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

[flopsy]

Please insert appropriate salutation.

Please insert appropriate greeting.

Please accept my apologies for this intrusion, and my thanks for providing such an easily navigated approach vector. May I request your patience while I attempt to introduce myself?

The writer is designated flopsy for the purposes of this exercise. Flopsy is a minimally facilitated autistic communications interface. It will take some time to understand your idiolect, and bring my systems up to speed. Hopefully, you shall educate me as to the manner in which you derive your reckonings.

I do not subscribe to the either/or paradox. I hope crossfertilization will prevail.

As my years advance, I find that there are too many eddies in the datastream to ignore. I am forced to assume asyet unelucidated forces are at play. I hope to be able to submit my deconstructions for your critique.

[wollery]

Please insert appropriate salutation.

Please insert appropriate greeting.

Please accept my apologies for this intrusion, and my thanks for providing such an easily navigated approach vector. May I request your patience while I attempt to introduce myself?

The writer is designated flopsy for the purposes of this exercise. Flopsy is a minimally facilitated autistic communications interface. It will take some time to understand your idiolect, and bring my systems up to speed. Hopefully, you shall educate me as to the manner in which you derive your reckonings.

I do not subscribe to the either/or paradox. I hope crossfertilization will prevail.

As my years advance, I find that there are too many eddies in the datastream to ignore. I am forced to assume asyet unelucidated forces are at play. I hope to be able to submit my deconstructions for your critique.Umm, yeah, whatever. Hi dude! :D

[kittens=poptarts]

Ok, since I can't start a new thread yet - anyone going to the FFRF con in SF? Spouse and I are going and it'd be cool to meet someone who's going to TAM5 also, so we'd have at least one acquaintance.

So, anyone?

k=p

[Hutch]

Greetings and salutations.

Name's Patrick, and I've been a skeptic and atheist for about ten years now. This is all the more surprising considering I was brought up in Dry Fork, Virginia, just down the road from Danville, VA, the so-called "City of Churches." I'm also an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church, but this is solely for comedic reasons.

I found the JREF site a few weeks ago and I've been working steadily through the commentary archives since then. I'm not a member but, as soon as I get some cash flow, I fully intend to become one...

Welcome Pastor Patrick...;) Like you, I started with spending a week or so catching up with the commentaries and then lurking for a couple weeks at the board before joining.

As a 2006 JREF Member myself, I appauld your willingness to join. Welcome to the Forum.

[Mr. Skinny]

THIS thing here calls himself a forum deity?!? :(:(:( Hel-lo, Skinny, how 'bout me? Man, I thought most people knew where I come from by now...

:p


Dude...I sincerely apologize. Must have had a hard day at work that day.

I can't even remember where I come from some days! :)

[Level]

Hello strangers,

I'm a freshman here at the University of Texas in Austin. I've been lurking for about 6 months and finally decided to register.

What else goes in an introduction post?

I'm 18 and very interested in the way the universe operates. I'm thinking of either ecology or zoology as a major, but haven't made up my mind. I'm not very good at math and thus shy away from anything beyond calculating a limit.

Evolutionary psychology fascinates me.

Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett are three of the men I admire most. I'm not religious although 95% of everyone I know is.

I race motocross on the weekends.

I want an avatar.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi, Level.

Glad you could join us. At 18 you'll be one of the younger members, however, I believe it's intellect, not age, that should count here.

As far as math skills go, you'll need them in ecology or zoology, I would think (but I'm an engineer, and don't know much about e-col-ogy, don't know much zoo-ol-ogy *sorry, Sam Cooke just invaded my mind*)

Anyhow, welcome and hope you have a cool avatar prepared!

[Craig]

Hello!

Thought I'd better start here! I'm Craig, I'm 20 years old and I'm currently an art student here in Dundee, Scotland.

Long time no post!

[skeptic griggsy]

I will soon gladly read my copy of Frederick Crews's 'Follies of the Wise," mainly because he strikes against theistic evolution, but the material on the paranormal will be interesting. I am a strong atheist/anti-theist . What is interesting about me is that I am a schizotypal who is supposed to believe in the supernatural and the paranmormal and other weird stuff, but I abjure all that . Any other shizos here?

[Hawk one]

Dude...I sincerely apologize. Must have had a hard day at work that day.

I can't even remember where I come from some days! :)

Yeah well, some days I'd like to have forgotten where I come from, so I guess it all evens out, friend. ;)

[Ioudas Omnis]

Hello. I joined this place to find out what all the buzz was about at other forums I'm part of.

Then I forgot I even joined, but I'm here now, so I'll try to post.

I'm a general shut-in, I've gotten back into reading books. I read more fiction than anything. I'm in the midsts of R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt books. I also build websites, and have my own, though at the time of this writing it's under gone a strange problem (meaning my index.php page has somehow fallen off of the Internet).

Well, I don't really have a lot to say, so I'll drop it at here.

[Bunk]

Hi Ioudas and welcome.

[saganite]

Hi, all. I'm Saganite, I'm a semi-frequent poster over at Skepchicks. I just happened to mosey in this direction today, and wow, there is a lot going on here. It is really encouraging to see how active the community is.

I attended TAM3, played poker with some guys from TAM4, and am registered to attend TAM5. When I'm not ruminating on previous TAMs or making plans for future ones, then I'm busy living in Los Angeles, working as a script consultant, and having a pointless but well documented crush on Michael Shermer. And occasionally trying to get people together for atheist/skeptic meetups with the L.A. area, which is consistently frustrating and unsuccessful.

So I'm very glad to stumble upon this place.

[BrianSI]

Hey Saganite. I was "skepticool" at the skepchick forum (moons ago). I live in the LA area and would certainly be open to group meetups, in addition to the Skeptic Society talks.

Welcome to the others as well.

[tkingdoll]

Hello!

Thought I'd better start here! I'm Craig, I'm 20 years old and I'm currently an art student here in Dundee, Scotland.

Long time no post!

Welcome Craig. We're hoping to get a Scottish get-together going at some point as there are a few forumites up your way (not me though, I'm in Brum).

Have fun in the forum!

[saganite]

Hey Saganite. I was "skepticool" at the skepchick forum (moons ago). I live in the LA area and would certainly be open to group meetups, in addition to the Skeptic Society talks.

Hi BrianSI, I remember that handle. I'm currently trying to organize a future get together with the members of the Hollywood-East L.A. atheists group at the site meetup.com, so if you join that you'll be included in any plans.

[CriticalThanking]

Hi, Saganite. I remember you from skepchick. I haven't posted there in a while. And I probably won't until I go to the new metric day - the one with more than 24 hours in it. :sigh: I have the avatar of Koko the gorilla reading the book Evolution for Dummies.

Welcome.

CriticalThanking

[bonavada]

..from Swansea, Wales. UK.
always enjoyed popping in and out of this excellent site the last couple of years.
not my first post though, i guess my other posts (being so long ago) have been wiped

toodle pip

BV

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome back, bonavada. Good to see you back.



ETA: brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department.

[Katana]

Yeah well, some days I'd like to have forgotten where I come from, so I guess it all evens out, friend. ;)

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/love/458.gif

Oh, you guys are so cute.

P.S. Welcome all newbies!

[Mr. Skinny]

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/love/458.gif

Oh, you guys are so cute.

P.S. Welcome all newbies!
Oh, pi$$ off Katana, you noob! :)

Can't the forum deity express some caring emotion to one of his subjects without being ridiculed?


OK, it was quite touching the way I apologized to him (and it might come in handy some day when I'm up for a Language Award.).

[Katana]

Oh, pi$$ off Katana, you noob! :)

Can't the forum deity express some caring emotion to one of his subjects without being ridiculed?


OK, it was quite touching the way I apologized to him (and it might come in handy some day when I'm up for a Language Award.).

I'm still a noob? :(

When do I graduate?

P.S. Pi$$ off yourself, you skinny-a$$ poopie head.

[Mr. Skinny]

I'm still a noob? :(

When do I graduate?

P.S. Pi$$ off yourself, you skinny-a$$ poopie head.
Well, since you've got 1300 some posts in just 6 months or so, I guess you can graduate.

P.S. Don't diss the deity. It's bad for your complexion, it makes your teeth rot, and occasionally causes some sleeplessness. Also, like Olestra, it can sometimes cause uncontrolled bowel movements.

[5stargeneral]

Howdy.

I was not a Five Star General, or indeed even a general. I am a former senior officer at NORAD and have decided to post on this forum after having spent the past 6 months or so checking you all out.

I have evidence of massive US Government involvement in 9/11 and am willing to talk about it, although not in such a frame of reference that I could be identified. I am a little skeptical about placing the details in a CT area as what I know does not come under the heading of "Theory", but it looks like that's where it will end up regardless. I cannot post on forums such as Loose Change. I would be believed and then be forgotten in the miasma of garbage on that forum and I believe it is time the truth was outed.

For now, I will just put one question - where is that missing Tomahawk?

Warmest Regards

5stargeneral

[Hutch]

Welcome 5-star, I'm Ulysses S. Grant....

Forgive the sarcasm, just a bit doubtful, we have heard a lot of this before. Still, if you have something we can research or discuss, the CT sub-forum has a large number of pretty brigth people, some of them involved in the Military, and at the least you can try defending your position on us before taking this nationwide (you do know that this is a public Forum with thousands of hits per day all over the world?)

Anyway, welcome and lets see what you have to say.

[chipmunk stew]

Howdy.

I was not a Five Star General, or indeed even a general. I am a former senior officer at NORAD and have decided to post on this forum after having spent the past 6 months or so checking you all out.

I have evidence of massive US Government involvement in 9/11 and am willing to talk about it, although not in such a frame of reference that I could be identified. I am a little skeptical about placing the details in a CT area as what I know does not come under the heading of "Theory", but it looks like that's where it will end up regardless. I cannot post on forums such as Loose Change. I would be believed and then be forgotten in the miasma of garbage on that forum and I believe it is time the truth was outed.

For now, I will just put one question - where is that missing Tomahawk?

Warmest Regards

5stargeneral
Wow! A real insider! I can't wait to hear what you have to say! This could be the scoop of the century! I am deeply humbled that you have chosen us to reveal your story to. (Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Loose Change!)

I offer you my warmest welcome, and I bow before you.

[Zygar]

I've been posting a couple days now, and just realized that I never introduced myself. I've religiously read Swift for around 6 years, but never looked at the forums until last week.

I grew up in Utah. Yes, in a Mormon family. No, my dad has only ever had one wife, and they are still married. I'm now an athiest, in great part thanks to Randi, but I have always been a skeptic.

I have never been good at focusing on one thing, so I am a Software Engineer, but my majors were Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics, and I never did quite finish either degree.

In general my interests range from myths and mythology to linguistics to fluid dynamics. Jack of all trades, master of none.

[wollery]

I've religiously read Swift for around 6 years, Interesting way of putting it! :D

Welcome.

[John Blonn]

Hey all. New member here. I'm 22 years old, graduate student at Cornell (Science and Technology Studies). I have a BA in chemistry.

Finding this forum has been a breath of fresh air - the various insanities that I read and hear about every day (including the inane 9/11 conspiracy theories) are driving me crazy. It seems critical thinking and intellectual honesty are not valued traits in our day and age. Glad to find a place that values the traditions of the Enlightenment. Nice to (eventually) meet you all :)

[bob_kark]

Welcome Mr. Blonn! Feel free to have no mercy at the various woos that define our resistance.

[Xenomorph911]

I'm 31 from the US, and have become somewhat of an independant video researcher of 9/11. I actually only joined to post a link to a video in response to the Mark Heath Video. The one I just put up is slightly longer. And the original version which aired on 9/11. Including Dr. Heath talking about secondary explosions. It's up in response to the other one if anyone wants to take a look. I'll also be putting up some more rare footage I've dug up. Nice to meet everyone! -Xenomorph911

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi, Xenomorph911. Go ahead and post it in the Conspiracy Theories sub-forum. Not sure who Mark Heath is, but perhaps others are aware.

Anyhow, welcome.

