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

[Paulhoff]

Welcome, we seem to be picking up a lot of newbies, :D

Paul

:) :) :)

[FSM]

Thanks for the welcome!

And hcmom, can you get Hawk's autograph for me?

Pssssssstttt..... Mr. Paulhoff, sir... <looks around furtively-whispers> Ahem, am I correct that I heard from ah, people, you know, they, them, that you have the avatar hook up? For when I hit 50 and throw off the unfairly cumbersome chains of newbieness? How can I get in on that action?

[Paulhoff]

It is simple, just ask. All this animated avatar stuff started on the "The last person to post in this thread wins" thread, before christmas when I started to learn how to do simple things and added christmas colors with flashing to the avatars. I am still learning............. :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

[FSM]

Thanks!

I am envious of your cool spinning avatar...

[Paulhoff]

Go figure, now it’s avatar envy. :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

[SusanB-M1]

#424 and 425

'spinning avatar'?? I have magnified your avatar, Paul, to fill the screen, but it does not seem to be spinning! I am not asking how you do that, as I would never understand the answer, although if there is something easy to click on to make it spin, I would be interested to know. However, I can't resist asking whether by any chance you could make the tap shoes dance?!!

[grayman]

His avatar doesn't spin; it's an illusion.

In reality, we are orbiting his avatar. You are merely in a geosynchronous orbit which is why it doesn't appear to move for you. :)

[SusanB-M1]

His avatar doesn't spin; it's an illusion.

In reality, we are orbiting his avatar. You are merely in a geosynchronous orbit which is why it doesn't appear to move for you. :)

Oh, I see! Thank you.:) ancient persons like myself are so constantly amazed by the things that can be done on the computer, that nothing appears to be impossible!



(Nearly 500 posts - wow!)

[philkensebben]

Hello all. Been a JREF lurker for almost 2 years, thought it was finally time to sign up and get involved in the forum. :)

[sweety]

This forum isnt...right

[FSM]

So, if we are all orbiting around Paul's avatar, does that mean:

1. That the world revolves around Paul? I always figured that it revolved around me...feels that way, at least. And a lot of people tell me that I must believe that. Hmm. Curious.
2. That since Paul created the avatar and the covetous spinning motion, that Paul intelligently designed our universe?
3. Ergo, Paul is God? Wow. Woo. woo. Sounds just as good to me as anything else, I guess. Except for FSM, which has a midget in creationism theory. You just can't go wrong with midgets.
4. And if Paul is God, ah, instead of just rudely begging for an avatar, I would like to rudely PRAY to Paul that I get a jet ski. Um. Amen.

[ClintonHammond]

"mother of 7 children"
You do know that our planet is undergoing a population growth issue don't you?

[Paulhoff]

#424 and 425

'spinning avatar'?? I have magnified your avatar, Paul, to fill the screen, but it does not seem to be spinning! I am not asking how you do that, as I would never understand the answer, although if there is something easy to click on to make it spin, I would be interested to know. However, I can't resist asking whether by any chance you could make the tap shoes dance?!!
My avatar is a movie .gif of 24 pictures, each picture is time to display for .1 seconds.

As for you tapping shoes, do you have more then one picture showing different positions of the feet, without that I can't do much?

Paul

:) :) :)

[Junky]

Hello, I'm junky.I'm really glad to join this forum. I'm looking forward to a very intellectual and rational time here.

[Junky]

:D I'm posting from India. As you all might know that India is a nation of various religions, faiths, beliefs, etc, but in India people are very superstitious too. Here, people believe in miracles, stupid miracles. Whenever, you turn on the television there some paranormal thing or as they say in India "people's faith being answered by God" can be seen. If you search newspapers of India for the last 1 year you will find lots of news of miracles happenings all over India. Some are so ridiculous that they just irritate a person like me. So, If you like to talk on this topic I can give you much more details about this. Also, I want help for the rational explantion of these things happening.

[SusanB-M1]

My avatar is a movie .gif of 24 pictures, each picture is time to display for .1 seconds.

As for you tapping shoes, do you have more then one picture showing different positions of the feet, without that I can't do much?

Paul

:) :) :)

No, I'm afraid not. I did not even find the picture in the first place, Teek found it for me!

[Katana]

Hello, I'm junky.I'm really glad to join this forum. I'm looking forward to a very intellectual and rational time here.


Uh, oh.

I recommend avoiding the CT sub-forum then.

:duck:

Welcome, Junky (and to all of our newbies)!

[Paulhoff]

:D I'm posting from India. As you all might know that India is a nation of various religions, faiths, beliefs, etc, but in India people are very superstitious too. Here, people believe in miracles, stupid miracles. Whenever, you turn on the television there some paranormal thing or as they say in India "people's faith being answered by God" can be seen. If you search newspapers of India for the last 1 year you will find lots of news of miracles happenings all over India. Some are so ridiculous that they just irritate a person like me. So, If you like to talk on this topic I can give you much more details about this. Also, I want help for the rational explantion of these things happening.
Once you believe in a so-called god and/or gods, all the other woo-woo comes easy.

And welcome, from the land of James Randi...... :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

[grayman]

This forum isnt...right

Which is why so many of us are comfortable here. :stone028:

Let me don my nun's habit, grab some ice cream, and release the goat, and then I shall be able to give you a proper welcome...wait..where you going?

[Narveson]

Which is why so many of us are comfortable here. :stone028:

Let me don my nun's habit, grab some ice cream, and release the goat, and then I shall be able to give you a proper welcome...wait..where you going?

They probably went to warm up the crisco.

[wollery]

I think Narveson is right at home here! :D

[Roadtoad]

Which is why so many of us are comfortable here. :stone028:

Let me don my nun's habit, grab some ice cream, and release the goat, and then I shall be able to give you a proper welcome...wait..where you going?

Dammit, Grayman, I TOLD you! NO ICE CREAM!!!

[kevsta]

My names kev & I'm a personal trainer living in ibiza.

I stumbled across this excellent forum purely by accident and was hooked immediately. ..and to think I thought I was alone..

greatly looking forward to intercourse with you all :)

[SkeptismIsHealthy]

Hello all!

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome kevsta! You are far from alone. Though I can relate to it seeming that way.

And a welcome to SkeptismIsHealthy. Unfortunately, you missed getting this year's award for conciseness by one word.

[Matt the Poet]

Hi, I'm Matt from the UK

Ex-scientist, but still think it's the best way of looking at the world. Have been peeking for a bit, but was inspired to join by the relativity discussion a while back. The moment to pitch in, I suspect, has passed but it was educational to watch

Anyway, looking forward to hanging around here.

[Paulhoff]

Hi Matt and welcome, and why an Ex-scientist?

Paul

:) :) :)

[Roadtoad]

Hi Matt and welcome, and why an Ex-scientist?

Paul

:) :) :)

Probably because even in the UK, it pays better than being a scientist.

[Matt the Poet]

and why an Ex-scientist?

It wasn't a money thing. After struggling through a long, hard, but ultimately mediocre PhD I did some introspection and realised that if I was going to make any kind of contribution to humanity at all, it wasn't going to be lab-based. Just didn't have the skillz, as they say.

That said I've got a fairly mundane corporate job now - but I do have literary aspirations - hence the moniker.

[Paulhoff]

To me a scientist is a way of thinking of things and questioning things, not just a job.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Matt the Poet]

Fair point. And it does make me feel better...

I shall have to go, but I look forward to a fun time here. Thanks for your warm welcome!

T'ra

[DM24]

Hello to all,

I joined this site some time ago and just never came around to introducing myself. While I retain in interest in the paranormal and have since I was child I still view the paranormal in a skeptical way.

I'm also active in a paranormal research group and find the subject to be both intriguing and fascinating while maintaining a balance of probability that what we don't fully understand may be understood in the years to come by science. However, even given my skepticism of the unknown,unexplained, and psychic phenomena, I still find comfort in the fact that there may be a life after death.

Mediums/Psychics have grabbed my attention in the the past year or two. Not just the celebrity psychics that we see, such as Sylivia Browne, John Edwards.. to name a few. But, anyone that claims to have this "gift" of communication with the dead.

Sorry for going on and I look forward to chatting with you all.

[Paulhoff]

Hello, from the living.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Eire]

Hello everyone. I've been reading for a few days and thought I'd register. So, I filled in the blanks, entered the code and here I am. So, um. Hi. I'm really bad at the intros.

[SusanB-M1]

DM24
I'm also active in a paranormal research group and find the subject to be both intriguing and fascinating while maintaining a balance of probability that what we don't fully understand may be understood in the years to come by science. However, even given my skepticism of the unknown,unexplained, and psychic phenomena, I still find comfort in the fact that there may be a life after death.

I know exactly what you mean and have read widely, although always with a question in my mind, 'Is this TRUE?' The older I get though, the more I realise that I am so very pleased to know there is not an afterlife...because it would be so very boring! All right for a while, chatting to interesting people, but then stretching into eternity? No thanks!

And welcome of course.

[The Atheist]

:D I'm posting from India.

Also, I want help for the rational explantion of these things happening.

Well, you've certainly come to the right place!

I'm hoping you're a cricket fan, too. We're desperately in need of help cobating the Australians.

Let me don my nun's habit, grab some ice cream butter, and release the goat, and then I shall be able to give you a proper welcome...wait..where you going?

Just fixed that to let the uninitiated know what really awaits...

greatly looking forward to intercourse with you all :)

Well, you are going to be right at home with that kind of intro.

Hello all!

What an interesting life you've had!

Hello everyone. I've been reading for a few days and thought I'd register. So, I filled in the blanks, entered the code and here I am. So, um. Hi. I'm really bad at the intros.

No kidding.

Lemme practice my psychic skills.......

You're from Ireland?

Randi, get that $1M cheque ready!

[Quakeulf]

Hello. I am a skeptic (but probably still a bit gullible) from Norway who wants to meet other skeptics from Norway.

