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

[Tanstaafl]

Yay!! Another Southern Californian!!


Yes, that area is such a barren, unpopulated wasteland... Good thing you're not all alone anymore! :D

[hcmom]

Yes, that area is such a barren, unpopulated wasteland... Good thing you're not all alone anymore! :D

So far though I only know.... six or seven of them though, I think. Now that I'm going to not be shy, I want to know everyone!

[Tobermory]

I wonder if it's too late to introduce myself after making an a** of myself on the Alaska cruise, writing some 50+ posts, and generally being my overly-friendly, somewhat-obnoxious self... Anyway, here I am.

[hcmom]

It's never too late, I must have missed the a** part of you on the cruise, there's no such thing as overly-friendly, and believe me, you don't know obnoxious... (yet) (unless your 50 + posts have been in the right forums here...)

[Tobermory]

Thanks for the welcome, hcmom. You're lovely.

[hcmom]

Thanks for the welcome, hcmom. You're lovely.

hehehe... You are new here, aren't you? :halo:

[JSmith]

Hello All!

My name is Jason. I'm a 38-year-old skeptic and atheist. I've been an admirer or James Randi ever since I saw him on What's My Line? in the late '70s (debunking some psychic superpower of moving telephone book pages by the simple method of surrounding said phonebook with styrofoam packing peanuts). I've been lurking here for years, and I've finally decided to join the community. I'll most likely be at TAM!6.

I live in Orange County, CA. I work in the evil biomedical industry, so if you suck up to me enough I might just tell you the secret cancer cure that we have in a vault, but won't release to the general public :) (After all, how could we possibly make money on curing cancer?)

Cheers,

Jason

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello All!

My name is Jason. I'm a 38-year-old skeptic and atheist. I've been an admirer or James Randi ever since I saw him on What's My Line? in the late '70s (debunking some psychic superpower of moving telephone book pages by the simple method of surrounding said phonebook with styrofoam packing peanuts). I've been lurking here for years, and I've finally decided to join the community. I'll most likely be at TAM!6.

I live in Orange County, CA. I work in the evil biomedical industry, so if you suck up to me enough I might just tell you the secret cancer cure that we have in a vault, but won't release to the general public :) (After all, how could we possibly make money on curing cancer?)

Cheers,

Jason

Welcome, Jason

I think the guy Randi debunked was James Hydrick.

Anyhow, good to have some youngsters joining the forum. :)

If you've been lurking for years, you already know your way around the forum. You also appear to have needed several years to decide to join, so we know you've come here with your eyes wide open. Expect no mercy!!

Skinny

[Tobermory]

He's young? Good, then I must be young too. Anyway, welcome. I'm sort of new myself. Then again, newness is a relative concept.

[LBN]

I'm here at bluharmony's behest. She wants me to get enough posts so I can change my avatar so here I go. I'll add bio info later but my life is really boring anyway.

p.s. Is anyone else finding the forum software to be very buggy?

[this charming man]

I'm here at bluharmony's behest. She wants me to get enough posts so I can change my avatar so here I go. I'll add bio info later but my life is really boring anyway.

p.s. Is anyone else finding the forum software to be very buggy?


Welcome, and nah, the software works fine for me. Once you have enough posts, the buggyness stops.

[Paulhoff]

At the top of the page, there is a notice that they upgraded the Forum and if you notice any problems please click here.

Paul

:) :) :)

[HawaiiBigSis]

I wonder if it's too late to introduce myself after making an a** of myself on the Alaska cruise, writing some 50+ posts, and generally being my overly-friendly, somewhat-obnoxious self... Anyway, here I am.
That's how I started here too: made a bunch of posts and then saw the "welcome" thread. But I didn't go on the Alaska cruise, so therefore I didn't make an a** of myself first...

And your photographic compositions rival hcmom's; some of your pictures of your adventures are posterworthy.

[maxpower1227]

I've been here for a little while, but I guess I'll post here.

My name is Kyle, and I'm a 24-year-old electrical engineering student at Purdue University. My interest in conspiracy theories goes back to a passing interest that I had as a result of my father who passed on conspiracy knowledge about events such as Waco, Ruby Ridge, TWA Flight 800, and so on. As a result, the "Where is the plane?" chain email about the Pentagon and Loose Change had me believing that 9/11 was a government conspiracy.

Gradually, I educated myself on these theories and came to realize that the 9/11 conspiracy theories were a result of bad science and a bit of paranoia about "the government". My run-in with the Moon Hoax served as a great wake up call for how conspiracy theories can seem entirely plausible on the surface, but quickly fall apart if you choose to do a bit of research. After seeing the glorious History Channel documentary a while back, I took renewed interest in debunking conspiracy theories, which I was growing increasingly skeptical of. I found this site shortly after the HC piece, and now I can safely say that I consider most if not ALL conspiracy theorists to be not only mistaken, but in many cases genuinely malevolent, dishonest and hypocritical.

I'm here mostly to lurk, since my level of inside knowledge is nowhere near the level of many of the debunkers here. As for my other beliefs, I'm more or less a conservative on economic issues, with beliefs that include a bit of Libertarianism on social issues (though I don't go so far as to, say, advocate to the legalization of pot (or at least not its use)). I am not an atheist, but I am generally wary of organized religion. I am however intrigued by religion, and can't stand intellectual elitists who consider religion to be a plague on humanity and the domain of ignorant inbred hilljacks. I believe that religion/spirituality serve many positive uses in society, as long as people stay away from manipulative charlatans and particularly dangerous religions like Islam or Scientology.

[Slimething]

Welcome to the Forum, maxpower1227! Great to meet you.

I am also intrigued by the cause of conspiracy theories. I'm halfway convinced that the people in this are not necessarily nutjobs but simply don't trust anyone they don't know. Given the state of political leadership in the USA, I can't argue with that notion one bit. Yes, there are the connivers who want to rule the world but I think they're mostly confused and can't see any other outlet for their frustration.

I'm one of those elitists you don't like but I would like you to fully participate in any and all threads that you find interesting. Who knows? Maybe you'll be successful in moderating my views on religion!

Again, welcome!

[COLONEL]

Welcome Manpower .I think there is a conspiracy going on here . By the way make sure you have a towel and plenty of baby oil at all times

[baby_tee]

hi every my name is janet!!!!

[Hokulele]

Hi janet!

:w2:

[Mr. Skinny]

hi every my name is janet!!!!
What about every my name is not Janet???? (we're people too!)

[Underwater]

Hello,

I'm new here and I'm a huge fan of Sylvia browne.

Just joking. :D LOL

I found this forum when doing a search at google to see if anyone was talking about the articles posted at Stop Syvlia browne website, which there are and thought I would register and chime in.

My name is Janise.

[Slimething]

Hello,

I'm new here and I'm a huge fan of Sylvia browne.

Just joking. :D LOL

I found this forum when doing a search at google to see if anyone was talking about the articles posted at Stop Syvlia browne website, which there are and thought I would register and chime in.

My name is Janise.

Welcome to the Forum, Janise! You'll find plenty of other "fans" of SB's here. :D Including RSL, the creator of SSB.

Enjoy!

[Blackwell]

Hello All!

My name is Jason. I'm a 38-year-old skeptic and atheist. I've been an admirer or James Randi ever since I saw him on What's My Line? in the late '70s (debunking some psychic superpower of moving telephone book pages by the simple method of surrounding said phonebook with styrofoam packing peanuts). I've been lurking here for years, and I've finally decided to join the community. I'll most likely be at TAM!6.

I live in Orange County, CA. I work in the evil biomedical industry, so if you suck up to me enough I might just tell you the secret cancer cure that we have in a vault, but won't release to the general public :) (After all, how could we possibly make money on curing cancer?)

Cheers,

Jason

All right! Another from SoCal -- hcmom will be happy! And an Ocer (OCian? OCite?) -- I'm in Mission Viejo, myself.
Welcome to the forums, Jason, Underwater, baby_tee, and any other newbies I missed.

[Stuart]

I’ve been a “lurker” here for some time and as you seem like a nice bunch of realists (i.e. not woo woo-ers), I thought I’d join the forum.

I am 46 year old, working in IT (normally a conversation killer) and work all over the UK

I’ve managed to read all the commentary / Swift entries over the past couple of weeks (well it has been slow at work) and an email to Mr Randi was included in a recent Swift (September 21, 2007 – From the mouths of Babes). Thinking about it, I still cringe a bit when I think about how dumb I was.

[Ancestor]

I work in the evil biomedical industry, so if you suck up to me enough I might just tell you the secret cancer cure that we have in a vault, but won't release to the general public :) (After all, how could we possibly make money on curing cancer?)

Cheers,

Jason

Greetings

How unique to find someone that works in the evil biomedical industry. Please help me – if there is an evil, is there also a contra good? I guess I have a hard time believing in evil if there is no good. Come to think of it, can you be an atheist and still believe in evil and good? At any rate, thank you for being here.

Ancestor

Oh BTW

Cancer comes with its own cure.

[maledoro]

Hello, all!

I'm relatively new to Randi, Dawkins, Shermer, et al., so please bear with me! In case any of you peek at my Profile page and see that I am an administrator of a forum called "Alien Experience", you haven't caught a "live one". It's dedicated to the Alien, Predator and AVP movies. Even skeptic-wannabes need their sci-fi fix!

I'm looking forward to meeting some of you!

[this charming man]

Hello, all!

I'm relatively new to Randi, Dawkins, Shermer, et al., so please bear with me! In case any of you peek at my Profile page and see that I am an administrator of a forum called "Alien Experience", you haven't caught a "live one". It's dedicated to the Alien, Predator and AVP movies. Even skeptic-wannabes need their sci-fi fix!

I'm looking forward to meeting some of you!

Bienvenue.
I guess you will have alot to talk about in the Movie section with AvP2 coming out and all.

[Paulhoff]

Oh BTW

Cancer comes with its own cure.
Yes, it is called death.

Paul

:) :) :)

[oboefan18]

I am new to knowledge of Randi's involvement in skepticism, though not to the idea of skepticism itself. I am a Sophomore in college, so there is still some more education to be obtained on my part. However I am looking forward to contributing when I can, and getting away from constant discussions about empathy and ghosts. (The kind with only firm believers and myself)

[DrewD]

Hello,

I'm New to the forum. I have a degree in software engineering and I'm the only skeptic in my entire family. I love nothing more than to read the log of applicants for the Million Dollar Challenge. I love the way Kramer would respond when threatened with a lawyer. Anyway, I hope to visit the JREF website often and offer my humble opinion when the urge grips me.

[Big Rex]

Hi,

New to the forum as well. Been lurking here for a bit though reading the various threads...I look forward to contributing.

Big Rex

[this charming man]

Hello oboefan18, DrewD, and Big Rex. I look forward to your thoughts and input on the issues.

[Paulhoff]

lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk lurk

Paul

:) :) :)

[deathmunkee]

Why hello, I've been trolling these forums for years, so I figured it was about time I joined.

My name is Michael, and I already know at least one of you (Kahalachan) ...

[Tanstaafl]

Welcome Michael/deathmunkee.

I hope Kahalachan is representative enough that you know what you're getting into here. In case you're don't, here are some tips:

If you are asked a relevant question, give these answers:

1) Yes, you have returned all your library books.
2) You love budgies.

Also, if you have any goats, guard them carefully.

[BenBurch]

Hi, folks! Ben Burch here.

