Questions with Long & Short Answers

"The exact format of a quote depends on how long it is and which citation style you are using. Quoting and citing correctly is essential to avoid plagiarism."

-- How to Quote - Scribbr.com

 

The Long:

What are some of the common mistakes that people make their first time investing that could be easily avoided?

“Penny” stocks on one end, and stocks with high dividends on the other end. Until you know what you’re doing, best to stay clear of these.

If you could change one thing about yourself (without necessarily being your physique), what would it be?

I need to learn patience. I tend to have none of it where I perceive ignorance, and we’re all ignorant to some point. I also try not to judge, but people make their blatant stupidity difficult to ignore and I become impatient. None of us is perfect. There is, in all probability, a special place in hell for people like me.

What are the differences between ethics and rules?

Ethics are moral rules, moral principles, that help govern our behavior in a free and lawful society.

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

-- Aristotle

What can I do right now that will give me everlasting joy?

Learn to be happy always and in all things. It’s a simple choice to make for your life. It is what you should strive for each and every day.

Should you also change just because nothing stays the same?

We do. Each moment that passes, we change. You stated it in your question, “…because nothing stays the same.” Nothing. Change is the only true constant in the universe. Everything changes.

What's the difference between rare wisdom and rear wisdom?

Rare wisdom is really good wisdom you don’t hear very often. Rear wisdom is when the “wise” man is talking out his ass.

“It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.”

-- Maurice Switzer

How do I date a girl I love, but she doesn't love me at all in any form?

You don’t. Why waste time with someone you know doesn’t love you when so many other girls are out there?

Do you truly know how much your wife loves you?

Well, after 25 years of marriage she told me she never did. I guess I knew how much she loved me at that moment. We divorced.

Do people like old music because of the nostalgia factor?

Do you mean, other than the fact you can understand what they’re singing and the “music” isn’t so loud you can’t hear them? The fact that you can actually dance to it, up close and personal? Yeah, let’s go with the nostalgia factor.

“The times you lived through, the people you shared those times with — nothing brings it all to life like an old mix tape. It does a better job of storing up memories than actual brain tissue can do. Every mix tape tells a story. Put them together, and they can add up to the story of a life.”

-- Rob Sheffield

How do you discuss responsibility as another important element of human freedom?

It is your responsibility to defend the freedoms you enjoy, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Yeah, it’s a concept.

Are you the only one that can change your mind? Can people outside of us change us?

It is my mind, therefore, only I can change my mind. If you convince me you’re right, or if I buy into your bullshit, it is incumbent upon me, and only me, to change my mind. The only way someone else can change your mind is by putting you under hypnosis, or some drug, that will bend you to their will and change your mind against your free will. We are, under normal circumstances, responsible for everything that we choose in our adult life.

What's the most effective way to share an opinion without sounding like an asshole?

If they’ve asked for your opinion, who cares? Give it to them. Most people want honesty, even if they don’t expect it. You can always apologize after giving it to them.

“If someone isn't what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”

-- Paulo Coelho

"Opportunities exists wherever there are challenges" Is this statement true for all challenge scenarios?

A challenge can be seen as a potential failure, and failure can be seen as an opportunity to learn. So, a “potential” failure still presents an opportunity to excel, to learn, to conquer the challenge. Wherever there are challenges, there must be opportunities for those who can rise to the occasion.

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”

-- John F. Kennedy

 

 The Short:

How do I tell my best friend's brother that I like him?

How about saying, “I like you.”

Very sheltered 31 year old, still living with parents. No college degree, dealing with depression, and never had a girlfriend before. I feel like a failure and compare myself to others often. What major 1st step should I take to turn things around?

Move out! Get a job and move out!

Which is more important, school or work?

School, and work after school.

Can someone believe in God but does not follow any religion?

That would be me.

Is it true that the biggest risk in life is not to take risks?

Yes, but I’m still not free-climbing or skydiving.

How do I love what I am doing (studying)?

Study what you love.

Should old people take responsibility? Or should evil win?

Everyone should take responsibility because it's the right thing to do.

So how old are you really?

I am really 68.

Why can’t I focus on any of my assignments?

Glasses? Bourbon? Dreaded semen backup? These make me lose focus.

Is one's true character revealed during adversity, or is the opposite true?

No, adversity sounds right.

What are the tell-tale signs that a guy likes you?

His tongue is down your throat?

 Why are highly intelligent people so quiet at times?

Shhhhh… they’re thinking. 

Why do you lie about your credentials?

I can’t. I was Air Force Intelligence. They frown on that.

Is the Democrat brand broken?

Ya think?

Why don't we learn how to make money at school as a course?

Socialist indoctrination.

How do I make my shy boyfriend blush?

Put your hand down his pants in a crowded bar.

I got caught for plagiarism for the second time, what do I do?

Stop plagiarizing! It’s not rocket science, thank God.

What pushes married people to cheat?

People with “more” than they currently enjoy. 

Do you fear your fear or do you just feel it?

It is what it is, so I don’t fear the fear, but, I do feel it.

Why would a psychiatrist suffer from mental issues and can't help himself?

Because he’s suffering from mental issues?

How did u do it?

I'm not sure how to answer this.  Either, "I don't know who 'u' is," or, "How did I do what?"

What is in the mind of a loser?

(Or, we can answer the question as written, before the site rephrased it, "How does a loser think?"  I'll answer it both ways, and still make it fit into the "short answer" category.)

Q:  How does a loser think?

A:  Uh...

Q: What is in the mind of a loser?

A:  Not much, or too much shit to bother with.

In the United States, does the time 12:00 AM refer to mid-day (noon) or midnight?

Midnight.

What is lying and not telling the truth?

Uh… the same thing? Is this a trick question?

When I get to my 60s, what are some things I would regret doing in my 40s?

The next-door neighbor.

“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated and well supported in logic and argument than others.”

-- Douglas Adams

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com