Who is your avatar?

[Michael]

Who is your avatar? Inquiring minds want to know!

Or if not a person-picture, what is your avatar and why did you choose it?

Mine is Socrates of course, but you all knew that already! :)

[Dominick]

Mine is a painting by the Dutch artist Poen de Wijs (http://www.poendewijs.nl/).
It's supposed to represent global cultural diversity. :angel:

I'm particularly curious about partofme's avatar :laugh:

[partofme]

Mine is a painting by the Dutch artist Poen de Wijs (http://www.poendewijs.nl/).
It's supposed to represent global cultural diversity. :angel:

I'm particularly curious about partofme's avatar :laugh:

The original picture is actually a popular picture on the internet. I can't remember exactly who the guy is but I know he is a European political appointee that was captured giving the funniest look of shock on his face at a meeting. It's a popular meme on image boards. The picture I posted is of a altered version in which the guys nose is removed and the top and bottom parts of his face are fused together without it. I just think it's funny and very odd looking. No big story beyond that really. :)

[Donkey]

I guess I need to find another one!


Edit: until then, I'll have to suffice.

[Michael]

I guess I need to find another one!


Edit: until then, I'll have to suffice.
Wow... I thought that was a picture of a young Che! :eek:

And at least you have a nose! (unlike some avatars...) ;)

[partofme]

Okay I managed to find the original picture. Anybody recognize him?

[Donkey]

He looks like a kid who goes to my school. He played an older guy in a play recently so was rockin' the stache.

[Americano]

Mine is a rainbow I captured from my office window.

[The Drunk Guy]

Well, since my avy is so bitchin, I better dish. His name is "I Want You" and was created by the brilliant hands of Chet Zar. Zar is a favorite of mine and has become popular through his work with another favorite of mine, Tool. Now you know...

[neorealist]

just a few chess pieces...I'm an avid tournament player, but not a professional.

[chickenpox]

mine is a very distinguished looking sphynx cat, i wish he had a monocle

[wphelan]

Mine is of some weird dude in a mask.

[Multiplum]

Oh, snap, I need a new one.

Famous psychonauts, go!

No Leary!

[Michael]

Gotta love partofme's new avatar! :)

I'm guessing it is one of his kids...

[partofme]

Gotta love partofme's new avatar! :)

I'm guessing it is one of his kids...

Yeah it's my youngest. Those are glasses for a Mr. Potato Head set he has. He put them on himself. :)

[Michael]

This is a thread-bump for the convenience of our newbies...

Here, have a dancing banana :banana:

[Korimyr the Rat]

My avatar is a warning to all those who dare oppose me.

[partofme]

Mine is of some weird dude in a mask.

Wow, that mask looks pretty real. :eek:

[wphelan]

Wow, that mask looks pretty real. :eek:

Ha, yeah. At the time, I was sporting this avatar:

[partofme]

Ha, yeah. At the time, I was sporting this avatar:

Yeah I know. :lol:

[Michael]

Does anyone have a clue what that strange beast is in Daktoria's avatar?

Inquiring minds want to know!

I'm also curious about dilettante's avatar... I don't think he's ever explained where that comes from!

[aaronssongs]

Who is your avatar? Inquiring minds want to know!

Or if not a person-picture, what is your avatar and why did you choose it?

Mine is Socrates of course, but you all knew that already! :)


My favorite dog, Nuendo....who I had to part with, due to circumstances beyond my control. He was the best dog I ever had. Smart as a whip.
His peeing was a thing of art. I miss him so.

[The Drunk Guy]

Does anyone have a clue what that strange beast is in Daktoria's avatar?

Inquiring minds want to know!

I'm also curious about dilettante's avatar... I don't think he's ever explained where that comes from!
I think it's a Super Mutant from Fallout or Fallout 2.

Sorry, I'm a gamer at heart.

[The Drunk Girl]

Mine is Andy Goldsworthy

[Evangeline]

NOT Condi Rice - Michael :P

My avatar is The First Lady.

[Dominick]

NOT Condi Rice - Michael :P

My avatar is The First Lady.
Shouldn't that be the 44th Lady ? :ummm:

What are you Americans going to call the husband of the first female President by the way ?

'Bill' might be an answer :lol:

[Donkey]

Shouldn't that be the 44th Lady ? :ummm:

What are you Americans going to call the husband of the first female President by the way ?

'Bill' might be an answer :lol:
Bill has said he wants to be called "First Lad." I suspect "First Husband" will be what his actual title would be.

