The historic and original "Welcome new posters! Introduce yourselves here!" thread

[Orangutango]

please delete double post

[Jon.]

Careful asking for that, O. It seems it puts your post count down to 0. ;)

[Aurelian]

~Sticks big toe in water~:D

What is there to introduce, I'm pretty bland. Middle aged, balanced, introspective and extroverted. Healthy sense of humor. Comfortably Catholic. Not out to convert anybody. I have some questions to field, and am certainly capable of answering them. Can assert an opinion or two. Had a colleague mention this site, have read long enough that joining seems to be the next step.

Next! :relieved:

[Ducky]

~Sticks big toe in water~:D

What is there to introduce, I'm pretty bland. Middle aged, balanced, introspective and extroverted. Healthy sense of humor. Comfortably Catholic. Not out to convert anybody. I have some questions to field, and am certainly capable of answering them. Can assert an opinion or two. Had a colleague mention this site, have read long enough that joining seems to be the next step.

Next! :relieved:



All your soul are belong to us.


(Welcome. We have many respected Christian posters such as KellyJ and KittyNH. As long as you're not here to act like kurious_kathy, you'll find we are rather cuddly. Except for that fowlsound guy. he's a f***ing jerk.)

[Aurelian]

[QUOTE=fowlsound;1536855]All your soul are belong to us.


Crack me up. So I've joined the BORG...brightened the place right up, eh?

[Ducky]

[QUOTE=fowlsound;1536855]All your soul are belong to us.


Crack me up. So I've joined the BORG...brightened the place right up, eh?


If I had a nickel for every time we were referred to as "The Cult of Randi" by some whacked out wanna-be psychic/homeopathic/white-supremacist/holocaust-denier troll we've had I would be rich.

The best discussion threads I have found are not the ones started by a true believer looking for a fight (though they can be fun) they are the ones in which a question is posited, a discussion happens, and a topic is thoroughly explored.

So in other words:

Stay out of the politics section and you will retain your sanity longer.

[Soulend]

Hello all. I've been reading these forums and linking to the million dollar challenge for woo-woos for quite some time, so thought I'd register.

Well, I'm a 37 year old Marine with a lot of interest in evolution and cosmology. I know Tony Kehoe (Kimpatsu) on here...we've babbled on assorted martial arts boards for years and once got pretty drunk together in Hiroshima. :)

That's about it..I'm off to the science forum :D

[Ducky]

Hello all. I've been reading these forums and linking to the million dollar challenge for woo-woos for quite some time, so thought I'd register.

Well, I'm a 37 year old Marine with a lot of interest in evolution and cosmology. I know Tony Kehoe (Kimpatsu) on here...we've babbled on assorted martial arts boards for years and once got pretty drunk together in Hiroshima. :)

That's about it..I'm off to the science forum :D


Welcome!

Any dirt on Kimpatsu you want to share at his embarassment is welcome as well ;)

[Orangutango]

Welcome to the boards, Aurelian and Soulend. :w2:

[Anacoluthon64]

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of ..." (Ta, Mick Jagger)

My fall from grace into what in the common view is the "abysmal doom" of scepticism was precipitated many years ago by some unanswerable questions about, and logical inconsistencies within, religious dogma I thought I had uncovered - much like many other forumites, I expect. Gradually but inevitably, these reflections led to an increasing number of confrontations of the faith vs. evidence type. The rest is history that most forumites will be familiar with.

Originally born in Europe, I have spent virtually all of my life so far in South Africa, with only a few excursions abroad. I have worked variously as an engineer in a production environment, as a researcher in an applied research organisation, as a software engineer and programmer, and as a statistical analyst for a bank. Particular keen interests of mine include applied mathematics, computation and physics.

Current major pet gripes are twofold: (1) the obdurate reluctance of South African bookshops to stock a decent variety of scientific and sceptical texts, and (2) the perception, particularly and especially prevalent in the US and Canada, I think, that being polite is enormously more important than being factual. These two gripes are presently being aggravated through reactions to a recent book review I posted at Amazon.com (US site). The book is a lulu à la von Däniken, only worse, and I slated its reasoning, only to find that my review keeps getting the boot, probably as a result of the fevered mouse-clicks on the "No" button of the "Was this review helpful to you?" question as well as on the associated "Report this" link by assorted bipeds who find reason offensive. For those interested, the book is "The Hidden Records" by authors Herschel & Lederer.

I come here mainly to seek the solace afforded by reaffirmation of my not being entirely alone in the struggle against loopiness, and hope to be able to reciprocate adequately in my own small way.

Thanks for listening.

'Luthon64

[Ducky]

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of ..." (Ta, Mick Jagger)

My fall from grace into what in the common view is the "abysmal doom" of scepticism was precipitated many years ago by some unanswerable questions about, and logical inconsistencies within, religious dogma I thought I had uncovered - much like many other forumites, I expect. Gradually but inevitably, these reflections led to an increasing number of confrontations of the faith vs. evidence type. The rest is history that most forumites will be familiar with.

Originally born in Europe, I have spent virtually all of my life so far in South Africa, with only a few excursions abroad. I have worked variously as an engineer in a production environment, as a researcher in an applied research organisation, as a software engineer and programmer, and as a statistical analyst for a bank. Particular keen interests of mine include applied mathematics, computation and physics.

Current major pet gripes are twofold: (1) the obdurate reluctance of South African bookshops to stock a decent variety of scientific and sceptical texts, and (2) the perception, particularly and especially prevalent in the US and Canada, I think, that being polite is enormously more important than being factual. These two gripes are presently being aggravated through reactions to a recent book review I posted at Amazon.com (US site). The book is a lulu à la von Däniken, only worse, and I slated its reasoning, only to find that my review keeps getting the boot, probably as a result of the fevered mouse-clicks on the "No" button of the "Was this review helpful to you?" question as well as on the associated "Report this" link by assorted bipeds who find reason offensive. For those interested, the book is "The Hidden Records" by authors Herschel & Lederer.

I come here mainly to seek the solace afforded by reaffirmation of my not being entirely alone in the struggle against loopiness, and hope to be able to reciprocate adequately in my own small way.

Thanks for listening.

'Luthon64



Uh oh. This one's articulate and eloquent.

There goes the neighborhood.



(WELCOME 'LUTHON64!!!)

[Anacoluthon64]

Uh oh. This one's articulate and eloquent.

There goes the neighborhood.



(WELCOME 'LUTHON64!!!)

Hmmm, I like to think of sceptics as fairly incorruptible, so the neighbourhood's not in any grave danger just yet. Of course, that's a subjectively empirical assessment...

... or perhaps it's deliberate subterfuge, and I'm an ogre!

Thanks for the note of welcome.

'Luthon64

P.S. "fowlsound... fowlsound?" Is that "quack," "gobble," "cock-a-doodle-doo," or just "cheep?" :rolleyes:

[wollery]

Hmmm, I like to think of sceptics as fairly incorruptible, so the neighbourhood's not in any grave danger just yet. Of course, that's a subjectively empirical assessment...

... or perhaps it's deliberate subterfuge, and I'm an ogre!

Thanks for the note of welcome.

'Luthon64

P.S. "fowlsound... fowlsound?" Is that "quack," "gobble," "cock-a-doodle-doo," or just "cheep?" :rolleyes:Fowl's pretty cheap! :D

Welcome Anacoluthon64. Do you mind if I call you 64 for short, that names a bit of a mouthful!

[Anacoluthon64]

Hello wollery,

Wot's in a name? "64" (or any other moniker) is fine - so long as it's clear whom you're addressing. Between the fowl, you and me, the name's the obscure upshot of a bit of not-very-funny irony once levelled at me (and that I won't be going into).

rgds
'Luthon64

[Orangutango]

Can I call you "Commodore"...?:D

Welcome to the boards, 64! :w2:

Jen "once again proving that no pun is too pathetic to use at least once" Orangutango:o

[tim]

Welcome '64!
Take no notice of the baby ape. Unless she pees on your shoe, then it's ok to give her a gentle boot up the khyber.






















(sorry, Khyber Pass = arse)

[Anacoluthon64]

Hello Orangutango & tim,

Pleased to be here, chinas - wif m'wellies an' m'kecks. :confused:

(Sorry, "chinas" = china plates = mates :p )

'Luthon64

[tim]

Hello Orangutango & tim,

Pleased to be here, chinas - wif m'wellies an' m'kecks. :confused:

(Sorry, "chinas" = china plates = mates :p )

'Luthon64

You should be confused. Well actually, you should be sent to play with the orangutan.............

[Orangutango]

Pay no heed to the wombat, 'Luthon64... he has this unnatural fixation with me for some, odd reason...

The restraining order said you must stay at least 50 FEET away from me at all times, Tim!!! 50 Feet!!!:mad: :p

[JayT]

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of ..." (Ta, Mick Jagger)

... Particular keen interests of mine include applied mathematics, computation and physics.


Welcome to the club.

Your logical interests sound similar to mine, but your handle, 'Anacoluthon', seems a tad contradictory, considering its meaning.
LOL

I have to avoid math and logic at home or they want to burn me at the stake. We are an endangered species!

:)

[Tarot_Is_A_Card_Game!]

I'm a Skeptic here from Las Vegas and I want to offer my best wishes to James Randi. I suppose Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" brought me to this forum. It reminds me of an old expression of how a lie travels around the world while the truth is still putting on its pants. Also I've had a pet peeve against NLP ever since having a boss involved in this cult-like racket. The whole NLP affair reminded me of Orwell's "Newspeak" with the way they manipulate language to control people's thinking. The out-dated views espoused by many self-styled "Christians" regarding biological issues (evolution and homosexuality) are another issue with which I'm concerned. In case anyone's curious about my user name, the use of Tarot cards in connection with fortune telling is actually a perversion of a classic bridge like card game. Imagine if few people in the Western world knew how to play chess, but only imagined it has having some connection with the I Ching because of the "magic number" of 64.

[screw_dog]

I'm a Skeptic here from Las Vegas and I want to offer my best wishes to James Randi. I suppose Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" brought me to this forum. It reminds me of an old expression of how a lie travels around the world while the truth is still putting on its pants. Also I've had a pet peeve against NLP ever since having a boss involved in this cult-like racket. The whole NLP affair reminded me of Orwell's "Newspeak" with the way they manipulate language to control people's thinking. The out-dated views espoused by many self-styled "Christians" regarding biological issues (evolution and homosexuality) are another issue with which I'm concerned. In case anyone's curious about my user name, the use of Tarot cards in connection with fortune telling is actually a perversion of a classic bridge like card game. Imagine if few people in the Western world knew how to play chess, but only imagined it has having some connection with the I Ching because of the "magic number" of 64.
Welcome to the forum!

I have a similar attitude towards NLP since my brother became sold on it. Even now he's not beyond its clutches; I agree with the "cult-like" description.

Anyway, welcome again and I guess you haven't far to go for TAM5, then?

[tim]

Pay no heed to the wombat, 'Luthon64... he has this unnatural fixation with me for some, odd reason...

The restraining order said you must stay at least 50 FEET away from me at all times, Tim!!! 50 Feet!!!:mad: :p

Go back to Borneo, or you'll end up like this...............

[Wildblue]

Hello, there everyone.
This is my first attempt to post anything here. I'm from the great State of Oregon. And I've been visting this web site for years, just never thought of registering before.

[JLam]

Hello, there everyone.
This is my first attempt to post anything here. I'm from the great State of Oregon. And I've been visting this web site for years, just never thought of registering before.
Wow. You're quite lucky. We just started accepting Oregonians last week.

I hope you enjoy your time here. Click on the link in my sig for the chance to win a prize!

[Orangutango]

Welcome, Tarot is a Card Game!:w2:

Personally, I prefer playing "Texas Hold-em" when trying to divine the future.:D

Also, a big howdy-do and welcome to you, too, Wildblue! :w2:

Wait... they have internet access in Oregon? Isn't it nothing but trees and log cabins over there? Next you'll be telling us that you've got indoor plumbing...:rolleyes: ;)

Oh, and pay no attention to Tim... the only reason he wants to ship me back to Borneo is because I am in possession of a certain, embarassing photograph of him and one of those Brokeback Mountain cowboy types...
http://x8c.xanga.com/3d480674c320845485500/m30711930.jpg

"You really love animals, don't you?"
"If it gets cold enough."

[GNBenson]

Hi there. I just subscribed to infidelguy.com, so I figured I should also subscribe to Jref as well, where I lurk just as much. It might take me awhile to get enough posts for an avatar since I'm more lurker than poster.

Thanks!

[tim]

Welcome, Tarot is a Card Game!:w2:

Personally, I prefer playing "Texas Hold-em" when trying to divine the future.:D

Also, a big howdy-do and welcome to you, too, Wildblue! :w2:

Wait... they have internet access in Oregon? Isn't it nothing but trees and log cabins over there? Next you'll be telling us that you've got indoor plumbing...:rolleyes: ;)

Oh, and pay no attention to Tim... the only reason he wants to ship me back to Borneo is because I am in possession of a certain, embarassing photograph of him and one of those Brokeback Mountain cowboy types...
http://x8c.xanga.com/3d480674c320845485500/m30711930.jpg

"You really love animals, don't you?"
"If it gets cold enough."

