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Open Question: HOW COME MY BEST FRIEND IS ACTING LIKE THIS?

Ok to make a long story short a few weeks back my best friend got turned down by a guy and then she asked me how things were going with another girl and I said I think the other girl just see's me as a friend. Then she said "have you ever seen me like that or just as a friend" I told her that I did but was unsure how she felt and she said that she did too but not "maybe we know too much about each other to ever be more". I asked her if she was mad and she said no and we continued to talk. Then instead of talking everyday we went to talking 3-4 times a week which recently led to about two and a half weeks without talking but she has commented my facebook status updates including one that said "like this and I'll tell you what I like about you, dislike about you and my first impression of you". Fast forward to today she imed me and we asked how each other was doing and she asked about a girl I use to like and how she was doing and I said her and her bf broke up and she kept asking questions(she never met the girl) and asked if I was gonna ask the girl out or if I was gonna still see the girl since I was friends with her bf, so obviously she cared and seemed like she very well might of been jealous. What am I suppose to make of this? more

Open Question: How do you set the rubber Hot Topic watches?

I just bought a rubber watch at Hot Topic today and I have no idea how to set it. There are two holes on the back of the watch- one labeled "m" and the other "a". I'm guessing mode and adjust. I tried pushing both, still can't figure it out. Anybody know how to work these things? more

Open Question: How would u judge this?

I met a ton of girls at this 4 day all expense paid hotel conference (it was seriously a 1:5 guy to girl ratio. this one girl is kinda who got me into talking to random girls cause when I was coming down the elevator we started talkn and made plans then went out to the bar. When I was on the bus I met the person im going to be working with and started talking to her. When we got to the bar I didnt get to sit by that girl and when we got ready to leave waiting for the bus I talked to her alittle bit. The next day I seen her and smiled at her at breakfast, and when I seen her. At dinner that night I said they should meet us in the lobby at 7. I also asked a ton of other ppl 2 come also and they did. So I didnt see that specific girl. Last night I had to meet with these other people im going to start working with. Its basically a paid internship were doing. SO anyways today I seen her and she didnt smile at me. When I was leaving to go home I told her it was nice to meet her and she said it was nice 2 meet u 2 and then I left. Do you think I should try and add this girl on facebook? They gave us everyones information for that sole purpose it was basically a networking event. I dunno what her deal is but she seems like a real cool person but I dunno what 2 assume? more

Open Question: Should I go on this date or just call it quits now?

Hi.Could someone please tell me what I should do. I'm feeling pretty pissed off at the minute and just need some adivice of how to go about handling this situation. I recently got talking to a guy within the last few weeks and we had our first date last week which went well. I don't want anything serious out of this as he's not really the type of guy I would usually go for, but I decided to see how things go. Within a few days of talking before our first date, he had already told his mum about me (who he says he is very close with - we are both in early 20's by the way) and had asked her if I could go round to the house soon. This scared me a bit as it's very forward, but I figured it's nice that a young guy is close to his family. We went on the date in which I drove because he doesn't have a license and he promised to give me some petrol money...which I never received and he hasn't mentioned since, but I decided to wait until our next date as he may cough it up! Anyway, he's been saying how he misses me and can't wait to see me so we arranged a second date (for later today). I said I would pick him up at 12 noon for lunch, which he agreed to, then later in the conversation (via text) he asked if I could do 2 o clock instead. I probed him until he admitted that he wants a longer lie in bed! This annoyed me a lot as I feel that if you want to impress a woman, you would want to see her sooner rather than later! Or maybe that's just me over-reacting? Anyway, he said he was bored last night and would call me 'in a bit' to talk more, so I agreed...but the call never came. I guess I'm just wondering how to deal with this idiot. He seems to have no idea how to impress someone and thinks I will agree to everything he says. He seems to say and do different things and I'm not really willing to put up with someone like that. I feel that he's taking me driving him around for granted too as I live an hour away from him, so its a lot of time and money. I was going to stay at his house overnight (again, like I said, it isn't anything serious, which is why I'm not waiting long) but now he's put me off so much that I kind of just want to text him and call the whole thing off. I am just so annoyed and no way I'm falling for the nice things he's saying because he's not acting up to the part. Should I go on the date even though I'm annoyed? Or just call it quits now and blow him out. Many thanks guys. I just can't waste my time with someone who can't put in 50/50, I've been hurt by those before. more

Open Question: Omg! please helpp me!!!!, i think i broke my hymen through masterbation? is that possilbe?

through masterbation? is that possilbe. i masterbate by grinding on the corner of a chair, please dont luagh! LOL. but omg i swear this is horrible! i think it's broken i bled a bit and it hurts, what do i do?????????????????????????!?!? i was talkin with my grandmother today and we were talking bout how she wants me to save myself for marriage so a nice boy marries me. i sed to her, culdnt i just lie about being a virgin anyway, she said, he'd know! you bleed the first time you have sex, your hymen breaks! so thats why im scared now because i think i broke it masterbating :( ps im done with masterbating! if someone told me about breaking a hymen sooner i would of never done it anyway., and i do use tampons? if i ever go for an exam at the doctors could i lie and say it was a tampon? thanks so much guys! keep the answers postive! :) but it was pretty hard masterbating and the corner of the chair was pretty in theree :( omggg im freaking out! can a doctor tell? is it true it eventually grows back? im freaking out! i think the first time i have sex with a guy i'll have sex when im finishing up my period so there will be a little blood haha! i'm going into highschool and i'll probably have sex with my boyfriend eventually,will he care if it's broken, should i say it could have been tampons? will him and his friends make fun of me i've already cried, like i have no idea what to do, i feel like i'm no longer normal should i tell my grandmother? i need someone i can confide in, ive completely ruined myself :( more

Open Question: AN EMERGENCY! I need answers ASAP!!?

I've been living in California for a while, and there are no decent guys living there, and suddenly, I met a great guy named Kent, we got close, became friends, and...I just told him that I have feelings for him. He said he "just wants to be friends" when only a month and a half ago he told my friend Keira that he had feelings for me. I mean, he just recently broke up with his gf, so I think that might have played a part in this... What I think sounds fishy is that my friend Keira asked him this April if he liked me, and I asked him about that today, and he basically said that at the moment he told her he liked me, he said he "realized" that it was an "overload" to possibly date a girl who has so much in common with him. He said he (supposedly) decided then and there that we should just be friends so we can keep that bond between us. I just find it odd how he could suddenly decide not to like me the moment he told his feelings for me. :/ My friends say that (knowing him) he may think about what he said today and tell me a week or more later that he has changed his mind. He's not a jerk/user/snake or anything! I heard that his gf he just left was psychotic and mean to him, and my friends and I could tell he wasn't very happy with her. I think he's just confused right now, especially since it's so soon after the break-up. What do YOU guys think will happen? Please be nice (but still truthful!!!), as it all still hurts me a lot right now. I could tell by Kent's texts to me that he felt horrible, too. Please help me. Before you answer... There's more to this story. Even though he says he wants to be friends, he still heavily flirts with me. I'm asking this because I'm confused because of his flirting, and I have the feeling he isn't telling me everything. more

Open Question: Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago by Mike Royko?