[Daktoria]

^ Fallout's Lou Tenant. Supah Mutant who's angry at the whooooollllee wide world and wants to make everyone look just like him, ugly as a mofo.

Unfortunately, he doesn't know mutants can't reproduce despite having all the sex they want. The only way more of them ever come into existence is by catching humans that are just wandering around, hitting them over the head with a club, and throwing them into a vat of acid where they turn out just like him or just like this guy (who's a Ghoul, an anti-supah mutant):

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images/0/06/FO01_NPC_Harold.png

:wtf:

[Evangeline]

Shouldn't that be the 44th Lady ? :ummm:

What are you Americans going to call the husband of the first female President by the way ?

'Bill' might be an answer :lol:

Goddess forbid if Palin is the Prez, we'll have First Dude.

[Michael]

Shouldn't that be the 44th Lady ? :ummm:
Indeed! :rofl:

^ Fallout's Lou Tenant. Supah Mutant who's angry at the whooooollllee wide world and wants to make everyone look just like him, ugly as a mofo.
Um... thanks for clearing that up. :lol:

He is indeed an ugly mofo. :erm:

[Michael]

Btw, I notice we have TWO slightly striped kitty cat avatars now! :D (TheStripey1 & andrewl)

[Michael]

Shouldn't that be the 44th Lady ? :ummm:
Actually, now that I think about it, she's probably only about 39th or 40th 'First Lady' since there were a few bachelors amongst past Presidents.

[Donkey]

Actually, now that I think about it, she's probably only about 39th or 40th 'First Lady' since there were a few bachelors amongst past Presidents.
There were? I always thought they were married.

For some reason I remember somebody saying that "if" Dennis Kucinich were elected he'd be the first single President. (2004 election anyway. Now he has a super hot redhead English wife.)

[Michael]

There were? I always thought they were married.
James Buchanan was a bachelor. Probably a widower in there somewhere...

[Margot]

James Buchanan was a bachelor. Probably a widower in there somewhere...

Jefferson was a widower. Martha, his wife, died in childbirth in 1782. He never remarried and was single when he took office in 1801. He had Dolly Madison take care of all the public womanly duties during his presidency. While Dolly was throwing presidential parties, Sally Hemings was taking care of everything else.

[Donkey]

Still me...

[drgoodtrips]

Didn't Andrew Jackson's wife die before or during his terms in office?

[Baron Von Esslingen]

Mine's a dead NeoCon...

*snort*

[KSigMason]

My avatar is a symbol of the Masonic Knights Templar (or also called the Order of the Temple). "In Hoc Signo Vinces" means "in this sign you will conquer", the phrase is said to have come from Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor.

[Donkey]

My avatar is a symbol of the Masonic Knights Templar (or also called the Order of the Temple). "In Hoc Signo Vinces" means "in this sign you will conquer", the phrase is said to have come from Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor.
In a dream, yes?

[Americano]

In a dream, yes?

God whispered into Bush's ear, so maybe communications have improved.

[evanescence]

Jefferson was a widower. Martha, his wife, died in childbirth in 1782. He never remarried and was single when he took office in 1801. He had Dolly Madison take care of all the public womanly duties during his presidency. While Dolly was throwing presidential parties, Sally Hemings was taking care of everything else.

Jefferson was truly brilliant, imo. He predicted the banking mess accurately. His opinions on religion match mine, as well.

[Michael]

And who is evanescence's avatar? Looks like a character from some manga...

[The Drunk Guy]

And who is evanescence's avatar? Looks like a character from some manga...
:eek:

That's just Goku from Dragon Ball Z. It's truly an epic show. Goku once spent an entire season fighting a space lord and their fight was so powerful that it led to the destruction of a planet. How's that for batshit crazy?

By the way, that's about the only thing I remember from my first year at college. Hard to believe that was a decade ago.

[Margot]

:eek:

That's just Goku from Dragon Ball Z. It's truly an epic show. Goku once spent an entire season fighting a space lord and their fight was so powerful that it led to the destruction of a planet. How's that for batshit crazy?

By the way, that's about the only thing I remember from my first year at college. Hard to believe that was a decade ago.

My sister used to obsess about DBZ, but, in my uncultured adolescent state, I was way more into Gundam Wing. Oh! To be young and naive!

[evanescence]

I get a lot of crap from people for being a DBZ fan. It's find of amusing.

[The Drunk Girl]

I get a lot of crap from people for being a DBZ fan. It's find of amusing.

Tell them to piss off...they don't have to watch it :D

[Donkey]

Is that a baby TDG?

