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

[Miss_Kitt]

Not to worry. Even our most delicious spring water is filled with life forms peeing and fornicating and excreting and dying... evolution has worked out the kinks in the system over the eons. I'm sure your micturation will do no harm.
Articulett, I like your style! If someone had told me, "Today you will read 'micturation' and it will make you laugh," I would have said they were hallucinating. I also like your icon.

I am a newbie, but hope to become a regular soon enough. I'm currently a student (registered today--YAY!) in a healthcare-related field, and have to get my brain out of Mommy Mode and back into being a thinking adult in the next two weeks. I figure JREF is a good tool to assist that process.

I am also a former practitioner of woo (about 3 decades back) who discovered without benefit of any particular epiphany that the only way to remove contradiction from my thinking was to become rational in all my beliefs and knowledge, not just the ones in engineering class. This seems to be a not-uncommon route to reason and skepticism.

[Miss_Kitt]

We have a saying in Limbo...if you don't like the weather here then just wait a second and it will change.
Odd, we have that same saying in Lesser Seattle. Just last week, I had the pleasure of driving through hail, bright sunshine, mist, heavy rain, and a 7-degree temperature shift -- in an 8-mile trip.

Oh, and Mr X, welcome to JREF! It's nice to have someone even newer than I am to chat with (though I think you have more posts).

[articulett]

Articulett, I like your style! If someone had told me, "Today you will read 'micturation' and it will make you laugh," I would have said they were hallucinating. I also like your icon.

I am a newbie, but hope to become a regular soon enough. I'm currently a student (registered today--YAY!) in a healthcare-related field, and have to get my brain out of Mommy Mode and back into being a thinking adult in the next two weeks. I figure JREF is a good tool to assist that process.

I am also a former practitioner of woo (about 3 decades back) who discovered without benefit of any particular epiphany that the only way to remove contradiction from my thinking was to become rational in all my beliefs and knowledge, not just the ones in engineering class. This seems to be a not-uncommon route to reason and skepticism.


Congratulations! You will like it here. Skepticgirl is a great skeptic and a nurse. I'm a former Genetics counseling and a biology teacher with a keen interest in evolution. I think you will find a lot of like minded people here... and people you can practice sparring with too. I really appreciate the opportunity to "speak up"... I can be intimidated pretty easily in real life; JREF helps me find my voice and learn so much from others around the world.

[666]

Articulett, I like your style! If someone had told me, "Today you will read 'micturation' and it will make you laugh," I would have said they were hallucinating. I also like your icon.

I am a newbie, but hope to become a regular soon enough. I'm currently a student (registered today--YAY!) in a healthcare-related field, and have to get my brain out of Mommy Mode and back into being a thinking adult in the next two weeks. I figure JREF is a good tool to assist that process.

I am also a former practitioner of woo (about 3 decades back) who discovered without benefit of any particular epiphany that the only way to remove contradiction from my thinking was to become rational in all my beliefs and knowledge, not just the ones in engineering class. This seems to be a not-uncommon route to reason and skepticism.
Oh, pretty colour. I think you'll get on well with hcmom (http://forums.randi.org/z/index.php?z-profile=hcmom). And welcome!

[arthwollipot]

Oh, pretty colour. I think you'll get on well with hcmom (http://forums.randi.org/z/index.php?z-profile=hcmom). And welcome!Myself, I'm finding it a little hard to read. Perhaps a slightly darker shade of blue?

[Esperdome]

Myself, I'm finding it a little hard to read. Perhaps a slightly darker shade of blue?

I was hoping for a whiter shade of pale. :D

And welcome to all the new posters. :welcome3

[Mr X]

No, Zeusbheld, I dont mind you asking. Here is Scotland.... not really renowned for great weather. Where are you yourself?
By the way, that cat in your pic.... is it aiming for the President........ ha!

[amb]

He was either an imposter or he did not exist. I prefer the latter because the imposter bit makes him sound too damned intelligent.
Good luck in Western Australia, I live in West Yorkshire (UK) but I have relatives of various shapes and sizes in Perth, Bridgetown and Manjimup. I love that name - where else could you get a name like Manjimup except in Oz? I agree. We certainly have some of the weirdest names for towns and other places. It's because they have gone and named a lot of these places by their aboriginal names or language. But on the other hand we do have a city named after the one and only Charles Darwin.
Beat that! :)

[Mr X]

Thanks for your welcome Miss Kitt. Welcom to you too.
Dont worry about posts... it's just a number. Good luck on your newly started course. Hope you enjoy it.

[zeusbheld]

No, Zeusbheld, I dont mind you asking. Here is Scotland.... not really renowned for great weather. Where are you yourself?
By the way, that cat in your pic.... is it aiming for the President........ ha!

Scotland! ha! i'm thinking of that monologue from "Trainspotting."

i'm from New York, living in Bangkok at the moment. actually managed to try Haggis here.. and even, knowing what i was gettting into... i liked it.

you don't have to be hilarious btw i know enough funny Scots where you can get by on their line of credit. and if your'e ever in Bangers... bring a bottle of good single malt.

ps the cat on the grassy knoll was the one with the kill shot. wasn't me. <<flees, with fleas>>

[Mr X]

Scotland! ha! i'm thinking of that monologue from "Trainspotting."

i'm from New York, living in Bangkok at the moment. actually managed to try Haggis here.. and even, knowing what i was gettting into... i liked it.

you don't have to be hilarious btw i know enough funny Scots where you can get by on their line of credit. and if your'e ever in Bangers... bring a bottle of good single malt.

ps the cat on the grassy knoll was the one with the kill shot. wasn't me. <<flees, with fleas>>

Haggis in Bangkok.... fancy that!.. I'm a fish&chips man myself. Cant resist the damn things. As for Haggis, I've only had it thrown at me in Glasgow.

