A friend of mine said: "Just watched Blade Runner for the first time.

ScottforKing comments on Jul 13, 2019:

You missed the point of the story, try watching it again, it's a brilliant movie.

Naomi replies on Jul 13, 2019:

Hello there. I've watched the film a few times. While I agree with you, it's "a friend of mine" who made the statement. :P

Fireside Chat Ep.

Naomi comments on Jul 12, 2019:

Hello. This is slightly off the topic (sorry), but I was wondering... What will happen in America if someone, say aged 35, is diagnosed with cancer but is too poor to pay for any medical treatment including drugs that may be needed for the rest of his/her life? Thanks for your help.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

Incidentally, euthanasia is "illegal" in the UK. Meanwhile, in 2016, a law came into force in France granting terminally ill patients the right to continuous deep sedation (CDS) until death. ... The law draws a distinction between CDS and euthanasia and other forms of sympton control at the end of life. France is the first country in the world to legislate on CDS. Just for your information.

Fireside Chat Ep.

Naomi comments on Jul 12, 2019:

Hello. This is slightly off the topic (sorry), but I was wondering... What will happen in America if someone, say aged 35, is diagnosed with cancer but is too poor to pay for any medical treatment including drugs that may be needed for the rest of his/her life? Thanks for your help.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

Thank you Wordmage for the insight. Interesting. So, if I decide to live in America, I'd better make sure that I'm financially sound and many people like me just in case I might need their financial support.

Ezra Levant challenges Pakistan's Foreign Minister over Twitter censorship - YouTube

purdyday comments on Jul 12, 2019:

This was posted to twitter right before they took the whole thing down globally. As a matter of fact I keep getting booted from here too.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

@purdyday, I can't say I've experienced that here. How odd! Like Don says, deleting cookies may solve the problem, unless you think you've been censored... No, not you. I don't think so.

We are a long way from civil war- but that is the direction of travel.

Rosary_Trace comments on Jul 11, 2019:

I think you would need state actors to be involved for a civil war, at least like the last one with huge armies in the field. Artillery, Cavalry, et al.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

Hello richardwrites. That scenario can be applied to Brexit; turn up with a placard, shout a few words and get drunk, and so on. Lol

Ezra Levant challenges Pakistan's Foreign Minister over Twitter censorship - YouTube

purdyday comments on Jul 12, 2019:

This was posted to twitter right before they took the whole thing down globally. As a matter of fact I keep getting booted from here too.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

What? You mean booted from this platform?

Fireside Chat Ep.

Naomi comments on Jul 12, 2019:

Hello. This is slightly off the topic (sorry), but I was wondering... What will happen in America if someone, say aged 35, is diagnosed with cancer but is too poor to pay for any medical treatment including drugs that may be needed for the rest of his/her life? Thanks for your help.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

C'mon, HighQ. That can't be true, though I must admit I did wonder about that. :P

If the team is correct, the Apidima skull fragment adds to evidence that trickles of modern humans ...

Boardwine comments on Jul 12, 2019:

Meh.....I’m unconvinced of the out of Africa theory. I’m on my phone so no links to support but there are alternative theories.

Naomi replies on Jul 12, 2019:

Hello. Let me know those "alternative theories" or links to them when you have time. I'm curious.

If the team is correct, the Apidima skull fragment adds to evidence that trickles of modern humans ...

Babou comments on Jul 11, 2019:

The standard tale has been "out of Africa" 50,000 years ago. But here's an interesting fact: humans are infested with a species of louse (one of the three that infests us) that only we have. Other mammals have lice that looks like hair lice or public lice, but that anyway need a lot of hair to cling...

Naomi replies on Jul 11, 2019:

Hi there. Very interesting! Thanks for that piece of information. x

BREAKING: New Google Document Leaked Describing Shapiro, Prager, as ‘nazis using the ...

acthenpens comments on Jun 26, 2019:

in the video they talk about how people have different concepts of fairness and I think that gets at the heart of the difference to the two side. To the right fairness is proportional to input where to the left fairness is equality. However anyone who has done group work in a class where others ...

Naomi replies on Jul 11, 2019:

@acthenpens Hum... it's complicated... With regard to education, I think it should be available equally to every single child (especially elementary-level education as compulsory) regardless of the background. With regard to the Co-op example, the school they built and fund is a private property that belongs to them, so they have the right to choose which child to admit. Just like we have state-run schools and private schools in England. Healthcare is another thing; I think at least basic medical care should be available to everyone based on the principle that it is a human right to life. I tend to think based on that everyone is equal under the law and the human rights provide a basis for how individuals should be treated. Sorry, I'm thinking aloud - a bad habit. I'll certainly give it more thought. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated. X

Trump Fans and Bernie Fans...Just How Different are They? [youtube.com]

Naomi comments on Jul 11, 2019:

Hello. An interesting observation on the right and the left, and I agree with him. While YB says he hates both sides equally, which political party does he support?

Naomi replies on Jul 11, 2019:

@AndrewInVail In that case, he'll have to form his own political party. I wonder if he's secretly considering that. His party could be called Grey-For-Ever Objective Party or something. :P

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

RobBlair comments on Jul 10, 2019:

There must be a clear divide between their free choice to donate their organs and any judicial decision regarding their punishment. Perhaps leave their organ donor option sealed in an envelope with their Will. As an aside, organ donors should be compensated.

Naomi replies on Jul 11, 2019:

@Bay0Wulf Well, perhaps we need someone living in Japan, or better still someone living in Australia where their universal healthcare system is functioning rather well, to help us with the concept of nationalised healthcare. Anyway, we drifted off the topic a little. I'll give it more thought about it. Thank you for your opinions. X

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

RobBlair comments on Jul 10, 2019:

There must be a clear divide between their free choice to donate their organs and any judicial decision regarding their punishment. Perhaps leave their organ donor option sealed in an envelope with their Will. As an aside, organ donors should be compensated.