[The Drunk Girl]

Is that a baby TDG?

Yes, it would appear so....

not mine and TDG's though. We don't have any children yet. Hopefully in the future sometime.

But, that is me when I was two or three I guess. Who would have thought that little, chessin' face would have turned out to be "The Drunk Girl" haha

[Donkey]

Chessin'?

[The Drunk Girl]

Chessin'?

You know when someone smiles real big, they call it "cheesin'"

[Michael]

I've noticed a couple of new avatars lately...

Seems like Donkey has his "activist" face on! ;)

And TDGuy appears to be Cornelius!

And Martin Luther is missing-in-action! :eek:

And TDGal looses the bag over her head and reveals her beauty for all to appreciate!

Could it be true? Inquiring minds need to know!

[Donkey]

My vanity prevails per usual, yes. That's me at Sunday's immigration rally. One of more than 200k faces. :)

[The Drunk Guy]

Saw this on a similar image...."Viva la evolucion!" :D

[Non Sequitur]

And Martin Luther is missing-in-action! :eek:


don't worry, this is Luther's seal.

[The Drunk Girl]

And TDGal looses the bag over her head and reveals her beauty for all to appreciate!

Could it be true? Inquiring minds need to know!

:lol:

You're going to give me the big head, if you're not careful.

[The Drunk Girl]

My vanity prevails per usual, yes. That's me at Sunday's immigration rally. One of more than 200k faces. :)

I like the picture. :)

[Michael]

:lol:

You're going to give me the big head, if you're not careful.
We're just hoping that's you on the left! :lol:

[Michael]

Now we are wondering who the heck is that grey haired dude who graces Margot's posts... :ummm:

(eventually I will get everyone around here trained to announce their new avatars in this thread!) :D

[Margot]

Now we are wondering who the heck is that grey haired dude who graces Margot's posts... :ummm:

(eventually I will get everyone around here trained to announce their new avatars in this thread!) :D

It's Maurice Ravel! Love of my life! Most brilliant composer who has ever lived! Really nice facial proportions...

[The Drunk Girl]

We're just hoping that's you on the left! :lol:

Actually I'm on the right ;)

[Michael]

I shall have to beg Speaky to dig up one of those pictures of that wonderful asian girl on a bicycle for his avatar! :lol:

That's always been one of my all-time favorite avatars! :D

[Speakeasy]

I shall have to beg Speaky to dig up one of those pictures of that wonderful asian girl on a bicycle for his avatar! :lol:

That's always been one of my all-time favorite avatars! :D

:smoke:

I'll certainly dig it up when I get home this afternoon!

My current avatar is a dog from a Bill Plympton short. Always manages to crack me up.

http://www.atom.com/funny_videos/plympton_guide_dog/

[Michael]

:smoke:

I'll certainly dig it up when I get home this afternoon!

My current avatar is a dog from a Bill Plympton short. Always manages to crack me up.

http://www.atom.com/funny_videos/plympton_guide_dog/
I thought he looked like a 'couch potato'. :shrug:

Anyway, he's no where near as pretty as the Gisha Girl on a Bicycle! :lol:

[Non Sequitur]

New avatar is CS Lewis.

[Margot]

And mine is Tank Girl!

[Medora]

My avatar depicts Riza Hawkeye, a character from Hiromu Arakawa's comic, Full Metal Alchemist. Here is more detail, which I posted at another forum:

My avatar is of Riza Hawkeye, a Lieutenant in the army of the country Amestris, which is where the story for Full Metal Alchemist takes place. She is an expert with firearms, particularly sniper rifles. Nobody fucks with her or anyone under her wing, especially her superior officer and close friend, Colonel Mustang, unless they want to be riddled with bullets, or can regenerate continually like the main antagonists of the series. But even the latter are not safe from her skills, as one learned the hard way, a shot gun and several pistols later.

I am fond of Full Metal Alchemist for many reasons, one of the more minor and digressive being the treatment of female characters. In this comic, you see plenty of capable and accomplished women, as there should be. Some of the more popular Japanese comics are simply insultingly unfair when it comes to representing women.

[WFCY]

saw this thread and just thought I come in and tell you that I find the question quite funny.

[Michael]

saw this thread and just thought I come in and tell you that I find the question quite funny.

Why is it funny? The default answer is "you", but still, it is nice to know where the pictures come from.

I rather think the OP question of "why did you choose it" is an interesting question. :shrug:

[WFCY]

Why is it funny? The default answer is "you", but still, it is nice to know where the pictures come from.