New York and Bangkok.... two great places I hear. Lucky you. Have you travelled around and seen much of Thailand?

Thanks for the invitation.. and If you're ever in Glasgow, I'll buy you a fish supper.

[arthwollipot]

Haggis in Bangkok.... fancy that!.. I'm a fish&chips man myself. Cant resist the damn things. As for Haggis, I've only had it thrown at me in Glasgow.There's got to be a story in that.

[Big Frankie C]

Greetings all,

My name is Big Frankie, and while I have been interested in skepticism since the early 1990's when I hit my late teens, and realized that all the Whitley Strieber little bug-eyed alien crap I believed in wasn't actually very real at all.

I'll be at TAM this year, getting my tickets and plane tickets and hotel and all squared away this week, so I look forward to meeting some of y'all in person.

I can't really think of anything interesting to say at this point, so, words words words words words words blah.

Words and stuff,
Big Frankie C

[amb]

Big Frankie, welcome. You're not a member of ''Cosa Nostra'' are you?

[Big Frankie C]

I am not. My name is a reference to me being nearly the exact same size as The Kingpin from Marvel Comics. My eyes and hair match too, it makes for a pretty easy fallback costume on Halloween.

[belna]

Hey everyone, Kevin Belna here from the band Belna. Members include Jessica Nova - vocals, Ken Belna - bass & synths, Charlie Tatum - drums, and me - guitars & sequencers.
We are working on our next album which is titled Weapons Of Mass Communication which will be released on 8/8/8; see any significance in that? lol
The theme of the album is aboot certain things taking place right now leading up to 2012. We are going to be doing a lot of research on the topic over the next week and will be checking out all we can aboot the subject. So if you have any suggestions on what to read etc we will gladly accept it.
Excerpt from my journal: 12/23/7
In 1992 I was being interviewed for this local music magazine that just Jammed! One of the questions was "Are you ready for the big time?" and I answered "I don't know if I will ever be ready. Maybe, when a woman runs for president?" which I used to always say to people like "YEAH RIGHT! When a woman runs for president!" - when I initially thought of the saying I thought it to be "when a black man runs for president" but opted to say "woman" instead cause I did not want to sound racist but then again I didn't want to sound prejudice towards women either, I'm a huge fan of them actually, so I only used the statement a few times before retiring it but... idk.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[HawaiiBigSis]

Myself, I'm finding it a little hard to read. Perhaps a slightly darker shade of blue?
I think she changed shade of blue in response to hcmom's earlier comment that it was too like mine...

And welcome everybody!

[Foolmewunz]

Hey everyone, Kevin Belna here from the band Belna. Members include Jessica Nova - vocals, Ken Belna - bass & synths, Charlie Tatum - drums, and me - guitars & sequencers.
We are working on our next album which is titled Weapons Of Mass Communication which will be released on 8/8/8; see any significance in that? lol
The theme of the album is aboot certain things taking place right now leading up to 2012. We are going to be doing a lot of research on the topic over the next week and will be checking out all we can aboot the subject. So if you have any suggestions on what to read etc we will gladly accept it.
Excerpt from my journal: 12/23/7
In 1992 I was being interviewed for this local music magazine that just Jammed! One of the questions was "Are you ready for the big time?" and I answered "I don't know if I will ever be ready. Maybe, when a woman runs for president?" which I used to always say to people like "YEAH RIGHT! When a woman runs for president!" - when I initially thought of the saying I thought it to be "when a black man runs for president" but opted to say "woman" instead cause I did not want to sound racist but then again I didn't want to sound prejudice towards women either, I'm a huge fan of them actually, so I only used the statement a few times before retiring it but... idk.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I think you may be in the wrong place, as your album sounds like woo-woo crud.

1. People spamming/plugging get short tempers going.
2. We're not likely to give you any good sources other than ones that totally debunk the theme of your work.
3. You're going to be looking into it "over the next week"? So you know nothing about whatever it is you want us to tell you about, at all? Just picked a theme that you figure will appeal to the masses? And the coming rapture/end of the world/whatever in 2012 sounded like a fun theme?
4. In case you missed it this is a "skeptics" board.
5. What, no theramins?

[Memento_mori]

New member here. Sorry, I left my real name in my other jacket, but I am old enough to remember James Randi when he was still pulling rabbits out of his hat. I guess he never really stopped doing that, come to think of it. I'd like to think of myself as a skeptic and critical thinker, but truth be told, I still believe I'm gonna get a burger that looks like the picture on the poster that's stuck to the window of Burger King. I'm here mostly just to read and hope I can learn from the collective buzz that seems to be a bit brighter here than many other places I've been. I'm a computer engineer by profession ( no railroads, sorry ), jazz musician and amateur single parent. I do not seek Randi's million, but I was hoping for an invite to the party in a couple of years. I heard there was going to be cake.:cool:

[Highly Selassie]

Hi everyone! My account was just activated and I figured I should introduce myself. I'm a 22 year old university student. I'm originally from Seattle and have lived in various places around the Northwest USA, but I'm now living in Vancouver Canada. While I find this general part of the world to be something of a haven for critical thinkers, there's still a frighteningly large contingent of very deluded people around these parts.

