not kill, why are many Christians in the military and in a situation where they may have to kill others?<br /><br />It's a mistranslation. Hebrew has many subtleties and several words for killing. The best translation is "Thou shall commit acts of unlawful killing". That includes anything from murder to involuntary manslaughter. It does not include the death penalty, soldiers killing in war, or... Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:24:48 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9610948 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9610945 Why do people pick on child molesters? I would feel more threatened living next to a murderer than a child molester.<br /><br /> Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:24:25 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9610945 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9609328 Which is easier to believe? Everything came from nothing. or Everything came from a greater power? Why?<br /><br />I voted Nothing, mostly to counterbalance the votes for Greater Power. Most people, it seems, that didn't vote Greater Power but answered didn't vote Nothing but also didn't believe Greater Power. The question misses one VERY important third option: that "Everything" (existence, reality, what... Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:16:54 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9609328 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9609250 Do you agree that the movie "idiocracy" is very visionary ?? lol<br /><br />HA! I love this question... Yes, in fact I think it was somewhat exaggerated towards the absurd, but I do think you can definitely make the case that we could be heading to that kind of future. People often forget that what we call "evolution" is really just a statistical process of cause and... Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:43:31 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9609250 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9609186 what would you do with a time machine if you had one<br /><br />I would first use it to travel a day into the future, grab the lottery numbers, and then travel back and play them, and collect my millions. With the financial stuff out of the way, I'd travel into the future to swipe future technologies and learn their science - I've always had some questions... Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:21:11 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9609186 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9606694 Is it possible for a boy who hasn't hit puberty (3 year old) to have an erection?<br /><br />As a baby, males have erections. I remember having them at 8 or 9 (I don't remember much before that, but I probably had them before too). It's normal. It's just not normal to ejaculate before puberty. Not necessarily unhealthy, just unusual. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:46:22 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9606694 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9606690 Scientists now claim to have found 'Marilyn Monroe's' hormone? Is this a good thing?<br /><br />I've never heard of such a thing. But if it was what made her hot then start injecting it into every woman who wants it! Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:44:39 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9606690 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9606430 Where and when did the "blonde hair and blue eyes" standard of beauty originate?<br /><br />Beats me. I have always preferred brunettes... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:32:13 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9606430 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9605503 Why should we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?<br /><br />I say life's short and we should take any opportunity to celebrate. Besides, Hispanic Americans have contributed a lot to American culture and to the nation in general. Although maybe we would seem, as a nation, a bit more like we "meant it" celebrating them if we would end our pointless and... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:17:52 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9605503 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9605451 What are your thought about living in a World without religion????<br /><br />Even if you got rid of religion, you'd still need to rid the world of dogma and closed-mindedness and the tendency to blindly follow. Think about several of the nations where communism arose. Marxist ideology, including its companion philosophy of dialectical materialism, became the replacement... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:03:48 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9605451 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9601589 God did not create the universe and the "Big Bang" was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics, says Stephen Hawking. Possible?<br /><br />Of course it's possible. In fact most modern theories of the Universe include some basic idea that existence and the greater Cosmos is eternal. There is no beginning. Only our little corner of reality, which we call the Universe (the "outside" of which is poorly defined and generally closed to... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:43:58 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9601589 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9596470 Should Boys Be Circumcised?<br /><br />I don't see the debate here - it's genital mutilation and it's barbaric. It causes pain and trauma to the infant. It harms future sexual function. Perhaps the best argument is self-determination - the infant has the right to develop naturally, and parents have no right to choose nonessential... Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:36:28 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9596470 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9583957 if you think black people are hot beacuse they are black, is that racist?<br /><br />It's not racist, it's just a sexual preference. To call this racist would be like calling a gay guy sexist for only being attracted to other guys or a straight guy sexist for only being attracted to women. You can't help what you find physically attractive. Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:48:19 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9583957 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9583322 How can some people accuse all Muslims of being terrorist and fear them, but justify mosques being vandalized and Muslims attacked?<br /><br />It's very easy. Humans are naturally predisposed to fearing groups they don't know or understand already, especially if the differences are religious or cultural. Religious and / or cultural differences imply (and they often mean) differences in values and behaviour. It's natural to be at... Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:39:07 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9583322 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9579580 A question for the feminists out there in the US...What's your opinion of Palin?<br /><br />I'm a male feminist. I'm also a masculist (advocate for male rights). I personally think she sets women back, all of us back. As a politician, she's obviously successful, but she exploits the cheapest tricks in the contemporary political book to achieve that success. She is a puppet of every... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:45:44 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9579580 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9579548 How should authorities in Chile tell 33 miners stuck under ground that it may take three months to dig them out?<br /><br />Treat them with respect and tell them upfront. They know what's going on ultimately. You have to just be straight with them about their situation. That way they can know and make peace with it and not be left dangling. I would want to know and I'd want to know ASAP. Do unto others as you... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:34:01 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9579548 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9571841 If you have brown hair can you change your genes and become a natural blonde?<br /><br />Theoretically, yes, you could use gene therapy to do that. But we really can't do it right now. One day though. I suspect altering things far bigger than hair colour will be not only feasible but common in about fifteen years time given the rate of progress in biotechnology and related... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:55:29 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9571841 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9571351 Is having a child "no matter what" responsible; is it a "right" to have children regardless of one's situation in life?<br /><br />No, having a child under any circumstances is somewhat of a selfish proposition, since there is no "being" asking to be conceived or born for which you're doing a favour (even up until five months, the fetus is not a person with moral interests that "wants" to live). It's not a right to have... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:51:42 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9571351 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9569284 Which do you like better: Tap water or bottled water?<br /><br />I live in New York, and it has maybe the best tap water quality in the country. I buy bottled water mostly for the bottles. I drink the water, and I enjoy it, and then I'll fill the bottles with tap water and use them for a while. I can't tell the difference between any bottled water and tap... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:54:45 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9569284 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568654 If someone gets drunk by themselves frequently, is that person an alcoholic?<br /><br />It sounds to me like he might have a bit of a substance abuse problem. It's obviously not good for the liver and other organs in the long term. Some people can develop alcoholism from his pattern of behaviour - others never do. That said, other than you personally disliking it or being annoyed... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:38:42 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568654 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568631 If Democrats are so cool with Muslims and think they're totally okay then how come they get so offended when people call Obama one?<br /><br />I think not only Democrats but EVERYONE who knows the truth and values it just gets frustrated that people still believe this rumour which is mostly based on his name and the fact perhaps that he isn't white. I know I get frustrated whenever I hear ANY urban legend, like how KFC use genetically... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:30:27 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568631 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568341 Is pedophilia more common today than ever or are we just more aware of it than we have been in the past?<br /><br />It depends on what we mean by "pedophilia". Do you have to act on it to be a pedophile? I wonder how many people are never known as pedophiles because they have impulse control, and either out of shame of their feelings (which, in this case, is a good thing) or out of fear of consequences... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:51:12 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568341 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568297 If Miley Cyrus stole YOUR Twinkies, and smashed them in your face and started laughing, what would you do?<br /><br />Do you know how much she is worth?? I'd sue her and probably get at least 25K or something like that as a settlement, if only just to keep her out of the tabloids and news. But sadly, it would never happen. I save my "empty calories budget" for booze and pizza, not Twinkies. Then again, if... Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:30:27 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9568297 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564963 What would be the nationality of someone born in space?<br /><br />Most likely it would be the nationality of the mother. But technically space is "international waters" as far as international treaties are concerned. The answer would be the same as if the birth occurred within international waters on Earth, I'd think, or on Antarctican soil (also international). Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:38:29 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564963 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564948 How long can a brain live outside the body?<br /><br />It depends. Under normal circumstances, outside the body the brain as a functional living whole organ barely survives more than minutes. Based on how long a person can survive when their heart stops beating under normal conditions, it might be around 10 minutes maximum before damage starts... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:34:19 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564948 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564737 Who is the best superhero ever? DC Marvel any other?<br /><br />Superman's the most effective because he's just practically a god with all his powers and his invulnerabilities. Batman's the smartest. If they could give Batman all of Superman's powers, that would be the best superhero ever! Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:46:34 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564737 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564731 silly observation. is it worth going somewheres only to be uncomfortable?<br /><br />I wouldn't do it unless I specifically was trying to grow and expand my comfort zone. Otherwise it seems like just going to a lot of effort for the "fun" of being uncomfortable, something it's easy to be almost anywhere and anytime. Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:45:04 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564731 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564610 Do you think single-sex schools are better for students than co-ed schools in grades K-12?<br /><br />In the end, what is better or worse in this case should be defined by an accurate interpretation of the statistical data. http://www.singlesexschools.org/evidence.html http://www.eastonbh.ac.nz/?p=442 http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/25/eveningnews/main2124726.shtml... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:10:46 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9564610 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9562575 It has been five years since Hurricane Katrina. What lesson did you learn from that experience?<br /><br />I learned that Americans as a whole learned nothing from it. If they had, they would universally consider the "hottest button issue" was our crumbling infrastructure - bridges, levies, roads, etc all following apart. People are dying or at risk of being seriously harmed or killed. Instead,... Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:11:15 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9562575 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9556152 What are your thoughts on teenage pregnancy and some baby name ideas(:<br /><br />My thoughts on teen pregnancy are that most adults, even in their 20s or 30s or older, aren't ready and perhaps should never be parents. I don't think age matters here; what really matters is the ability to be a nurturing parent with the emotional and financial stability to raise and support a... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:03:07 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9556152 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555598 How would you describe your style of dress? ( I know it's hard to do, but I am curious)<br /><br />Suit (I prefer brown and grayish brown, sometimes pinstriped, sometimes not), with shirt without the collar button buttoned, and a tie not too tightly tied. I also have the cheap black Casio digital watch. For shoes, I wear my Vibram FiveFingers shoes (they have toes). Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:50:17 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555598 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555529 Would you hurt a Fly?<br /><br />I would kill stinging insects, although I'd try to get a bee to leave on her own (if possible!). Wasps, mosquitoes, and gnats are all fair game in my home. I also kill fruit flies, because they're so tiny and they can become a real pest, landing on you, flying in your face, the size of little... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:27:44 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555529 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555507 If an IUD costs $100 to insert and is effective for 12 years, why are women spending up to $50 month for birth control pills?<br /><br />Both have their risks to the woman, but all in all, you're absolutely right, the IUD makes loads more sense both financially and even medically. It avoids problems like women forgetting to take the pill, which can cause unwanted pregnancies. It doesn't screw with women's hormone levels the way... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:18:29 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555507 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555394 Is there any action that is ALWAYS good or bad /right or wrong? Or is it all situational ethics?<br /><br />Some actions are defined as being inherently wrong. "Rape" is defined as an action which is inherently wrong. The same is true for "murder" (as opposed to "killing" which is a term for taking life that arguably is morally ambiguous). But let's say that, hypothetically, some omniscient being... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:42:09 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555394 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555318 Even if Obama was a Muslim why should that matter? Why is it all Presidents have to be Christians?<br /><br />I think it's a mistake to believe that all U.S. presidents have been Christians. Maybe on paper most of them may have been to date. But many of our earlier presidents don't seem to have been very religious, or held to Christian values and beliefs. Thomas Jefferson even went so far as to create... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:25:27 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555318 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555241 How come unless you criticize Republicans, white people or Christians on this website, you are considered a bigot if you criticize people?