Naomi replies on Jul 11, 2019:

@Bay0Wulf Assuming that organs have to be imported/exported, then yes, they will have to be bought/sold. But if organs are donated by those on death row and used within the universal healthcare system of their country, the organs may not be treated as marketable commodities as such. Japan, for example, exercises capital punishment (by hanging) and has a national healthcare system. So, the worst kind of criminals are eliminated, their organs don't get ruined during the process of dying, and they are used (recycled) by the NHS to save those in need. Sounds perfect, no? Or is it too simplistic?

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

Bay0Wulf comments on Jul 10, 2019:

Well ... Let’s see where that rabbit hole leads ... In China it’s pretty much proven that they are “cultivating” prisoners and “undesirables” for the purpose of “organ harvesting” to “order”. That is, they take DNA samples, blood types, verify health and warehouse people until...

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

@Bay0Wulf Now it's Iran; the Iranian government has issued a new law providing prisoners on death row the right to pre-sell their organs to buyers, on the condition that the prisoner agrees to it before the execution takes place. The details are here if you're interested. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190708-iran-prisoners-on-death-row-can-sell-their-organs-before-execution/?fbclid=IwAR2dPb1kPN0JE95IPeJ5XGrGbspa1gSk67DKlPGA8UZNlLdvrdek5P__bvk

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

RobBlair comments on Jul 10, 2019:

There must be a clear divide between their free choice to donate their organs and any judicial decision regarding their punishment. Perhaps leave their organ donor option sealed in an envelope with their Will. As an aside, organ donors should be compensated.

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

@Mrgeo315, @RobBlair Apparently, China was the only country that practised organ harvesting from the executed until it was banned in 2015. However, according to many recently surfacing reports, China continues to harvest the organs of its prisoners in its infamous “re-education” camps for the persecuted Uyghur Muslim minority. Now it's Iran; the Iranian government has issued a new law providing prisoners on death row the right to pre-sell their organs to buyers, on the condition that the prisoner agrees to it before the execution takes place. The details are here if you're interested.https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190708-iran-prisoners-on-death-row-can-sell-their-organs-before-execution/?fbclid=IwAR2dPb1kPN0JE95IPeJ5XGrGbspa1gSk67DKlPGA8UZNlLdvrdek5P__bvk

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

RobBlair comments on Jul 10, 2019:

There must be a clear divide between their free choice to donate their organs and any judicial decision regarding their punishment. Perhaps leave their organ donor option sealed in an envelope with their Will. As an aside, organ donors should be compensated.

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

@RobBlair It was a long time ago, but thank you for your kind words. X

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

Bay0Wulf comments on Jul 10, 2019:

Well ... Let’s see where that rabbit hole leads ... In China it’s pretty much proven that they are “cultivating” prisoners and “undesirables” for the purpose of “organ harvesting” to “order”. That is, they take DNA samples, blood types, verify health and warehouse people until...

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

I know a bit about organ harvesting in China. It was officially banned in 2015 but I believe that it continues in its infamous “re-education” camps for the persecuted Uyghur Muslim minority. Anyway, say no more - yuck! 😫

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

RobBlair comments on Jul 10, 2019:

There must be a clear divide between their free choice to donate their organs and any judicial decision regarding their punishment. Perhaps leave their organ donor option sealed in an envelope with their Will. As an aside, organ donors should be compensated.

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

@Mrgeo315, @RobBlair I think consent is a must no matter whether the donor is a convict on death row or not. When my father died young, the doctor had to ask my mother if she could agree to donate some of his organs. This question had to be asked immediately after my father's death, and my mother was so upset, and was rather disgusted by the question, she furiously rejected the suggestion. Her reaction was understandable, but if my parents talked about organ donation seriously, I reckon my mother may have acted differently when the doctor asked the question.

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

dmatic comments on Jul 10, 2019:

Of course they may. Not sure that's the least they can do to atone for their crimes, though.

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

I hear what you're saying dmatic. Basically, you are against capital punishment, and it should be the very last resort.

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

RobBlair comments on Jul 10, 2019:

There must be a clear divide between their free choice to donate their organs and any judicial decision regarding their punishment. Perhaps leave their organ donor option sealed in an envelope with their Will. As an aside, organ donors should be compensated.

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Hello RobBlair and Mrgeo315. Thanks for your thoughts. In terms of turning organs into marketable commodities, I guess there could also be a risk that a convict is given a death sentence because they are after his organs...corruption. That probably wouldn't be a problem In countries, including the UK, where they have universal health care and therefore medical services are free at the point of delivery.

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

Bay0Wulf comments on Jul 10, 2019:

Well ... Let’s see where that rabbit hole leads ... In China it’s pretty much proven that they are “cultivating” prisoners and “undesirables” for the purpose of “organ harvesting” to “order”. That is, they take DNA samples, blood types, verify health and warehouse people until...

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Hello timon_phocas and ScottforKing. So anesthetization, organ removal and let the donor/convict die while he/she is asleep. It sounds reasonably humane, no?

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

Bay0Wulf comments on Jul 10, 2019:

Well ... Let’s see where that rabbit hole leads ... In China it’s pretty much proven that they are “cultivating” prisoners and “undesirables” for the purpose of “organ harvesting” to “order”. That is, they take DNA samples, blood types, verify health and warehouse people until...

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Hello. I guess it would be too naive to think that authorities and institutions always do the right thing; How could we be sure that they never pass a death sentence to a convict because they want his/her organs...?

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

jwhitten comments on Jul 10, 2019:

>> That's the least they can do to atone for their crimes. ... of Jaywalking...