I rather think the OP question of "why did you choose it" is an interesting question. :shrug:

it made me chuckle because my avatar is pretty obvious.

and there is a long history of people screaming at me for it on USPO I don't even know where to start. if you look in the archives and the current forum, there is a total of 6 threads opened by ad hominem dumb fucks trying to discredit me for my choice of avatar.

why I picked it? He is my hero! plus the shits and giggles from dumb fucks make it totally worth it.

[Michael]

it made me chuckle because my avatar is pretty obvious.

and there is a long history of people screaming at me for it on USPO I don't even know where to start. if you look in the archives and the current forum, there is a total of 6 threads opened by ad hominem dumb fucks trying to discredit me for my choice of avatar.

why I picked it? He is my hero! plus the shits and giggles from dumb fucks make it totally worth it.

That's why this thread is fun and interesting. :)

It is interesting to know the reasons why people choose certain avatars to represent themselves.

[Michael]

http://www.discussionworldforum.com/forum/image.php?u=158&dateline=1296259378&type=profile

That's MeMyselfandI's new avatar.

Explanation of the graphic please! :)

[Americano]

Here's (http://www.tineye.com/) a handy reverse image identifier.

[Michael]

Here's (http://www.tineye.com/) a handy reverse image identifier.

That image is too small for that software (100 pixel minimum).

Anyway, my question is a specific one. It looks like half the graphic is from the old Imperial Russian crest, while the other half is taken from the USSR crest.

That's why I'm asking the question. That juxtaposition is rather unusual to say the least!

[Americano]

That image is too small for that software (100 pixel minimum).

You might be pleasantly surprised at its capabilities. Off-topic, photography forums have been raving about it as it locates original images being used without permission by a large swath of private and public entities.

Anyway, my question is a specific one. It looks like half the graphic is from the old Imperial Russian crest, while the other half is taken from the USSR crest.

That's why I'm asking the question. That juxtaposition is rather unusual to say the least!

[Michael]

You might be pleasantly surprised at its capabilities. Off-topic, photography forums have been raving about it as it locates original images being used without permission by a large swath of private and public entities.

Don't get me started on that bullshit copyright crap of photography. I loathe the idea of IP being applied to photographs. I think that's absurd and is an insult to the principle of patent/copyright.

Just a classic case of "information feudalism" (i.e. rent-seeking).

That being said, I don't doubt the utility of the software. I was just pointing out that the software has a minimum size requirement and the photo in question is smaller than that size requirement.

[Donkey]

Still me. New year, new protest, new fight. Same struggle.

[evanescence]

My avatar is of a black hole. It's like my life.

[timn8ter]

I read all 8 pages of this thread which was a bit strange. Mine is a picture of a sleeping carabao with a few egret friends near my home. To me it represents the peace and beauty here.

[Michael]

I read all 8 pages of this thread which was a bit strange. Mine is a picture of a sleeping carabao with a few egret friends near my home. To me it represents the peace and beauty here.

Indeed, it is odd to read the earlier pages since the avatars are dynamic and thus the comments from before don't always match up with the avatars as they are now. :lol:

Still, it is good to announce the avatar change here. :)

Speaking of which, maybe its time for me to change up my avatar... hmmm...

[The Drunk Girl]

Indeed, it is odd to read the earlier pages since the avatars are dynamic and thus the comments from before don't always match up with the avatars as they are now. :lol:

Still, it is good to announce the avatar change here. :)

Speaking of which, maybe its time for me to change up my avatar... hmmm...

Yes! Yes! Let's see your mysterious face :D

My picture is album artwork from Them Crooked Vultures

[Donkey]

I read all 8 pages of this thread which was a bit strange. Mine is a picture of a sleeping carabao with a few egret friends near my home. To me it represents the peace and beauty here.

I was meaning to ask. I figured it was either sleeping and those were "egret friends," or it was dead and they were carrion birds.

[The Drunk Guy]

I was meaning to ask. I figured it was either sleeping and those were "egret friends," or it was dead and they were carrion birds.
He is no longer in the US, so carrion birds no longer hold such a strong symbolism. ;)

[Donkey]

He is no longer in the US, so carrion birds no longer hold such a strong symbolism. ;)

The Condor, a vulture, is the national symbol of several South American countries. :)

[Michael]

The Condor, a vulture, is the national symbol of several South American countries. :)

Given the way governments and politics works in South America, this seems somehow appropriate. :D

[Donkey]

Given the way governments and politics works in South America, this seems somehow appropriate. :D

While they symbolism of the condor predates these governments, several South American dictatorships of the seventies would certainly agree. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Condor)

[evanescence]

I'm gonna change my avatar to some kind of liberal icon. Maybe a Canadian. :lol:

[Donkey]

I'm gonna change my avatar to some kind of liberal icon. Maybe a Canadian. :lol:

Whyfor?

