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

[amb]

Hello,

I spent a good part of today reading through threads here, and was very entertained. I very much love my wife, and we have a great relationship. I never rub her face in the fallacies I see in her wooish beliefs, but sometimes I really need an outlet/sanity check. I think I'm home. :D
Listen, you realy should talk to your spouse, she either come's around to your thinking and beliefs or no nookie for one night. [ if you can stand it]

Make a stand for your beliefs mate.:D

[DrBaltar]

Newbie question.

I've seen several references to 'Woo', and I can gather that it means some type of BS artist, or mystical nonsense or something along those lines. Where did this term come from?

[Married2aWooster]

Newbie question.

I've seen several references to 'Woo', and I can gather that it means some type of BS artist, or mystical nonsense or something along those lines. Where did this term come from?

Purely a WAG on my part, but say the word out loud, drawing out the vowels with up and down Halloween-ish tonal inflections.

[arthwollipot]

Purely a WAG on my part, but say the word out loud, drawing out the vowels with up and down Halloween-ish tonal inflections.And waggle the fingers! Don't forget to waggle the fingers!

[arthwollipot]

To be a bit more specific (since "woo" is a term that you'll probably come across a lot here), Woo is any extraordinary claim which is not supported by extraordinary evidence. Hence, dowsing is woo, as is telepathy, remote viewing, the healing power of prayer, 9/11 conspiracy theories, invisible bigfoots...

Basically everything that a skeptic is skeptical of.

[amb]

We live and learn hey? First time Iv'e heard of the phrase. ''woo''
I alway thought the word for believers of the supernatural was ''stupid'' or to be nice, naive and very gullible.

[DrBaltar]

We live and learn hey? First time Iv'e heard of the phrase. ''woo''
I alway thought the word for believers of the supernatural was ''stupid'' or to be nice, naive and very gullible.LOL, well that's the 'say it like it is' approach.

[Mog]

Which Northampton? England or Massachusetts?

England :P

[Cat 1957]

I am a 50 year old thread posting virgin. My husband spends hours entertained by his fly fishing forum. I searched and searched my interests for a forum somewhere to lay my head and I chose this place. The forums for orchid, sewing, and gardening bored me and the ones dedicated to blubbering disabled people exhausted me. I am using the JREF forum for both emotional and physical rehabilitation. Thank you for having me!

[Tokenconservative]

Not new just a test post.

Checking on a bug in the system.

Thanks

[citizen327]

I'm new too, after finding this site to see what in the world that Zeitgeist nonsense was about. I'm not sure how skeptical I am yet, but I think it's a worthwhile characteristic.

[itzybitzy]

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/223034784192d032bc.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=10159)
I thought woo was half of woohoo...like when one is too tired to do the full woohoo:o
Anyway, welcome, all you new guys!

[Mr. Skinny]

I am a 50 year old thread posting virgin. My husband spends hours entertained by his fly fishing forum. I searched and searched my interests for a forum somewhere to lay my head and I chose this place. The forums for orchid, sewing, and gardening bored me and the ones dedicated to blubbering disabled people exhausted me. I am using the JREF forum for both emotional and physical rehabilitation. Thank you for having me!
Welcome, Cat.

Question: Since this forum doesn't spend much time discussing orchids, sewing, gardening, or blubbering disabled people, how did you manage to find this place?

[Esperdome]

Welcome, Cat.

Question: Since this forum doesn't spend much time discussing orchids, sewing, gardening, or blubbering disabled people, how did you manage to find this place?

I think if you Google "blubbering people", we're on the first page. :D

And welcome to all the new blubbering people.

[Cat 1957]

I was researching Kinoki foot pads. When I googled Kinoki I found discussion of said foot pads on this forum. I was enthralled with subjects and spent hours reading various threads. I have an eclectic reservoir of interests and this just seemed like the place for me.

[Mr. Skinny]

I was researching Kinoki foot pads. When I googled Kinoki I found discussion of said foot pads on this forum. I was enthralled with subjects and spent hours reading various threads. I have an eclectic reservoir of interests and this just seemed like the place for me.

Thanks for explaining. You should ask for "eclectic reservoir of interests" as your custom title (when you've been around long enough to ask the Powers that Be for that privelege) :)

[arthwollipot]

Seconded! Head on over to the Community forums and get your post count up. There are several threads over there which exist for no other reason than to increase your post count. Look for the ones that have over 10,000 replies. No, you don't have to read all of them to post!

Increasing your post count gives you access to sigs, avatars and custom subtitles. It's definitely worth doing.

[Prometheus]

Seconded! Head on over to the Community forums and get your post count up. There are several threads over there which exist for no other reason than to increase your post count. Look for the ones that have over 10,000 replies. No, you don't have to read all of them to post!

Increasing your post count gives you access to sigs, avatars and custom subtitles. It's definitely worth doing.

:tombstone Rapidly Increase Post-count.

[amb]

I am a 50 year old thread posting virgin. My husband spends hours entertained by his fly fishing forum. I searched and searched my interests for a forum somewhere to lay my head and I chose this place. The forums for orchid, sewing, and gardening bored me and the ones dedicated to blubbering disabled people exhausted me. I am using the JREF forum for both emotional and physical rehabilitation. Thank you for having me!
My kind of woman. Let me know if you ever leave your ever loving husband.

Only joking. A very warm welcome from a newcomer myself. :)

[Married2aWooster]

I was researching Kinoki foot pads. When I googled Kinoki I found discussion of said foot pads on this forum. I was enthralled with subjects and spent hours reading various threads. I have an eclectic reservoir of interests and this just seemed like the place for me.

In the spirit of this forum: Can you prove it, or is that just something you've convinced yourself is true? ;):D Just kidding, welcome from a fellow Noob.

[The Jeff]

What I've been looking for, a place that stimulates thought. Theres way to much opposition to that in this world. Looking forward to new friends, ideas, and debates. :D

[arthwollipot]

I was researching Kinoki foot pads. When I googled Kinoki I found discussion of said foot pads on this forum. I was enthralled with subjects and spent hours reading various threads. I have an eclectic reservoir of interests and this just seemed like the place for me.Were you the one who wrote into the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe? I've just started listening to that particular podcast, and they talked about these on the latest show.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Welcome new folks.

And yes, it is a mouse with an ear on it's back.

[amb]

Welcome new folks.

And yes, it is a mouse with an ear on it's back.That was a real experiment, the mouse I mean, not all that long ago.
I am probably wrong, but was that not an experiment to see if certain cells could be grown artificialy?.

[UnrepentantSinner]

That was a real experiment, the mouse I mean, not all that long ago.
I am probably wrong, but was that not an experiment to see if certain cells could be grown artificialy?.

Well, it wasn't some sort of stem cells gone wild experiment, but it was about a decade ago, a real experiment and you're not that far off. IIRC, a matrix was inserted under earmouse's skin and he was stimulated to supply cartillage to cover that matrix. Obviously the experiment worked, but what has happened since then regarding xenotransplants of facial structures since then I do not know.

My use of earmouse originated as a jape, but know he's come to be my avatar for a number of reasons.

[Cat 1957]

Were you the one who wrote into the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe? I've just started listening to that particular podcast, and they talked about these on the latest show.

It was not I.

[Lilith]

Yet another newbie. I'm looking forward to reading and posting here. I'm an atheist who's fascinated with belief in general, mostly from a biological and psychological perspective. But I love to read old folklore (ghosts, dragons, vampires, demons, etc.), some sci/fi, and even Harry Potter (again and again)! Go figure.

[creativecritter41]

I've been a lurker for a couple weeks and thought it was time to say hey and start posting. So, Hi and now I'm off to that silly arse bigfoot thread. :D

[creativecritter41]

Welp, that went over like a turd in a punch bowl. My first post and I'm getting pm's from mods already! I saw mr. bigfoot get called a liar, yet my post wasn't nice enough. Anyhoo, where can I find a topic on pathological liars, seeings how I'm not allowed to start one yet. :confused:

I find pathological liars very interesting, yet I'm still baffled and would like to discuss. :)

[arthwollipot]

It was not I.Just coincidence then.

:welcome4

[UnrepentantSinner]

I find pathological liars very interesting, yet I'm still baffled and would like to discuss. :)

Check through these and see if any strike your fancy.
http://forums.randi.org/tags/index.php/liars/

[Magic 9-Ball]

If you're a pathological liar, then isn't telling the truth the equivalent of a truthful person telling a lie?

[Linda777NJ]

Wow, I have participated in a few message boards and have never seen such a large bunch of intelligent & articulate people all in one place before. Let me tell you, it's impressive! I've been familiarizing myself with the forums and reading for the past two days. It's a honor to be here, I hope to be here for a long time.

edited to add...ok well maybe not on THIS thread;)

[Mr. Skinny]

Wow, I have participated in a few message boards and have never seen such a large bunch of intelligent & articulate people all in one place before. Let me tell you, it's impressive! I've been familiarizing myself with the forums and reading for the past two days. It's a honor to be here, I hope to be here for a long time.

edited to add...ok well maybe not on THIS thread;)
Welcome to the forum, Linda. Welcome to all the other noobs as well. Glad to have y'all here.

Regarding the intelligence level - this was the first forum I joined (in fact, probably the first forum I really looked at). The level of discussion seemed rather high, and I felt I might learn something, so I joined in. I was the 295th person to join, and it seemed the forum was pretty active even with those numbers. That was in 2001, and this place has really exploded with regard to membership and posting activity since then.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

[SallyBoy]

Hello, I am a new member here. I have lurked this forum for several days, searching for really excellent 9/11 infomations that would further strenghten my ability to provide facts about a moment in the history of time.

I am a 21 years old college student interested in the history of the world and my dream is to become a history teacher and prehape do bigger things later in life that would involve history.

i despites 9/11 CT considering I experienced 9/11 in my own hometown, having to see the billowing, giantic smoke covering lower nyc while on my way home from school that day.

Thank you and good day.

PS: Where can I find the forum rules? Help will be great.

[Married2aWooster]

Hello, I am a new member here. I have lurked this forum for several days, searching for really excellent 9/11 infomations that would further strenghten my ability to provide facts about a moment in the history of time.

I am a 21 years old college student interested in the history of the world and my dream is to become a history teacher and prehape do bigger things later in life that would involve history.

i despites 9/11 CT considering I experienced 9/11 in my own hometown, having to see the billowing, giantic smoke covering lower nyc while on my way home from school that day.

Thank you and good day.

PS: Where can I find the forum rules? Help will be great.
Welcome from a fellow Noob. Guidelines are here: http://www.randi.org/joom/content/view/136/87%20/

[RevKelly]

Hi there and thanks you for having a place such as this. I found this place while looking for more information on "Dogma Free America" podcast, as I didn't find it until now. I wish it would have continued. I plan to enjoy my time here and hope to find interesting ways of looking at old problems.

Oh and don't let the name fool you. See you around the board.:o

[Sparrowmint]

I came here for the conspiracy theory forum (seeing 9/11 CT's debunked is a great joy of mind), but found that it's an excellent, intelligent forum all around. Thanks for building such a great community.

[petra10]

Welcome to you all, hope to see you around.

are you sure the Rev isnt what I think it is,Kelly?


:sewelcome:

[RevKelly]

are you sure the Rev isnt what I think it is,Kelly?


:sewelcome:
I didn't say it wasn't, just don't let it fool you. Hey there are Rev's out there that are skeptical too. We just are harder to find. Belief and truth can be separated as long as you acknowledge that belief means without rational cause and treat it as such. Searching for the truth is what we are all here for and should be encouraged to be looked for. No matter what guise the journey takes for the individual.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I didn't say it wasn't, just don't let it fool you. Hey there are Rev's out there that are skeptical too. We just are harder to find. Belief and truth can be separated as long as you acknowledge that belief means without rational cause and treat it as such. Searching for the truth is what we are all here for and should be encouraged to be looked for. No matter what guise the journey takes for the individual.