If you have read this book can you please discuss... 1. what part of the political system do you think it discussed? executive branch because, like a president who runs the country, a mayor runs a city... 2. what does this say about our government's "state off affairs" today? that the only way to have a successful government is to control everyone and forget about the poor.. 3. what do you think about Mike Royko's perspective? he appears to idolize Daley, but in the same sense, he sheds a lot of light on how Daley avoided dilemmas by simply blaming others... 4. personally, how did you react to the life of Daley? i mean he deserves respect for making chicago what it is to this day, but he missed an opportunity to be an even bigger historical figure by changing the world of racism... more

Open Question: How many cigarettes do you have to smoke to get hooked?

Ive only had a few hits here and there buut after my hits today, i feel like super craving towards it. Im only trying to relieve my stress, buut im underaged so its hard to get the cigarettes. Im scared i might be hooked.. more

Open Question: How does science prove that there is no god ?

I mean people make up these theories and so on and science has created many facts I won't argue with that but how exactly do facts suggest that there is no god ? I mean so science created all this ? So the big bang theory just randomly happened and we randomly evolved and just out of no where became who we are today I mean with all this technology and stuff I mean really science hasn't proven exactly how life began or existed I mean the big bang theory doesn't exactly say much really.. So I mean all these events happened and they happened in a way so that we could exist . us humans with thoughts and feelings and so on.. I mean it's hard to believe that all this is just a coincidence I mean really you can't help but think that "god" planned this to happen that it was predestined by god that his beings will develop a sense of god. I mean have you ever thought why exactly in the past we've always believed that there is some sort of superior being out there. I mean I honestly believe that's why we get those feelings because god wants us to be aware that there is a god. You have to believe that as a far as theories go they aren't always based on facts but theories that are known as facts meaning they are still developing though theories and are ideas based on facts sometimes they are not. So if the theory was that god is real but he has still created a world in which laws exist then it would partially be a theory right ? Science has yet to prove there is no god. Laws doesn't mean there is no god. Laws are simply rules of the physical world and nothing more.I put this here because I wanted to here peoples thoughts and opinions. Thank you .I ask this because usually science has lead people to think that there is no god. more

Open Question: Why do some folks hate bits, shoes, saddles, etc?

If you hate bits (I don't mean curb vs. snaffle, I mean hack vs bridle)... or shoes... or proper saddles with a tree, will you tell me why? Is it a comfort thing, like compassion for the animal? Is it a Parelli concept? I admit, I am on the very classical side of this fence. Meaning, I want shoes on almost any horse I own at least up front, and I always ride with a bit. I've seen questions today about Bareback Pads (um, so how is it bareback, exactly?) Hacks, shoes, and so on. Why are we suddenly changing what's been working for a few thousand years? more

Open Question: How can I convince my parents to let me get...(read please!)?

learner's permit. I could have gotten it back in June, but I waited for them to get everything together (I didn't speak about it for a month. not a single word). The more I wait, the longer I have to wait to get my license. They just don't understand. I rarely get anything I really really want (I have 3 other siblings) and this is something that I have worked HARD for. I have studied, I have worked, I have taken online tests, and looked up everything. My mom said she would take me to get it today, but she didn't and she threw an attitude at me when I asked if she could. I need my birth certificate, and my parents LOST it. Only mine, my other siblings have theirs. Whenever I ask if they can take me to the DMV my mom always says "NO. I'm not taking you EVER. If you keep this up, I'm not taking you until NOVEMBER. Get the **** away from me, say it one more ***** time. You're never going to go with this attitude." I don't have an attitude, I'm upset because this is something I really wanted to do and they just don't understand that. I see all my friends getting it and having fun with their parents and driving, and i'm at home crying. My mom actually took me driving for like 2 seconds last week (twice). She's always in a pissy mood and I'm really going to hurt someone (not really, but you get it.) How can I convince them with letting me get it? thanks. oh and by the way... My mom's not really strict, she's just in SUCH a bad mood when I mention it. She'll just ignore me or roll her eyes in mimick me or something. ugh,I'm sick of it. I have to have a parent with me to get my learner's permit it VA. When my sister was able to get hers 2 years ago, they took her on the first day she could. She failed the 1st time, and they took her exactly 15 days later to retake it. By the way, I do clean around the house regularly. I help out at summer school sometimes (mom's job). I help with my brother's sometimes (they're 11/12...D:) I do whatever my mom says (GET ME A WATER! DO THE LAUNDRY! FEED THE CATS!) My room is clean, And I almost got all A's on my report card. if that counts for...anything . I;m sorry, I know this is in the wrong section, but a lot of people come here and I needed some help!I have this in the family section and I have more here(: thanks so far(: more

Open Question: How do you deal with really rude people?!?

Ok, so how do you deal with specifically really rude black people? They always seem like they are ready to fight you over the drop of the hat. All rude people suck, but they're is just something extra rude and violent about certain black people. (Im not saying all black people are rude) I just want to know what to do or say with rude black people. For example, today I wanted to order something off the tv, so I called the QVC number, and a black woman answered the phone (I could tell she was black just by the way she talked, it was obvious).. so she says something, and as she is saying something to me I knock over a glass jar on the counter near the phone, so I couldn't even hear what she asked me from the noise. I quickly say I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. And the black woman says with attitude, EXCUSE YOU?! (Now I don't know if I spoke too fast and she didn't hear exactly what I said either, because I have a tendency to talk fast) I respond.. "I didn't hear you." And she hung up the phone. What lack of professionalism.. and she didn't even try to find out what was going on, she just immediately just jumped to being rude and acting as if I was the problem by saying EXCUSE YOU?! Now I just want to know what I should've said to that, because I really don't want to sit around and just let rude people disrespect me when they want to, especially when I didn't do anything. This is just an example, but I've come across lots of black ppl that are rude for no reason, and no that ain' t racist, it's a fact, and I don't have a problem saying it. Im just really irritated because I am fed up with black people thinking they can talk to you any old way, but then they demand respect from you! What can I do to deal with rude black people? more

Open Question: What do you think of my speech on this news report..and how do i make it better?