<br /><br />I would never consider anyone a bigot for criticizing anyone. Being critical is not the same as being a bigot. On the other hand, irrational bashing is not criticism - it's basically bigotry. And if someone was bashing Republicans, whites, or Christians, I'd have to consider that person a... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:01:53 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555241 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555231 Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. who has experienced this.<br /><br />I have experienced it MANY MANY times. It is very true. It's always been one of my flaws that I let myself end up arguing with an idiot even if I knew they were repeat offenders in the past, sometimes about the same things as before, always with the same consequences. I've recently gotten a... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:58:53 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555231 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555216 Can one make french fries in a microwave oven?<br /><br />Unless they were those pre-fried ones that specify you could heat them in the microwave, they're really going to be gross and wet and soggy and they technically won't be french "fries" (as in fried) but more french microwaves or something like that. Even reheated french fries usually are soggy... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:55:55 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555216 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555190 Do you believe Islam should be criminalized? Anti-mosque leader David Yerushalmi thinks so.<br /><br />For anyone who didn't read through the whole article, Yerushalmi also made statements in the past arguing that women and blacks shouldn't have the right to vote. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion by the Congress or the preference... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:46:01 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9555190 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554458 I guess everywon has to be good wittle girls and boys on this wittle site now that big bruver is watching verwee verwee cwoswee, huh?<br /><br />I don't think we necessarily have to be "good". But it's always stupid to say or do things which could incriminate you, on AB, on the phone, in chats, in life. Especially on the internet, what you post can be connected to you and might be there forever. Even if you delete your own e-mails,... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:28:52 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554458 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554389 Why is it that people care about the president's religion? Was the idea that religion shouldn't interfere with politics too much to ask?<br /><br />There's no big mystery here. A person's religion often informs one's moral values, and one's moral values inform many of the decisions one makes and the policies one supports. So people that follow religion X will have a preference for a president that follows religion X (or at least something... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:12:14 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554389 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554330 What are some areas that you think your government should invest more money in?<br /><br />Space exploration, anti-aging research, nanotechnology. I think of those three, anti-aging / life extension medical research is the most important, and would be the one that would provide the quickest and largest returns. Most of the costs of healthcare are in elder care, and dealing with... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:53:55 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554330 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554188 how can i get rid of freckles on my face in less then 2 weeks. and i dont want any of that "freckles r cute<br /><br />A dermatologist or even a cosmetician would be able to help you. Of course a quick fix is make up - some good foundation or something. They'll still be there underneath, but (1) it'll show you what you'd look like without them before you do anything permanent and (2) it'll be safer and cheaper... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:21:56 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554188 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554147 which one do u think is seductive?????? i)women with curly or straight or wavy hair? ii)women with blonde or black or red or brown hair?<br /><br />I like them all! For me it's the eyes, the lips, really the whole face. That and the body, and the way a woman moves. And her voice and complexion. Really the whole package and how it fits together, including her personality and the way she dresses. Nothing has more to do with a woman's... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:11:49 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554147 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554052 Whats your opinion on all of the anti-Muslim fear mongering in the United States?<br /><br />My opinion is that it's a gross manipulation tactic, used to garner support for policies with which we otherwise would not agree: expensive foreign wars, dangerously expanded powers for law enforcement and the intelligence community, the erosion of civil liberties and privacy rights. People need... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:43:36 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9554052 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9553987 Do you weigh the truth of another person's criticism and try to grow from it or do you dismiss it as name-calling?<br /><br />Even if it seemed pretty obvious it was meant as name-calling, I would treat it objectively and respond to the criticism. If I saw truth in it, I would grow from it, change my mind. That happened to me recently. We should always be open to the possibility that we might be wrong, or that we... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:28:38 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9553987 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9553934 Christians: does the Bible condemn pedophilia?<br /><br />In the Old Testament, you could argue that many passages seem to actively condone or recommend it. The New Testament is a bit better about condemning it though. Also, let's be fair and make a distinction between having sex with physically mature teenagers versus having sex with prepubescents.... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:01:01 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9553934 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9553914 Does "They have a pen" in English means there is only one pen for them? Or does it means one pen for each of them?<br /><br />Only one pen is denoted here. Also, although it's not considered "proper" English, "they" and "them" are widely used as a gender neutral way to refer to one person, both as an alternative to the somewhat awkward "he/she" (or the potentially misleading and debatably sexist "he") and as a way to... Sun, 22 Aug 2010 06:46:59 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9553914 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543974 What, in your opinion, has been the worst decision ever mada by President Barack Obama?<br /><br />I'd have to say it's having never worked at all to overturn the worst policies of the G.W. Bush administration all in the name of "national security" - total lack of oversight on the intelligence community, rolling back of civil liberties, all the excessive powers granted to law enforcement. And... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:15:38 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543974 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543163 How do you keep from getting nervous during a job interview?<br /><br />I drink. Before I leave for the interview, I drink enough alcohol to get a buzzed feeling. Then I scrape my tongue, brush my teeth, and use mouthwash. Afterwards, I eat something, and generally have coffee too - preferably the stuff you consume should have strong but inoffensive tastes so that... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:37:12 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543163 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543036 Do you think questioning your country's motives is always unpatriotic or only if/when you disagree with the questions?<br /><br />The thing to remember that your government is NOT your "country". Their motives are often in conflict with the collective motives of their country. Of course you should question your government, the politicians. If it's unpatriotic to question them, then hey, we might as well say it's also... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:58:23 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543036 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543016 How many men have experienced the miricle of birth? If yes, was a mirical or was it traumatizing for you and changed the way you look at p?<br /><br />Well, no man yet has "experienced" it quite like a woman could. But I was there, around 10 years old, when my mother gave birth to my brother. It looked painful, not something I'd recommend to other women or really anyone. I'm glad he was born though. It didn't traumatize me or change the way... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:52:59 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9543016 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542891 Are Homeschooled Kids at a Disadvantage?<br /><br />Of the two arguments, the "No" argument was the only one with actual DATA. And the data looks good. I'm the first to not blindly trust the interpretations of statistical data. Statistics is often capable of obscuring reality, even lying. Obviously the raw data is a collection of facts, but... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:06:59 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542891 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542653 Oh geez louise...the Prez and his family dares to take a vacation. Let the insults/spin begin. Right?<br /><br />"Geez louise"? I haven't heard that expression since the 80s (and sometimes in 80s movies where they're trying to censor "Jesus Christ" used as an exclamation). I say let them vacations. They're doing it with their own money (more or less). It's no big deal. Everyone needs them. And... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:49:50 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542653 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542632 Why did God invent the internet?<br /><br />No matter what he seems to say or think, Al Gore is NOT God, or even A god. (Also, I'm kidding, I know Al Gore didn't invent the internet, but he still gets to be joked about sometimes after that little gaffe of his years ago.) Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:41:19 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542632 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542198 If you don't value truth what do you value?<br /><br />I do value the truth. But I would and do lie to protect my privacy, because I value that more than the truth. Whenever possible, it's best to protect your privacy simply by not telling people things, keeping quiet. But when someone asks you a question about something and you want to keep the... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:09:22 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542198 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542175 If a child asks you why people tell lies, what lies will you tell him?<br /><br />I would tell the child the truth: lies aren't always a bad thing, and there are often very good reasons to lie. For me, the biggest and best reason is to protect your privacy. Whenever possible, it's best to protect your privacy simply by not telling people things, keeping quiet. But when... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:01:30 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9542175 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9539715 do you think the economy has SLIGHTLY improved since Obama has started his presidency?<br /><br />Tough to say. The economy is a very complex system. I do know that he and many of his sympathizers say that it would be WORSE if he hadn't enacted his stimulus plan and other moves towards economic recovery. Who is to say if that's true? I don't know one person who can make a claim one way or... Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:12:46 -0700 http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/9539715