Dammit, you promised to keep that picture quiet!
OK, two can play at that game! Please folks, for the sake of common decency, do not ask Orangutango where that bloke has his hand......:eek:

[Dr Adequate]

In case anyone's curious about my user name, the use of Tarot cards in connection with fortune telling is actually a perversion of a classic bridge like card game. Imagine if few people in the Western world knew how to play chess, but only imagined it has having some connection with the I Ching because of the "magic number" of 64. Bridge, with the bidding system, is a fairly late development. It might be more accurate to call it whist-like.

Tarot Pack

If anyone knows the rules, maybe y'all could have a Tarot competition at TAM.

[Kiless]

*blatant steal from Steve Wright*

I once played poker with Tarot cards.

Got a full house and two people died.

[Orangutango]

Dammit, you promised to keep that picture quiet!
OK, two can play at that game! Please folks, for the sake of common decency, do not ask Orangutango where that bloke has his hand......:eek:

And this, boys and girls, is why I am a lesbian oragutan. Bad man!! Bad man!!:covereyes

[tim]

And this, boys and girls, is why I am a lesbian oragutan. Bad man!! Bad man!!:covereyes

So now you know, people, why orangutango looks so startled in the picture that is her avatar............

[wollery]

Tim, what are you doing? Get down!

1579

Honestly, you can't take that wombat anywhere! :nope:

[Tarot_Is_A_Card_Game!]

Bridge, with the bidding system, is a fairly late development. It might be more accurate to call it whist-like.

Tarot Pack

If anyone knows the rules, maybe y'all could have a Tarot competition at TAM.
Well, actually I have translated the rules to the French tournament game and posted it on my website. It is this game which is often said to be similar to Bridge as it is often played in duplicate tournaments and it also incorporates a system of bidding. Since I am not yet able to post links, one would have to access the website from my profile. A Tarot competition at TAM might be a great idea to show people the real Tarot as opposed to all the "occultic" baggage to which this game has all too often been associated.

[screw_dog]

Hi there. I just subscribed to infidelguy.com, so I figured I should also subscribe to Jref as well, where I lurk just as much. It might take me awhile to get enough posts for an avatar since I'm more lurker than poster.

Thanks!
Welcome to the forum. As I'm sure you've noticed Orangatango and Tim are conducting a strange bestial love affair and are too busy to respond.

I, however, wish you fun and enjoyment on the board. And keep lurking if you wish but another opinion is always useful.

[Eos of the Eons]

I'll add my bark to chime in a welcome as well. Just to show the canines are more cordial than the resident felines, primates, aves, etc. as usual :D

Hmm. Skeptic Animal House :eye-poppi

[Orangutango]

Welcome to the forum. As I'm sure you've noticed Orangatango and Tim are conducting a strange bestial love affair and are too busy to respond.


<Hurridly pulls up her knickers>

Sorry, GNBenson... I didn't see you standing there. I was momentarily struck blind after seeing Tim, ahem, "enthusiastically" rubbing up against that guy's leg... ca-reee-py:covereyes

Anywho... welcome to the boards! :w2:

(Wait a minute... I just realized that orangutans do not wear knickers. Or anything else except a smile, for that matter...)

<scampers away in all of her furry orange nekkid glory>

[Hotspur]

Hello,

Let me start my first post by stating that my screename has absolutely nothing to do with Tottenham (I'm a Chelsea guy). It comes from Henry IV Part One, Act 3, Scene 1

GLENDOWER
I can call spirits from the vasty deep.

HOTSPUR
Why, so can I, or so can any man;
But will they come when you do call for them?

If that's not a skeptic, I don't know what is.

I've been lurking for about a year now, but finally decided to sign up. Don't know how much time I'll have to post, but I'm looking forward to having the option.

BTW, even though I follow the Premiership, I'm 'merican, but lived in the UK for about 6 years back a few years ago. Wish I could get games on the telly here.

[Dr Adequate]

Welcome!

There's some good skeptical stuff in Shakespeare, isn't there?

"This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are sick in fortune, often the surfeit of our own behavior, we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars: as if we were villains by necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion; knaves, thieves, and treachers, by spherical predominance; drunkards, liars, and adulterers, by an enforced obedience of planetary influence; and all that we are evil in, by a divine thrusting on. An admirable evasion of whoremaster man, to lay his goatish disposition to the charge of a star! "My father compounded with my mother under the dragon's tail; and my nativity was under Ursa Major; so that it follows, I am rough and lecherous." Fut, I should have been that I am, had the maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardy."

(King Lear, I, ii)

[jpowell]

Hello,

My name is Jonathan, I'm a 21 year old student at the University of Durham in the UK, I study mathematics and physics. I think creationists were unintelligently designed.

[brettDbass]

Hello,

My name is Jonathan, I'm a 21 year old student at the University of Durham in the UK, I study mathematics and physics. I think creationists were unintelligently designed.
Welcome Jonathan.

I am pleased with your viewpoint on creationists.
I am disappointed that your first name isn't actually Jenny. :rolleyes:

[jpowell]

No relation to me I'm afraid :P.

[Orangutango]

Welcome to the boards, Hotspur and JPowell! :w2:

[Lonewulf]

I signed up to the forum a long time ago, but haven't actually gotten around to really poking around until recently. I'm a fan of skepticism and not buying the "mystical" at face value; though I continually use the mystical and magical within my stories. But fiction is fiction, after all.

And I'm a student, of Del Mar College in Texas. Going to get my associate's in Liberal Arts before I decide on something more important.

I'm also a fan of mad science.

And I like steak.

That's all I can think of for the moment. (Now that I think of it, I'm not sure if I've already made a greeting thread when I first joined up... would be strange if I did).

[Orangutango]

You had me at "steak". Mmmm... steak....

Welcome, fellow carnivore! :w2:

[wollery]

You had me at "steak". Mmmm... steak....

Welcome, fellow carnivore! :w2:
:jaw-dropp

I thought Orangutans were gentle herbivores!

[Roadtoad]

Hello,

My name is Jonathan, I'm a 21 year old student at the University of Durham in the UK, I study mathematics and physics. I think creationists were unintelligently designed.

Obviously, but it's still true.

Welcome, Jon. You're in good company with your fellow Brits, including one cranky Wombat. (Just don't mention razors in his presence. He doesn't like that.) We'll hoist a Newcastle in your honor, sir.

[Orangutango]

:jaw-dropp

I thought Orangutans were gentle herbivores!

That is only a faux front we present to the public in order to gain their trust and adoration. My fellow simians and I are, in actuality, savage flesh-craving beasts... biding our time before we drop our sham "cute and cuddly" act and rip your jugular....!!!

Errrr....

Hey! Look at that tasty banana! Mmmm-mmmm! Nothing like a nice piece of fruit to fill my tummy!:o

[Eos of the Eons]

I'm sorry to say I giggled my head off when I read jpowell's post :p
I shall flog myself with cattails and put on an uncomfortable shirt in order to repent.

One must not make random fun of others...

:boxedin:

You may now chuck foam balls at me for being a spoilsport :covereyes

*makes plans for forthcoming foam balls*

[Hawk one]

Wow.... it seems that JREF is gaining new members by the truck load lately. Were you guys promised a free toaster by James Randi for joining or something? Only cuz' I got diddly-squat.... hrumph!
Well, I did offer you my very own private welcome ceremony, but it's not my fault you declined. :p

[Cheyanna]

Hello to everyone. My name is Cheyanna. I love magic and have a crush on James Randi. Charlatans who prey on the vulnerable are my favorite chew toy. Johnny Carson once had a magician on whose name escapes me. The stage was sparse -- the gentleman magician, a table and coins. I was captivated - his hands danced with the coins and it began a life-long enchantment with magic. I taught my daughter how to talk to dead people when she was 8 years old. She had seen Sylvia Brown on TV which led to a discussion, culminating in my teaching her how to cold read. She picked it up quick. I listen to Coast2Coast which is sort of like a radio version of the tabloid that follows the exciting exploits of Bat Boy and Gilled Mermaid Babe in New Zealand's Man Fishbowl. I haven't yet seen the reptilian people who live in the earth's core but hope to eventually. The fellow who was interviewed last night about Randi's $1M challenge was smarmy, smug and stupid. I'll continue reading all the interesting topics here.

[Cheyanna]

I forgot. No toaster here either.

[ntech]

Hi
I'm ntech and I have been away for a few years but I needed a sense of reality again so I came back.

It is good to be back..........

I work as a senior network engineer in NYC, New York but live upstate. I also admit to being a science channel junkie.

Hello all!

[StrawPeon]

Aish..

Ok, here goes, hi, poorer version of the straw man here, Vaughn from the bottom tip of Africa. I'm a boring banker and if you want superstitious madness we specialise in it. All snake oil salesmen (and women) are welcome..

Otherwise its a pretty nice place, as are these forums (which I have, like many others, glanced at for years). Unfortunately my critical thinking skills have gone downhill in the last few years (all this fitting in to society stuff) so hopefully you lot can set me right!

[And Introducing... A Leg]

I've posted a couple of times before this, but though I'd better drop in here (it helps my avatar quest for one thing).

I'm a 27 year old with a masters degree in medievalism and no job (I don't count pint-pulling as a proper job). I want to be an archivist but I can't get a job.

I live in Dover, Kent, my real name is Tom, I am a quarter Scottish and I have red hair and a goatee.

Please call me Leg for short.:D

[Darat]

Welcome Leg for short!

[And Introducing... A Leg]

Welcome Leg for short!

I walked right into that, didn't I?:blush:

[wollery]

I walked right into that, didn't I?:blush:Or possibly hopped right into it! ;)

[Darat]

Oh put a sock on it.

[And Introducing... A Leg]

Or possibly hopped right into it! ;)

Speaking of which I must now hop to the shop for some Irn Bru. Then I might get on with the horrible task of scanning the British council web sites for vacancies at record offices.

Don't want to. :boxedin:

Metropolitan counties have no council so you have to search the boroughs separately. Thanx, Maggie. :mad:

[And Introducing... A Leg]

No Irn Bru. Or even Tizer. Have to be Lucozade.

[Orangutango]

Well, I did offer you my very own private welcome ceremony, but it's not my fault you declined. :p

What can I say? I was severely underwhelmed by the size of your banana.:p

[Orangutango]

Welcome Cheyanna, ntech, Strawpeon and "Leg" to the boards. :w2:

I would normally type something funny here, but I am afraid I must go drink myself into a stupor after being reminded of Hawk's, ahem, "welcoming ceramony"...:boggled:

I won't go into any of the sorid details, but to paraphrase a movie quote: "Can you hear the screaming of the inflatable sheep, Clarice?" :eye-poppi

(Hawk: I kid 'cause I love):D

Oh put a sock on it.

First laugh I've had all day. (Yes, I am easily amused)

[tkingdoll]

I've posted a couple of times before this, but though I'd better drop in here (it helps my avatar quest for one thing).

I'm a 27 year old with a masters degree in medievalism and no job (I don't count pint-pulling as a proper job). I want to be an archivist but I can't get a job.

I live in Dover, Kent, my real name is Tom, I am a quarter Scottish and I have red hair and a goatee.

Please call me Leg for short.:D

I like you already :D

A masters degree in medievalism and no job...I'm sure you're not the first person to say that :boxedin:

[tkingdoll]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think that may be the first time I've posted in this thread.

Go figure.

[Lonewulf]

Nyarlathotep is a sort of demon-god (it's kind of complicated if you have never read the books) from the works of H.P. Lovecraft. I have noticed a Kthulhu running around here too and tht name comes from the same source. THough in Lovecrafts books it's spelled Cthulhu.

Ia! Ia! Cthulhu ftagn!

(My sig is from the same source, though loosely quoted)

My favorite Lovecraft character has to be Herbert West: The Reanimator.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi
I'm ntech and I have been away for a few years but I needed a sense of reality again so I came back.

It is good to be back..........

I work as a senior network engineer in NYC, New York but live upstate. I also admit to being a science channel junkie.

Hello all!
Welcome back, ntech. Missed ya. You weren't around when I got a surround sound system, but maybe you can give me some advice on a new HDTV.

How are the little ones?

[jpowell]

Obviously, but it's still true.

Welcome, Jon. You're in good company with your fellow Brits, including one cranky Wombat. (Just don't mention razors in his presence. He doesn't like that.) We'll hoist a Newcastle in your honor, sir.

I'll drink to that :).

[ntech]

Welcome back, ntech. Missed ya. You weren't around when I got a surround sound system, but maybe you can give me some advice on a new HDTV.

How are the little ones?

Mr. Skinny!!!! So glad to see you are here.

The LCDs for the smaller monitors are very sharp and here at my office we have several plasma 42" and several 50" monitors. They look great for that size. Anything bigger and you should consider an HDTV projector. I have a 90" screen with a projector that looks amazing. If there is a brand you are looking at you could send me the specs and I would be happy to give you my 2 cents.

I hope you have been well.......

[Orlowski Zygmunt]

Clean the air? It is possible. Clean water? It is possible too.
Clean energy? It is possible as well.
My idea is very difficult for understanding. It is not difficult for engineer - mechanic, who knows very good the Pascal's law and even-arm lever.
Please open GOOOgle and find metozor and next :
index of metozor.
Overthere is all about idea of main

[Spidey13]

:confused:

Welcome?

[Roadtoad]

Clean the air? It is possible. Clean water? It is possible too.
Clean energy? It is possible as well.
My idea is very difficult for understanding. It is not difficult for engineer - mechanic, who knows very good the Pascal's law and even-arm lever.
Please open GOOOgle and find metozor and next :
index of metozor.
Overthere is all about idea of main

Just read through the site, Orlowski. Hopefully, you'll post more in the Science section of the board.