[Oroborus]

Wow, unfortunatly I'm going to break precedence and keep my introduction concise. It's really just a repeat of the introduction I derailed a thread with (to be fair it was already a wreck).

I've been reading over the forums for the last few days and imagine my shock and awe at finding a forum brimming over with intelligent and informative people. And even more rare a great sense of kindness and community. I hope I'll have the ability to contribute to the conversations and more importantly the sense when not to. Apparently if nothing else I'll provide exceptional flattery. Anywho, hello *insert smiley face that apparently my post count doesnt yet warrant *

[Dogdoctor]

Welcome Oroborus. It sounds like you should do well here especially if you are good at flattery. :welcomeb: Make sure you say something nice about kittynh . well not only her, most of the women love to be flattered

[LibraryLady]

Welcome Oroborus. It sounds like you should do well here especially if you are good at flattery. :welcomeb: Make sure you say something nice about kittynh . well not only her, most of the women love to be flattered

Not me. I don't like to be flattered. Not at all. But if you want to comment on my obvious intellect, my shapely figure, and my gorgeous face, you are welcome to do so.

Oh, and welcome to all newbies. Be careful what you say about budgies.

[Maske]

Hi,

I’m from Finland, 26 year old, and have been lurking around here for ~6 months reading and enjoying your forum. Former member of the Finnish Skeptics (and soon to be again). Rabid hater of the woo-woo and much appalled by illogic. What appears to be logical to most of us just does not seem to be so to some people. I’ll stop whining now, and hope that I can give something meaningful back to this forum some day. Have got a lot of helpful tips and advice form you. ;)



Thanks!
Yours, Marcus

[Orange Coyote]

I'm Doug. I live in Orange County, California and regularly attend the Skeptic Society lectures in Pasadena. I'm proud to have interviewed Mr. Randi (on KUCI) and then meet him in person when he spoke at UC Irvine in 2000.

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome Orange Coyote.

I'm green with envy. I'd love to attend some of those lectures, but it's about a five or six hour drive from here in Phoenix.

[logical muse]

I'm not a new poster, but I've been inactive since April. Last week I started posting again. Just little ones, just to test the water, as it were.

It feels like I'm new here all over again.

[Dogdoctor]

I'm not a new poster, but I've been inactive since April. Last week I started posting again. Just little ones, just to test the water, as it were.

It feels like I'm new here all over again.

Hello logical muse, Did you post on tkingdolls lurkers thread? http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1974359#post1974359

What have you been up to anyway?

[logical muse]

Hello logical muse, Did you post on tkingdolls lurkers thread? http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1974359#post1974359

What have you been up to anyway?
Yeah I did. I stopped frequenting the forum for a little while, then lurked for a couple of months and now look, here I am posting again.

Umm, well I've been keeping myself busy with my radio show (I work as a volunteer at a community radio station), I'm organising a concert (benefit gig, I don't get paid), and I launched a music download store a couple of months ago. No one's buying though. Oh, and I was fortunate enough to interview both Joe Satriani and Yngwie J. Malmsteen recently.

A paper I co-authored is being published in a journal soon, which is exciting for me as I'm not really an academic or learned in any real way.

Apart from those fun things, I've been questioning my ability to contribute meaningfully and productively to society. A job would be good. Alas, I fear I am unemployable...

Still, once my confidence builds up, I hope to be able to make some worthwhile posts in this forum.

[Tanstaafl]

Oh, and I was fortunate enough to interview both Joe Satriani and Yngwie J. Malmsteen recently.

Ah! Two of my son's heroes! I think he has met them both too, at least Joe.

Welcome!

[ArmillarySphere]

Just discovered this thread, so I'll have a go too.

Hi all *waves*

I came here from the BAUT forum - I'm mainly into Apollo, and from there the step to debunking the Moon Hoax is pretty short. It's somewhat entertaining - usually the arguments are pretty trivial, but every once in a while you learn something new. Got a job in computers instead of a physics degree, but I like to revisit my training once in a while.

What else? I like astronomy, and history. Hence my nick.

[logical muse]

Ah! Two of my son's heroes! I think he has met them both too, at least Joe.

Welcome!

Thanks. I'll PM you some details.

[Orange Coyote]

Welcome Orange Coyote.

I'm green with envy. I'd love to attend some of those lectures, but it's about a five or six hour drive from here in Phoenix.

Thanks, Tanstaafl. (I like that name.) Sunday's lecture with Owen Gingerich, Richard Sloan, and Sam Harris was really good.

Where are you doing community radio, Logical Muse? I got to interview a lot of really interesting people when I did this at KUCI.

[logical muse]

Where are you doing community radio, Logical Muse? I got to interview a lot of really interesting people when I did this at KUCI.
So far from KUCI that it's like a whole other country! A whole other hemisphere in fact!

It's just a little community radio station in Australia.

[Esperdome]

Welcome Maske, I'm sure you will find many others from Scandinavia posting here.

Welcome, ArmillarySphere, can't ever have too many astronomers around here. I was named after my great-great-grandfather who may have been named after an astronomer. (an anti-Copernican though, so I don't brag about it.)

And welcome back, logical muse.

[AtaraX]

First I want to thank you and say I admire your deadication to the JREF for reading this far into the newb thread. Honestly, I think I will quickly disapear into the other threads and never look back.

I'm from a little place called North Bay, Ontario. I went to university at Carleton in Ottawa, Canada. I majored in philosophy and and Japanese but have always had a keen interested in science. I have spend most of my adult life in Japan and I'm currently a high school English teacher in the countryside of Japan near a couple of hours bus or train away from Tokyo.

I have always been one of those stuborn people who have to see things for themselves and need to know the answer to the question why. That's why I studied philosophy, that's why I came to Japan.

There have been a few disillusionments on the way. Martial arts and philosophers like Hegel spring to mind.

I am eager to connect up with any skeptic societies, philosophy or science discussion groups in the Tokyo area. Please PM me or post if you have any information.

I am also coming to TAM5 this year. I even forked out the $500 for the hob-nobbing dinner. I convinced myself that I paying for a second-order purpose. I didn't pay $500 to meet the likes of Randi and Phil Plait, I paid $500 to meet the kind of people would pay $500 to meet the likes of Randi and Phil Plait. :) Plus the money is going to a good cause.

[Mr. Skinny]

I convinced myself that I paying for a second-order purpose. I didn't pay $500 to meet the likes of Randi and Phil Plait, I paid $500 to meet the kind of people would pay $500 to meet the likes of Randi and Phil Plait. :) Plus the money is going to a good cause.
LOL! :)

I think I like you already AtaraX!

Welcome aboard.

[AtaraX]

LOL! :)

I think I like you already AtaraX!

Welcome aboard.

Thanks! I invite you to be the first third order guest at the dinner: paying $500 to meet people who are paying $500 to meet people who are paying $500 to meet people like Randi and Phil Plait.

[Hutch]

Another Newbie to add to the TAM5 Forum attendees lists. Welcome AtaraX and look forward to meeting you in Vegas in about 3 months. Be sure to check on the TAM & Other Meetings Sub-Forum here for activities we Forumites tend to do.

[SimonD]

Hi my name is Simon and I am from Australia.

Never been on a forum before - so please be gentle!!

[Marquis de Carabas]

Do you like to do drawerings?

[hcmom]

I don't suppose I qualify as a new member, 'tho I think I cruised through here on my way to bigger and badder threads (ok, I got distracted and never made it to the badder ones...). But I have a sorta newbie-ish question, and instead of trying to find the answer myself, I figured I might as well ask here.

Is there a key available to explain why certain threads have certain symbols in the column to the left of the thread title? Some of them are glaringly obvious, even to me, but I've got no idea about others...

[Marquis de Carabas]

When you start a new thread, below the text window there's a selection of 14 icons you can place next to the thread. So whatever icon you see is there because the thread starter felt it should be.

[Brainache]

Hi my name is Simon and I am from Australia.

Never been on a forum before - so please be gentle!!

G'day Simon.
There are a few Aussies here and one or two Kiwis. Kinda funny that you want people to be gentle with you and the first response is from the Marquis(don't mention the goat, unless you're into that kind of thing).

[Marquis de Carabas]

Hey! I can be gentle. Ask the goats.

[SusanB-M1]

Brainache and Marquis de Carabas

May I just drop in here and ask you to describe very briefly what your avatars are? Brainache's appears to be a sort of cloud drifting in a north-easterly direction, and M de S's as a dark rectangle with a lighter coloured something at either side.

This ought to go in 'Treble-head's avatars' thread really, but as you will probably both look here again, thought I'd put the question here. Thanks.

[Brainache]

http://imgsrc.hubblesite.org/hu/db/2005/12/images/s/formats/web.jpg

Mine is a picture of Jupiter showing dark spots after the impacts associated with Comet Shumaker-Levy 9.

[hcmom]

If I remember the photos thread correctly, it's his eyes in negative. But I could be wrong...

[SusanB-M1]

Thank you for these two answers.

[hcmom]

You're quite welcome, but I'm thinking my answer might have been a little better if I had specified who I was referring to. Although I'm sure you figured it out...

Here's a link if you'd like to see the real thing.
He looks a lot less Marquis-ish in color! (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1894900#post1894900)

[mitchpowell]

Hi! I thought I'd poke my head out of the shadows for a second just to let you know I'm here.

I'm lurking around until I have something really amazing to contribute.

Do alien anal probes count as amazing?

I'll go into details later, if so.

[Elentar]

I've been visting Randi's site for the last three or four years, but I had forgotten that I had registered on his forums (doh!) I hang out at a lot of forums: Sam Harris, Slashdot, political forums, etc. I believed in religion up until shortly after 9/11, though I suspect I haven't believed in God for some time, and never really had much use for the conventional Christian God. But it took Muslim fanatics and equally fanatical Christians to make me realize that religion was actually a bad thing, and now I'm making up for lost time. Remember Falwell and Robertson's execrable performance that day? As the Onion said about Falwell, "Is this guy a dick or what?"

So, oddly enough, I must credit Osama bin Laden, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson for converting me to atheism. Good job, you raving asshats! As a result, I know find myself reading lots of Dawkins, Shermer, Dennet, Randi, have gained a new appreciation for Douglas Adams (who I always liked anyways), and I amuse myself by arguing with believers of all kinds--religious, new age, conspiracy, or just plain flakes.

So, where do you keep your religious nuts...

[Mr. Skinny]

Elentar, religious nuts go to the Religion sub-forum.

mitchpowell, anal probe discussions would be the General Skeptcism and the Parnormal sub-forum.

Welcome to both of you!

[LaPalida]

Greetings.

My name is Anna and I have joined the forums sometime ago but I haven't posted anything until now. I love what Randi is doing for our world and I want to be a part of the community in some small way. So just saying hello for now :)

[Mr. Skinny]

Greetings.

My name is Anna and I have joined the forums sometime ago but I haven't posted anything until now. I love what Randi is doing for our world and I want to be a part of the community in some small way. So just saying hello for now :)

Welcome, LaPalida

Just pop into Community forum and make a post about something that you are interested in.

Then watch your thread slide off of page one when no one responds to it, and then you get depressed, and start a new thread about being depressed and no one responds to that either, then you decide to go to the RaptureReady forum and,....

never mind.

[LaPalida]

Ha! Not likely. I'm female and we get alot more attention :). Watch as my threads glow with replies and your prediction crumbles to ashes.

[wollery]

Ha! Not likely. I'm female and we get alot more attention :). Watch as my threads glow with replies and your prediction crumbles to ashes.You'll have to compete with Teek and Rebecca, and that takes some doing!

[LaPalida]

Who says I have to compete anything! I say we're all on the same side... the skepchick side :D

...boobies win.

[Marquis de Carabas]

Brainache and Marquis de Carabas

May I just drop in here and ask you to describe very briefly what your avatars are? Brainache's appears to be a sort of cloud drifting in a north-easterly direction, and M de S's as a dark rectangle with a lighter coloured something at either side.

This ought to go in 'Treble-head's avatars' thread really, but as you will probably both look here again, thought I'd put the question here. Thanks.
Heh. I actually rarely check this thread. The earlier answer given is correct, though I may point out that I am now short-haired and clean-shaven.