I am a hobbyist web designer and currently working at a museum in Oslo with a big exhibition later this year where we will exhibit the only thing naturally belonging in a museum: Religion

I have a dark sense of humour and I can even tell the difference between "your" and "you're" and also "it's" and "its"!

[Paulhoff]

I have a dark sense of humour and I can even tell the difference between "your" and "you're" and also "it's" and "its"! lead and lead, read and read, record and record, close and close, wound and would etc etc etc.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Quakeulf]

:) :) :)

Oh, but the list could go on for so much longer. :blush:

[Paulhoff]

Oh, but the list could go on for so much longer. :blush:
That is what the etc etc etc were about.
That is one of many problems with English, do you have the same problems with spelling in your language.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Quakeulf]

That is one of many problems with English, do you have the same problems with spelling in your language.[/COLOR]
[/COLOR]

Of course, but a bit different. I know it is common to separate words in English, like "car washer" and "deep fried", but in Norwegian, this is a horrible thing to do. We separate words by spaces. If there is a space between words, they are not connected. This is something we have in common with German; really long and complex words like "Førsteetterretningstjenestensoveringeniørsassisten t". This could not have been written "Første etter retnings tjenestens over ingeniørs assistent", as it would break the sequence and make it unreadable. Too bad many kids and adults now don't care for this anymore, and it makes everything from newspapers to pamphlets unreadable.

[Paulhoff]

Førsteetterretningstjenestensoveringeniørsassiste? ???

Just make a word for it, English does all the time, just listen to Resident Bush.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Eire]

Lemme practice my psychic skills.......

You're from Ireland?

Randi, get that $1M cheque ready!

Don't rush to the bank with that cheque quite yet. I'm from Pennsylvania, actually. I'm half Irish, hence the name I chose. One more try on the psychic skills, tell me what I had for breakfast and I'll give you $5.00 US. Hey, I'm broke!

[hcmom]

greatly looking forward to intercourse with you all :)

Sometimes it's much more difficult to not comment than other times....

*hcmom welcomes kevsta with great enthusiasm...

[George T SLC]

Over on Yahoo! Answers (I give them their bang no more than once per utterance), I needed a citation for the statute against threatening the US President. So I Googled and--via Omgili.com--found it in JREF, posted by someone with the handle SkiBum. That combo, along with the description of JREF, tickled me so much that I simply had to join.

So, hello there! ;)

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome, George.

Most of the folks here are great. Ignore the others.

[arthwollipot]

lead and lead, read and read, record and record, close and close, wound and would etc etc etc.

Ahem.

English Is Tough Stuff

Dearest creature in creation,
Study English pronunciation.
I will teach you in my verse
Sounds like corpse, corps, horse, and worse.
I will keep you, Suzy, busy,
Make your head with heat grow dizzy.
Tear in eye, your dress will tear.
So shall I! Oh hear my prayer.

Just compare heart, beard, and heard,
Dies and diet, lord and word,
Sword and sward, retain and Britain.
(Mind the latter, how it's written.)
Now I surely will not plague you
With such words as plaque and ague.
But be careful how you speak:
Say break and steak, but bleak and streak;
Cloven, oven, how and low,
Script, receipt, show, poem, and toe.

Hear me say, devoid of trickery,
Daughter, laughter, and Terpsichore,
Typhoid, measles, topsails, aisles,
Exiles, similes, and reviles;
Scholar, vicar, and cigar,
Solar, mica, war and far;
One, anemone, Balmoral,
Kitchen, lichen, laundry, laurel;
Gertrude, German, wind and mind,
Scene, Melpomene, mankind.

Billet does not rhyme with ballet,
Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.
Blood and flood are not like food,
Nor is mould like should and would.
Viscous, viscount, load and broad,
Toward, to forward, to reward.
And your pronunciation's OK
When you correctly say croquet,
Rounded, wounded, grieve and sieve,
Friend and fiend, alive and live.

Ivy, privy, famous; clamour
And enamour rhyme with hammer.
River, rival, tomb, bomb, comb,
Doll and roll and some and home.
Stranger does not rhyme with anger,
Neither does devour with clangour.
Souls but foul, haunt but aunt,
Font, front, wont, want, grand, and grant,
Shoes, goes, does. Now first say finger,
And then singer, ginger, linger,
Real, zeal, mauve, gauze, gouge and gauge,
Marriage, foliage, mirage, and age.
Query does not rhyme with very,
Nor does fury sound like bury.
Dost, lost, post and doth, cloth, loth.
Job, nob, bosom, transom, oath.
Though the differences seem little,
We say actual but victual.
Refer does not rhyme with deafer.
Foeffer does, and zephyr, heifer.
Mint, pint, senate and sedate;
Dull, bull, and George ate late.
Scenic, Arabic, Pacific,
Science, conscience, scientific.

Liberty, library, heave and heaven,
Rachel, ache, moustache, eleven.
We say hallowed, but allowed,
People, leopard, towed, but vowed.
Mark the differences, moreover,
Between mover, cover, clover;
Leeches, breeches, wise, precise,
Chalice, but police and lice;
Camel, constable, unstable,
Principle, disciple, label.

Petal, panel, and canal,
Wait, surprise, plait, promise, pal.
Worm and storm, chaise, chaos, chair,
Senator, spectator, mayor.
Tour, but our and succour, four.
Gas, alas, and Arkansas.
Sea, idea, Korea, area,
Psalm, Maria, but malaria.
Youth, south, southern, cleanse and clean.
Doctrine, turpentine, marine.

Compare alien with Italian,
Dandelion and battalion.
Sally with ally, yea, ye,
Eye, I, ay, aye, whey, and key.
Say aver, but ever, fever,
Neither, leisure, skein, deceiver.
Heron, granary, canary.
Crevice and device and aerie.

Face, but preface, not efface.
Phlegm, phlegmatic, ass, glass, bass
Large, but target, gin, give, verging,
Ought, out, joust and scour, scourging.
Ear, but earn and wear and tear
Do not rhyme with here but ere.
Seven is right, but so is even,
Hyphen, roughen, nephew Stephen,
Monkey, donkey, Turk and jerk,
Ask, grasp, wasp, and cork and work.

Pronunciation--think of Psyche!
Is a paling stout and spikey?
Won't it make you lose your wits,
Writing groats and saying grits?
It's a dark abyss or tunnel:
Strewn with stones, stowed, solace, gunwale,
Islington and Isle of Wight,
Housewife, verdict and indict.
Finally, which rhymes with enough:
Though, through, plough, or dough, or cough?
Hiccough has the sound of cup. My advice is to give up!!!

Before anyone nominates me, please be aware that I nicked that from... somewhere. I dare anyone to try reading that out loud in one go without stumbling.

Sorry for the long post.

[SusanB-M1]

Before anyone nominates me, please be aware that I nicked that from... somewhere. I dare anyone to try reading that out loud in one go without stumbling.

Sorry for the long post.

Apart from the fact that I enjoyed that and cannot remember seeing it before, my admiration for creators of computer voices goes up a notch or two, since mine read the whole of that with only a few 'mistakes'.

[Litisun]

Well I've been hanging around for quite some time. Just thought I'd actually post a "Hello."

[Tanstaafl]

Hello back, Litisun.

Glad you joined. Hopefully we'll coax you into saying more.

[wollery]

Ahem.

Before anyone nominates me, please be aware that I nicked that from... somewhere. I dare anyone to try reading that out loud in one go without stumbling.

Sorry for the long post.Thanks for that, it amused my Chinese friends greatly. :D

["Astral"Girl?]

Hey guys !!

Long time lurker, first time poster, love the forum :cool:

After studying sciences in Uni (as well as law, psych, art ect...!!) I've basically come to the conclusion that those things that are real...can be proven.
I'm putting my money where my mouth is (so to speak...). I'm trying out one of the most technical remote viewing courses, I'll log my progress on a blog and create a double blind test to sort out - at least for myself and those who follow my progress- whether it is fact or fiction.

At the moment I have the basic outline of the type of test to be done and will be posting about it later.

I'm very impressed by some of you who have taken courses in paranormal things to prove or disprove the ideas ( Dr Woo comes to mind).

Carry on,

R.

[IMST]

Hey everyone, posting to introduce myself.
I'm a youngish skeptic from Seattle, US. I was directed to the JREF originally through Phil Plait's excellent webpage. I've been lurking for quite some time, mostly in the MDC forum, with some excursions into the science and conspiracy forums.
Professionally I'm in internet advertising with some side gigs in the arts, dance and music.
Philosophically I'm a recruiting agnostic. I feel any specific belief in God is meaningless and necessarily incorrect. I don't find deity's likely, but they are rather unfalsifiable.
Politically I'm far left on most topics, no standard libertarian style skeptic here. I favor a Scandinavian style socialist economic system.
Personally, I'm gay, musical and athletic, despite the desk job (which I'm ignoring right now)
The meaning of the handle is simply that I'll be here when I can, which is usually when I'm pretending to work.

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome, Astral Girl. I, and I'm sure many others, will be anxiously awaiting the results of your experiment. It sounds fascinating, and it's great that you're willing to invest the time to do this. Of course, I do have a prediction about the final results, and you can probably guess what that is.

And welcome to you too, In My Spare Time. I'm glad your lurking has been enjoyable, I suspect posting will be even more so.

[Alice Shortcake]

Greetings from the wet, windswept north of England - York, to be precise. I've been a fan of the JREF and Randi's books for years but somehow I've never got round to joining the Forum, although I post regularly on UK Skeptics and Badpsychics.

I'm 47 year old woman and have never felt the need for religious, supernatural or pseudo-scientific beliefs of any kind. One of my pet peeves is the difficulty of obtaining books written from a sceptical viewpoint from public libraries - in fact I'm in the process of trying to get my local library to stock a selection of titles published by Prometheus Books. I would be interested to know if other Forum members have had similar problems.

Anyway, I look forward to getting involved - see you soon!