Welcome.

[Raphael]

Clean the air? It is possible. Clean water? It is possible too.
Clean energy? It is possible as well.
My idea is very difficult for understanding. It is not difficult for engineer - mechanic, who knows very good the Pascal's law and even-arm lever.
Please open GOOOgle and find metozor and next :
index of metozor.
Overthere is all about idea of main

If your perpetual motion machine works as you claim, you may be eligible for the million dollars.:rolleyes:

[Dr Adequate]

As far as I can see the machine requires an input of energy and doesn't do anything.

If only we had too much energy, it would be the perfect solution.

[Orangutango]

Clean the air? It is possible. Clean water? It is possible too.
Clean energy? It is possible as well.
My idea is very difficult for understanding. It is not difficult for engineer - mechanic, who knows very good the Pascal's law and even-arm lever.
Please open GOOOgle and find metozor and next :
index of metozor.
Overthere is all about idea of main

But will it make my teeth whiter than white?;)

Welcome to the boards! :w2:

Oh, and Happy Birthday Dr. Adequate!

[Hawk one]

What can I say? I was severely underwhelmed by the size of your banana.:p
THat'll teach me not to buy Chiquita bananas ever again.

[Unk]

Hello, long time listener, first time caller.

After several years of having conflicting activities, I decided this time TAM would take priority. I had a great time and wondered what was I thinking all those other years.

I noticed others have told a little about themselves, so I shall do the same. I'll try to keep it brief, or at least entertaining. I don't want to bore you all and leave a bad first impression.

The first skeptical thinking I recall doing was when I was a young lad around 6 or 7 years old. I was watching one of the afternoon chat shows and one of the guests was a rising new psychic. On this particular show, he said that he was going to fix the broken watches of the home viewers. Since my favorite watch at the time was broken, I got it out, hoping it would be repaired. The psychic told us home viewers to place the watch on the TV, and he would fix them right after he bent some spoons for the studio audience.

After making some keys unusable, he turned to our broken watches. He would send psychic energy through the top of the TV and fix them. At this point, I had a few questions.

How did he know where my TV was?
How did he know there was a watch on it?
What about those viewers who didn't have a broken watch? Wouldn't that waste energy?
Can psychic energy be transmitted over TV signals?
Does psychic energy even stick to videotape?

After waving his arms around and concentrating for a few seconds, he told us to get our watch and look at it. To my surprise, it was working! Wow, this psychic energy stuff must work! I put my now working watch back on, and sat down.

A few minutes later, I looked at my watch. It had stopped working. I wound it a few times, still nothing. To me fixed means it works, and keeps working longer than a minute. When the TV would break, the repairman would come out and fix it, and it would work for months until another tube burned out. Psychic energy didn't fix my watch, something else must have made the watch work for that short period of time. It took some time, and a physics class, but I figured out what it was.

I wasn't always so skeptical, I did get suckered in a few times ("Why yes Spock, that does look like an underwater road that could lead to Atlantis") but more often than not, the woo just never made sense ("What do you mean energy crystals? It's a rock. Rocks don't have energy."*)

That's all for now, I'll see you all in the forums, and next year at TAM5!


* I learned later that rocks can store energy, but not woo energy. I learned firsthand that they can store kinetic energy when my friend threw one and it hit the back of my head. Purely an accident, I had my back to him and was unaware that he was about to throw it when I stepped in front of him.

[BWV 1080]

Hello everyone,

Recently found the forum & look forward to some interesting discussions. Read Randi's books about 15 years ago & it stoked a long time interest in science & empirical methods. As my nomiker indicates I am a big music fan, particularly classical, but a wide range of other types as well. I am currently in the financial industry and skepticism is a necessary survival skill in dealing with anything from Wall Street.

[Hutch]

Welcome unk...and watch out for the rocks that get tossed in the Politics Forum!! :duck:

And Welcome BWV 1080, although I have not a clue of what you mean as to the music reference. and life on Wall Street..:eek:

Looking forward to many new posts from you both.

[Orangutango]

여보세요, Unk and BWV! 너가 너의 체재를 즐긴다 것 을 나는 희망한다! :w2:

Translated: "You enjoying your stay me it hopes"... errr... something was definitely lost in translation....

[Roadtoad]

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/forumfun/misc15.jpg

I'd rather have a cookie, but the bunny is all I could find.

[Orangutango]

Here ya go Roadto... NO!! BAD BUNNY!!!:mad:

http://x43.xanga.com/64fd34324973446973893/m19964049.jpg

Sorry, Roadtoad... the bunny got to the cookies first.:(

[BlitzerInTheSun]

Hi folks, Just moved into the neighborhood... who's going to bring me a pie?:D

[Hutch]

Hi folks, Just moved into the neighborhood... who's going to bring me a pie?:D

As you wish...

http://www.helpmikey.org/images/pie_in_the_face.jpg

And welcome to the Forum

[Orangutango]

We had joy, we had fun, we had BlitzerInTheSun.
But the stars that we reached were just starfish on the beach.

You were sooo asking for that pie in the puss....:p

Welcome to the boards! :w2:

[BlitzerInTheSun]

I like it here already, couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome.:D Thanx guys! :duck:

[Orangutango]

I like it here already, couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome.:D Thanx guys! :duck:

Hey! Why didn't you mention it was your birthday!!!
http://x1e.xanga.com/d02b92ead953347049249/m31700907.jpg

Happy b-day, Blitzer!:)

[Roadtoad]

If that's the case, don't ask about April 9th.

[treble_head]

welcome, blitzer. Believe me. A pie in the face from Hutch is 100x better than a single question from Pauliesonne or Iamme.

[Orangutango]

It's True!:)

(Sorry... couldn't resist.):o

[BrianSI]

I now have more than 100 (useless) posts on the JREF forum, so I feel I can welcome everyone who joined since I did. But I'm too efficient to specifically mention any individuals.

(I even know what "It's True" refers to. I feel special now.)


ETA: You people are too entertaining, and you make it hard for me to downplay my geekiness, which would be easier if I fealt like interacting with people outside of cyberspace.

[Orangutango]

If that's the case, don't ask about April 9th.

Ok.

...

...

...

...

Alright!!! I can't take the suspense anymore!!! What's April 9th???
(You are such a tease, Roadtoad....):p

[tim]

Ok.

...

...

...

...

Alright!!! I can't take the suspense anymore!!! What's April 9th???
(You are such a tease, Roadtoad....):p

I won't tell you it's his birthday.

[Orangutango]

ETA: You people are too entertaining, and you make it hard for me to downplay my geekiness, which would be easier if I fealt like interacting with people outside of cyberspace.

Don't you ever be ashamed to get your geek-freak on, girlfriend! Here on the boards, geek is the new chic!!:cool:

So, you go and let your geek flag fly!! In fact... I want you to go to the nearest window, throw it wide open and announce to the entire world: "I'M A GEEK!!!"

Say it loud!! Say it proud!! Trust me... men will envy you for your geekish confidence and women will swoon over your geekish charms!! Just think of all of our fellow geek brothers and sisters that have made a name for themselves, such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Joh....

Errr.... brb...

<MOM!!! I told you not to barge in without knocking first!!! Can't you see that I'm online??? Yeah, yeah... I know that you need the phone!!! I'll be off in a minute, alright??? Geeze!!!>

God, I'm 36 years old and she still treats me like a kid!!:rolleyes:

I gotta go... my mom's making salisbury stake and tater tots for dinner. Mmmm-mmmm!

[Orangutango]

I won't tell you it's his birthday.

Tell me what?:confused:

(See? When it comes to playing dumb, I'm an expert...):cool:

Wait....

[GregC]

Happy Birthday and welcome, Blitzer.

[BrianSI]

Don't you ever be ashamed to get your geek-freak on, girlfriend!

Thanks for your enthusiastic endorsement of Geekhood, but according to my 7th grade life-sciences textbook, I am male, but science is subject to change they say. Anyway, I am certainly proud and have no problem admitting my geekiness, but I can't escape the possibility that this has something to do with my 31 straight years of single status. Possibly.

[Orangutango]

Gotcha... I use the term "girlfriend" as a term of endearment for both sexes. It's kinda a lesbian slang-thang I got goin' on (or perhaps it's from watching waaaaay to much Ricki Lake).:D

[BlitzerInTheSun]

It's True!:)

(Sorry... couldn't resist.):o

I understand the meaning of this now. :p

[Mr. Oblivion]

Hi everyone. I joined seemingly ages ago, but have yet to post. I'm one of those selfish lurking types, just reading everyone's posts and bringing nothing to the table. To prove my point about selfishness, after all this time as a member, this my first post... and I'm talking about ME. hehehe

[Storm Warning]

Hi everyone. I joined seemingly ages ago, but have yet to post. I'm one of those selfish lurking types, just reading everyone's posts and bringing nothing to the table. To prove my point about selfishness, after all this time as a member, this my first post... and I'm talking about ME. hehehe
Welcome! Always good to see a fellow Londoner here. I think that makes 5 or 6 of us, as well as 2 or 3 more from the immediate area.

[BryanLower]

Hello!
By name is Bryan, and I'm new here.

I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My life is very busy. I have a "day job" working for a major corporation, I own a used bookstore, and I attend university (major in Poli Sci). I also have a wife and daughter to whom I give as much of my time as possible. :) I read during every quiet moment that I can find.

Living in Tulsa in interesting. We have Oral Roberts to keep us on our toes. We tried to push a creationist message into our public zoo recently. In fact, I can't wait to see my fair city generate a national news story that *doesn't* make me want to hide my face in shame. On the up side, we have some nicely landscaped parks.

I've spent many long years arguing with cospiracy theorists on my own, without the benefits of the information on this message board. I wish I had discovered it sooner. I have the greatest admiration for everyone who posts here-- including the contrary opinions.

I have to say, I can't imagine that I'll have a lot to add to the discussion. For the most part I think the discussions are fair and very thorough. I don't like to clutter a discussion with posts that don't add anything, or that just say "me, too!" So when I post, I'll try to make sure I have something usefull to say.

[Mojo]

Living in Tulsa in interesting. We have Oral Roberts to keep us on our toes. Does he by any chance have a brother called Alan (anagram)?

Welcome to the forum!

[Orangutango]

Welcome to the boards, BryanLower! :w2:

Don't hesitate to chime in during a discussion: even if you happen to find a topic where everyone agrees on the same point, they still have their own, unique reasons for how they came to that same conclusion.

And remember, sharing is caring. :)

Also, welcome back Mr. Oblivion.

[BryanLower]

Does he by any chance have a brother called Alan (anagram)?

Welcome to the forum!

I don't know, but he does have a son named Richard. It's always a party when Oral and Dick get together.

[tim]

I don't know, but he does have a son named Richard. It's always a party when Oral and Dick get together.
:D :D :D
Welcome!

[Jeff Corkern]

Hey, guys, I'm Jeff Corkern.

Personal info: 49 years old, male, occupation environmental chemist, living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Personal interests: writing what could loosely be described as Science Fiction with the hope of doing same for a living some day, playing online video games (America's Army) with my clan buddies.

Why I'm here: This is complicated. The stories I write about revolve around the subjects discussed in this forum, in particular the existence of the soul. I found this forum while Googling the Web looking for SERIOUS scientific investigations into the existence of the soul. (They actually do exist, but are hard to find. There's just BEAUCOUP nutcase stuff about this out there you have to filter out. Rule of thumb: If the average sentence contain two or more words of five syllables, it's nutcase.)

I am the hardest of hard-case rationalists. However, my hard-case rationalism has led me to conclusions other hard-case rationalists would find quite startling.

Anyway, I was surfing the Web and saw the Million-Dollar Challenge thing. Now, I'm not about to enter, but I have a proposal for Mr. Randi, when he is well enough. When the time is right, I would like to propose another form of the Million-Dollar Challenge, something worth FAR more than a mere proof of the existence of psychic powers.

[Aardvark]

Hi, All

I am From God's own County, Yorkshire, UK.

I have been an enthusiatic sceptic since the age of 11, when I stopped participating in religious activities at school.

Now grown up with teenage children, I have a degree in Physiology/ Biochemistry. I have worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry since graduation in a variety of customer facing roles.

I enjoy my Hi Fi and all sorts of music from Indie, Blues, Rock, Alt Country, to some Classics.

I have been reading the JREF forum and site for over a year.

I ride a mountain bike and love cooking, especially curry. I also enjoy meeting people from all over the world and experiencing other cultures. I have visited at least 15 other countries.

I am open minded, but accept that the only reason science can not explain everything is that we have not yet developed all the sophisticated tools needed to do so. I do not accept there is God, but I do accept that some people get great support from their faith and that this helps their personal human condition.

[Roadtoad]

Okay, we've now got a dragon, a wombat, and now an aardvark. (Not to mention various monkeys and a few other odd critters.)

Someone needs to break out some kitty litter.

And if you think I'M going to clean up this mess...!

[Jon.]

I think there was some sort of toad around here, too, but he may have been squished by a truck. :p

[Mr. Oblivion]

Welcome! Always good to see a fellow Londoner here. I think that makes 5 or 6 of us, as well as 2 or 3 more from the immediate area.

Thanks. One of your fellow London members introduced me to the site. I'm loath to mention his name lest I sully his good reputation with my obtuse posts.