I run the web site at WhiteRoseSociety.org and also am the technology guy for NovaMRadio,com and HeadOnRadioNetwork.com

I'm an embedded systems engineering guy, really, but after I saw the way George Bush has destroyed our Rights, decided to get into politics.

I am most particularly involved in 9/11 debunking as I think those guys are actually dangerous.

-Ben

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi, folks! Ben Burch here.

I run the web site at WhiteRoseSociety.org and also am the technology guy for NovaMRadio,com and HeadOnRadioNetwork.com

I'm an embedded systems engineering guy, really, but after I saw the way George Bush has destroyed our Rights, decided to get into politics.

I am most particularly involved in 9/11 debunking as I think those guys are actually dangerous.

-Ben
Hi Ben,

I'm an engineering guy myself, but I haven't been embedded in quite a while, unfortunately. :)

Welcome to the forum.

Skinny

[Esperdome]

Hi Ben,

I'm an engineering guy myself, but I haven't been embedded in quite a while, unfortunately. :)

Welcome to the forum.

Skinny

We keep trying to embed you, but you insist on getting out of the concrete before it hardens. :D

And welcome to all the new posters.

[Mr. Skinny]

We keep trying to embed you, but you insist on getting out of the concrete before it hardens. :D
Hehe. :)

You can't embed me! Don't you realize I'm forum god, and can call on my superpowers which are continually embiggened through the study of Skinnematics !!!!!! (insert huge electrostatic discharge in this space). :eek:

[UltraTexan]

Nice to meet you guys. :)

[gahnzz]

Well, it's good to be here first of all... as stupid as it may sound I never realized that JREF had forums :)

I'm in my late 30's, and have been a skeptic for many years, but only just discovered the skeptic movement last year through Skepticality and hearing about T.A.M. Needless to say, I look forward to attending TAM in 2008.

I'm an actor by training but an office worker by necessity. This gives me a lot of time to listen to various podcasts, and it's due to that is why I found this place.

I'm not shy about my opinions, but I'll probably lurk a bit to get the lay of the land. It's off to a strong start to know how secure the registration process is... people who are here truly want to be here and hopefully foster a healthy community.

Looking forward to discussing things in the very near future :)
J

[Drewbot]

Couldn't find any. Does anyone know if I am just doing the search incorrectly?

[Paulhoff]

TWA is to short of a word, mainly because (AND (three letters)) can be use as part of the a conditional search, like in searching for the words “Randi" AND "James” when you what find both words together in the same search.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Big Rex]

Hello oboefan18, DrewD, and Big Rex. I look forward to your thoughts and input on the issues.

Thanks for the warm hello TCM & Paul...like many others here I too have a technical background.

I am a Mechanical Engineer (aka flange-head to the electrical boys) and I work in the Nuclear Utility industry.

[Kristo]

Greetings all. Just joined today... taking the liberty of a self introduction.

I'm a half skeptic with interests in.. well, everything.

See you in the threads!

[Hokulele]

Welcome gahnzz! Kristo, which half is skeptical, your left or right?

[bluecloud]

Hi You All,
I confess: I'm a NEWBIE (but on this forum only); I'm about 21500 days old. I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. I'm (evidently) somewhat of a skeptic (except on alternate blue moons when I surprise myself by being absolutely gullible).
I'm a Science Fiction fan, a "Star" kind of SF -- say the Trek or Gate kind, but for some reason, not the Wars kind. Within the Trek Universe, I'm partial to Vulcans. (It's only logical, isn't it?)
Surprising as it may seem to some of you, I'm not an atheist. It seems to me that that existential position is as much a theological stand as the most rabid of fundamentalism Christianity: a kind of knee-jerk reaction); my philosophy of life (inarticulated as it should be!) is an eclectic synergism of Zen/Daoism, Western pragmaticism, scientific perspectivism and modern humanistic outlook! Now, did I forget anything?
I think I will like this forum! I hope that the forum will like me in return!
Did I say that I like frozen beer and jellyfish donuts?

[Foolmewunz]

Hi You All,
I confess: I'm a NEWBIE (but on this forum only); I'm about 21500 days old. I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. I'm (evidently) somewhat of a skeptic (except on alternate blue moons when I surprise myself by being absolutely gullible).
I'm a Science Fiction fan, a "Star" kind of SF -- say the Trek or Gate kind, but for some reason, not the Wars kind. Within the Trek Universe, I'm partial to Vulcans. (It's only logical, isn't it?)
Surprising as it may seem to some of you, I'm not an atheist. It seems to me that that existential position is as much a theological stand as the most rabid of fundamentalism Christianity: a kind of knee-jerk reaction); my philosophy of life (inarticulated as it should be!) is an eclectic synergism of Zen/Daoism, Western pragmaticism, scientific perspectivism and modern humanistic outlook! Now, did I forget anything?
I think I will like this forum! I hope that the forum will like me in return!
Did I say that I like frozen beer and jellyfish donuts?

Welcome! I'm a mere 21200 days old, but I'll try to catch up. I also live on an island - in fact always seem to live on islands (if you include New Orleans by taking a few liberties...)...

I think you'll find some interesting discussions in the Religion threads. I'm an Atheist, but have nothing against the Asian "religions" (although I'd term them more as "philosophies"), as opposed to the organized western variations.

Jellyfish Donut? Please don't give the Chinese any ideas! There will be a jellyfish donut stand in every town in China if they get over the embarassment of not having thought of it themselves!:spjimlad:

[bluecloud]

Welcome gahnzz! Kristo, which half is skeptical, your left or right?

The "right" half evidently! But which right, I wouldn't know; it could be the other half of wrong, in which case it wouldn't be right, or the other half of left; but in that case if it is left too long it will be taken, or given up for good -- or possibly bad.
(I do make sense, don't I?)
One thing I like about this forum is that soo many skeptics seem to be a great sense of humor!

[The Man]

Hi, my name is Dan, often referred to as Dan The Man (hence my moniker). I have worked as a Technician, Senior Laboratory Technician (Engineering Lab), Product Designer, Engineer, Project Engineer and Production Engineer. Now I work as a Technician again, only because it pays better. I have always been a critical thinker and it has always fascinated what people choose to believe any why. I signed on to the forum some time ago but had some problem using my account. Hope to post more soon.

[AtomicMysteryMonster]

Hi! I usually skip out on introductory thread on forums, but I figured I should make an exception here. I'm really looking forward to posting here!

[maledoro]

Welcome, all!

[UnrepentantSinner]

Welcome new folks and folks who signed up a few months ago but only now are getting around to posting.

[DavyJones]

Thank you JREF for writing me and wishing me a Happy Birthday!

I didn't realize that it was my birthday until you sent your e-mail. I would of caught on I guess when I flip my calender.

Hello everyone!

My name is Davy Jones and I live near Vancouver Canada.

I am a Born Again Christian who loves the Lord Jesus with all of his heart.

I am obviously single or I would of had someone to let me know that I am now 38.

Jesus Bless you all!

Davy Jones

[Mercer]

Hi! I usually skip out on introductory thread on forums, but I figured I should make an exception here. I'm really looking forward to posting here!Ditto.

[HisRoyalRedness]

Hi all,

HisRoyalRedness here, from South Africa. I decided to join as I've always been a skeptic, and as I tend to lurk on all sorts of newgroups, I decided it was maybe time to give something back. So hopefully, when the inspiration hits me, I'll start making a few posts of my own.

My interests lie in all forms of science, but I do prefer the physical sciences (over the natural ones).

Well, that's me!

[Just_Judy]

All right! Another from SoCal -- hcmom will be happy! And an Ocer (OCian? OCite?) -- I'm in Mission Viejo, myself.
Welcome to the forums, Jason, Underwater, baby_tee, and any other newbies I missed.
Hi Jason. Hey, I am part of the drug research industry, which means if you are going to release a cure, I need to know. Was it a double-blind placebo study? Did the IRB approve everything for the study? We need facts, man, if you are going to give us drugs to use. Seriously, look for all of the good Las Vegas people when you come to TAM. We had a great group last year. And welcome to the group...I lurk, but never post. Thought it was time. Judy

[Oroborus]

Thinking about it, I still cringe a bit when I think about how dumb I was.

Thats my favorite part of growing. Welcome :)

[Paulhoff]

Good avatars maledoro and UnrepentantSinner.

Paul

:) :) :)

[Tanstaafl]

Thank you JREF for writing me and wishing me a Happy Birthday!

And a Happy Birthday from me to you also!

Ditto.

Hi all

Welcome to both of you!

I lurk, but never post. Thought it was time. Judy

Glad you de-lurked for a moment; I hope you'll do it more!

[hcmom]

I've been pretty remiss in my welcome wagon duties, so this is all encompassing...

Welcome

[Tanstaafl]

What was that, you fell off the Welcome Wagon?

[COLONEL]

Welcome all you new bloods . Enjoy your time here . Did you remember to bring a towel and plenty of body lotion

[graphicsguy]

Hey everyone...Eos of the Eons invited me to join the board (or coerced or threatened...take your pick of verbs).

I'm her co-conspirator in setting up the skeptics group for Central Alberta. I've deconverted out of Christianity over the last number of months so I have a lot to learn when it comes to the world of science.

Thankfully I've always been skeptical when it comes to paranormal, conspiracy theories, and technology so this isn't an enormous leap for me to take. It's a very long convoluted story...haha

Anyway, I look forward to browsing the forum and learning, learning, learning, learning...

[Eos of the Eons]

Welcome graphicsguy:D. You know everyone has to be extra nice to you, or they'll have me to deal with... *puts on scary menacing glare*

I just wanted the chance to say how much I appreciate how open you've been to actually learning, and I don't come across that in people often. I'm very impressed with that, and very very happy to have met you because of that.

I hope you find the actual skeptical folks here as amazing and wonderful as I have over the years. My life has been so enriched by meeting these folks.

Never mind the trolls, who are mean and nasty and cause you to bang your head on your monitor. There are plenty of those whom I won't name... like Tai... okay, maybe I'll name one. But we've had some pseudoskeptics who refuse to see both sides on our very own group already, and it can be fun when you exercise your own research and presentation skills on them... to no avail... but others see your efforts and appreciate them.

Thank you for joining, and for being you -Eos

[NoAstronomer]

Hello all, 'nother noob here, though I've been reading the forum and the swift for a while now I finally got around to registering.

I notice a variety of people posting here and I would place myself firmly in the skeptic and atheist category. I've not really believed in a 'god' since my early teenage years, though I've openly stated that only within the past five years. I credit Randi, amongst others, with providing the intellectual backup I needed.

NoAstronomer? I had posted a few times on the Bad Astronomy board where I sometimes stated "I'm No Astronomer but...", seemed like a good handle.

[Ancestor]

Greetings Citizens,

Let me back up and start over. Greetings skeptics (you should be) and people who believe (in whatever); I have found some interesting ideologies in this place. Some I can talk about (like the name of a website) and some I am barred from (sorry, can’t talk about that). Note that if you think everyone that talks about those subjects are only trying to hawk something, then there is a chance that you live in a micro ether net world that has become an inescapable prison. I know it’s hard to walk around Mong Kok late at night, but when the sun comes up, run to the station and take anything north. Are we there yet?

Please note that there is more to this world than you will ever see – even if you are looking. Some theories are just that and you need not center your life around them.