[Greendruid]

Do you know anything about our Prime Minister? Canadians are far from deserving of their perceived liberalism.

[evanescence]

Whyfor?

for shits and giggles.

[Non Sequitur]

In the spirit of the discussion happening on the Good Words thread, new avatar is John Calvin.

[Michael]

In the spirit of the discussion happening on the Good Words thread, new avatar is John Calvin.

:eek:

Luther is tolerable, but Calvin is one of those hyper-theists that I consider highly toxic to democracy.

[Non Sequitur]

:eek:

Luther is tolerable, but Calvin is one of those hyper-theists that I consider highly toxic to democracy.

:lol: that might be the best quote of the day. You're right! Calvin would not stand for democracy.

Although one could argue his government in Geneva was more democratic then the Catholic systems floating around at the time. He did give the city councils ultimate secular authority as opposed to the bishops or nobility.

[Donkey]

In the spirit of the discussion happening on the Good Words thread, new avatar is John Calvin.
Burn the witch!

[Michael]

:lol: that might be the best quote of the day. You're right! Calvin would not stand for democracy.

Although one could argue his government in Geneva was more democratic then the Catholic systems floating around at the time. He did give the city councils ultimate secular authority as opposed to the bishops or nobility.

Calvin only looks 'friendly' to democracy in terms of 17th century European politics which was anything but democratic and mostly dominated by royal absolutism.

[Non Sequitur]

Calvin only looks 'friendly' to democracy in terms of 17th century European politics which was anything but democratic and mostly dominated by royal absolutism.

true enough, but doesn't he get credit for going against the grain at least?

As I said, he most certainly would not be a whole hearted believer in democracy. Just his system is more democratic that royal absolutism. He could have chosen to structure Geneva as a full blown theocracy, but didn't.

[Michael]

true enough, but doesn't he get credit for going against the grain at least?
I do not subscribe to the view that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". :)

Besides, Calvin wasn't exactly going against any grain. Calvin was playing politics for his own direct religious interest.

Fact is, in 17th century Switzerland, Calvin's political (i.e. religious) viewpoint was better served by the secular municipal authorities rather than Calvin's archenemies of the Bishops and nobles.

As I said, he most certainly would not be a whole hearted believer in democracy. Just his system is more democratic that royal absolutism. He could have chosen to structure Geneva as a full blown theocracy, but didn't.
I think Calvin liked his head being attached. I think that's sufficient reason to explain Calvin not pushing for a full blown theocracy.

Switzerland could not withstand a full declaration of war from all the states of Europe at that time. And that would have been potentially possible if Calvin went too far on the theocracy thing.

[Non Sequitur]

I do not subscribe to the view that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". :)

Fair enough. I don't read Calvin for his politics. His theology is what I am interested in

Besides, Calvin wasn't exactly going against any grain. Calvin was playing politics for his own direct religious interest.

Fact is, in 17th century Switzerland, Calvin's political (i.e. religious) viewpoint was better served by the secular municipal authorities rather than Calvin's archenemies of the Bishops and nobles.


I think Calvin liked his head being attached. I think that's sufficient reason to explain Calvin not pushing for a full blown theocracy.

Switzerland could not withstand a full declaration of war from all the states of Europe at that time. And that would have been potentially possible if Calvin went too far on the theocracy thing.

well he could have chosen not to go back to Geneva and stay in Germany instead.

[Non Sequitur]

Burn the witch!

Calvin is most certainly not a saint. In fact, most of the reformers where not saintly individuals. Calvin burned someone at the stake, Luther was an anti-Semite, and Zwingli lead armies in the field and had an affair with a member of his congregation.

[Donkey]

I think he meant more that he personally is going against the grain, in having Calvin as his avatar on this site (which is rather overwhelmingly disproportionately secular/atheist). :)

[evanescence]

In the spirit of the discussion happening on the Good Words thread, new avatar is John Calvin.

sounds like an interesting discussion. as a christian, i had so many theological discussions with other christians about predestination vs. free will. i think i already discussed this topic with a few members here.