[Orangutango]

Welcome to Noah's Ark! I mean... the JREF forums, Aardvark and Jeff! :w2:

Mind your step, though... our resident wombat isn't housebroken...:eye-poppi

[slow lurker]

OK,
I finally joined after lurking for about 3 years. Proving I'm slow. I do not expect to post much, but there are a few threads that may lure me in.

I am an older female and a long time skeptic. And, this is the first time I have registered on any board. So, please be gentle with a noobie!

[Eos of the Eons]

Okay "newbie" :D Welcome. And don't mind the spelling police... it wouldn't be a problem if I could ignore it, so don't mind lil ol me (sp?)

[slow lurker]

I new it, I was certain I'd mess up as soon as I posted! I was right.
Um, knew it!
So, I can't spel ether!
I won't let it bother me too much. Life is too short.
Thanks,
slow lurker

[Eos of the Eons]

:D :D :D

Cool, a sense of humour! Good to have you!

It's just that noobie, well when I read it... nooooobbbbiiiieeee

:covereyes I think of something that rhymes with it...

:boxedin:

Why doesn't that happen when I read "newbie"???

[HarryH]

Hi HarryH here. Just thought I'd introduce myself before taking the plunge.

[Orangutango]

Welcome to the boards, slow surker and HarryH. :w2:

[Carnivore]

Evening all! I've been lurking on and off for a few months. I'm a Scottish born New Zealand Irishman living in Manchester, UK. I was pretty woo oriented as a teenager, particularly with regard to UFOs. I realized most proponents were not using scientific method in their "research" but naively assumed that someone somewhere would do so and get the same results. My skeptical awakening came from the work of Phillip J Klass and Arthur C Clarke . They made me face up to the fact I was suspending my disbelief for no good reason.

I like this forum because so many people here are so much smarter than me! I always learn something when I come here.

[tim]

Welcome to Noah's Ark! I mean... the JREF forums, Aardvark and Jeff! :w2:

Mind your step, though... our resident wombat isn't housebroken...:eye-poppi

Don't push it, you gangling excuse for a primate......... :p ;)

[tim]

Evening all! I've been lurking on and off for a few months. I'm a Scottish born New Zealand Irishman living in Manchester, UK. I was pretty woo oriented as a teenager, particularly with regard to UFOs. I realized most proponents were not using scientific method in their "research" but naively assumed that someone somewhere would do so and get the same results. My skeptical awakening came from the work of Phillip J Klass and Arthur C Clarke . They made me face up to the fact I was suspending my disbelief for no good reason.

I like this forum because so many people here are so much smarter than me! I always learn something when I come here.

Welcome, Carnivore!
We have, I think, some more Manchester folk on the forum. At very least there's a certain camel lurking in Stockport........
Keep an eye open for a possible meeting in Birmingham in the summer. These things are great fun!

[BrianSI]

I love meat.

[Carnivore]

Welcome, Carnivore!
We have, I think, some more Manchester folk on the forum. At very least there's a certain camel lurking in Stockport........
Keep an eye open for a possible meeting in Birmingham in the summer. These things are great fun!

Kewl!:) Is alcohol involved?

[Dr Adequate]

Only if there happens to be any alcoholic drink in Birmingham on the day we meet.

Otherwise, definitely not.

[tomgv15]

I've been reading Swift for over a year, but just recently joined the forum.

I am a Pastry Chef for a small midwestern college.

I lived in Seattle during the mid-90's and had some fun at a NARAL chocolate fundraiser. I contributed the following:
1) A saucer shaped chocolate bavarian cake inscribed with: 10,000,000 lights for a chocolate bar!
2) Chocolate truffles shaped like Hugo award spaceships
3) Chocolate dipped orange rind representing rocket fuel.

When people came to my display I explained to them my theory on aliens visiting the Aztecs. You see, they visited the Aztecs for their chocolate drink.

A ten year old boy saw my rocket ships, gave a count down and launched it into is mouth.

I received a certificate awarding me "Most Over the Top". Fun evening.

I look forward to participating in this forum.

I'd like to start a thread, how do I do that?

[treble_head]

go to the individual section (General Skepticism, Forum Community, etc) and there should be a large button called New Thread. then just title it and go nuts.

unless that was a typo and you want to post a threat... Then you merely have to post, "I'll kill all your puppies!" or something like that.

[tomgv15]

Thanks for the tip. While I've found a jungle I like I'm not ready to start brandishing my machete.

[slabsides]

Hello from Maine! Long time admirer of JR as magician and woo-debunker, I am finally moved to delurk and join the world of avowed skeptics.
I'm 71, ex-broadcaster, ex-AF intelligence analyst, writer and editor, now retired, somewhat the worse for wear. The brain still works, however.
I doubt if I can add much to the already high quality of the forum, but now as a registered member I may be moved from time to time to assert an opinion. My skepticism doesn't preclude the conviction that in a Universe as vast as we know it to be, many unlikely things may yet be possible.
My contempt and hatred is especially reserved for fake mediums: 'speakers to the dead', and those who profit by exploiting credulous and bereaved people. I can smile and indulge UFO enthusiasts, and similar harmless crack-pots. Fantasy and imagination has its place in life, after all, adding spice to existence
"…an it harm no one."

[Hindmost]

Hello from Maine! Long time admirer of JR as magician and woo-debunker, I am finally moved to delurk and join the world of avowed skeptics.
I'm 71, ex-broadcaster, ex-AF intelligence analyst, writer and editor, now retired, somewhat the worse for wear. The brain still works, however.
I doubt if I can add much to the already high quality of the forum, but now as a registered member I may be moved from time to time to assert an opinion. My skepticism doesn't preclude the conviction that in a Universe as vast as we know it to be, many unlikely things may yet be possible.
My contempt and hatred is especially reserved for fake mediums: 'speakers to the dead', and those who profit by exploiting credulous and bereaved people. I can smile and indulge UFO enthusiasts, and similar harmless crack-pots. Fantasy and imagination has its place in life, after all, adding spice to existence
"…an it harm no one."

you've already contributed in a positive manner...welcome.

glenn

[tkingdoll]

Only if there happens to be any alcoholic drink in Birmingham on the day we meet.



In the city that spawned Ozzy Osbourne? Let me think...

[Spidey13]

In the city that spawned Ozzy Osbourne? Let me think...
He didn't drink it all?

[tkingdoll]

He didn't drink it all?

Well the canals are shallower than they used to be, that's for sure.

[wolfman29150]

My name is Klayton Glendale and I believe in everything except UFOs, Yeti, Sasquash, and many other urban legends. However, I do believe remote viewing works, ESP, and certain forms of mental telepathy. Can anyone help me learn to make postings to this Website. I learned about it while driving from Charlotte, NC to Shaw AFB, SC on April 3, 2006. Further, my E-mail address is klayton.glendale@shaw.af.mil. :boxedin:

[Katachresis]

My name is Klayton Glendale and I believe in everything except UFOs, Yeti, Sasquash, and many other urban legends. However, I do believe remote viewing works, ESP, and certain forms of mental telepathy. Can anyone help me learn to make postings to this Website. I learned about it while driving from Charlotte, NC to Shaw AFB, SC on April 3, 2006.... :boxedin:

Hello Wolfman.

It seems to me you did a fine job of posting already. What else is there to know? Go to the Forum Main Page (http://206.225.95.123/forumlive/forumindex.php) and pick a catagory that interest you, maybe the General Skepticism and The Paranormal page (http://206.225.95.123/forumlive/forumdisplay.php?f=7). Then pick a thread, or start your own.

By the way do you have any of the talents you mentioned? If you do, maybe start a new thread describing them. Of course, you'd be asked to provide evidence of these talents.

If you don't have such talents, maybe start a thread explaining why you think they exist.

I would look forward to either of those.

Good luck, and have fun.

[Cheesejoff]

Hi, Cheesejoff here, I'm a 16 year old Scotsman, I enjoy reading, playing guitar, browsing the web, and as far as skepticism goes I try to keep an open mind about religion but I'm generally skeptical towards psychics and fortune-tellers, that sort of people. Oh and implausible conspiracy theories too (Hollow earth anyone?) as well as things that don't make any sense (time cube :confused: :confused: )

[tim]

Hi, Cheesejoff here, I'm a 16 year old Scotsman, I enjoy reading, playing guitar, browsing the web, and as far as skepticism goes I try to keep an open mind about religion but I'm generally skeptical towards psychics and fortune-tellers, that sort of people. Oh and implausible conspiracy theories too (Hollow earth anyone?) as well as things that don't make any sense (time cube :confused: :confused: )

Welcome, Cheesejoff!
We have a number of Scottish posters here, and quite a lot from the UK generally.
We have, you may be surprised to know, some highly respected members who are Christians. It's not the sort of thing you can prove or disprove, so there's not a lot of point in arguing the toss. If they're right, and I'm wrong, they get to see me burn........ :eek:
Enjoy yourself!

[Jon.]

Tim, you forgot to tell him that we're all Time Cubists here! Burn the heretic! Er ... I mean ... have him quartered! That'll be better!

[tim]

Tim, you forgot to tell him that we're all Time Cubists here! Burn the heretic! Er ... I mean ... have him quartered! That'll be better!
Don't be silly! :rolleyes: How can a wombat be cubic?

[Jon.]

Don't be silly! :rolleyes: How can a wombat be cubic?

There are four sides to the wombat: frontside, backside, inside and outside! How can you be so educated stupid?

[TuttiDog]

Hi my name is Mathew. I live in Courtenay, BC, Canada at the moment. I have a job interview today at 3 at a restaurant. Not sure which position I'll go for though. Hopefully they have something available in the back so I don't have to talk to anybody.

I am enjoying the site. I've been reading more in the last few days than I have been in the last few months.

I have a desire to learn. Particularily about world and interpersonal issues. Guess I need balance in my life. I am an agnostic. I try not to believe everything I know.

I wish I could use an avatar :( Saw something about a 50 post minimum but I saw others with lower counts. I'd link on my own :(

[Jon.]

Always good to see a fellow British Columbian on the site! Welcome, Mathew - I'm a lawyer in Coquitlam! Head on over to Politics (if you like some silly seriousness) or Humour (if you like some serious silliness) and your post count will go up quite fast!

[Jess]

Well, I've been lurking on these forums for some time, and yesterday evening I finally decided to sign up for an account to respond to another user. Little did I know about the wait time...! Since then, someone has already responded far better than I could, but I've resolved to start posting here anyway.

This is me in a nutshell:

My name is Jessica. I'm a History PhD student and I specialize in Early America. I'm rather fond of turtles; I have three, and I ask you to forgive my turtle-obsessive behavior in advance. Working on a PhD means that my life is pretty much restricted to history and turtles, but I try to expand my horizons (here) in the little free time that I have. This forum seems to have a little of everything that I'm interested in, after all.

Anyway, I hope to get to know you all better soon. :)

[Steve]

Always good to see a fellow British Columbian on the site! Welcome, Mathew - I'm a lawyer in Coquitlam! Head on over to Politics (if you like some silly seriousness) or Humour (if you like some serious silliness) and your post count will go up quite fast!

Welcome, Mathew. Yeah, BC!

[TuttiDog]

Thanks for the welcomes :)

Well, I've been lurking on these forums for some time, and yesterday evening I finally decided to sign up for an account to respond to another user. Little did I know about the wait time...! Since then, someone has already responded far better than I could, but I've resolved to start posting here anyway.

It's an incredibly active forum. I'm not the fastest reader and the typical post here is like 2 paragraphs so I struggle with joining in as well. Welcome to you to btw. I was suprised at the wait time as well, especially because I was rejected the first time :confused:

[tim]

Jessica and Matthew, warm welcome!
Yes, this place can be a bit daunting. By the time you've worked out what you wanted to say, as often as not someone else has posted it.
But there's some wonderful people here who are very helpful and supportive.This is a real community. A lot of the members meet up from time to time, and it's the best travel guide source there is. If you want to go to say, Santiago in Chile, guess what? We have someone there. Rio? Yep! All over Europe? Yep. Australia? Yep. And if we don't have someone there, I betcha we have someone who's been!
So enjoy yourselves and jump right on in!

[Dr Adequate]

Jessica and Matthew, warm welcome!
Yes, this place can be a bit daunting. By the time you've worked out what you wanted to say, as often as not someone else has ...

... CURSES! YOU PESKY WOMBAT!

[The Darkest One]

Hello to all.

I too have spent a long time hiding in the shadows of the JREF Forums. There have been many times that I wanted to voice my opinion, but didn’t think that I had anything to offer. After all, it is you people who have provided me with the tools to defend my beliefs.

Thank you.

About myself: First of all, the username, The Darkest One, comes from a song by The Tragically Hip. It does not refer to an obsession with Ozzie Osborne or black crayons, but was simply the song that I was playing when I registered. I can always add some excitement to that story the next time I’m asked.

I am 40 years old, married for 20, with two wonderful daughters, whom I couldn’t be more proud of. What led me to the JREF website is a long, sordid tale of love, hate, desperation, and enlightenment. Just like a lot of you, I’m sure.

As I said, I have been married for 20 years. My wife had just turned 19 when in the span of 20 days, she became a wife, then a mother. The first year of our marriage, I considered bliss, until one day, there was a knock at the door. A kindly, older lady asked my wife if she ever thought about the end of the world. My wife, being young, naive and overwhelmed, entered into a conversation that ended with a gift of a Watchtower magazine. Those 5 minutes changed our lives forever. She was overcome by urgency to save our daughters soul, since the end of the world was “just around the corner”. I had neither the maturity, nor the knowledge to combat the relentless assault on her mind that continues to this day.