Well said.

Welcome.

[hcmom]

...Oh and don't let the name fool you...

You're really RevPat?

[amb]

Hi there and thanks you for having a place such as this. I found this place while looking for more information on "Dogma Free America" podcast, as I didn't find it until now. I wish it would have continued. I plan to enjoy my time here and hope to find interesting ways of looking at old problems.

Oh and don't let the name fool you. See you around the board.:oAs long as your not a real reverend. Reminds me of a western movie with a rev. who carried a gun in a hollowed out bible. :)

[Darat]

We have several ordained Members!

[amb]

Please inform me immediately if the pope or the archbishop of England decide to join us.
:)

[jaywhat]

Love to know what Revs think of Darwin - by the way, my brother lives in Bridgetown, W.Oz

[amb]

Love to know what Revs think of Darwin - by the way, my brother lives in Bridgetown, W.Oz
Beautiful part of W.Australia, if you can tolerate the swarms of flies in Summer. I must ask a fundie next time I meet one. Why did this all loving God create flies to torment humanity while still here on Earth?
Down in Bridgetown, as in all of the South West, you have to keep your mouth shut, otherwise you swallow at least 10-20 flies per day. :D

[Darkhole]

Hello chatters.

....... well who knows.... I guess none of us really will until we are gone.

I realy doubt that.:p

But welcome anyway.:)

[Darkhole]

I didn't say it wasn't, just don't let it fool you. Hey there are Rev's out there that are skeptical too. We just are harder to find. Belief and truth can be separated as long as you acknowledge that belief means without rational cause and treat it as such. Searching for the truth is what we are all here for and should be encouraged to be looked for. No matter what guise the journey takes for the individual.


As sceptical as this rev, ?

.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=1466 put the (http www) before the link please.

Welcome! :)

[AspenMama]

Hello everyone. I have heard of this site over the years and finally decided to join when my buddy Gurdur mentioned this place again recently. For a time I was very active on Internet Infidels helping to create and moderate a couple of forums-- mainly the Secular Lifestyle forum. I gave that up a couple of years ago and spent the majority of my time at Heathen Hangout. This seems like a very interesting place to me and I look forward to looking around some more.

[hcmom]

Why did this all loving God create flies to torment humanity while still here on Earth?


God in his wisdom created the fly,
and then forgot to tell man why.

-- Ogden Nash

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Hello everyone. I have heard of this site over the years and finally decided to join when my buddy Gurdur mentioned this place again recently. For a time I was very active on Internet Infidels helping to create and moderate a couple of forums-- mainly the Secular Lifestyle forum. I gave that up a couple of years ago and spent the majority of my time at Heathen Hangout. This seems like a very interesting place to me and I look forward to looking around some more.

Gurdur has a great mind and I enjoy talking to him. We most assuredly disagree in many cases, yet the talks are wonderful.

Where has he been? I shall go look! Thanks for the reminder, and Welcome!
:)

[amb]

God in his wisdom created the fly,
and then forgot to tell man why.

-- Ogden Nash
He also forgot to tell us the purpose of children dying so young with cancer before they even get to savor the beginning of life.

[AspenMama]

He also forgot to tell us the purpose of children dying so young with cancer before they even get to savor the beginning of life.


Well as I'm told often, there is a plan of some sort and the ever-loving, "everything happens for a reason". We just dont know the plan or the reason yet because us mortals are too naive.:rolleyes:

Obviously, he forgot to read the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Gods.

[DannyJ]

Hey. I'm a new member (obviously, lol) and my name is Danny. I got given a link to these forums from Sallyboy on youtube whilst debating about conspiracy theories (9/11). I'm a person who doesn't want to argue about a subject, but have a fair debate. My age is quite young-ish (13, I know, some of you defiantly will be surprised). And because I'm in my young teen years doesn't mean that I will be being immature and bratty about things. I'll post in the forums I know I know things about and any information I have.

But yeah, hey!

[Prometheus]

Hey. I'm a new member (obviously, lol) and my name is Danny. I got given a link to these forums from Sallyboy on youtube whilst debating about conspiracy theories (9/11). I'm a person who doesn't want to argue about a subject, but have a fair debate. My age is quite young-ish (13, I know, some of you defiantly will be surprised). And because I'm in my young teen years doesn't mean that I will be being immature and bratty about things. I'll post in the forums I know I know things about and any information I have.

But yeah, hey!

Welcome DannyJ! It's good to see someone getting started thinking critically at a young age! Have fun here!

[Wokawok]

Hi everybody,

I'm in New Zealand and have been looking at Jref for sometime now and finally decided to join.

I have recently been getting up early to tend to my new born son and have found my self playing "cold reader bingo" with Colin Fry. As I have a new son and as such zero disposable income, I was wondering if anyone could recommend any sites that might have critical thinking lessons or the like.

Look forward to getting into some debates in the future.

Cheers

[sherry]

Hello, I am new here and not quite sure what to think! I have enjoyed researching and blogging about the Franklin Child Sex Scandal, Johnny Gosch, and other such subjects on other sites. I have delved into some conspiracy theories, too, but I see here what I might consider a hostile environment toward those who are more conservative or religious. I thought intelligent people were beyond such petty judgements.
I hope I will be accepted here as I will accept others, regardless of morals or faith issues.
I'm looking forward to exploring the site. Thanks! Sherry:)

[JIP]

Hey I surfed by this forum and was impressed mighty. A lot of clout and cranial activity all :boxedin: in one place.:jaw-dropp

Well I am a most displaced oriental. Born in Singapore, brought up in Malaysia, married from India, spent 23 years in the middle-east....if some ask me logistics i just shake my chain of occicles. Landscape architect by profession. 1998 Middle-east gold medalist. Period.

Religious Humorous Musical Sporty Norty.

JIP

P.S. I am unable to add an avatar. Is it on a privilege schedule?
Hope to be around.:D

[UnrepentantSinner]

PS: Where can I find the forum rules? Help will be great.
http://forums.randi.org/faq.php

JIP, you can find the avatar info there (50 posts and then you can link or upload).

Love to know what Revs think of Darwin - by the way, my brother lives in Bridgetown, W.Oz

As sceptical as this rev, ?

.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=1466 put the (http www) before the link please.

Welcome! :)

He also forgot to tell us the purpose of children dying so young with cancer before they even get to savor the beginning of life.

Well as I'm told often, there is a plan of some sort and the ever-loving, "everything happens for a reason". We just dont know the plan or the reason yet because us mortals are too naive.:rolleyes:

Obviously, he forgot to read the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Gods.

Hey, newbies... this is a welcome thread. Save the dogpile for the R&P subforum.

[JIP]

Ok thanks, racing to 50:gasp:

[arthwollipot]

Hello, I am new here and not quite sure what to think! I have enjoyed researching and blogging about the Franklin Child Sex Scandal, Johnny Gosch, and other such subjects on other sites. I have delved into some conspiracy theories, too, but I see here what I might consider a hostile environment toward those who are more conservative or religious. I thought intelligent people were beyond such petty judgements.
I hope I will be accepted here as I will accept others, regardless of morals or faith issues.
I'm looking forward to exploring the site. Thanks! Sherry:)Hi Sherry and welcome. Contrary to appearances, we are not normally hostile to people of faith. There are quite a few "posters of faith" who are here regularly. However, this is a skeptics' board, and you should be aware that if you make a specific claim (like, for example, that prayer can heal amputees), you will be challenged to provide evidence to support it. I apologise in advance if this happens to you - some of those threads can get a bit nasty. In general you should find us a nice friendly bunch of people. Head on over to the Community forums to test the waters if you don't want to just jump straight into the deep end. If and when you feel ready for it, there's the Religion & Philosophy forum.

[amb]

Hi everybody,

I'm in New Zealand and have been looking at Jref for sometime now and finally decided to join.

I have recently been getting up early to tend to my new born son and have found my self playing "cold reader bingo" with Colin Fry. As I have a new son and as such zero disposable income, I was wondering if anyone could recommend any sites that might have critical thinking lessons or the like.

Look forward to getting into some debates in the future.

CheersWellcome wokawok. A Kiwi hey? You won't find any sheep here my friend. :D Joking of course. No offence meant.

[whatthebutlersaw]

Hello all, I think I must have breached ettiquette by posting in a thread before introducing myself, but I have lurked for two years and finally had to put my two bits in about Carina Landin (can't link yet), so I really couldn't wait.

I am an Urban Legend-lover who thinks h8r is a strong word, but I definitely have a strong dislike for woo stuff, because I have friends who use it instead of taking charge of their lives and who are truly the worse off for it.

I used to dick around with tarot cards and was often uncannily accurate. I would have dearly loved to have been "special" but I sort of noticed in myself the techniques that I have later read about as cold reading and lucky guesses. I didn't have words for them at the time, but that's what it was, and I realized it. I still have friends who will not listen when I try to explain what happened, but keep on pestering me to give them a "reading"... "I was making low odds guesses and drawing logical conclusions and I probably remembered conversations we have had in the past!" I will say, but they don't care. I had higher hit percentage than the people they pay for readings, so I "must" be the real thing...

I have a penchant for nastiness, so I will keep posting to a minimum, since it takes five rewrites to remove everything libelous whenever I open my mouth. I write looong posts, I am physically incapable of brevity, so I think the forum will be all the better for me keeping number of posts down.

ETA: Oh, and my pet peeve is smiley-abuse. Adding a smiley does _not_ make something stupid and hurtful less stupid or hurtful.

[sherry]

Thanks, arthwollipot! Speaking of religion and skeptics, I often find that its easier to deal with an atheist than a self-righteous zealot (and I speak from experience-haha).
I think you are right...I should start in the shallow end.
Thanks again for the warm welcome!

[elbe]

Hello, I'm elbe and I mostly like to learn new and interesting things. I'd first heard of jref over on the snopes board, but a coworker has recently turned me on to some of the more interesting aspects of it. Now, off to peruse the many, many threads.

[Shoogar]

I'm Shoogar. I've always been skeptical, long before I knew the meaning of the word. I've been lurking in many of the forums for a while now, and feel I already know some of you.

As for my name, anyone read the Flying Sorcerors (Niven & Gerrold)? Shoogar was a self-proclaimed wizard, who wasn't, but in a way he was. To understand, you'll have to read the book.

[thorneinyourside]

Hello. I've been a reader at the Screw Loose Change blog for a while and found my way over here. Thanks for approving my account!

[John Freestone]

Hi everyone or subset thereof. What am I doing here? Where did I come from? Interesting the first unasked questions people answer when they join a forum! :D

I've been online a lot more recently, and I came here directly from the Personal Development for Smart People Forums, part of Steve Pavlina's website (about things like the "Law" of Attraction, "Intention Manifestation", eating raw food and posting endless photos of it on the internet, that kind of thing). James Randi offers a million dollars for a genuine miracle, Steve's manifesting the same out of thin air (maybe so he won't have to win it).

I have been a materialist and a believer-in-various-other-phhilosophies in cycles and sometimes even together. I've come here to learn more, and I feel more motivated, like I've been playing at philosophy too long. I'm into buddhism (which I like to spell with a small b to make a point), in particular, Zen (which I spell with a capital, possibly for psychopathological reasons). Ram Dass (Richard Alpert) has been one of my most important teachers (via tapes), and I think a lot of Ken Wilber and other writers in the attempt to understand humanity from a whole perspective rather than reductively and materially only (Marilyn Ferguson's The Aquarian Conspiracy - you know, the shopkeeper actually said "That will change your life"....sorry, woo moment coming on there...!). On the other hand, I appreciate science; I'm pedantic and methodical and committed to rooting out my errors of thinking when I see them (so challenges?, yes please!). I've a terrible memory for details, but a kind of cauldron I drop my experiences into, hoping that each time something rises to the surface it gets a little less scummy.