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Hello. So what do you think?

I stumbled on this statement: "Prisoners on death row may offer their organs.

dmatic comments on Jul 10, 2019:

Of course they may. Not sure that's the least they can do to atone for their crimes, though.

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Hello. So, while they may offer their organs (provided that they're healthy) and they're to be executed, what more in your opinion could they do (presumably before execution), I wonder?

China’s Vanishing Muslims: Undercover In The Most Dystopian Place In The World - YouTube

Hiker comments on Jul 6, 2019:

Thanks for posting that was interesting,,...what’s worst communist China or Islam ?

Naomi replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Hello gmanglk. I would be curious to know what your experience is.

Meet lovely Titania McGrath. (Warning - may cause a high blood pressure)

gmanglk comments on Jul 9, 2019:

Great stuff,,,,,,belly laughed

Naomi replies on Jul 9, 2019:

Hello. Glad you enjoyed it. The account is a spoof, as you may have guessed. Titania was created by a comedian. He criticises the left by mocking them while criticising the right by provoking them, if that makes sense to you. In his opinion, the both sides are as bad as each other.

Australia is doing well!

Crikey comments on Jul 5, 2019:

This is a really long chunk of my life to spend watching someone yack on and on, particularly when they're primary claim to fame is as a rather dodgy literary hoaxer, with a record of antisemitism, who has also been pulled up for plagiarising tweets. If there were a transcript available I'd ...

Naomi replies on Jul 8, 2019:

I have a friend who once lived in Australia and she and her husband want to go back there once they've retired. They always talk fondly of Australia. I like finding things about other counties, particularly as to why their systems are working so well or not working so well. They're very complex and involve many different factors, and I find it interesting to see how these factors are all related to one another. (There's only so much I can understand though, as I've only got a tiny brain!) Thanks for the insight @Crikey. Very interesting. x

Alarming Similarities of Conservatives and Imams [youtube.com]

Naomi comments on Jul 6, 2019:

Hello. This is an interesting piece. Thanks for sharing. Some time ago, I found the article below, according to which Reagan is responsible for establishing the association between Christianity and Conservatism. (In the UK, Thatcher also championed neoliberalism and had a go at claiming ...

Naomi replies on Jul 7, 2019:

By the way, I wish YB wore a brighter colour than grey for a change.

An event called "Blue Light Day" is held every year in the region where I live.

Juliann comments on Jul 5, 2019:

It is motivated. Should they not be motivated to have compassion for all human beings? Compassion is an important step in having understanding and cooperation with others.

Naomi replies on Jul 7, 2019:

Let's say we agree to disagree on this one. Thanks for your input Juliann! x

Alarming Similarities of Conservatives and Imams [youtube.com]

Naomi comments on Jul 6, 2019:

Hello. This is an interesting piece. Thanks for sharing. Some time ago, I found the article below, according to which Reagan is responsible for establishing the association between Christianity and Conservatism. (In the UK, Thatcher also championed neoliberalism and had a go at claiming ...

Naomi replies on Jul 7, 2019:

It is an interesting view, and I'm under the impression that more and more people are sharing this view. Yesterday, I was watching Andrew Doyle, an English comedian/writer/free speech absolutist, being interviewed on YouTube. He is a left-winger but like Bret Weinstein, he criticises both the right and the left. In his opinion, both sides's views are so polarised and they are so power-hungry that neither side actually believes in freedom of speech, though they say they do, and their attitude towards each other is increasing becoming authoritarian by trying to impose their values (Christian values, for example) on each other . An interesting observation.

China’s Vanishing Muslims: Undercover In The Most Dystopian Place In The World - YouTube

Hiker comments on Jul 6, 2019:

Thanks for posting that was interesting,,...what’s worst communist China or Islam ?

Naomi replies on Jul 6, 2019:

Hello. Glad you enjoyed watching the video. China and Islam are both very complex.

Truth? USS Liberty Documentary Sneak Preview

ScottforKing comments on Jul 6, 2019:

What is this? Why did it end so soon? I want more!

Naomi replies on Jul 6, 2019:

Hello there. The entire documentary is yet to be released (can't remember when). It looks interesting, no?

An event called "Blue Light Day" is held every year in the region where I live.

Halligan comments on Jul 5, 2019:

What is the police LGBT Network? Is that a faction of the department?

Naomi replies on Jul 6, 2019:

Hi there. A good question. Check this site provided by the UK police. https://www.lgbtpolice.uk/ Political correctness has gone mad in the UK in my opinion. I'm an ethnic minority in the UK myself. I should be shouting "What about me?!" Lol! (Maybe the UK police has another site dedicated to ethnic minorities.) So crazy that I've got to laugh. It's tricky, I know; when you pay too much attention to so-called marginalised groups, it can encourage tribalism instead of integration.

An event called "Blue Light Day" is held every year in the region where I live.

Juliann comments on Jul 5, 2019:

It is motivated. Should they not be motivated to have compassion for all human beings? Compassion is an important step in having understanding and cooperation with others.

Naomi replies on Jul 6, 2019:

Hello. "Compassion for all human beings" - exactly. LGBT people are not any more important than anyone else. We're all equally protected by the law against discrimination no matter who we are, what we are. There are international discrimination laws, plus LGBT rights legislation is firmly in place in the UK. So, in the UK, LGBT people are no longer insignificant and there are hardly any reasons left why they should carry on protesting. I think the LGBT movement encourages tribalism instead of integration. I see it as a symbol of bigotry. (There are also LGBT people who do not support pride marches, including my neighbour and a couple of my acquaintances...) When the establishment, including the police, pay special attention to particular groups of people like LGBT, I see it as political correctness, and most of all, I think the politicisation of the police is wrong.

Australia is doing well!