[bsw2009]

I would like to introduce myself. I am a 3rd year social work student at a medium sized midwestern university. I heard about these forums from some friends at school. I hope to become acquainted with some of you in the future!:)

[Hawk one]

Hi and just so you know, I joined up on the forum solely because I am a big fan of Hawk One.
Hot moon pie with crusty edge and red whortleberry filling, that is the most awesome post from a new member I've ever seen!

I guarantee you, you'll be able to get my autograph whenever you want. Hey, I'm sure we can get you some other... arrangements as well. ;)

[grayman]

sigh...so many new people to greet, so little ice cream and goats to go around...:stone028:

[FSM]

With great power over groupies comes great responsibility, Hawk. Treat me gently.

Hey, who put the goat in here?

[Hawk one]

With great power over groupies comes great responsibility, Hawk. Treat me gently.

There are so many things I want to say to this... but none of them fit for the general public.

And just kick out the goat.

[Tanstaafl]

This should be fun when I alert your other groupie!

:catfight: :popcorn1

[Paulhoff]

With great power over groupies comes great responsibility, Hawk. Treat me gently.

Hey, who put the goat in here?
http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/488046542f6c32afe.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5915)

Groupies, great power?

Paul

:) :) :)

[Tanstaafl]

Paulhoff, that would be a great avatar for... er... someone.

[Piscivore]

Welcome, FSM, and I notice you are a true Pirate indeed! Yarr. Which side is the patch on?

[The Atheist]

Don't rush to the bank with that cheque quite yet. I'm from Pennsylvania, actually. I'm half Irish, hence the name I chose. One more try on the psychic skills, tell me what I had for breakfast and I'll give you $5.00 US. Hey, I'm broke!

Damn, I must need a new crystal ball.

Breakfast?

I'm smelling toast & coffee.

[Sleeperservice]

Hello everyone!

Came to this forum after trying to find a debunk of all the 911-conspiracy crap.
(And found what i was looking for. Thanks)
I have read a lot of threads and i rely enjoy the “feel” of this forum.
So i registered. I probably not going to post that much as English is not my first
languish. ( I'm lazy and i find it time consuming to write and spell check and look things up :).) But i will lurk around in this my new “waterhole”.

[grayman]

But i will lurk around in this my new “waterhole”.

Welcome Sleeperservice.

Many of us lurk around the alco-hole. :alc:

[JoeEllison]

I'm Joe, I'm "new" here. Been reading the weekly commentary for about 5 years, and I think I was a member of the forum for about 3 weeks back in 2002 or so.

Anyhoo, where do I sign up for groupies?:D

[hcmom]

Hmmmmm.... membership of the JREF forum is taking an interesting turn these days...

[FSM]

Hi Piscivore! Thanks for the welcome.

Left. Always to the left, to the left.

And Paul, is it that Hitler? Was I just Godwinned? :) Do I understand what that means accurately? And where's my jet ski?

[Paulhoff]

Yes............. ;)

[Hawk one]

Welcome, SleeperService. Good to see that our CT forum has a positive effect.:)

I'm Joe, I'm "new" here. Been reading the weekly commentary for about 5 years, and I think I was a member of the forum for about 3 weeks back in 2002 or so.

Anyhoo, where do I sign up for groupies?:D

Welcome, Joe. Glad to have you with us.

Before you can get any groupies, you first have to prove yourself to be as immensely cool as I am. Which, let me tell you, is no small feat. However, I have noted in your other posts that you do indeed show some promise, and for but a very modest fee (which is only there to offset the administrative costs), I am willing to give you tutoring lessons in how to become cool enough for getting skepchick groupies. ;)

[hcmom]

That's Hawk for you, always willing to give his time and effort to help others!

[FSM]

Boy, did I ever create a monster...

(Hawkie, I think I should get 10% of the fee, at least...)

[FSM]

And 30% for hcmom...

[Hawk one]

Boy, did I ever create a monster...

(Hawkie, I think I should get 10% of the fee, at least...)

What makes you think this isn't my usual self?

EDITED TO ADD: As for the fee, that will depend on how well you perform your... duties, as my groupie. ;)

[hcmom]

What makes you think this isn't my usual self?

EDITED TO ADD: As for the fee, that will depend on how well you perform your... duties, as my groupie. ;)

So, have I earned my 30%?

Have I mentioned that I think I love FSM?

[Hawk one]

So, have I earned my 30%?

Have I mentioned that I think I love FSM?


You have definitively earned a lot, baby. A really big lot. :)

And yeah, I like FSM too. Though she has yet to give me her first... performance. ;)

[FSM]

Listen Hawkie, I might have to resign as your groupie and become an official hcmom groupie. She's sweet and she loves me. And I don't think she's going to make me put out to be her groupie... I could be wrong about that, but still.

Having a groupie is a grave responsiblity-- the minds of innocent newbies in your hands... :wide-eyed

[Hawk one]

Listen Hawkie, I might have to resign as your groupie and become an official hcmom groupie. She's sweet and she loves me. And I don't think she's going to make me put out to be her groupie... I could be wrong about that, but still.

Having a groupie is a grave responsiblity-- the minds of innocent newbies in your hands... :wide-eyed

You seem to forget that there also responsibilities in -being- a groupie, my sweet deity. And considering you offered yourself to start with, I have my doubts about the "innocent mind" part. :p

And you'd be surprised what hcmom is going to make you do...

[jmercer]

*snorts*

*wakes up a bit*

"Wuzzat? Eh? Did I hear..."

*looks around, then mutters sotto voice*

"Ugh. Just Hawk One preening his feathers and doing his mating dance again. Sheesh. Every damned morning it's the same thing... mmph. Two, three days he'll be inviting FSM into the chatroom, for sure..."

Oh! Almost overlooked a new arrival in all the noise and feathers flying around. Welcome, FSM. Hope you like it here... I can loan you a taser if Hawk gets overly enthusiastic with you as he has in the past with other ladies. :)

*snorts again, turns over and goes back to sleep*

[FSM]

Thanks jmercer! No taser needed. I think Hawk is wonderful. He's very much a man- he hears 'groupie' and 'fan' and thinks automatically that means punany.

But I don't ever remember offering myself to anybody. Could be I was too drunk to recall doing it, but I don't think so... not on this forum at least. I might be new, but I'm still a skeptic and I don't tend to offer anything of import lightly.

Just offered Hawkie my eternal admiration and regard as he deserves for being the funny cool dude he is...and I seriously doubt he takes it as any more than that. :)

[jmercer]

Thanks jmercer!

You're quite welcome. :)


No taser needed. I think Hawk is wonderful. He's very much a man- he hears 'groupie' and 'fan' and thinks automatically that means punany.

But I don't ever remember offering myself to anybody. Could be I was too drunk to recall doing it, but I don't think so... not on this forum at least. I might be new, but I'm still a skeptic and I don't tend to offer anything of import lightly.

Just offered Hawkie my eternal admiration and regard as he deserves for being the funny cool dude he is...and I seriously doubt he takes it as any more than that. :)

Um... sure... of course! All in good fun.

*hands FSM the taser*

Would you mind holding this for me for a while, anyway?

*rummages around looking for the tranquilizer gun*

*mutters "Now where did I put that damned thing? Poor girl's gonna need backup... why is it always the innocents that suffer?"*

[FSM]

JMercer, don't worry about me. Wait 'til Hawkie finds out that I'm actually a 64 year old male bald Sunday School Teacher from Hoboken with a hairlip....

Just a joke. Really.;)

[hcmom]

...why is it always the innocents that suffer?"*

Ah yes.... sometimes I long for the good old days, when I was one of the innocents...

Honestly, though, I'm not suffering all that much. :halo:

[wollery]

Hawk one?

Feh!

There's only one top raptor round here! ;)

[Paulhoff]

All this BS makes one think............... :rolleyes:

But then again, it doesn't................. :D

Paul

:) :) :)

[LJM in OKC]

Hi, thought I'd finally introduce myself since I've been lurking since December without a post. Found the forum through bunches of links when I was looking up the definition of the word epiphenomenon to refresh my memory.

Does anyone know where I can get one of the stickers of the Christian fish with feet (I'm trying to sway my dear-husband-bigger-skeptic-than-me into putting a deposit on the Galapagos trip and thought it would remind him of how fun it would be)?

[tkingdoll]

Hi, thought I'd finally introduce myself since I've been lurking since December without a post. Found the forum through bunches of links when I was looking up the definition of the word epiphenomenon to refresh my memory.

Does anyone know where I can get one of the stickers of the Christian fish with feet (I'm trying to sway my dear-husband-bigger-skeptic-than-me into putting a deposit on the Galapagos trip and thought it would remind him of how fun it would be)?

Hi LJM, and welcome!

The randi.org shop sells the fish, and the profits go to the JREF. Link:

http://www.randi.org/shopping/index.html

[Max Photon]

---

Greetings Everyone!


Max Photon here.


I am a 9/11 researcher.

I have a degree in geophysics from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from Wharton.

I have been conducting a scientific criminal investigation of the collapse of the WTC towers.


The output from my research is called MAX-MIHOP.


Please come and read about MAX-MIHOP, and all

The Adventures of Max Photon

at my site: maxphoton.com


I have been developing the: MAX-MIHOP Global Collapse Analyses of the WTC Towers

which are upgrades to NIST's collapse mechanisms.


A main feature of MAX-MIHOP is that thermite was simply poured into hollow perimeter-panel box-columns through the easily-accessible bolt-access-holes.

A key concept of MAX-MIHOP is that thermite was not used to cut steel, but rather, thermite was used to heat-weaken steel, to cause visco-elastic creep, to make steel members and connections fail in a manner that looked natural and spontaneous.

In other words, thermite was used to intiate and cloak the controlled-demolitions of the WTC towers.


Dr. Steven Jones et. al. are wrong (on purpose):

- Thermite was used in the controlled-demolitions of the WTC towers;

- However, thermite was used - not to cut - but to heat weaken steel - (there's a BIG difference) - so it would appear the steel failed naturally and spontaneously.


Dr. Jones covers the Light.