http://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/clancie-riley-the-life-of-the-party-cruelly-taken-in-music-festival-stampede/story-e6freuzi-1225897210965&sa=X&ei=o55TTIGyC5LSuwPZ0cSFAg&ved=0CBwQzgQoADAA&usg=AFQjCNF4mj88hG-6I5YKWuuB_z_ITU2Axg Here's my speech: Good Afternoon Mrs ___ and 7N students. Today i am speaking about a news report called 'Life of party cruelly taken.' It was written by Edith Bevin and Richard Noone. The news report was published in the daily telegraph,July 27th 2010. It was printed on page two. The report is about the death of Clancie Ridly and eighteen others. Clancie Ridly was so happy and excited to go to the Love Parade. This parade festival was held in Duisberg,Germany. As clancie Ridly went through the tunnel,which was the only entrance then available to the festival,she and many others were clambering over fences and up concrete walls to escape from the one way tunnel that was overly crowded and stuffy. Some were trampled to death. Unfortunately 19 people had died but over 340 have survived with bad injuries. Police are investigating the horrible saddening incident. Just four or five hours before the collision occurred,Clancie Ridly texted her bestie Carla Pevorich about how excited she was completely to go. In the report under the picture of her and Carla Pevorich, Its written 'Giggles:Music festival disaster victim(left)with best friend Carla Pevorich. The writing in this report is written in large paragraphs and columns. I haven't finished my speech yet. From what you read on the link..what else should i say in my speech about the news report?In the report was the language clear and simple to understand,etc? What are the direct quotes in the news report? What audiences is suitable to read this report? Why will these readers enjoy the report/ In the report,what do you think of the detail,accurate,vague,etc. and please give long answers to each question. more

Open Question: has any one here been throught?

a miscarrige? im sorry about your lose. im going threw a miscarrige right now and just wanted to know were you in a lot of pain how long did it last until the cramping and pain go away. i started bleeding alittle today and cramoing but then it went away. the doctorsaid i could have been 5 weeks if that but she was not sure. she prescribed me vicidon for the pain do you think that will take away alot of the pain ? im just scared knowing that this is happening when im home and just want to see how long this night mare is going to last . thanks so much for the helpthanks for your answers im sorry you also had to go threw this. my son joshua helps me know that everything happens for a reason and hes the love of my life so it makes this a little easier more

Open Question: How to take care of a sunfish as a pet?

I was freshwater fishing today and caught 7 sunfish. I have 3 adults in a 55 gallon fish tank and 4 babies in a 10 gallon. What do they eat? How often do they eat? I have no idea what species they are. All I know is that they are all striped and green/black and one is spotted and like white/orange/blue. Should I separate by species or age? What about setting up the cage? How do you make your own hides for them? How do you clean the cage? How often? Please give me some info. more

Open Question: Will someone recognize my singing?

Hello, My name is Ashley Dickinson. I am a singer and I have been working VERY hard to get where i am today. I taught myself how to play the piano and guitar. (Even though my guitar skills are much better) I sing everyday and i have just started making videos. I have been told by my friends and family that if i make videos and do everything i can, i can be recognized. Even though this probably isn't the right place to do it, can you please look at my Youtube video? Please leave me comments, I really want a record deal with all my heart! And if you own a record deal, please look at it. here is the website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV9hk0aTntI If the site doesn't work, then just look up my name Thanks a lot! You don't know how much this means to me! more

Open Question: How do you know if someone died in your house?

I think my house might be haunted. Some really weird things have been happening in my house. While i was asleep something unplugged the lamp at the end of my bed the cord was swinging back and forth (the lamp stays plugged in and on at all times). One night my door started to shake out of nowhere. Earlier today my friends and i went to the park and when we came back the water in my bathroom sink was on but no one was home at all. My friends and I have witnessed some figures standing in my hallway at night. Is there anyway i can find this out. more

Open Question: Plan B pill question?

I live in Alabama, and today I went to go get the Plan B pill. The pharmacist at my local Rite Aid gave me an obnoxious look, and then asked me for my age. I told her that I was seventeen. I also had my ID ready & SSN card. I saw on the commercials that you had to be 17 or older to buy it from the drugstores. But, this pharmicist told me that I had to have a prescription. Is this right? How do I get ahold of the Plan B, without a prescription in Alabama? more

Open Question: Some problems with the youtubes?

I went on Youtube today, and when I click on a video, the screen says, "You either have JavaScript turned off or you do not have the latest edition of Adobe flash player." So I went to tools-options-content-javascript advanced- and made sure javascript was turned on. And then, I went to the adobe site and downloaded the latest flash player/plugin. But the youtubes still don't seem to work... and the home screen turns up as a list, instead of its usual format. How do I fix this? Is it the youtubes, or is it my computer? (ps- I just scanned and got rid of any viruses on my computer as soon as this started happening- which made every other site work fine except for the Youtubes.) more

Open Question: Please help! Should I dump him or try to work things out?

experienced/mature people only, please. I'm a 23 yr old who has been dating a guy (24) for a little over 2 months now. We met on an internet dating site, both looking for a long-term relationship. I deleted my profile the other day, but his was still on there (although i think he's neglected it). We aren't long distance, he's under an hour away. He has not changed his facebook relationship status (I haven't yet either, dont go on much). i don't think thats a big deal tho. Ours both are blank tho, doesn't say single. He's a medical student and he's 5 states over right now til tomorrow for some conferences & figuring out where he'll go for residency. Well to make a long story short, today when i talked to him he had bones to pick with me.. complaining how i don't really use terms of endearment (baby, hun, etc). I do, but just not much bc I'm not used to it.. Is that really a big deal for guys? And he also whined a little how I "ignore" him (when I don't answer my phone sometimes, sorry i dont sit next to it all day! I have to work & not always available).. And today he said I don't listen--well we were talking on the phone & he had to repeat himself a few times. For one thing, my phone is having issues so he sounded muffled as its hard to hear. He got agitated & eventually hung up on me.. I then tried to call back & it went straight to voicemail (ie he had shut his phone off..pretty immature..). Also, I said on there how i was sorry i was kind of zoned out/not being super excited to talk because i have a lot going on (which is true)..my grandma has just started chemo to help her cancer (shes 92, so the end is not too far off) & i have other stressful things going on. So i explained that. But I feel like he's being unreasonably sensitive & overreacting. What do you think? I'll be honest, I'm also a bit nervous because when we first started dating he had mentioned how "most of his past relationships lasted only 2 or 3 months." Ugh. Maybe this is why. Maybe he starts becoming a mr.control freak. When guys start/stop relationships all the time, do they get bored with the girl & actually WANT drama so they can move on to next one? It's odd tho because he has mentioned things in the future like "in the fall we should go hiking" or even mentioning x-mas. And talked about buying me a kayak (we looked at them too). So you'd think I really have him. I have not had a huge amount of dating experience, altho I've been on a few dates w/guys & one long relationship (2 yrs, so has he). Other than his complaining about my zoning-out on the phone, i like everything else about him. He makes me laugh. We have a good time etc.. Listen i have my faults like everyone else. I admit i need to work on my listening skills. But there was more to it. Love is super hard to find these days. I don't want a player. I don't want someone who just wants in my pants. I'd like to think he isn't in one of those categories. Should I try to work things out with him or move on? Do i just leave it in his ball park? (ie wait til he calls back). I don't want to seem desperate, so i have not tried to contact him again. If he's willing, how can we work this out before it turns into bigger problems? I have contemplated how I could possibly see myself marrying someone like him.. We have a lot of the same goals/priorities in life. We do have something pretty good, and I'd like to salvage it.. Any input/tips appreciated, ladies (or guys!). Thanks for reading..yes we HAVE met in person & been on dates, etc. more

Open Question: Is this flirting or just making conversation?