Crikey comments on Jul 5, 2019:

This is a really long chunk of my life to spend watching someone yack on and on, particularly when they're primary claim to fame is as a rather dodgy literary hoaxer, with a record of antisemitism, who has also been pulled up for plagiarising tweets. If there were a transcript available I'd ...

Naomi replies on Jul 5, 2019:

Thanks Crikey for the insight. I do hear, not only from her but elsewhere, that the universal health care system is functioning rather well in your country, and a good balance is kept between high minimum wages and low unemployment, plus there is good control over immigration. Would you say that's correct (not perfect, of course, but to a certain extent)? If so, I think that's great.

Australia is doing well!

Crikey comments on Jul 5, 2019:

This is a really long chunk of my life to spend watching someone yack on and on, particularly when they're primary claim to fame is as a rather dodgy literary hoaxer, with a record of antisemitism, who has also been pulled up for plagiarising tweets. If there were a transcript available I'd ...

Naomi replies on Jul 5, 2019:

Hello there. I knew someone would come on to disagree with Helen Dale. Lol I don't know much about her at all. How is she perceived by the public in Australia (not well by you, obviously)?

Hey Aussie friends, your country's doing ever so well. You should be proud of yourselves.

Biosphere comments on Jul 4, 2019:

Is there an applaud due here in your opinion, or is this satire?

Naomi replies on Jul 5, 2019:

I thought you were up rather late... (It's 9 am in England). Sweet dreams, and happy 4th of July to you, too. x

Hey Aussie friends, your country's doing ever so well. You should be proud of yourselves.

Biosphere comments on Jul 4, 2019:

Is there an applaud due here in your opinion, or is this satire?

Naomi replies on Jul 5, 2019:

Hi there. Have you watched the video? I'm not being sarcastic. I'm sure that the IDW members from Australia can tell us if they agree with Helen Dale or not.

Australia is doing well!

Judah80 comments on Jul 4, 2019:

What? No border issues, how can that be?

Naomi replies on Jul 4, 2019:

Hello there. The lady explains how in the video. Amazing, no?

Self-justification prevails?

Jeeper752 comments on Jul 1, 2019:

Because the Japanese eat them? What "objective and logical reason" is there for fishing and/or hunting otherwise? While we're at it, what right do we have kill ANYTHING? Cows? Chickens? Lettuce? We eat them. That's it, isn't it?

Naomi replies on Jul 3, 2019:

@Jeeper752 I have reservations about the climate change myself, and I am not an environmental activist or anything like that. However, I notice small changes that surround me rather than what may be going on globally For example, the population of British native bees has been declining on a rather worrying rate, and I see fewer and fewer honey bees in my gardens every year. As pollinators, they play an important role in supporting the growths of flowers and trees, not to mention fruit and vegetables. Farmers who do not understand (or don't care about) the balance of nature have been using pesticides that kill bees. Many people do not seem to understand that all creatures, from whales to plankton, are co-existing in very complex ecosystems and we are also part of such systems. I find it disappointing that Japan started commercial whaling again.

What is the ecological importance of humans?

govols comments on Jul 2, 2019:

We're here to provide competition to the top end of the food chain. And to see the view from perspectives unavailable to any before us. And to utter the words, "hey! watch this!"

Naomi replies on Jul 3, 2019:

Hello there. Talking of the top of the food chain. Whales are at the top of the food chain in the marine world, yet they still contribute to the marine ecosystem. Here is how. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M18HxXve3CM&t=94s I was wondering what we, humans, do to sustain the ecosystem of this planet while we are at the top of the food chain,

What is the ecological importance of humans?

Biosphere comments on Jul 2, 2019:

Earth is not apart from the observable universe as "the" scientists describe it as... hence, the question begs a much larger question. Wtf does the universe care what happens here? . Until we get a better question, the answer appears to be strictly limited to our personal emotions and motives...uhgg

Naomi replies on Jul 3, 2019:

Hello there. I was thinking that everything is relevant in the ecosystem of this planet. Bees for example. as pollinators, they play an important role in supporting the growths of flowers and trees, not to mention fruit and vegetables. The population of British native bees has been declining at a worrying rate, because of the introduction of pesticides, etc. Ecosystems are complex and important for all creatures to co-exist. I was wondering, if we, humans, are part of the ecosystem of this planet, what we do to contribute to it.

What is the ecological importance of humans?

iThink comments on Jul 2, 2019:

so your post is really asking the age old question "what is the meaning of life". if you come up with a definitive answer to that question please please please do let us all know - k?

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

@RobBlair I'm afraid I don't understand what is so funny... The definition of ecology is from the Oxford dictionary.

What is the ecological importance of humans?

Juliann comments on Jul 2, 2019:

We are here to save the planet from destruction. We will one day have to face a catastrophic event from the universe. Hopefully our knowledge and technology will be advanced enough to save us all.

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

Hi there. Is it thinkable that we, humans, have been part of the destruction that has been happening?

What is the ecological importance of humans?

iThink comments on Jul 2, 2019:

so your post is really asking the age old question "what is the meaning of life". if you come up with a definitive answer to that question please please please do let us all know - k?

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

Hello, there. The original post pertains to ecology, the definition of which is "the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings."

What is the ecological importance of humans?

timon_phocas comments on Jul 2, 2019:

The classic Christian view is that we are the capstone of God's creation and that we have been given stewardship by Him to nurture it. A less solemn (but still theistic) view is that we were placed here for comic relief.

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

"A less solemn (but still theistic) view is that we were placed here for comic relief." 😂😂😂

Seagull Steal Crisps from Greggs - YouTube

JimbobNE comments on Jul 2, 2019:

Yeah there are smart animals out there. I do have a bit of a question as to why the guy happened to have his camera on when the bird did that. Then again, he may have seen the bird do it before and was ready the next time.