With my academic background in hydrology and meteorology, I often find myself delving into the climate change "debate", if you can call it that. Really, any misinterpretation or manipulation of science gets my interest. My parents seem to have fallen for homeopathy, so I'm quite interested in helping dispel that belief.

I consider myself a strong atheist with a metaphysical naturalist philosophy. As such, I'm interested in debating religion, "spirituality" and the associated beliefs. I suppose I've been an atheist all my life, but I didn't realize it until the age of 15. My parents raised me and my brothers with no sort of religious upbringing, and though they haven't really classified themselves as such, I'd say they are atheists. This makes their homeopathic infatuation even more confusing to me.

I'm also interested in debating conspiracy theories. This is a somewhat new topic of interest to me. I suppose this interest motivated by the 9/11 truth movement. I loathe the Bush administration as much as any other reasonable person but I find the whole idea totally untenable. The related concept of uncritical politically-motivated reception of nutty conspiracy theories from poorly-made Internet "documentaries" concerns me greatly.

As for my other, less-intellectual interests... I'm a reggae/dub fanatic, which may seem strange given the extremely religious lyrical themes in most reggae songs. I guess I like the dub sides more, since they don't have lyrics, just the amazing music. I also enjoy skiing, watching hockey (I'm too small to play), and the occasional computer game. I'm rather picky (snobbish?) about television and movies.

Honestly I'm not sure how active I'll be on these forums. These forums seem very active, and I doubt I'll often be able to get a word in that hasn't been said already. Also, being relatively young, my argumentative ability hasn't been honed to the razor-sharp edge that I've often seen here. I find that I tend to play "by the book" as it were, trying to construct logically valid arguments and looking weak in the face of waves of rhetorical junk. Nonetheless, I hope to engage in some intellectually stimulating arguments.

[amb]

New member here. Sorry, I left my real name in my other jacket, but I am old enough to remember James Randi when he was still pulling rabbits out of his hat. I guess he never really stopped doing that, come to think of it. I'd like to think of myself as a skeptic and critical thinker, but truth be told, I still believe I'm gonna get a burger that looks like the picture on the poster that's stuck to the window of Burger King. I'm here mostly just to read and hope I can learn from the collective buzz that seems to be a bit brighter here than many other places I've been. I'm a computer engineer by profession ( no railroads, sorry ), jazz musician and amateur single parent. I do not seek Randi's million, but I was hoping for an invite to the party in a couple of years. I heard there was going to be cake.:cool:A computor engineer hey? Sorry to pick your brain. But how do I remove Explorer 7 and revert back to 6. I find 7 has slowed my pooter down a bit. Thank you in advance.

[Spud]

Hi skeptics, I'm an electrical engineer from Idaho who is a skeptic of Christianity but not of Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus Christ did not teach a religion but a science, a perfect sociology or "Way" to relate to one another in society. Faithful adherents to his sociology make the world a better place, or in other words, they move the world a smidgeon closer to Utopia. The faithful adherents will never be able to make the world a Utopia, but it makes sense to me that they'd position themselves on an invisible "Way" that pases through an invisible "gate" that exists in the universe that leads us from this world to an eternal Utopia. I believe that Jesus Christ is divine and created this "Way" that passes through this "gate," but I am not a Christian because the only precise specifications that I've been able to arrive at from our Creator's instruction manual to define this "Way" is different than the way that Christianity teaches. Also, things are getting worse and worse, a sign to me that Christianity is in the midst of an apostasy.

So I'll humbly admit that I believe in a form of woo, but like Limbo, I think evidence is on the horizon that will legitimize this "Way" in the skeptic community. I've noticed that Atheists are more likely than Christians to believe this only precisely-defined "Way" possible that I describe, so I think Atheists are actually going to recognize it (or him if this "Way" is accompanied by a 2nd coming of Christ) before Christians do. It is as though history has repeated itself. 2000 years ago the Gentiles believed Christ, but the Jews didn't, and today's world is very similar to the Roman world that existed 2000 years ago.

Anyway, that's just a little introduction. Don't hold back on the punches. I take abuse real well. I look forward to good discussions that advance us towards the truth behind whether or not there is an eternal purpose for our short existence on this earth.

Thank you,
Spud

[UnrepentantSinner]

Just a reminder to some of you, this thread is for introductions and greetings. Please limit debate to the proper subforums.

I'll be at TAM this year, getting my tickets and plane tickets and hotel and all squared away this week, so I look forward to meeting some of y'all in person.

Looking forward to meeting you too.

I can't really think of anything interesting to say at this point, so, words words words words words words blah.

Try this : words : or in smilie form :words:

I am not. My name is a reference to me being nearly the exact same size as The Kingpin from Marvel Comics. My eyes and hair match too, it makes for a pretty easy fallback costume on Halloween.

It's normally good form to post a photo of yourself in TAM photo ID threads*, but if the resemblance is as close as you say, a description might suffice entirely. :)

* Here's the TAM 6 one (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=107733).