[The Drunk Girl]

My personal pic isn't as cool as Donkey's :(

[Donkey]

My personal pic isn't as cool as Donkey's :(
Go to more protests. ;)

[The Drunk Girl]

Go to more protests. ;)

Asshole ;)

[Michael]

Fair enough. I don't read Calvin for his politics. His theology is what I am interested in

I didn't read Calvin for his theology. It is politics that I am interested in. :)

I think he meant more that he personally is going against the grain, in having Calvin as his avatar on this site (which is rather overwhelmingly disproportionately secular/atheist). :)
Well that would explain that. :)

That being said, this site is friendly and accepting to all moderate religious types and we certainly do have several regular members of various religous persuasions here. Indeed, you are one of the notable fence-sitters on that account. I've always personally counted you amongst the God worshippers - a lapsed or lax Catholic you may be, but I'm guessing your not likely to become an ex-Catholic (unless you were to switch religions for a marriage, though I'm not suggesting that, just covering my argument position).

My personal pic isn't as cool as Donkey's :(
No, but you look much nicer than he does! :)

Asshole ;)
See? :lol:

On another note, give that man a black cape! Darth Donkey! :rofl:

[Americano]

My personal pic isn't as cool as Donkey's :(

Depends on one's point of view. He has no cleavage.

[Donkey]

That being said, this site is friendly and accepting to all moderate religious types and we certainly do have several regular members of various religous persuasions here. Indeed, you are one of the notable fence-sitters on that account. I've always personally counted you amongst the God worshippers - a lapsed or lax Catholic you may be, but I'm guessing your not likely to become an ex-Catholic (unless you were to switch religions for a marriage, though I'm not suggesting that, just covering my argument position).

Really? (I assume you meant me, not Non.) Perhaps it's been a while since I discussed my faith in depth.

Certainly when we first "met" on USPO (which is several years ago now) I was a practicing, very much believing Catholic (of the Liberation Theology bent, of course). I consider myself an atheist (stopped messing around with that mushy agnosticism some time ago), and live as such. The vestiges of Catholicism are still deeply planted in my life and perspective, which I suppose could lead to some confusion.

[Michael]

Really? (I assume you meant me, not Non.) Perhaps it's been a while since I discussed my faith in depth.
Yes, you. I don't have any doubts about where Non sits on that issue! :lol:

Certainly when we first "met" on USPO (which is several years ago now) I was a practicing, very much believing Catholic (of the Liberation Theology bent, of course). I consider myself an atheist (stopped messing around with that mushy agnosticism some time ago), and live as such. The vestiges of Catholicism are still deeply planted in my life and perspective, which I suppose could lead to some confusion.
Okay, I missed that shift. :o

Kids grow up so fast these days! :lol:

[The Drunk Girl]

Depends on one's point of view. He has no cleavage.

Unmm... My face is up here *points to face*. Haha

[Michael]

Unmm... My face is up here *points to face*. Haha

Reminds me of a line said about one of my lovely young nieces... she of course has had a very impressive rack starting when she was 12 (and it only got more impressive over time).

"Poor Heather... no boy will ever know that she has lovely blue eyes". :lol:

[Greendruid]

That being said, this site is friendly and accepting to all moderate religious types and we certainly do have several regular members of various religous persuasions here. Indeed, you are one of the notable fence-sitters on that account. I've always personally counted you amongst the God worshippers - a lapsed or lax Catholic you may be, but I'm guessing your not likely to become an ex-Catholic (unless you were to switch religions for a marriage, though I'm not suggesting that, just covering my argument position).

How does one become an ex-Catholic exactly? I remember something from my elementary school days about that not being possible for those baptised into the religion. Excommunication was the only way out and that would involve some criminal insult against the clergy or something. Perhaps Non could answer this one? I give it half-serious thought sometimes to complete my own journey but then consider that this would only give satisfaction and recognition to that religious body's established power. My "conversion" to paganism is between me and ... several gods and goddesses :rofl:

[Donkey]

How does one become an ex-Catholic exactly? I remember something from my elementary school days about that not being possible for those baptised into the religion. Excommunication was the only way out and that would involve some criminal insult against the clergy or something. Perhaps Non could answer this one? I give it half-serious thought sometimes to complete my own journey but then consider that this would only give satisfaction and recognition to that religious body's established power. My "conversion" to paganism is between me and ... several gods and goddesses :rofl:

I really don't feel like trying to type out a full response, but I tend to agree. I completed all the initiative sacraments and have never officially renounced the faith. I think I'm still catholic as far as ye olde church is concerned.

[The Drunk Girl]

Reminds me of a line said about one of my lovely young nieces... she of course has had a very impressive rack starting when she was 12 (and it only got more impressive over time).