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

Hello there. I wouldn't be surprised if this particular seagull was treated like a regular customer. Lol

Self-justification prevails?

PalmThis comments on Jul 1, 2019:

That's a tough question! We eat all sorts of animals. Whales are smart and majestic creatures but we raise cows and chickens to eat them... Over fishing is bad. I wonder why people aren't eating dolphins? How do you pick and choose which animals are ok? Indians won't eat cows because they believe ...

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

Yes, it is a tough question!

Self-justification prevails?

Jeeper752 comments on Jul 1, 2019:

Because the Japanese eat them? What "objective and logical reason" is there for fishing and/or hunting otherwise? While we're at it, what right do we have kill ANYTHING? Cows? Chickens? Lettuce? We eat them. That's it, isn't it?

Naomi replies on Jul 2, 2019:

Thank you for your honest input. I would like to be aware of the ecological importance of all species.

Happy White History Month!

RemiDallaire comments on Jul 1, 2019:

He is.. And he get a lot of heat for it

Naomi replies on Jul 1, 2019:

Hi there. It's funny when he says "Sorry, I'm black and slow." Lol

Self-justification prevails?

Jeeper752 comments on Jul 1, 2019:

Because the Japanese eat them? What "objective and logical reason" is there for fishing and/or hunting otherwise? While we're at it, what right do we have kill ANYTHING? Cows? Chickens? Lettuce? We eat them. That's it, isn't it?

Naomi replies on Jul 1, 2019:

Hello there. As a result of the quantities caught between the 17th and 20th centuries the whale has become an endangered species. This fact doesn't bother you then.

Self-justification prevails?

PalmThis comments on Jul 1, 2019:

That's a tough question! We eat all sorts of animals. Whales are smart and majestic creatures but we raise cows and chickens to eat them... Over fishing is bad. I wonder why people aren't eating dolphins? How do you pick and choose which animals are ok? Indians won't eat cows because they believe ...

Naomi replies on Jul 1, 2019:

Hello there. If there was a way to farm whales and slaughter them as humanely as possible, I might change my opinion.

Aussies should be proud.

Babou comments on Jun 30, 2019:

It gets worse. I've seen seagulls chase bald eagles away from fish. On the other hand, the Australian Wedge Tail is NOT Australia's national animal. They EAT their national animal. Because it's a giant varmint. They weren't any more careful about choosing a national animal than the U.S. was.

Naomi replies on Jul 1, 2019:

Hello. "I've seen seagulls chase bald eagles away from fish." 😂

How old were you?

JimbobNE comments on Jun 30, 2019:

-1. I don't remember it well. But I've read about the summer of love and the Vietnam war. Ehh, just a child, am I. Maybe when I grow up I'll understand.

Naomi replies on Jun 30, 2019:

☺️ ☺️ ☺️

Aussies should be proud.

JimbobNE comments on Jun 30, 2019:

As an American, I gotta say that eagle is an ass kicker. Big, mean, and doesn't take crap from anybody. It may not be the prettiest little birdie, but who cares. When you have the guts of your enemies spread out over the ground and you're ready for dinner, you know who's in charge.

Naomi replies on Jun 30, 2019:

Hello. That's why I would like to be a vegetarian eagle in my afterlife...

When Ayn Rand collected Social Security and Medicare [openculture.com]

AndrewInVail comments on Jun 30, 2019:

"Beep... Boop... I am a bot that can't intellectually attack the message, so I must attempt character assassination instead." SMDH, I want my time back from reading that openculture.com article.

Naomi replies on Jun 30, 2019:

Hello. Interesting. Objectivity is important to me when I ponder...

When Ayn Rand collected Social Security and Medicare [openculture.com]

Naomi comments on Jun 30, 2019:

Hello. A good article. I guess everything is relative and there is no absolute right or wrong, and Rand learned that hard way. Poignant. Thanks for sharing the article.

Naomi replies on Jun 30, 2019:

Yes, of course! We can always spot lies. :)

When Ayn Rand collected Social Security and Medicare [openculture.com]

Naomi comments on Jun 30, 2019:

Hello. A good article. I guess everything is relative and there is no absolute right or wrong, and Rand learned that hard way. Poignant. Thanks for sharing the article.

Naomi replies on Jun 30, 2019:

Hello you two. Agreed. It must be very hard to find "absolute truth", though, because it is complex. Plus, philosophers and other scholars can't agree on the definitions of "absolute" and "truth".

Hello from England.

jacquieblue comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Naomi, I have 3 areas with this look. My biggest problem is the moles that push up the pavers making uneven spots. Each of my areas has a different plant with different pro's and con's. 1) Irish Moss, a very slow grower but also Very thick so requires little weeding. 2) Red Thyme, evergreen, grows ...

Naomi replies on Jun 30, 2019:

Hello there! Thanks ever so much for your tips. The problem with plants is that they keep growing. Lol! I think I'll go for thyme - evergreen, flowers, and culinary use! Thanks again!

Tunisia: killed police officer buried | Africanews

Boardwine comments on Jun 29, 2019:

The whole of the Middle East was very very different once upon time

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Hello. Apparently 98% of Tunisian population are Muslims, and they're fighting against terrorism within the country. In the UK, they've been reporting further about the London Bridge attack recently. It was revealed that a Muslim who knew one of the terrorists contacted the police and expressed his concerns only to be dismissed. It was noteworthy that the Muslim who contacted the police said "The Muslim community is responsible for addressing radical movements withing the community, so, I did my bit. Unfortunately, the police overlooked my concerns." I am always reluctant to talk ill of Muslims as collective because I know that there're Muslims who have their hearts in the right place.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

dmatic comments on Jun 28, 2019:

Capital punishment is serious. But, so are the crimes that would carry a death penalty. Capital punishment was and is established by God, the Author of life. i.e. Gen 9:6...whosoever sheds the blood of another, by man, his blood shall be shed. The "state", or man, cannot in the case of a murder, ...