[zeusbheld]

...
As for my other, less-intellectual interests... I'm a reggae/dub fanatic, which may seem strange given the extremely religious lyrical themes in most reggae songs.

like you i was raised in a religion-free environment. also, i'm particularly fond of certain religious music, (a lot of different kinds, actually). you don't have to believe in God to believe in the power of Mahalia Jackson's singing, or feel the emotion in a Blind Willie Johnson record. belief not founded in reason makes for poor explanation, but sometimes it makes for interesting music (Bach would qualify as 'Christian music' also, i'd say).

point is, don' apologize for your riddim, mon. nah problem. ;)

These forums seem very active, and I doubt I'll often be able to get a word in that hasn't been said already. ...Nonetheless, I hope to engage in some intellectually stimulating arguments.

just jump on in there. the beauty of net fora is that they are more like a conversation than a formal debate. they're ephemeral enough where there's no need to be self-conscious, but fairly often you can still end up learning something. and they tend to have a more diverse cross-section of people than a college-town coffee shop, which can be both stimulating and frustrating.

enjoy!

welcome all new people, not gonna greet you one at a time (i'm pretty much a new person myself anyway, not the freakin' welcome wagon).

[Memento_mori]

response to: But how do I remove Explorer 7 and revert back to 6. I find 7 has slowed my pooter down a bit. Thank you in advance.


I guess I should have been more specific....I haven't run windoze on a desktop machine in a long time. Not that there's anything wrong with it...... I might suggest you simply try using Firefox instead, or pull your drive replace it with a new one and re-install. I'm thinking of the poster behind Fox Mulder in his basement FBI office... the one with the UFO captioned "I want to believe".... picture ... Windoze "I want to believe, but...."

[The Atheist]

response...

Given your name, you might appreciate this:

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=3402464#post3402464

[Memento_mori]

Given your name, you might appreciate this:


My name is merely an homage to the great Morey Amsterdam of the Dick Van Dyke Show. From the Latin, Remember Morey. Really, I wanted it to be an homage to Mr. Van Dyke, a master of physical slap-stick comedy, but the translation proved to be problematic.

[Rural Messiah]

Hello, I'm a label-shy, grumpy, all-round misfit. I've been on a forum fest today, for want of anything better to do. Who knows if I'll stick around. I had a very religious upbringing; but my Damascus-road conversion was away from Christ, not towards "him". That was my salvation. Because the Bible was so deeply etched into my mind, I've battled hard to deprogamme and relearn. The Bible is still my number one obsession, but nowadays it's to understand it as an accumulation of historical sources. My beef isn't with the Bible: it's with the people who wrongly use it to justify their prejudices. Looking forward...

[articulett]

Rural Messiah...

You will find some of those bible prejudice justifiers here... consider them a source of entertainment. They've come here willingly and so they've invited the skeptic reaction; in fact you may find that giving them a little verbal jujitsu gets rid of some of your grumpiness!. It doesn't sound like you will be a misfit here. Welcome. There are many here with similar (road out of Damascus) (de)conversions.

[tsacrey]

Hi everyone, the name's Terry and I am a Lab Analyst working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in St. John's, NL. I love virtually everything to do with science and scientific thought, and I love a good debate or even a little argument between philosophical and scientific/skeptical viewpoints.

I have to be honest, what motivated me to join the JREF forum was when I googled the term "null physics," and I ended up in the notorious thread with which I'm sure you're all familiar. However, after reading it, I decided that I should make a stop here first, and do an intro. I'm not a huge forum enthusiast, but I want to be respectful, and you never know, I might become a regular.

I hope you all will welcome me here, no matter how often I check back, and without further adieu, I must go make my intended post. Thanks for everything so far and I know I'll enjoy my stay!!

Sincerely

Terry S.:D

[TerriHamel]

I found this forum when I googled the word 'Gesundheit' (long story). Being pretty paranormal myself, I guess I'll just make myself right at home here. "So," to quote the duck who blew in to the farmyard in Babe the Pig, "what's happening?"
Terri Hamel
terrihamel dot usana dot com

[Sarkasm101]

Hello all,

It's great to among so many bright and interesting people.

I have a few questions and would love to know where to post them.

I am in a group that studies the paranormal, they asked me along as they know I'm a skeptic. I was interested in doing some more reading on the psychological factors involved with people experiencing "ghosts" and other "paranormal" phenomenon.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheer's
-Pedro

[arthwollipot]

Pedro,

See the General Skepticism and Paranormal subforum (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=7).

[Jazzy]

Hello all, I had joined the sight a few weeks ago and I just wanted to come out of lurking and introduce myself. My name in Teresa from Houston, Texas and I am a nurse so I was really interested in your thread on medicine. I am married and have 2 sons, one who is going to college for Political Science(he is the one who introduced me to this forum) and another son who is 17 who was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome so I really enjoy reading the various threads on autism trying to get some insight or anything on autistic spectrum disorders. I picked Jazzy after my cat, really original I know. I look forward to posting here with everybody.

[Heynow]

You will find some of those bible prejudice justifiers here... consider them a source of entertainment. .

Hello everyone.:) My usertitle is horrible so dont judge me by it...K?

First post and i know i am starting off on the wrong foot but i just cant help it. Anyway, talking about justifiers - Do you really think we came from monkeys? IOW, do you really buy this evolution BS?:eye-poppi

[arthwollipot]

Hello everyone.:) My usertitle is horrible so dont judge me by it...K?

First post and i know i am starting off on the wrong foot but i just cant help it. Anyway, talking about justifiers - Do you really think we came from monkeys? IOW, do you really buy this evolution BS?:eye-poppiHey now, let's not get into that here, Heynow. Perhaps you'd like to cruise over to the Science, Mathematics, Medicine and Technology subforum (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=5) and I'm sure plenty of people will be happy to answer your questions about evolution. Like for instance, how evolution doesn't suggest that we came from monkeys.