BTW the cure for cancer is exactly what you suspect; you do not need to be afraid.

I really honor those of you that question the philosophies of the world because someone might be lying to you. You should question everything. From that first word you understood to that last smile as everything fades to…

I look forward to you intellect.

Ancestor

[graphicsguy]

You know everyone has to be extra nice to you, or they'll have me to deal with... *puts on scary menacing glare*


Hahaha...you know, I just can't imagine you ever being "menacing."

Then again, "Hell hath no fury..."

[daleaidenletian]

Hello everyone!

I am Dale, 26 year old guy from Singapore. I am terrible with introductions! (Sorry) Let's me just say I love this forum, and everyone who's keeping rationality alive in this world.

[rsaavedra]

Hello everyone,

I'm Raul, writing from Caracas Venezuela. Used to buy the Skeptic magazine while living in the Pensacola FL, USA, loved that magazine. Have a small collection of critical thinking related books ("How we know what isn't so" by Gilovich, and "Understanding Scientific Reasoning" by Giere among them), am always trying to improve those skills.

I'm a computer scientist, have always been quite skeptical of anything supernatural not only because of my scientific inclination, also because simply nothing "supernatural" that I've been told about pulls it off completely, at least not for me. It's always either just hearsay, or there are always valid alternative, non-supernatural explanations that people choose to underplay.

I've always been fascinated with astronomy and mythology, and have learned a bit about Astrology, partially because throughout my life I've met several people that know some things about it. I have some thoughts about how to test the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of astrology (not of astrologers), and I haven't seen those implemented yet in the debunking literature I've come across. Would like to eventually dig deeper into that literature, and learn more about debunking here.

Also, I'm an audio enthusiast, long time member of the Head-Fi forum. Recently there have been several rather intense discussions over there about whether people can hear differences between different cables in an audio system, for example interconnect cables, or different headphone cables. I also have some simple DBT suggestions for those, in particular with respect to headphone cables. Just learned that Randy posed the $1MM challenge to some audiomagazine reviewer, and thought it might be appropriate to visit your site, and here I am.

Anyway, looking foward to exchanging and learning a lot with you guys.

Cheers!
Raúl

[stonesean]

Howdy - Doo to everyone here.

I have been a lurker as well, but decided to finally start posting regularly and introduce myself.

I am 33 years old, am a 15 year Navy sailor (5 years to go before retirement! Woo Hoo!) and am currently working for the Joint Chiefs Of Staff at the Pentagon. Having met and spoken to lots of people who were here in 2001, the 9-11 "truthers" are a particular pet peeve of mine.

Sitting on my desk is a spoon that Randi bent during a pre-lecture breakfast meeting of the National Capital Area Skeptics. I brought a copy of "Flim Flam" to the 50 person breakfast for him to sign, and he invited me to sit down, chatted for a minute, signed the book then proceeded to bend the hell out of the teaspoons that were left over on the table from breakfast. (yes he wiped it off first) Heck of a nice guy.

Looking forward to the conversations...

Sean

[hcmom]

I am 33 years old, am a 15 year Navy vet and am currently working for the Joint Chiefs Of Staff at the Pentagon. Having met and spoken to lots of people who were here in 2001, the 9-11 "truthers" are a particular pet peeve of mine.


You might want to look up Hal Bidlack, who should be around here somewhere.

Or not, depending on how your stomach reacts to really bad puns...

[stonesean]

I would swear I've seen Col Bidlack at the Smithsonian....

Hmmm...wonder if I have to call him 'sir' even when he wears a powdered wig.

[grayman]

I would swear I've seen Col Bidlack at the Smithsonian...

That was a stuffed mannequin. Hard to tell sometimes.

[hcmom]

That was a stuffed mannequin. Hard to tell sometimes.

No mannequin is as punny as Hal is.

[grayman]

No mannequin is as punny as Hal is.

But many can be.

(Hal would be proud)

[hcmom]

* hcmom throws something at grayman

[Judaculla]

Hello,

This is Judaculla. Some of you may know me from Bigfoot Forums or Cryptomundo. The lack of skepticism from some posters (a vocal minority... I hope) drove me to seek out other places to converse about odd matters. I am an empiricist at heart, intrigued by the "soft" evidence, and quickly becoming cynical of its lack of leading anywhere definitive. I hope I will be welcome here.

[starseeka]

Hey Everyone,
I'm an engineering student in California, so scientific thought comes easy for me. I heard about the JR challenge a while ago, and have lurked around a little bit, mainly on the challenge board. I finally thought I should get involved in the community.

[arthwollipot]

It's a good community to get involved in.

[Cardelitre]

Hello everyone,

I'm a biologist from Switzerland and I've been reading this forum regulary. I actually used it as a source of information about diverse skeptical subjects for discussions on french forums (especially the 9/11 conspiracy, you are always in advance about this compared to the available french ressources) and it was clearly very usefull. So I though I could register, since I was lurking for some time.

Looking forward to participate...

[lewist]

Hello everyone! I am Lewist.

I am a late fifties retired primary school headteacher. In theory I now work part time in further education but am off work long term to care for my wife of thirty seven years who is seriously ill. We moved last September to our new home in the Scottish Highlands which was to be our retirement home. At the moment we are both living here quietly and taking each day as it comes.

We have three grown up children, a married daughter who is a teacher and two musician sons, one earning a living as a tour manager for a band, the other trying to make it through performing, doing sound, recording and producing other bands. They are nothing if not interesting.

[celia]

Hi all,

I was so pleased to find James Randi's website, and this forum - as a former pagan and person who very much wanted to believe in all things woo (and succeeded to some extent), I am now very firmly on the side of the skeptics, and look forward to contributing :-)

[Paulhoff]

Hi all newbies.

Paul

:) :) :)

Remember my hypercube sides are all the same length

[aberyjane]

Hi, my name is chelley. Im a nursing student. Im not a scientist, nor am I a great mind. I found this site out of pure curiousity. But I do know that something is wrong with our world and who better to discuss it with then other people who feel the same. Im a mother and a wife and Im honestly scared for the first time in my life that no matter what I do, its not enough and we are never given a break. Our government is corrupt, I cant get ahead, my healthcare sucks, and I want to do something about it. I can tell you that I dont know who Randi is.:confused: And I dont mean to offend anyone.

I enjoy going to the bar on Friday nights and singing karaoke. After the bar closed last week, I made friends with the patrons there as I usually keep to myself. We stayed at the bar until 3 in the morning discussing political issues. I was told to watch the movie Zeitgeist. I have always been a fan of documentaries. I couldnt believe what I was hearing. I wasnt the only one who thought that our government and the illuinati were behind almost every major event. Since then, I have been doing my research by searching for articles, and crusing youtube. Its amazing what mass media can offer besides what they want you to hear. I look forward to reading your insights and opinions.

[Slimething]

Welcome, aberyjane! You'll have fun discovering much, including who James Randi is, on this Forum.

[LudicrusSextus]

Hi all,

I'm a UK skeptic, male, mid forties, been lurking here for a short while and thought I'd sign up. I have a very limited familiarity with modern scientific knowledge, but a sense of wonder for the marvel that is the scientific method. I hope to learn a lot here, and maybe make the occasional modest contribution.

[Slimething]

Welcome to the Forum, LudicrusSextus. You are too humble, though, and so cannot pass. (Just kidding! Enter, enter, stay a while!)

[jackob]

Hi im Jackob and i Just saw loose change and it raised some interesting questions.

Like how could any one take Loose change seriously?

Actually i watched the Screw loose change and found it great to have some facts injected into the movie. Im an Architecture student and i could not believe that they were so clueless on how buildings work.
then i started watching other debunking things like the hardfire debates with mark roberts and ground zeros, so i decided to join up here.

[Blender Head]

Hello,

I'm 20 years old, and live in Colorado and work as a delivery boy.

I found this place after watching "Screw Loose Change" and Mr. Roberts' many videos, which really got me interested in 9/11 Debunking since about early 2006. I'm a regular of the unofficial SLC Myspace page.

I believe in the basic tenets of the so-called 'official story' of 9/11: 19 fanatic Muslim terrorists hijacked four planes, two of which crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York causing catastrophic death from the impact and collapse, one at the Pentagon and another downed in a field in PA. However, I do still have many questions about the event such as NORAD's confusion and the 9/11 Commissioner's discussion of possible deliberate deception.

Otherwise, I'm glad I'm here!

[Hutch]

Welcome jackrob and Blender Head; while the 9-11 conspiracy forum may have brought you here, please do look around, read some of the other Forums, contribute to Politics, Community, Humor et. al. as you will, and settle on in.

And welcome to the varied and fascinating folks on this page (I am much too lazy to go back and read the earlier pages...)

[Eck]

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently residing in Dhaka, though usually make my home in Vancouver, BC. I've been reading this forum for an awfully long time now, so it's well past due for me to finally sign up. (Although, with my particular knack for timing, I did so on a weekend where I'd forgotten about incoming visitors, so may not get around the boards as much as I'd like...)

I've long admired James Randi and have been reading people such as Sagan, Shermer and Gardner for a number of years, not that this has kept me entirely free of sloppy thinking along the way. Half a year into my stay in Bangladesh, I'm missing the types of conversations found here, so, simply, here I am.

Looking forward to knowing you all better through the boards.

[Slimething]

Welcome, Eck! Damned good to have you here. Please, please participate. Great to have you here and we hope we can put a dent in those lonely times.

[Plantfoam]

Hello, I'm 25 year old male named Phil, and I enjoy thinking, even if it gets me in trouble.

I currently reside in Michigan, where we now proudly tax palm readers! I work behind the scenes in the pharmaceutical distribution industry, servicing large civilian and government accounts. This of course, makes me the ultimate paid government operative, or shill, according to you tube comments.

I was initially drawn here by the 9/11 conspiracy, as my goal is to help stop the truth movement and all of the lies it contains. However, I look forward to discussing the various other topics on the boards.

See you around.

[Cudachaser]

Hi Everyone

I'm from Cocoa Beach, FL. I'm retired from NASA...worked there 32 years. Now I teach Scuba.

Joe:)

[grayman]

Welcome cudachaser. Check out this thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=87311). there are some folks that are talking about doing some diving at TAM5.5.

And welcome to all the other new people whose names I am to lazy to type out. :)

[Swagomatic]

Hello all. I have been visiting the JREF site for a while now, and I thought it was about time I joined up. I am a long time skeptic and fan of Randi.

I also post at the SGU forums quite often (some of you may recognize my name from over there).

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello all. I have been visiting the JREF site for a while now, and I thought it was about time I joined up. I am a long time skeptic and fan of Randi.

I also post at the SGU forums quite often (some of you may recognize my name from over there).
Welcome.

Does that stand for Southern Georgia University? Sorry, Glum, and Uninformed? Silly Girly Underwear?

[Cudachaser]

Hi Grayman

Thanks for the welcome...I saw one of those posts on another forum and that encouraged me to join this forum!

[suttsteve]

Hello.

Making introductory posts isn't really my thing. I like to skip that part and just dive in, so I suppose that's what I'll do.

Drat, too late!

[Darat]

Hello.

Making introductory posts isn't really my thing. I like to skip that part and just dive in, so I suppose that's what I'll do.

Drat, too late!

It's actually Darat but welcome anyway! :wackygrin:

[Swagomatic]

Welcome.

Does that stand for Southern Georgia University? Sorry, Glum, and Uninformed? Silly Girly Underwear?