'm curious as to whether this is just polite conversation, or something more/flirting? Was this just supermarket conversation? OR *SHOULD I TRY TO TALK TO HER MORE THE NEXT TIME I GO IN? I WAS JUST SO NERVOUS THIS TIME. So here is what happened: Today I went to Whole Foods Market, and the lady in front of me had to go to her car to get more cash... I had to wait for about 5 minutes. While I waited, the female cashier apologized to me for the wait. She was smiling and looking right at me for quite sometime. She was pretty attractive. Then, she asked me my name, and told me hers. After that, she asked me how old I was. She then asked how my day is going, and if I have any plans... I smiled the whole time and answered politely and concisely (** I just think I was a bit to shy). Then, when she finally scanned my food items, she smiled at me and said that she likes these items as well. Again, I smiled, and said Thank you, and she handed me the receipt.. **WHAT SHOULD I DO THE NEXT TIME I SEE HER? more

Open Question: 1000 years from now, do you think people will look back on us today and think...?

about how simple a people we are, how little sophistication our society had... about how little knowledge we have... compared to what would be 1000 years from now... just like we look back 1000 years from now and notice such a different lifestyle? more

Open Question: how can I convince my parents to let me get my... (read more)?

... my learner's permit. I could have gotten it back in June, but I waited for them to get everything together (I didn't speak about it for a month. not a single word). The more I wait, the longer I have to wait to get my license. They just don't understand. I rarely get anything I really really want (I have 3 other siblings) and this is something that I have worked HARD for. I have studied, I have worked, I have taken online tests, and looked up everything. My mom said she would take me to get it today, but she didn't and she threw an attitude at me when I asked if she could. I need my birth certificate, and my parents LOST it. Only mine, my other siblings have theirs. Whenever I ask if they can take me to the DMV my mom always says "NO. I'm not taking you EVER. If you keep this up, I'm not taking you until NOVEMBER. Get the **** away from me, say it one more ***** time. You're never going to go with this attitude." I don't have an attitude, I'm upset because this is something I really wanted to do and they just don't understand that. I see all my friends getting it and having fun with their parents and driving, and i'm at home crying. My mom actually took me driving for like 2 seconds last week (twice). She's always in a pissy mood and I'm really going to hurt someone (not really, but you get it.) How can I convince them with letting me get it? thanks.My mom's not really strict, she's just in SUCH a bad mood when I mention it. She'll just ignore me or roll her eyes in mimick me or something. ugh,I'm sick of it. I have to have a parent with me to get my learner's permit it VA. When my sister was able to get hers 2 years ago, they took her on the first day she could. She failed the 1st time, and they took her exactly 15 days later to retake it. ugh.By the way, I do clean around the house regularly. I help out at summer school sometimes (mom's job). I help with my brother's sometimes (they're 11/12...D:) I do whatever my mom says (GET ME A WATER! DO THE LAUNDRY! FEED THE CATS!) My room is clean, And I almost got all A's on my report card. if that counts for...anything . more

Open Question: O'Ryan: As a former Democrat, can you show me where I "cheated" the system, or didn't want to work at all?

And expected others to pick up the slack for me? Teenager growing up: Spent 4 years in a private school and participated in the Job Corp for each of those four years doing farm work, landscaping, gardening, and construction. Age 18: First job as a dishwasher--walking three miles to work each and every day--in the rain or heavy Vermont snow. Age 22-28: Worked a number of minimum-wage jobs, paid my bills, rent, and was self-sufficient. Spent the last 6 years on disability due to health and psychological problems. Even then, I had a two-bedroom apartment, married, paid the bills, and was self-sufficient. Downsized to a one-bedroom, but nothing's changed. Today, I went downtown to take care of some errands (three doctor appointments for my INR, vascular scan and my eye pressure tests) and complete my eligibility review for my GA-X benefits and my wife's. (Passed on both fronts.) Despite my physical health issues being a problem and my emotional issues, I still think of myself as being self-sufficient. Even on disability (GA-X or SSI), I have never cheated the system--because I don't know *how*. Even when I worked my jobs, I never cheated the system then, or when I filed my income taxes. (I worry the most at that point: What if I put down the wrong number or enter an incorrect figure--or even fill out a part wrong? I don't want the IRS to think I'm cheating!) But where along these lines would you say that I "cheated" the system or couldn't pull my own weight? Or expected others to do the work for me? You claim that Democrats are "notorious" cheaters and dead-beats--including myself. I'd like to know why you believe this? more

Open Question: Please help, my boyfriend won't talk to me after I saw the picture he has on his phone of him and a woman?

I went out with my boyfriend two days ago, everything was ok, then he took out his phone to check the time, and as background picture he had a picture of him and a woman hugging, he was behind her, he had his arms wrapped on her neck and waist and face to face, they were both smiling, they looked like a couple, he doesn't even take pictures like that with me. When I noticed that I think that he noticed and put his phone away later he told me, you saw the picture right? This is my cousin, don't worry. I didn't know what to say because I was confused, I had no words. Then we went back to the car and he tried to hug me and kiss me and I didn't let him, just a few little kisses. I know that he has no family here, so I don't know why he said that was his cousin. We've known each other for 6 months and we've been dating for a month. The next day I talked to him about the picture and told him that he doesn't have family here so how could that be his cousin and then he said that he went to his country on march for an emergency and took the pic then, he was my classmate and I know that he didn't travel, he has even told me that the last time he was over there was a year ago. He hasn't talk to me since then, just a few texts wishing me a good day. And I feel that he has lied to me. Today I asked him why we haven't talked after that day, he hasn't replied, I've called him today and no answer. I don't even know if it's over. I think that that picture is from Saturday, because that day he sent me a pic of him, and he was wearing the same clothes in the pic with the woman and same hairstyle. What do you think? I feel really bad, if he cheated I don't want him, but I deserve an explanation. more

Open Question: How did you react when you found out you were pregnant?

& How has it changed your life today being or becoming a mom? more

Open Question: Can you still get an infection from food when wisdom teeth are healed even if you rinse with salt water?