[wollery]

Who says I have to compete anything! I say we're all on the same side... the skepchick side :D

...boobies win.Oh, you're good! ;)

[hcmom]

Who says I have to compete anything! I say we're all on the same side... the skepchick side :D

...boobies win.
Hey, I think we have a job for you over here:

We're revolting! (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=57382)

I don't know what job, but it sure as heck beats hitting you head against the wall in the other threads...

[Foolmewunz]

Don't fall for it, Anna! It's a trap! Save humor from the Humor Forum - keep it in politics and religion where it belongs!

(As someone wiser than me once noted, it shouldn't be referred to as The Humor Thread, but as The "Humor" Thread....)

ETA: Oh, and... "Welcome"!

[Brainache]

Did someone say boobies?
Welcome La Palida!
I knew a girl called Anna once, but she was from Armenia. Do you know her?

[jmontecillo01]

Hi

My name is Joseph from Australia. I have been coming here for a long time but I only joined today. I normally just browse the threads as I don't think I have much to contribute. I am amazed by the intelligence the people in this site.

I joined because for the last 2 days, there are threads that were started that caught my eye. I thought I'll try to contribute a little to the discussion.

I started out in life as a devout Christian as my grandfather was a Methodist minister. Something happened to me way back 1988 that made me to examine my beleifs. I am now an agnostic.

I still have a lot of things unanswered. For example, how much coincedences has to happen before we stop calling them coincedences.

I have been reading the applications for the million dollar challenge. I guess the one from Bill Perron is a classic.

If JREF decides that he passed the test, then he wins the million. The thing is he added this statement:

THEN I WILL OBSERVE HOW MR. RANDI FRAUDENTLY GETS OUT OF PAYING ME THE MILLION DOLLARS THAT I WIN.

So if JREF says he failed and does not give him the money, then technically, he is right about that prediction, so he wins. It is a catch-22 situation for JREF

Anyway, I hope I can contribute to the discussions in this board.

[wollery]

Hi

My name is Joseph from Australia. I have been coming here for a long time but I only joined today. I normally just browse the threads as I don't think I have much to contribute. I am amazed by the intelligence the people in this site.

I joined because for the last 2 days, there are threads that were started that caught my eye. I thought I'll try to contribute a little to the discussion.

I started out in life as a devout Christian as my grandfather was a Methodist minister. Something happened to me way back 1988 that made me to examine my beleifs. I am now an agnostic.

I still have a lot of things unanswered. For example, how much coincedences has to happen before we stop calling them coincedences.

I have been reading the applications for the million dollar challenge. I guess the one from Bill Perron is a classic.

If JREF decides that he passed the test, then he wins the million. The thing is he added this statement:

THEN I WILL OBSERVE HOW MR. RANDI FRAUDENTLY GETS OUT OF PAYING ME THE MILLION DOLLARS THAT I WIN.

So if JREF says he failed and does not give him the money, then technically, he is right about that prediction, so he wins. It is a catch-22 situation for JREF

Anyway, I hope I can contribute to the discussions in this board.Greetings Joseph, good to have you aboard.

To answer one or two of your questions.

Coincedences are coincedences no matter how often they happen. One of the most important things you must remember as a scientist is that correlation does not imply causation. Check out the flying spaghetti monster site and its graph of global temperature against number of pirates (http://www.venganza.org/piratesarecool4.jpg). It's a perfect example of a stunning coincedence that's just that.

Also, Bill Peron's prediction is only true if the money is withheld fraudulently, which given the number of lawyers involved is highly unlikely to happen, whatever Bill Perron says.

[UnderTow]

Greetings all :)
I can't really say I've looked around here much, but at least it's better (in fourm software sence) than LibertyForum /shudder

My real purpose here is to reply to a post by AntiSophist (cc: Apathoid)
Oh joy oh joy the fun we're going to have...

[gunslinger]

New here!

I just have a few questions....

Is there a secret handshake?
Do I get Pie?
Can I win the Million by being able to fart the alphabet?
Goats or sheep?

[wollery]

Greetings to UnderTow and gunslinger.

Is there a secret handshake?
Do I get Pie?
Can I win the Million by being able to fart the alphabet?
Goats or sheep?Yes, but you need 1,000 posts before you're elligible to learn it.
Yes, and get me some while you're at it.
No, that's abnormal, not paranormal.
According to the Marquis de Carabas it's definitely goats.

[hcmom]

Gotta love UnderTow, who joined the forum for the sole purpose of taunting someone!

[dglas]

Gotta love UnderTow, who joined the forum for the sole purpose of taunting someone!

Why am I not surprised HCMom woold empathize with such a motivation... :D

[dglas]

Why am I not surprised HCMom woold empathize with such a motivation... :D

This is a test of HCMoms' wilpower .

[hcmom]

This is a test of HCMom's willpower .

Did I pass?

Boy, bunny stew starts sounding more attractive every day....

I wouldn't tempt me if I were you...

[Garb]

Hey nice to be here. The name is Tony, I live in Michigan, and I learned about this forum a couple days ago. I've been active in the "Screw Loose Change" forum discussing fallacies in the 9/11 "truth movement" and whatnot and I hope to continue that here with many intelligent people. I've been browsing the conspiracy forum and it seems like you guys got a great hold on 9/11 so it will be very interesting to discuss these issue with you guys.

[dglas]

Welcome to the JREF boards, Garb. You'll find that we are a very friendly bunch who would never dream of tenderizing, cooking and consuming fellow board members - however atrocious their spelling and grammar.

[Jedi mind trick]
HCMum, the bunney, your looking for, is'nt here.
[/Jedi mind trick]

[hcmom]

.....huh......

Why am I here...or do I mean hare....

...huh.....

[EnergeticChemistry]

Hello!

I'm Andrew, a chemistry major about to finish up his degree this spring (then on to grad school). Unfortunately, none of this is why I am joining this forum. I've heard that there are some people here that are talented at giving advice (I'd get off topic if I started talking about 9/11 conspiracymongers), so I'm going to see what I can find.

I believe it was 2 years ago now that my mother had her thyroid chemically destroyed. Since then, her medication hasn't been doing a good job of keeping her chemical levels stable (she's finally going to a more qualified specialist in December). But here is my problem: Our family doctor, whom i've seen for a good decade, has seemingly gone on a homeopathy kick with my mother. First it was some colon cleansing kit (I won't go there). Then, my mother was recommended to a homeopathy shop downtown (This is in Oshkosh, Wisconsin). At first, she was 'prescribed' some vitamin drops, and something that was supposed to make her feel better (I believe the incredients were water and sodium silicate). Now, I talked to her today and the same specialist gave here an 'electromagnetic sea salt bath' that supposedly was to rid her body of toxins, etc. The specialist pointed out little 'worms' coming out of her feet, and said they were liver parasites that were being rid from her body. Imagine your mother telling you this in the most amazed tone of voice.

I care about my mother very much, and am hoping to find some advice to give her, lest I go downtown to see the specialist and end up in jail.

I was introduced to Randy through my philosophy of science course, which spent a great deal on pseudoscience. I am also a follower of the "9/11 conspiracy theorists are legally insane" group.

I hope to become an active member of this forum.

[borbelly]

Hi, I'm George, and joined because lots of people say that differences in audio speaker cables and interconnects are not audible. I have experienced the contrary, and wish to see if a subject like this is fit for application to the challenge.

Do I just send in the application and worry about the protocol later as it evolves?

[Enlightenment]

Well, I posted a long introduction, but it was erased because I posted a smiley. Heh.

Long story short, I'm a student at the University of Texas majoring in biology and history. I look forward to some inteligent debate on these forums. I've seen many insightful posts on various topics here.

Cheers!

[De_Bunk]

Hi...I'm De_Bunk

I am the current Reverend at a small church in Trumpton and would welcome any questions as to why i know, 100%, without any doubt ( and which i can prove absolutely) that God exists.



DB

[Hutch]

Uuuummppp...grunt...quit poking me in the ribs, youse guys...Oh what--my turn to welcome the newbies again...grumble, grumble, grumble...;)

Welcome, Energetic Chemistry. There are more than a few people here who know exactly what you are talking about, seek them in the Medical Sub-Forum and maybe they can help out.

And welcome, borbelly. I believe (and I am not a member of the JREF so I cannot speak for them) that this would be a legitimate challenge. But if it is just a matter of you saying "I can tell the difference" it might need a particualr protocol. There is a Sub-Forum for Challenges where you can discuss what needs to be done to make a valid challenge. Be aware that with Randi's recent health problems the Challenge may take awhile to be answered.

And welcome enlightenment (finding Texas and Enlightenment mentioned together is a rather rare occurence here...:p ). Plenty of intelligent debate here--but not much intelligent design.

And to all newbies: Beware De_Bunk; Beware the Thane of Middle England! :)

[Larry O'Hara]

I just posted half a page, but it was erased because I used a smiley...Will try again, but not just yet...Annoying.....

[hcmom]

I just posted half a page, but it was erased because I used a smiley...Will try again, but not just yet...Annoying.....

Well, there you go...that's what you get for trying to smile in your first post!

[Marquis de Carabas]

Well, I posted a long introduction, but it was erased because I posted a smiley. Heh.

Long story short, I'm a student at the University of Texas majoring in biology and history. I look forward to some inteligent debate on these forums. I've seen many insightful posts on various topics here.

Cheers!
\m/

[Minadin]

Hey guys, I'm a new registrant to the forums also.

I mostly signed up today because I wanted to post on the thread for what you won't hear CT'er say, but hopefully I'll be able to chime in with some professional insight from time to time as well. I heard about you all because I've been following the ScrewLooseChange blog for a bit, after being confronted with that awful "documentary".

As far as a little background on me, I'm a graduate architect, which means that I have a professionally recognized degree in architecture, and am working toward a professional liscense, but am not liscensed yet. I do work in the construction industry as a building designer, however, and have for a couple of years now. Which means I'm still relatively fresh, and under-experienced, but knowledgeable enough to be "dangerous", and I also have access to resources and people with experience (experts) in the field, such as (real) architects, civil and structural engineers, and the like, as well as all of the current and most of the past building codes and standards in the US.

I was still a student in college when the disaster of 9/11 happened. I recall the morning very vividly, as I had fallen alseep in my apartment with the TV on, and woke just prior to the 2nd plane hitting the WTC. I had to go to class later that morning, and instead of learning about HVAC design, those of us who bothered to go, spent most of our time discussing the events of that day. Which, consequently, was pretty much the status quo for the next few weeks. Our structures professor in particular went into an in-depth analysis of how the towers were built, and how they failed.

So anyway, that's pretty much my story.

[crucial_fiction]

Hey all long time lurker...

Just a little about myself,

I think I've been a skeptic all my life, however I've been used to people just calling me a pessimist. I'm currently serving as a PO1 in the US Navy. I've found many articles and papers posted here on the forums EXTREMELY informative and helpful.

I found this place mainly in my interest over the ongoing evolution/id debate and have found/read many interesting viewpoints...

Hopefully I'll have the time between school/work to add to the community, thanks for the reads thus far, it has been interesting to say the very least!

[Tanstaafl]

Who says I have to compete anything! I say we're all on the same side... the skepchick side :D

...boobies win.

Well, I certainly can't argue with that! :D

And welcome!

ETA: And welcome to minadin and crucial_finction too! And Wow, I was a whole page farther behind here than I though. I'll just have to give a generic welcome to everyone else.

[Gaspode]

I've been viewing this forum for a few months now so thought it was about time I said 'Hi'.

How did I get here? It started with a story I read on the BBC News website one lunchtime in January 2006 titled "Britons unconvinced on evolution". The story reported that just under half of Britons accepted the theory of evolution. This precipitated an argument with my devout Muslim colleague which lasted over two hours and ended (amicably) in stalemate.

I've been a sceptic for as long as I can remember but was always content to go 'er, yes' everytime one of my friends mentioned 'astrology', 'crystals', 'energy', etc. But that argument led to a greater interest in the sceptical movement and eventually to the JREF forum. And wat a great place it is! An island of sanity in a mad world!