Sorry, SGU=Skeptics Guide to the Universe.

:)

[Foolmewunz]

Wow, so many newbs in the last few days. >Paulhoff: Need more barbecue sauce. Let's mix in a little honey-mustard-ranch this time, 'kay?


And from such a great cross-section of the globe.... Venezuela, Singapore, Bangladesh.... That one's gotta be a first, although we have another Canadian in Kabul. What's with Canadians and being adventurous?

Welcome all.... for the large number who indicated that you're here because of the quality of 911 debunking, I'd like to reiterate the advice above - there's a whole lot more going on, here. (I say that having been a Randi fan for years, also, but having been drawn here, also, by the need to smack a CTer upside the haid, figuratively, of course.)

Have fun, kick your shoes off and get comfy. But beware of the Budgie of Doom!:spjimlad::spjimlad:

[Mel Odious]

Hello, everybody.

By way of introduction, I'll explain how I ended up here in the first place. Some months back, a 9/11 twoofer was posting comments at a blog I read regularly about how the twin tower collapses were obviously c.d. Not knowing what I was getting into, I posted a reply asking him to direct me to a video in which the tower collapses were immediately preceded by a regularly sequenced series of loud explosions. You know, like every real controlled demolition ever done? I even posted links to several YouTube videos of real controlled demolitions to show just what I meant. Trust me, it seemed like a good idea at the time ...

The twoofer ignored my question completely, and instead posted a humongous book-length comment he'd cut-and-pasted together; a comment it literally took me over an hour to read through once. I didn't know all that much about the 9/11 conspiracy theories at the time, so posting a response to that monstrosity of a comment was out. I decided maybe I should do some research in case I had to deal with idiots like this again ...

To keep a long story from becoming longer, my research soon led me to Gravy's excellent website, and that's what led me here. I've been reading through some of the forum threads for a while now, and finally decided I should register so I could post comments when I felt I had something to say (which won't be too often!). You probably won't see me stick my head through the door more than a few times a month, but I will be visiting often to read what you all have to say with great interest.

Mel Odious? I have a passion for music. Mel is my real first name, and if you add odious, it becomes melodious.

[orphia nay]

Love your username, Mel Odious! Welcome to the forums. :)

[frankvan]

I really don't know what I'm doing. I'm a refugee from the old Ask Jeeves Answerpoint, and another five or more years on AnswerPool. I'm trying to follow one of my atheist role models onto this site which she recently discovered and recommended. I'm very familiar with Randi, he must be damn near as old as I am?? But outside of the occasional senior moment when I wander through the internet aimlessly, I profess to be a harmless old curmudgeon. I'm going to take a nap, now, but I'll be back.

[Omega Man]

I come from a land down under....but don't believe all that they tell you about us! Errr...mmm.... OK, I'm a poet. But don't tell anyone, just between u n me, OK? ;-) Probably won't post much, you guys are waaaay over my head, but if I see an op I'll chuck in my two cents worth. And the name? Well I ain't no alpha male, that's for sure. C ya round:-)

[babbits]

I'm a skeptic and 'new' left socialist politically, an atheist in religion, and I would like to see the dumbing down of North Americans STOP RIGHT NOW!:eek:

I'm paranoid about the neo-conservative agenda and the replacement of nations who are (to some degree at least) held accountable by their own people, with huge corporations with no accountability at all to anyone but their own elite. Not even to their shareholders.

Bur I know that paranoids live longer!:D

So hi, everybody

[winnietheblue]

Hi everyone!

I currently spend (far too much) time on a forum where conspiracy theories, like those in the zeitgist movie, carry a lot of weight. It has gotten to the point where the conspiracy theories dominate many of the current event discussions. For some strange reason, asking people, “And you think that sounds logical?” doesn’t quite have the desired effect. :p Anyway, I stumbled across this forum looking for debunking info, and I am so glad I did. Now I don't feel quite so outnumbered.

I don’t know if I will post much, but I will be here, lurking for answers. :D

[Loriciferan Universe]

Hi.

I shoulda introduced myself a while ago but got into posting :) My name is Rebecca, I’m 22 and female (as if you couldn’t guess by the name ;)). I’m from the US but will be moving to South Africa in about a month. My background is in biology, specifically marine biology, evolution and genetics. I joined this forum because I just graduated from a liberal arts college and miss the conversations.

The name? Is long and I wish I’d picked something shorter and less pretentious-sounding. I’ve always found the animal phylum Loricifera to be amazing because they live their whole lives in sand grains (possibly on a sand grain!!!) and we discovered them just recently and only by accident. And what a funny thing to be a Loricifera, your whole world as a grain of sand and to have all measure of larger creatures walking all over you, all the time, never knowing that you were there at all...

[orphia nay]

Yay, more newbies!

They look a pretty promising bunch. Paradoxically, they're probably not tasty. Rats. :D

Seriously, welcome, all. :) :) :)

[Andrew Walsh]

Hello,
I'm Andrew Walsh.
I work in the forest industry in Tasmania, Australia. My job is to do scientific research in order to find ways to minimize the impact of native mammals on our new growing trees (the animals eat them). Forestry (and my area of research) is a highly controversial field in my part of the world, with science being in the middle where extreme enviro-fundamentalists and frustrated industrialists do battle. I also have two young children who, like me, love science, nature as well as fantasy film and literature (at the moment it's all Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings), so I'm very interested in how critical thinking and skepticism can help us all navigate the perils of this reality. I hope my experiences can also help others in this forum,and I hope you can all help me grow as a skeptic.
Cheers,
Andrew

[hcmom]

I really don't know what I'm doing. I'm a refugee from the old Ask Jeeves Answerpoint, and another five or more years on AnswerPool. I'm trying to follow one of my atheist role models onto this site which she recently discovered and recommended. I'm very familiar with Randi, he must be damn near as old as I am?? But outside of the occasional senior moment when I wander through the internet aimlessly, I profess to be a harmless old curmudgeon. I'm going to take a nap, now, but I'll be back.

Great. Another lawn we have to stay off of. :halo:

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Hello all; I like long walks on the beach and candle light dinners.

Opps---sorry wrong forum.

In reality, I enjoy conversations with an eye towards skepticism.

Good luck!

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi Jerome Da Gnome. I'm Mr. Skinny And I Can Use All Caps Too!

Welcome To Da Forum.

ETA: I typed the above in ALL CAPS. Damn forum software!

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Hi Jerome Da Gnome. I'm Mr. Skinny And I Can Use All Caps Too!

Welcome To Da Forum.

ETA: I typed the above in ALL CAPS. Damn forum software!

WELL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND REPLY.

:)

[hcmom]

Hello all; I like long walks on the beach and candle light dinners.

Opps---sorry wrong forum.

In reality, I enjoy conversations with an eye towards skepticism.

Good luck!

Hmmmm... wanna talk some more about the long walks on the beach and candle lit dinners?

[Mr. Skinny]

WELL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND REPLY.

:)
:D

JEROME...it's impolite to shout at your forum god, but since you are new, no smitings will result.

Anyhow, hope you enjoy it here.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Hmmmm... wanna talk some more about the long walks on the beach and candle lit dinners?


Well; as a matter of fact...:blush:

[Mousey]

....Hello.

My name is Heather and I am fascinated by this site and mostly just enjoy lurking and such. I figured I might as well make an account in case I have any questions or statements that need posting. I'm 17 years old, a senior in highschool and hoping to go to college at Washington University in St. Loius next year. I'm not sure of what to major in quite yet, but I'm leaning towards journalism.

Mostly I'm just excited to get a bunch of opinions from educated people so I can use it in my daily life against people. Things like that are fun for me. I absolutely love debate, and I know this place will only be of aid to me. I do not in any way plan on 'owning' anyone here haha. I humbly bow down to your supremacy.:D

Well, guess that's it.

Hope to learn many interesting things,

-Heather

[COLONEL]

Welcome Heather . I am sorry to disappoint you . No one here is educated . We are all just skeptical students like your self .Wait here and someone we be along soon to give you your physical .

[JEROME DA GNOME]

....Hello.

My name is Heather and I am fascinated by this site and mostly just enjoy lurking and such. I figured I might as well make an account in case I have any questions or statements that need posting. I'm 17 years old, a senior in highschool and hoping to go to college at Washington University in St. Loius next year. I'm not sure of what to major in quite yet, but I'm leaning towards journalism.

Mostly I'm just excited to get a bunch of opinions from educated people so I can use it in my daily life against people. Things like that are fun for me. I absolutely love debate, and I know this place will only be of aid to me. I do not in any way plan on 'owning' anyone here haha. I humbly bow down to your supremacy.:D

Well, guess that's it.

Hope to learn many interesting things,

-Heather

Welcome, I am also new here.

Why would you want to use information against people?

[Mousey]

Well, I am a creature of debate, and it's just nice to find a few interesting views on topics in here that I can use in daily life.

Welcome Heather . I am sorry to disappoint you . No one here is educated . We are all just skeptical students like your self .
Thanks. And, noted. I know nothing can be taken for 100% fact. But many of the people here do seem to know what they're talking about, with good arguments and links.

It's all hearsay, though. Understood.:)

[Sc00ter]

Hello..

Travis from Hillsborough, NH. I met some of you at Rebecca's birthday party the other day.

Just thought I'd pop on and say hi.

[hcmom]

Well; as a matter of fact...:blush:

*hcmom goes and checks JEROME DA GNOME's profile.... :halo:

[BlackWidowNor]

I was told that this is the place to introduce myself.

I am BlackWidowNor - a lowly newbie here BUT I have another life (who'da thunk?) I am Benevolent Dictator of MythBustersFanClub.com and the ping pong ball supplier to Sir JeffWagg.

My pleasure to make your acquaintances.

* BlackWidowNor bows....

Nor

[grayman]

Welcome BlackWidowNor. Jeff Wagg is a great guy. :stone028:



If you ever need incriminating photos involving Jeff in Las Vegas, let me know.

[Paulhoff]

Jeff?????? who is this Jeff

Paul

:) :) :)

[arthwollipot]

I'm not sure of what to major in quite yet, but I'm leaning towards journalism.

Great! The world is in desparate need of more skeptical journalists.

[Erin]

I'm a lifelong atheist who has been searching convinced that there must be more to life. What I thought I had going on has began to really confuse me of late, and I'm here to get a handle on things. Recent media coverage of Psychics claiming to help grieving families has me questioning almost everything I thought I believed. So I hope no one minds if I lurk about and try to get a fresh perspective on things. What else can I tell you about myself? I'm small, harmless, and smarter than my posts - most of the time. :)

[USAFMXOfficer]

Hello, I have been lurking on JREF for awhile and decided to jump on board. I'm a 22-year USAF Lt Colonel in the aircraft maintenance field. I have a BS in Aerospace Engineering and 2 Masters Degrees, one in Aeronautical Science and one in Strategic Studies. I'm very active on the IMDB forums, mostly the World Trade Center movie forum.

I'm a debunker who is in the process of getting up to speed on all the documents out there. Reading NIST right now and the 9/11 Commission Report.

I plan on jumping right in especially on the Flight 175 impossible speed thread. Need to educate a few folks on the principles of flight.

[Paulhoff]

Psychics claiming to help grieving families = Money

Paul

:) :) :)

That covers it all about that.