Well, last week I went to the dentist to get my all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed. The surgery went very good and he told me to come back the following week to see how the healing process is going. Through out the week I ate nothing, but jello, pudding, yogurt, masted potatoes, you know the food you're suppose to eat, and when I went back yesterday he said it's healing properly, everything was good, and I can start eating foods again. Concerned I asked him certain kinds of food, I could eat like chicken, or french fries for example, and he said yes. Well, I ate some fried chicken today and since one of my sides have a fairly average hole some food has went in it. After every meal, including morning and night time, I rinse with salt water cause I heard that it helps heal and prevent infection. Even with rinsing with salt water, it's hard to get the food out.... My Question is if some food still stayed even though I constantly rinse with salt water and the hole heals up, can you still have an infection? I'm kind of freaking out because I go back to college next month and that's almost a 3 hour drive( I live on campus) and I don't want to worry about missing class or anything because i have an infection that I could of prevented. I plan on calling the dentist on Monday to see what he says. What should I do??? Help!!! more

Open Question: Need some opinions on today's media outlets.?

With all the liberal media, not just news stations, but movies, tv shows, etc. always pushing homosexual agendas including everything that is morally wrong and just plain destructive not including the liberal public school system and public colleges teaching a liberal perspective, how are we as a society not heading towards demise? I'm sure there will be lots of negative comments which is discouraging i'm sure to all with a moral compass. What do you do but sit back and watch the fire works. more

Open Question: ASAP How would you get a colt who lost mom to nurse mare who lost colt? ASAP?

Our mare died today and her 3 month old colt was still nursing. Another mare a daughter of the first lost her colt due to contracted tendons. We are trying to put the colt on the daughter mare but she doesnt like to have him nurse unless her bag is VERY full... What could i do to help her accept him? more

Open Question: So I met this girl, but there is a slight problem?

I met this girl at work one time the other day, then we started talking online. She came out and told me she couldn't stop thinking about me. I also couldn't stop thinking about her. She said I was sweet, cute, and had an amazing personality. We both said we wanted to see each other really bad. She also added that if she did, she wouldn't be able to resist grabbing me, giving me a hug, and then kissing me. The problem is, she was just in town visiting relatives, she actually lives many states away. She left today for home but kept saying she wished we knew each other sooner and she hated we live so far away. I can't get her out of my mind now. How do I handle this situation, because she is clouding my mind big time. She also said she wants to hang out next time she's in town. How would you handle this? I really can;t get her out of my mind and its consuming me to the point where I'm feeling a little sick. Why does life have to have people meet and feel this way and then pull them apart just as fast? more

Open Question: I smell like ammonia after a work out?

I literally smell like I just opened a bottle of strong ammonia cleaning spray or something when I take a bath or shower right after I work out. It's so stong I want to faint from it.. lol cause it's all hot and then I can take these big wifs of ammonia :'[ It's very scary cause I'm like wtf? is this coming from me? but yeah I confirmed this because literally every time I'm done workin out and then take a shower it smells like that... soooo I couldn't have spilled cleaning supply all the time in there lol and I dnt smell this any other time. but anyways, it's def. me... has anyone else have this problem? A little about me.. I'm 292 pounds.. and I was 316 so I'm slowly on my way to become a healthy weight. 5'8 and 20 yr old female.. so today I worked out about 30 min on the tredmill .. a constant 2.5 elevated to 3.5. and sometimes I'll go up to 4.5 and jog.. and today was my first day on it in awhile. Two days ago I did some weights.. nothing heavy just high reps. my muscles are still sore >.< ... feeling is horrible but anyways, I'm eating my healthy foods.. all vegies, fruits, good carbs, good fats.. fiber.. blahblah ya know the healthy meal.. but if anyone has any idea as to why I am having this funny and VERY strong smelling odor please let me know!! or if this has happened to you and how to fix this.. tyvm! more

Open Question: Does my ex bf just feel sorry for me or is he confused about what he wants? how can I tell?

I casually dated a guy that I met the last 2 weeks of college for about 2 months (LD after the 2 weeks). He was not over his ex gf at the time (not recent btw) so that's why we weren't official. I know, red flag.. but he talked to me for hours everyday, confided things to me , and always wanted to spend every minute with me.He often times seemed to genuinely miss me. We did have sex btw. Basically, everything seemed perfect but I needed to break things off with him-he went on dates with other girls. He was shocked and told me about this new girl he was hanging out with saying she wanted to date him and he liked her but was holding off/confused because it "didn't feel right with what we had going." Now, the next day after the break up he starts dating her (he's known her for 3 years btw) and 8 days later she becomes his official gf. He has always been the serious type and I was the 1st non gf he had sex with. Now, that day he was talking online with me while she was sitting RIGHT next to him on the couch.. why he didn’t say he was busy is beyond me (idk if she knew or not). Though, he said he was going to call me later that night and never did. Also, after only a WEEK of them dating.. he ims me on fb the very second I sign on saying eagerly "how are you???" Now, 2 weeks after that he liked one of my statuses on fb. Now, today he said “ we will have to get lunch or something and catch up" He is a nice guy who wouldn’t intentionally go about hurting anyone. I just want to know if he's in it for just being friendly and is serious about the new gf(do you think he is?), or if he's confused/still into me? more

Open Question: Atheists: Where did the universe come from?

I don't need to asset anything about what/who created it because I don't know, but when atheists claim that the earth "may" have always existed it's still unproven and therefore the burden of proof is on you. All of your so-called evidence is "theory" and whether or not you believe it's more believable than some (what's that thing you call god?) flying spaghetti monster creating it still doesn't prove your claim. Therefore you have no idea how this universe got here. This leads me to ask you a question: Why would a universe just always exist for no apparent reason and then eventually create all of what we perceive today? You can say all you want about how you won't subscribe to unproven things until proven, and until then you'll lay dormant in your lazy beliefs and rely on science until you eventually die. You don't have the answers to the origins of the universe; so how can some of you asset that something isn't real as if you have all the answers? Not having the upfront evidence isn't efficient enough to disregard it, because there's a lot of things that still haven't been proven that could surprise you in the end. So, it's pretty inconceivable to believe the universe has always existed, energy has always existed with nothing to create it in the first place. Don't gimme all of that pseudo-scientific shit about how your mind can't perceive anything outside of time. Yeah sure. Anything to make yourselves sound smart. A God could have created this. It may not be a God that you're thinking of. It may not be the Christian God or it COULD be. You DON'T know.Yet the straw man argument still doesn't make something false. So therefore you fail.I never said you said the "earth" has always existed, I said the UNIVERSE. Stay with me here now.I meant universe not earth.I'm not arguing in favor of a God, I'm arguing in favor of an unknown. You guys claim something isn't real just because you don't have evidence for it which is also a logical fallacy. There's many things that exist that we have never seen or heard of, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. So you fail once again.Saint Lilith I think it's a little difficult to determine someone's emotions over the internet....silly girl/boy. I'm not even angry. more

Open Question: Concerta for ADHD and abnormal EKG?