The Readers Digest Version is that the last two decades have been a rollercoaster of emotions. I tried submersing myself in the bible in order to gain a level playing field, but it never seemed right. I tried combating it by joining an anti-Watchtower group, but they were more interested in converting me to their brand of Christianity, than helping my wife. Besides that, it just caused an adversarial atmosphere in our home. Most of the time was spent ignoring the problem. Religion was/is a taboo subject in our house.

My need to understand my wife’s dependency on her religion led me to the internet, which led me here. After lurking for a few years, I have gained some wonderful insight into why people believe what they do. I hope my experiences will be able to help somebody else.

Thanks again.

[Dogdoctor]

Welcome The Darkest One and I wait in anticipation of learning what you have learned about religious beleif.
:welcome2

[Jess]

Jessica and Matthew, warm welcome!
Yes, this place can be a bit daunting. By the time you've worked out what you wanted to say, as often as not someone else has posted it.


This has already happened to me several times since I've joined. I've started writing posts in Word and copy-pasting rather than simply typing straight into the reply box. I take too long to formulate a post, I guess, since I keep getting timed out! :blush:

Thank you for all the hellos, guys. Hello to the Darkest One too, from one newbie to another. :)

[Roadtoad]

Hello to all.

I too have spent a long time hiding in the shadows of the JREF Forums. There have been many times that I wanted to voice my opinion, but didn’t think that I had anything to offer. After all, it is you people who have provided me with the tools to defend my beliefs.

Thank you.

About myself: First of all, the username, The Darkest One, comes from a song by The Tragically Hip. It does not refer to an obsession with Ozzie Osborne or black crayons, but was simply the song that I was playing when I registered. I can always add some excitement to that story the next time I’m asked.

I am 40 years old, married for 20, with two wonderful daughters, whom I couldn’t be more proud of. What led me to the JREF website is a long, sordid tale of love, hate, desperation, and enlightenment. Just like a lot of you, I’m sure.

As I said, I have been married for 20 years. My wife had just turned 19 when in the span of 20 days, she became a wife, then a mother. The first year of our marriage, I considered bliss, until one day, there was a knock at the door. A kindly, older lady asked my wife if she ever thought about the end of the world. My wife, being young, naive and overwhelmed, entered into a conversation that ended with a gift of a Watchtower magazine. Those 5 minutes changed our lives forever. She was overcome by urgency to save our daughters soul, since the end of the world was “just around the corner”. I had neither the maturity, nor the knowledge to combat the relentless assault on her mind that continues to this day.

The Readers Digest Version is that the last two decades have been a rollercoaster of emotions. I tried submersing myself in the bible in order to gain a level playing field, but it never seemed right. I tried combating it by joining an anti-Watchtower group, but they were more interested in converting me to their brand of Christianity, than helping my wife. Besides that, it just caused an adversarial atmosphere in our home. Most of the time was spent ignoring the problem. Religion was/is a taboo subject in our house.

My need to understand my wife’s dependency on her religion led me to the internet, which led me here. After lurking for a few years, I have gained some wonderful insight into why people believe what they do. I hope my experiences will be able to help somebody else.

Thanks again.

My greetings to you, DO. I only wish I could be of more help to you.

Sadly, from what I know, the JW's are one of the more pernicious cults out there. The only thing I have ever figured out that you can do is take their Interlinear Greek Bible, and bit by bit, start to unwind the cords that hold your wife. Once you can get through their scripture twisting, you have a chance to get the blinders off.

My only thought is that this might be something where Ruby, (wherever she has gone to), might be able to help out with.

Best of luck to you, Bro. And welcome.

[yrreg]

My name is Klayton Glendale and I believe in everything except UFOs, Yeti, Sasquash, and many other urban legends. However, I do believe remote viewing works, ESP, and certain forms of mental telepathy. Can anyone help me learn to make postings to this Website. I learned about it while driving from Charlotte, NC to Shaw AFB, SC on April 3, 2006. Further, my E-mail address is klayton.glendale@shaw.af.mil. :boxedin:

I got your notice by email.

However, I do believe remote viewing works, ESP, and certain forms of mental telepathy.

As I said, you are in for some very rough sailing.

I am not without fault, but being narrow and closed-minded is not one of them.

For trying to question Buddhism on the one hand, I had been called by Buddhists here with most unkind names.

And on the other hand, for trying to explain how acupuncture is helpful in at least one medical complaint, I had also been called by supposedly genuine skeptics with the most unkind names.

My conclusion is that a lot of skeptics here are actually fanatical fundamentalist cultists of rabid bigoted obscurantist pseudo-skepticism.

I guess I have to apologize now for using harsh language, but you should see the kind of language they use on me for questioning Buddhism and explaining to some favorable degree the benefits of acupuncture.

No, to my credit -- and vanity, self-commendation, I never use foul language like the f and the s words others use on me.

Hahahaha.

More self-commendation, you want to learn how to post, look up my posts with the search function here, enter yrreg and press search.


The rough sailing will however teach you what is genuine true sincere skepticism instead of the narrow closed or closeted mind of pseudo i.e., fake, spurious skepticism of many a member here.



Yrreg

[Dr Adequate]

My conclusion is that a lot of skeptics here are actually fanatical fundamentalist cultists of rabid bigoted obscurantist pseudo-skepticism.Perhaps I should explain for the benefit of newcomers that when raving whackjobs find their feeble arguments don't impress skeptics, they start babbling on about "pseudoskepticism". No-one knows why.

The following quotations should amply illustrate the use of the word "pseudoskeptic".

Pseudoskeptics don't believe in UFOs when they are "short of any kind of proof" (http://www.ufoskeptic.org) : I propose that true skepticism is called for today: neither the gullible acceptance of true belief nor the closed-minded rejection of the scoffer masquerading as the skeptic. One should be skeptical of both the believers and the scoffers. The negative claims of pseudo-skeptics who offer facile explanations must themselves be subject to criticism... There is another aspect to the UFO phenomenon that involves politics and secrecy rather than observational evidence. I do not currently have a ticket to any SCI program, but over the years I have gotten to know individuals who for one reason or another would be aware of the existence of relevant black programs... The above is, of course, short of any kind of proof, but all in all I have now gotten to the point in my exposure to the subject at which I think it somewhat more likely than not that something not merely delusional, but real and important may be going on with regard to the UFO phenomenon.

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that "confusing memories" prove that you've visited another universe (http://glenavalon.com/otherworlds.html) : Join us in a brave foray into the unknown and uncharted realms of parallel universes. Prepare yourself for a trek, not to outer or inner, but to adjacent space.

Will we find Eden? Lands of Magic? Our heart's desire? Or will we find worlds just like our own? Some of us may have already visited other universes - the evidence may be confusing memories - improbable places or people we have seen. Can we observe these parallel universes? Have we observed them? Can we travel between them? What kind of device would we need? What energy barriers would we encounter and have to overcome? Is there a shortcut between the worlds? Does quantum consciousness hold a key?

ASIDE TO PSEUDOSKEPTICS: Please don't bother. We are talking subjective experience here and trying to derive clues to what is happening. These things occurred - they happened to us - no amount of skepticism or psychobabble on your part will convince us otherwise.

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that the "Face On Mars" is evidence of a lost Martian civilization, but that NASA is hushing it up (http://www.mactonnies.com/imperative38.html) : If the "Face" and/or other features test positively for artificiality, this discovery promises to be the most explosive we have ever encountered. The Cydonian Imperative advocates completely open disclosure of any findings that would tend to bear out the Artificiality Hypothesis. I am troubled by NASA's demonstrated refusals to comply with scientific method and acknowledge the work of independent researchers.

The Cydonia inquiry is not trivial, pseudoscientific, or dismissable. On the contrary, the enigmas on the Martian surface (and perhaps elsewhere in the Solar System) challenge our conceptions of planetary and genetic selfhood. We cannot afford to miss this potentially transformative opportunity...

It is interesting that this image, withheld from public inspection, depicts the Face in its entirety. Such accuracy tends to suggest that acquiring high-resolution images of the Face is not only easier than NASA/MSSS would have the public believe, but that NASA has an abiding interest in studying the Cydonia region. The reasons for the space agency's near-silence on the Cydonia issue, in light of the image above, are far from trivial...

Skeptics groups rail against "pseudoscience." But perhaps the time has come for independent thinkers, armed with real knowledge as opposed to false preconceptions, to begin questioning the agenda behind pseudoskepticism.

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that John Edward can talk to the dead (http://www.near-death.com/experiences/skeptic09.html) : One of the most famous psychic mediums in this country is John Edward who performs readings before a live audience on television. His impressive abilities suggests that he may actually be communicating with the dead. pseudo-skeptics claim that John Edward is a master of reading body language to elicit information. But, Edward often does phone readings and sometimes readings where he cannot even see the subject... pseudo-skeptics claim that questionnaires and bugging devices help producers learn about deceased family members... Concerning bugging devices, the show's producer replied, "Of course there's microphones, but are they being fed anywhere, no. And John doesn't see any of this."

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that crop circles... or "at least some of them" were created by "Non-Human Intelligence" (http://www.suppressedscience.net/crops.html) : If Nickell and Fischer had examined that question, they would have found that their four arguments for hoaxing are perfectly compatible with the hypothesis that crop formations, or at least some of them, are created on purpose by a non-human intelligence (NHI), such as extraterrestrials or spiritual beings... Proper skepticism must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Unfortunately, much of what comes out of the "skeptical" community these days is not proper skepticism, but all-out, fundamentalist disbelief. Such skepticism can be called pseudo-skepticism, pathological skepticism or bogus skepticism.

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that Uri Geller has magical powers over cutlery (http://www.uri-geller.com/mindbending.htm) : Some historians believe Jesus Christ was born on December 20th. Perhaps the first unusual event of Uri's life was that he was born on the same day, although some time later, in 1946 to be exact. Coincidence? Maybe, but a portent perhaps of the shape ( or shape-shifting ) of things to come.

Uri says that he first became aware of his mindpower at the age of four. He was eating, when the fork he was using bent and snapped. His mother, a member of the Freud family, was not surprised at his ability and nurtured his childhood accordingly. It was this acceptance, rather than denial, which enabled his self belief. A belief, Uri says, is inherent in all children, it is social conditioning which creates the denial...

When I spoke with Uri, he told me that he still meets with scientists and accepts the positive motive behind scientific discovery, it seems it is the adversarial 'pseudo skeptics' which Uri has washed his hands with...

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that they can debunk the Big Bang without actually knowing any physics; nor in alien visitors, ghosts, ESP, Bigfoot... (http://www.geocities.com/wwu777us/Debunking_Skeptical_Arguments.htm) : These ordinarily sound scientific platitudes are used as the ultimate "get out of jail free" cards for pseudo-skeptics who have no answers to inconvenient questions. Let's examine Sagan's assertion that "extrarordinary" claims require "extraordinary" evidence. The problem with this statement is that popular science does not require extraordinary evidence for its extraordinary claims. Big Bang theory may be the most extraordinary claim in the history of popular science. Here we have an idea that can be neatly encapsulated in eight words: "At first, there was nothing...then it exploded." But how can NOTHING explode? Big Bang theory "defies gravity" and violates innumerable laws of physics, it remains a HYPOTHETICAL mathematical model, yet it is promoted as truth by NASA and institutions of higher learning around the world. Why has the mainstream never demanded the same standards of Big Bang theorists that it does of "paranormal" proponents?

Where are the "double-blind tests" validating Big Bang theory? Has Big Bang theory been tested by JREF or other skeptical organizations?

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that mediums can catch terrorists despite the fact that this has never happened (http://www.victorzammit.com/articles/terrorism.html) : I am presenting an issue which hitherto has NOT been part of the procedure of crime detection training.

One has to ignore the entrenched negativism of the closed minded skeptics (or as Professor C T Tart calls them 'pseudo-skeptics') They are defeatists and I submit they are a danger to national security for retarding or preventing professional investigation of psychic phenomena.

Law enforcement agencies ought to obtain the services of highly gifted psychics - not the run of the mill commercial ones, but those who can pass empirical tests for repeatable accuracy. There may be at least four or five in each country who ought to be regarded as absolute 'pure gold.' These would be hard to find as the truly gifted ones keep a very low, non-commercial, very private profile...

Two gifted psychic mediums would be required - one of them a trance-medium. Usually, the mediums bring others with them to give them psychic energy support. One of the mediums will be in a position to communicate with the terrorist's 'attachment.' This will be done while the other trance-medium goes into trance and allows the terrorist's 'attachment' to use the voice box of the second medium.

Pseudoskeptics don't believe that the Pentagon was behind 9/11... er... talk about "friendly fire" (http://www.questionsquestions.net/real_skeptic.html) : The failure to look hard facts in the face could be fatal, especially to the Left, which, judging by its response to this point, doesn't seem to realize that it is one of the principal targets of the coming global war. . . A huge mass of evidence suggests that the events of September were planned and carried out by the same team of "rogue" secret government planners and operatives who have wrought so much murder and destruction worldwide for the last 40+ years: the CIA, the Pentagon, the National Security Agency and their contractees... And who exactly are these pseudo-skeptics helping by building further upon this foundation of denial, making the purely emotional, historically untenable claim that the government is simply incapable of murdering its own citizens?

