Does anyone actually still believe in God?

[Dr. Dilznick]

Yeah, if you count music and fishing, neither of which are impeded by roads.

When was the last time you went to Reykjavik?

 

[madame_zora]

When was the last time you went to Reykjavik?

Never, but I did google their industry/exports before I replied to you just to verify that my suspicions were correct. They were. Is that good enough?

http://www.icelandexport.is/icelandexport2/english/industry_sectors_in_iceland/

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

Never, but I did google their industry/exports before I replied to you just to verify that my suspicions were correct. They were. Is that good enough?

http://www.icelandexport.is/icelandexport2/english/industry_sectors_in_iceland/

Growth in Aluminum Smelting Industry

>>Planned expansion of aluminum smelting operations in Iceland will ensure this sector's ranking as Iceland's primary growth industry for the remainder of this decade. Three major projects in the aluminum sector are scheduled for completion within the next 6-7 years, and if all are realized (which appears quite certain) total aluminum production will triple to a level of 1 million tons per year. The most ambitious project is Alcoa's plan to build a new 325,000 ton/year smelter in the remote far east of the country by around 2006. The other two projects will be expansions of existing aluminum smelting operations (one U.S., and one Canadian owned). Iceland's fisheries sector currently accounts for 63 percent of the country's goods exports, with aluminum providing about 20 percent. By 2010, fisheries are expected to drop to 50 percent of exports, with aluminum exports growing to 40 percent. Proponents of growth in the aluminum industry tout the fact that this industry, unlike fisheries, is relatively stable from one year to the next, while fishing receipts can vary greatly from year to year. The aluminum industry also pays wages that are estimated to be 35 percent higher than in other industrial sectors, and is seen as providing large numbers of jobs, especially when direct and indirect spin-off employment is factored in. Nonetheless, the aluminum projects, and the government's support for expansion in this sector has received its share of criticism on environmental grounds, and for encouraging last century "rust belt" technology in a 21st century, increasingly IT-based world.

http://www.buyusa.gov/iceland/en/96.html

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

8/4/2005

Protesters on Alcoa Fjardaál construction site

Earlier today 13 foreign protesters entered the Alcoa Fjardaál aluminum smelter construction site in Reydarfjördur. Three of them climbed up tall construction cranes, while others roamed around the worksite. Both the work done on the site and the large amount of heavy equipment there could constitute a hazard if people who are unfamiliar with operations are in the area. In order to prevent possible accidents or injuries to protesters and to guarantee employee safety, work was halted on the site immediately.

The police were called and asked to assist in removing the protesters, who were on the construction site without permission. The police escorted those on the ground away from the site immediately and removed the protesters on the cranes from the area later on. Work did not commence again until the whereabouts of all unauthorized people on the site had been ascertained, so that they would not put themselves or others in danger. The company wishes to thank the police for handling this matter in a secure and safe manner.

Alcoa Fjardaál is relieved that there were no injuries to people but is distressed that measures such as these were adopted and that the individuals involved chose to further their cause in this fashion. The impact on the construction project is, at present, considered minor, and it has been decided not to press charges against the persons involved.

Alcoa and Alcoa Fjardaál have placed considerable emphasis on consultation and informative discussion, both with those who are in favor of the project and with those who are opposed. The company stresses strongly the importance of continuing such consultation and collaboration.

http://www.alcoa.com/iceland/en/news/releases/alcoa_fjaroaals.asp

Haha @ "13 foreign protesters."

 

[B_caneadea]

GBO, that was in response to Hung9mike's post prior to mine where he said that what we think is true is relevant to how we act.

In Iceland, Faery belief is somewhat harmless because of their geographical limitations. They will never be an industrialised nation, one more or less road will hardly have much impact. Maybe it's the romaticist in me, but there's something somewhat charming to me about a nation of grown adults believing in something so child-like. It does help that it's Iceland and not China.

Now to what you're really saying. I offered this story not as to whether faeries exist, but to answer why anyone's belief in things not proven should be taken seriously, obviously my point was lost. I agree wholeheartedly with your assesment and have even used the "four corners of the Earth" argument myself against the stupidity of blind faith. I don't recall an apology or retraction from the "fundies" who promoted the flat Earth theory by using Biblical literalism, but still we learn nothing. You simply CAN'T take a book literally that was never written as such and have it make any sense at all. That is what fundies do, make reality out of faery tales then wonder why no ones gives them credibility.