Anyone have a kid or know of one that had abnormal EKG and is believed to be linked to Concerta or any other ADHD med? My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old. Been on meds since she was near 6. I tried everything else I could from behavioral specialists to weekly therapy, etc. Nothing worked and I finally tried the meds and she seemed to be great after they took effect, not a zombie, just a regular kid. The end of this school year (she is now 12) she passed out twice while playing outside. I took her to the doctor for this, they done an in office EKG, and sent her to Children's Hospital. Went to CH today, after a long two month wait, and found her EKG from today was abnormal. She is to be off the Concerta as of tomorrow, she had already taken it today as I was told to do. She goes back to CH in 6 weeks. The cardiologist told me that with her father dying at age 29 from a heart attack and the way her EKG looked, she could die if she stayed on the medication. Has anyone ever had any of these problems? The doctor said that her next EKG should be better, but I am just wondering if anyone has known of this and how long it took to get the heart right again. I also did not know kids should be tested for heart problems before taking ADHD meds. News to me. I knew that it "could" have major side effects as with all medications, even OTC meds. So now I am so worried about it all, and playing the waiting game for 6 weeks and doing some serious inquiries about all of this. ANd when I pulled up Concerta adverse effects, the first site was a lawyer for suing the doctors and pharmaceutical companies. That's insane that would be the first site! Any help or peace of mind is appreciated. I do know of a boy in my family's step family that died as a kid on Ritalin while he was skating. It was tragic to hear of it. He had something wrong with the left ventricle and never knew until the meds kicked in and it was too late. Thanks for all your answers in advance! And please none of the bad mom quotes. There are more kids on ADHD meds than people realize. As a very reknowned psychiatrist told me "If your kid had cancer, would you deny treatment? Same goes with ADHD to live a normal life" more

Open Question: Do you ever cry yourself to sleep?

Kind of random, but today my friend was telling me about how she used to be depressed and would cry herself to sleep a couple times a week, and then two of my other friends were like, "Been there, done that" and talking about how it's happened to them or still does. Which made me think, either they're melodramatic (although, I'm sure it's more than them) or I have had a very blessed life... but usually, for me, if I'm stressed I go to bed and think, "Thank God for sleep!" not cry. As I said, random. But what about you guys? more

Open Question: Kpop Fans: Why do you listen to the group you listen to?

The title question might be a little stupid (If you agree put it in your answer honesty is the best policy) but what Im trying to ask may not come out right. What Im trying to ask is: 1.What made you want to listen to the groups/artists you listen to today? OR 2.How did you find the group you're most interested in today? OR 3.What was the first song that attracted you to the group you listen to today? For example, everyone who has been answering my questions since I first started asking questions in the korean section knows my story on how I got started on Kpop in general through a friend on her myspace! But that was only SNSD (Gee), Kara(Rock U), and Lee Hyori(U Go Girl). But after that I stopped listening to kpop that was like May of 2009. So from May 2009 till early January of this year I was like "Damn I need I some new kpop!" I mean really and Truly I was still listening to SNDS Gee, Kara Rock U, Pretty, and Honey! lol Soooo....(story starting to drag sorry!!) 1. I cant believe I'm admitting this but I got started on boy bands through this video called "Sexy Korean Guys ;)" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l1lEFovKRc&feature=channel xD I know pathetic right but still I got to see alot of boy bands that I listen to today from Mblaqs Oh yeah to B2st's bad girl! But I had to listen to the groups actual songs especially if some of those clips were from their music videos, right? But of course after watching half of the music videos I also realized some of the songs were basically considered old when I saw the videos! Luckily when I watched the video for the 50th time I realized B2st was in the video so their new album (at the time) Shock of the new era was coming out soon! 2.Now I take some of the first part back I got started on 2pm before that video I mentioned I actually got started on 2pm through a video saying that khun had plastic surgery they used a pre debut video and some other clips. Personally I couldn't tell the difference. Yeah that's sad to know that I basically got started on 2pm through a anti-2pm video.... V.V I found other groups through allkpop, wikipedia, and youtube of course....oh yeah and reading some of you guys' questions! I love 2pm so bad! and other groups too! 3.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMa3vkC4ZZg This video is Hilarius but kinda sexy mixed with cuteness! Its has some of the songs that attracted me to groups I listen to today! 4minute's and Tara Bo beep Bo Beep Brown eyed girls-Abracadabra! This video is funny too!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_-T_BpNckI&feature=related 2pm Heartbeat Mblaq oh yeah SHINee Ring ding dong BIG BANG My girl but I think that was actually just taeyang song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1qf9xAL1EM 2ne1 Try to follow me 2am Hmm...I don't even really listen to them I only like Jokwon and the maknae so I guess I don't have a song. Lee MInwoo Minnovation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkVg0VlH8Vk SS501 Love like this SUJU Sorry Sorry Answer B2st Bad Girl Kara Rock U Rain Rainism SNSD Gee Lee Hyori U GO GIRL Wonder Girls Nobody (english version) f(x) Chu OMFG Im sooooo sorry this is song long I promise I will never rant on again! Just to do pay back when you answer the question(s) you can make it super duper long! Please and Thank you! more

Open Question: Long Distance Relationship Advice ...?

I met a guy recently through my bestfriend and her boyfriend. I've known him for about a couple months only, but I've fallen extremely hard for him already. He lives in West Virgina, and I live in Pennsylvania. We talk constantly through texts, and IM eachother on facebook, and I just got back from seeing him for a week today. He's really shy, or so he says, and he can be a complete sweetheart at times, but other times he's soo difficult to read. Some days he'll be completely fine, and hold my hand and be really affectionate, and then the next day, he'll act really different, and distant. His bestfriend tells me how much he talks about me all the time when their at work together, and how he doesn't think I like him, and how much he likes me..But then he'll ignore me at times and won't say anything to me for a day... He's told me before that he's scared of getting hurt, and one day this week, we were sitting there, and he looked at me and said... "you'll see why I act the way I do, soon.."...Is he scared of getting hurt since we live so far from eachother? so he's trying to back off and protect his feelings?.. Because I just don't understand. I'm moving down by where he lives soon to go to school, and he randomly sends texts to me saying "I can't wait for the day you move down here, you'll be mine forever."... But, a little bit ago, we were texting and he seemed fine, and then I told him i was talking to his bestfriend, and he got really short and stopped talking to me, and by the way, I guess he thinks I like his bestfriend too.. Which is completely weird, cuz he has no reason to think that especially since the guys dating MY bestfriend, lol. I don't know if he's really insecure or what it is..Does anyone have any advice for me? He has been really hurt in the past also, and says he's been messed up from it. more

Open Question: How can you tell if your cherry has been popped?

Okay, so me and my boyfriend had sex today and i'm pretty sure my "cherry has been popped" because the pain that usually happened, stopped. but i haven't bled...does it mean it wasn't popped? more

Open Question: (Ramadan) Can my muslim bros and sisses help me with something?