Yes, I'm annoyed that people sell dangerous nonsense to desperate 'spiritual consumers'. I'm also dismayed that at the other end of the spectrum there are probably a lot more 'mainstream' people lapping up the religion of 'scientists' who consider science rock-solid, its process utterly self-correcting, and therefore an ultimate road to knowledge. I also came here to jangle that idea about, although I'm sure I'm not the first or best qualified.

Scepticism, to me, is not making my mind up, not being too easily convinced (some here seem to use it as a natural synonym for 'materialist'). I have to exercise it most often in my life concerning some nonsense in The Psychologist (disregarding the extravagant claims for cosmetics, that is).

I've enjoyed the small amount of reading I've done here and look forward to what I expect to be some amazing discussions. You seem like a friendly and frighteningly knowledgable bunch of nutters. Oh yes, I'm a retired-ish therapist. I live in Yorkshire, England with a Goddess and long for world peace.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

ETA: Oh, and my pet peeve is smiley-abuse. Adding a smiley does _not_ make something stupid and hurtful less stupid or hurtful.

Welcome!



:dc_biggrin::dc_biggrin::dc_biggrin::dc_biggrin::d c_biggrin::dc_biggrin:

[amb]

A warm welcome to all newcomers. Jerome, your avatar is driving me insane trying to remember it's name. I remember he's a Martian who wanted to blow up the Earth because it was spoiling his view of Venus in an episode of Bugs Bunny.
But what's it's name? :)

[arthwollipot]

Marvin.

Marvin the Martian.

Where is the kaboom? There is supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom!

[amb]

Marvin.

Marvin the Martian.

Where is the kaboom? There is supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom!Spot on. Thanks, It was driving me nuts.
Best cartoons ever made by Warner Bros., At age 59 I still love them. May the prophet Mel Blank, rest in peace.

[DrBaltar]

Wow, I have participated in a few message boards and have never seen such a large bunch of intelligent & articulate people all in one place before. Let me tell you, it's impressive! I've been familiarizing myself with the forums and reading for the past two days. It's a honor to be here, I hope to be here for a long time.

edited to add...ok well maybe not on THIS thread;)I was impressed too when I first came in. Welcome :)

[arthwollipot]

Blanc. Mel Blanc.

:D

Pedantic? Me?

[amb]

Blanc. Mel Blanc.

:D

Pedantic? Me?Apart from some misspelled names. :o This is a great forum. Welcome.

[hcmom]

Don't worry about misspelling things, or punctuating them incorrectly, or misusing apostrophes, we aren't the least bit touchy about that. :halo:

[biostudent]

Hello. I am a biology student working on my undergraduate degree. I'm also an atheist and evolutionist and blah blah blah. :D I probably won't be able to post much, but reading the threads sure is entertaining. ;) Oh and I've known of the jref and associated groups for some years; just never signed up for the forums until now. Sorry that I'm not really revealing a whole lot about myself (aside from those biggies I just dropped**), but, meh, I guess I'm shy. Anyway, I look forward to seeing everyone around.

**I don't normally start conversations off that way, but it just somehow seemed more fitting here.

[halofish2000]

Hi folks,

Just joined officially after a few months of reading. I figured the only way to learn is to read other points of view. May or may not have much to add.

[Hokulele]

Hello biostudent and halofish2000!

It is good to see the lurkers rising to the surface.

:welcome4

[amb]

Don't worry about misspelling things, or punctuating them incorrectly, or misusing apostrophes, we aren't the least bit touchy about that. :halo:
I'm glad about that. Sometimes it's done intentionally.
:D

[RevKelly]

Just wanted to say thanks for the welcome and that I enjoyed the "discussion" that started, but I won't respond here. I'm sure we'll be discussing those and others on the boards in here. Welcome to the other newbies here as well.

[JIP]

Just wanted to say thanks for the welcome and that I enjoyed the "discussion" that started, but I won't respond here. I'm sure we'll be discussing those and others on the boards in here. Welcome to the other newbies here as well.
Thanks Rev..I am still yoking my way to being not-branded. Feel naked without my avatar:o still.
But I am enjoying it in here. People are smart and treat you as you treat them and the honesty that you put in, gives you response- thats lively.
People here are ( I have met only a few so far as I am a few days old here ) are quite humorous too .
Have fun.:D

[HotNurse]

Hi all!
I'm a junior in my four-year nursing program, and I am joining you guys hoping for a respite from the somewhat woo-woo infused world of nursing theory. It's a great program, but every once in a while I feel like the only one who thinks for herself.

~Raven

[JIP]

Hi all!
I'm a junior in my four-year nursing program, and I am joining you guys hoping for a respite from the somewhat woo-woo infused world of nursing theory. It's a great program, but every once in a while I feel like the only one who thinks for herself. ~Raven

Welcome, welcome:D
The 'woo-woo' theory, sounds interesting....:cool:What's that by the way?

[amb]

Hi all!
I'm a junior in my four-year nursing program, and I am joining you guys hoping for a respite from the somewhat woo-woo infused world of nursing theory. It's a great program, but every once in a while I feel like the only one who thinks for herself.

~RavenMany, many years ago I used to date a hot nurse. A Kiwi in fact. I often still think of her. Thanks for the memory and welcome.

[JIP]

So thats the woo-woo theory. Wooing. Welcome again!:cool:

[HotNurse]

Welcome, welcome:D
The 'woo-woo' theory, sounds interesting....:cool:What's that by the way?

It's "interesting" all right. Most of our program is evidence-based medicine, but because nursing is a holistic practice, it leaves room for some wacky stuff. My pet peeve is Therapeutic Touch (which is neither therapeutic or touching), which is an actual treatment some nurses are "trained" to administer. "Disturbed Energy Field" is an actual Nursing Diagnosis that I am technically supposed to be able to assess for, but so far I haven't seen one of those little Ghostbusters EMF readers, so I'm not sure how I would come up with that.

What is frustrating is how little critical thinking is exhibited by many of my classmates. I mean, these are all really clever men and women, but they are so quick to take anything our instructors say, or that they hear around the hospital, as fact. Not that my instructors don't know their stuff, but they slip some weird stuff into lecture every once in a while.

Okay, that's my little rant for the day. I'm sure I will have many more questions and anecdotes as program progresses. Thanks for the warm welcome!

~Raven

[this charming man]

Hi all!
I'm a junior in my four-year nursing program, and I am joining you guys hoping for a respite from the somewhat woo-woo infused world of nursing theory. It's a great program, but every once in a while I feel like the only one who thinks for herself.

~Raven


Helooooooo Nurse!!!!!! (http://plaza.ufl.edu/garnerb/Hello%20Nurse.JPG)

[JIP]

It's "interesting" all right. Most of our program is evidence-based medicine, but because nursing is a holistic practice, it leaves room for some wacky stuff. My pet peeve is Therapeutic Touch (which is neither therapeutic or touching), which is an actual treatment some nurses are "trained" to administer. "Disturbed Energy Field" is an actual Nursing Diagnosis that I am technically supposed to be able to assess for, but so far I haven't seen one of those little Ghostbusters EMF readers, so I'm not sure how I would come up with that.

What is frustrating is how little critical thinking is exhibited by many of my classmates. I mean, these are all really clever men and women, but they are so quick to take anything our instructors say, or that they hear around the hospital, as fact. Not that my instructors don't know their stuff, but they slip some weird stuff into lecture every once in a while.

Okay, that's my little rant for the day. I'm sure I will have many more questions and anecdotes as program progresses. Thanks for the warm welcome!

~Raven

I'd vote a definite "YES" for the 'Disturbed Energy Field', bcos' it makes sense when the brain is also an organ and as emotions are brain related (not soul related as some evangelists say).

But the "Therapeutic Touch", still a hot fav' on comedy shows- a woo-woo!
Enlighten me:D

[amb]

It's "interesting" all right. Most of our program is evidence-based medicine, but because nursing is a holistic practice, it leaves room for some wacky stuff. My pet peeve is Therapeutic Touch (which is neither therapeutic or touching), which is an actual treatment some nurses are "trained" to administer. "Disturbed Energy Field" is an actual Nursing Diagnosis that I am technically supposed to be able to assess for, but so far I haven't seen one of those little Ghostbusters EMF readers, so I'm not sure how I would come up with that.

What is frustrating is how little critical thinking is exhibited by many of my classmates. I mean, these are all really clever men and women, but they are so quick to take anything our instructors say, or that they hear around the hospital, as fact. Not that my instructors don't know their stuff, but they slip some weird stuff into lecture every once in a while.

Okay, that's my little rant for the day. I'm sure I will have many more questions and anecdotes as program progresses. Thanks for the warm welcome!

~RavenThat don't sound like conventional medicine. Your not nursing in some kooky alternative medicine place, like homeopathy
or something are you?

[arthwollipot]

That don't sound like conventional medicine. Your not nursing in some kooky alternative medicine place, like homeopathy
or something are you?From what I've been able to tell, this sort of thing is getting more and more common in conventional nursing in mainstream hospitals.

[JIP]

From what I've been able to tell, this sort of thing is getting more and more common in conventional nursing in mainstream hospitals.
In agreement to what was said above, its turning to be the thing to know about to advance a career in nursing. Am thinking HotNurse is on the hot trail.:p

[amb]

When the word ''holistic'' is mentioned, it ceases to be conventional medicine, and it becomes quackery. Their working on the placebo effect of a cure, plain and simple.

[JIP]

Respecting all the hard work done in this direction especially when it emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. And it encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Hence Holistic medicine tends to focus on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being. Is it then going too far as brand it as quackery?

Medical wellbeing is also rehabilitation after diagnosis, treatment and discharge which is so often neglected these days.

[Darat]

Folks - this the welcome thread if you want to discuss anything else but "welcome to the Forum" in any depth take it to a thread in the appropriate section of the Forum.

[amb]

Holistic and homeopathic go hand in hand. It's only common sense that if a person eats 6 burgers and smokes 2 packs of cigarettes per day, sooner rather than later he/she is going to be in trouble health wise. A spiritual lifestyle won't make one iota of difference to anybodies health and well being. Again the placebo effect plays a part.
Every thing in moderation, and you will live long and strong and die happy. Providing you don't have some hereditary problem in the genes. All the best.....Angelo.

[JIP]

We'll take this another place another time Dr.D

[Manly Man]

Hello, all. I work in the transportation industry and came across a few threads here relating to the North American Union conspiracy that I thought I could add some additional perspective to. I've also been lurking for a while in the general conspiracy threads, of which I am a big fan, but my lack of a scientific background will most likely prevent me from contributing anything there other than smart-alecky retorts. The majority of my friends are certified, grade-A tinhatters and I've learned that there's no getting through to them, so I generally just belittle them. But don't worry, mods... I'll keep it civil. I generally don't do forums and pretty much only speak up when I have something meaningful to say, so don't expect to see a whole lot of posts from me. Thanks.

[JIP]

Welcome ManlyMan,
if you are good enough to throw a good one, be also ready to absorb some on the way.
Cya around. I am new here too:D

[hiker45]

I wonder if there is any portion of the website which might contain lesson plans. I recall many years ago watching Randi do an experiment with a classroom of students. The experiment involved handing out astrological readings of some kind in which students were asked if the reading applied to them. I think most all of the students agreed that the reading applied to them, only to discover later that they were all the same reading.