"Poor Heather... no boy will ever know that she has lovely blue eyes". :lol:

I jumped three bra sizes in 7th grade ;)

[Margot]

I jumped three bra sizes in 7th grade ;)

In the sixth grade I looked at the eighth grade girls and thought "wow, someday I'll have those, too!"

Yeah, that never happened.

[Non Sequitur]

How does one become an ex-Catholic exactly? I remember something from my elementary school days about that not being possible for those baptised into the religion. Excommunication was the only way out and that would involve some criminal insult against the clergy or something. Perhaps Non could answer this one? I give it half-serious thought sometimes to complete my own journey but then consider that this would only give satisfaction and recognition to that religious body's established power. My "conversion" to paganism is between me and ... several gods and goddesses :rofl:

Technically baptism cannot be removed under any circumstance. This is because Baptism is God's act of choosing you. Now there usually comes a point where a person affirms their baptism (the sacrament of confirmation in the Catholic Church) and at that point you can choose not to answer the call.

Even excommunication doesn't remove your baptism. Excommunication is the act of the Church saying a person, who has committed a horrible sin, needs to repent and until this person does they are forbidden from participating in the community (liturgy, sacraments, etc..). The first instance of excommunication is in the book of 2nd Corinthians where Paul says a man, who has been having a sexual relationship with his mother in law, must be cast out until he repents. The modern example is Richard Williamson who was excommunicated because he was ordained as a bishop without Papal support. He would never have gotten Papal support because he was a Holocaust denier.

Ex-Catholic is really just a term for people how have not only left the Catholic Church, but also are not all that friendly to Catholicism. The Roman Catholic Church tends to provoke strong feelings.

[The Drunk Girl]

In the sixth grade I looked at the eighth grade girls and thought "wow, someday I'll have those, too!"

Yeah, that never happened.

Sweetheart, I could give you half of mine and we both would be good C cups. I would if I could. Seriously. Wearing three sportsbras for bball practice/game is no good. I once forgot my bras and the point guard offered to tape them down. We went to the convenient store up the road for some Gatorade. Everyone was telling me I had lost weight! Once we got to practice along with running drills I couldn't breathe. Coach asked me what the hell was wrong with me so I told him. He told me to go home for the day. HAHAHAHA.

I dread the day I am "old" and they are saggy.

[Greendruid]

Technically baptism cannot be removed under any circumstance. This is because Baptism is God's act of choosing you. Now there usually comes a point where a person affirms their baptism (the sacrament of confirmation in the Catholic Church) and at that point you can choose not to answer the call.

Even excommunication doesn't remove your baptism. Excommunication is the act of the Church saying a person, who has committed a horrible sin, needs to repent and until this person does they are forbidden from participating in the community (liturgy, sacraments, etc..). The first instance of excommunication is in the book of 2nd Corinthians where Paul says a man, who has been having a sexual relationship with his mother in law, must be cast out until he repents. The modern example is Richard Williamson who was excommunicated because he was ordained as a bishop without Papal support. He would never have gotten Papal support because he was a Holocaust denier.

Ex-Catholic is really just a term for people how have not only left the Catholic Church, but also are not all that friendly to Catholicism. The Roman Catholic Church tends to provoke strong feelings.

Yeah, see, that's a bullshit policy if I ever heard one. It wreaks of holding onto souls for dear life. The Catholic Church's confirmation sacrament is indeed the time at which you confirm your faith ... at the age of 12. My niece had to do it at the age of 8. Everyone here raise your hand if you knew with certainty what your religious beliefs were at either of those ages! My point being of course that there is no adult choice given to Catholics to affirm their faith. If there was, those counted among the faithful would be a much smaller number!

[Non Sequitur]

Yeah, see, that's a bullshit policy if I ever heard one. It wreaks of holding onto souls for dear life. The Catholic Church's confirmation sacrament is indeed the time at which you confirm your faith ... at the age of 12. My niece had to do it at the age of 8. Everyone here raise your hand if you knew with certainty what your religious beliefs were at either of those ages! My point being of course that there is no adult choice given to Catholics to affirm their faith. If there was, those counted among the faithful would be a much smaller number!

As I said, the Catholic Church tends to provoke strong feelings. The sacrament of confirmation, while happening at 8-12 in some churches, is an ongoing thing.

The real issue is that Christian theology from the mainline churches (Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed) don't fully believe in free will. Also, parents at the baptism of their child make a series of promises before God about keeping their children in faith and the community.