Salama Alaykum Lockerz is an invitation–only website created to connect members through commerce, content and social networking. Once invited, you’ll be able to watch exclusive video, buy great products, discover new music, play games, and connect with friends. You’ll be able to do this all in one place, AND you’ll get rewarded for just doing the things you love. When you watch a video, play a game, or even log in, you’ll earn Pointz (or “PTZ”) Lockerz own form of currency. Turn around and redeem your PTZ for incredible merchandise, unique experiences and exclusive deals and sales. Our mission is to be your daily habit, not a site for your parents or grandparents looking for their long–lost friends from kindergarten. Thanks to our millions of members around the world, Lockerz is already taking off beyond our greatest expectations. While still in beta, we’ve been sending today’s most coveted items, from iPods to Xboxes, to members around the globe who have redeemed their PTZ and earned great prizes. Too good to be true? Why are we doing this? To thank you for joining early. To build a Lockerz community of leaders and trendsetters. To give you a taste of how PTZ will work when we go live in early 2010. And to test out different prizes and PTZ levels. That’s key. This version of PTZ Place is a test. PTZ levels will change when the full Lockerz site launches. We’re excited to have our early members join now, and explore and help shape the site before our official launch. We hope you’ll join us. (I do not work for lockerz i'mjust trying to get ptz i copied this straight off of the lockerz website) PM me your e-mail address for an invite And i will only e-mail you your invitation nothing else And please join right away! Lockerz is having a contest whoever invites the most people gets a free ipod touch! PLEASE? I really really want one thank you:)@fatima lol i know MANY muslims who are obsessed wth it lolI dont think its a scam more

Open Question: Lockerz Invites! FREE?

Lockerz is an invitation–only website created to connect members through commerce, content and social networking. Once invited, you’ll be able to watch exclusive video, buy great products, discover new music, play games, and connect with friends. You’ll be able to do this all in one place, AND you’ll get rewarded for just doing the things you love. When you watch a video, play a game, or even log in, you’ll earn Pointz (or “PTZ”) Lockerz own form of currency. Turn around and redeem your PTZ for incredible merchandise, unique experiences and exclusive deals and sales. Our mission is to be your daily habit, not a site for your parents or grandparents looking for their long–lost friends from kindergarten. Thanks to our millions of members around the world, Lockerz is already taking off beyond our greatest expectations. While still in beta, we’ve been sending today’s most coveted items, from iPods to Xboxes, to members around the globe who have redeemed their PTZ and earned great prizes. Too good to be true? Why are we doing this? To thank you for joining early. To build a Lockerz community of leaders and trendsetters. To give you a taste of how PTZ will work when we go live in early 2010. And to test out different prizes and PTZ levels. That’s key. This version of PTZ Place is a test. PTZ levels will change when the full Lockerz site launches. We’re excited to have our early members join now, and explore and help shape the site before our official launch. We hope you’ll join us. (I do not work for lockerz i'mjust trying to get ptz i copied this straight off of the lockerz website) PM me your e-mail address for an invite And i will only e-mail you your invitation nothing else And please join right away! Lockerz is having a contest whoever invites the most people gets a free ipod touch! more

Open Question: She said that the more attached she gets to me the more she wants to break up!?

I'm 32 and have been dating a woman who's the same age for about 5 months now. I've already told her I'm in love with her, but she's yet to say it. In fact she sometimes makes it sound like she's not so sure we're compatible. Yet I know she likes me because she's asking to spend time with me and is having sex with me. (I'm only her 4th lover) She was in a relationship with her 4 year old son's father for 10 years. He ended up leaving her for a woman he worked with. He also ended up getting into drugs after that and stopped helping with their son at all. She's a full-time nursing student (on summer break right now, which is why we've been spending a bit more time together.) and she works part-time as a secretary. I'm the first man she's dated since her break up two years ago. She lost her sister to suicide about 6 months ago as well, so she's been dealing with that. I truly care about her, however she made the comment today that she doesn't know if we have similar values, she's still trying to figure me out and that the more she finds herself getting attached the more she feels like she wants to break up. I said that didn't sound healthy, to which she replied, I didn't say it is either, but it's how I feel for some reason. She called later and apologized for being "rude", said she had a lot on her mind. What do you think? She's also has me come over and hang out but only after her son is asleep. I've met him a couple times (4th of July and my daughters bday party) but otherwise I feel like I can only see her when he's not around. Why is she acting this way? more

Open Question: Lockerz invites (A legit website for free stuff)CLICK HERE?

Open Question: URGENT! I'm worried out of my mind!!?

Basically, I just told my guy friend Kent that I have feelings for him. He said he "just wants to be friends" when only a month and a half ago he told my friend Keira that he had feelings for me. I mean, he just recently broke up with his gf, so I think that might have played a part in this... What I think sounds fishy is that my friend Keira asked him this April if he liked me, and I asked him about that today, and he basically said that at the moment he told her he liked me, he said he "realized" that it was an "overload" to possibly date a girl who has so much in common with him. He said he (supposedly) decided then and there that we should just be friends so we can keep that bond between us. I just find it odd how he could suddenly decide not to like me the moment he told his feelings for me. :/ My friends say that (knowing him) he may think about what he said today and tell me a week or more later that he has changed his mind. He's not a jerk/user/snake or anything! I heard that his gf he just left was psychotic and mean to him, and my friends and I could tell he wasn't very happy with her. I think he's just confused right now, especially since it's so soon after the break-up. What do YOU guys think will happen? Please be nice (but still truthful!!!), as it all still hurts me a lot right now. I could tell by Kent's texts to me that he felt horrible, too. Please help me.There's more to this story. Even though he says he wants to be friends, he still heavily flirts with me. I'm asking this because I'm confused because of his flirting, and I have the feeling he isn't telling me everything. more

Open Question: I left the few history assignment i didnt know left and now I have to do them, some help please ?

Your first option is to write an essay in which you answer the following question: What do the youth of today have in common with the flappers of the 1920s? Be sure to include specific information that you gathered during the completion of the work file. Work file : 1. Who wrote this letter? To whom is it addressed? 2. How does she describe herself as a flapper? 3. What kinds of things does she like to do? 4. What does she identify as differences between her generation and her parent’s generation? 5. What is she asking her parent’s generation to do? Why? 6. What does she say causes girls to become flappers in paragraphs 1–6? Flapper Fashion 1. Please describe flapper fashion. Flappers in the Roaring Twenties 1. What was “Prohibition”? 2. What are some of the potential reasons that the youth sought change after the war according to this article? 3. What additional information did you learn about flapper image and attitude? http://www.psykickgirl.com/lulu/flapper_essay.html Short answer's would be great.. more

Open Question: How do I fix this dye job mishap?

