This forum in the last few weeks.

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Just Sayin said:
Your comment on leaving the world as you found it cracked me up though
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Actually if you read my post again you'll realise that I never said that. The aim is to leave it better than we find it.

My dad really loved the Australian bush and would take us on little excursions around Sydney. If we ate our lunch in a clearing or picnic area and there was any litter lying about, we would gather it all up and dispose of it along with our own rubbish.

The principle applies to small and big things. I do my best to leave a toilet cubicle in good shape, even to the extent of picking up and disposing of toilet paper from the floor and if a local river is polluted, as our used to be with raw sewerage, I'm prepared to campaign for better ways to manage the waterway.

I want us to move forward to a future with better laws that are more just and with better ways to utilise the precious and/or scarce resources that this planet provides for us. I'm prepared to do what I can, even if it is only to speak up for what I think is right, because I see it as a duty and an obligation. Everyone can plant at least one tree in their lifetime to provide shade for future generations.

Mostly I tried to build a better future by educating children and helping them grow into the best adults that they can be.

That's why my nickname is Pollyanna. I'm an optimist.
 
I planted a tree once.

The city's bulldozer came and tore it up, I got a citation for non-permitted agricultural activity and was fined with a week of community service -

- cutting down trees along a power-line right-of-way. :(

The world can fend for itself now - I've done my part.
 
I'll plant one for you, Phil.

I had a similar mishap (real in my case) when I planted a flowering eucalyptus when my father died. I couldn't get the red variety that he loved so I settled for a pink flowering gum tree and hubby planted it next to the fence in our back yard... right over the main sewer line.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of Australia's tallest trees, the Tasmanian Blue Gum. It grew very fast and sent its roots into the sewer main, causing toilets further up the line to back up. By this time it was very tall and it cost us a motza to have cut down and the roots removed.

Still, I am not deterred. The next tree I plant will be dedicated to you.
 
Warrigal said:
I'll plant one for you, Phil.

I had a similar mishap (real in my case) when I planted a flowering eucalyptus when my father died. I couldn't get the red variety that he loved so I settled for a pink flowering gum tree and hubby planted it next to the fence in our back yard... right over the main sewer line.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of Australia's tallest trees, the Tasmanian Blue Gum. It grew very fast and sent its roots into the sewer main, causing toilets further up the line to back up. By this time it was very tall and it cost us a motza to have cut down and the roots removed.

Still, I am not deterred. The next tree I plant will be dedicated to you.
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Quite a story, and aww, thank you - it's nice to know that I'll get to Australia in spirit if not in body. :D

The next hydroponics set-up I have, I'll dedicate a tray to you. ;)
 
A good online friend of mine lives in Thailand and bops around the area - China, Kuala Lumpur, Burma - and is always trying to get me to move there, using the "no rules / easy / cheap living" bait.

So far I've resisted. :nonchalance:
 
Just sayin said:
Let go my son, join the alternative lost lifestyle. Be at one in our global village and all that stuff. I don’t know about ‘bopping’ around China, it’s very strict and regulated here in personal movement, but further south it’s a free for all.
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Well, I already live an "alternative lost lifestyle", just in American terms: I'm self-employed, don't own much besides my laptop, my (still not activated) cell phone and a few shirts and pants. I have no state or Federal-issued forms of ID; I don't own a car; my name is not on any lease or mortgage. I have one pre-paid credit card, which right now has a balance of $0.38.

I don't collect unemployment, welfare, food stamps, Medicare or Medicaid. I haven't been to a doctor or dentist in over 30 years.

I don't vote. Never have. Not even registered.

Seriously though, many try it but can’t seem to hack it. I think one of the main reasons is that they can’t let go. The security of rules, the welfare society, the whole safety net of a western society. Take that away and many people feel lost. Let the economic system collapse in the U.S. though, or turn off the electricity in any city for one night and see the mayhem. All this so called first world advanced civilization is held together with the finest of threads.
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I refuse to trade freedom for safety, even in such a gossamer-threaded society.

Living without all that is a challenge; it requires finding a life that you’re happy with, that you make yourself and no one can take away from you. It means self-reliance, a non-dependent attitude and self-responsibility. Not many people can do that anymore. That's not to disparage the safety of a western lifestyle, but the reality of a one week package holiday is far removed from living the real thing.
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Totally agree. :encouragement:
 
Warrigal said:
:iagree: Diwundrin speaks for me here,
although I reserve the right to disagree with everything else she might say. :disagree:
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:lofl:dang, you are my kinda people WG, LOL! I do like the way Di speaks her mind as well, and no, I don't agree with everyone but even a broken clock is right twice a day, which includes me;)
 
I see nothing wrong with discussing any subject that interests you. If not interested skip to the next discussion. Everyone has opinions about most things and we should all have the freedom to express those opinions.