Pseudoskeptics don't believe everything they hear, plus everything they make up (http://www.faithfreedom.org/Articles/sina40326.htm) : Fortunately, not every one is pseudo skeptic. We have also many true skeptics... It is said that even Hitler had some psychic powers (I just heard this and do not know the details of it). If true, this does not mean that everything this monster did was right or conversely, his crimes against humanity do not nullify his psychic ability... We know that thoughts are vibrations. These vibrations are what make the electroencephalograph machine (lie detector) work. Vibrations are created by particles. In quantum physics time breaks down and becomes irrelevant. So is it possible that your thoughts work in times that have not yet occurred? If true, this would explain how we dream things that come to pass later, telepathy, premonition, remote viewing and other psychic claims... This proves that healing comes from within and is triggered by our brain. In fact all healing come from our brain. All what drugs do is, trigger the defense mechanism of the body by stimulating the brain to release the endorphins and other chemicals that would heal the body... Belief is a powerful human faculty. If we can tap into this, we can basically heal our selves at will...The pseudo skeptics with materialistic persuasion are not after science or truth. They are promoting a religion based on materialism. There is nothing scientific, nothing logical and nothing rational about their belief. They are believers in a dogma that is contrary to human reason and observable facts... Islam presents itself as a religion. This, of course is not true.

[Just Me]

Hi everybody, I hope I chose the correct link to begin on the JREF.

I have been reading Randi's commentary and reading the forums for many moons and recently thought I may be of assistance to some.

I recently read (most of) a thread started by De bunk and noticed the thread slightly delved into Mormons (LDS). Being that I was born into that religion (sort of, no one is a true member until at least 8 yrs old and baptised) I can be of a great help to all re: Mormons.

Don't worry about me though, I escaped the church. Yeah!

This is my first forum so if anyone would like to start a new thread labeled "Mormons" or something obvious I would be glad to share my knowledge with all.

All questions of Mormons, direct to me!

PS- how do I place cool little sayings under all my posts?

[wollery]

Hi everybody, I hope I chose the correct link to begin on the JREF.

I have been reading Randi's commentary and reading the forums for many moons and recently thought I may be of assistance to some.

I recently read (most of) a thread started by De bunk and noticed the thread slightly delved into Mormons (LDS). Being that I was born into that religion (sort of, no one is a true member until at least 8 yrs old and baptised) I can be of a great help to all re: Mormons.

Don't worry about me though, I escaped the church. Yeah!

This is my first forum so if anyone would like to start a new thread labeled "Mormons" or something obvious I would be glad to share my knowledge with all.

All questions of Mormons, direct to me!

PS- how do I place cool little sayings under all my posts?
Welcome Just Me. (okay that's a little weird to say)

Glad to hear that you escaped the irrational, but don't expect anyone to start threads for you. If you have something specific to say about LDS feel free to start you own thread.

The stuff below the posts is a signature, click on User CP in the header bar and then Edit Signature in the Control Panel.

Hope you enjoy your time here.

[yrreg]

Originally Posted by yrreg :
My conclusion is that a lot of skeptics here are actually fanatical fundamentalist cultists of rabid bigoted obscurantist pseudo-skepticism.



Perhaps I should explain for the benefit of newcomers that when raving whackjobs find their feeble arguments don't impress skeptics, they start babbling on about "pseudoskepticism". No-one knows why.

The following quotations should amply illustrate the use of the word "pseudoskeptic".

Pseudoskeptics don't believe in UFOs when they are "short of any kind of proof" (http://www.ufoskeptic.org) : I propose that true skepticism is called for today: neither the gullible acceptance of true belief nor the closed-minded rejection of the scoffer masquerading as the skeptic. One should be skeptical of both the believers and the scoffers.

[Etc. etc. etc.]




Thanks Doc for your reaction to my impression about some people here being pseudo-sceptics.

Tell me, don't you have the same impression in your exchanges with some people here?

Of course we are entitled to be sceptical about anyone being sceptic or pseudo-sceptic, namely, the attitude of being sceptical about everything even when evidence is already evident, i.e., perceptible to our senses as aided by instrumentation in enhancement and amplification of our senses.

I think what I mean by pseudo-sceptics are people who are cultists to being sceptical in the sense of stubbornly clinging to straws just to not admit the force of evidence, insisting on being supposedly scientific when if they know science they should admit that even science as a human discipline and insofar human and to informed scientists of achievements: does not tell us the facts of the universe as we should know them if we had a further and deeper and fuller grasp of the universe.

Anyway, tell me, have you met what I call pseudo-sceptics in this forum?

What indeed do we know about the universe today? As an off-the-cuff reaction I would say that we know today about the things that work in our situational circumstances of time and space and what other premises we are in and under; but we don't know about things we do not and cannot at this moment reach in time and space and within time and space and matter.

Tomorrow and tomorrow we might know something different even opposite to be workable in the expanded and 'indepth-ed' situational circumstances of tomorrow and tomorrow.


I think the name scepticism has earned a bad reputation owing to what I can see to be a feasible term for the narrow and closet-mind of people, namely, I call pseudo-sceptics.

Perhaps a better term for what I want to believe are genuine sceptics as opposed to pseudo ones should be 'inquisitics'.

What then is an 'inquisitic' for me?

An inquisitic is a mind that first before anything else investigates whether a phenomenon exists, or an event, in the universe; then it probes into the inner working of the phenomenon or event, of course also the outside factors impinging into it, in order to arrive at an acquaintance with what under the situational setting of today some pattern of nature and the universe we had not known before.

An inquisitic is not what today I might call a pseudo-sceptic who denies anything and everything in the name of science and evidence, even a phenomenon to be existing and operating, when if you observe meticulously he does not know neither science nor evidence, exhibits nothing but obscurantist blindness owing to an attachment or better addiction to some attitude of stubborness of which he himself doesn't know himself to be enslaved to.



Nice to meet you.


Yrreg

[wollery]

Yrreg, Dr. A, as interesting as this discussion may turn out to be, I don't think this is the place to have it. If you want to continue I suggest you ask a mod to split it off to a relevant forum.

Cheers.

[Scott Haley]

Greetings!

I heard good things about this forum on the Skepticality podcast, so I had to check it out. I don't know how someone could "lurk" for months and not post--I wanted to add to some threads as soon as I read them.

I have a question--I notice that most people use a pseudonym here. I just used my own name as a user name. Is that a bad idea? Is there a reason not to use my real name?

--Scott

[tkingdoll]

Greetings!

I heard good things about this forum on the Skepticality podcast, so I had to check it out. I don't know how someone could "lurk" for months and not post--I wanted to add to some threads as soon as I read them.

I have a question--I notice that most people use a pseudonym here. I just used my own name as a user name. Is that a bad idea? Is there a reason not to use my real name?

--Scott

Hi Scott, and welcome! Lots of people use their real name, don't worry. T King is my real name although I am not actually a doll, and there are tons of people who use their full name as their screen name. Some people use photos of themselves as avatars, too. It just depends how much anonymity you want really. Personally I've never found it an issue, no stalkers or nutters chasing me so far.

Well, unless you count Wollery. He's not really an owl you know...

[Corplos]

Salut!

I'm Corplos, recently 23 years old, living in the northern Chicagoland area. I'm a student of Physical Anthropology. An overactive imagination got me into skepticism, as I marveled at the wonders of science & the natural world.

[vIQleS]

wolfman29150:

Not generally such a good idea to post your email address in a public forum... spammers use bots that search forums for email addresses. Keep it to yourself unless you need to give it to someone, and if you write it in the public areas leave some spaces or put some extra characters or words in...

notmy at BLAHemail.address.com

[KilgoreTrout]

Hello everyone.

I'll start by telling you how I found out about this site. I was led here by a flying saucer, piloted by Hunter S. Thompson himself. I'm a college student, aged 22 years, living in Columbus, Ohio. Besides studying, I spend most of my time reading, watching movies (mainly zombie movies), playing video games, and trying to find a job near my aparment, prefferably washing dishes.

[Roadtoad]

Hello everyone.

I'll start by telling you how I found out about this site. I was led here by a flying saucer, piloted by Hunter S. Thompson himself. I'm a college student, aged 22 years, living in Columbus, Ohio. Besides studying, I spend most of my time reading, watching movies (mainly zombie movies), playing video games, and trying to find a job near my aparment, prefferably washing dishes.

How utterly ridiculous. A flying saucer piloted by Hunter Thompson? Who are you trying to fool?

Now, Timothy Leary, that would be believeable!

[KilgoreTrout]

How utterly ridiculous. A flying saucer piloted by Hunter Thompson? Who are you trying to fool?

Now, Timothy Leary, that would be believeable!

Hey, Thompson was in the Air Force. Besides, Timothy Leary was the janitor, but Thompson fired him before we even reached the Horse Head nebula. Apparently Leary kept cleaning the schmutz that wasn't there, while leaving actual crud on the floor, believing it was some being of great intelligence. We dropped him off in M67, and hired Marshall Applewhite as the new shipboard janitor. He does a marginally better job.

[Roadtoad]

Hey, Thompson was in the Air Force. Besides, Timothy Leary was the janitor, but Thompson fired him before we even reached the Horse Head nebula. Apparently Leary kept cleaning the schmutz that wasn't there, while leaving actual crud on the floor, believing it was some being of great intelligence. We dropped him off in M67, and hired Marshall Applewhite as the new shipboard janitor. He does a marginally better job.

Well, that's all fine and good, but don't you think Montague Keen would have done a better job on the toilets?

[Errata]

Hi, I'm Errata. I'm a 28 year old programmer and weak atheist. I'm a longtime fan of Randi's weekly commentary. I'm a little intimidated by some of the apparently schizophrenic people posting to claim the jref prize, but it looks like too interesting a community to pass up. I'm also active on the Snopes forums.

[staragent]

Hello all!

First time poster and am very interested in getting to know this forum and what it is all about! I am from Central Florida and work for ChildWatch which is an organization that helps find missing people. My ultimate goal is to get all the missing persons sites to link off of each other and become United to find missing people and to stop crime!!

Thank you!
Ginger
centralfloridamissing.com
childwatch.org

[Jon.]

Hi Errata! Don't be intimidated by the nutters; if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone. Of course, if you want some fun, follow the example of fearless warriors like Fowlsound, and jump in fighting the trolls with your +5 longsword of rationality.

Hello Staragent/Ginger! If you weren't referred here by KellyJ, you should check out her threads - she seems to be a major player in the missing persons field. You'll find that we skeptics are helpful and friendly, and jump on interesting projects like KellyJ's "psychic predators" site.

[Ryz]

Hello,

Yet another big fan of Randi's newsletter and the site. Though I am mostly interested in science (Dawkins, Dennett, Sagan, etc.) , I love a good debunking once in a while, as well as more regular skirmishes with religionists.

Looking forward to interactions with the folks that form this community!

[wollery]

Hello,

Yet another big fan of Randi's newsletter and the site. Though I am mostly interested in science (Dawkins, Dennett, Sagan, etc.) , I love a good debunking once in a while, as well as more regular skirmishes with religionists.

Looking forward to interactions with the folks that form this community!Oi, this is a public forum, there'll be no interacting here matey boy!!


Oh, I see what you mean, ahem, sorry, move along, nothing to see here...:whistling

[Nettles]

I suppose I'm a refugee from badscience.net which is currently being dragged beneath the waves by spambots. I'm a regular contributor to the Skepchick.org webzine and a participant in the forums there (as Nettie), and one of the few, the proud, the struggling participants in the very, very quiet skeptic.org.uk forum.

I'm coming back to the sceptical community after a number of years away. I tried very hard to be active both locally and nationally back in the early 90s, but I drifted off only to come back like a bad penny.

[BrianSI]

Hello, Nettie/Nettles. I'm sure you can't imagine more than one ("special") person choosing 'Skepticool' as a user name, so yeah, it's the same me over here.

For the rest of the new folks, beware of anyone who would self-apply a label containing 'cool'. Critical thinking skills are quite important here, since it shouldn't take long to realize the irony of such a screen name for such a person.

[hiflier]

Hi,
I go by the name of hiflier and I am former LE. Looking forward to being a part of this board and being of any help that I can.

hiflier (John) :)

[Kelly]

Hi,
I go by the name of hiflier and I am former LE. Looking forward to being a part of this board and being of any help that I can.

hiflier (John) :)

Welcome.

What did you do with LE?

Kelly

[hiflier]

Hi Kelly,

I worked patrol, undercover narc/vice & CID. In later years I worked for DA's office. I now do investigations for Child Watch.

hiflier

[Aurelian]

Welcome Ryz! With such a visual avatar, you may want to try out madmonk's staring contest in the humor section.

[Mrs. Hmmphries]

Welcome Ryz! With such a visual avatar, you may want to try out madmonk's staring contest in the humor section.


That's right....drag them all down with me....



Muahahahahahahahaha!

[Doctor K]

I've known of and admired Randi's work for many years but only just came across this web site and decided it could be fun.

I believe we are entering a dark age as far as rationalism is concerned. I have let this all go in the past, but a crunch point for me came a few months ago when I found that the pharmacy at my local GP (general practitioner as we call medics here) was pushing magnetic therapy products with packaging carrying unsubstantiated claims. I asked the assistant whether they would cure my skin rash and she said it all depended on the rash. She said they would help me give up smoking but I'm all clear for 24 years on that.