Now this is only my vague recollection so don't hesitate to correct me, but I would love to try this on my psych class.

[godofpie]

Hi ya'll. Godofpie here. I am the pizza man from Winston Salem. I've been reading these boards for a couple of months now. Very entertaining. Some of the people that have applied for the challenge are a real hoot. Bless those people that have to wade through those apps. They must have the patience of Job.

[hcmom]

Mmmm.... hello, ManlyMan... :halo:

Hiker45, you might want to check out www.quirkology.com (http://forums.randi.org/www.quirkology.com) for some interesting "head" games...

[Magic 9-Ball]

godofpie, welcome. The world can always use more good pizza. Unfortunately, I'm not anywhere W-S to order one. :(

[IAM]

I am interested in critical thinking - what it is and how useful it might be in day to day living.

I see at this time that there are:

Threads: 95,673
Posts: 3,348,571

I have a question to ask about a puzzling concept (for me) and there is a good chance there is at least one thread somewhere in this great establishment which has discussed or is discussing 'it'.

This is my main reason for becoming a member of this forum. I have been lurking and reading some of the threads, and think that this might be a good environment to pop my question.

.............................................Swing

I don't care how words are spelt or strung together as long as the gist of the meaning is clear enough to respond to - (I say that because I notice some individuals seem intolerant of mis-spellings and incorrect puntcuations and as such, these become an issue for them and can tend to divert from the more meaningful subject matter the offender is trying to broadcast.)

Another wee peev I have is when individuals use really big intellectual words, again as a way of limiting the art of communication.
Not that I don't like words, common or otherwise, but I like to think of language as a tool for bridge building rather than wall building.

Middle ground is always a good place for open minds to meet.

.................................................. .... Swung

Part from that, well thanks for the Welcome. I will try not to be shy about asking my question, even if it means I start a new thread....in the mean time I will continue to read some of the threads which threaten to capture my interest, while I ponder on exactly how to present my question to this forum.

Cheers

IAM

[JIP]

....in the mean time I will continue to read some of the threads which threaten to capture my interest, while I ponder on exactly how to present my question to this forum...Cheers...IAM

After a string of 'em, again a ponder? Wow...guess you will make out to be a good one here. Welcome and good luck. Waiting to see you pound with your pondering .....

[godofpie]

Thanks magic9ball. I love that George Carlin quote. He calls 'em like he sees 'em, and if he doesn't see 'em he makes 'em up.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Threads: 95,673
Posts: 3,348,571

Welcome!!!

BTW: You are not allowed to post until you read all the posts in the forum. ;)

[JEROME DA GNOME]

(I say that because I notice some individuals seem intolerant of mis-spellings and incorrect puntcuations and as such, these become an issue for them and can tend to divert from the more meaningful subject matter the offender is trying to broadcast.)

Shhh, that is done when they lack the ability to answer.

[IAM]

Thanks 4 the replies

Nope - not here to pound - always pondering though.

I am going to test that theory - once I have read all 3,348,529 posts, and post a comment (it will no doubt have nothing to do with anything as I will have forgotten what I was going to ask and my joints will have passed their use by date and someone will be wiping my bottom 4 me - which will be very distracting...)

hang on...? I AM posting now!!!

[arthwollipot]

Oh Noes! JEROME, he's onto us!
:scarper:

[JIP]

Thanks 4 the replies

Nope - not here to pound - always pondering though.

I am going to test that theory - once I have read all 3,348,529 posts, and post a comment ..........and someone will be wiping my bottom 4 me - which will be very distracting...)hang on...? I AM posting now!!!

Oka g'luck see ya in a couple of years in a straight jacket and diapers. happy reading......:D

[amb]

Everyone thinks their a comedian. Do you not realize that in Hollywood alone there are thousands of unemployed comedians?
So please spare a thought for them. :D

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome all! Do not take cookies from Grayman. It only encourages him. You have been warned.

IAM - check my custom title. You can join the Grammar Resistance any time you like. We even have a Mod (to remain nameless in order to protect the innocent and/or uncooperative) helping fight the well good fight. Beware of the Grammar Tyrant, though... he has a certain following.

Manly Man - I'm in Logistics (fancy-assed way of saying Freight Forwarding). What aspect of transportation are you in? If it's domestic, viz trucking, check out the posts by the legendary RoadToad.

To all and sundry, though.... Welcome, Welcome, Welcome. Make yourselves at home. Juice and vanilla wafers are served on Tuesdays and as always Wednesday is Rodeo Day.

[amb]

Tuesdays you say. What flavour is the juice? If beer, count me in.

[JIP]

Tuesdays you say. What flavour is the juice? If beer, count me in.
Befriends ambnp... bonds are made, barrels are emptied, kegstands performed, passed out .... to gather up and do it another time around:D

[Walter Ego]

Hi! Walter’s the name and I live in Georgia where I work in the hospitality industry. I was drawn here from the Screw Loose Change blog but I’ve long been an admirer of Randi. I’m sure I’ll enjoy posting as soon as I can figure out how to use everything and find what I’m interested in.

[Supercharts]

I just wanted to post here to introduce my new (Pub. Dom.) Avatar.

[BenHad]

I just joined. I'll spend most of my time in the Science Section. I'm a retired Software Engineer from McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing. :)

[JIP]

I just joined. I'll spend most of my time in the Science Section. I'm a retired Software Engineer from McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing. :)

Hello and welcome here BenHad.
I am new and today I have graduated to being able to have an avatar. Most here fink I am goofy enough to have an Orang Utan.

Have a jolly good ride BenHad

[magnetic]

Hi Everybody,
I'm new, from the UK, I have no faith except in my own ability to influence what may happen to me in the future and I have strong views on those who condemn a theory or practice without investigation. Just because you don't like classical music doesn't mean that classical music is c**p.
Here we go!!!! I manufacture and sell my own range of magnetic therapy products. I read and hear all the time those sceptics who think it is a load of rubbish and they use flimsy "evidence" as argument just the same as the idiots who do not know what they are talking about who sell products with magnets in as a therapy ( Note: I worded that last phrase carefully) who also use misleading claims as evidence.
Picking out the weakest point in a claim made by someone who doesn't know what they are talking about is not proof of evidence against that claim.
I look forward to comments.
Ray

[Foolmewunz]

Hi Everybody,
I'm new, from the UK, I have no faith except in my own ability to influence what may happen to me in the future and I have strong views on those who condemn a theory or practice without investigation. Just because you don't like classical music doesn't mean that classical music is c**p.
Here we go!!!! I manufacture and sell my own range of magnetic therapy products. I read and hear all the time those sceptics who think it is a load of rubbish and they use flimsy "evidence" as argument just the same as the idiots who do not know what they are talking about who sell products with magnets in as a therapy ( Note: I worded that last phrase carefully) who also use misleading claims as evidence.
Picking out the weakest point in a claim made by someone who doesn't know what they are talking about is not proof of evidence against that claim.
I look forward to comments.
Ray

Welcome, Magnetic. While there's still time, I'm going for the million!

I fearlessly predict, should you go over to the General Skepticism - Paranormal sub-forum..... or to wherever we hide the Medicine threads...

A bit of a rough ride. A number of attackers, yet the occasional reasonably sane response, interested in your claims.

One of the traditional views of sk(c)eptics is that we will never believe in anything that's not already proven. That, of course, is absurd. We'd all be Ludites! At one time, electricity wasn't proven. Nor were anti-biotics, flight, radio, television, computing, and dozens of other things.

In short, if you have verifiable evidence for the effect(s) that you claim your 'devices'(for lack of a better word) have, you can convert the whole bunch of us. But we will ask for evidence.

[amb]

Hi Everybody,
I'm new, from the UK, I have no faith except in my own ability to influence what may happen to me in the future and I have strong views on those who condemn a theory or practice without investigation. Just because you don't like classical music doesn't mean that classical music is c**p.
Here we go!!!! I manufacture and sell my own range of magnetic therapy products. I read and hear all the time those sceptics who think it is a load of rubbish and they use flimsy "evidence" as argument just the same as the idiots who do not know what they are talking about who sell products with magnets in as a therapy ( Note: I worded that last phrase carefully) who also use misleading claims as evidence.
Picking out the weakest point in a claim made by someone who doesn't know what they are talking about is not proof of evidence against that claim.
I look forward to comments.
RayGeezus. No offence, but has any of your magnetic theories ever been proven? I very much doubt it. But, hey, wer'e all ears, or should that be, all eyes on you'r proof. :rolleyes:

[Esperdome]

I know I have a magnetic personality. Unfortunately it is set on "repulse" instead of "attract". :D

And welcome to all the new members. Please don't feed or pet the goats or they will follow you all around the forum.

[santiagosmagic]

Well one hopes for solutions anyway....

My name is Tim "Santiago" Converse. "Santiago" because that is my professional performing name. I am a part-time professional magician.

The rest of my time I spend working for Department of Defense as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer.

I've been reading James Randi for many many years, and have been a long time skeptic. I recently publically declared myself a Bright as well.

I am looking forward to participating in these forums.

Thanks,

Santiago

[Roadtoad]

Hello, all. I work in the transportation industry and came across a few threads here relating to the North American Union conspiracy that I thought I could add some additional perspective to. I've also been lurking for a while in the general conspiracy threads, of which I am a big fan, but my lack of a scientific background will most likely prevent me from contributing anything there other than smart-alecky retorts. The majority of my friends are certified, grade-A tinhatters and I've learned that there's no getting through to them, so I generally just belittle them. But don't worry, mods... I'll keep it civil. I generally don't do forums and pretty much only speak up when I have something meaningful to say, so don't expect to see a whole lot of posts from me. Thanks.

Welcome, MM. Another transportisto here.

[Zoroaster]

I have no special expertise. I like to read accounts of the strange and then I like to check them out. I'm always hoping that I'll find something strange that truly baffles everyone and stands up to examination. So far I've got nothing. I'm specifically interested in the ideas of Michael Persinger, Julian Jaynes and Rupert Sheldrake to drop a few names that have probably been disparaged in these parts. I feel like I can tell which researchers are making a sincere inquiry (but perhaps are fooling themselves) and which ones have already convinced themselves one way or the other.

My first impression of this forum is that some take a certain glee in exposing frauds or misconceptions. I don't share in this glee or in the tendency to be snide and insulting to claimants of the paranormal but I do appreciate the rigor that accompanies it. I know if someone ever does get that million bucks it will be money well spent and our understanding will take a great leap in a new direction. And if not I'll just have to learn to appreciate the normal.

[JIP]

I have no special expertise. I like to read accounts of the strange and then I like to check them out. I'm always hoping that I'll find something strange that truly baffles everyone and stands up to examination. So far I've got nothing. I'm specifically interested in the ideas of Michael Persinger, Julian Jaynes and Rupert Sheldrake to drop a few names that have probably been disparaged in these parts. I feel like I can tell which researchers are making a sincere inquiry (but perhaps are fooling themselves) and which ones have already convinced themselves one way or the other.

My first impression of this forum is that some take a certain glee in exposing frauds or misconceptions. I don't share in this glee or in the tendency to be snide and insulting to claimants of the paranormal but I do appreciate the rigor that accompanies it. I know if someone ever does get that million bucks it will be money well spent and our understanding will take a great leap in a new direction. And if not I'll just have to learn to appreciate the normal.

Welcome welcome and wow for one who starts the post saying that you do not possess any special expertise, you seem to be loaded with 'em in the remaining part of your post:cool:.

Welcome will enjoy your posts for sure.