His goal is to keep alive the emotionally-potent oversimplification "thermite = cutting" in researchers' minds, to keep them off track.


MAX-MIHOP says...

Thermite had many uses on 9/11 in the controlled-demolitions of the WTC towers:

1.) Thermite - poured into perimeter-panel box-columns, packed in spandrel splice-gaps, and packed around many other steel connectors - was used to initiate and cloak the controlled-demolitions of the WTC towers.

2.) Thermite was used to create phreato-thermatic explosions when the jets hit the towers, to boost the emotional impact of the "input signal."

3.) Thermite packed into box columns shot out flames onto synthetically-collected debris piles, to create the illusion the debris piles were on fire. (NIST creates a cover in its pre-engineered narrative by using the phrase "fire on debris", instead of "debris on fire.")

4.) Thermite was packed into perimeter-panel columns and ignited in time and spatial patterns that created the illusion of "migrating fires".


Yes people, thermite had many uses in the controlled-demolitions of the WTC towers. Cutting steel wasn't one of them.



Here are a few titles from The Adventures of Max Photon to pique your interest:


How Thermite Was Used To Cloak the Controlled-Demolition of the WTC Towers > To Heat-Weaken Column-Splice Bolts, So They Would Appear to Strip Naturally and Spontaneously

How Thermite Was Used To Cloak the Controlled-Demolition of the WTC Towers > To Heat-Weaken Spandrel Splice-Plates, So Their Bolt-Holes Would Appear to Tear Naturally and Spontaneously

How Thermite Was Used To Cloak the Controlled-Demolition of the WTC Towers > WTC perimeter columns experienced visco-elastic creep, bowed inward, and failed - initiating collapse - because of heat from thermite placed inside perimeter box columns.

Max Photon's Open Letter to Bazant, Le, Greening, and Benson - authors of "Collapse of World Trade Center Towers: What Did and Did Not Cause It?"

MAX-MIHOP Says - The Aluminum Components of Flights 11 and 175 Were Used as Aluminum Powder for Phreato-Thermatic Explosions

Two Emails Sent to the NIST WTC Investigation Team - If the US Nukes Iran, YOU Are Directly Responsible!

Photo of a Worker Reaching Into a Perimeter-Panel Box Column, Through the Bolt-Access-Hole

Photo of a Fire Truck About to Drive Through Molten Iron Flowing From a WTC Tower

Fire in the Hole! Max Photon Solves the Mystery of NIST Figure 9-45



Please visit The Adventures of Max Photon, at maxphoton.com

Just move toward the Light.


Regard,

Maxwell C. Photon


---

[grayman]

The preceding message was brought to you by maxphoton.com



I like oatmeal cookies.

[Roadtoad]

The preceding message was brought to you by maxphoton.com



I like oatmeal cookies.

I have a recipe for oatmeal cookies, if anyone's interested.

*sigh* Welcome, Max. I'd say "Enjoy yourself," but I don't think you will.

(Sh**. I meet up with people who were there on 9/11, and none of them remember any explosions inside or outside the base of the towers, but they all remember that f***ing airplane...)

[hcmom]

Well, it WAS a long run of rational new members, and you do have to admit, Max Photon is at least literate.



ETA: I believe I steered way clear of the personal attack line, but if I didn't, please be nice to me anyway!

[grayman]

Max, it wasn't Thermite, it was termites. Little buggers are everywhere.

[trustbutverify]

Hey everybody!

First time- long time.

I used to think the stundies were twoofer quotes that were painfully stunning.

Boy- was my face red!

[Shadowsandy]

Hello everyone, I have long been a troll of these forums, but never had the time to begin to participate in the discussion. So I make my introduction now at the current end of the huge list.

I am a young(ish) skeptic, I have a large amount of theological knowledge brought to me via my very passionate, very logical father who happens to have been a preacher. It does seem that should be mutually exclusive but with every topic but God's existence it is true. He pushed me and my siblings to think critically of our religion, and to explore other religions with the aim of discovering why/if they were wrong. We just happened to find that his religion was wrong too, que sera sera.

So here I am, you can call me Sandy but it is not my real name, just one of my pseudonyms. I am passionate, bullheaded, and a loud mouth, but I am rarely wrong!

Oh and I am modest too. ;)

[Paulhoff]

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/488046916ce191b56.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=6881)

I don't know if you have the software to resize your animated gif so I did if you want to use if for your avatar.

Paul

:) :) :)

And welcome............. ;)

[Paulhoff]

---

Greetings Everyone!

Birth control, birth control, birth control............... :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

[The Great Hairy One]

Birth control, birth control, birth control............... :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)


That means you have to have sex with someone besides yourself...

Cheers,
TGHO

[Paulhoff]

That means you have to have sex with someone besides yourself...

Cheers,
TGHO
No Max Photon's parents did............ :rolleyes:

You know, I may see a big shoe falling on something with eight legs.......... ;)

Paul

:) :) :)

Yes, I have a loving wife, thank-you very much........... :jaw-dropp

[TTLer]

[duplicate post due to timeout error while I "carefully considered" my first post]

[TTLer]

Hello forum members. Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

I used to be a hopeful skeptic, but I've recently taken that final atheist step and now cease to believe in ANY magical thinking whatsoever. I am now 100% immune to woo-woo and the anecdotal crap evidence that surrounds supernatural beliefs (and a chortling amount of everyday thinking, don't you think?!)

This might cost me a good friend - a fellow science-type who claims to be an atheist but still believes in free energy and dowsing etc - he always comes back to "there must be something more out there we don't know, in terms of energy fields or what the human mind is capable of. I just feel it, I know it's there." This, from an atheist? I can't respect that - he'll go to his deathbed still claiming the same crap, no matter what evidence he experiences in his lifetime.

I suspect many here understand this sentiment.

Anyways, it was the recent Steorn free energy scam that tipped my scales off this smelly fish forever, no matter how far the fishmongers at Pike Place Market can throw a dead salmon...

P.S. Any guesses as to the old-school IT significance of the handle I'm using here? :)

Cheers

TTLer

[Paulhoff]

This might cost me a good friend - a fellow science-type who claims to be an atheist but still believes in free energy and dowsing etc - he always comes back to "there must be something more out there we don't know, in terms of energy fields or what the human mind is capable of. I just feel it, I know it's there." This, from an atheist? I can't respect that - he'll go to his deathbed still claiming the same crap, no matter what evidence he experiences in his lifetime.
Welcome, TTLer,

Tell your friend that he still sound religious and still has a so-called god, it just comes in a different form then most.

Paul

:) :) :)

and oops, you made your first double post already.......

[TTLer]

Thanks for the welcome, Paul. Glad to be here.

Indeed, whenever I talk to my friend "S" lately, I try to diplomatically broach the subject of his level of skepticism vs. his level of hope and faith in claptrap (non-sic!).

I mean, maybe he'll "come around" after finally reconciling these contradictory beliefs; maybe if I nourish him with enough information about debunkings, he'll finally repent, and realize he's only one of many who buy into a lifetime of false beliefs created by charlatans and con-men.

But alas, I don't want to push things too hard. A few times a year, "S" and I go camping together and have a great time around the campfire with beers and good discussion about life/women/jobs/science etc, shooting targets with BB guns all the while... Lots of fun, but it's becoming more and more difficult to take him seriously when he starts pooing out of his mouth and citing bad, bad evidence to support his claim that "amid all the scammers and con-men, there is a small percentage of people that show genuine promise for supernatural talents..."

Of course I want to say "Hey S, here comes the crazy train, get on it man! Woo-Woo, Woo-Woo, Woo-Woo!!!" But I haven't said this to him yet.

How do I reconcile my own skeptical beliefs while maintaining a varied base of interesting friends?

Seriously, something I've been thinking about. On one hand it's so tempting to correct people about pseudo-crap whenever it comes up or they mention it. On the other hand, it won't make you a lot of friends.

What's a guy to do?

[The Great Hairy One]

Yes, I have a loving wife, thank-you very much........... :jaw-dropp


Yes, but it's better if she's married to you rather than someone else!!

:D :p


TTL - don't talk about it. Whenever your friend brings it up, just roll your eyes and change the topic completely. He'll get the idea pretty quickly. If he specifically asks you, or raises "Evidence", then have a discussion. But let it lie until then.

Cheers,
TGHO

[TTLer]

10-4, thanks TGHO.

BTW, your avatar is most creepy when the legs move!

[arthwollipot]

Hello everyone, I have long been a troll of these forums, but never had the time to begin to participate in the discussion.

Hi there Sandy. I'm not sure you want to self-identify here as a troll (http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/T/troll.html). Rather, you have most likely been a lurker (http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/L/lurker.html). Lurkers are good. Trolls are bad. :cool:

[COLONEL]

Welcome to all you new bloods, by now I'm sure you have been shown around by the Grayman . Do whatever he tells you to do except feed him .Also there is no harassing of the goats or if your like the Grayman no molesting them. Other then that injoy your stay :drool:

[Carnegiea]

Hi all --

I've been lurking off and on since I found out about this place from David Wong's "The God Fuse" article. I don't have the extensive scientific background some of you seem to have. I'm a pretty big fan of Penn & Teller: BS, I've read A Demon Haunted World, Cults in Our Midst and a ton of other nonfiction... mostly social science and history stuff. I've gone back to school after working as a plasma center lab technician and a handful of restaurant jobs. I'm working on a marketing major, but I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it as of yet.

This looks like a fun place.

[grayman]

Welcome Carnegiea. Want an oatmeal cookie?

[Hawk one]

This looks like a fun place.

Famous last words.....


Just kidding. Welcome, Carnegia. ;)

[Spidey13]

Welcome Carnegiea. Want an oatmeal cookie?

Don't do it, Carnegiea! It's a trap!

[Tanstaafl]

Thermite had many uses on 9/11 in the controlled-demolitions of the WTC towers:

...snip...




I keep tapping on it, but the needle still doesn't move. Is my irony meter broken? Surely this can't be serious?