So I use to have black hair and pink and turquoise bangs. Then I dyed my hair all dark brown. I had that for like 2 months. Just today, I bleached it so I could dye it a medium blonde. The rest of my hair is uniform colored. My bangs, though, are blonde but they don't look as vibrant. It isn't holding the color as well as the rest of my hair, but it is holding color. I know that they are dead, and I should cut the dead hair off. But then I won't have ANY bangs and of course my hair would just look weird, so that's not an option. What can I do to get it to look the same as the rest of my hair? And if I can't do anything, do you think I should dye my hair dark brown again? When my hair was brown, I couldn't tell. The damage obviously isn't new. Please and thanks.!.!. more

Open Question: Do you think this guy likes me?

We have been texting over a month. We met my friend's party. He smiled and looked at me a lot at the party. We went to the movies yesterday. Before we left the movies he asked if i wanted to go to the mall, but it was closed. Also before we left, since we took separate cars, he gave me a hug. He said he wanted to do this again sometime. Today he texted me and told me the perfume i had on at the movies smelled really good. After i said that i said some people have told me that it doesn't smell that good and his reply was "Well, lol a real guy would like it;-)" Also he uses lots of smiley faces and winky faces in the texts he sends me. He also has sent me "Hello my number 1 texting friend:)" I mean i think he does i just wanna get some opinions on if you think he does. And if he does, when he might ask me out? or would it look too desperate if i asked him out, or told him i liked him? problem with that is i dont know how to say it without being awkward lol. more

Open Question: Ever felt you were from a lost tribe?

Can you tell me why, what did you relate to? Did something call to you. How does it make you feel? Some believe they are scattered to today's world among various nations and families in order to change the other nations.etc. Any connections you made to tribes or Torah portions? more

Open Question: Why do I like jerks!?

met a guy in my club who I thought had a mutual attraction from the start, but he ended up asking my friend out who lead him on. Later in the year we started chatting on line and somehow it got sexual...he talked too about how he wanted a g/f, but I was afraid he just wanted me as a g/f for sex, so told him I wasn't looking to date at the time...also, he never seemed interested enough in ME, like not asking those "deep, probing questions" people say guys ask if they like you, so I assume he doesn't. He ended up getting a g/f, but they broke up b/c she didn't spend enough time with him. Now he looks at me a lot and smiles, compliments me, and tries to make me laugh and looks at me when talking to a group. He was teaching me a game and kept hugging me and complimenting me for getting it. But when I try to hug him he doesn't want it...Seems like he talks the ears off of everyone else but me. Also, when talking one night he said he didn't think one had to be ready to be in a r/s, it just happens and today he said he would like a date (in reference to someone's joke) and he looked at me. He has said twice now that I confuse him. Should I do something? more

Open Question: Does he sound like a jerk to you?

Open Question: Religiously speaking, do you agree with Daniel Dennett?

"I’m so optimistic that I expect to live to see the evaporation of the powerful mystique of religion. I think that in about twenty-five years almost all religions will have evolved into very different phenomena, so much so that in most quarters religion will no longer command the awe it does today. Of course many people–perhaps a majority of people in the world–will still cling to their religion with the sort of passion that can fuel violence and other intolerant and reprehensible behavior. But the rest of the world will see this behavior for what it is, and learn to work around it until it subsides, as it surely will. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we will need every morsel of this reasonable attitude to deal with such complex global problems as climate change, fresh water, and economic inequality in an effective way. It will be touch and go, and in my pessimistic moods I think Sir Martin Rees may be right: some disaffected religious (or political) group may unleash a biological or nuclear catastrophe that forecloses all our good efforts. But I do think we have the resources and the knowledge to forestall such calamities if we are vigilant. Recall that only fifty years ago smoking was a high status activity and it was considered rude to ask somebody to stop smoking in one’s presence. Today we’ve learned that we shouldn’t make the mistake of trying to prohibit smoking altogether, and so we still have plenty of cigarettes and smokers, but we have certainly contained the noxious aspects within quite acceptable boundaries. Smoking is no longer cool, and the day will come when religion is, first, a take-it-or-leave-it choice, and later: no longer cool–except in its socially valuable forms, where it will be one type of allegiance among many. Will those descendant institutions still be religions? Or will religions have thereby morphed themselves into extinction? It all depends on what you think the key or defining elements of religion are. Are dinosaurs extinct, or do their lineages live on as birds? Why am I confident that this will happen? Mainly because of the asymmetry in the information explosion. With the worldwide spread of information technology (not just the internet, but cell phones and portable radios and television), it is no longer feasible for guardians of religious traditions to protect their young from exposure to the kinds of facts (and, yes, of course, misinformation and junk of every genre) that gently, irresistibly undermine the mindsets requisite for religious fanaticism and intolerance. The religious fervor of today is a last, desperate attempt by our generation to block the eyes and ears of the coming generations, and it isn’t working. For every well-publicized victory–the inundation of the Bush administration with evangelicals, the growing number of home schoolers in the USA, the rise of radical Islam, the much exaggerated “rebound” of religion in Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union, to take the most obvious cases–there are many less dramatic defeats, as young people quietly walk away from the faith of their parents and grandparents. That trend will continue, especially when young people come to know how many of their peers are making this low-profile choice. Around the world, the category of “not religious” is growing faster than the Mormons, faster than the evangelicals, faster even than Islam, whose growth is due almost entirely to fecundity, not conversion, and is bound to level off soon. Those who are secular can encourage their own children to drink from the well of knowledge wherever it leads them, confident that only a small percentage will rebel against their secular upbringing and turn to one religion or another. Cults will rise and fall, as they do today and have done for millennia, but only those that can metamorphose into socially benign organizations will be able to flourish. Many religions have already made the transition, quietly de-emphasizing the irrational elements in their heritages, abandoning the xenophobic and sexist prohibitions of their quite recent past, and turning their attention from doctrinal purity to moral effectiveness. The fact that these adapting religions are scorned as former religions by the diehard purists shows how brittle the objects of their desperate allegiance have become. As the world informs itself about these transitions, those who are devout in the old-fashioned way will have to work around the clock to provide attractions, distractions—and guilt trips—to hold the attention and allegiance of their children. They will not succeed, and it will not be a painless transition. Families will be torn apart, and generations will accuse each other of disloyalty and worse: the young will be appalled by their discovery of the deliberate misrepresentations of their elders, and their elders will feel abandoned and betrayed by their descendants. We must not underestimate the anguish that these culturaWe must not underestimate the anguish that these cultural transformations will engender, and we should try to anticipate the main effects and be ready to provide relief and hope for those who are afflicted. I think the main problem we face today is overreaction, making martyrs out of people who desperately want to become martyrs. What it will take is patience, good information, and a steady demand for universal education about the world’s religions. This will favor the evolution of avirulent forms of religion, which we can all welcome as continuing parts of our planet’s cultural heritage. Eventually the truth will set us free." From "WHAT ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT" edited by John BrockmanAND EXPLAIN WHY OR WHY NOT! (ssmesq) more