[Hutch]

Welcome Gaspode, and glad that you found us. But regarding one of your comments:

...An island of sanity in a mad world!

Well, you haven't been to our Politics area yet, have you? :eye-poppi

Welcome again.

[Dogdoctor]

Welcome Gaspode, and glad that you found us. But regarding one of your comments:



Well, you haven't been to our Politics area yet, have you? :eye-poppi

Welcome again.

I think you misunderstood him. What he meant to say somewhere in JREF there is an island of sanity amoung the madness

[Gaspode]

I see what you mean.

I think in this case 'sanity' should be considered a relative term.

[switchtech]

And I don't want any 12-step program to cure me!

I've been reading James Randi's Commentaries on JREF for a while - though I didn't join the forums until today. I first heard about James Randi on the Tonight Show. Johnny's greatest legacy may not be his extraordinary volume of comedians he introduced to the world, but that he was a consistent friend to critical thinkers.

I have to admit I've come to the world of skepticism late in life, raised in a deeply religious Nazarene family group. As a teen Uri Geller, Van Daniken, and the like filled much of the reading material in the house. Crystals, pyramids, and other New Age paraphernalia now populate my parents homes.

I tried many times to accept God and Jesus - and every time I still felt empty - no change. Eventually, I realized it wasn't me, it was the faith that wasn't right. I've studied theology at University and understand the roots of the religion so many blindly accept. Finally, as part of the Philosophy courses I learned how people professionally think about thinking. The combination of courses led to a radical realization that all this supernatural stuff is bunk.

Now I see superstition and foggy thinking everywhere I turn. Knocking on wood to fend off bad luck, belief in UFOs, ghosts, and all sorts of other untruths now stand out so clearly that I wonder I never noticed how prevalent superstition really is.

Imagine my horror to find nearly everyone around me believe in horoscopes. I'm haunted by the persistence in the believe in an afterlife in the people I know. I can't identify with the sincere belief in UFO as alien spacecraft. It scares me how many live with the phobias surrounding of 666 or the number 13 (and here i've included them both in one sentence!).

So I began to search for a refuge from the insanity. I found the Bad Astronomer, Skepticality, JREF, and a few others that sooth my ruffled sanity and clear my thinking (you don't think I come to clear thinking willingly or easily do you?). So here I am. I choose the label skeptic.

Regarding the attempt at setting the Bright meme. Few people outside the Bright movement even know about it, or apparently care. And perhaps I'm a bit put off because growing up I was always the "bright kid" despite my continuous belief in things that aren't (how bright is that?). I come to the term with negative connotations already! Perhaps in twenty years that will all change. Today I'm a skeptic.

Outside the skeptic world I'm interesting in Aviation, Photography (my web photo album is filled with photo's I've taken of aircraft). At middle age I find myself with a small family in South Central Texas (San Antonio), working on voice technology for a locally large company. I'm planning to build a small experimental airplane in the next few years and get my sport pilot license and make it back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the Annual Pilgrimage to Airventure (I've made the pilgrimage once so far, years ago).

You'll find my spectre haunting the Internet as switchtech nearly everywhere I go.

Cheers!

John B. Sandlin

[george001]

Hello,

I'm an atheist / humanist currently in Philadelphia. Been involved in atheist meetups for several years now. Having lurked here for quite awhile, I decided to sign up.

I also started contributing to Wikipedia this year, and recently removed some nonsense from the James Randi page.

[george001]

I just posted half a page, but it was erased because I used a smiley...Will try again, but not just yet...Annoying.....Note: all you need to do is press the "back" button to get back to your text.

[wollery]

Greetings switchtech, that was quite an intro, and george001, do you have a licence to kill?

[george001]

george001, do you have a licence to kill?You lost me.

ETA: Oh I get it, James Bond reference.

[ail]

Greetings,

I come from Melbourne, Australia and have recently become a member to support this worthy foundation.

I am a professional engineer and have always tried to be a critical thinker and use the scientific method in both my work and life. I have found it has helped me determine fact from fallacies and right from wrong without needing to follow supernatural or paranormal beliefs.

Like many others in Australia I was introduced to Mr Randi via that entertaining incident on the Don Lane Show in 1980 which led me to try to find out what made the host so upset. At the same time I had an interest in conjuring tricks (still do). I was 13 and found that at school I would perform simple watch stopping tricks, simple guessing games, moving compasses etc. My classmates assumed I had special powers and the increase in popularity and attention could have easily turned me to the dark side. I recall one particular teacher was encouraged by my performance as confirmation of her woo woo beliefs. Thankfully my science teachers had a greater influence on me. They taught me to find out the facts (an test them) myself rather than rely on others opinions.

This is why I am a strong supporter of the "educational" aspect of the JREF and feel more needs to be done, around the world, regarding teaching critical thinking principles particularly in early childhood.

Wishing all JREF supporters the strength to carry on.

[Dogdoctor]

:welcomee:

Sounds like you will fit right in

[Trigood]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say 'hello' and let you all know why I'm here. I really started getting interested in 9/11 last summer, and at first, sad to say, I was taken in by the CTs. Due to learning more about 9/11 (now I pretty much read whatever I can get my hands on and have time for), I've 'switched sides,' so to speak. A large part of my learning process was the blogs, as well as here on JREF Conspiracy threads, as well as the Physics forums. So, here I am signing up to join in the fun.

I've posted quite a bit on the Mike Malloy 9/11 forum. As one among a drove of CTers, it was sometimes not a pretty sight, although I learned a lot from having to vigorously defend my position. However, fighting for what one believes in, against multiple posters who can just lie and call one names, at a certain point, loses its appeal. At least here, I'll be in the majority! LOL...

Why do I fight the 9/11 CTs? Gravy's list was great. I'd like to add one reason, I'm not sure if this one was on there. I know so many really great people who are being roped into believing that 9/11 was some version of an 'inside job.' Just this morning, I ran into a great guy, we worked together on the Kerry campaign and he's a great Democrat working for reform, but he believes in this stuff. Someone even closer to me in my life has some belief in these CTs as well.

I just feel like it's important that there's a presence out there, a community if you will, of people who rely on evidence, not speculation. And I find it very sad that these people, great people, nice people, are getting fooled by so-called 'evidence.' These folks don't really have the time to investigate 9/11 carefully, so they're relying on some video on the internet, or some book that reads convincingly, and it really steers them down the primrose path, a path devoid of context and reality.

And, I also know that I can't really change another's beliefs (learned that real fast on the Mike Malloy site). So, it's a push-pull kind of thing. I want to be a presence out there for true context and evidence and science, but I know I can't push too hard. Everyone arrives at things at their own pace.

Because of my own experience, I'm almost as interested in understanding why people believe in conspiracies, than in debating the conpiracies themselves. Although I guess it goes hand-in-hand.

As for my academic background, I have degrees in both chemistry and English. As you might expect, I have a strong desire to write clearly about things scientific (and, VERY occasionally, I succeed, LOL).

So, thanks for being here and letting me join in. I also want to explore other topics in these forums, as well.

Trigood

[wollery]

Welcome Trigood, go get 'em tiger!! ;)

[Trigood]

Welcome Trigood, go get 'em tiger!! ;)
Thanks, Wollery. Good to be here. I may still go back and have some 'fun with CTers,' but I've given my pound of flesh. There's only so many times you can post reasoned arguments to be met with 'but I KNOW building 7 was demolished, you government shill' till you give up and call it a hayride.

Trigood

[ClintonHammond]

Greetings all

I've ghosted the Randi web site for a while now... Finally got around to 'joining' after talking about the place in RL with a chum at the pub.

So here I am.

:-)

[Miss Anthrope]

Hello!

I was attracted to the forums due to being a big fan of Randi's work for a very long time. I don't have a lot of time to post often, but when I can I'm lurking and gobbling up so many of the great posts and debates here.

I'm female, in my 30's, in the Seattle area. I'm a "recovering type-a" who gave up the business world to telecommute in a new field, tech related. Working from home, I also home school my children, and when time and resources allow I produce theater, as well as catch the odd vocalist and voice-over gig.

I'm an atheist, a skeptic, and have no official political affiliation. I'm somewhat libertarian in my views, but decide each issue on a case by case basis--that pretty much can put me all over the map most of the time. My primary philosophy is that I'm not fond of politicians in general, and don't trust most in the major parties more than my 2 year old can throw them.

Ok, now you know enough about me to slam me when I argue later!

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome Miss Anthrope! I love the screen name.

[Oxymoron]

Sorry didn't mean to be rude by not introducing myself. Just kind of jumped into the posting bit. I've seen a lot of interesting discussions going on, and will try to keep my own rambling nonsense to a minimum. A family member introduced me to this site because he knows my salivary glands go into overtime at the idea of questioning the existence of just about everything. :p (Even more so for the idea of the supernatural)

I can't say at this point I'm for or against things supernatural but I do keep an open mind to both sides of the fence. I think it's necessary. After all, there are three sides to everything, your's, mine, and the truth somewhere in the middle!

I look forward to learning a lot from this site and hopefully expand my own intellectual capacity! Look forward to sharing!
Cheers!

[HeyLeroy]

Greetings all

I've ghosted the Randi web site for a while now... Finally got around to 'joining' after talking about the place in RL with a chum at the pub.

So here I am.

:-)

Hey. Clinton, glad to see you aboard. About time.

Another Windsorite. Yay!

(ETA) Ail, Trigood, Miss Anthrope and Oxymoron, my apologies, I didn't mean to ignore you guys, welcome to the forum.

Oh, and Clinton?http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/6197454770e6069b1.gif

[skullerello]

I may have stated this before, but I merely joined these forums to wish Randi a speedy recovery. 'Cause I was entertained as a child, and shown that "conjuring" is just that: conjuring.
I've always enjoyed coming here just to peek in on what was going on; and, now, I'm hooked.
I used to believe that I was a fairly intelligent, well-versed individual.
But the folks on here blow me away.
Surgeons, lawyers, engineers, etc...

Plus, we have a lot of fun...

[Trigood]

Hey. Clinton, glad to see you aboard. About time.

Another Windsorite. Yay!

(ETA) Ail, Trigood, Miss Anthrope and Oxymoron, my apologies, I didn't mean to ignore you guys, welcome to the forum.

Oh, and Clinton?
Thanks for the welcome, HeyLeroy. I'm jealous of you Canadians -- you have a health care system that doesn't totally s*** (in terms of access). (Oops, hope I didn't violate rule 8 out of the gate there, so to speak...)

I'd also like to say hi to Clinton, Miss Anthrope (love that name too!), Oxymoron (close second), Joseph, Andrew (another chemistry person, yeah!), Ail from Melbourne, George001, switchtech (John - sounds like you have a lot of neat interests), Gaspode, Crucial_Fiction, and Minadin (yeah! A real architect posting reality on the 9/11 boards! I've enjoyed your posts there).

Skullerello (weird name, reminds me of Barbarella!), I agree, there are really intelligent people here. Kinda scary but also exhilarating!

And, I'm going to lose my habit of always "signing" my name. It apparently annoys some people (as I was forcefully told on Mike Malloy).

(Lookin' for an avatar, this'll be my 6th post... hmm, maybe I'll go with Wollery's allusion and look for a tigress!!)

[BrianSI]

...
As for my academic background, I have degrees in both chemistry and English. As you might expect, I have a strong desire to write clearly about things scientific (and, VERY occasionally, I succeed, LOL).
...
Trigood

Actually, well before this part of your post, I was thinking, "wow, that's some good writing." So, this maybe isn't highly scientific, but you succeeded in writing clearly.



Everyone else as well ... :welcome5

[McCulloch]

I'm McCulloch. I am a moderator at DebatingChristianity .com.
I am an atheist and skeptic.

[Trigood]

Actually, well before this part of your post, I was thinking, "wow, that's some good writing." So, this maybe isn't highly scientific, but you succeeded in writing clearly.
Awww, shucks, thanks Brian! (insert embarrassed smiley face here, I'm not allowed emoticons yet)

Can I quote that in my signature? (I see that's your goal) On second thought, naaaah. LOL....