[Paulhoff]

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/48804685ac8e0d56e.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=6638)

Paul

:) :) :)

[fitzgibbon]

Greetings all and sundry from a 2-month lurker.

I'm here courtesy of some forgotten poster at abovetopsecret who happened to mention JREF in regards to the WTC. My interest tweaked, I Googled JREF and have (for some twisted reason) forsworn posting until now so as to have gone completely through the entire Loose Change thread in all its iterations just to see if any of the nutters on ATS' 11-9 forum (I'm a Canuck; would you Yanks PLEASE get your date thing straight? :D ) were posting here and what sort of welcome they received.

Glad to see the bum's rush was applied with cold logic and reason. Sort of like light to cockroaches and other creepy-crawlies. Hopefully, more will find their way here from ATS and see the light.

Many thanks to all you guys and gals who've done the heavy-lifting on that front. Oh and I will try not to push the smiley threshold too much. ;)

[Paulhoff]

(I'm a Canuck; would you Yanks PLEASE get your date thing straight? :D )
Welcome fitzgibbon, the dates here are straight, July 4th 1776 sounds a lot better then 1776 July 4th.............. :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

[Dorian Gray]

here

[Dorian Gray]

there

[arthwollipot]

Welcome fitzgibbon, the dates here are straight, July 4th 1776 sounds a lot better then 1776 July 4th.............. :rolleyes:

But 4th of July 1776 sounds better than both, which is why 4/7/1776 is correct. :p

[wollery]

And it's far more logical, since you go in increasing order of measurement length.

[Paulhoff]

But to a programmer, 20070704 makes much more sense......... :hit:

Paul

:) :) :)

But sounds like sh-t

[arthwollipot]

Depends whether the programming language is little-endian or big-endian.

[Paulhoff]

Depends whether the programming language is little-endian or big-endian.
Oh bright eyes, no, it is the programming language that pays your bills. :p

Paul

:) :) :)

[arthwollipot]

Hey. How do you know who pays my bills? I'm gonna come over there and laser your moon!

[Paulhoff]

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/48804643c97badff5.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5678)

Be careful, that is not the only avatar that will come out of his butt... :jaw-dropp

Paul

:) :) :)

[Paul W]

I'm a newbie - with an obsession for (reasonably) grammatical language (English, if you must, but e-prime is rather better (bang it into <google> or your favourite). To comment on Satan ... etc, the available evidence about Nessie is that there isn't sufficient biomass in Loch Ness to support a breeding colony of the type of creatures they might be. But whatever - the Forum seems fun

[SopranoHarmony]

Welcome!!!

the Forum seems fun

I know it's already been said, but.... "famous last words"... :halo:

Sorry I haven't been on to welcome people in a while, but I'm back!!

[Roadtoad]

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/48804643c97badff5.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5678)

Be careful, that is not the only avatar that will come out of his butt... :jaw-dropp

Paul

:) :) :)

Dude, that's TMI.

[AgeGap]

Hi I am AgeGap. Athiest since age 7, stopped believing in ufos since 14 and now posting here at age 39. Please also welcome my spirit guide Nigel who passed to the other side following a bizzare unicycling accident.

[Paulhoff]

Hi I am AgeGap. Athiest since age 7, stopped believing in ufos since 14 and now posting here at age 39. Please also welcome my spirit guide Nigel who passed to the other side following a bizzare unicycling accident.
MMMMMMM, now that is true TMI.............. :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

[hcmom]

Hi I am AgeGap. Athiest since age 7, stopped believing in ufos since 14 and now posting here at age 39. Please also welcome my spirit guide Nigel who passed to the other side following a bizzare unicycling accident.

So.... are you Making Plans for Nigel?

[Terry]

He's got a future in British Steel!

[Gregoire]

Greetings,
I think I have had a skeptical outlook on the world since I was very young. Even as a teenager and was "experimenting" with different religious sects, I remember at the time telling my brother I would always go where the evidence took me. Needless to say, that part of my life is long since over.

I am drawn to the forum because of its use of the scientific method in evaluating claims. I especially loved the episode of South Park which explained John Edward's methods (using information from James Randi). And just seeing Randi bust that faith healer on 20/20 made me want to find out more.

I am not sure if I will fit in here, but the only way to know is to try,

Gregg

[a.real.girl]

Welcome Gregg!

[Hawk one]

Welcome, AgeGap.

Did that bizarre unicycle accident with Nigel by any chance involve a snooker table, twenty baby seals, a bucket of unwritten memoirs, and my late grand-uncle Lars Skullcrusher?

[AgeGap]

Wow Hawk one. Nigel is quite vague on the details, something he has in common with a lot of spirit guides, but that does fill in a lot of gaps. Thank you for channelling that for me.

[Gregoire]

Welcome Gregg!

Thank you

[COLONEL]

Welcome Gregg would you like a fluffernutter they are real good I make them from real goat fluff and goat .........

[The Atheist]

I'm a newbie - with an obsession for (reasonably) grammatical language (English, if you must, but e-prime is rather better (bang it into <google> or your favourite). To comment on Satan ... etc, the available evidence about Nessie is that there isn't sufficient biomass in Loch Ness to support a breeding colony of the type of creatures they might be. But whatever - the Forum seems fun

Welcome!

Another grammar Nazi. My prayers answered; I am no longer alone!

Hi I am AgeGap. Athiest since age 7, stopped believing in ufos since 14 and now posting here at age 39. Please also welcome my spirit guide Nigel who passed to the other side following a bizzare unicycling accident.

Atheist and a sense of humour - you'll be welcome as well!

I am not sure if I will fit in here, but the only way to know is to try,

Gregg

If you don't, let me know and I'll give you a really hard push.

You'll be fine - welcome along.

[arthwollipot]

Another grammar Nazi. My prayers answered; I am no longer alone!

You've never been alone. You've just not noticed the rest of us grammar nazis, because our grammar is correct and does not stand out.

[Gregoire]

Welcome Gregg would you like a fluffernutter they are real good I make them from real goat fluff and goat .........

Thanks for the welcome, but I am going to have to pass on the offer.

[Gregoire]

Welcome!

Another grammar Nazi. My prayers answered; I am no longer alone!



Atheist and a sense of humour - you'll be welcome as well!



If you don't, let me know and I'll give you a really hard push.

You'll be fine - welcome along.

Wow, you guys talk about grammar too? Don't you hate it when people say "give it to Randy and I"? I have heard this a lot lately and it is driving me crazy. AHHHHH! It helps to let it out and tell someone for a change.

[arthwollipot]

I have a number of pet peeves where grammar is concerned, but it would be inappropriate for me to list them here.

[grayman]

I ain't got no problem with none of the grammar with us.

[arthwollipot]

See, there's about nine of my pet peeves right there!

[Gregoire]

I ain't got no problem with none of the grammar with us.


Actually, now that I got it out of my system, I feel better and it doesn't bother me. ;) ....for the time being anyway

......Do Skeptics believe this is a real phenomenon or is it just all in my head?:)

[Tanstaafl]

See, there's about nine of my pet peeves right there!


And at least three of them have to do with his writing!

[hcmom]

Wow, you guys talk about grammar too? Don't you hate it when people say "give it to Randy and I"? I have heard this a lot lately and it is driving me crazy. AHHHHH! It helps to let it out and tell someone for a change.

I used to wield my red font with a heavy hand, but I've become a bit less aggressive about it, here at least. Unfortunately, no one will let me live my reputation down.

Uh... the reputation as grammar police. The other reputation is more of an implicit thing, and isn't talked about... :halo:

[Katana]

Upholders of correct grammar?

I salute you!

[Mr. Skinny]

Upholders of correct grammar?

I salute you!
Shouldn't this be: "Upholders of correct grammar, I salute you!"?

[Katana]

Shouldn't this be: "Upholders of correct grammar, I salute you!"?


:p

[Gregoire]

Uh... the reputation as grammar police. The other reputation is more of an implicit thing, and isn't talked about... :halo:



OK, I guess I won't ask any questions then.:)

[Gregoire]

Upholders of correct grammar?

I salute you!

This is turning out to be a great forum!

[Paulhoff]

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Upholders of correct grammar fear this book......... :rolleyes:

Paul

:) :) :)

So let it be written, so let them become undone.

[SusanB-M1]

See, there's about nine of my pet peeves right there!

'...there are about....'?!!

However, I am prepared to stand corrected if need be!

[arthwollipot]

'...there are about....'?!!

However, I am prepared to stand corrected if need be!

Yep. My bad.

[Gregoire]

Since we are on the subject of grammar, what is your opinion about ending a sentence with a preposition? I was originally taught that it was never to be done. Years later, I read somewhere that it was perfectly acceptable to do so in English and that this rule came from misapplying a rule from Latin. Years later I met someone who vehemently disagreed with that article.

[Magic 9-Ball]

Since we are on the subject of grammar, what is your opinion about ending a sentence with a preposition? I was originally taught that it was never to be done. Years later, I read somewhere that it was perfectly acceptable to do so in English and that this rule came from misapplying a rule from Latin. Years later I met someone who vehemently disagreed with that article.
Proper English nevers ends with a preposition. Therefore, I believe most people (at least Americans) don't speak proper English. I'm OK with that!

If I was writing a formal letter, however, I would proofread for proper grammar.

And as I have recently joined the Forum after lurking for ages, had I known there would be a grammar test I might have kept surfing the net... ;)

[Paulhoff]

Lurking for ages, we are.

Paul

:) :) :)

[grayman]

Proper English nevers ends with a preposition. Therefore, I believe most people (at least Americans) don't speak proper English. I'm OK with that!

If I was writing a formal letter, however, I would proofread for proper grammar.

And as I have recently joined the Forum after lurking for ages, had I known there would be a grammar test I might have kept surfing the net... ;)

Welcome to the forum we all hang out at. :)

[Magic 9-Ball]

Welcome to the forum we all hang out at. :)
Thanks for the welcome. I believe this is among the threads I could find myself within.

[Gregoire]

Proper English nevers ends with a preposition. Therefore, I believe most people (at least Americans) don't speak proper English. I'm OK with that!