Welcome to the boards. I hope you have a great time. Don't accept cookies from Greyman and stay clear of the goat.

[Prometheus]

....Welcome to the boards. I hope you have a great time. Don't accept cookies from Greyman and stay clear of the goat.

....and NEVER, under any circumstances, high-hat the monkey!

:welcome3

[UnrepentantSinner]

My name in Teresa from Houston, Texas...

Yay! Another Texan. The Houston folks (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=84538) are quite active in their meetups.

[amb]

Hello all, I had joined the sight a few weeks ago and I just wanted to come out of lurking and introduce myself. My name in Teresa from Houston, Texas and I am a nurse so I was really interested in your thread on medicine. I am married and have 2 sons, one who is going to college for Political Science(he is the one who introduced me to this forum) and another son who is 17 who was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome so I really enjoy reading the various threads on autism trying to get some insight or anything on autistic spectrum disorders. I picked Jazzy after my cat, really original I know. I look forward to posting here with everybody.
Using your cats name is no big deal. My ''stage'' name originates from my name [Angelo] the wife's name, [ Marie] plus the first letter of our surname and my two dogs Nisha and Patch, who we dearly love. One is a shitzu the other maltese cross poodle.
A very warm welcome to you. :)

[zeusbheld]

Using your cats name is no big deal. My ''stage'' name originates from my name [Angelo] the wife's name, [ Marie] plus the first letter of our surname and my two dogs Nisha and Patch, who we dearly love. One is a shitzu the other maltese cross poodle.
A very warm welcome to you. :)

welcome new people.

my screen name comes from my cat: i figured "Bart" was probably already taken so i had to come up with something else, and stole the name of a music producer.

a question: i see that shiny "nominate" button. i've even seen some posters mentioning they "nominated" a post. the quality of the posts they referred to was fairly high, so this "nominating" does appear to be a good thing, but ... what does "nominated" mean?

[Foolmewunz]

Nominated for the monthly TLA (The Language Award). To salute the best use of the lingua franca on these forums, English, in a particular post.

Alternately, just to confuse you (as that is our chief mission in life), you can also "nominate" a particularly spiffy rejoinder or bon mot for the "Pith Award". Just hit the same button and mention that it's a "Pith" nomination. They all show up in a thread in Forum Community entitled something truly clever like "Nominations for this month's language award".

They're both run by the evil and incorruptible dictator, Tricky. Many of us are still pining for days of yore when Hawk_One ran the awards, as he could be bought off for a couple of cookies and a promise of undying loyalty.

[C.B.]

Hello all -
It's exciting to be a member of a forum such as this! There are evidently many accomplished critical thinkers here who share a similar outlook, and I hope to contribute my 2 cents to the discussion. One of my 'pet' topics is high-end audio, so look for a post from me on this in the near future.

Hint--I'm a DIYer who can't stomach all the snake oil and tomfoolery that goes on in the high-end audio world.

Cheers!

[KansasCityShuffle]

Hi,

I would like to introduce myself.

I came across this site after buying Flim-Flam.
I'm a skeptic
I'm a misanthrope, because of the experiences I made with people
but I'm also open minded and like to meet new people without prejudice
I believe in freedom of speech
I believe in natural science
I believe evolution is not a theory but reality
I don't believe in creationism or intelligent design
I don't believe in God
I'm rather an agnostic than an atheist
I'm a student of medicinal chemistry
I believe homeopathy is baloney to the power of 1/D30 (that's nerdy)
I'm liberal
I would vote for Obama if I were an US-citizen
I like gossip (that's nothing to be ashamed of...yes, it is)
I like movies, TV Series, Blues, R'n'B and Soul

This is what I am and more
I'm Marc
Hello, everybody!

feels good to be here, hope it remains so

[ksbluesfan]

Hi,

I would like to introduce myself.

I came across this site after buying Flim-Flam.
I'm a skeptic
I'm a misanthrope, because of the experiences I made with people
but I'm also open minded and like to meet new people without prejudice
I believe in freedom of speech
I believe in natural science
I believe evolution is not a theory but reality
I don't believe in creationism or intelligent design
I don't believe in God
I'm rather an agnostic than an atheist
I'm a student of medicinal chemistry
I believe homeopathy is baloney to the power of 1/D30 (that's nerdy)
I'm liberal
I would vote for Obama if I were an US-citizen
I like gossip (that's nothing to be ashamed of...yes, it is)
I like movies, TV Series, Blues, R'n'B and Soul

This is what I am and more
I'm Marc
Hello, everybody!

feels good to be here, hope it remains so

Hi Marc. Are you also in Kansas City, or are you just a fan of the old jazz song?

[Esperdome]

Hello all, I had joined the sight a few weeks ago and I just wanted to come out of lurking and introduce myself. My name in Teresa from Houston, Texas and I am a nurse so I was really interested in your thread on medicine. I am married and have 2 sons, one who is going to college for Political Science(he is the one who introduced me to this forum) and another son who is 17 who was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome so I really enjoy reading the various threads on autism trying to get some insight or anything on autistic spectrum disorders. I picked Jazzy after my cat, really original I know. I look forward to posting here with everybody.

Welcome fellow Texan!