[Eejit]

Hi folks,

my name is Seán Ryan and I hail from Ireland.

I'm neither a fan nor a believer of the paranormal. I tend to dislike folks who use misdirection for purposes other than entertainment or to teach.

Ok that's my dislikes dealt with. I like moaning about my dislikes :)

I've been reading/lurking this forum for a few years now and use it anytime I need a well put and logical argument to add to my own offerings when I feel deficient in certain areas.

I'd hardly be considered a master in any discipline. I've a layman's interest in most areas and possess an opinion on just about everything. I love debate and I love to learn. For me it's not about winning it's about learning.

I don't take offence easily and I try not to offer it. Though it is hard at times not to offer it, as the truth (as I see it) sometimes hurts.

Regards to all, I look forward to chewing the fat and learning from you,

Seán (Eejit).

[Roadtoad]

Hi folks,

my name is Seán Ryan and I hail from Ireland.

I'm neither a fan nor a believer of the paranormal. I tend to dislike folks who use misdirection for purposes other than entertainment or to teach.

Ok that's my dislikes dealt with. I like moaning about my dislikes :)

I've been reading/lurking this forum for a few years now and use it anytime I need a well put and logical argument to add to my own offerings when I feel deficient in certain areas.

I'd hardly be considered a master in any discipline. I've a layman's interest in most areas and possess an opinion on just about everything. I love debate and I love to learn. For me it's not about winning it's about learning.

I don't take offence easily and I try not to offer it. Though it is hard at times not to offer it, as the truth (as I see it) sometimes hurts.

Regards to all, I look forward to chewing the fat and learning from you,

Seán (Eejit).

Welcome, Sean. Any chance you're even the most remote relation to Nick Ryan, the producer for a rather attractive Irish singer named Enya? (Probably not, but, Geez, you can't blame a trucker for asking.)

[Eejit]

Welcome, Sean. Any chance you're even the most remote relation to Nick Ryan, the producer for a rather attractive Irish singer named Enya? (Probably not, but, Geez, you can't blame a trucker for asking.)

Thanks for the welcome. Fraid I'm not connected to Nick in any way. You might have a problem getting at Enya though, what with my arse being in the way :D

[Roadtoad]

Thanks for the welcome. Fraid I'm not connected to Nick in any way. You might have a problem getting at Enya though, what with my arse being in the way :D

You DO know she has four brothers, don't you?

[amb]

I have no special expertise. I like to read accounts of the strange and then I like to check them out. I'm always hoping that I'll find something strange that truly baffles everyone and stands up to examination. So far I've got nothing. I'm specifically interested in the ideas of Michael Persinger, Julian Jaynes and Rupert Sheldrake to drop a few names that have probably been disparaged in these parts. I feel like I can tell which researchers are making a sincere inquiry (but perhaps are fooling themselves) and which ones have already convinced themselves one way or the other.

My first impression of this forum is that some take a certain glee in exposing frauds or misconceptions. I don't share in this glee or in the tendency to be snide and insulting to claimants of the paranormal but I do appreciate the rigor that accompanies it. I know if someone ever does get that million bucks it will be money well spent and our understanding will take a great leap in a new direction. And if not I'll just have to learn to appreciate the normal.
Hi Zoroaster and welcome. You'r not the god Zoroaster reincanated are you?
No one will ever collect that million bucks because to do so all the laws of nature would need to be broken. In all the history of this tiny planet we call home, that has never happened, and never will.

Regards, Angelo.

[LoudHoward]

Hello everyone :)

Just another Aussie who found this forum (The Screw Loose Change Blog seemed to mention JREF a lot!) and liked what I saw. Initially looking for 9/11 debunking threads and so forth and noticed that (as far as I can tell) every major "Truther" point ever brought up has been debunked here at some stage so I thought I'd sign up and maybe join in.

I sometimes feel in discussions in "real life" that I'm often railroaded or barraged with a whole lot of "facts" about conspiracy theories and whatnot that don't seem right but that I can't rebutt off the top of my head, so hopefully JREF can help me in that regard and give me some nice ammunition.

Thanks a bunch, cyas on the forum!

[Avamba]

Hello all,

I've been a skeptic by nature for a long time.

I was brought up a methodist and have close family members with strong beliefs in psychics and UFOs. I've had a lucky escape indeed.

It's been great to discover through lurking here and other skeptical resources (The SGU is glorious) that there's a whole community of like minded folks out there.

I'm a bloke, I live in the UK and I work in the dark arts. Or rather in the dark, in the arts - backstage in the theatre industry. As I frequently work with live sound system s I've been loving the recent Pear Cable debacle!

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I know I have a magnetic personality. Unfortunately it is set on "repulse" instead of "attract". :D

I shall steal this line. :D

[amb]

I shall steal this line. :DI'v beaten you to it. I love it.

[Cold one]

Howdy finally joined the "club of the enlightened ones" been reading alot so as to be able to better participate in the disscussions.

[mrund]

My recent visit to JREF HQ and TAM 5.5 convinced me that I should take a look at the JREF forum. Everybody I met kept talking about it and asking me about my handle!

I'm an archaeologist and journal editor based in Stockholm, Sweden. I'm also a board member of the Swedish Skeptics' Society (membership 2200 out of a population of 9 million) and the keeper of Aardvarchaeology, one of the top-5 skepticism blogs on the web according to Technorati.

As for my possible contributions to the discussions here, I hope to be a source of somewhat trustworthy information about Scandinavia and archaeology, as well as the occasional excruciating pun or contrived piece of innuendo.

[laurae]

Hello All

I am still reeling from the exceptionally good time I had in Florida at TAM 5.5 this weekend. It was great to meet new people and I've now joined the forum at the encouragement of my new skeptical friends. I'm hoping to become more involved in this community especially in the areas of education and the intersection of the art and science/skepticism.

If you were at TAM 5.5 and attended Rebecca's party - I was hanging out mostly in the back room on the bed. I so enjoyed talking with everyone back there but fear I didn't get everyone's contact info. I hope you'll say hi here :)

Take care.
~Laurae

PS: Whoever brought the Yuengling to the party - you rocked my socks!

[fuelair]

My recent visit to JREF HQ and TAM 5.5 convinced me that I should take a look at the JREF forum. Everybody I met kept talking about it and asking me about my handle!

I'm an archaeologist and journal editor based in Stockholm, Sweden. I'm also a board member of the Swedish Skeptics' Society (membership 2200 out of a population of 9 million) and the keeper of Aardvarchaeology, one of the top-5 skepticism blogs on the web according to Technorati.

As for my possible contributions to the discussions here, I hope to be a source of somewhat trustworthy information about Scandinavia and archaeology, as well as the occasional excruciating pun or contrived piece of innuendo.
Love that name!!!! (Aardvarcheology, of course!!!) Welcome in and watch out for the anti-skeptics - they leave messy stains on your shoes. Enjoy!:)

[this charming man]

My recent visit to JREF HQ and TAM 5.5 convinced me that I should take a look at the JREF forum. Everybody I met kept talking about it and asking me about my handle!

I'm an archaeologist and journal editor based in Stockholm, Sweden. I'm also a board member of the Swedish Skeptics' Society (membership 2200 out of a population of 9 million) and the keeper of Aardvarchaeology, one of the top-5 skepticism blogs on the web according to Technorati.

As for my possible contributions to the discussions here, I hope to be a source of somewhat trustworthy information about Scandinavia and archaeology, as well as the occasional excruciating pun or contrived piece of innuendo.

It is great to have you here mrund! Welcome. I am sure you will make several valuable contributions to our discussions.

[this charming man]

Hello All

I am still reeling from the exceptionally good time I had in Florida at TAM 5.5 this weekend. It was great to meet new people and I've now joined the forum at the encouragement of my new skeptical friends. I'm hoping to become more involved in this community especially in the areas of education and the intersection of the art and science/skepticism.

If you were at TAM 5.5 and attended Rebecca's party - I was hanging out mostly in the back room on the bed. I so enjoyed talking with everyone back there but fear I didn't get everyone's contact info. I hope you'll say hi here :)

Take care.
~Laurae

PS: Whoever brought the Yuengling to the party - you rocked my socks!


Hi Laurae and welcome. The more educators, the better.

[shodan]

I'm from Norway, I work in the localisation industry, and am a member of my fair country's main (only?) sceptic organisation. I also have a host of other wholesome interests, not least of which is the mathematics of Quantum Neutrino Fields.

I don't remember when I first stumbled across the JREF, but I've been reading the Swift newsletter for a year or two, and also visited the forum from time to time, and now I've finally decided to take the plunge.

I don't think I'll become the most prolific of posters, but time will tell.

[hcmom]

The Norwegians really are taking over the world!! Hawk will be so happy!!

[Darat]

Magnetic's post moved to a new thread: http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=104806

[Leemanza]

Hello everyone. I had a great time at TAM 5.5 and it was a pleasure meeting all of you!

[bigSam]

Howdy
After my first TAM (5.5), I couldn't wait to get back home and join up. Long time lurker, happy new poster!

[grayman]

Hello everyone. I had a great time at TAM 5.5 and it was a pleasure meeting all of you!

See you in Vegas. ;)

Howdy
After my first TAM (5.5), I couldn't wait to get back home and join up. Long time lurker, happy new poster!

Welcome to you too. :)

[Skullaxide]

Hey ya'll.
Long time lurker, but I felt creepy and signed up. I live in New Zealand, female, 15, atheist, anarcho-capitalist, Randi fangirl, like talking about evolution and I have an awesome mohawk. I'm big on truth and justice and I think Randi's challenge to practitioners of the paranormal take a critical but fair look at claims and I'm glad he's doing it, I'm sick of people being duped and deluded. Anyway, a lot of the well established skeptics on the forum are great but I also tend to come up with something else. So yeah, hi. (This forum has the best emoticons, I can see how someone would sign up exclusively for the emoticons: :clconfused:)

[arthwollipot]

I live in New Zealand, female, 15, atheist, anarcho-capitalist, Randi fangirl, like talking about evolution and I have an awesome mohawk.I think we're going to require evidence of that last claim!

Welcome, Skullaxide, to the forums. Don't accept cookies from Grayman.

[Bob Blaylock]

I work for in the shipping department of a facility owned and operated by a very well-known company, that makes a wide range of products, but is most famous for canned soup. Yes, if you're thinking of a brand, then you've probably got the right one.

Yesterday, as I was preparing to load a trailer, a man called me over. As he was about to tell me something, I cut him off and told him what it was he was going to tell me. The trailer that I was about to load was a three-axle trailer, and as a result, I needed to load it light in front and heavy in the back.

When he confirmed that yes, that was exactly what he was about to tell me, I indicated my green hard hat, which is a magic hat that allowed me to read his mind; thus I knew what he was going to tell me about the trailer and how it needed to be loaded.

He then mentioned James Randi and the million-dollar prize for anyone who can prove such a thing (which I already knew about) and this forum.

[amb]

Hey ya'll.
Long time lurker, but I felt creepy and signed up. I live in New Zealand, female, 15, atheist, anarcho-capitalist, Randi fangirl, like talking about evolution and I have an awesome mohawk. I'm big on truth and justice and I think Randi's challenge to practitioners of the paranormal take a critical but fair look at claims and I'm glad he's doing it, I'm sick of people being duped and deluded. Anyway, a lot of the well established skeptics on the forum are great but I also tend to come up with something else. So yeah, hi. (This forum has the best emoticons, I can see how someone would sign up exclusively for the emoticons: :clconfused:) A fifteen year old atheist. you have made my day. If you were closer, I would give you a hug of congratulation. Keep it up kid. :)

[Dormin]

Hi folks,
I'm a long time lurker as well, didn't feel creepy but I thought to myself: at least make a contribution of some sort..
I've come across mr. randi and this forum because of the rerise of "phenomenal" uri geller and other would-be-mentalists, plus the (maybe a subjective feeling) recent increase in stupidity in my environment.

about myself: 'm 27, from germany and have recently finished my studies in biology..