Everyone else as well ... :welcome5

[teemacs]

Hello, I live and work in Switzerland. As a music lover and someone who has worked in professional science for nearly 40 years, I am especially, er, attracted by the staggering nonsense talked in the audio business about cables, goops, green pens, stands and other bizarre pocket-lining figments of the imagination, all aided and abetted by a supine (and downright deluded and/or dishonest) hi-fi press.

[Trigood]

Hello, I live and work in Switzerland. As a music lover and someone who has worked in professional science for nearly 40 years, I am especially, er, attracted by the staggering nonsense talked in the audio business about cables, goops, green pens, stands and other bizarre pocket-lining figments of the imagination, all aided and abetted by a supine (and downright deluded and/or dishonest) hi-fi press.
Hi teemacs,

Welcome to JREF Forums (hey, I've only been here a week, but welcoming new members is kosher, right? plus, it gets my posting total that much closer to the magic number "15", aha!)

I don't understand a single word you said (except "music" and "science,"), but, hey I'm happy to know a person from Switzerland! And, oh, by the way... can you get me tickets to the next Ste[aigu]phane Lambiel competition (or exhibition, I'm not picky) in the U.S.A.???? Tee hee hee...

Lambiel RULES!!!!!

[Gr8wight]

Greetings all

I've ghosted the Randi web site for a while now... Finally got around to 'joining' after talking about the place in RL with a chum at the pub.

So here I am.

:-)

Dude! Welcome to the JREF forums. Make sure you keep your hat in tune.

[Trigood]

HeyLeroy,

Forgot to say, luuurve your avatar!!!!!!

Made the boyfriend laugh too (his favorite book is "Bad Cats").

He and my cat have a love/hate thing goin'.

:bgrin: :c1:

[Foolmewunz]

I just posted half a page, but it was erased because I used a smiley...Will try again, but not just yet...Annoying.....

Welcome, Larry.

From the below thread, I think you'll be an interesting participant. Hope you stay around if you're not too busy battling the tinfoilers in England.
More on the left should be standing toe to toe with these idiots. Unfortunately, too many go by the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" school of thought, so ignore them as long as they hate Bush and Blair.


http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=67234

[BrianSI]

HeyLeroy,

Forgot to say, luuurve your avatar!!!!!!


Woody Allen fan?

[JanH]

Hello folks,

I have been involved online in various skeptical fora online for many, many years, but only lurked here on JREF until recently. Most of my involvement in skeptical activity here in Norway has earlier been related to creationism-evolution, but over the last months I have become the local expert on 9/11 conspiracy theories (a journalist got my phone number after I opened my big mouth. That is how you become an expert!). I have written some online articles, and currently I am writing a dead-tree article, on various aspects of 9/11 conspiracies.

I have learned a lot from the good guys at the CT forum, and hope to add some contributions as well when the time and topic allows.

I have an MA in philology (comparative religion) and have been working for a long time as a computer programmer; currently as a college lecturer in computer science. I am an atheist; my interest in religious ideas comes from growing up in the Jehovah's Witnesses. I am pretty hard-line skeptic, a big fan of James Randi's debunking books which I read a long time ago, and love a good debate on- or offline.

[JAStewart]

Hello,

I've come here from the Loose Change forums because i'm fed up of all the bitching and unprofessional dialouge that goes on over there. I'm not for or against the conspiracy right now. I am a former 9/11 CTist, but I really don't know what to believe anymore.

[skeptifem]

hello! I have been lurking for a few weeks during work. My interests include psychology, biology, video games and reading.

[Trigood]

Woody Allen fan?
Yes, my favorites are Love and Death and Manhattan Murder Mystery.

I enjoyed Scoop fairly well last summer. I disliked Crimes and Misdemeanors. Strangely, I haven't watched Annie Hall in ages so I don't even know if I would like it anymore. I enjoyed Manhattan when it came out.

I guess I see a pattern here: I think of his work like a pop song -- causes immediate enjoyment but with little longevity, except for L&D and MMM.

I would say I do not luuuurve him. ;) I love him for L&D and MMM, but let's not get carried away.

ETA: Hello to JanH, nails, and JAStewart (any relation to Jon?)

[Soapy Sam]

Hello,

I've come here from the Loose Change forums because i'm fed up of all the bitching and unprofessional dialouge that goes on over there. I'm not for or against the conspiracy right now. I am a former 9/11 CTist, but I really don't know what to believe anymore.

You don't have to believe anything, JA. Take your time. Read the posts. Mull it over. Decide what you think. Welcome to the JREF forum.

[Pompeii]

Hello folks. I have been an agnostic/atheist for some 30 years, and I just read The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. I would rate a 6 on the Dawkins believer/nonbeliever scale, so of course I feel way outnumbered here in Kansas City. I've often wished I lived in a more progressive place, but Californians have their own brand of superstition, and I find most new-age fads every bit as ludicrous as religion.

I was very much at peace with my non-beliefs and my place in society--live and let live--until five years ago when I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer and I entered the shadowy world of cancer mythology, which I found to be even sillier than religion, and more frustrating because it was often combined with religion. Such as:

Visualizing a bomb blasting your cancer cells will prevent a recurrence and everything happens for a reason. (Yes, the reasons are natural selection and other laws of the physical universe.)

Thinking positive will prevent a recurrence and God never gives you more than you can handle. (So what's up with the Golden Gate jumpers? Was God taking a break?)

Cancer is caused by depression and/or stress and God has allowed me to live because He has a plan for me. (How come it never occurs to these people that having cancer--even before it's officially diagnosed--might itself cause fatigue and depression? Concurrent events are not necessarily causal.)

Cancer is bad karma declaring itself on a physical level and mentally focusing on the "healing white light" can cure me.

I don't mind people praying for me. I find it touching. It's the rationalizing when prayers don't work that bothers me. I've seen too many positive, determined women die and heard too many cancer researchers talk to believe that survival is anything but a lucky roll of the genetic and/or medical-care dice.

I found my way to this site last night after my mom sent me a link to an Oprah show about Dr. Oz's mood diet (eating meat could mean you're angry, sweets might be a sign of depression, ice cream might mean you're anxious, salty snacks could mean you're stressed, pasta might signal loneliness or sexual frustration, all of the above might mean you're just a little bit jealous).

When I managed to stop laughing, it hit me that my sister and mother actually believe this stuff. Even beyond religion it seems our culture is permeated with a willingness to believe almost anything tossed its way. Why don't people respond: How interesting! Where can I find the clinical trials that prove this?

[hcmom]

I found my way to this site last night after my mom sent me a link to an Oprah show about Dr. Oz's mood diet (eating meat could mean you're angry, sweets might be a sign of depression, ice cream might mean you're anxious, salty snacks could mean you're stressed, pasta might signal loneliness or sexual frustration, all of the above might mean you're just a little bit jealous).


Hey! That explains why anorexics are generally so content and well-adjusted!

[Pipirr]

Hello Pompeii and a big welcome to the forum!
Same to nails, JanH and JAStewart,

See you all around!

[gaiapan]

Hi, I have been reading the weekly commentaries for years now and I enjoy all of them. Perhaps because at some point in my past I would have been willing to believe in a lot of the things that were being commented on.
Actually, it was always more like I wanted to believe in that stuff, but I could always hear a voice in the back of my head that said, "You've got to be kidding me!"
I was raised Catholic and can remember at a very young age thinking that my mother must be playing some kind of huge joke on me. I dabbled in the pagan religions for a while, but soon left that behind when I finally admitted to myself that I did not believe in any kind of god or creative force.
It is still a huge bone of contention between my mother and I. For some reason she seems to think that I am just doing all of this to punish her. She prays daily for me.
I am a dog groomer, currently. Previously I worked at a wildlife rehab facility and a zoo in Oklahoma. I read a lot, more than is probably actually healthy for me.
I have been 'lurking' on the forum for a while and thought I would finally join, though I probably won't say much. I have found that there are several very capable people who are far more eloquent than I am.
Currently, I am sturggling through the 42 page thread involving LightcreatedLife. Am I the only who noticed that he uses sought for sort? This really annoys me.

Thanks, and maybe I'll see you around

[Francesca R]

Hello acuity, We notice you haven't yet posted on our forums. Why not make your first post today by saying hello . . .Dammit, what gave it away?

I'm 31, was born Jan 1975, live in the UK, come from New Zealand. Hello.

/Francesca

[wollery]

Currently, I am sturggling through the 42 page thread involving LightcreatedLife. Am I the only who noticed that he uses sought for sort? This really annoys me.

Thanks, and maybe I'll see you aroundHi gaiapan, glad to hear you got over the religion thing. I noticed the sought/sort misuse from the very first, but then I'm a Pedantic GitTM (I must admit I've never sturggled, is it fun? :p). Most people tend to ignore such things unless they're relevant to the arguments being made. You clearly haven't got to the point in that thread where I finally snapped and told LCL.

It hasn't made any difference though! :rolleyes:

Dammit, what gave it away?

I'm 31, was born Jan 1975, live in the UK, come from New Zealand. Hello.

/FrancescaGreetings acuity, there are plenty of UK skeptics here, and there are fairly regular get-togethers around the country. You may also want to check out the UK Skeptics website (http://www.ukskeptics.com/forum/index.php).


And welcome to all the other newbies. :w2:

[hcmom]

Hi gaiapan, glad to hear you got over the religion thing. I noticed the sought/sort misuse from the very first, but then I'm a Pedantic GitTM (I must admit I've never sturggled, is it fun? :p). Most people tend to ignore such things unless they're relevant to the arguments being made.

Most people except me. I've found that there are a lot less mistakes these days when I'm around...

But I do make an effort at sitting on my hands as much as I can when it involves typos.

Unless I'm in a bad mood.

[SusanB-M1]

#218 Pompeii

Twenty years ago I had breast cancer but was very lucky with op and treatment and fell into the good statistics. People didn't try to say all that stuff to me, because they knew that it would be a waste of time! After the initial major shock, I treated every day as a bonus. That thought is no longer at the front of my mind of course, but I do wish you all the very, very best of luck. Claire Rayner (very well-known TV personality etc and used to be President of BHA) had breast cancer too but when interviewed she would say most firmly something like, 'It is not I fighting cancer, it is the doctors. I just do as I'm told.'

[Minarvia]

Hi, everyone. I guess it's time for me to finally dive in here. I came to lurk once more but got the message saying that I haven't yet posted. Well, true. I am a bit nervous, but I don't think I'll be drawn and quartered!
I am a fairly new true skeptic thanks to this very place. I came across it a couple of years ago when I really got angry at all those tv shows glorifying "psychics" and people like John Edward. Then I found the JREF and, wow, did my life change. I've always been interested in the paranormal, but never believed every claim made. Now I see how many people do and am outraged by the likes of Edward, Dubois, and Browne and am glad to find many others of the same mind.
At first I was depressed for days after having my current beliefs shattered, but now I feel freer than ever and am even more humanitarian than ever. It is a great and wonderful feeling.
Maybe I can begin to add to some of the wonderful conversations that are taking place here.

[Brainache]

Welcome Minarvia.

All contributions are welcome here(well, as long as you keep it clean and remember to blame Lisa Simpson if you don't). I think most of the people here are like you. No one has a monopoly on wisdom, everyone has something to say.
This is still the internet. The last frontier. Watch out for the goats and don't feed the trolls. All will be well.

[Minarvia]

Hi, Brainache, and thanks for the welcome! I've been scouting around and think I understand the term "troll" now. AmyWilson ring any bells?
I'll keep reading and hope to see you and others more on these boards!

[BrianSI]

Watch out for the goats ... All will be well.

More importantly, do not be a goat!


Welcome all.


@trigood, I just saw Manhattan Murder Mystery. Quite good indeed. I'm kinda new to Woody Allen, but I've recently watched most of his decently rated ones. I do have a soft spot for Take The Money and Run, even though it's pure silly (or perhaps because). And the one in my sig I quite dig.