So I've decided to specialise in hunting down the pushers of this particular vein of nonsense and would like to hear from anyone with a similar interest. I have started my campaign with references to trading standards and the advertising standards authority.

PS I live in Totnes, England, which some of you may have heard about as having a reputation for the propagation of new age tomfoolery.

[capall]

Hi all
heard about Randi from the skepticallity podcast
farley new to the skeptical movement but have been into science for a number of year.
I am originally form a small town in the west of Ireland but living in Texas at the moment, doing a PhD in genetics at Texas A&M.
Looking forward to being part of the forum

[GregC]

Hi Doctor K and capell.

[magdalena_orion]

Hi all,

I heard about Randi's website from a skeptic community on livejournal, and started reading his weekly commentary which I have found highly informative and entertaining. As a result I decided it's about time that I joined the forum.

[tim]

Hi all,

I heard about Randi's website from a skeptic community on livejournal, and started reading his weekly commentary which I have found highly informative and entertaining. As a result I decided it's about time that I joined the forum.

A warm welcome to JREF!
We have quite a lot of UK posters, magdalena_orion, some in London. We meet up from time to time. There's the Skeptics in the Pub - http://www.skeptic.org.uk/pub/
Some of us go there from time to time. Keep an eye out for announcements in Forum Community!

[magdalena_orion]

Thanks tim. I'll keep an eye, as it would be good to meet up with like minded people. But it'll have to wait a few weeks, when the exams are over.

[mstrpaige]

hello all. been a fan of Randi's and the JREF for a long time. Make my living as a college student and Magician. Keep up the good work guys.

[treble_head]

Thanks tim. I'll keep an eye, as it would be good to meet up with like minded people.

Please. Keep both of your eyes. Getting rid of one is not the answer, I assure you.

[magdalena_orion]

[quote=magdalena_orion;1610545]Thanks tim. I'll keep an eye, as it would be good to meet up with like minded people. [\quote]

Please. Keep both of your eyes. Getting rid of one is not the answer, I assure you.

Ooops. Yes, I think I'll shall keep both eyes, they have proved quite useful so far.

What I meant to say was that I'll keep an eye out for Skeptics in the Pub meetings. I've been revising all day, and think I have shorted my brain.

[hellaeon]

apologies, I actually joined a while back

ME: Computer programmer, working full time and studying, in 2 bands. Love sport, music, laughter. I love learning about the world around me.

here is a link with my pics
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1611711#post1611711

[Hutch]

Humph, been away for two weeks and look at all the newbies come out of the woodwork...

mstrpaige welcome, if you really are a college student and a magician, you should be able to make your tuition fees disappear...

And helleaon, about time you get here--245 posts late? thought we'd have to send the wombat after you! Well, you are one band ahead of fowlsound, I'll give you that...

Welcome both of you.

[petkusj]

A man on the street sold me this web address for $50. Said no one knew about it but that it was very popular. He asked me if I could spell gullible and I told him there was no such word but he insisted there was. So, for $5 he told me how to spell it and if I came to this website, someone here would tell me what it means.

Looking for the definition of gullible in Denver,

Jennifer

PS Cough, visit my website, cough.

[Roadtoad]

I did. What is it?

[petkusj]

I did. What is it?

If you're talking to me, are you talking to me, hey, are you talking to me? Sorry, I do a lousy DeNiro. Anyway, if you're talking to Jennifer, the website is my home page. You'll see it if you click my Profile.

Jennifer

[SezMe]

So I've decided to specialise in hunting down the pushers of this particular vein of nonsense and would like to hear from anyone with a similar interest. I have started my campaign with references to trading standards and the advertising standards authority.
Welcome, doc. The best way to get some help is to start a thread in the General Skepticism forum where it will get noticed and, most likely, generate lots of help.

[The Mutha]

Found this site through a link off of npboards... The infamous 70+ page 9/11 conspiracy theory thread.

I'm 42, have brown hair and blue eyes and the rest is subject to change without notice (to plagarize from one of my favorite authors).

BTW -- my first youth choir leader was Herf Applewhite. Really. The Boy was weird way back then. Nearly wrecked my car when I heard that he was the leader of the Hale-Bop Comet wacko group.

[Roadtoad]

Found this site through a link off of npboards... The infamous 70+ page 9/11 conspiracy theory thread.

I'm 42, have brown hair and blue eyes and the rest is subject to change without notice (to plagarize from one of my favorite authors).

BTW -- my first youth choir leader was Herf Applewhite. Really. The Boy was weird way back then. Nearly wrecked my car when I heard that he was the leader of the Hale-Bop Comet wacko group.

:jaw-dropp

No f***ing way!

[Dogdoctor]

[QUOTE=Doctor K;1609394]I believe we are entering a dark age as far as rationalism is concerned. ./QUOTE]
I long ago beleived this and several years ago happened to find James Randi's email and contacted him. He put me in touch with others with the same concerns. Randi is the bestest

[The Mutha]

:jaw-dropp

No f***ing way!

Way! LOL Herf used to have all of us stand and "rehearse" by singing the entire piece complete with any movements involved -- but vocalizing only in our minds. If someone came into the room, they would see a bunch of people who were mouthing the words and doing the motions. This was in an Episcopal church in Houston in the late-60's.

I still laugh everytime I see The Birdcage scene with "Fossey, Fossey, Fossey... But keep it all inside."

[Pheidias]

I come to you from Jacksonville, FL and have been a long-time fan of the works of James Randi. I'm a writer and illustrator and my goal has been to use my abilities to counter the mountain of "literature" out there on religion, the various pseudosciences and paranormal claims and, of course, medical quackery. I've only just become competent enough in my chosen field to do this, however, so hopefully you'll soon see works on the bookshelves by Pheidias. (Actually, they'll probably be under my real name, Thomas Aschenbach.)
I look forward to getting involved in all the forum threads but probably won't have much time for that until after my surgery, (by a qualified neuro-surgeon,) this summer. I've had this pesky epilepsy/demonic possession for most of my life and, now that the medicines are losing their effectiveness, they're going to try to eradicate the problem at its source. Anyway, if you're interested, I'll keep you up to date on all those goings on.
Skeptical thinking, the way I see it, is one of those treasures we all should try to cultivate in others, especially the young. (Unfortunately, no matter what refuting evidence I present to her, my mother still clings to her belief in the powers of Sylvia Browne.) I look forward to lively discussions with everyone, but now I must sign off. The computer screen refresh rate's not so good for the epilepsy.
Peace and clear thinking to all!

[tim]

Welcome!

[debstover]

I found this site through research. I'm a novelist by profession.

~Deb

[insomneac]

I've been posting sporadically for a few years, so only a few of you would recognize my screen name. But one of you might remember me from a real-life conversation. I was the hotel clerk at the hotel in McAllen, TX who commented on your TAM! shirt.

[Jon.]

Hi Deb! Anything published? Will JREF be in an upcoming bestseller?

Insomneac - it wasn't me, but welcome anyway!

[panda]

Hi, I'm Emeria...

I kinda forgot how I stumbled into here, but been looking around here a whole lot until I found the courage to see.

[Ducky]

Hi, I'm Emeria...

I kinda forgot how I stumbled into here, but been looking around here a whole lot until I found the courage to see.



Welcome!

[Magnus]

Hi!
Im Magnus, new to these forums, but I have read Randi's Swift for about a year now. I am studying political science in Trondheim, a city in the middle of Norway and enjoy my studies :)
well, that's my intro. I am sorry for any spelling or grammar errors ( My first language is Norwegian)

[wollery]

Hi!
Im Magnus, new to these forums, but I have read Randi's Swift for about a year now. I am studying political science in Trondheim, a city in the middle of Norway and enjoy my studies :)
well, that's my intro. I am sorry for any spelling or grammar errors ( My first language is Norwegian)Welcome Magnus, your spelling and grammar are almost totally error free, making them far better than many of the native English speakers who post on this forum! :rolleyes:

[tim]

Welcome Magnus, your spelling and grammar are almost totally error free, making them far better than many of the native English speakers who post on this forum! :rolleyes:
Not that I'm one to derail a thread, but why aren't you in China?

[wollery]

Not that I'm one to derail a thread, but why aren't you in China?The week just past was a national holiday (apparently). I'm flying out at 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, arriving in China at 14:05 local time on Wednesday (via Bangkok).

Mmmm, overnight flying, what joy! :rolleyes:

[tim]

The week just past was a national holiday (apparently). I'm flying out at 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, arriving in China at 14:05 local time on Wednesday (via Bangkok).

Mmmm, overnight flying, what joy! :rolleyes:

What are you moaning about? It's only going to take you an hour and thirty five minutes to get there. I dunno, the youth of today..............:p
Seriously, Lynn and I wish you all the very best during the next two years. Hopefully you will be able to post whilst you're there, unless the Chinese authorities don't like JREF, of course.....
Bon voyage mon ami!

[Raziel]

Hello everybody! I found this forum while perusing links from other forums. Looks pretty cool and the posters seem like nice, intelligent people :) so I joined.

[Roadtoad]

Hello everybody! I found this forum while perusing links from other forums. Looks pretty cool and the posters seem like nice, intelligent people :) so I joined.

Clearly, you've yet to meet Mayday, Kurious Kathy, or Iamme.

Welcome, anyway.

[Raziel]

I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for them, thanks :)

[Raphael]

Hello everybody! I found this forum while perusing links from other forums. Looks pretty cool and the posters seem like nice, intelligent people :) so I joined.


Cool, a mysterious archangel with a name similar to mine. Please post profound insights- maybe those less attentive will attribute them to me.:)

[treble_head]

Thanks tim. I'll keep an eye, as it would be good to meet up with like minded people. But it'll have to wait a few weeks, when the exams are over.
I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for them, thanks :) Ewww... What is it with the new posters these days? One threatens to remove an eye, this one is going to peel theirs. Ick. Just leave your eyes alone.

I don't know who's been spreading rumors about eye mutilation, but it's simply not true.

[Raziel]

Cool, a mysterious archangel with a name similar to mine. Please post profound insights- maybe those less attentive will attribute them to me.:)


Yeah, you know some people don't even consider me an archangel! Sheesh, I'm the freakin' angel of knowledge and I get hardly any respect. I mean where would Noah be without my book? Treading water, that's where.

[womble]

Hi

I'm Womble ( I tend to plod along, but collect information, more of a reader than a poster )

[tkingdoll]

Hi, I'm Emeria...

I kinda forgot how I stumbled into here, but been looking around here a whole lot until I found the courage to see.

Are you panda from the chat? If so, Howdy! If not, Howdy anyway!

[tim]

Hi

I'm Womble ( I tend to plod along, but collect information, more of a reader than a poster )

Hi Womble, welcome! Picked up any litter lately?:D

[azazul]

Yeah, you know some people don't even consider me an archangel! Sheesh, I'm the freakin' angel of knowledge and I get hardly any respect. I mean where would Noah be without my book? Treading water, that's where.
Well, it seems like you have been sleeping on the job, with how little knowledge people as a whole have these days.

[fuelair]

I'm Larry, almost 60, teach chemistry, love teaching, learning. Intensely dislike (being polite in my phrasing) fake science , misused science and calling anything that, by its' nature, can't be scientifically validated scientific. Side interests in media history/development (especially s.f/fantasy/horror and AA/black film and television), cooking (especially M.F.K. Fisher and Elizabeth David - both of whom, I hate to admit, I became acquainted with only last year, and Joe Amendola- baker and instructor emeritus, ex CIA - Culinary Institute of America), and edged and projectile weapons and their effective use. Happily communicate on any of these as well as a number of others. Pleased to note that non-skeptics appear here - helps lighten the boards (I found Steve lots of harmless fun). Best to all and happy to be here!!

[Roadtoad]

I'm Larry, almost 60, teach chemistry, love teaching, learning. Intensely dislike (being polite in my phrasing) fake science , misused science and calling anything that, by its' nature, can't be scientifically validated scientific. Side interests in media history/development (especially s.f/fantasy/horror and AA/black film and television), cooking (especially M.F.K. Fisher and Elizabeth David - both of whom, I hate to admit, I became acquainted with only last year, and Joe Amendola- baker and instructor emeritus, ex CIA - Culinary Institute of America), and edged and projectile weapons and their effective use. Happily communicate on any of these as well as a number of others. Pleased to note that non-skeptics appear here - helps lighten the boards (I found Steve lots of harmless fun). Best to all and happy to be here!!

Welcome, fuelair. I damned near flunked Chem in HS, but, I'm a fan of Ms. Fisher, as well. (Have her book The Art of Eating, and I'm looking for others. I was making a delivery to the Napa Valley some years ago, and may have accidentally run into her while dropping off some equipment. Not that I recognized her then, and I regret that I didn't.) I'm also a cooking fanatic. If you're relatively local, drop on by.

[fuelair]

Most of her books are available on Amazon at very reasonable prices! Autographed stuff, on the other hand, is NOT cheap!!. Unfortunately, I am in Florida. If it was prior to early '92 it might well have been her - but she died in the first part of the year ( as, oddly enough, did Elizabeth David -and no I am not suggesting celestial circumstance!!!). Good quotes - I see the lamb with an HK assault rifle. Best, Larry

[womble]

Hi Womble, welcome! Picked up any litter lately?:D

Yes , moon dust and the like ! :)

[Rassilon]

Greetings mighty JREF forum.