This doesn't mean there's no purpose to the Bible, it just draws into question what that purpose might be. Even Aesop's fables have a moral at the end of the story that is of good use in daily living. The main difference between a fable and a parable is that the latter is written for adults, largely illiterate adults, to convey a message that can be easily understood and remembered. Hopefully it will be repeated. I don't know about that part of the world, but for a long time in europe, news was carried by travelling minstrels who would make up songs about current events around the areas to which he travelled so people would be interested in hearing about them. Even then, it was apparent that entertainment had to be a part of reporting or people wouldn't pay attention. I would imagine the same is true everywhere.

You say that the absurd should be disregarded because it is absurd, and I guess I would have to agree with that from a logical perspective. You'll perhaps forgive me if I hold on to my soft spot for Iceland? I hope you know me by now as a person who reveres the brilliance of a sharp mind, especially one engaged in "battle". For my last defense of Iceland, I'll also add that the ones who believe in absurdities are not trying to force their beliefs on the rest, nor do the rest consider them anything other than a throwback from a time long over. Kinda like the Amish.

__________________________________________________

Don'tcha just love Madame Zora?.............

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

Well, Madame Zora?

 

[madame_zora]

Well, Madame Zora?

Well what, Dilznick? Why are you trying to pick a fight over something so idiotic? Unless I've struck on a topic that's near and dear to your heart. I like Icelad and I think faery-worshippers are cute. If you think they are a realistic intrusion into the commerce of the nation, so be it, I don't give a shit.

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

Well what, Dilznick? Why are you trying to pick a fight over something so idiotic? Unless I've struck on a topic that's near and dear to your heart. I like Icelad and I think faery-worshippers are cute. If you think they are a realistic intrusion into the commerce of the nation, so be it, I don't give a shit.

You: They will never be an industrialized nation
Me: Too late, they already are.
You: Yeah, if you count music and fishing, neither of which are impeded by roads.
Me: When was the last time you went to Reykjavik?
You: Never, but I did google their industry/exports before I replied to you just to verify that my suspicions were correct. They were. Is that good enough?
Me: *uses Google* "By 2010, fisheries are expected to drop to 50 percent of exports, with aluminum exports growing to 40 percent."




1. Point out to me where I said anything about "faery-worshippers."

2. Please explain how Iceland "will never be an industrialized nation" given a) the relative importance of its aluminum industry b) the rapid growth of this particular industry.


And who's picking a fight? Certainly not me.

 

[madame_zora]

ugh, this isn't even a real topic, it was a comment. Had you not kept goading me (well madam? might ring a bell) it would have been over.

Okay Dilznick YOU ARE RIGHT. Can we please move on to something that matters now? I'm an idiot, I know nothing at all about Iceland and really I have no reason to continue living. I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

(well madam? might ring a bell)

Madam Zorah? Ugh. Unlike your retarded boyfriend GBO I pronounce it the French way.

Can we please move on to something that matters now?

Right. So um, when's the last time you took a powerful load to the titties?

 

[madame_zora]

Two nights ago, it was amazing.

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

I'd venture out to Ohio to offer your breasts a batch of baby bile but I'm still not convinced you're not some FBI agent. Hmmm.. that reminds me, I've had the displeasure of being with a cornball bitch that used to talk dirty in the most hollow, fake, canned voice.

"cum... on my.... TITTIES"

"Are you going to cum on my...TITTIES?"



I almost went limp.

 

[B_caneadea]

Madam Zorah? Ugh. Unlike your retarded boyfriend GBO I pronounce it the French way.

Right. So um, when's the last time you took a powerful load to the titties?

___________________________________________

I have no idea why you are attacking Madame Zora. But, I will not stand by and say nothing.
You are WAY out of line.
Madame Zora simply made a comment in passing.
One does not have to set foot in Iceland to know a great deal about the country.
I found the piece of news about the faeries quite endearing. It was certainly not grounds for a vicious personal attack.
From all the posts I have read in these forums, it is clear that Madame Zora is much revered by the LPSG membership. And that includes me.
I suggest that you either apologize to her or better yet, just GO AWAY!!

 

[madame_zora]

Caneadea, thanks for the shoulder (quite lovely, I might add) but Dilznick loves me more than he knows. It's kinda like in Kindergarten, he's just dipping my pigtails in ink.