I like discussing religion and politics. It's interesting to find out why people believe what they do. Of course we all try to influence others to our way of thinking ( that's human nature ) but we rarely change anyone's mind. ( but it's fun trying)

There is no reason at all to get mad or be rude because someone has an opinion that differs from yours. Ha, when someone has an opinion that differs from mine I just naturally assume they aren't as smart as I am. I might feel sorry for them but I never get mad at them.
 
Politics/religion/money".... Not a bad rule... just one that you have to decide on for yourself. Like a lot of things these are usually the three that can always raise a stink if that's what you are trying to do, so most people avoid them just to live without the hassles generated by frivolous discussions involving any of them. But if any one asks a question or to give your ideas well!! you say what you feel is what your answer would be or how you feel about a certain topic .. but !! then its not what the other person wants to hear .. well so be it ! they shouldn`t ask the question in the first place.. if they are not happy with the answers and get upset over it.. each person is an individual and entitled to their own thoughts.. and each think differently, no one thinks the same.. and thats great its what makes it more interesting..
Basically... there's a time and a place for any topic... bring it up in the wrong one and you'll create more problems than you solve. As to moderating such stuff... that's a hard call too. For every person happy to get back to discussing whatever was being done before any of those topics came up you'll also find another incensed that their free speech got curtailed.
Ultimately... unless you are specifically talking with avid and eager listeners, religion tends to shake the tree a bit too hard to be either fun or useful... at least for me. Different strokes for different folks though.... I agree with you Rkunsaw.. 100%..
 
rkunsaw said:
I see nothing wrong with discussing any subject that interests you. If not interested skip to the next discussion. Everyone has opinions about most things and we should all have the freedom to express those opinions.

I like discussing religion and politics. It's interesting to find out why people believe what they do. Of course we all try to influence others to our way of thinking ( that's human nature ) but we rarely change anyone's mind. ( but it's fun trying)

There is no reason at all to get mad or be rude because someone has an opinion that differs from yours. Ha, when someone has an opinion that differs from mine I just naturally assume they aren't as smart as I am. I might feel sorry for them but I never get mad at them.
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...totally agree.
 
I think joining this forum is the best thing since sliced bread. I can express myself in more ways then I would ever to some of my friends. I don't join in a lot of the more intelligent conversations as I have had a limited amount of education and do not feel qualified to speak on these subjects.

I have always gone out of my way to avoid subjects I don't feel comfortable in, although I enjoy reading ALL of your conversations. I say, bring it on. I'm listening, just not commenting.

You may have noticed that I post a lot of silly, stupid things, but I have found that a chuckle here and there can avoid a serious confrontation. On another thread a mention of silly one liners prove nothing. This is true, I know, but that's just me. I love to joke around and I realize not everyone appreciates it. But I'm too old to change now folks, so I remain the non-serious old teenager.:)
 
I like the fact that this forum has so many different basic topics, with almost any kind of thread fitting in there somewhere. Plus, we have the specfic groups where a topic can be discussed by those who have an interest, without sidetracking any of the other threads.
I really like what Di said about thinking of the forum as a large room where we all mingle together, and happily join into discussions that interest us, and walk on by the ones we aren't interested in.
Actually, it seems like the health threads seem to catch the most diverse opinions, (not counting the gun control subject.)
We all have our preferred methods of treatments, whether medications or natural, or a combination of those; and this always spurs a lively discussion of which treatment is the most helpful, or safest.
I am one of the "natural methods" type, and really enjoy reading what other like-minded members have discovered and sharing the interesting things that I have found, or methods that have worked for me; not expecting to change anyone who is a "medication" type of person, or even saying that their choice is wrong for them, just not the right one for me.
As long as we are debating the subject, while still being considerate of the other debaters, I think that it is great that any topic is allowed; and the variety of opinions, and the reasons behind those opinions, is what adds the life and intrigue to this forum.
When we all come together to hold and support a member that is going through a personal struggle, is what adds the heart and soul to the forum.
 
Ditto on talking about anything and everything anyone wants to. It's so refreshing compared to something like Facebook, gag! Someone said something about "it's like being in a room full of folks, all talking in little groups about different topics" Pick a topic and go for it;) Love it!!
 
When I was doing my psychiatric nurse training in the early 70's, talking to the patients was a large part of the job. We were told never to discuss, money, religion or politics with the patients because no 2 people shared the same view and discussions could get heated. What did most of the patients want to talk about? Yep money religion and politics!
 