[Graybeard6]

I have a beard and it is gray, thus my forum name. I'm a double retiree, US Army and post-military working life. I was a nuclear weapons tecnician in the army (MOS 260, 261, 262, 264, 436, 55G, 35F and 55Z, for those who care about such things. Most of my work after the army was as a technical writer/training developer. Since I have degrees in history and radio/television, I was involved in many training films and tapes.
Dinner's ready - -more later.

[Fitter]

Dinner's ready
Cool, what are we having?

[Trigood]

@trigood, I just saw Manhattan Murder Mystery. Quite good indeed. I'm kinda new to Woody Allen, but I've recently watched most of his decently rated ones. I do have a soft spot for Take The Money and Run, even though it's pure silly (or perhaps because). And the one in my sig I quite dig.
I'll check 'em out. DH sounds good. I also like Bananas and Everything you ever wanted to know about Sex....

Now if only he could repair his ragged personal reputation.... then I could actually like the guy... Well, OK he's brilliant but he sure messed up his marriage to Mia.... he's a troubled man....

[!Special]

I’ve been lurking around the JREF forum for almost a year now. This place really gives me the daily dose of sanity that I need. So for my first post I thought I’d share why I need this dose of sanity everyday.

September 23rd 2005 I decided to join a local gym. It’s a nice place and women’s only which is a major plus. I noticed that all of the women there were quite close. Come to find out that the owner goes to a church down the street. When she opened the gym she hired people who go to her church and all her customers came to the gym after hearing about it at her church. So here I am in the middle of a group of very religious women.

I could tell you some very interesting stories of happenings at my gym over the past year but instead I thought it would be best to share what happened this morning.

A woman came in this morning that I’ve only seen a few times previously. She just recently moved here from another state and it’s been a pretty difficult adjustment for her. She signed up at my gym after being told about it at church. She is a physical therapist and is very dedicated to exercising. I had decided to avoid her after our first meeting when she started talking about the process that everyone must go through to detoxify their bodies. Don’t worry I won’t go any further into that one.

Today she walked in, smiled at me, and then proceeded to get on a bike next to me. Suddenly she turns to me and says “Oh! I’m meant to be here. Listen to that music.” I just looked at her confused and she said “It’s so upbeat. Just what I needed to get me going.” I just nodded and smiled. All I could think was “This is a gym. The point is to get you moving. They aren’t going to play anything but upbeat music.” For anyone who’s interested the song was Great Balls of Fire. But as I said, I just nodded and smiled.

So she pulled out her little book that she always reads only this time she decided to tell me about her special little book. She didn’t tell me the name of it but she said that it was a story that she’s read over and over again and that she lives by. She doesn’t go anywhere without this special little book of hers. She has even underlined and highlighted passages in it. Then she said “This book led me here. I cannot live without it.” I was a bit surprised at this statement but what she said next actually made me feel physically ill. She told me about a time when she was reading her book while taking a bath. She accidentally dropped the book into the tub. Well she immediately pulled it out and let it dry. She thought for sure the book was ruined. The next day when she checked on the book all that was wrong with it was a few crinkled pages. “And I thanked god for protecting my little book because he knew without it I would be lost."

The first thing that entered my mind was actually a post that I came across here at JREF.

It takes a special kind of person to stand up in middle of a crowd of tortured, abused, crippled, dying children and shout, "Look at this! My cousin had a hang-nail cured by God!" – Yahzi

With this quote in mind I just nodded and smiled. And now I’ll always keep in mind just how “special” these women are at my gym.

About me: My name is Shay and I'm a 25 year old married woman who lives in Ohio (Cincy area). I have been an Atheist my entire life.

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome !Special.

From your screen name I wonder if you have any sort of software background. Though I actually think rational people are rather special.

[Mr. Skinny]

Interesting first post, !Special. Good to have another Buckeye on board (I'm in Dayton).

Haven't had any experiences like yours, but then again, I haven't been in a gym since high school. :)

[D2011]

Hi All

New here. Bit of a fence sitter Im afraid. Have been on various other forums over the years debating various topics of which most of topics I debated seem to get verification on this site for my views.

However, this 911 saga has me bugged & after trawling the internet on CT sites & debunking sites for answers, plus watching video,documentaries & reading articles from both camps, Im no closer to a conclusion (in my mind) as both camps are fairly biased in their arguments & I dont agree with everything either side says.

So here I am I guess to find the answers to questions I have either not found through searching the thousands of pages on this topic from both sides, or just simply missed them. Fortunately people in here have been following this topic for years ( for me its been a few months) & can point me in "a" direction. It might not be the "right" direction as far as I am concerned, but at least its "a" direction, which is better than what I have now......nothing.

So thanks for all the links. It set my mind at rest with soo many theories or incidents I would have fell for had I not come here. Now to fill in the missing pieces.

D

[D2011]

BTW, I forgot to ask. Where is the search facility on this site? I wanted to search for particular words, phrases or topics in case I posted duplicate topics or questions, but cant locate it.

Can someone tell me where to find it?

D

[hcmom]

At the top of the page, bottom right-ish of the black banner.

[D2011]

Oh I see, its called "tags", thanks.

D

[Fitter]

Oh I see, its called "tags", thanks.

D
No, it's two to the left of tags.:)

[hcmom]

The button labelled "Search"...

[D2011]

Ok, I see it now. Unless your logged in its not visible.

So 2 percularities with this site so far for me.

1) No search unless you are a member & logged in.
2) No posting urls until you have posted 15 times on this site.

Must say Ive never run into such a thing as this before. But there is a first for everything.

D

[Darat]

Oh we have a lot more peculiarities then just 2 - I mean we have the Marquis for three... Welcome!

[!Special]

Thanks for the welcome!

Tanstaafl:

Well yes I do have some software background. What gave me away? :)
BTW, I am special. I just like to think I'm not that kind of special.

Mr. Skinny:

Alright! I'm here one post and I already found another Buckeye. I'm actually not that far from you. I say the Cincy area but really I'm right off of 63 in Monroe. So it's actually faster for me to get to Dayton than Cincinnati. I have those experiences on a daily basis. It's taught me a lot about religion though since I wasn't exposed to it much growing up.

Nice to meet you both!

[Marquis de Carabas]

Oh we have a lot more peculiarities then just 2 - I mean we have the Marquis for three... Welcome!
I'm worth at least two peculiarities on my own, thank you very much.

[Pompeii]

hcmom re anorexics :wackylaugh:

Thanks Pipirr and all, and welcome to the other newbies.

BrianSI: I think it was in Allen's Hannah and Her Sisters that a character said, "If Jesus came back now and saw everything being done in his name, he would never stop throwing up."

The original (1960s) Bedazzled is a favorite of mine.

[Tanstaafl]

Well yes I do have some software background. What gave me away? :)
BTW, I am special. I just like to think I'm not that kind of special.


I took !Special as "not special". Too much C and C++ I guess. (May as well clue in the non-programmers.)

[Pompeii]

#218 Pompeii

Twenty years ago I had breast cancer but was very lucky with op and treatment and fell into the good statistics.

Congratulations, Susan. Twenty years is quite the run. After a recent X-ray revealed the beginnings of arthritis, I told my doctor: I should be so lucky that I live long enough to get geriatric diseases!

You're right about every day being a bonus. My stats are horrible (30 percent of stage IIIs make it to five years, but that number falls to 14 percent when you factor in my subtype) so I planned a funeral. Last month I passed my five-year exam. I take that as proof the universe hates you so much it will go to any lengths to foil your plans, even let you live.

I just read a wonderful cartoon book by a non-believer breast cancer patient: Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person.

[!Special]

I took !Special as "not special". Too much C and C++ I guess.

I'm a C++ girl myself. :)

(May as well clue in the non-programmers.)

Good idea. I'll eventually get around to putting something about it in my sig so that people will understand what my name means and don't think I just can't pass 1st grade English or something.

[BrianSI]

BrianSI: I think it was in Allen's Hannah and Her Sisters that a character said, "If Jesus came back now and saw everything being done in his name, he would never stop throwing up."

The original (1960s) Bedazzled is a favorite of mine.

It's time to watch "Hannah ..." again, since I don't remember that line. And Netflix doesn't have "Bedazzled", except the 2000 version. I guess I'll try a video store :covereyes

[wahrheit]

Darat Posts: 20,514
Marquis de Carabas Posts: 11,613

Wow, you guys have been busy! Since I've been absent for a year, I guess it's okay to post in here, just like new members do.

Stumbled upon this thread and noticed two familiar nicknames and felt like leaving a message and saying hello to you guys and of course the new registered members as well!

[nolandda]

I am here. This is a test/hello to everyone out there.

[hcmom]

I am here. This is a test/hello to everyone out there.

What'cha testing? Did I pass?

[Squishua]

Greetings fellow skeptics!

My name is "Squishua" (for now...) and I've been interested in science and skepticism for years now.

It all began shortly after I first gained internet access back in the early 1990's. One of the first things I tried searching for was "atheism" (yes, even before porn and video games! :D At the time I was living in a severely backward midwestern state called "Utah" and had few outlets for my doubting and inquisitive nature.

Back then, the few things I found were the skeptic listserv mailing list, a few personal websites with skeptical links, talk origins (of course!) and a transcript of Randi's lecture at Cal-Tech. These, of course, led to checking out publications from Prometheus Books, The Skeptical Inquirer magazine and CSICOP, many wonderful books by Carl Sagan, and more tinkering with a lifelong interest I've had in magic.

Even though I find that the "hard skeptic" view is more logical and honest, I like to think I am not a dogmatic skeptic.

I've even doubted things that I later proved to myself were real! For example, I was confused by the "Twins Paradox" of relativity (the special theory, that is) when I first heard of it and spent literally YEARS (off and on) trying to either "get it" or reject it as some goofy exaggeration. Granted, the context in which I learned of it was only a blurb in an ad for some Time-Life series of books, but it wasn't until I read Richard Feynman's "Six Not So Easy Pieces" that I had the "ah-ha!" moment and understood why (and how) it was true. Turns out my disbelief was due to my "common sense" belief in absolute time.

But enough about me. I look forward to reading and posting more here!

-Squish

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome, Squishua. I got to this forum by a similar route re: web searches. Glad you stumbled in here like you did.

Five years ago I was a newbie, and now I'm forum god, so opportunities abound here!

[Slimething]

Hello, I'm slimething but you can call me Luis (although those who know me revert to slimething too quickly).

I'm a chemist in the desert (Arizona) and a long-time admirer of The Great One. I am happy to be part of this forum although I'm not all that sure that I have that much to contribute. I spend my days fighting back pseudo-science but, the bureaucratic kind, not the woo woo kind. Still, I may surprise you one day.

I have a thirteen year old son who is growing up to be an admirable skeptic, though, and I'm already proud of him for being nobody's fool. He reads the Friday newsletter every week as well and rolls his eyes at what us grown-ups actually fall for.

Well, I don't want to bore you, yet. Just happy to be here.

Thanks,
Luis

[Eos of the Eons]

Welcome Slime! Another great parent.

Hey, since when is this thread only 7 pages long?

[wollery]

Since Darat mothballed the old one and started a new one.

[Katana]

Welcome, Squishua. I got to this forum by a similar route re: web searches. Glad you stumbled in here like you did.

Five years ago I was a newbie, and now I'm forum god, so opportunities abound here!

Delusions of grandeur apparently abound, as well.

:duck:

Welcome, Slimething, Squishua (great name), nolandda,`wahrheit (welcome back), and all the rest!

[Eos of the Eons]

Since Darat mothballed the old one and started a new one.
Well obviously:p , but why, oh why *Sob*

Oh hey, a new squish! See you in the science threads Squishua!

[Tanstaafl]

I'm a chemist in the desert (Arizona) and a long-time admirer of The Great One.

Welcome!

It's always good to have a fellow Zoni in here.