[Paulhoff]

22 and a light bird, geee, are they giving them away now. :D

Paul

:) :) :)

Oh and welcome everyone...............

[Erin]

Paul,

Hi! I know I'm just getting started but can you tell me how to put an avatar up?

[USAFMXOfficer]

I didn't mention it because I don't like to brag but I have been selected for promotion to full Colonel, should pin on in March 2008.

[Paulhoff]

I didn't mention it because I don't like to brag but I have been selected for promotion to full Colonel, should pin on in March 2008.
Geee, kids getting big promotions, go figure. But please hurry up on the 9/11 woo-woo, I want to hear what you have to say about the Flight 175 impossible speed thread.

Paul

:) :) :)

When I was in a E-4 was a Sergeant in the Air Force and an NCO, not like now.

[Paulhoff]

Paul,

Hi! I know I'm just getting started but can you tell me how to put an avatar up?
I'm sure you need 50 posts first.

Paul

:) :) :)

[USAFMXOfficer]

Paul - Check out my post on the Flight 175 Speed thread. I think that is more than enough math for the CTists.

I also have a friend who is a 22-year Aero Engineer at Boeing, he is contacting the two ladies quoted in the video to let them know they were recorded without their knowledge and used in a youtube video.

[beachnut]

Paul - Check out my post on the Flight 175 Speed thread. I think that is more than enough math for the CTists.

I also have a friend who is a 22-year Aero Engineer at Boeing, he is contacting the two ladies quoted in the video to let them know they were recorded without their knowledge and used in a youtube video.
Welcome. Current contacts at Boeing are good. Feedback from the people who made youtube would be funny.

But why the FDR is missing 4 or 5 seconds would be interesting if a Boeing engineer understood the entire system and had some good ideas on FDR from 77.

[Erin]

50! Thanks Paul. I had better get to work then. :)


Welcome all Newbies! I’m new too and preparing to settle in for the duration. Hope to see you in the forums and look forward to getting to know you.

[dippnerr]

Hello, I am Robert Dippner. I am a part/time professor at UNLV. I teach History of Psychology, Perception, and Theories of Learning.
Thank you
Bob

[this charming man]

wow an influx of new people. Welcome one and all.

[hcmom]

I was told that this is the place to introduce myself.

I am BlackWidowNor - a lowly newbie here BUT I have another life (who'da thunk?) I am Benevolent Dictator of MythBustersFanClub.com and the ping pong ball supplier to Sir JeffWagg.

My pleasure to make your acquaintances.

* BlackWidowNor;3040395 bows....

Nor

OHHHHHH!!!! Ping-pong balls...... We all thought.... well, y'know..... :halo:

50! Thanks Paul. I had better get to work then. :)


Welcome all Newbies! I’m new too and preparing to settle in for the duration. Hope to see you in the forums and look forward to getting to know you.



If you post a new post to correct things, instead of editing, you'll hit 50 sooner.

[sopsyched]

Hey all,

I am a long time lurker who finally figured it was time to do something about the thoughts that rattle around in my head every so often when I'm reading a thread (thanks to all those who got them moving!). I have training in research psychology (social/human factors/jdm - judgment and decision making), and seem to have picked up lot of other random stuff along the way. I'm particularly interested in attempts to reach out to believers in the paranormal because of a valued member of my family who is among them.

Well, there, I've gotten through my first-post jitters! Looking forward to extracting the little buggers from my head and getting to know you all better.

Cheers,
sopsyched

[Mr. Skinny]

Hey all,

I am a long time lurker who finally figured it was time to do something about the thoughts that rattle around in my head every so often when I'm reading a thread (thanks to all those who got them moving!). I have training in research psychology (social/human factors/jdm - judgment and decision making), and seem to have picked up lot of other random stuff along the way. I'm particularly interested in attempts to reach out to believers in the paranormal because of a valued member of my family who is among them.

Well, there, I've gotten through my first-post jitters! Looking forward to extracting the little buggers from my head and getting to know you all better.

Cheers,
sopsyched
Wecome, sopsyched.

When I made my first post, I knew there were 294 current members who could possibly respond to my post. Boy, did I have the first-post jitters!

You only have to worry about 19,989 current members responding, so just relax, and let me talk you through this. I'm experienced.

Just don't act paranoid and everything will be OK. :D

[arthwollipot]

50! Thanks Paul. I had better get to work then. :)
If you post a new post to correct things, instead of editing, you'll hit 50 sooner.

I recommend you head over to the Community and Humour forums. There are several threads which exist solely to increase peoples' post count. The Three Word Story is always one of my favourites, but also check out The Real Spawn Of The Thread That Would Not Die and several incarnations of Prize Thread threads. Look for the threads with 10,000 posts or more. You don't need to read them all to jump in.

[Erin]

hcmom and arthwollipot,

Thanks for the advice, very helpful and decent of you to take the time to help out us newbies.

[arthwollipot]

That's what we're here for :)

[Erin]

Glad to hear it. Stick around, you might be hearing from me a lot. :)

[hcmom]

That's what we're here for :)

It is? Someone shoulda told me sooner....

[annexw]

Though I should pop in and say hello as I have been in lurker mode for about a month or so.

My title at work in "Technology Integration", which I think is a fancy way of saying 'does things with computers and makes everyone use them'.

By training I'm a historian specializing in Early Christian history (mainly the stuff around the conversion of the early church from primarily Jewish followers of a some bloke named Jesus to the formations of the Pauline Church) and English Medieval History.

And with training like that, is there any wonder I work with computers? The History factory was plain out of jobs. ;)

So if you need someone to explain the history of the early church or do very simple things with computers, I'll be around.

Thanks for the good reads everyone.

[Mr. Skinny]

Though I should pop in and say hello as I have been in lurker mode for about a month or so.

My title at work in "Technology Integration", which I think is a fancy way of saying 'does things with computers and makes everyone use them'.

By training I'm a historian specializing in Early Christian history (mainly the stuff around the conversion of the early church from primarily Jewish followers of a some bloke named Jesus to the formations of the Pauline Church) and English Medieval History.

And with training like that, is there any wonder I work with computers? The History factory was plain out of jobs. ;)

So if you need someone to explain the history of the early church or do very simple things with computers, I'll be around.

Thanks for the good reads everyone.
Welcome, annexw.

I don't post in the Religion and Philosophy sub-forum much. I enjoy the debate there at times, but I'm not really qualified to post on such matters.

I might run into you in the Community forum though. No expertise in anything is required there!

Skinny

[cyclonic]

hi people , i have been looking at this forum for more then 6 months and found it is a good place to gather information to counter the absurd 9/11 conspiracy theories, all of them defy common sense and some of them are clearly the result of insanity; no planes,death star in space. i have many 9/11 debunking movies on youtube,username 'aussiestormer' and will continue to make more. i live near brisbane,queensland, australia.
thank you for letting me join this excellent forum.


cheers
:)

[Spidey13]

Welcome, cyclonic!

thank you for letting me join this excellent forum.


You're quite welcome! Just so you know, I'm the one who let you join this excellent forum. All thanks, praise, and monetary contributions should be sent to me. ;)

[hcmom]

Welcome, cyclonic!



You're quite welcome! Just so you know, I'm the one who let you join this excellent forum. All thanks, praise, and monetary contributions should be sent to me. ;)

I'm the mom. I decide who joins, and where the money should go. The Revolution is running short on neon orange gooey stuff, so the money should be sent to me.

[Darat]

Welcome, annexw.

I don't post in the Religion and Philosophy sub-forum much. I enjoy the debate there at times, but I'm not really qualified to post on such matters.

...snip...

We're meant to be qualified to post in that section?! No one ever told me! :D

[mcg]

Hey folks, I'm new to the forum and joined primarily because of my interest in the recent high-end audio cable dust-up. I'm a pretty active member over in a popular home theater forum where (if I do say so myself) I am considered one of the more civil and reasoned objectivists (read: anti-cable/tweak types).

I hope I can provide well-informed input on this forum on A/V-related issues as well. I don't know if I'll participate much in other topics but we'll see!

BTW, Darat's welcome message is well done---a good way to get up to speed on the conventions and traditions of the forum. Thanks!

Thanks for listening!
Michael

[hcmom]

We're meant to be qualified to post in that section?! No one ever told me! :D

I don't even want to know what the qualifications would be....

[annexw]

I don't even want to know what the qualifications would be....

I'm a pastor in the Universal Church of Life. That and two bucks will get me a cuppa so I'm not sure if its a valid qualifier. ;)

Thanks for the welcome Mr. Skinny (et al.) Most of my wanderings have me the CT forum, where I try not to go crazy while reading.

[HawaiiBigSis]

I'm a pastor in the Universal Church of Life. That and two bucks will get me a cuppa so I'm not sure if its a valid qualifier.<snip>
Isn't becoming a pastor the only reason anybody actually joins the Universal Church of Life?

[Skinny Fatts]

Hi folks. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts. I'm currently a grad student in clinical counseling and am really interested in how people think. I also think a healthy dose of skepticism is really pretty healthy.

Onward!

[grayman]

Hi folks. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts...

Members: 14,349
Threads: 88,816
Posts: 3,036,300

And that was the last anyone ever heard from Skinny Fatts...

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi folks. I am looking forward to reading everyone's posts. I'm currently a grad student in clinical counseling and am really interested in how people think. I also think a healthy dose of skepticism is really pretty healthy.

Onward!
Welcome to the forum, Fatts!

Just wanted to pop in and let you know that the name Skinny is already taken, so you will need to refer to yourself as Fatts in order to avoid confusion. :)

[iszi]

Hey there,

I'm iszi, a comedian from England. I've been lurking on these forums for ages now.

I paint and do design work. Would love to help out if anyone has any ideas.

iszi
x

[Mr. Skinny]

I paint and do design work. Would love to help out if anyone has any ideas.

iszi
x
Welcome, iszi.

Man, did you ever come along at the right time! My living room ceiling needs to be repainted, and I need some landscaping design work done for my front yard.

PM me and we can discuss details. :D

Skinny

[Dekieon]

Hi everyone, I am new here and just wanted to greet everyone.

[Hokulele]

Hi everyone, I am new here and just wanted to greet everyone.


Well, if you are going to do this one at a time, it may take a while. Queue forms behind me.

(And welcome Dekieon!)

[Piazza]

I'd like to introduce myself as a new member of the Forum. I have for a long time been interested in the activites of skeptics - I read Michael Shermer's book "Why People Believe Weird Things" and have listed to skeptic-oriented podcasts like Skepticality and the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe - but my interest increased sharply a couple of weeks ago when I learned that my university, Penn State (I do research in biomechanics and teach in the Departments of Kinesiology & Mechanical Engineering), will be the focus of a new TV show on paranormal investigators.

The show will be carried by the A&E network beginning in December and will be called "Paranormal State". It will follow a student group who call themselves the "Penn State Paranormal Research Society" who take calls from the public and go out to hunt ghosts. I was also surprised to learn that for several years running, PSU has been the site of UNIV-CON, a large conference devoted to paranormal research. (As a new member I cannot post links, but more information on any of these can easily be found by Googling). These associations between my university and paranormal researchers are disappointing to me because it seems to be an embrace of pseudoscience that runs counter to Penn State's mission to advance our understanding of the natural world.

I'm looking forward to being a part of the Forum and to learning more about strategies for confronting pseudoscientists who try to gain respectability through association with a research university.