We do get together around here on an irregular basis, (usually it takes a visit from a remote forum superstar to get us mobilized in large numbers).

But please make yourslf at home here first and get to know us.

This applies to all the new posters; to raise your post count quickly post in Humor or Community, the waters are pretty shallow in these subforums.

[HeidiHo]

Hello to all! My name is Heidi, and I found this site after a long-time interest in Penn & Teller, Point of Inquiry, and PZ Meyers. It was actually Penn Jillette's "This I Believe" on NPR that got me started in this direction, and now I can't stop!

I live in Greenville SC, home of Bob Jones University. If you don't know it, be glad. I find that much of this town is very conservative/religious, but I can be suprised every day by the open-mindedness of some of those people. (And more than ashamed of my own closed-mindedness).

I work at a domestic violence/rape crisis center, am a mother and wife, and am attending TAM 6 in June and am so excited I can barely stand it. I hope to meet others with similar interests, and can't wait to talk with people I don't have to apologize too for being atheist/skeptical etc.

As an example, when a co-worker/friend told me her daughter signed an abstinence pledge and got a virginity ring, I told her of the studies that suggested she was at a higher risk of unprotected oral and anal sex. Well, you can imagine the response. Maybe talking with people here will help me keep my mouth shut in public!!!

Anyhoo, happy to be here, and hope to meet some of you in June!!

Heidi Anderson

[KansasCityShuffle]

Hi Marc. Are you also in Kansas City, or are you just a fan of the old jazz song?

no, I'm not in Kansas City. Actually, I'm in Munich :)

The name is more a quote from a movie. Lucky Number Slevin.
It goes like this:
Mr. Goodkat: The reason I'm in town, in case you're wondering, is because of a Kansas City Shuffle.
Nick: What's a Kansas City Shuffle?
Mr. Goodkat: A Kansas City Shuffle is when everybody looks right, you go left.

I liked that because it's a little bit like conjuring and 'woo'. Make people look right and go left. But I think the term is also related to football. Maybe well known there, but I'm not so much into that :confused:

Well, there's also a song in that movie that's called 'kansas city shuffle' by J Ralph. But I think you meant that old song by Bennie Moten, it fits mostly in the kind of music I like, though it's from 1926, or so.

[KansasCityShuffle]

I work at a domestic violence/rape crisis center, am a mother and wife, and am attending TAM 6 in June and am so excited I can barely stand it. I hope to meet others with similar interests, and can't wait to talk with people I don't have to apologize too for being atheist/skeptical etc.



HeidiHo :) like that

do you know Mr Hankey? :D

Yeah, I can understand this apology-problem. Why are skeptics always the ones who have to aplogize. Why don't the believers and quacks nerver apologize to us for trying to make us believe their baloney.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Holy Cow HH, I read your TAM6 post before this one and I have to say kudos to you for being able to tolerate your environment. I live in North Dallas, TX and am surrounded by religious woo as well as stuff that would make a skeptic go crazy like Asian herb shops, chiropractors and the recent UFO outbreaks in Stephenville, but at least I'm inured from that sort of stuff, don't have any co-workers (on my shift at least) who attend a mega-church, got their degree from a Bible college or refuse to vote for McCain because he's a liber.. wait, there is one.

Anyway, there are more appropriate forums/threads to discuss this than here... welcome!

[articulett]

You'll love TAM, heidiho... for once people like you will be in the majority... and what a stellar group of people we are, if I must say so myself. I feel thrilled to be amongst such a cool crowd... it's the highlight of my year, and I've had to wait a year and a half this time due to the change to June--so I am experiencing server withdrawals as you might imagine.

[Tubbythin]

Hi, I'm a newbie (as you can tell). I'm a physicist. I'm pretty new to skepticism. I really got into it after finishing my degree last summer when I had four months off with notalot to do. I am from (the north of) England. My pet hate is bottled water.

[HeidiHo]

Its so great to be here! I can already tell that I am going to like it.

I can't imagine being somewhere a whole day with no one telling me to trust in the lord, have a blessed day, or ask why I plan to vote for a muslim.:)

Heidi

[laarree]

"I can't imagine being somewhere a whole day with no one telling me to trust in the lord, have a blessed day, or ask why I plan to vote for a muslim."

HeidiHo, it's great that you were strong enough to follow Lord's calling that led you to this forum where you can celebrate your intention to vote for Osama. Bless you! ;)

Seriously now, as another newbie here, you must have great strength to live where you do and not be marching in lockstep with the Christian right. I guess I'm spoiled rotten living here in New York City where places like Bob Jones University seem as distant and exotic as madrassas in Pakistan.

[Prometheus]

:welcome4:

Welcome Newbies! Accept no cookies, keep away from Shemp's goats, and never, NEVER, high-hat the monkey!

[captain koolaid]

Arthwollipot. "Ancient Arts Fellowship". Saw them at HA07, I think. Did you attend that one?

[amb]

Hello all -
It's exciting to be a member of a forum such as this! There are evidently many accomplished critical thinkers here who share a similar outlook, and I hope to contribute my 2 cents to the discussion. One of my 'pet' topics is high-end audio, so look for a post from me on this in the near future.

Hint--I'm a DIYer who can't stomach all the snake oil and tomfoolery that goes on in the high-end audio world.