If I was writing a formal letter, however, I would proofread for proper grammar.

And as I have recently joined the Forum after lurking for ages, had I known there would be a grammar test I might have kept surfing the net... ;)

Thanks for the response.

The problem I have is if one person says it is acceptable and another person says it is unacceptable, where does one go to get the final answer?

[Paulhoff]

Thanks for the response.

The problem I have is if one person says it is acceptable and another person says it is unacceptable, where does one go to get the final answer?
LUKE: Is bad grammar stronger?

YODA: No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.

Paul

:) :) :)

[LibraryLady]

Thanks for the response.

The problem I have is if one person says it is acceptable and another person says it is unacceptable, where does one go to get the final answer?

To me!

[Magic 9-Ball]

To me!
Good answer! What she said!

[arthwollipot]

Since we are on the subject of grammar, what is your opinion about ending a sentence with a preposition? I was originally taught that it was never to be done. Years later, I read somewhere that it was perfectly acceptable to do so in English and that this rule came from misapplying a rule from Latin. Years later I met someone who vehemently disagreed with that article.

Ending sentences with prepositions is something up with which we will not put.

[Gregoire]

To me!


Excellent!:)

Finally, I have finally found the one with whom I should talk.

And what is your ruling on ending a sentence with a preposition? Is is really an English rule or is it a Latin rule that has been misapplied to English?

[Gregoire]

Ending sentences with prepositions is something up with which we will not put.

LOL! :)

That pretty much demonstrates the argument of those who state that ending a sentence with a preposition is acceptable in English.

[Paulhoff]

LOL! :)

That pretty much demonstrates the argument of those who state that ending a sentence with a preposition is acceptable in English.
Only when Resident Bush gets it right will I worry about it, and if that happens, I will also worry about the end of the earth coming.

Paul

:) :) :)

[LibraryLady]

I have turned to one of my favorite books, The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (of Charlotte's Web fame). Here is what they say on in the 4th edition on page 77:

Years ago, students were warned not to end a sentence with a preposition; time, of course, has softened that rigid decree. Not only is the preposition acceptable at the end, sometimes it is more effective in that spot than anywhere else.

Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia O'Conner says on page 183:

We can blame an eighteenth-century English clergyman named Robert Lowth for this one. He wrote the first grammar book to say that a preposition...shouldn't go at the end of a sentence. This idea caught on, even though great literature from Chaucer to Shakespeare to Milton is bristling with sentences ending in prepositions. Nobody knows why the notion stuck--possibly because it's closer to Latin grammar, or perhaps because the word preposition means "position before," which seems to suggest that a preposition can't come last.

So there we have it, folks. End those sentences with prepositions. I, the empress of correct grammar, will not say a word. :)

[grayman]

So there we have it, folks. End those sentences with prepositions. I, the empress of correct grammar, will not say a word. :)

That's what we have you here for. ;)

[Gregoire]

I have turned to one of my favorite books, The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (of Charlotte's Web fame). Here is what they say on in the 4th edition on page 77:

Years ago, students were warned not to end a sentence with a preposition; time, of course, has softened that rigid decree. Not only is the preposition acceptable at the end, sometimes it is more effective in that spot than anywhere else.

Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia O'Conner says on page 183:

We can blame an eighteenth-century English clergyman named Robert Lowth for this one. He wrote the first grammar book to say that a preposition...shouldn't go at the end of a sentence. This idea caught on, even though great literature from Chaucer to Shakespeare to Milton is bristling with sentences ending in prepositions. Nobody knows why the notion stuck--possibly because it's closer to Latin grammar, or perhaps because the word preposition means "position before," which seems to suggest that a preposition can't come last.

So there we have it, folks. End those sentences with prepositions. I, the empress of correct grammar, will not say a word. :)


Well, there you have it. And the empress has supplied two sources instead of just one! (To me, using two independent sources is the mark of a true skeptic.)

And to think if I hadn't joined this forum, I would still be living in darkness....:)

[LibraryLady]

That's what we have you here for. ;)

I thought it was for my sex appeal and general allure. :(

[The Atheist]

I ain't got no problem with none of the grammar with us.

Grammar? Didn't you mean "grammer"?

Since we are on the subject of grammar, what is your opinion about ending a sentence with a preposition? I was originally taught that it was never to be done. Years later, I read somewhere that it was perfectly acceptable to do so in English and that this rule came from misapplying a rule from Latin. Years later I met someone who vehemently disagreed with that article.

Whenever possible, I do it.

Thanks for the response.

The problem I have is if one person says it is acceptable and another person says it is unacceptable, where does one go to get the final answer?

Me, of course! Although LL is a good bet.

I thought it was for my sex appeal and general allure.

It is!

Well, for me, that is it.

[Snick]

I've been an avid reader of the forum for many years. I have more time now to get involved

[Snick]

I have a number of pet peeves where grammar is concerned, but it would be inappropriate for me to list them here.
I share your disdain for bad grammar. I taught adult reading in Minnesota, and the people with the heaviest accents or those who spoke only street English were the toughest nuts to crack. If you do not talk the Kings English, then don't bother trying to learn to read.

[Tanstaafl]

I share your disdain for bad grammar. I taught adult reading in Minnesota, and the people with the heaviest accents or those who spoke only street English were the toughest nuts to crack. If you do not talk the Kings English, then don't bother trying to learn to read.


Welcome Snick from a fellow Zoni.

But I didn't realize I was supposed to speak like King George... I'm not sure I can do it!

[Katana]

I thought it was for my sex appeal and general allure. :(


Oh! It is, LL.

Wait...Or was I not supposed to be the one to say that?

:D

[HereticHulk]

Hi! I'm Josh

[Paulhoff]

Hi Josh, we got a new one.

Paul

:) :) :)

[javislikedavis]

Hi, My name is Javan and I am glad to finally get onto the forums. I have been listening to SGTU for about a year, and more recently, Skeptoid. Not related to JREF, but very excellent is also Logically Critical". I also listen to some "strictly science" casts like Spitzer, Bad Astronomy (or, did) and Astronomy cast. The science is good material and necessary, but my main interest is debate and logic. My interest in this was first piqued when I had an Oral Communication class in college (speech and debate) and was rekindled after a long hiatus after listening to Kent Hovind on The Infidel Guy podcast.
I am fascinated by the claims made by many of the kooks out there (yeah yeah, ad hoc...I guess the more appropriate would be "fascinated by all the kooky claims made by people out there") like when Hovind claimed that "Heavy elements can't be fused past Iron, so the fact that anything heavier is out there is proof of God's existence." Of course anyone that took away even a basic understanding form a chemistry or astronomy class will know that the heavy elements are made through fusion for a net loss of energy, and are thus not self-sustaining and usually made in HUGE stars or supernovae (correction?)
I can go on, but I think I should stop now, as this is only an introduction, and contribute my 2 cents where appropriate on the forums, and some kind of blog that I have yet to start. So, thanks again for having me, and I look forward to chatting with you all.

Javan

[Paulhoff]

Hi Javan, don't you just love it when they misquote science to disprove science, if it wasn't for lies they would have nothing.

Paul

:) :) :)

[grayman]

I thought it was for my sex appeal and general allure. :(

aaahhh...:iloveusign: :hug1:

[Wallace]

Hello,

I'm new to JREF. I work professionally as an energy medicine practitioner ... possibly not the most credible endeavor among JREF members. My background also includes a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford and work as a research scientist.

My interest in JREF stems from a curiosity in the question, why HAS no one claimed the Randi prize? To ardent skeptics, the answer is perhaps obvious ... because the paranormal is bogus. But as someone who experiences intention based healing daily, the answer is less clear. Is it a battle of intention? A test of reality creating wills? Who knows.

My question as a newbie is this. I'm not interested in engaging in a flame-fest over whether or not what I believe is true or bunk. I'm not interested in convincing anyone of anything. But I am wondering if there is a subset among JREF who believe in energetic capabilities, but have a curiosity in exploring skepticism from within a believers context? Are there any threads in the skeptic forum for "believers"?

Many thanks,
Wallace

[Macoy]

Welcome Wallace!

I am sure that your question would receive a lot of attention, if posted as a new thread.

[Paulhoff]

Hello,
I work professionally as an energy medicine practitioner ...

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Many thanks,
Wallace
Hi,

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM :rolleyes:

Why do I think you are pulling our leg............... :o

I sure hope so............... :blush:

Paul

:) :) :)

[hcmom]

Hello,

I'm new to JREF. I work professionally as an energy medicine practitioner ... possibly not the most credible endeavor among JREF members. My background also includes a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford and work as a research scientist.

My interest in JREF stems from a curiosity in the question, why HAS no one claimed the Randi prize? To ardent skeptics, the answer is perhaps obvious ... because the paranormal is bogus. But as someone who experiences intention based healing daily, the answer is less clear. Is it a battle of intention? A test of reality creating wills? Who knows.

My question as a newbie is this. I'm not interested in engaging in a flame-fest over whether or not what I believe is true or bunk. I'm not interested in convincing anyone of anything. But I am wondering if there is a subset among JREF who believe in energetic capabilities, but have a curiosity in exploring skepticism from within a believers context? Are there any threads in the skeptic forum for "believers"?

Many thanks,
Wallace

I'm speaking entirely for myself here, but with some certainty that many others feel the same way.

I may not "believe", but I'm willing to learn truths based on facts.

[arthwollipot]

"Energetic capabilities"? I'm quite capable when I get energetic. Is that what you mean?

[SusanB-M1]

Library Lady
Re: Strunk and White

There is a grammar thread on Ship of Fools, and I mentioned Strunk and White. Another poster was really scathing about it! I was quite taken aback, as I too think it is an excellent book.

[Gregoire]

Library Lady
Re: Strunk and White

There is a grammar thread on Ship of Fools, and I mentioned Strunk and White. Another poster was really scathing about it! I was quite taken aback, as I too think it is an excellent book.