Steve

[grayman]

*grayman wanders through the thread looking slightly confused*

Hi Piazza. Welcome to the forum. Would you like an oatmeal cookie?

Oh, and..ummm....you didn't, by any chance happen to see a goat run by here, did you?

[genshi]

Hello All,

New to the forums and have been a long time enthusiast of James Randi's writings since I first bought "Flim Flam" in the 1980's (still have that first edition.)

I am a lifelong skeptic and am always curious and inquisitive; when I was six years old, I wondered if my Planet Of The Apes dolls had a different skeleton than my GI Joe dolls, so I buried them all in the backyard for exactly one year thinking they would decompose and I would find the answer! I was six...

I was recently (yesterday) let go from my job due to not "fitting in". Everyone liked me there and I excelled at my job, but they had just found out that I was an Atheist. I knew it was coming because I have never worked a job that had so many "hard-core" Christians as this job and I felt if they had ever found out, I was done for. (I use the word hard-core because they constantly talk about their church, their twice a week bible studies and quote scripture to make points related to the job, which may be normal and typical I guess if I worked in the bible-belt of America, but this is an eCommerce company in Los Angeles! Just never experienced that much "Christian Love" at a job in L.A. before.)

In any case, I look forward to learning from these forums and will try to contribute what ever I can when appropriate.

[this charming man]

welcome genshi, is that even legal?

[Paulhoff]

(I use the word hard-core because they constantly talk about their church, their twice a week bible studies and quote scripture to make points related to the job, which may be normal and typical I guess if I worked in the bible-belt of America, but this is an eCommerce company in Los Angeles! Just never experienced that much "Christian Love" at a job in L.A. before.)
Ever ask them, "Where the bible is against Slavery" and “Where does it state that women are on an equal footing with men”.

Paul

:) :) :)

And welcome, I don't believe in any of the so-called gods.

[genshi]

welcome genshi, is that even legal?

Unfortunately, it is in the sense that these days most employment is an "At Will" agreement, meaning that I can quit or they can let me go without reason. Now if they would have specifically said "We're letting you go because you are an Atheist" then maybe that would be illegal. But their exact words were "Everyone likes you here and you do excellent work and are a visionary and have brought a lot to our company, but we're good people and feel you wouldn't be happy fitting in with our culture." (even though I had already been there, happily, without issue, for the past 8 months!)

Thank you for the welcome.

Ever ask them, "Where the bible is against Slavery" and “Where does it state that women are on an equal footing with men”.

Paul

:) :) :)

And welcome, I don't believe in any of the so-called gods.

Thanks. And usually I try to not talk about those kind of things in the work place because I think it is inappropriate and only leads to a bad ending (usually for us non-christians.) But a few days ago one of the employees was talking about his missionary work to Albania and India and I thought it was fascinating that he got to experience those other cultures (me, not bringing religion into the conversation at all) and him finally asking me in front of a couple of other Christian employees what religion and how religious am I. It would have been easy for me to just bite my tongue and lie, but I don't lie (I actually have morals and ethics unlike many hypocrite* christians I have met) so I told them after years of studying many different religions I am still an Atheist. They were shocked and said "but you are like one of the nicest people here!" And I said, "Thank you and yes what does that have to do with what religion or non-religion I am?" They just looked confused and were speechless and didn't know what else to say.

They didn't seem to treat me any different over the next couple of days, but come Friday, I was no longer employed. So, if anyone is looking for a good web designer who happens to be good Atheist...

* When I say "hypocrite christians" at least at this last job, all of these christians seem kind of mean spirited with their jokes and jabs on each other and they also tend to get overly drunk at the company parties with a few of them admitting they have an alcohol problem. That's a whole other issue and topic, but I think they assumed I must have been a preacher or Amish or something since it is well known I have never had a drop of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes in my entire life, and now finding out that I am actually a lifelong Atheist, well, they just couldn't wrap their heads around it all I guess.

[psstevens]

I've read the weekly commentary for some time. I teach psychology at a university here and I am constantly reminded that I live in the Bible Belt. I have never had a lot of conflict between my teaching and religion, but I am planning on teaching a critical thinking class next year and I decided to check out the forum to see if it might provide some useful info.

[SusanB-M1]

genshi

This will not hellp in finding a new job, but I wonder - have you tried asking for an opinion from the American Humanist Association? They might come up with a nugget or two of supportive information. Good luck with the job search and may I add a welcome too.

[arthwollipot]

Hey there,

I'm iszi, a comedian from England. I've been lurking on these forums for ages now.

I paint and do design work. Would love to help out if anyone has any ideas.

iszi
x

Not sure about that, but I'm sure you can get some great comedy material from the Conspiracy Theories and the Religion and Philosophy forums.

For example, the Invisible Bigfoot (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=94981) thread... :D

[genshi]

genshi

This will not hellp in finding a new job, but I wonder - have you tried asking for an opinion from the American Humanist Association? They might come up with a nugget or two of supportive information. Good luck with the job search and may I add a welcome too.

Thanks for the suggestion... I'll check them out.

[Just_Judy]

Hello, I am Robert Dippner. I am a part/time professor at UNLV. I teach History of Psychology, Perception, and Theories of Learning.
Thank you
Bob
Hmmm, a professor at UNLV?? I didn't think that many of our academia visited boards. Glad to have a neighbor checking in. Ever think of starting a Meet-up group for all the people out there interested in psychology?

[sthomson]

...but my interest increased sharply a couple of weeks ago when I learned that my university, Penn State (I do research in biomechanics and teach in the Departments of Kinesiology & Mechanical Engineering), will be the focus of a new TV show on paranormal investigators.

...

I'm looking forward to being a part of the Forum and to learning more about strategies for confronting pseudoscientists who try to gain respectability through association with a research university.

Steve

Welcome to the JREF Forums, Piazza. One of the reasons I enjoy these forums so much is that so many professional scientists and engineers are active participants.

My alma mater has had problems with woo of another sort - 9-11 conspiracy theorists who wanted an on-campus forum to debate the facts they found on a website. Fortunately, the chair of our engineering dept. had worked on structural simulations of the Two Towers, and agreed to give a series of lectures on the subject.

[COLONEL]

*grayman wanders through the thread looking slightly confused*

Hi Piazza. Welcome to the forum. Would you like an oatmeal cookie?

Oh, and..ummm....you didn't, by any chance happen to see a goat run by here, did you?
Grayman not every one likes oatmeal cookies . If you are going to bait the newbees you should aoffer an assortment. I have the Goat and will send it back when I am done milking it .

[babbits]

Welcome Reinhard!

That would be "Bigfoot-s" by the way. As Bigfoot itself is a noun, adding an 's' is correct. Just like the plural of "walkman" (you know, those things that used to play tapes...kinda like an iPod) is "walkman-s."

By the way, what is the plural of the pointing device we all have on our computer desks? Mice or mouses?

[genshi]

By the way, what is the plural of the pointing device we all have on our computer desks? Mice or mouses?

For the animal it is mice, for the pointing device, it is mouses (according to most leading technologists.)

[arthwollipot]

Grayman not every one likes oatmeal cookies . If you are going to bait the newbees you should aoffer an assortment. I have the Goat and will send it back when I am done milking it .

"Milking"...

That's a euphemism, right?

[Persiflage]

Hello, one and all! I've been delighted to follow the spirited debates and general brouhaha on the JREF forums (fora?) for quite some time, and I thought I'd finally show my face on the off-chance that I might one day have something useful to say for myself. I'm a scientist by background, something else entirely by profession and I regularly hang out at Ben Goldacre's Bad Science blog. I've even started my own recently, although it mainly involves being childish about daft things. I'll reserve any thoughfulness that may possibly occur to me for more serious-minded venues, like this one.

I guess that's about it for now; you'll see me about from time to time and I'll attempt not to be too much of an irritant in the process!

[quarky]

first post; already confused; tried to post a reply in a thread about 'null physics'; lacked the power or smarts, evidently. i'm not slick w/ computors; don't like capital letters much...pretty good with a wheelbarrow, however...and a fan of randi from way back.
i enjoy the edge between woo-woo and math. sort of glad to be in a consensual reality that appears to be stuck between myths and facts. quantum physics remains weirder to me than anything people invent to sell snake oil, so my affections lean toward hard science and its inherrant scrutiny...even though it is prone to corruption. philosophicly, i hate to miss out on any placebo effect i can garner. i'd like to sell blackmarket, homeopathic placebos on line, but lack the talent.

(boy, are they strong!)

[JonM1121]

Hi, I am.

[quarky]

(my black market homepathic placebos are 'bio-dynamic')

[Chadvoodoo]

Just got back from the CFI World Conference in Beijing where I ran into some folks who recommended this forum. I had come here once or twice before just to look around but now think it might be a good time to time to enter the fray.

Chad

Shanghai, China

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi, I am.
Hi, I think.

[X]

Hi, I am.

I am too. How about that?

On a more serious (yeah... serious... that's it...), I am X.
Well, [X], since there's a minimum on the length of names here.
I chose [X], because I prefer to hide behind the anonymity of thew internet. Assume I'm shy, and don't pry. And yes, I do realize the internet is not anonymous.

I stumbled across this site looking for a source to refute Zeitgeist, since a friend of mine thinks it's a great movie everyone should watch. I'm still reading that doozy of a thread.

I looked around elsewhere, decided I liked the logical, intelligent debate going on, so I decided to sign up.

An additional point which should please many of you is that I prefer good grammer and speling.

Cheers all.
~ [X]

P.S. You guys need more smileys.

[Foolmewunz]

Just got back from the CFI World Conference in Beijing where I ran into some folks who recommended this forum. I had come here once or twice before just to look around but now think it might be a good time to time to enter the fray.

Chad

Shanghai, China

Wooo! Another one in China. That makes about seven of us (I include Hong Kong as part of China because it pi**es off the pedants)!

Let's see.... we've got seven, now. That leaves only 1,399,999,993 left to sign up!

I take it you're an ex-pat? Long time resident or just passing through?

We have "Roborama" up in Shanghai, "Wollery" in the wilds of the southern mountains, myself and a couple of others in Hong Kong, and the "Wolfman" in Beijing. One more and we could put up two tables for Mah Jong!

P.S. - Welcome.

[donnyboybelfast]

Hi all. Name's Don, Live in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
I used to waste my time on Philosophyforums, but eventually became tired of it.
Believe it or not: My wife's waters broke at 4 this morning and she is in hospital waiting to go in to labour. I'll be joining her again shortly.
It's our first and I have no idea what to do with myself...I could do some housework :p
All the best
Cheers
Don

[JonM1121]

Hi, I think.

I tried that once. I guess that's why I am.

[Mr. Skinny]

I tried that once. I guess that's why I am.
My point, exactly.

Welcome.

[Diagoras]

Hi everybody. I'm a n00b and this is my introduction. I'm a skeptic and a big fan of Randi's, so I said "hey, why don't I join the JREF forums?" And now I'm here.

A little about myself: I'm a 22-year-old from New York who is fed up with believing in things that I find out later are wrong. I've had a wide variety of kooky beliefs over my short life so far: alien abductions, the Bermuda Triangle, psychic powers, prophecies of impending apocalypse, dogmatic Marxism, anti-civilization primitivism, Atlantis, lake monsters, crop circles, the 9/11 conspiracy, the JFK conspiracy, the Roswell conspiracy, near-death experiences, haunted houses, precognitive dreams, and so-called "naturalistic" medicine, just to name a few.