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Interesting. I feel I'm learning a lot here. Thank you, dmatic.

Hello from England.

Jurecki comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Yes I have. It’s fairly easy, but takes time to grow in for that effect. Select the groundcover you want to use and buy a flat of it. Then take your trowel and dig little holes between the flagstones and pull off a small clump of the plant and put into the hole. Depending upon how quickly it ...

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Yes, creeping thyme is a good idea. It's evergreen as well. Thanks Beth!

Hello from England.

Garsco comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Do you already have the random sized pavers in place? That would seem to be the first step.

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Same here!

Hello from England.

Garsco comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Do you already have the random sized pavers in place? That would seem to be the first step.

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

I know. Isn't that pretty? The thing is, they never tell you what exactly is involved in achieving such a result. Anyway, I'll have a go.

Hello from England.

Garsco comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Do you already have the random sized pavers in place? That would seem to be the first step.

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Yes, Garsco. I'll try to get a very short perennial (evergreen if possible) with a creeping habit. I always aim at a low-maintenance garden - I'm basically lazy. Lol.

Hello from England.

Jurecki comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Yes I have. It’s fairly easy, but takes time to grow in for that effect. Select the groundcover you want to use and buy a flat of it. Then take your trowel and dig little holes between the flagstones and pull off a small clump of the plant and put into the hole. Depending upon how quickly it ...

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Hello, and thank you! I'm glad to know that it's not difficult. I guess it takes 12 months or even longer to get a "full look". But anyway, I'll have a go. I'm encouraged! Thanks again!

One Middle-Eastern view about Trump - interesting

KeVince comments on Jun 29, 2019:

This what happens when an Arab gets a journalism degree from an American college an obviously bias news report to sway opinions.

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Hello. I think everyone is biased to their own countries. They would happily criticise other countries but once someone else criticises their own countries, they don't like it (naturally so). The other day, I was watching a video about China, in which one young lady (a very trendy looking city girl) said China was the safest country in the world. Her views about her country is obviously very different from the image we have about China (as a communist country). I wish there were more IDW members from other countries outside the US and the West so that I could learn what is really going on in their countries at first hand.

One Middle-Eastern view about Trump - interesting

dmatic comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Plenty of people underestimate Trump, including the author of this piece, whose arrogance and biased opinion is easy to spot. One wonders what proof or evidence the author brings to insinuate this accusation: " including the attacks on the oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, which were quite possibly ...

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Hello. I don't believe for a second that Trump is a racist, etc. I find it interesting though to find what people "outside" the West think about the key players of the West like the US, the UK, Germany, France, etc. Similarly, we have opinions about non-western countries which are not necessarily what they think about their own countries.

Hello from England.

Garsco comments on Jun 29, 2019:

Do you already have the random sized pavers in place? That would seem to be the first step.

Naomi replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Hello. Yes, I have a crazy-paved path. I have grass growing in the gaps, and I thought it would look lovelier if I could replace the grass with creeping speedwell or something similar that flowers.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

RobBlair comments on Jun 28, 2019:

"Some crimes are so heinous and inherently wrong that they demand strict penalties" "...each state execution deters an average of 14 murders annually." https://www.dailysignal.com/2014/10/04/capital-punishment-works-it-deters-crime/ ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

"If even one innocent life is spared by the execution of a murderer, is the death penalty worth it?" My head is really hurting now. No thanks to you. LOL! I shall keep pondering.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

RobBlair comments on Jun 28, 2019:

"Some crimes are so heinous and inherently wrong that they demand strict penalties" "...each state execution deters an average of 14 murders annually." https://www.dailysignal.com/2014/10/04/capital-punishment-works-it-deters-crime/ ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

Hello. I believe many people support the deterrent effect of capital punishment, me included. However (!), I stumbled on the following argument only to cause myself more headache. Lol! Brutalising society Brutalising individuals Statistics show that the death penalty leads to a brutalisation of society and an increase in murder rate. In the USA, more murders take place in states where capital punishment is allowed. In 2010, the murder rate in states where the death penalty has been abolished was 4.01 per cent per 100,000 people. In states where the death penalty is used, the figure was 5.00 per cent. These calculations are based on figures from the FBI. The gap between death penalty states and non-death penalty states rose considerably from 4 per cent difference in 1990 to 25 per cent in 2010. Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report, from Death Penalty Information Center Disturbed individuals may be angered and thus more likely to commit murder. It is also linked to increased number of police officers murdered. Any thought? It's complicated!

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

dmatic comments on Jun 28, 2019:

Capital punishment is serious. But, so are the crimes that would carry a death penalty. Capital punishment was and is established by God, the Author of life. i.e. Gen 9:6...whosoever sheds the blood of another, by man, his blood shall be shed. The "state", or man, cannot in the case of a murder, ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

By the way dmatic, I was reading about the misconception of "an eye for an eye". The “an eye for an eye” rule does not authorise or sanction vigilante justice, does it? Rather, when properly applied, it means that qualified judges would impose retribution for an offence only after first considering the circumstances involved and the extent to which the offence was deliberate. I think that many people misinterpret it and refer it to capital punishment.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

dmatic comments on Jun 28, 2019:

Capital punishment is serious. But, so are the crimes that would carry a death penalty. Capital punishment was and is established by God, the Author of life. i.e. Gen 9:6...whosoever sheds the blood of another, by man, his blood shall be shed. The "state", or man, cannot in the case of a murder, ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

Hello. A fresh religious view to the topic. Interesting. Thank you.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

iThink comments on Jun 28, 2019:

On a personal level I have to admit that should a person I know and love (A son, A daughter, A wife...) become a victim of some depraved killer I would willfully throw the switch, drop the pellets, trip the lever, fire the rifle... All objectivity goes out the window when it is personal. I ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

Hello. Thank you for your input, though it drifted off the topic slightly. I'm simply exploring the cons and pros of capital punishment. With regard to overcrowded prisons, in this thread I mentioned the "overcrowded prisons in the UK". I don't know anything about the conditions of US prisons, so I could not possibly have any opinion on that.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

Dmwils comments on Jun 28, 2019:

With full DNA proof of guilt and murder of one or more, especially premeditated, I fully believe in the death penalty. The system needs revamped, if a person is put on death row they should have no more than 5 years of appeals and then executed. I believe for a lot of folks the determination of ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

@Dmwils Not sure why you sound so aggressive and emotional... Anyway, thanks for your input.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

Dmwils comments on Jun 28, 2019:

With full DNA proof of guilt and murder of one or more, especially premeditated, I fully believe in the death penalty. The system needs revamped, if a person is put on death row they should have no more than 5 years of appeals and then executed. I believe for a lot of folks the determination of ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

Hello. Am I right in understanding that your argument is based on "retribution"? "Real justice requires people to suffer for their wrongdoing, and to suffer in a way appropriate for the crimes they committed. Each criminal should get what their crime deserves and in the case of a murderer what their crime deserves is death." I find this is a strong moral argument. Am I right in thinking that you support this view?

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

PalmThis comments on Jun 28, 2019:

It costs US tax payers MORE money for someone on Death Row, than to put them in prison for life. With all of the appeals and attorney fees. If a criminal is caught in the act of committing a crime (Rape/Murder/Child Molestation), it would much cheaper to shoot them on the spot! (.50 cent bullet). It...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

Hello there. "It costs US tax payers MORE money for someone on Death Row, than to put them in prison for life." If that's a fact, it's worth considering. Meanwhile, overcrowded prisons are a big problem in the UK where there is no capital punishment.

The true story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old African American boy - the youngest person to...

SpikeTalon comments on Jun 28, 2019:

You could be for capital punishment if murder or rape was involved, and yet could be against it due to the fact an innocent person could get wrongly convicted due to mistakes made by those in authority. I'm against capital punishment for the most part due to the fact in the past there were people ...

Naomi replies on Jun 28, 2019:

Hello Spike Talon. "I'm not comfortable with the state having that much power." I tend to agree. Your statement prompted an image in my head of a Roman Emperor putting his thumb up or down in the Coliseum.

Shame, shame, shame! Yemen – this is Britain’s war, too - spiked

Naomi comments on Jun 26, 2019:

The Yemen conflict has its roots in the Arab Spring of 2011, when an uprising forced the country's long-time authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The political transition was supposed to bring stability to Yemen, one of the Middle ...

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

If you care to read this Jeeper752... https://www.thoughtco.com/arab-spring-impact-on-middle-east-2353038 Also as many as 8 countries had Arab spring uprisings, not only the three you mention. Anyway...

My oriental-ish garden. (Should've removed the solar panel for the fountain!)

ScottforKing comments on Jun 27, 2019:

I especially love the water lilies.

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

Hello. I've got three flowers open so far. My pond is too small to have more than one water lily plant. Still, it's looking good at the moment.

India and the origins of Zero - Firstpost

Bay0Wulf comments on Jun 27, 2019:

Hmmm ... I’ll have to look deeper into this. Sumerian use of a null set (zero) went quite a ways beyond being simply a “placeholder” as they used it rather complex calculations. As to crediting “Arabs” with “Higher Math” such as algebra is concerned, I believe that was a ...

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

@Bay0Wulf It's the conceptualisation of "zero", i.e., "nothingness" I find fascinating; we all take it for granted and don't think twice about it. if it is true that this was done in the 3rd century, it means that the ancient Indian civilisation was more advanced than the ancient Roman civilisation, no? I also read somewhere that the shroud an Egyptian mummy was wrapped in was of a matter from India. It's amazing what they can discover nowadays.

India and the origins of Zero - Firstpost

Bay0Wulf comments on Jun 27, 2019:

Hmmm ... I’ll have to look deeper into this. Sumerian use of a null set (zero) went quite a ways beyond being simply a “placeholder” as they used it rather complex calculations. As to crediting “Arabs” with “Higher Math” such as algebra is concerned, I believe that was a ...

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

Hello there. That's even more fascinating. Let me know when you found more about it!

Shame, shame, shame! Yemen – this is Britain’s war, too - spiked

Naomi comments on Jun 26, 2019:

The Yemen conflict has its roots in the Arab Spring of 2011, when an uprising forced the country's long-time authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The political transition was supposed to bring stability to Yemen, one of the Middle ...

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

Hello Jeeper752. I think that the 2011 uprisings were significant in terms of democratic transitions in the Arab world.

BREAKING: New Google Document Leaked Describing Shapiro, Prager, as ‘nazis using the ...

acthenpens comments on Jun 26, 2019:

in the video they talk about how people have different concepts of fairness and I think that gets at the heart of the difference to the two side. To the right fairness is proportional to input where to the left fairness is equality. However anyone who has done group work in a class where others ...

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

Can you give an example situation?

Neoliberal Corporatism: The global concentration of power in the hands of a few (powerful ...

WilyRickWiles comments on Jun 26, 2019:

Since Reagan and Thatcher, yes.

Naomi replies on Jun 27, 2019:

Hello. Yes, they certainly championed neoliberalism.