I'll be glad to see at least some of you around, in a manner of speaking!


Dormin

[Dlowan]

Hi,


I am from Australia, and came across your forum when following up information about Zeitgeist...that conspiracy video thingy.


Liked the discussion that I saw on it, and decided to join....it appears rather...er...magnetic.....


Just sort of wandering around and taking in the sights at present.......so, er, g'day.

[Foolmewunz]

I work for in the shipping department of a facility owned and operated by a very well-known company, that makes a wide range of products, but is most famous for canned soup. Yes, if you're thinking of a brand, then you've probably got the right one.

Yesterday, as I was preparing to load a trailer, a man called me over. As he was about to tell me something, I cut him off and told him what it was he was going to tell me. The trailer that I was about to load was a three-axle trailer, and as a result, I needed to load it light in front and heavy in the back.

When he confirmed that yes, that was exactly what he was about to tell me, I indicated my green hard hat, which is a magic hat that allowed me to read his mind; thus I knew what he was going to tell me about the trailer and how it needed to be loaded.

He then mentioned James Randi and the million-dollar prize for anyone who can prove such a thing (which I already knew about) and this forum.

Yay! Another transportation guy. We're taking over, I tell ya!

Scroll up to the post by RoadToad and you'll meet a couple o' more. (I'm a "suit". International forwarding, but I worked the US for many a year, and in fact started out in a job some forty years ago similar to the one you describe. I was consolidating loads in the garment district in New York.)

Welcome all... seems to be another rash of Antipodeans this week. Always fun to have some people in my time zone to play with! Setcherself down and enjoy. Lurking and reading is cool if you're reticent to jump in, but you'll also find a welcome of sorts in most of the non-insane sub-forums. (e.g. avoid Politics, Bigfoot Threads, Global Warming Threads, Conspiracy Theories, and Forum Management)

[hcmom]

(This forum has the best emoticons, I can see how someone would sign up exclusively for the emoticons: :clconfused:)

Yep. That's why I'm here!! :ladybug: :xmas0658

[arthwollipot]

And just a shoutout to the newbies - hi - if you would like to increase your post count so that you can get an avatar, head on over to the Community and Humour subforums. There you will find plenty of threads which exist for no other purpose than to increase peoples' post counts. Look for any thread with more than 10,000 replies. No, you don't have to read them all in order to post.

[hcmom]

And just a shoutout to the newbies - hi - if you would like to increase your post count so that you can get an avatar, head on over to the Community and Humour subforums. There you will find plenty of threads which exist for no other purpose than to increase peoples' post counts. Look for any thread with more than 10,000 replies. No, you don't have to read them all in order to post.

Spending time trying to read through them would sort of defeat the purpose of going there to boost your post count.

[Esperdome]

And over in Humor, they are giving away free cities in some really cheesy thread.

And welcome to all the new people.

[Scumop]

Hi everyone.
My specialty is procrastination - I've been Randi-aware for a couple decades, been to TAM 4, and now TAM 5.5, and finally signed up here. Hard core atheist. I was a skeptic until after Stackpole's inspiring talk. Now an aggressive skeptic.

I'll check in again.
Soon.

[hcmom]

There's a thread full of the cities? I really should check the forum index more often....

[amb]

And just a shoutout to the newbies - hi - if you would like to increase your post count so that you can get an avatar, head on over to the Community and Humour subforums. There you will find plenty of threads which exist for no other purpose than to increase peoples' post counts. Look for any thread with more than 10,000 replies. No, you don't have to read them all in order to post.
Isn't that a bit like reading a fiction novel? A pass time.
Just idle chatter. Not that there's anything wrong with that. This post is just that. :D

[Prometheus]

Hi everyone.
My specialty is procrastination - I've been Randi-aware for a couple decades, been to TAM 4, and now TAM 5.5, and finally signed up here. Hard core atheist. I was a skeptic until after Stackpole's inspiring talk. Now an aggressive skeptic.

I'll check in again.
Soon.

Welcome from a fellow procrastinator! Always remember: "The sooner you fall behind, the more time you have to catch up!" (Don't remember where I heard that; maybe I'll look it up--tomorrow)

[Bob Blaylock]

My specialty is procrastination… I've been meaning to take that up, but haven't got to it yet.

[amb]

I've been meaning to take that up, but haven't got to it yet.
Jeez, we must think alike. I also have been meaning to take it up. Especially mowing the lawn, painting the house, ect.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hello everyone. I had a great time at TAM 5.5 and it was a pleasure meeting all of you!

Howdy
After my first TAM (5.5), I couldn't wait to get back home and join up. Long time lurker, happy new poster!

Glad to have people finally sign up after TAMs. :)

He then mentioned James Randi and the million-dollar prize for anyone who can prove such a thing (which I already knew about) and this forum.

Any friend, co-worker, hell even someone who lives in Roadtoad's neighborhood, is a friend of many people on this forum.

about myself: 'm 27, from germany and have recently finished my studies in biology..

There are a number of members from Germany, the UK and Scandenavia. You shouldn't have any trouble meeting with a group of them if your schedule and finances permit it.

Scroll up to the post by RoadToad and you'll meet a couple o' more.

I think that's the streetfaring amphibian he was referring to. :)

My specialty is procrastination - I've been Randi-aware for a couple decades, been to TAM 4, and now TAM 5.5, and finally signed up here.

You're one two up on people who signed up for the forum early, but haven't made it to a TAM yet. :)

Welcome to all the new folks.

[rissablue]

Hi guys!!!

New poster straight from TAM 5.5 here too. (Also my first TAM). I'm a vet student in the bible belt so I'm glad to finally be able to talk with people that don't think I'm a crazy person condemning my soul to everlasting hell. This is also my first forum so I am kinda nervous but everyone was so nice and fun in FL this past weekend that I couldn't resist.

[myowninvention]

Hello!
I just stumbled into this forum, and I think I may have signed up for it out of pure relief.
Here's to people who believe that "rational argument" and "source citation" are not meaningless phrases.
Even if you're online.
Cheers guys. Really.
I hope I'll be able to contribute something.

[arthwollipot]

I'm dreaming of a city
it was my own invention
I put the wheels in motion
a time for big decisions...

[hcmom]

Hi guys!!!

New poster straight from TAM 5.5 here too. (Also my first TAM). I'm a vet student in the bible belt so I'm glad to finally be able to talk with people that don't think I'm a crazy person condemning my soul to everlasting hell. This is also my first forum so I am kinda nervous but everyone was so nice and fun in FL this past weekend that I couldn't resist.

This is probably the best forum around to lose your virginity to...

[Kawphy]

Hey. I've been a member of various internet forums for years (thejedicouncil, somethingawful, and so on), and never joined this one simply becuase SA satisfied my needs. I am very much a skeptic, with degrees in philosophy and psychology. My major area of interest is philosophy of mind, which led me to pursue studies of epistemology, philosophy of science, metaphysics, and so on.

I first became interested in philosophy of mind becuase I was catholic, and wanted to *prove* that there was something non-physical. In my view, consciousness was the obvious thing to persue ,and should've been like shooting fish in a barrel. Upon learning the refutation of cartesian interractionist dualism, I stopped attending church. Having completed my degree, I'm definitely an atheist materialist, with beliefs that correspond heavily with Paul Churchland and/or Daniel Dennett. I'm a big fan of Carl Sagan, Penn & Teller, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins, Douglas Hoffstadter, and, of course, James Randi.

[Skullaxide]

I think we're going to require evidence of that last claim!

Welcome, Skullaxide, to the forums. Don't accept cookies from Grayman.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Skullaxide/trtr.jpg

At the zoo!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Skullaxide/ghewfeft.jpg
At the museum! Obviously silencing a statue.

A fifteen year old atheist. you have made my day. If you were closer, I would give you a hug of congratulation. Keep it up kid. :)

You should have seen me when I was a 14 year old atheist!

[Prometheus]

Welcome Skullaxide! You're nominated already. Keep up the good work!

[Zlatko]

Hi All,

I finally decided to get an account after few months of browsing through your archives. Great topics, great discussions, i'm happy to do it.

Now i can actually use the search function to find stuff :)

Anyways, hope everyone is well, and i'm hoping to post here and there.

[amb]

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Skullaxide/trtr.jpg

At the zoo!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Skullaxide/ghewfeft.jpg
At the museum! Obviously silencing a statue.



You should have seen me when I was a 14 year old atheist!Hey, awesome images. Is that a real Mohawk? Nah, I think it's fake. Welcome anyway.

[arthwollipot]

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Skullaxide/trtr.jpg

At the zoo!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Skullaxide/ghewfeft.jpg
At the museum! Obviously silencing a statue.Ahhhhhh. :)

Are you sure you're 15?

[grayman]

Don't accept cookies from Grayman.

Would you like an oatmeal cookie Skullaxide?

Trust me. :stone028:

[Esperdome]

Hey, Grayman, did you move into The Dome (http://esperson.myminicity.com/) last night?

Suddenly a church has appeared out of nowhere. :confused:

And I've forbidden the Amish folk living there to build one.

Sincerely,

Esperdome, Lord High Mayor of The Dome

[grayman]

Hey, Grayman, did you move into The Dome (http://esperson.myminicity.com/) last night?

Suddenly a church has appeared out of nowhere. :confused:


Wasn't me.

It must be...A MIRACLE!!! :eek:

[Gagglegnash]

Hi

I'm a nice enough old feller who used to work in the computer field: Fixing, installing, integration, programming, training... pretty much everything you'd want or need done with a computer, I did.

T. Amazing has been one of my heroes since I was quite little. I got my first magic set when I was about six because I had seen him on TV.

Having decided that I sucked at sleight of hand, I gave up on magic, but not Mr. Randi. I became interested in him again, later on, when I heard that he had $10,000 of his own money that he was offering to anyone that could demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. I have always admired his drive and intelligence, as well as his stand for reasonability, scientific investigation, and critical thought.

The closest thing I have to actual scientific training was my experience as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician back in the '70s. I learned an AWFUL lot about how stuff really works, and how stuff really interacts. I learned just as much about how things can be made to LOOK like they're working differently. When you're elbow-deep in an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), a lack of critical thinking is a bad thing.

I found the website... mmm... maybe... a couple of years ago and have been reading it ever since. I finally applied for forum membership because of the "'No Gun' Signs," thread. Lol - I just couldn't stay quiet any longer.

I'm very pleased to meet you all.

[BigDad13]

Hey everyone. My name is Steve. I have been following the JREF and most, if not all of the other skeptical groups for several years now, I am finally getting more involved. I guess I thought that all of these very intelligent, capable people on these forums and in these groups could knock out all the "woo" that is out there on their own. Needless to say there seems to be much more "woo" types than there are "us"!

I attended the TAM5.5, and I am absolutely thrilled that I did. I didn't decide to go until about 7:55AM on that Saturday. I live about 20 minutes from where the hotel was, so it was really a matter of two rarities in my life; Time and Money. The money was worth it. Getting there late, I got a discount, so I joined the JREF with the "savings" (well, it was a bit more, but don't tell my wife). The time is tricky with three young kids (all boys, 6,7, and 10).

Without getting TOO sappy, it was a shift for me. I find myself practically yelling my approval when I listen to various podcast, mostly the Skeptics Guide (Go Rebecca! - BTW: It was nice meeting you, Randi, Phil, and everyone else at TAM5.5). I want to be a part of it all now. No more background stuff.