I appreciate you sharing alternative views from your own. Again, it is this type of critical thinking I was looking for when I joined the JREF forum.:)

I'll have to check out that thread (when I have some more time).

I too have always heard great things about Strunk and White. Even the women I met many years ago who was vehemently against ending a sentence with a preposition was ironically a Strunk and White fan. It is too bad she didn't remember that part of their book.

[LibraryLady]

Library Lady
Re: Strunk and White

There is a grammar thread on Ship of Fools, and I mentioned Strunk and White. Another poster was really scathing about it! I was quite taken aback, as I too think it is an excellent book.

I love Strunk and White because it is an example of what it preaches. The writing is lovely. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, even when it's wrong. :)

ETA: By the way, may I have a link for Ship of Fools?

[KarlG]

Hi guys, Im Karl, 33, from England. Been a skeptic since early teens, been reading this site for years and thought id finally join the forum :)

Keep up the good work

Karl

[Wallace]

OK. Thank you for the replies, comments, and some encouragement. I'll put together a new thread and see how it goes.

>> "Energetic capabilities"? I'm quite capable when I get energetic. Is that what you mean?

Probably not. Where I used "energetic capabilities" I'll guess that you could substitute the words "paranormal stuff" and be close enough.

>> I may not "believe", but I'm willing to learn truths based on facts.

That makes sense. I only have words to offer. We'll see if the discussion goes anyplace interesting.

>> Why do I think you are pulling our leg. I sure hope so.

Sorry. I really am both PhD and fringe.

>> I am sure that your question would receive a lot of attention, if posted as a new thread.

Thanks. Let's hope the thread creates some value.

All the best,
Wallace

[ibarrington]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for the warm welcome. My name is Isabel and I live in Tennessee. This is the first forum that I've joined, so I don't really know much about how this works. Please bear with me if I goof up, and let me know so that I can get it right the next time.

I came across this website while researching a health question, and immediately recognized that this was not the run-of-the-mill forum. I don't know that I'm a skeptic as much as I am a cynic, but maybe that's splitting hairs. I do know that my thinking is different from most people's. My shrink says that my "high moral standards clash with the reality of life." Well my morals aren't really all that high, they're just different. It would be more accurate to say that I am constantly dismayed by what the world could be, and the reality of what in fact it is.

I'm looking forward to reading the posts and getting a chance to know some of you. Thanks for having me here.

Regards, Isabel

[hcmom]

There is a difference between skepticism and cynicism, yes. They are not mutually exclusive, however.

I'm not sure what you mean by your morals are "different", but I do hope you don't end up being a bit disturbed by the exceedingly "different" morals that are displayed in this forum.

The most important thing you need to have to arm yourself properly for forays into here is a sense of humor. With that, you don't notice your sanity slipping away.

Welcome, Isabel!

[SusanB-M1]

I love Strunk and White because it is an example of what it preaches. The writing is lovely. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, even when it's wrong. :)

ETA: By the way, may I have a link for Ship of Fools?
It was The Atheist who first referred me to this forum:
http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/
By the way, I'm SusanDoris over there!

[LibraryLady]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for the warm welcome. My name is Isabel and I live in Tennessee. This is the first forum that I've joined, so I don't really know much about how this works. Please bear with me if I goof up, and let me know so that I can get it right the next time.

I came across this website while researching a health question, and immediately recognized that this was not the run-of-the-mill forum. I don't know that I'm a skeptic as much as I am a cynic, but maybe that's splitting hairs. I do know that my thinking is different from most people's. My shrink says that my "high moral standards clash with the reality of life." Well my morals aren't really all that high, they're just different. It would be more accurate to say that I am constantly dismayed by what the world could be, and the reality of what in fact it is.

I'm looking forward to reading the posts and getting a chance to know some of you. Thanks for having me here.

Regards, Isabel

There is, however, an initiation rite. It consists of answering two questions:

Have you returned your library books?

What is your position on budgies?

[Gregoire]

Library Lady
Re: Strunk and White

There is a grammar thread on Ship of Fools, and I mentioned Strunk and White. Another poster was really scathing about it! I was quite taken aback, as I too think it is an excellent book.


I guess I misunderstood your post. As someone who is new to the JREF forum. I didn't realize Ship of Fools was a completely different one.

[dawi]

Hi,

As a popular science journalist, I found this site more than a year ago while studying some medical condition. I registered, but forgot to visit again until I got a JREF-newsletter some weeks ago. I'll have a closer look at the forum topics those days, but will not post that much because as a freelance I have to work hard to survive. Moreover the abundant use of slang in the threads makes reading difficult for me. All will depend on the quality of the information I can find here.

Greetings,

[Roadtoad]

There is, however, an initiation rite. It consists of answering two questions:

Have you returned your library books?

What is your position on budgies?

Damn. I'm in trouble.

No, I've still got a couple out.

And I love budgies. Especially stir-fried.

[hcmom]

Have you returned your library books?


Actually, I feel quite guilty, as I owe a fairly large fine for returning books late while my mother was in the hospital and nursing home. Lucky for me I'm on very good terms with the librarians at my library, and they'll waive it if I ask.

[HghrSymmetry]

Hey gang,
Just popping in to say hello before entering the fray.

-HS

[RedIbis]

This is my first post. I've been on other forums, but this has to be the biggest. Quite a tough crowd I see. I'm looking forward to a respectful, spirited debate on any number of subjects. See you all soon, RedIbis

[darkwing]

Hey all,
Darkwing from Oklahoma, USA.

Hope to get into the thick of things here.

Thanks

[headphase]

Hi, my name is Tim. I am an agnostic who is currently a student in college.

[Paulhoff]

Hello to everyone.

Paul

:) :) :)

[LibraryLady]

Wow, lots of new people! And Happy Birthday, RedIbis!

[DogsHead]

Hello all, Long time reader, short time poster - I have read all the way through (yes, that's right - all the posts) in "Dowsing by Edge" and now feel humbled by the patience displayed by most people participating. I'm of a technical background - Audio engineering mainly, but these days am having a lot to do with display tech, software, film and video (i.e, more of the V than the A in AV, if you see what I mean) as part of my job with the Art Gallery of NSW in sydney.
salut!

[hcmom]

You all do realize of course that all these new members are here despite the forum admins and mods, and not because our fearless crew does its best to keep things civil...

[Normal Dude]

Hi folks.

Chris

[arthwollipot]

Hi Chris.

[christie malry]

Hello,
Just popping my head round the door as suggested. What a nice idea to have a welcome thread!

[ibarrington]

There is, however, an initiation rite. It consists of answering two questions:

Have you returned your library books?

What is your position on budgies?
I don't have any library books out.

My grandmother had two budgies when she was alive. She actually taught them how to talk, like parrots. When she died, one of them died a day or two later, and the other one a day or so after that. Since coming to America (I'm originally from Scotland), I haven't seen any budgies, only parakeets.

[this charming man]

Hello everyone:

It has taken thirty years; however, I can now fully state: "I am an atheist."

It feels really good to to say that.

I am glad there is a place where I can find like-minded critical thinkers; I hope to "talk" to all of you soon.

Warm Regards,

TCM

[this charming man]

1) Yes
2) I believe that the budgie and the vacuum cleaner need to resolve their differences.

[grayman]

I was going to welcome the new people, but there are so many and I didn't bring enough oatmeal cookies. Plus the ice cream is melting, and the goat is tired.

[Just_Judy]

No one told me about the library book return being part of the initiation rights. When I write the check for the past due fees today, Nevada will celebrate. As far as budgies...they are cute, but I am more of a snake and reptile woman.
Now...do I get ice cream WITH my oatmeal cookies? Do the cookies have raisins and/or choco chips? Please address the important questions to life for the newbies, will you?

[wollery]

The ice cream is to go with the goat.

[HghrSymmetry]

The extraction of the milk is no doubt the days highlight.

;)

[LibraryLady]

1) Yes
2) I believe that the budgie and the vacuum cleaner need to resolve their differences.

:eye-poppi

[this charming man]

:eye-poppi


:) It's a Clash reference; It is from the song "The Magnificent Seven".

[Seventhsally]

Greetings all,
Having lurked among the forums for quite some time now, I decided to create a account, perhaps even post a thing or two. Sadly, I fear I may not be up to snuff regarding training and knowledge in the philosophy of science, but I've read Popper, Kuhn, et al. and can hold my own against the lay folk. I might even have a fresh perspective now and then.

I am a long time skeptic, part time curmudgeon, and aspiring critical thinker. My current hot topic is understanding the subtle nuances of determining the efficiency of electrical machines (I am a BSEE, with more than 20 years of field experience in engineering and electronics). I generally tend to stay out of the way and amuse myself with the distorted and frequently hilarious (mis) interpretations of chaos, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, crystal vibrations and am particularty fond of arguments which co opt the language of science in desperate attempts to lend credibility to fuzzy thinking. On occasion I will rise to the bait of a particularly offensive creationist, usually when they start quoting Behe or some other pseudo-scientist.

I hope I have an opportunity to contribute here, but if I remain quite, it is usually because I cannot improve upon the silence.

:)

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome Seventhsally!

I am quite confident you can improve the forum by your participation. You should fit right in.

[hcmom]

The extraction of the milk is no doubt the days highlight.

;)

Uh...... would some one who isn't me like to tell HghrSymmetry what the goats are here for please? I think he may be under the wrong impression.


ETA: Ok, so I just thought about it, and maybe he already DOES know......

[this charming man]

As a fellow looooong time lurker, I am pleased to join with you.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello all, Long time reader, short time poster - I have read all the way through (yes, that's right - all the posts) in "Dowsing by Edge" and now feel humbled by the patience displayed by most people participating. I'm of a technical background - Audio engineering mainly, but these days am having a lot to do with display tech, software, film and video (i.e, more of the V than the A in AV, if you see what I mean) as part of my job with the Art Gallery of NSW in sydney.
salut!
I am humbled by your patience in reading through that whole thread.......zowie.