BREAKING: New Google Document Leaked Describing Shapiro, Prager, as ‘nazis using the ...

acthenpens comments on Jun 26, 2019:

in the video they talk about how people have different concepts of fairness and I think that gets at the heart of the difference to the two side. To the right fairness is proportional to input where to the left fairness is equality. However anyone who has done group work in a class where others ...

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. A good point. I always think that everyone is entitled to equal opportunity but it is only natural that results are not necessarily equal.

Neoliberal Corporatism: The global concentration of power in the hands of a few (powerful ...

govols comments on Jun 26, 2019:

I honestly can't figure it out. It feels like a giant conspiracy but the very idea seems preposterous. It feels like a bunch of "ruling elite" are actually trying to build a global hegemony of a uber-rich corptocracy, a minimal middle class consisting of the equivalent of agreeable middle ...

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. I guess common people like us can never know what's really going on, like how much giant corporations like Google, BP, etc. can influence governments and political parties in decision-making by means of lobbying, donations, etc. Also, I believe that they've been freeing themselves more and more from laws and regulations in the name of "free market", the laws and regulations which are supposed to protect us and the environment. I don't understand fully but I feel concerned.

BREAKING: New Google Document Leaked Describing Shapiro, Prager, as ‘nazis using the ...

TommyB comments on Jun 26, 2019:

A bunch of really stupid people with a whole lot of power...for now

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. "For now...". I sincerely hope so. The giant tech companies are becoming too powerful, I think. I've just stumble on the wording "the global concentration of power in the hands of a few (big corporations)". It sounds worse than communism, no?

India and the origins of Zero - conceptualised in the 3rd century!

DrN1 comments on Jun 25, 2019:

There is no thing without emptiness 0

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

I also read somewhere that the shroud an ancient Egyptian mummy was wrapped in was of a material from India. Fascinating!

Shame, shame, shame! Yemen – this is Britain’s war, too - spiked

PalmThis comments on Jun 26, 2019:

While I Definitely agree that that's wrong! Doesn't it make you question WHY, it's happening? There'e something something coming and we need to be ready for it!

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. The simple answers many people settle with are money and oil, but it's got be more complicated than that.

Whaaat?! DOCUMENTS DETAIL ISRAELI MISSILE DEAL WITH THE SHAH - The New York Times

coalburned comments on Jun 26, 2019:

I was in the Air Force when the Shah was in power. We had Iranian military working next to us every day learning how to use equipment we were selling them. It was a very different world. This article doesn't surprise me that much. To answer your question, other countries can only be trusted to ...

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. "We had Iranian military working next to us every day..." Considering what is going on right now, you must have mixed feelings... no?

Whaaat?! DOCUMENTS DETAIL ISRAELI MISSILE DEAL WITH THE SHAH - The New York Times

SpikeTalon comments on Jun 26, 2019:

That went way back to 1986. Can't say I trust the NYT though...

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Thank you. (When do you sleep, by the way? :D)

Whaaat?! DOCUMENTS DETAIL ISRAELI MISSILE DEAL WITH THE SHAH - The New York Times

SpikeTalon comments on Jun 26, 2019:

That went way back to 1986. Can't say I trust the NYT though...

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. Is the NYT known to be biased in America?

Trump administration lawyer defends inhumane conditions for kidnapped migrant children.

Naomi comments on Jun 25, 2019:

Hello. Why has this been allowed to continue in the US so long? There must be law concerning the welfare of children, no? (I'm obviously showing my ignorance, here - sorry.)

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Am I right in understanding that in America judges are appointed by President? That creates bias, I guess, plus, there's always a loophole in any law...I hope those children will be united with their parents soon.

Hello everyone in Gardening 101. How are your gardens growing?

Sheryl_Jean comments on Jun 25, 2019:

Pretty flowers and Ladies. Some of my potatoes are flowering; zucchini taking off; peas starting to flower (I stagger planting so I'll have some later too). My Iris are very happy - we've had some good rains (and sunshine) in Central Alberta.

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. I love irises. Handsome flowers.

Hello everyone in Gardening 101. How are your gardens growing?

Garsco comments on Jun 25, 2019:

No issues with cold in eastern NC. Cukes and tomatoes aplenty (although tomatoes are a bit disappointedly small). Squash, okra, peppers and string beans should come in next month. This after the cabbage, lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower did well this spring.

Naomi replies on Jun 26, 2019:

Hello. Wow, you've got loads to look forward to!

Justice: "FREE TO CHOOSE" Do you support libertarians' argument? - Very interesting!

SpikeTalon comments on Jun 25, 2019:

The only thing I could think of in which I disagree with the LP would be that they generally are for open borders, which I am against. Other than that, I'm fine with the LP.

Naomi replies on Jun 25, 2019:

Illegal migration (the uninvited) by boat is a huge problem in Europe.

Justice: "FREE TO CHOOSE" Do you support libertarians' argument? - Very interesting!

govols comments on Jun 25, 2019:

26 minutes in, I'm noticing that a significant portion of Asians in the audience seem fairly rapt, and many whites seem to be uncomfortable.

Naomi replies on Jun 25, 2019:

Hello. A good observation there.

India and the origins of Zero - conceptualised in the 3rd century!

DrN1 comments on Jun 25, 2019:

There is no thing without emptiness 0

Naomi replies on Jun 25, 2019:

Hello. It means that the ancient Indian civilisation was more advanced than the ancient Roman civilisation. Fascinating, eh?

Trump administration lawyer defends inhumane conditions for kidnapped migrant children.

Naomi comments on Jun 25, 2019:

Hello. Why has this been allowed to continue in the US so long? There must be law concerning the welfare of children, no? (I'm obviously showing my ignorance, here - sorry.)

Naomi replies on Jun 25, 2019:

Thanks WilyRickWiles, for the explanation. It's complicated! With regard to the human rights of those children, I would've thought that the international laws supersede the US laws...