Cheers!
Welcome dear friend. I'm a HI.FI nut. Over the years I have spent thousands on upgrading speakers, amplifiers, turntables, later , cd players, you name it, I probably had it. The last decade or so, I have graduated to modifying commercial speakers by changing the actual drivers and crossovers. Sometimes getting awesome improvements. I now have an audio stereo system in one room while in another I have my home theater with my latest acquisition, a Sony HD LCD TV 81cm, with a Kenwood top of range reciever, Pioneer dvd player,HD pvr recorder with 250 gb hard drive plus a standard def.
set top box with 80gb hard drive.
All speakers have been modified with better drivers in my home theater system. In fact my front speakers have Infinity 6.5 inch drivers with original Rogers tweeters. The sound? Fantastic. I love this post, as most members here don't know what I'm talking about. :D

[UnrepentantSinner]

My pet hate is bottled water.

I'm with you there brother. I can't see spending $1.25 (.96 Euro or what is it, like 30 pence to the dollar these days :D) for water that's not any cleaner or healthier than what I can get out of any tap, spigot or radiator filling kiosk at any gas station. And that's not even counting the waste of the bottle production, transportation and filling and then the cost of transporting one of the densest consumable products on the planet to consumers who will, inevitably, fail to recycle the plastic container, etc. etc.

Glad to have another like me here. :)

Welcome dear friend. I'm a HI.FI nut.

ambnp and C.B., there are a number of threads discussing the woo of high end audio equipment, especially cables. I'm sure if you guys check the "tags" and "search" functions at the top of the page you can find one you might want to weigh in on.

[Dick Bentley]

Hello all,

I'm Dick Bentley. I live in the smallest house in the world, in the world's oldest village, which is in England, of course.

I used to work as a Zeppelin designer, but there's no market for them these days, so I'm developing a process to make aeroplanes out of plaster of Paris.

I hope this message finds you all in good health and in good cheer.

AZB

Dick

[Prometheus]

I'm with you there brother. I can't see spending $1.25 (.96 Euro or what is it, like 30 pence to the dollar these days :D) for water that's not any cleaner or healthier than what I can get out of any tap, spigot or radiator filling kiosk at any gas station. And that's not even counting the waste of the bottle production, transportation and filling and then the cost of transporting one of the densest consumable products on the planet to consumers who will, inevitably, fail to recycle the plastic container, etc. etc.

Glad to have another like me here. :)
....

Sometimes I fall in for the "If you can't beat 'em, beat 'em up!" school of reasoning. My co-workers are all into Perrier and such, despite my calm, well-reasoned explanat ranting. So I snatched an empty Bling bottle (http://www.blingh2o.com/) that I refill from the tap every day. I tell them they've finally convinced me, then point to their Perrier and wonder aloud how they can drink such inferior swill. :cool:

[Tubbythin]

I'm with you there brother. I can't see spending $1.25 (.96 Euro or what is it, like 30 pence to the dollar these days :D) for water that's not any cleaner or healthier than what I can get out of any tap, spigot or radiator filling kiosk at any gas station. And that's not even counting the waste of the bottle production, transportation and filling and then the cost of transporting one of the densest consumable products on the planet to consumers who will, inevitably, fail to recycle the plastic container, etc. etc.

Glad to have another like me here. :)



If there's only 30p to the dollar these days then its considerably cheaper in America than it is over here.
My hatred came from the cost and pretentiousness of it, long before anyone pointed out the environmental impact. I quite liked it when someone did point this out though, it gave me reason to take the moral high ground. Which is always nice.

[Erhard Schmits]

Hi,
I am a new member my name is Aliscyn and I am from Pitsburgh,Pa, I am married with 3 children. I have been with my husband since I was 15 and he was 17 are children are 18,17 and 14 I know teens !! I AM VERY VERY INTERESTED IN READING ABOUT MEDIUMS ARE THEY REAL OR NOT?

I would say real but have to be picked with great caution. I would say many of them are frauds without even realizing it. A lot of them have the ability of tuning in on you and reading your mind. That of course is a feat in itself. If you do not already have, study the Edgar Cayce phenomena

[Red McWilliams]

Greetings forum.

I learned of Skepticism (i.e. what it really is) about three years ago when I deconverted from christianity. I read whatever I can get my hands on, and am fairly well versed in the various woo that abounds, and the science that tends to refute it.

My favorite author is Michael Shermer (which is ironic because I loathed him when I was a christian) and I even made it a point to visit Skeptic Society HQ when I visited Los Angeles last year.

I live in Texas, not far from Urepentant Sinner apparently and am a member of a few atheist oriented forums. I decided to join this forum because I'm planning on attending TAM6 and wanted to get to know some of the folks I'll be meeting in June!

I've been told that I use parenthetical notation too frequently (but I disagree).

Anyhow, I'm glad to be here.

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome, Red.

I won't be meeting you at TAM6, but good to know you.

I haven't yet been told that I use parenthetical notation too frequently (but I've done a self analysis, and know that I do).

Skinny

[articulett]

I'm prone to ellipses abuse myself...

but so what?

Welcome...

Michael Shermer was once an evangelical Christian...

I probably wouldn't have liked him when he was. I like him a lot now. He's very friendly, and I always find him easy to talk to at TAM. We had a great discussion about Mormon underwear last time wondering how we could obtain some and what sort of testing we could do on it to see if it exhibited the properties purported.

[HghrSymmetry]

Exactly what are those properties?