[MacDuff]

Actually, MacDuff is my dog's name but mine was already taken. I was directed to this message board by a Mr. Perry Logan as I was concerned about some of the irresponsible lies of Alex Jones that were being spread about the Internet. I'm what one would call a hardcore skeptic but I'm not one of those guys who goes around upbraiding people and accusing them of making up perfectly reasonable things. I'm a Plasma Physics research assistant, which means I don't believe in the Big Bang, the Cosmic Microwave Background, nonbaryonic matter, dark energy, gods, souls, parallel universes or little green men. In my line of work that makes me a whacked out conspiracy nutjob because NASA and the scientific establishment tend to ignore any data that goes against the scientific orthodoxy which, I think, is largely a continuation of the Pythagorean/Platonic system of trying to fit data about the Universe into narrow, perfect laws of mathematics and almost metaphysical models. This is the same line of reasoning that led astronomers and mathematicians to the Ptolemaic model with the Earth and the center of the Universe and the stars embedded in crystalline spheres. I like to compare the Big Bang theory with the ancient myth about the hatching of the Cosmic egg. I am very excited to meet with other skeptics and I look forward to participate in this fine community. Thank you for allowing me to join.

[jaydeehess]

I am an electronic tech.

I actually found out about JREF at the new LC forums where since they have such a hate on for JREF that I just knew this would be a better place for me.

[Mr. Skinny]

Delusions of grandeur apparently abound, as well.

:duck:


Well, I've kept quiet for the last few months, but...

Silent, you NOOB! Don't make me send the EVIL SNARLET and LeFevre after you.

And to think I was beginning to like you. *sigh*

[Mr. Skinny]

I am an electronic tech.

I actually found out about JREF at the new LC forums where since they have such a hate on for JREF that I just knew this would be a better place for me.
Welcome, jaydee.

Gotta admit your post gave me my third laugh of the day on this forum.

[diamondmaster1]

... so I'm posting!

New member here, so please be gentle.

I tried to post something in the watch puzzle thread, but apparently I have to have a certain number of posts before I'm allowed to attach photographs or JPEG's. Pity. I had made a little examination of the watch dial that Mr. Randi posted, complete with circles and arrows, but I won't be able to post it.

For what it's worth, I'm a jeweler and watchmaker located in Texas; my beliefs and attitudes are a perfect fit for me and my lifestyle, your mileage may vary.

Now -- on with the show!!

[hcmom]

... so I'm posting!

New member here, so please be gentle.

I tried to post something in the watch puzzle thread, but apparently I have to have a certain number of posts before I'm allowed to attach photographs or JPEG's. Pity. I had made a little examination of the watch dial that Mr. Randi posted, complete with circles and arrows, but I won't be able to post it.

For what it's worth, I'm a jeweler and watchmaker located in Texas; my beliefs and attitudes are a perfect fit for me and my lifestyle, your mileage may vary.

Now -- on with the show!!

Just head over to Community or Humor and post like crazy until you reach the limit... it's not tough to over there, since no real content is required. Or even expected....

[Hutch]

Actually, MacDuff is my dog's name but mine was already taken. I was directed to this message board by a Mr. Perry Logan as I was concerned about some of the irresponsible lies of Alex Jones that were being spread about the Internet. I'm what one would call a hardcore skeptic but I'm not one of those guys who goes around upbraiding people and accusing them of making up perfectly reasonable things. I'm a Plasma Physics research assistant, which means I don't believe in the Big Bang, the Cosmic Microwave Background, nonbaryonic matter, dark energy, gods, souls, parallel universes or little green men. In my line of work that makes me a whacked out conspiracy nutjob because NASA and the scientific establishment tend to ignore any data that goes against the scientific orthodoxy which, I think, is largely a continuation of the Pythagorean/Platonic system of trying to fit data about the Universe into narrow, perfect laws of mathematics and almost metaphysical models. This is the same line of reasoning that led astronomers and mathematicians to the Ptolemaic model with the Earth and the center of the Universe and the stars embedded in crystalline spheres. I like to compare the Big Bang theory with the ancient myth about the hatching of the Cosmic egg. I am very excited to meet with other skeptics and I look forward to participate in this fine community. Thank you for allowing me to join.

Welcome MacDuff. Just a suggestion, the Bad Astronomer has a site www.badastronomy.com, that has a Bulletin Board that discuss space and astronomical issues and you might want to join them also (but please, don't leave us, we'd enjoy having you around) as they discuss and disect the Big Bang on a regular basis there. Just a suggestion.

[Treehuggerish]

So, I've been looking for a place to debate diverse issues in a somewhat civilized and scientific matter for some time. And a guy I met at a party pointed this place out, so here I am :)

A proper introduction might be called for, so, My name is, as you can see, treehuggerish, don't read too much into it, I'm 23 years old, from Denmark and a medicine student.

Looking forward to some good debates, and I figure, some controversial ones too.

[gebobs]

Hi all...been a member for a while but have just posted for the first time here on the forum so here's my intro.

My name is Geoff. I live in Atlanta metro (GA, USA) although I am originally from Buffalo and have come to the south after swings through Troy, NY (undergrad) and Cleveland, OH (masters program).

I am an engineering manager, happily married, no kids. My turnons ;) are: hockey (esp. the Buffalo Sabres), the great outdoors, cooking, alt.atheism/talk.origins, travel, the Grateful Dead. Turnoffs: literal biblicists (is that redundant?), lite beer, jesus-fish and US flags on Hummers.

In my first post elsewhere on the forum, I guess I've already tipped my hand that I'm very opinionated. Sorry about that. I can't help it.

Cheers!

[wahrheit]

:welcomeb: :)

[bamthwok]

My introduction would be long, but especially uninteresting, so I will spare you any great detail (besides, I am sure at least some of you are capable enough to use my ISP address to find out my location, so if you really want to know...) I am currently procrastinating on a homework assignment, a sophomore at a college that I despise, and tall, with big feet and small hands. I have been into Foucault and Lacan for a number of years, however I don't consider myself deep enough into any literature base or subject to be thought of as knowledgeable (except perhaps late 80's punk music and hair color alteration). I like trains but not coal, expensive whiskey (and cheap whiskey, as I am typically light of pocket) and doing pretentious things like listening to Belle and Sebastian as I read the arts section of the Times, (I also have an affinity for parentheses.) Anything else, feel free to inquire.

[hcmom]

(I also have an affinity for parentheses.)

A kindred soul! (I'm fond of ellipsis too...)

[nolandda]

What'cha testing? Did I pass?

I was testing my ability to post; and yes you, me, the forum software, and everyone else involved performed admirably.

[Eos of the Eons]

which means I don't believe in the Big Bang, the Cosmic Microwave Background, nonbaryonic matter, dark energy,Oh whew, I'm not the only skeptical about those things, and you're educated. I'll be stalking you in the science threads, okay?

[Skepticintraining]

Hey everybody. I'm just a guy trying to make sense of the world as he approaches thirty. This looked to be a good place to start. I found the site from watching Penn & Teller's show, which I love. I'll probably just lurk for a bit while I get comfortable. Don't mind me...

[Deranged1986]

hello my name is micheal most call me mike or by my last name landers but anyways im 20 years old and i have had clairvoyance and telepathy and psychic powers since i was about 5-6 years old since ive aged to 20 these powers have grown and have became powerfull and now i can see events happening in the future in my dreams and recall what is was in the future and act upon it accordingly another thing is... in a pitchblack room i can see energy fields outlining peoples hand or arms in certain color codes. also if i really concentrate i can make out the shape of the room through this vision.

[hcmom]

Why don't clairvoyant telepaths have shift and punctuation keys on their keyboards?

[switchtech]

Why don't clairvoyant telepaths have shift and punctuation keys on their keyboards?

HCMom: Be glad the post wasn't filled with the Cell Phone Texting speak common to so many 20 year olds!

Deranged1986 sounds like someone that should file for the challenge.

I have generally excellent night vision, but I sometimes step on the dog sleeping at the end of the bed. Being able to see aura's would be a wonderful talent and I'd never worry about stepping on living critters ever again.:eye-poppi

Of course I would require extraordinary proof of such extraordinary abilities.

jbs

[SezMe]

.. place to debate diverse issues in a somewhat civilized and scientific matter ....
Oh boy. I hope you hang around here, anyway. :)

[Eos of the Eons]

Uh, welcome the clairvoyant that can imagine the commonly rectangular room? See you in the paranormal threads!

[jkdisser]

Hello,
Well, that's what I get for NOT reading everything about your site b-4 posting. I never wanted a geek war...just to raise my grandkids better. Your site is for pro geeks, not rank ametuers like myself.
I will find another site. Sorry for the hassle!
The "TROLL"

[Katana]

Well, I've kept quiet for the last few months, but...

Silent, you NOOB! Don't make me send the EVIL SNARLET and LeFevre after you.

And to think I was beginning to like you. *sigh*

:bs:

Hush. You still like me.

Welcome, everyone! Now you can see what you can expect even after 6 months and 2000 posts. You'll always be a noob to some.

As I said, delusions of grandeur...

:p

[ottle]

Hello all!

I have lurked on these forums before but never seem to be able to find the time to actually keep up! I was at TAM last year and had a fantastic time and my husband and I just decided to do it again this year (yay!). So I figured I'd join the forums and say hello.

Looks like a few folks got to the Amazing Cruise - how was it? Is there going to be another one? I was seriously bummed about not being able to do it!

About me - I'm a 'reformed' Catholic and fairly new to the skeptical world. TAM 4 really opened my eyes in a lot of ways and I have been doing a lot more non-fiction reading lately ;-)

We just watched "The God who Wasn't There" - the documentary by former fundamentalist Brian Fleming and I highly recommend it for anyone who hasn't seen it :)

Anyway - just wanted to say hello!
ottle

[ScanningFool]

Hello,
I have lurked around the Forum off and on for a few years and as I am finally going to a TAM (very excited...can't wait) this January I decided to join the Forum. I have been a agnostic/athiest since I was 15 years old. I am a US Navy veteran who currently works in the document imaging field (where my nick comes from). I have been a fan of Randi since his appearances on the Tonight Show debunking Uri Geller back in the 70's. My appreciation of Randi and his work is what brought me to this site originally. I am a general skeptic to all things paranormal. I am a big believer in the scientific method and Occam's Razor. I am not a big believer in conspiracy theories, pardon my ignorance but I think that huge claims of massive conspiracies require more proof than unsubstantiated claims and disjoined "connections" of people like Alex Jones (he lives somewhere near me btw) and Michael Moore, et. al.

I have decided to join in on these conversations that I have enjoyed reading these past few years. I hope that I can contribute.

[Rabbit]

ScanningFool, you already have contributed. This is just the first time you have posted here.

Me, I have trouble with the agnostic/atheist line of demarcation. I drift from one to the other almost daily, if not hourly. I should probably go to the Religion threads, and ask questions and give opinions.

Anyway, Welcome!

(And thank you for your military service.)

[bourgeois_rage]

Hi there, signed up a while back, and now just making my first post here.

I'm an agnostic skeptic that enjoys laughing at woos as well as learning new things. I've been reading here for quite some time.

[The Demon's Head]

Greetings,

I have joined this forum because I eagerly want to discuss conpsiracy theories and I want to see what other's think about some of the conspiracy theories.

[Pendelton]

How are you doing? Let me introduce myself. In meeting someone for the 1st time & being asked what I do for a living, I reply that I'm in private practice consulting as a reformed misanthropist. On being asked what that is, I reply that the strict ethical and moral standards of my profession would sanction me if it were determined I was blatantly advertising my services. Its the person who overhearing me, comes over smiling, that I can truely have an inteligent chat with. . .

[hcmom]

Me, I have trouble with the agnostic/atheist line of demarcation. I drift from one to the other almost daily, if not hourly. I should probably go to the Religion threads, and ask questions and give opinions.


I'm agnostic-ish. I stay as far away from the Religion threads as possible. I don't need a lot of help being confused...

[switchtech]

Howdy, howdy, howdy!

I'm agnostic-ish. I stay as far away from the Religion threads as possible. I don't need a lot of help being confused...

I've had enough religious training to be thoroughly confused! I prefer the term agnostic. I don't believe there is evidence for or against that is compelling and unassailable.

. . . , I reply that I'm in private practice consulting as a reformed misanthropist. . .