*passes blunt to Dilznick* Is it out of your system yet, bro?

 

[Freddie53]

Dr. Dilznick,

Get a grip on this. The fact that some 90 % of the American pubic believe in a God of some form is absolutely driving you crazy. I can believe I can jump over the moon, but it doesn't make it so.

The fundies of all religions go way overboard and distort the beliefs of thier religion. Unforutnately that will never change.

I believe in God. I also believe in the development of our universe as the scientists describe it. I have no problem with reconciling the two concepts.

I think it is unlikely we are the smartest creatures in the universe. We don't know how many civlizations are out there and what their IQ is.

Just because there may be a God out there doesn't mean that everything that some people believe about that God is true.

 

[B_RoysToy]

Ok, a veritable hornets nest could well brew here!

Does anyone actually, really, still believe in God and/or 'a higher being'?

I ask, simply because it amazes me that with billions and billions of years of conclusive evidence to prove that a god just does not exist, millions of people still put their faith a book and a feeling.

Is it 'filling a hole'?
Is it fear of not going to heaven?
Is it brainwashing?
Is it all of the above?

It is because I dreamed I died and was actually in the presence of God. The one and only thought in my mind was happiness, contentment and love. No earthy pleasure I've had holds a light to the pleasure I received and words can't describe it.

It is because I experienced a definite moment when I felt God's presence in my awareness (while wide awake). A couple of days later I was literally struck with the knowledge that I no longer felt as I always had about members of the Negro race. I had been 'raised' to have a deep seated prejudice against other races and knowing I didn't have those feelings any more, I knew that before mentioned moment had been real and felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders.

It is because my parents took me to church services and their placement of importance on this was absorbed by me.

It is because during my early 30s, I began to read widely theology and the beliefs of others through the years. I was searching for what my beliefs were, regardless of what my parents believed and what others had taught me.

It is because I have been strengthened because of my beliefs and communication with God -- not only my praying to Him, but also because of my being open to His communication to me. I find it difficult to think it possible to bond with an inanimate object, but even knowing God is a spirit doesn't negate my bonding with Him.

And, lastly, it is because I have been guided through several life choices by God and now I know these major decisions could not have been successfully achieved without that guidance.

Thanks you for giving this opportunity for stating this important matter, HappyHammer1977.

Luke

 

[Dr. Dilznick]

___________________________________________

I have no idea why you are attacking Madame Zora. But, I will not stand by and say nothing.
You are WAY out of line.
Madame Zora simply made a comment in passing.
One does not have to set foot in Iceland to know a great deal about the country.
I found the piece of news about the faeries quite endearing. It was certainly not grounds for a vicious personal attack.
From all the posts I have read in these forums, it is clear that Madame Zora is much revered by the LPSG membership. And that includes me.
I suggest that you either apologize to her or better yet, just GO AWAY!!

*takes blunt from Jana*

Don't be fooled. Madame Zora'd be a Sarah Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions type bitch. She's nice depending on who you are, what she wants, and how she wants to appear to you.. but make no mistake: you're her puppet in the grand scheme of things. And instead of carrying around coke in a necklace, it'd be weed.

 

[madame_zora]

*takes blunt from Jana*

Don't be fooled. Madame Zora'd be a Sarah Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions type bitch. She's nice depending on who you are, what she wants, and how she wants to appear to you.. but make no mistake: you're her puppet in the grand scheme of things. And instead of carrying around coke in a necklace, it'd be weed.

*Wriggles with glee* That sounds pretty accurate. *Begins singing "Don't Bogart that blunt, my friend..."*

 

[GoneA]

*Wriggles with glee* That sounds pretty accurate. *Begins singing "Don't Bogart that blunt, my friend..."*

hate when people do that....

 

[B_caneadea]

*takes blunt from Jana*

Don't be fooled. Madame Zora'd be a Sarah Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions type bitch. She's nice depending on who you are, what she wants, and how she wants to appear to you.. but make no mistake: you're her puppet in the grand scheme of things. And instead of carrying around coke in a necklace, it'd be weed.

___________________________________________________

I challenge you to find ONE PERSON (other than yourself) who is a member of LPSG, who does not like Madame Zora.
Produce that person and I will kiss your flapping ass.