Just sayin said:


Tell it like it is Pappy! :) I don’t know about the not joining in because of a limited education though, you make it sound as though those without one aren’t entitled to an opinion, or are not capable of learning? I get well paid for talking c**p, so I suppose that’s not going to change either. :)

I think the point is why people generally seem more interested in the trivial rather than the big issues going on around them. Is it a ‘switch off’ mechanism? Apathy? Perhaps a reflection of society in general that focuses more on what colour socks Justin Beiber is wearing today? Perhaps, dare I say it, at a certain age it all becomes irrelevant? Yes, to each his own, yet it remains puzzling.

“Oh what little things I know,
Like grains of sand, or flecks of snow.
Though much I've heard, and much I've seen,
'Tis nothing but a fleeting dream.”
(WyeRaven)

Yet once we lived and dream once more,
As the world outside now stops at our door,
Of memories past and with the help of machines,
Type out our yearnings to return to our teens.
(Just Sayin)
:)
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What is this?? "you make it sound as though those without one aren’t entitled to an opinion, or are not capable of learning?" I don't get that at all from what Pappy wrote. I think you are dead on saying you talk a lot of crap. And maybe some stuff is trivial to you but it's your opinion of what's trivial.

I see getting on here as a real break from the freakin "real un-trivial crap" world. I don't care if you and anyone else wants to discuss your crap, and I'll discuss my crap thank you. I can tell you if it weren't for the folks on here that can let their hair down and be silly, I wouldn't stay another second.
 
Dolly said:
When I was doing my psychiatric nurse training in the early 70's, talking to the patients was a large part of the job. We were told never to discuss, money, religion or politics with the patients because no 2 people shared the same view and discussions could get heated. What did most of the patients want to talk about? Yep money religion and politics!
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Because they're the subjects that people tend to be most passionate about which is precisely why it can get heated.:grey:
 
Just sayin said:
Read and think before replying? Read Pappy's original post and what he was saying is that he doesn't reply to serious discussion because he feels he hasn't got the education. My reply was that you don't need one to have an opinion and that it's good to learn.
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I know what Pappy said, it's what you said "entitled". That to me says you are telling Pappy he said "some" don't have a "right" to join in. Pappy said "qualified" which to me is saying he doesn't feel he has enough information on the topic, not that he doesn't have the "right" and he sure isn't telling anyone else they don't have a right.
 
Pappy said:
I think joining this forum is the best thing since sliced bread. I can express myself in more ways then I would ever to some of my friends. I don't join in a lot of the more intelligent conversations as I have had a limited amount of education and do not feel qualified to speak on these subjects.

I have always gone out of my way to avoid subjects I don't feel comfortable in, although I enjoy reading ALL of your conversations. I say, bring it on. I'm listening, just not commenting.

You may have noticed that I post a lot of silly, stupid things, but I have found that a chuckle here and there can avoid a serious confrontation. On another thread a mention of silly one liners prove nothing. This is true, I know, but that's just me. I love to joke around and I realize not everyone appreciates it. But I'm too old to change now folks, so I remain the non-serious old teenager.:)
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Don't underestimate yourself there, Pappy. I think irregardless of what formal educational level you reached that you are quite articulate and often a keen observer of life in general. And there's a kind quality in your nature that I like as well.
 
Dolly said:
When I was doing my psychiatric nurse training in the early 70's, talking to the patients was a large part of the job. We were told never to discuss, money, religion or politics with the patients because no 2 people shared the same view and discussions could get heated. What did most of the patients want to talk about? Yep money religion and politics!
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You are right that no two people agree, I mean yes, they can have the same religion etc. but somewhere they will differ, is what I mean. I don't mind discussing any of the 3, but I have to be in the right mood to do that. And the only thing I have disliked in the past about discussing any of them is when someone is obviously determined to convince me they are right, or their way is right. So then, I bow out because if you don't want to "trade" or share ideas with me, then you just want to convert me to your way, and win "something" whatever that is, another notch in your ego or something.
 
Just sayin said:

The feeling I get and it may be just that, is that those who have had a slightly more adventurous existence, or that those who are simply more widely tuned in to the goings on in the world, are somehow seen as, ‘rocking the boat’ or ‘disrupting the flow’ and that the purpose is a general consensus?

Of course people will disagree on just about anything and everything, but is that a bad thing? If we exclude money, politics and religion, we end up discussing the weather and health and there will be disagreement on that. I think it’s more a question of why people don’t appear interested in anything outside their own knowledge and comfort zone. It gets heated when, as an example of just now, nwlady misinterprets, looks for key words and wades in with a tirade of assumptions. :) Oh well, I've had my say.
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No here's the deal. You see what you want to see, and refuse to look at where you may be wrong.
 
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