My intense interest in science has always led me kicking and screaming to the evidence and the facts that prove me wrong, and I just kept finding myself in this situation time and time again. Eventually I became disillusioned with dogmatic thinking and certainty in general. I decided I had to base my beliefs on logic and evidence, and to hold all my beliefs tentatively, always trying to prove myself wrong and changing my mind when I do. It was scary at first, but it's really brought me a lot of internal sanity. Externally, though, the world is still full of kooks who believe the sorts of things I used to, which is rather frustrating, and one of my main reasons for coming here.

[Homemade psycho]

Greetings and salutations!!! (hi and hello are so boring)

Despite what my username may suggest, I am (mostly) harmless...but I have a reputation to uphold, so fear me?? Please???You won't see me post much , I'm more of a lurker, unless a conversation veers towards music....which is probably the only subject I feel confident enough about my knowledge to post anything about.

[Leone]

Hi folks!

[Roadtoad]

Hi folks!

What? That's IT? No mention of where you're from, what you do for a living? No descriptions of what happens between you and goats, or if you spend time with nuns with marital aids? No discussion regarding Phil's pants? Nothing?

Sheesh! Newbs!

Oh, and welcome. Grumble, grumble, grumble....

[jaywhat]

I am so pleased to get here at last. I am also a member of the British Humanist Association (and used to take humanist ceremonies particularly funerals) and, as well, I am a member of the National Secular Society. Well, I am off to feed the cat now - he is called 'Darwin'.

[Spidey13]

A warm welcome to you and your intelligently designed cat, jaywhat!

[hcmom]

Believe it or not: My wife's waters broke at 4 this morning and she is in hospital waiting to go in to labour. I'll be joining her again shortly.
It's our first and I have no idea what to do with myself...

"Hmmmmmm..... my wife is about to give birth to our first child. What should I do now? I know, I'll go join the JREF forum!!"

I bet your wife thought that was a very good idea... :halo:

I am so pleased to get here at last.

You might want to check with donnyboybelfast's wife. She may be looking for someone with a better sense of timing...

[Diarmuid]

Hey folks,

Irish guy living in Brazil finally makes his way here.

Love the site. Total non-scientist, but have found a lot of interesting stuff here.

Probably have a very different background from the rest of you here, was an anthroposophist for quite a while, spent some time working in anthro. based communities.

Studied as a "heilpraktiker" in Germany for 3 years (subjects: astrology, medicine, psychology and alternative therapies - like tarot, homeopathy, etc.)

And basically about 7 years ago, said bollocks to all that, came to Brazil, last year or so been spending quite a bit of time lurking on (anti)badscience and skeptic sites. Especially found badscience.net helpful and very interesting.

Think the work that this site and others is doing is very important.

Let's see, what else, work with import/export, no nippers, no missus.

Be talkiing to you

[holycanoli]

Hello and good morning.

I feel that a healthy amount of skepticism serves one well. However with the proliferation of information and the requisite proliferation of sources of that information, one is faced with enevitably conflicting reports on the same matter.

Thusly it is up to you to decide what is "real" and what is being proffered by one with an alterior motive.

I'm more skeptical than most. The current administration in Washington has given us all cause to consider what their actual objectives may be. While it is probably true that every administration since Raleigh has done the same type of things, few have done it with as much machismo as the Bush administration and as a result, the credibility gap between the governors and the governed is wider, I feel, than any other point in my 30+ years on terra firma.


I look forward to some intelligent discourse.

[TriangleMan]

Wooo! Another one in China. That makes about seven of us (I include Hong Kong as part of China because it pi**es off the pedants)!

I take it you're an ex-pat? Long time resident or just passing through?

We have "Roborama" up in Shanghai, "Wollery" in the wilds of the southern mountains, myself and a couple of others in Hong Kong, and the "Wolfman" in Beijing. One more and we could put up two tables for Mah Jong!
Yeah, Chad's an ex-pat. Wolfman and I were the "folks" who mentioned JREF.

[Luciana]

And basically about 7 years ago, said bollocks to all that, came to Brazil, last year or so been spending quite a bit of time lurking on (anti)badscience and skeptic sites. Especially found badscience.net helpful and very interesting.

Think the work that this site and others is doing is very important.

Let's see, what else, work with import/export, no nippers, no missus.

Be talkiing to you

Hello, there! Are you in Rio?

Anyway, welcome. I'm a total non-scientist also, and yet I've been here for many years. :)

[ntropy]

Hello, I'm an ex-Muslim turned Hyperborean. :D

[COLONEL]

Welcome all you new bloods . Would anyone like a piece of deer jerkey ?

[Diarmuid]

@Luciana, Thanks. No, I'm in São Paulo, tbh probably shuld have gone to Rio or Floripa. A good friend of mine lives in your neck of the woods. But here's just grand too. Love Brazil and am grateful to it for many things.

:) , glad to hear I'm not the only non-scientist here, mind me asking how you started getting interested in this?

Obrigado pelo bem vindo,

Abraços,

D.

[spike]

Hi everybody.

A poster I have respected for years at two other forums I have been on mentioned this forum several times.

I finally decided to join up. Lots of good stuff here. So little time...

[Darat]

Question to any recent Members who have come here via recommendations - did you enter the Member as "referrer" who recommended this place in your registration?

[Leone]

What? That's IT? No mention of where you're from, what you do for a living? No descriptions of what happens between you and goats, or if you spend time with nuns with marital aids? No discussion regarding Phil's pants? Nothing?

Sheesh! Newbs!

Oh, and welcome. Grumble, grumble, grumble....

I'm sorry, I was in a hurry when I wrote that! :D

Well, I'm from Araçatuba, Brazil.
I'm 19 years old, and I've been skeptical for about 5 or 6 years - actually, I've been questioning the existence of Those Things since a very early age. It was only a matter of awakening and realize this, and declare myself as an atheist/humanist - and I've been more calm about life and death issues ("spiritual" issues, if you like) since them.

I think that studying religions and strange beliefs in general reveals a side of humanity that is silly in a pretty negative way. Recently, I've been interested about spiritism, specially about the "mediums" and how they really DO believe that they are making contact with spirits. I've been invited to watch a seance, and I'll post my comments as soon as I attend this invitation.

As for the goats, I keep them dressed as nuns and locked in a cage.

There. Not bad for a godamn newbie!:D

[Diarmuid]

@Spike, didn't fill it out as the site wasn't actually "recommended", came here through links from badscience.net.

@Leone, opa, another Brazilian. "dressed as nuns and locked in a cage", careful man, I reckon that's the kind of stuff that attracts the bigfoots (or should that be bigfeet???) ;)

[spike]

@Spike, didn't fill it out as the site wasn't actually "recommended", came here through links from badscience.net.



I don't understand your comment.

[LibraryLady]

Welcome to one and all. I haven't been in this thread for a bit, so I'm falling behind in my greetings.

Now, the important questions:

Have you returned your library books?

What is your opinion on budgies. Before you answer this one, look a little bit to your left.

[Diarmuid]

@Spike, it was some discussion going on over there, Can't remember which one, someone had a link embedded leading to here to back up some point.

@LibraryLady, "look a LITTLE bit", been trying to decipher it, looks like someone sliced his head open and attached electrodes, and then the beady eyes behind observing.

Sure you'll understand if I withhold comment for a while yet .....................

[LibraryLady]

@LibraryLady, "look a LITTLE bit", been trying to decipher it, looks like someone sliced his head open and attached electrodes, and then the beady eyes behind observing.

Sure you'll understand if I withhold comment for a while yet .....................

:eye-poppi:eek:

[Diarmuid]

hehehehe

So, what am I looking at? Can't see it properly

[Luciana]

@Luciana, Thanks. No, I'm in São Paulo, tbh probably shuld have gone to Rio or Floripa. A good friend of mine lives in your neck of the woods. But here's just grand too. Love Brazil and am grateful to it for many things.
:) , glad to hear I'm not the only non-scientist here, mind me asking how you started getting interested in this?
Obrigado pelo bem vindo,
Abraços,


Oh, dear... São Paulo, the capital?? And you still claim you love Brazil?? Man oh man! The best thing about SP is the 45 minutes spent on a flight to Rio. :D

To me, it all began when an ex-boyfriend lent me "Flim-Flam". I laughed, I cried... then tried looking for Randi on the web and found this site. A week later they opened a forum and I joined. Being the non-scientist type, I had a lot of questions to ask, and that led me to read the works of other skeptics and to grow a respect for science. Since then I have attended a few Amazing Meetings and made real friends around here. A successful story for sure.


Well, I'm from Araçatuba, Brazil.

Oi, Leone! Lots of ethanol in Araçatuba? Are you filthy rich already?? :)

[cnorman18]

Hello, all. After some difficulties getting registered, I'm finally here and looking forward to the discussions.

I'm 57, a former Methodist minister (briefly) and a longtime middle-school math teacher. I'm a lover of puzzles and games, a (mostly) conservative (mostly) Republican, and a late convert to Judaism. I'm pro-choice, pro-gun, pro-gay marriage, and pro-Israel. I think that things ought to make sense and that one's primary obligation in life is to be honest with oneself and not try to force oneself to believe things that one knows, or suspects, are false.

I believe in rationality because I have to. I have some of the characteristics of Asperger's syndrome; I have no emotional connection to anything or anyone, and I'm OK with that. I live entirely in my head and can't imagine living any other way. My connection to Judaism, e.g., is entirely intellectual and theological; the emotional component is not there. Romantic relationships are more trouble than they're worth, at least for me.

You now know as much about me as anyone on Earth, except for details. See you on the board.

[HL7442]

Hi,
New here and this place is looks like a 9/11 conspiracy theorists worst nightmare. ;)
I love aviation and look forward to joining the ongoing battle to crush the 9/11 tinfoilers.

[arthwollipot]

Hi everybody.

A poster I have respected for years at two other forums I have been on mentioned this forum several times.

I finally decided to join up. Lots of good stuff here. So little time...

Do I know you?

:D

[spike]

Do I know you?

:D

Do the words Truth and Corn strike a familiar note?

:p

[Diarmuid]

@Spike, sorry, got you mixed up with Dara

@Luciana, rsrsrs, all the cariocos say that. My friend that lives there, used to live here, says I'm crazy for staying. Don't know Rio, but like it here. See you around on the forum.

[Leone]

@Leone, opa, another Brazilian. "dressed as nuns and locked in a cage", careful man, I reckon that's the kind of stuff that attracts the bigfoots (or should that be bigfeet???) ;)

Yeah, but don't worry, I already made a circle of blood around the cage - a blood that came out of a black chicken, by the way. :D

Oi, Leone! Lots of ethanol in Araçatuba? Are you filthy rich already?? :)

Hahhahah!! Oh yeah!! Everybody here is wearing cowboy outfit and dancing and shooting to the air!

The funny thing here is that ethanol already is the fourth monolith that everybody is hoping that will make the city progress miracully - before that it was cattle, ostrich (I'm not sure if that's the word for "avestruz") and sugarcane.

[spike]

@Spike, sorry, got you mixed up with Dara

...

It happens all the time. :D

[donnyboybelfast]

"Hmmmmmm..... my wife is about to give birth to our first child. What should I do now? I know, I'll go join the JREF forum!!"