So, here I am. I hope I can contribute in some small way to this community. Despite being a "troll" for many years, I still feel like a "midget amongst giants". I travel a lot and can't always seem to find the time to monitor everything, but I will be involved...in some way...from now on. :)

[amb]

Wasn't me.

It must be...A MIRACLE!!! :eek:God did it. :D :eek: No wait. Tom Cruise was seen loitering nearby.

[Esperdome]

God did it. :D :eek: No wait. Tom Cruise was seen loitering nearby.

I think it may have been some pesky Amish types. Get enough of them together in a township and you end up with a church and a bunch of barns. ;)

And welcome to all the new posters.

[Hilit]

Hello everyone. I'm an agnostic and a skeptic who studies science on a daily basis.

[Paulhoff]

Welcome new members and those new members that I may have seen and/or talked to at 5.5, along with any old members.

Paul

:) :) :)

Yes, we must take care of our members, and people too. ;)

[HghrSymmetry]

Welcome all.
Hey, looks like Zlat only made it to one post.

[amb]

This TAM sounds awesome. I wonder if we will ever have something similar here in Australia? The great man has been down under a few times. In fact, one time he almost was assaulted for exposing the late medium Doris Stokes as a fraud. [ aren't they all?] on a TV show by the host who was a believer. Some may remember the episode, a long time ago now. The host? Some idiot ex-yank who could not get work in the USA named Don Lane.

[Castor]

Hi everyone. I'm a native of Stockholm, Sweden and have been a skeptic as long as I can remember. I'ts got to the point where even Jehovas Witnesses avoid ringing my doorbell because they just don't have the time to discuss with me :)
I am a journalist, and first came in contact with James Randi when I interviewed him for a news program about five years ago. I still have a couple of spoons that he bent on-camera for us.
Anyway, nice to see so many interesting people on one forum!

[this charming man]

Awesome Skullaxide..Welcome

[Skullaxide]

Ahhhhhh. :)

Are you sure you're 15?

Quite, unless people have been misleading me for the 15 years I've been alive. ;)

Hey, awesome images. Is that a real Mohawk? Nah, I think it's fake. Welcome anyway.

Shaved sides and everything! Had it for about a year now but I didn't used to leave the fringe down. :D

Would you like an oatmeal cookie Skullaxide?

Trust me. :stone028:

I feel so conflicted!

[Castor]

Hey I'm cute too! Why isn't anyone offering me cookies? :)
btw wellcome, Skullaxide!

[Roadtoad]

Sorry, Skullaxide, but the glasses have to go.

Have you considered goggles?

[Skullaxide]

Sorry, Skullaxide, but the glasses have to go.

Have you considered goggles?

Never, I have to maintain my geek credentials. I don't need your crazy eye wear approval! :p

[Prometheus]

Welcome all! Don't forget to vote!

[Roadtoad]

Never, I have to maintain my geek credentials. I don't need your crazy eye wear approval! :p

Hmmmm. Are you saying our own Rebecca lacks geek credentials??? (http://skepchick.org/blog/):eye-poppi

[grayman]

Would you like an oatmeal cookie Castor? If you walk down the hall here with me I'll let you pet my goat...

[hcmom]

Castor, for the love of all that is good, STAY AWAY FROM THE GOAT!!!

[Skullaxide]

Hmmmm. Are you saying our own Rebecca lacks geek credentials??? (http://skepchick.org/blog/):eye-poppi

No, I won't question her cred without reason to do so. I joke, I don't judge people on their eye wear, I'm no spectacle-supremacist. :cool:

[arthwollipot]

We've already established that glasses are good (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=89748). Do we really need to go further?

[Bob Blaylock]

Yay! Another transportation guy. We're taking over, I tell ya! I don't know that I really count as a “transportation guy”. I only transport product around inside a warehouse, and as far as loading it into trucks.

[Magtor]

:welcome4
A warm welcome to the many new Members that join us every day. We are glad you have chosen to be a part of our community and we hope you enjoy your stay.

Thanks!
(Although i am not really a stranger to this forum, I even had an account once... And I have visited the forum from time to time since then.)

So who am I?

I am...

33 years old, Male, Swedish, agnostic, politically moderate (literally, wiki "moderate"), 6 years of university (computer science mostly), have asthma*

some of my likes
women
cats
beer *
junk food *
roleplaying games *
SF *
modesty
educating anyone who cares to listen


* - but is still only slightly overweight...

[Castor]

Thanks grayman, I'll have a cookie... Pet goat, you say? I like goats.

[Hokulele]

Wow, quite a run on Swedes recently.

* Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Welcome to all the new people!

[arthwollipot]

Thanks grayman, I'll have a cookie... Pet goat, you say? I like goats.Not in the same way, I'll bet...

And don't be too bothered by Hokulele's disturbing avatar. She lost a bet. Something to do with a sporting event of some kind, I believe.

[OldTigerCub]

Hi everyone.
My specialty is procrastination - I've been Randi-aware for a couple decades, been to TAM 4, and now TAM 5.5, and finally signed up here. Hard core atheist. I was a skeptic until after Stackpole's inspiring talk. Now an aggressive skeptic.

I'll check in again.
Soon.
(bolding mine)
We'll get back to you tomorrow or the next day....

Welcome to the forum, Scumop!:)
(though personally I hate you already since I'm jealous of your attendance of TAM 4 and 5.5...which I have not been able to attend) :p
All kidding aside, have a look around and have a great stay! And welcome once again!:D

[Hokulele]

Not in the same way, I'll bet...

And don't be too bothered by Hokulele's disturbing avatar. She lost a bet. Something to do with a sporting event of some kind, I believe.


Disturbing? How so? I think it is highly attractive.

* Examines self in mirror, preens a bit. *

[arthwollipot]

Disturbing? How so? I think it is highly attractive.

* Examines self in mirror, preens a bit. *No, it's quite definitely disturbing.

[Hokulele]

No, it's quite definitely disturbing.


You have something against sausages?

[arthwollipot]

You have something against sausages?Context is everything. And I thought it was a boudin?

[Hokulele]

Context is everything. And I thought it was a boudin?


Boudin is a subset of sausage.

This educational post is brought to you courtesy of the JREF forum.

[arthwollipot]

Boudin is a subset of sausage.

This educational post is brought to you courtesy of the JREF forum.Well obviously. So is bratwurst. It's still disturbing.

[Hokulele]

Well obviously. So is bratwurst. It's still disturbing.


Says the man in chain mail wielding the sharp pointy things.

[Sickly Crypsis]

G'day g'day

My name is Tim and my current dwelling is Newcastle in the merry ol' land of oz, I work as a Custom installer (Look up CEDIA for an expansion) and I also fix computers. When time and opportunity allows, I actively investigate "claims" of enjoyable social watering hole congregations with some of my dearest friends as test subjects and in true gonzo journalistic spirit, witness this phenomenon first-hand.

More Research is needed.

I found out about JREF firstly on Penn & Teller's show 'Bulls hit' (not to break any forum codes of conduct hopefully, but in a way isn't 'swearing' a form of superstition?) having watched the episodes of that I obtained i started looking further and found dear Randi, and since have watched basically every youtube video i could find.

I'll leave it there before it becomes to long winded but I am looking forward to exchanging ideas and interacting with like minded people.



P.S Ill have to look up what has been said about any Audio 'woo' and see if I'm surprised :D

[amb]

Thanks grayman, I'll have a cookie... Pet goat, you say? I like goats.
Yes, they are an excellent portable garbage disposal unit. :)

[SnuggleSmacks]

Hi. My name is Robin and I am an artist when I'm not busy earning a living as Corporate Whore for Major Credit Card company. I have enjoyed reading the various threads. I'm not sure how much I may contribute, as I have little interest in politics and most current events, but what can I say...I dig high IQ's and snarkiness, and I have found it in abundance here.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi. My name is Robin and I am an artist when I'm not busy earning a living as Corporate Whore for Major Credit Card company. I have enjoyed reading the various threads. I'm not sure how much I may contribute, as I have little interest in politics and most current events, but what can I say...I dig high IQ's and snarkiness, and I have found it in abundance here.
Welcome, SnuggleSmacks.

The snarkiness is what drew me here, as well as the apparently high IQ level (Tricky and Hokulele have me doubting that recently though).

Other than being JREF Forum god, I'm a government whore for...well...the government. I'm a safety engineer that keeps really smart people from blowing themselves up. :)

[Prometheus]

....I'm a safety engineer that keeps really smart people from blowing themselves up. :)

Why?

[arthwollipot]

Hi. My name is Robin and I am an artist when I'm not busy earning a living as Corporate Whore for Major Credit Card company. I have enjoyed reading the various threads. I'm not sure how much I may contribute, as I have little interest in politics and most current events, but what can I say...I dig high IQ's and snarkiness, and I have found it in abundance here.That's OK, I hang out mostly in the Community and Humour subforums, where high IQs and snarkiness abound. Although it has to be said I lurk (and sometimes post) in the General Skepticism and the Religion forums too.

Hope to see you in Community :)

[The Man]

Hi. My name is Robin and I am an artist when I'm not busy earning a living as Corporate Whore for Major Credit Card company. I have enjoyed reading the various threads. I'm not sure how much I may contribute, as I have little interest in politics and most current events, but what can I say...I dig high IQ's and snarkiness, and I have found it in abundance here.

Welcome Robin or SnuggleSmacks

Although I have always had a natural affinity for whores, I have yet to find an unincorporated whore that can swipe a major credit card (just for payment of the services rendered that is). Politics and current events are just a minuscule portion of what is discussed here. Based on your introduction I’m sure whatever you have to contribute will be beneficial.

[amb]

What's a corporate whore? What does that entail? Not what I think it means, I'm sure.

[lulu]

Hello...I'm lulu. I live in So. Calif. and work as an educator in a large zoo. Id've been posting a month ago but have had a terrible time getting a password worked out. Let's see if this works! I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

[Prometheus]

Welcome lulu! Do you educate the visitors, or the animals?

[Mr. Skinny]

Why?
'Cause they pay me to? :confused:

[Hokulele]

The snarkiness is what drew me here, as well as the apparently high IQ level (Tricky and Hokulele have me doubting that recently though).


Pooh, you are just jealous that we get all the attention.

[Prometheus]

Pooh, you are just jealous that we get all the attention.

How could you not get all the attention, with that wonderful avatar? :cool:

[Mr. Skinny]

Pooh, you are just jealous that we get all the attention.
You're absolutely correct! :)

[Hokulele]

You're absolutely correct! :)


Well, you could always try an avatar featuring a self-portrait with still life . . .

[Robert Oz]

Hello,

My name is Robert and I'm from Melbourne, Australia (hence the Oz in my username).

Looking forward to contributing and learning.

Robert.

[arthwollipot]

Hi Robert. Head on down to the Community subforum. There's an entire thread for us Aussies to hang out.

[BarebowArchery]

Hello,
I have just recently been introduced to the world of podcasting. I have been a skeptic for quite some time, just not very active or openly so. I got turnned on to Y'all by Brian Dunning of Skeptoid. I found him from The Skeptics' Guide, and them from Astronomy Cast..........ALL WONDERFUL !!!!!
My Mother got me a copy of ******** for Christmas a few years ago and that's probably where I noticed theere was truly a world of like-thinkers out there. I only had to have faith that some day you would find me.

Anyways, Thank sfor being here !!!!!

[arthwollipot]

Hey there, BBA! I've recently discovered podcasts as well - Skeptic's Guide, Skeptoid, ARGAS, Geologic...