[Donkey]

Yeah, see, that's a bullshit policy if I ever heard one. It wreaks of holding onto souls for dear life. The Catholic Church's confirmation sacrament is indeed the time at which you confirm your faith ... at the age of 12. My niece had to do it at the age of 8. Everyone here raise your hand if you knew with certainty what your religious beliefs were at either of those ages! My point being of course that there is no adult choice given to Catholics to affirm their faith. If there was, those counted among the faithful would be a much smaller number!

I was confirmed at age 17. Or 16. Very tender age, at any rate.

[evanescence]

Sweetheart, I could give you half of mine and we both would be good C cups. I would if I could. Seriously. Wearing three sportsbras for bball practice/game is no good. I once forgot my bras and the point guard offered to tape them down. We went to the convenient store up the road for some Gatorade. Everyone was telling me I had lost weight! Once we got to practice along with running drills I couldn't breathe. Coach asked me what the hell was wrong with me so I told him. He told me to go home for the day. HAHAHAHA.

I dread the day I am "old" and they are saggy.

A B cup is usually more than I need unless I'm knocked up, and frankly, that doesn't bother me. I wouldn't mind a C cup because it looks perfect-as far a proportions are concerned, but a D cup is too much. Way too much.

[MeBetterThanYou]

My Avatar is most similar to my username which I have downloaded from internet.

[Americano]

My Avatar is most similar to my username which I have downloaded from internet.

Welcome to the forum. Have you considered introducing yourself in the 'Who are you' forum?

[MeMyselfAndI]

Mine is a merging of the Soviet and modern Russian Coats of Arms. It represents me, born and raised in the USSR, and now living in modern Russian Federation. Those of us in Russia who were born before 1991 refer to ourselves as 'Born in the CCCP', there is even a song by Oleg Gazmanov: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qnZp27pWXQ

We are not just in Russia, but there are many in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan who consider themselves to be a part of our group. Not all of us want to bring the Union back (though many do, I won't deny that). But we are nostalgic for some of the things that were there. Many that were born in the 80s say they wanted to grow up in that country, not in 90s Russia and I don't blame them). Many of us were Pioneers back then
http://kolyan.net/uploads/posts/2010-06/1275836531_0.jpg
We remember that, warmly.

That's why when the Communist Party announced back in 2006 that it is bringing back the Pioneers (as a counterweight alternative to Putin's Nashi Bear Cubs program), a lot of people eagerly sent their children to get their red ties
http://newstula.ru/pic/2009_05/zm_21f.jpg
http://kprf.ru/images/79200-24.jpghttp://moskprf.ru/images/stories/fotoimg/16052010/IMGA0361.JPGhttp://kprf-bratsk.ru/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sdc10313.jpg
Today, hundreds of thousands of children from Valdivostok to Kaliningrad are members of the New Pioneer Movement. :D

I do miss the Soviet days. I do think back then was better. I think we should have let the Baltic people go, since they did not want to be in the Union from the beginning. But nobody else wanted to break away. Majority of people in other Republics did not want to leave. That's a fact. But I am going off topic here.

So, yes, that is what my avatar is about. My identity struggle.

[TheStripey1]

Mine is a large cat with a snarl that epitomizes how I feel about the right wingers that have done everything in their power to destroy my country.

[Donkey]

Jaguar or Leopard?

[Non Sequitur]

New Avatar is Karl Barth. He is one of my favorite theologians.

[Michael]

New Avatar is Karl Barth. He is one of my favorite theologians.

I'd never heard of him so I looked him up on Wiki. Very interesting fellow.

Barth tries to recover the Doctrine of the Trinity in theology from its putative loss in liberalism. His argument follows from the idea that God is the object of God’s own self-knowledge, and revelation in the Bible means the self-unveiling to humanity of the God who cannot be discovered by humanity simply through its own intuition.

I can see why you admire him - from what little I've read of him on Wiki, I can see how much he has influenced your own religious views. :)

[Michael]

Btw, for a change of pace, I've changed my avatar to one of my all-time favorite cartoon characters.

Speaking of which, it is one of my 'claims to fame' that I can do an impressive voice impersonation of Marvin the Martian. :)

[Non Sequitur]

I'd never heard of him so I looked him up on Wiki. Very interesting fellow.



I can see why you admire him - from what little I've read of him on Wiki, I can see how much he has influenced your own religious views. :)

Yes. His theology is good and he helped set up the Confessing Church (the Church that resisted the Nazi's in Germany). All around solid guy.