Huh, introducing one's self is hard. I've been looking at this blinking cursor for a while now. All right, we can do this...okay, we can't. Let us pretend.

The brief form of Rassilon: I was introduced to the JREF by the Penn & Teller series on Showtime (the name of which breaks rule 8). I have been reading the weekly commentaries for several months now, and have recently started reading the forums. As such, I thought it was time to add myself to the mass of forum users so I could post if I should I have anything relevant to say...although previous experience that doesn't seem to indicate relevance is a requirement.

In terms of religion, while I should be agnostic, realistically I am atheistic.

In terms of life, I'm over a quarter century old at this point and on my way back to school to resume my physics studies. Additionally, I am boring, single, annoying and often mistaken for immovable object.

For anyone curious about my chosen nickname: yes, I am a long time Doctor Who fan.

Hmm, "brief form"...well, too late to shorten it now. I've clicked submit.

--Rassilon.

[fuelair]

So, who's your favorite Doctor?(yes) (yes what?) (yes, who's my favorite) (who- no wait an aeon or so- which doctor is your favorite) (Who) (Yeah, who's your favorite) (Yes) ( I dunno!!!) Better not get started on this path. Let's just ask how do you like current incarnation of the doctor - and latest companion?
And congrats on going back to physics, may you have much success. Boring generally requires an addendum - like to whom? I am sometimes considered boring to mundanes of a particular type or two - but that is usually reciprocal. On the other hand small and bright people find me quite entertaining - possibly because they see that i'm just a kid in a large body.
Anyway, welcome to the forum, enjoy yourself here, live long and prosper,
Ee-lim-in-ate as necessary and serve no wine until it's paid for.

[sciguy]

Hmm, let's see what this'll do to that "make your first post today" banner...

I've been reading Randi's commentaries for a year or so, although I can't remember how I first came across it. I never really noticed the user forums, until I was watching the special features on P&T's Season 1 of BS last week, where Randi mentioned them during the interview.

Not quite sure what else to say. I've been rolling my eyes at woo-woo people for as long as I can remember, just hit my 30th birthday, and currently work as an adminstrator for a software company.

Oh, any my board handle (which I've been toting around various Net locations for more than 10 years now) comes from the fact that I share my last name with Bill Nye the science guy. I'm no relation, but I've been asked so many times, when I needed a six character max login for a BBS long, long ago, I decided to go with "sciguy".

So: Hi-ya. :)

[Just Me]

Hi,
Just testing out my signature.

[Rassilon]

So, who's your favorite Doctor?(yes) (yes what?) (yes, who's my favorite) (who- no wait an aeon or so- which doctor is your favorite) (Who) (Yeah, who's your favorite) (Yes) ( I dunno!!!) Better not get started on this path.

Oh, I don't know. It doesn't seem like it would be a problem unless you disagree with me. Then I supose we could always start arguing my doctor could beat up your doctor.

Let's just ask how do you like current incarnation of the doctor - and latest companion?

Ah, the Tennet/Piper/Clark grouping? I like it, but it may be just the elation that Dr. Who is back on the air. Let's face it, the face of Boe is the best character. ;-)

Boring generally requires an addendum - like to whom?

Fair enough. Anthropomorphized rocks find me boring.

I am sometimes considered boring to mundanes of a particular type or two - but that is usually reciprocal. On the other hand small and bright people find me quite entertaining - possibly because they see that i'm just a kid in a large body.

"Small and bright people"? Are we talking about fairies?

Anyway, thanks for the greeting fuelair. I look forward to exchanging jabs in the future.

[Spidey13]

Welcome to all the new people! I'm too lazy to name of each you individually.

Have fun! :bananapartyhat:

[Miss Whiplash]

Last weekend I was explaining for the millionth time how “orb” photos are not ghosts to a group of super woos. I’m a pro photographer and should know. For that, I was hooted off the woo forum. As the door closed, I was jeered as a “nasty little skeptic like James Randi!!”. Since, I’ve not visited JREF in years, I thought I would stop by to decompress.

So - hello, I’m Cat and my geographic location is near Raleigh, North Carolina.

[Spidey13]

Welcome, Cat the Vampire of near Raleigh. I wish someone would compare me to Randi. :(

[Miss Whiplash]

Shoot a few sacred cows out from under a couple of people and they will call you James Randi!

Where can I find help with avatars and signatures? The woos have affected my brain.

[Spidey13]

You have to have at least 50 posts before you can have an avatar. I think there's a similar or same rule that applies to sigs. So get busy! :D

[Miss Whiplash]

You have to have at least 50 posts before you can have an avatar. I think there's a similar or same rule that applies to sigs. So get busy! :D


LOL! Ok, this makes number 3. Thanks for the info and the welcome! I'm looking forward to being a part of this forum.

[Rassilon]

Greetings Cat.

I sympathize with your orb issue. I have been working at a photography company for the last 6 years, and we have some professional photographers who believe this. "If it was dust, I would have seen it..." *sigh*

Anyway, it's good to meet you.

[fabian_lidman]

Hi! I hereby introduce myself. Fan of the JREF since i saw a Randi lecture arranged by the swedish skeptic society a couple of years ago. Looking forward to joining the discussions here.

[tim]

Welcome, Cat the Vampire of near Raleigh. I wish someone would compare me to Randi. :(

Spidey, you're just like Randi. Happy now? :p ;)

[tim]

Hi! I hereby introduce myself. Fan of the JREF since i saw a Randi lecture arranged by the swedish skeptic society a couple of years ago. Looking forward to joining the discussions here.

A very warm welcome, fabian_lidman! Get stuck in and have great fun!

[Spidey13]

Spidey, you're just like Randi. Happy now? :p ;)
:Banane44:

[Ririon]

Hi!
... Trondheim, a city in the middle of Norway and enjoy my studies :) ...
Dude! How exotic is that? ;)

[crystalfiverx]

I'm Crystal, 28, from St. Louis...
I've been binging on the skeptical literature pretty hard for the past couple years, reading Randi, Skeptic, Skeptical Inquirer, some Nickell, Shermer, and Gardner too, and of course good ol' P&T.
I found "Flim-Flam" in a used bookstore, filed in with the paranormal gobbledygook, and I've never looked back -- though I still do read the stuff for laughs (and just picked up a first edition of The Interrupted Journey at the St. Louis Book Fair for a buck... whatta deal).
This looks like a good forum. *smile* I'm glad to be here.
I was wondering... Is there any kind of skeptical group in St. Louis? I've been trying to turn one up since I moved here last year, to no avail...

[JollyRoger]

High I am JollyRoger I have always been fascinated with the Paranormal, Witchcraft, ESP, :D but no one seems to be comfortable talking about it.:jaw-dropp so here I am, I try not to take myself to seriously hmmm. My sense of humor has a tendency to be a bit warped at times.:eek: I have seen stuff I cant explain :shocked: But am reluctant to talk about the specifics (nothing that would win the challenge) :( I do manage to find a logical explanation for some of it,:boggled: have been on a few forums :blush: but this is like the only one I am a member of (I hope the other forum moderators don't get made at me):scared: I am a combination of Open minded Sceptically and believer, and a bit of a clown at time, and welcome any and all replies and debates from the stuff I post

hope to read from you soon

[contra]

Hello. My name is Michael. I'm from Scotland.
I've been interested in the paranormal for many years, and have been looking for evidence for a little less.

Over the years I've become more and more skeptical, accepting less and less as fact. Also I've came to question people reasons for saying various things.

I tend to be mostly involved with conspiracies, mostly currentlythe 9/11 one. I've pointing out what happened, and holes and so fourth in loose change, and whatever other ones are out there for a while now. I was debunking this one back at the begining when 911truth site claimed that dust was a gas, and thus obeyed thermal expansion laws O_o... I laughed and emailed them, as did other people I know. The site went offline and went to the homeland serutery website... I laughed more. Sadly it came back, with more crackpot ideas and wrong assumptions.

A skeptics work is never done..

I hope to be a good part of the community, and help out

[treble_head]

Hello. My name is Michael. I'm from Scotland.
I've been interested in the paranormal for many years, and have been looking for evidence for a little less.

Over the years I've become more and more skeptical, accepting less and less as fact. Also I've came to question people reasons for saying various things.

I tend to be mostly involved with conspiracies, mostly currentlythe 9/11 one. I've pointing out what happened, and holes and so fourth in loose change, and whatever other ones are out there for a while now. I was debunking this one back at the begining when 911truth site claimed that dust was a gas, and thus obeyed thermal expansion laws O_o... I laughed and emailed them, as did other people I know. The site went offline and went to the homeland serutery website... I laughed more. Sadly it came back, with more crackpot ideas and wrong assumptions.

A skeptics work is never done..

I hope to be a good part of the community, and help out

Welcome, Contra. You aren't named for the awesome 80s Nintendo game by Konami, are you? ;)

[contra]

Yes. Yes I am. It was an awesome game. Is sorry.
god i'm looking forward to downloading me on the Wii
>__>
wait...

I started this username at Gamefaqs.com. There I'm Contra 9. Thus the gaming reference.

[treble_head]

Yes. Yes I am. It was an awesome game. Is sorry.
god i'm looking forward to downloading me on the Wii
>__>
wait...

I started this username at Gamefaqs.com. There I'm Contra 9. Thus the gaming reference.

Cool. My favorite nintendo game was Super C (the REAL sequel to Contra, none of that "Contra Force" crap). I 've been known to beat it without dying. That is sad. I'll go back into the geek corner now.

[Hutch]

I'm Crystal, 28, from St. Louis...
I've been binging on the skeptical literature pretty hard for the past couple years, reading Randi, Skeptic, Skeptical Inquirer, some Nickell, Shermer, and Gardner too, and of course good ol' P&T.
I found "Flim-Flam" in a used bookstore, filed in with the paranormal gobbledygook, and I've never looked back -- though I still do read the stuff for laughs (and just picked up a first edition of The Interrupted Journey at the St. Louis Book Fair for a buck... whatta deal).
This looks like a good forum. *smile* I'm glad to be here.
I was wondering... Is there any kind of skeptical group in St. Louis? I've been trying to turn one up since I moved here last year, to no avail...

Welcome crystal, I lived in St. Louis (Florissant) from 1985-1997, and spent a fair amount of money at the Book Fair (is it still held in Crestwood in the big tent?

I don't know if there are any groups or not in St. Louis, you might PM Upchurch (he's in St. Louis) and see if he knows of any.

[Hutch]

High I am JollyRoger I have always been fascinated with the Paranormal, Witchcraft, ESP, :D but no one seems to be comfortable talking about it.:jaw-dropp so here I am, I try not to take myself to seriously hmmm. My sense of humor has a tendency to be a bit warped at times.:eek: I have seen stuff I cant explain :shocked: But am reluctant to talk about the specifics (nothing that would win the challenge) :( I do manage to find a logical explanation for some of it,:boggled: have been on a few forums :blush: but this is like the only one I am a member of (I hope the other forum moderators don't get made at me):scared: I am a combination of Open minded Sceptically and believer, and a bit of a clown at time, and welcome any and all replies and debates from the stuff I post

hope to read from you soon


Well, since you like smilies so much...

:th: :w2:

[Hutch]

I tend to be mostly involved with conspiracies, mostly currentlythe 9/11 one. I've pointing out what happened, and holes and so fourth in loose change, and whatever other ones are out there for a while now. I was debunking this one back at the begining when 911truth site claimed that dust was a gas, and thus obeyed thermal expansion laws O_o... I laughed and emailed them, as did other people I know. The site went offline and went to the homeland serutery website... I laughed more. Sadly it came back, with more crackpot ideas and wrong assumptions.

A skeptics work is never done..

I hope to be a good part of the community, and help out

9/11 conspiracy? Have you been over to read the "Loose Change" thread?(bring your lunch, It'll take all day). They could deploy you to the Loose Change board and see how long you last there (I think they have been booting JREF'ers off at the rate of about 1 every two days or so).

Welcome.

[fuelair]

C5X have you tried the St. Louis fandom site (go to dogpile (they won't let me enter the url so enter it in your favorite search engine and them make it your favorite search engine - useful suggestion not order!!) enter St. Louis Sceptics hit Fetch click on St. Louis Fandom). Sf fandom is (surprisingly to many) a hot-bed of sceptism (and, I fear, the polar opposite) and there is a lot of activity in/from the group. If nothing else, they are likely to know about this at the local level. And they throw a pretty good convention!! Best!!

[Tailgater]

Hello everyone. I also found my way here in response to the loose change vid. I have a friend that believes that the government is watching him take a crap every morning and monitoring his sleep. jk. Anyway, he sent me the video and i spent the next day looking for sites to research it and found the jref loose change forum. After 5 weeks of trying to read it and connecting links, I finally registered here. Plus, I love puzzles and jokes. I found those threads very entertaining. I guess I would consider myself 75% skeptic on alot of the the threads here, but I'll never close my mind to the unknown.:boggled:

[crystalfiverx]

Welcome crystal, I lived in St. Louis (Florissant) from 1985-1997, and spent a fair amount of money at the Book Fair (is it still held in Crestwood in the big tent?

I don't know if there are any groups or not in St. Louis, you might PM Upchurch (he's in St. Louis) and see if he knows of any.

Thanks, Hutch... The fair was in Des Peres, in the parking garage outside the mall by 270. It was pretty neat. *s*
Thanks for the tip and the welcome, and I like your tagline -- I've been tearing through all the Heinlein I can get my hands on lately, too.