And I know a bunch of people who do traditional archery! Welcome. Head on over to the Community and Humour subforums to get your post count up so that you can have an avatar - I expect to see one that involves a bow. Don't accept cookies from Greyman and watch out for the goats!

[amb]

Hey there, BBA! I've recently discovered podcasts as well - Skeptic's Guide, Skeptoid, ARGAS, Geologic...

And I know a bunch of people who do traditional archery! Welcome. Head on over to the Community and Humour subforums to get your post count up so that you can have an avatar - I expect to see one that involves a bow. Don't accept cookies from Greyman and watch out for the goats!
What is it about you and the goats? There is nothing wrong with goats. Their great on the barbie, [low fat]. Roasted in a wood fired oven. Even added to a spaghetti sauce are delicious. And unlike the great whales are not an endangered species. In fact they are specifically bread to be consumed by us carnivorous mammals. Just like lambs and pork, chickens, beef and kangaroos. :D

[crZmanOnLoose]

Hi to all! I came here to debate the Patterson Bigfoot Footage. Bigfoot may or may not be real. Im not here to debate bigfoot in general, just Patterson's Bigfoot. Patterson's Bigfoot is fake! I am not an athiest. I am a firm believer in Christ. I didnt come here to debate Politics or religion. I came here to help BURY the Patterson Bigfoot once and for all!!!!!

[hcmom]

What is it about you and the goats? There is nothing wrong with goats. Their great on the barbie, [low fat]. Roasted in a wood fired oven. Even added to a spaghetti sauce are delicious. And unlike the great whales are not an endangered species. In fact they are specifically bread to be consumed by us carnivorous mammals. Just like lambs and pork, chickens, beef and kangaroos. :D

If you think all the goats around here have been bred to be food, you are more innocent than I am.

And don't ever dress up like a nun for Halloween. :halo:

[Kthulhut Fhtagn]

Hey everyone. I'm 19, from Northwest Indiana, and just started college. I joined up mostly because of the interest in conspiracy theories and the comments of one such member who seems to believe the Jews allowed 9/11 to happen (to make it clear, I'm Jewish).

[The Man]

Welcome crZmanOnLoose and Kthulhut Fhtagn, although you both mention specific topics as your interest for joining, I’m sure you will find plenty of other topics that might interest you. I particularly enjoy the threads under
the humor category.

[amb]

If you think all the goats around here have been bred to be food, you are more innocent than I am.

And don't ever dress up like a nun for Halloween. :halo:

I shudder at the thought of what could happen. :eek:

[amb]

Hi to all! I came here to debate the Patterson Bigfoot Footage. Bigfoot may or may not be real. Im not here to debate bigfoot in general, just Patterson's Bigfoot. Patterson's Bigfoot is fake! I am not an athiest. I am a firm believer in Christ. I didnt come here to debate Politics or religion. I came here to help BURY the Patterson Bigfoot once and for all!!!!!
Your first sentence looked very promising. Then you went and spoiled it by stating your a theist. Welcome, people here like nothing better than an intelligent discussion on your beliefs. For example, what proofs are you going to present to us for your beliefs?
:) The day someone presents to the scientific community a clear non faked photo, a hair folical, something substantiol a scientist can get his teeth into. We have to refute any evidence for the existence for ''bigfoot'' or for that matter ''littlefoot'' or little green men or big grey men. Beautiful alien blonde females that have sex with a male abductee are my favorite fantasy. :p All with not a shred of surpporting evidence. :)

[JumpinVal]

Hi everyone! First of all, I'm glad that I live in an age where online communities exist. It's not that I needed to be surrounded by like-minded people, but it's a nice to be able to come to forums such as this when I've had my fill of crazies in the real world.

So, here's my story. When I was younger, I believed in anything "psychic." I had tarot cards, Ouija boards, crystals, etc. Looking back now, I think it was just wishful thinking for a different life. You're pretty stuck when attending middle school from any major changes if you're unhappy. I was never really religious, but I used religion as a defense of psychic crap. (ie, if your religion exists, why couldn't psychics?) In my later teen years, it started fading (ie, I could start seeing a future beyond my school walls.) My senior year, I took a psychology class, and it taught me a surprising amount about critical thinking (especially when he got over half the class to say that a woman getting killed was the one at fault....) He touched the subject of the paranormal, something that no other teacher had done. He showed a television clip with Uri and Johnny Carson, and he showed James Randi. Hearing about the million dollar challenge really proved to me that all of that stuff is crap. I thought to myself that if I could do a task I already know how to do and get a million bucks for it, I would in a heartbeat. I didn't hate anyone enough to not take their money, so that argument never made sense.

Since then, I had become more skeptical and much more of a critical thinker. It wasn't until recent that I've become more active, but the crazies drove me to it. I've finally been reading up more and am hoping to attend TAM 6 so that I, too, can intelligently debate silly topics and maybe change someone else's mind like Mr. Randi changed mine.

[AndreasTh]

Wow, quite a run on Swedes recently.

* Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Welcome to all the new people!


We are Björn Borg. Your forum will be annihilated. Resistance is futile.
:P

Hello, another Swede here :)
I'm a 22 year old student in southern Sweden (Helsingborg).
I study computer science at Lunds University and it's my first year, that means I have at least four years to go.

I've been a skeptic for a while, but it's just in the last two years or so that I've been "consciously skeptical" (and listening to podcasts, reading blogs and books and so on). Before that it was just natural, now it's almost an obsession (almost) :P

Seems like there are alot of cool people here so I signed up to see if I could join the fun.
One of my goals for for this year is to fly over the atlantic and attend to the amazing meeting 6. It's a hard decision for a student though, but I'm aiming for it!
(I shall look around for other Swedes who might want to go there to..)


Well, see ya
Regards
Andreas

[lauras]

hi im laura and i joined this site because i have a great interest in the paranormal and want to find out what other peoples view on it are.

[newolder]

Hi, i'm ed*.

e8 as an exceptionally simple ToE has me in its sights too. :cool::solved1:emoticon::bananalama: etc...

* or, in the past, I.

[hcmom]

A quick guide for newcomers...

1. Don't eat the cake
2. Don't trust anyone who offers you cookies
3. Return your library books on time
4. All the goats and nuns are taken, and if you try to bring your own, they'll get taken too.

[The Man]

Welcome, JumpinVal, AndreasTh, lauras and newalder. I am always glad to see people joining this forum to explore the thinking of others. Be prepared though, even though this is a skeptic’s forum not all skeptics hold the same point of view and not everyone on this forum is a skeptic, so debates are often heated. I look forward to both joining you and opposing you in your assertions (sometimes I tend to do both at the same time). So again, welcome and be prepared for anything when exposing yourself to the thinking of others

[ParanoidAndroid]

Just wanted to drop a message here to say hello and Introduce myself. I'm a 35-year old writer/editor with a thirst for knowledge and a bug for debate.

I plan on playing the voyer-role here for a while but I'm sure I'll be active fairly soon.

I look forward to learning a lot!

-ParanoidAndroid

[ErkDemon]

Hello!
UK-based and into relativity theory, but not the usual textbook implementations ... rather, a single-stage design on the curved-spacetime paradigm being applied “all the way down” to the range of fundamental particles.

Conventional relativity theory involves making some idealisations to obtain “special relativity” as a simplified model of flat-spacetime physics, and then applying further layers of theory to try to put back the missing curvature effects (general relativity) and particulate effects (quantum mechanics) that SR doesn't "do".
I'd rather assume that curvature is a fundamental property in physics, assign all massed particles a curvature “footprint”, and try to rederive a GR-like theory from scratch, based on curvature concepts, without using the “flat spacetime” arguments.

My feeling is that special relativity, though internally consistent, may technically be be a "null" theory, and that "the physics of flat spacetime" may not be an meaningful concept. Creating a “new” single-stage general theory means knocking out GR's flat-spacetime foundations based on special relativity and replacing them with something more like an acoustic metric (rather than the usual Minkowski metric).

I think that this makes me a hardcore relativist.
However, mainstream researchers (for whom the idea of "physics without SR" seems to be the last taboo) tend to regard me initially as an “anti-relativity” crackpot, and then when they find out more, and realise that I'm arguably more of a relativist than they are, they just tend to treat me with deep suspicion. :)

Which is understandable, considering that I'm effectively suggesting that their house ought to be knocked down, redesigned and rebuilt.

Oh, and I've got a book out (“Relativity in Curved Spacetime”).

Anyway, hello.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Hello!
UK-based and into relativity theory, but not the usual textbook implementations ... rather, a single-stage design on the curved-spacetime paradigm being applied “all the way down” to the range of fundamental particles.

Conventional relativity theory involves making some idealisations to obtain “special relativity” as a simplified model of flat-spacetime physics, and then applying further layers of theory to try to put back the missing curvature effects (general relativity) and particulate effects (quantum mechanics) that SR doesn't "do".
I'd rather assume that curvature is a fundamental property in physics, assign all massed particles a curvature “footprint”, and try to rederive a GR-like theory from scratch, based on curvature concepts, without using the “flat spacetime” arguments.

My feeling is that special relativity, though internally consistent, may technically be be a "null" theory, and that "the physics of flat spacetime" may not be an meaningful concept. Creating a “new” single-stage general theory means knocking out GR's flat-spacetime foundations based on special relativity and replacing them with something more like an acoustic metric (rather than the usual Minkowski metric).

I think that this makes me a hardcore relativist.
However, mainstream researchers (for whom the idea of "physics without SR" seems to be the last taboo) tend to regard me initially as an “anti-relativity” crackpot, and then when they find out more, and realise that I'm arguably more of a relativist than they are, they just tend to treat me with deep suspicion. :)

Which is understandable, considering that I'm effectively suggesting that their house ought to be knocked down, redesigned and rebuilt.

Oh, and I've got a book out (“Relativity in Curved Spacetime”).

Anyway, hello.


You are way too smart for this forum.
:eusa_snooty:



:jrefwelcome

[amb]

hi im laura and i joined this site because i have a great interest in the paranormal and want to find out what other peoples view on it are. That's easy. The paranormal has no existence.
The Great Randi has a million dollars challenge to prove so. You prove scientifically anything paranormal, you stand to become a millionaire.
This challenge has existed for more than 20 years, yet no one has claimed it.
That, really explains it all.

[amb]

Hello!
UK-based and into relativity theory, but not the usual textbook implementations ... rather, a single-stage design on the curved-spacetime paradigm being applied “all the way down” to the range of fundamental particles.

Conventional relativity theory involves making some idealisations to obtain “special relativity” as a simplified model of flat-spacetime physics, and then applying further layers of theory to try to put back the missing curvature effects (general relativity) and particulate effects (quantum mechanics) that SR doesn't "do".
I'd rather assume that curvature is a fundamental property in physics, assign all massed particles a curvature “footprint”, and try to rederive a GR-like theory from scratch, based on curvature concepts, without using the “flat spacetime” arguments.

My feeling is that special relativity, though internally consistent, may technically be be a "null" theory, and that "the physics of flat spacetime" may not be an meaningful concept. Creating a “new” single-stage general theory means knocking out GR's flat-spacetime foundations based on special relativity and replacing them with something more like an acoustic metric (rather than the usual Minkowski metric).

I think that this makes me a hardcore relativist.
However, mainstream researchers (for whom the idea of "physics without SR" seems to be the last taboo) tend to regard me initially as an “anti-relativity” crackpot, and then when they find out more, and realise that I'm arguably more of a relativist than they are, they just tend to treat me with deep suspicion. :)

Which is understandable, considering that I'm effectively suggesting that their house ought to be knocked down, redesigned and rebuilt.

Oh, and I've got a book out (“Relativity in Curved Spacetime”).

Anyway, hello. Huh?