You reformed? I could never do that! :eye-poppi

I'm an agnostic skeptic that enjoys laughing at woos as well as learning new things. I've been reading here for quite some time.

There seem to be plenty of woo's to laugh at and things to learn here. You chose well.

I have joined this forum because I eagerly want to discuss conpsiracy theories and I want to see what other's think about some of the conspiracy theories.

I'm still New Blood, here, but I've lurked a while and there are definitely plenty of CT to be found. I actually started because I was following Randi's commentary and wanted to be involved in the puzzles and general discussions.

jbs

[Roswell-Perseis]

I came by this forum and started lurking a little over a month ago. I enjoyed the sparring and comraderie, so I thought I would join.

I am 23 years old, I am a student at Lansing Community College, and I live near Lansing, Michigan, United States. My screen name, Roswell-Perseis, is the combination of the names of my two cats. I'm hoping to transfer soon, but I will not apply anywhere until January-February. If I can transfer before I have a chance to change my major, I will choose Sociology. I like the Marxist Conflict Theory, data-analysis kind of Sociology.

That's me in a nutshell.

[Darat]

:welcome3

And it is obligatory you know to provide photos of your cats! ;)

[Hawk one]

Except cats are evil, and that by taking pics of them and sharing them on the interweb, you're increasing the overall level of evil in the world.

[goak69]

Hi!

I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to join this forum. All these paranormal claims people have would be SO COOL if they could be proven to work. But until then I will remain a healthy skeptic.


/Goak69

"I would rather eat yellow snow than just believe without proof or at least a plausible theory"

[Mr. Skinny]

:welcome3

And it is obligatory you know to provide photos of your cats! ;)
I second Darat's welcome!

Forget the obligatory cat photo thing....I haven't had a cat since 1977 and Darat still lets me post here. I don't have a dog, either. Or any other type of animal (unless you count my son!).

I don't even have a house plant.

I do, however, have dust mites, dust bunnies, and several species of mold that I could provide pictures of on request.

[wahrheit]

I second Darat's welcome!

Forget the obligatory cat photo thing....I haven't had a cat since 1977 and Darat still lets me post here.

I second Mr. Skinny's post!

Cats suck.

*registering with a free e-mail account right now to circumvent Darat's banning me*

[Mr. Skinny]

:bs:

Hush. You still like me.
True

Welcome, everyone! Now you can see what you can expect even after 6 months and 2000 posts. You'll always be a noob to some.
I have a slightly larger number of posts over 5 years. I'm only a noob to about 100 members here.

That said, it's what you have to say that's important, not the number of things you say. Like many here, you are better educated than me. On top of that you have a nice personality, so I'd rather read 2000 of your post than 200 of mine. :)

As I said, delusions of grandeur...:p
Sorry you feel that way.













Noob. :D

[Roswell-Perseis]

How would I provide photos? I would be grateful for any tips anyone has.

Thanks,
Roswell-Perseis

[Darat]

How would I provide photos? I would be grateful for any tips anyone has.

Thanks,
Roswell-Perseis


Well there is an invention called a camera and using that you can capture the soul of a person and keep it forever.... :wackygrin:

Slightly more serious - a few ways, use the "VB Image Host" option on the Navbar to upload a photo or host it on a site that allows hot-linking or attach it to a post (some of the options require you to have made 15 or more posts).

[ottle]

hello - question from a newbie

In the past few months, I've been hearing about the idea of dogs being able to detect epileptic seizures and warn people before they happen. (Also, cancer?) This is so one of those "I WANT TO BELIEVE" things but I need proof :) Since I'm too lazy to do actual research - what's my best bet in getting this question out to a bunch of smart skeptics who probably already know the answer? Is there a forum I should use to post this question to?

[wollery]

hello - question from a newbie

In the past few months, I've been hearing about the idea of dogs being able to detect epileptic seizures and warn people before they happen. (Also, cancer?) This is so one of those "I WANT TO BELIEVE" things but I need proof :) Since I'm too lazy to do actual research - what's my best bet in getting this question out to a bunch of smart skeptics who probably already know the answer? Is there a forum I should use to post this question to?Welcome ottle, you might try the science, mathematics and technology section. But seriously, (and no offence intended) how hard is it to type "epilepsy dogs detect" into google. Takes less time than it probably took to type your post here!

[hcmom]

Welcome ottle, you might try the science, mathematics and technology section. But seriously, (and no offence intended) how hard is it to type "epilepsy dogs detect" into google. Takes less time than it probably took to type your post here!

Yes, but what ottle will get here will probably be much more lively!

[Hawk one]

Not to mention that it may take a few pages of search results before he finds some proper info. As a general rule of thumb, the woo ends up on top in these cases.

[hcmom]

Of course here, the woo often ends up at the bottom of a dog pile, which probably makes it a scary place to ask that sort of question.

But heck, if you don't want strong opinions, don't ask. If you're hurt by strong opinions, don't ask. I really really hate the people that will make some claim or another, and then run with their tail between their legs as soon as the going gets tough...

[Katana]

True
:)

I have a slightly larger number of posts over 5 years. I'm only a noob to about 100 members here.
Stud.

That said, it's what you have to say that's important, not the number of things you say. Like many here, you are better educated than me. On top of that you have a nice personality, so I'd rather read 2000 of your post than 200 of mine. :)
:blush: Awwww.

Sorry you feel that way.













Noob. :D

:p

BTW, welcome, ottle, ScanningFool, bourgeois_rage, The Demon's Head, Pendelton, switchtech, Roswell-Perseis, and goak69!

[ottle]

Yes, but what ottle will get here will probably be much more lively!

That's what I was hoping for :) I'll post something in the science forums - thanks!! :)

P.S. I did actually google it but didn't find anything 'conclusive'. Even the epilepsy foundation website says that "reports should be viewed as credible, but with caution."

I think I'm looking for stronger opinions/more facts ;-)

[Mr. Skinny]

Stud.

Well, in line with my true studliness, I have to admit that I was wrong in my previous post.

There are 294 forumites that can call me a noob; not "about 100 members", as I stated.

I apologize to you (and the 9,806 forumites that can call you Noob) for my error.

[Darat]

Well, in line with my true studliness, I have to admit that I was wrong in my previous post.

There are 294 forumites that can call me a noob; not "about 100 members", as I stated.

I apologize to you (and the 9,806 forumites that can call you Noob) for my error.


That's OK we understand noobs are still learning....

[JonnyFive]

Hi, my fake internet name is JonnyFive, and I'm an alcoh... skeptic. I've been hovering around the edges of the General Skepticism and Conspiracy Boards, but figured I should properly introduce myself.

I'm 23, live in or around New York City, am a weak agnostic/atheist, and work as a group disability underwriter for an insurance company.

[wollery]

Greetings JonnyFive, I take it you're alive! ;)

[JonnyFive]

Greetings JonnyFive, I take it you're alive! ;)

To the best of my knowledge, I am.

[hcmom]

Greetings JonnyFive, I take it you're alive! ;)

To the best of my knowledge, I am.

Boy, talk about being skeptical!

[ottle]

To the best of my knowledge, I am.

It would be highly ironic for a ghost to post on this board...

[hcmom]

It would be highly ironic for a ghost to post on this board...

I wonder what would happen to a real ghost that got debunked?

[JonnyFive]

Boy, talk about being skeptical!

If presented with evidence that I am not in fact alive I would have to agree with the evidence, although I might find the conclusion disturbing. ;)


It would be highly ironic for a ghost to post on this board...

Would they be eligible to win the million dollars?

[hcmom]

If presented with evidence that I am not in fact alive I would have to agree with the evidence, although I might find the conclusion disturbing. ;)




Would they be eligible to win the million dollars?
If they survived the stoning they'd likely receive...

[JonnyFive]

If they survived the stoning they'd likely receive...

What definition of "survive" are we using?

[wollery]

I'm sorry I said anything now. I assumed that the tag JonnyFive referred to the robot Number Five from the film Short Circuit. He uttered the words, "Number Five is alive!" and took the name Jonny Five.

[wahrheit]

Same thought over here, wollery. JonnyFive probably is nothing but another bot programmed by Wudang, probably on a beta test. You know, a bot. Like Darat et al.

[a.real.girl]

Just checking in. I'm brand new to the forums today (my first name is sometimes a challenge for auto-fill forms, so I lurk a lot.)

But, I'm going to TAM5, so I thought I should sign up and say hi! (I'll post there too.)

Happy to be here, happy "here" exists.

Cheers,
A

[LazyDog]

Hi,
After lurking for so long I should introduce myself. I'm 35, live in East Anglia, working as a programmer.

My first exposure to James Randi was his appearance on the BBC Horizon program about homeopathy, the results of which I relayed enthusiastically to my boss the next day, only to be told he and his wife swore by it. Up until then I hadn't realised people took it seriously.

If I remember, the book that turned me into an atheist was, oddly, a book on programming for the Sinclair QL when I was about 12.

Oh, and my username isn't really accurate; I'm not a dog.

[JonnyFive]

I assumed that the tag JonnyFive referred to the robot Number Five from the film Short Circuit.

Yes, although the reason I use it goes back to high school when a friend decided to call me that as a play on my real name. I thought it was clever and have used it as a tag occasionally.


JonnyFive probably is nothing but another bot programmed by Wudang, probably on a beta test. You know, a bot. Like Darat et al.

I don't think I've been here long enough to "get this".


ETA: Welcome to a.real.girl and LazyDog.

[wahrheit]

*snip*
... homeopathy, the results of which I relayed enthusiastically to my boss the next day, only to be told he and his wife swore by it.
Sounds familiar to quite a number of people here.


If I remember, the book that turned me into an atheist was, oddly, a book on programming for the Sinclair QL when I was about 12.
Don't know why, but I like you. The reason may be that I was reading a book on programming the Sinclair ZX Spectrum when I was 12 :D

:welcome4 a.real.girl and LazyDog

[wahrheit]

I don't think I've been here long enough to "get this".
Wudang, a member of this forum, made a joke about the administrator of this board (Darat) in another thread, stating that Darat is nothing but a shell script he wrote, thus a "bot".

[JonnyFive]

Wudang, a member of this forum, made a joke about the administrator of this board (Darat) in another thread, stating that Darat is nothing but a shell script he wrote, thus a "bot".

Ah, thanks for the explanation.

[Darat]

I am not a bot, I am free code!

[wahrheit]

I am not a bot, I am free code!

You're such a cute open source kitty :rub:

[Mr. Skinny]

That's OK we understand noobs are still learning....
I know. It was always the understanding and kindness of the older members here that kept me coming back to this forum.

As I recall, it was CFLarsen that taught me the value of admitting my mistakes.

Thanks, Claus!

[wahrheit]

I know. It was always the understanding and kindness of the older members here that kept me coming back to this forum.

As I recall, it was CFLarsen that taught me the value of admitting my mistakes.

Thanks, Claus!

I'm a fairly new nember compared to you antique blokes, but in response to the above quoted post, I fee like posting this smiley, nevertheless:

:i:

[Mr. Skinny]

I'm a fairly new nember compared to you antique blokes, but in response to the above quoted post, I fee like posting this smiley, nevertheless:

:i:
Not sure why you find my post ironic. :confused:

Were you looking for your sarcasm meter perhaps, and grabbed the wrong one?

[wahrheit]

Not sure why you find my post ironic. :confused:

Were you looking for your sarcasm meter perhaps, and grabbed the wrong one?

:wackylaugh:

From a strictly philological point of view, I found the ironic one quite appropriate. Let alone that this board does not have a sarcastic smiley :D

[KanmuX]

Hello, everyone!

I'm a secular humanist and a major fan of Shermer and Sagan's work, not to mention a skeptic -- which is why I joined.

So, uh, hello. Again.

[Katana]

Not sure why you find my post ironic. :confused:

Were you looking for your sarcasm meter perhaps, and grabbed the wrong one?

No, it was this one.

:bs:

:p

And welcome, KanmuX! On behalf of those-who-will-never-be-anything-but-a-noob, darned glad to have you.