I bet your wife thought that was a very good idea... :halo:



You might want to check with donnyboybelfast's wife. She may be looking for someone with a better sense of timing...

Hmmm thanks for being so judgemental.

I initially felt the need to justify myself by explaining, but that's the problem with feelings, they are so often wrong.

[MajikPiG]

Hi Amazing JREFers,

I'm Matt. I'm a teacher, an amateur magician, and a skeptic in West Virginia, USA. Like so many, I've been a big fan of the JREF since I watched a PBS special as a kid. The Amazing Randi was debunking the infamous Uri Gellar (sp?). Since then, I've become more and more of a skeptic and a philosopher, especially as I have begun my travels on the "royal road" of magic trickery and have met many other magicians who share Randi's desire to rid the world of charlatanism. I'm also a big fan of Penn & Teller (Bulls... *clap* hit) and that magician podcast, Go Magic Go. Any other Penn & Teller or Andrew & Keith fans out there?

Best regards,
Matt

[babbits]

Welcome Quantus, you're lucky to be in that beautiful land. I was lucky enough to get a copy recently of a wonderful book, Man-Eaters of Kumaon, by Capt. Jim Corbett. He describes the natural beauty and the wildlife wonderfully, aandhe loved the people. Of course that was many years ago, he was describing events that happened in the '20's and 30's of the last century. He had some fine pictures.

I like this site too. It stretches the mind.

[hcmom]

Hmmm thanks for being so judgemental.

I initially felt the need to justify myself by explaining, but that's the problem with feelings, they are so often wrong.

I'm sorry..... I didn't mean anything bad, I just thought maybe you were a fellow addict...

I really am sorry, I hate hurting people's feelings... I was just teasing.

Soooo... are you a Daddy yet?

[ladida]

Hi all! I'm new here. Ironically I discovered this site while pursuing my nasty little closet hobby - GHOSTS AND HORROR! I have a honed talent for "suspending disbelief", and love nothing better than being scared outta my pants! Somehow, by following links, I arrived here! And how glad I am that I did!


I've been lurking for a few days, reading the forums; I began with the $1M challenge apps (wow, wish I could make people pee their pants using the power of my mind!), then ventured onto the forums proper. I've pretty much been caught up on one thread regarding Jefferson and Christianity (I've only gotten through about half of it). However, from that I believe I've identified an as yet undocumented mental illness: Monumental Stunning Stupidity . I hereby relinquish all rights to this diagnosis and agree that anyone can avail themselves of the phrase. I also stipulate that it's acceptable to use the acronym "MSS" to describe this condition.



If anyone is interested in my "curriculum vitae", or just maybe a sob story:), here it is:

I was working on my dissertation in philosophy almost 6 years ago when I had a baby - yada, yada, yada (also insert antidepressants)- spent 6 years at home, during which time my brain (I swear!!!) atrophied (also had a bad reaction to the ADs - can we all say "people" are "chasing" me?, really, really, NOT GOOD)! Used to teach freshman level logic and, as strange as this might sound, since I got the child home (he was a preemie) I have NOT EVEN THOUGHT OR LOOKED AT LOGIC! For that reason I thank you ALL on the Jefferson/Christian thread! It has been the easiest "brush up" course on elementary logic I could have ever wished for!

Boy, this looks like it is going to be GREAT! I hope I don't poke sticks at little kitties too much in the future, as I'm actually a nice person (my students loved me):D!



PS - In our house we have officially replaced the "Giant Invisible Teddy Bear" with the "Flying Spaghetti Monster" and his flailing arms of wrath! Do we get some kind of credit for this?

[LibraryLady]

hehehehe

So, what am I looking at? Can't see it properly

You are looking at my budgie, Nick, dressed in her tiara, royal robes, and scepter, being embraced by the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Yeesh.

[ladida]

Well, just thought I'd make a post to get a newbie on top!

No offense, but it seems to me that this thread should be about, at the very least, allerting the larger comunity that there are new members?

[sheik yerbouti]

Hi All,

I had heard of the Randi forums for a while but was comfortable enough at Internet Infidels Discussion Board so I didn't bother joining. Now that that place is going down I am checking this place out. I am a scientist, physicist to be more precise, though my recent work has been related to phylogenetics. I haven't really looked deep into the forums here but I'll take a couple of weeks to see how the culture of this place is, and then get participating.

-SY

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome Sheik and Ladida....

Two clever and punnish names in one morning - it's a good sign!

Some of us vets (and not-so-vet as in my case) sort of take turns taunting welcoming the new squirrels for the stewpot forum members.

We do this just to ratchet up our post counts because we all remember what it was like as lonely newbies the first few days 'round these parts.

Ladida, congratulations on making it halfway through the Jefferson thread. I can't take it every day, so I wait until I'm groggy with a hangover on Saturday or Sunday morning to catch up on the latest in that quagmire. (I find that when I'm hungover, I'm too lethargic to let DOC get me riled.) For a real adventure, research his other threads.

Sheik, I'm sure you'll find a few other scientists to play with. I look into the Science/Math sub-forum now and then to remind myself how little I know about certain topics. Frankly, when they get into the numbers, they're a little frightening. (We also have a couple of physicist types hanging out on the Conspiracy Theories sub-forum. So much bullpucky on 911 is based on bad science and bad math that they're sorely needed.)

So welcome and enjoy yourselves. Look forward to seeing your posts!

[arthwollipot]

Do the words Truth and Corn strike a familiar note?

:p

Ah, no. Sorry, thought you were someone else.
:scarper:

[ladida]

Just wanted to apologize for that second post - it was a bit "snarky"; I think I was "in a mood" last night.:o

[Diarmuid]

Leone:Yeah, but don't worry, I already made a circle of blood around the cage - a blood that came out of a black chicken, by the way.

Well, that's ok then. If you're gonna do it, should be done right.

LibraryLady: You are looking at my budgie, Nick, dressed in her tiara, royal robes, and scepter, being embraced by the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Yeesh

I am sorry, so sorry. Now I see it. Trying out the photo thingie to put up my pet (or actually ex-pet, she ran away about 6 months ago, but still hopeful) Freda. But, no budgie experience.

And no, I haven't returned my book, but it's been about 15 years missing so I don't think I'll find it.

[LibraryLady]

Leone:Yeah, but don't worry, I already made a circle of blood around the cage - a blood that came out of a black chicken, by the way.

Well, that's ok then. If you're gonna do it, should be done right.

LibraryLady: You are looking at my budgie, Nick, dressed in her tiara, royal robes, and scepter, being embraced by the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Yeesh

I am sorry, so sorry. Now I see it. Trying out the photo thingie to put up my pet (or actually ex-pet, she ran away about 6 months ago, but still hopeful) Freda. But, no budgie experience.

And no, I haven't returned my book, but it's been about 15 years missing so I don't think I'll find it.


Have you checked under the bed?

[hcmom]

Well, just thought I'd make a post to get a newbie on top!

No offense, but it seems to me that this thread should be about, at the very least, allerting the larger comunity that there are new members?

Just wanted to apologize for that second post - it was a bit "snarky"; I think I was "in a mood" last night.:o

Don't worry. We all just ignored it anyway.... :halo:

ETA: There's an even better reason not to worry... It doesn't matter who posts last in here, many of us are compulsive and read ALL the posts....

[donnyboybelfast]

I'm sorry..... I didn't mean anything bad, I just thought maybe you were a fellow addict...

I really am sorry, I hate hurting people's feelings... I was just teasing.

Soooo... are you a Daddy yet?

Ah, I see. That's the problem with text on forums, even with smilies it's hard to gauge the tone. I forgive you, of course. I didn't know you were just teasing.

I'll try to explain now, then, seeing as you seem so nice.

4AM waters broke, got to hospital shortly afterward thinking that delivery must be imminent. By about 12.30PM I was sent home (only a few hundred yards away) as there had been no contractions yet. I was in shock, and needed a distraction, so turned on the computer.
I was back and forth to the hospital and stayed until I was asked to leave by staff. In-between visits I worked my behind off putting the house in order for their return.

I was there the following day from the morning, when labour was confirmed as established, and there when by about 1.30PM they took us in to the delivery suite.
Our beautiful (to us) baby girl was born at 7.29PM at 10lb 13oz and I was so happy to be there.

They came home at about 2 on Saturday. We are all healthy and happy too. :)

[LibraryLady]

Our beautiful (to us) baby girl was born at 7.29PM at 10lb 13oz and I was so happy to be there.



:eye-poppi

My sympathies to your wife. 10lb 13oz!

[Mr. Skinny]

:eye-poppi

My sympathies to your wife. 10lb 13oz!
I add my sympathies to your wife. Wowzers!!!

The largest of my three was 9 lbs, 1 oz and he seemed huge (when you think of the size of the means of egress).

Welcome to the forum donnyboybelfast!

And welcome to all the other noobs, too. Good looking crop.

[IPA]

Hello All!

I have been a regular weekly visitor to Mr. Randi's website for several years, but I've just now joined the forum. I look forward to contributing to the wonderful discussions that I've seen here. I'm a bit shy and somewhat thin- skinned, but hey, I'm anonymous here, right? RIGHT?

But really, I need this forum. I don't get out much, and the friends I do have are very into woo.

I shall be calling on you in my times of need.

[HawaiiBigSis]

<snip>Our beautiful (to us) baby girl was born at 7.29PM at 10lb 13oz and I was so happy to be there.
<snip>
All babies are beautiful. Mazel tov! And welcome: your daughter to the world, and you to the forum.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello All!
Hi, IPA.

I have been a regular weekly visitor to Mr. Randi's website for several years, but I've just now joined the forum.
Why the delay? Were you intimidated somehow? Not ready to accept Skinnematics? :)

I look forward to contributing to the wonderful discussions that I've seen here. I'm a bit shy and somewhat thin- skinned, but hey, I'm anonymous here, right? RIGHT?
When you get tired of the wonderful discussion, visit the Conspiracy Theories sub-fourum.

But really, I need this forum. I don't get out much, and the friends I do have are very into woo.

I shall be calling on you in my times of need.
We don't do "needy" people here, hehe.

Welcome to the forum, IPA.

[Paulhoff]

All babies are beautiful.
http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/f/D/bush_baby.gif

MMMM

Paul

:) :) :)

I do not make this one

[Raptor Witness]

Hi, my name is Raptor Witness, and I am a student of science and religion. I'm looking for a place to debate and test some new ideas.

[arthwollipot]

But really, I need this forum. I don't get out much, and the friends I do have are very into woo.

I shall be calling on you in my times of need.

Ask and ye shall receive, yea with both hands. And spend some time in the Community and Humour forums too. Don't be shy.

Hi, my name is Raptor Witness, and I am a student of science and religion. I'm looking for a place to debate and test some new ideas.

You've come to the right place. Just don't expect that everyone will always agree with you. :D

[hcmom]

Our beautiful (to us) baby girl was born at 7.29PM at 10lb 13oz and I was so happy to be there.

They came home at about 2 on Saturday. We are all healthy and happy too. :)

CONGRATULATIONS

[donnyboybelfast]

Thanks very much all. Yes I have a lot of sympathy for my wife and am doing as much as possible to ensure she can rest up and heal rather than do anything else. Her sister has also been around a lot and has been a good help too, letting us get a bit of shuteye in the day.

[Anthony Lawson]

Hello,

I have no idea how I arrived here, but I did. I enjoy looking at this site, so I joined.