You must be a glutton for punishment, and speaking of said gluttons, Tricky certainly deserves kudos for educating Edge on geology.


And welcome to you DogsHead and everyone else to numerous to mention.

I think we need official forum greeters these days, sorta like Wal-Mart.

Your forum god,

Skinny

[Franklin]

Hello, all.


I stumbled upon this forum a few days ago pretty well by accident. I'm quite impressed by the scope of many of the posters as well as the humour. It has a refreshing ambience to it; and I've always respected Mr. Randi's work. I hope to occasionally jump into a few threads and make some intelligent remarks. I'm somewhat appalled these days by the degree of conformist thinking and distorted logic that I see everywhere. I'm easy to get along with, and I prefer to ask someone intelligent and polite questions rather than jump all over their ideas. I find many of the forums so stimulating here that I really don't know where to start. :)

[Skreeonk]

Hi everyone! I've been around the JREF site on-and-off for a while. Was introduced to Randi's books by an old roommate of mine years ago and I've been a fan ever since.

Anyway, I just signed into the forums for the first time, and to be honest I came here with something to show all of you. It's a video on YouTube that claims to show proof of a woman morphing between a "reptile woman" and/or a "demon woman." Is there already a discussion on this? If not, where should I post it?

True story! I called the JREF to donate some money one evening a few years back. I was expecting an automated system or perhaps some kind of clerical assistant, but Mr. Randi himself answered the phone! I was dumbstruck. I stammered about how astonished I was that he answered the phone himself and he replied in a somewhat snarky (yet, obviously not truly mean-spirited) tone, "What'd ya think was gonna answer? A CHICKEN?!" After I got off the phone, I laughed pretty hard. It was almost surreal.

[drsabbylewis]

I have been reading your threads for quite some time now and now I thought of joining. I don't think I can call myself a skeptic as I am a Homoeopathic practitioner and I am here to defend homoeopathy, hope to have a meaningful discussion with you all.
Just to add I am a fan of Mr Randi though I feel that there are a few things that he needs to correct

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello, all.


I stumbled upon this forum a few days ago pretty well by accident. I'm quite impressed by the scope of many of the posters as well as the humour. It has a refreshing ambience to it; and I've always respected Mr. Randi's work. I hope to occasionally jump into a few threads and make some intelligent remarks. I'm somewhat appalled these days by the degree of conformist thinking and distorted logic that I see everywhere. I'm easy to get along with, and I prefer to ask someone intelligent and polite questions rather than jump all over their ideas. I find many of the forums so stimulating here that I really don't know where to start. :)
Welcome Franklin. If you don't know where to start, I'd suggest the Community sub-forum for some chit chat. That'll let you get to know a few folks and make you feel comfortable.

Hi everyone! I've been around the JREF site on-and-off for a while. Was introduced to Randi's books by an old roommate of mine years ago and I've been a fan ever since.

Anyway, I just signed into the forums for the first time, and to be honest I came here with something to show all of you. It's a video on YouTube that claims to show proof of a woman morphing between a "reptile woman" and/or a "demon woman." Is there already a discussion on this? If not, where should I post it?

True story! I called the JREF to donate some money one evening a few years back. I was expecting an automated system or perhaps some kind of clerical assistant, but Mr. Randi himself answered the phone! I was dumbstruck. I stammered about how astonished I was that he answered the phone himself and he replied in a somewhat snarky (yet, obviously not truly mean-spirited) tone, "What'd ya think was gonna answer? A CHICKEN?!" After I got off the phone, I laughed pretty hard. It was almost surreal.
Hi, Skreeonk. I'd post your reptile woman thing in "General Skepticism and the Paranormal sub-forum.

As for Randi answering the phone - the JREF office consists of Randi, Linda, and sometimes a student intern as I understand it. No chickens, but I hear they have peacocks wandering the JREF grounds. :)
I have been reading your threads for quite some time now and now I thought of joining. I don't think I can call myself a skeptic as I am a Homoeopathic practitioner and I am here to defend homoeopathy, hope to have a meaningful discussion with you all.
Just to add I am a fan of Mr Randi though I feel that there are a few things that he needs to correct
Good to meet you drsabbylewis. Undoubtedly you will meet forum members Rolfe, BadleyShavedMonkey, and Zep. Homeopathy hasn't fared too well around here in the past. Maybe you can shed some new light on things.

[Pipirr]

I have been reading your threads for quite some time now and now I thought of joining. I don't think I can call myself a skeptic as I am a Homoeopathic practitioner and I am here to defend homoeopathy, hope to have a meaningful discussion with you all.
Just to add I am a fan of Mr Randi though I feel that there are a few things that he needs to correct


A very warm welcome!

Looking forward to many good natured, meaningful discussions with you. :)

[Paulhoff]

True story! I called the JREF to donate some money one evening a few years back. I was expecting an automated system or perhaps some kind of clerical assistant, but Mr. Randi himself answered the phone! I was dumbstruck. I stammered about how astonished I was that he answered the phone himself and he replied in a somewhat snarky (yet, obviously not truly mean-spirited) tone, "What'd ya think was gonna answer? A CHICKEN?!" After I got off the phone, I laughed pretty hard. It was almost surreal.
Randi has no airs about him. He unfortunately him sees me about once a month at his Last Wednesday of the Month Meetings, and how he deals with that I don't know.

Paul

:) :) :)

And Welcome to all

[This Guy]

OK, this is a lazy post, intended to welcome all the new members that posted above.

Welcome to you all! Hope you enjoy your time here, and I for one, look forward to viewing your thoughts and inputs in the forum.

Take off your shoes, and stay awhile! :)

[MilwaukeeMike]

Hello, all.


I stumbled upon this forum a few days ago pretty well by accident. I'm quite impressed by the scope of many of the posters as well as the humour. It has a refreshing ambience to it; and I've always respected Mr. Randi's work. I hope to occasionally jump into a few threads and make some intelligent remarks. I'm somewhat appalled these days by the degree of conformist thinking and distorted logic that I see everywhere. I'm easy to get along with, and I prefer to ask someone intelligent and polite questions rather than jump all over their ideas. I find many of the forums so stimulating here that I really don't know where to start. :)

Well you certainly stumbled into the right forum... Vote Quimby...

[theholyllama]

Hi all, have been lurking for a while, enjoying the to and fro of argument. First really came over here from the badscience.net when Bubblefish was expounding his OS012 theory (Bubblefish was called TM on the Badscience forum). I'm not a scientist myself, but am a long-time sceptic and hope that my capacity for critical thought is good enough to stand me in good stead against woos, quacks and frauds of all kinds. Look forward to seeing you in the forums!

[This Guy]

Hi all, have been lurking for a while, enjoying the to and fro of argument. First really came over here from the badscience.net when Bubblefish was expounding his OS012 theory (Bubblefish was called TM on the Badscience forum). I'm not a scientist myself, but am a long-time sceptic and hope that my capacity for critical thought is good enough to stand me in good stead against woos, quacks and frauds of all kinds. Look forward to seeing you in the forums!

Welcome theholyllama. Glad to have you here! Sounds like you should fit right in.

[MilwaukeeMike]

Hi all, have been lurking for a while, enjoying the to and fro of argument. First really came over here from the badscience.net when Bubblefish was expounding his OS012 theory (Bubblefish was called TM on the Badscience forum). I'm not a scientist myself, but am a long-time sceptic and hope that my capacity for critical thought is good enough to stand me in good stead against woos, quacks and frauds of all kinds. Look forward to seeing you in the forums!

Did you first pass JREFF initiation; bending a spoon with your mind. :)

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome, one and all.... particularly DRSABBYLEWIS... Since you may get a bit of a going over, I'd like to say I salute your courage. Anti-homeopathy may be one of the strongest sentiments on these boards. You will find, however, that if you are willing to discuss things and ignore some of the baiting that is bound to go on, you can have intelligent discussions. (You will have a couple of allies - I won't point them out, as you'll recognize them, I'm sure.)


And a resounding "Welcome!" to the rest. Wade right in!

[Katana]

:welcomepirate4:

Welcome to everyone!

My advice? Don't trust a word that Mr. Skinny says.


:p :p

[wollery]

:welcomepirate4:

Welcome to everyone!

My advice? Don't trust a word that Mr. Skinny says.


:p :pA word? Which word? Why should we trust the rest? :boggled:

[arthwollipot]

He unfortunately him sees me...

Yeah, I don't know how he deals with that either...

:p

[Impudence]

~Hi Everyone~

I've been meaning to join the forums here for sometime and just haven't gotten around to it until now. I've been a Randi admirer and Skeptical Inquirer reader for years.

I've always enjoyed The Debate and I'm looking forward to seeing y'all on the boards.

[Miss Anthrope]

~Hi Everyone~

I've been meaning to join the forums here for sometime and just haven't gotten around to it until now. I've been a Randi admirer and Skeptical Inquirer reader for years.

I've always enjoyed The Debate and I'm looking forward to seeing y'all on the boards.

Welcome aboard!

[TSnowe]

Good Morning!
Taking it all in for now. So very much to explore and learn. First forum I've ever joined.

[Orphia Nay]

Welcome, TSnowe! So you're a forum newbie forum newbie. I'll be gentle.

Glad you found your way here. How did you come across this place?

Hope you like it here. Have fun!

[SezMe]

TSnowe, this was also the first forum I ever joined. I made an utter @$$ out of myself in very short order. Now, years later, there are 2-3 people who tolerate me. It's great! :)

But you'll catch on real fast, I'm sure. WELCOME!

[wollery]

TSnowe, this was also the first forum I ever joined. I made an utter @$$ out of myself in very short order. Now, years later, there are 2-3 people who tolerate me. It's great! :) Really? Who are they?

[Darat]

They were both banned 2 years ago.

[Hawk one]

But I successfully appealed my ban.:P

[Mr. Skinny]

:welcomepirate4:

Welcome to everyone!

My advice? Don't trust a word that Mr. Skinny says.


:p :p
I agree with Katana.

Really.

Trust me on this.