[arthwollipot]

Arthwollipot. "Ancient Arts Fellowship". Saw them at HA07, I think. Did you attend that one?Hmm. I'm not familiar with HA07. We were at a couple of events in Sydney last year, but none of them were called HA07 as far as I am aware.

[Dr. Nancy Malik]

Hi

I am Dr. Nancy Malik

[arthwollipot]

Hi Dr Malik. May I ask what you're a doctor of?

[Professor Yaffle]

Just in case Dr Malik doesn't respond, I suspect from her other posts so far that she is a homeopath.

[KansasCityShuffle]

Exactly what are those properties?

I'm curious about that, too

[amb]

I would say real but have to be picked with great caution. I would say many of them are frauds without even realizing it. A lot of them have the ability of tuning in on you and reading your mind. That of course is a feat in itself. If you do not already have, study the Edgar Cayce phenomena
Real? Since when? Since time began, there has never been a true medium.
If their not downright frauds, they are self deluded. Not one has ever stood the test of science. That's why Randi still has his million dollars.

[amb]

Exactly what are those properties?

I think this underwear is made of rubber. It's supposed to stop lightning in case 'god' loses his temper and sends out a bolt or two. :)

[amb]

I'm with you there brother. I can't see spending $1.25 (.96 Euro or what is it, like 30 pence to the dollar these days :D) for water that's not any cleaner or healthier than what I can get out of any tap, spigot or radiator filling kiosk at any gas station. And that's not even counting the waste of the bottle production, transportation and filling and then the cost of transporting one of the densest consumable products on the planet to consumers who will, inevitably, fail to recycle the plastic container, etc. etc.

Glad to have another like me here. :)



[quote]ambnp and C.B., there are a number of threads discussing the woo of high end audio equipment, especially cables. I'm sure if you guys check the "tags" and "search" functions at the top of the page you can find one you might want to weigh in on. There is no woo involved in high end audio. You get what you pay for. I understand that to get a 25% improvement over a $1000 dollar system would cost in the vicinity of ten times that amount. As for cables, all that's needed is a fair quality double flex min. 20 gauge wire for speakers and anyone who claims to be able to hear the difference between that and a pair of cables costing hundreds of dollars are like christians, deluding themselves.

[Nihilus]

Old, old JREF Forum member returning after roughly 5 years. I think the old databases may have been purged because my old account/username doesn't seem to exist anymore. Back then I went by: Paradox.

Either way...it's nice to be around a message board where I can again expect a propensity towards critical thinking. :)

[Prometheus]

Just in case Dr Malik doesn't respond, I suspect from her other posts so far that she is a homeopath.

Says so in her profile.

[Mr. Skinny]

Old, old JREF Forum member returning after roughly 5 years. I think the old databases may have been purged because my old account/username doesn't seem to exist anymore. Back then I went by: Paradox.

Either way...it's nice to be around a message board where I can again expect a propensity towards critical thinking. :)
I remember you, Paradox. Welcome back.

Didn't you use to use Mr. Spock as your avatar, or am I thinking of someone else?

Whatever, glad to see you've returned.

Skinny

[UnrepentantSinner]

Is a reminder, this thread is for introductions and greetings. If you wish to debate issues, please take them to the proper subforums.

Old, old JREF Forum member returning after roughly 5 years. I think the old databases may have been purged because my old account/username doesn't seem to exist anymore. Back then I went by: Paradox.

Either way...it's nice to be around a message board where I can again expect a propensity towards critical thinking. :)

I remember you and your avatar that Skinny mentioned. Welcome back.

[BenHad]

Welcome to all the new and returning members. Pick a forum topic and join the fun :D

BenHad

[Nihilus]

I remember you, Paradox. Welcome back.

Didn't you use to use Mr. Spock as your avatar, or am I thinking of someone else?

Whatever, glad to see you've returned.

Skinny

Yes! :)

I found that picture hidden away on an old folder on one of my hard drives. It's already queued up to pop back up as soon as I hit 50 posts (again!).

Speaking of which...your avatar has stood the test of time as well.

It's great still seeing some familiar faces. I actually have some old saved excerpts from posts from back in the day (such as the JREF 'Chicken' thread).

Ah, nostalgia!

[Nihilus]

Is a reminder, this thread is for introductions and greetings. If you wish to debate issues, please take them to the proper subforums.



I remember you and your avatar that Skinny mentioned. Welcome back.
I remember you as well. :) Thanks for the warm (re)welcome!

[EyeOn]

New here...saying hi :) I'd like any comments on my first post about sleep paralysis. It's something I've been working on for a very long time. Presently in college as a biological sciences major to make it formal and do something good with it. I'm open to constructive criticism. I'm here to learn the questions I still have to answer for. Pick my brain.

[amb]

EyeOn. I heard somewhere that a good wallop with a rubber mallet to the head at bedtime works wonders.
Jokes aside, welcome to the forum.

[EyeOn]

EyeOn. I heard somewhere that a good wallop with a rubber mallet to the head at bedtime works wonders.
Jokes aside, welcome to the forum.

Jokes aside, I could use a wallop with a rubber mallet to the head. I've been up since 10 am yesterday...LOL.

Thanks :p

[ptarmigan]

Hello,

I am a stay-at-home mom living with my family in Alaska. I have a math degree and worked in IT for a few years, but I gave it up to open a small home business (child-care). I was happy to avoid the 110 mile round-trip commute and see my family more. My husband commutes 1000 miles to and from the oil fields every 2 weeks to work as a cook at a camp on the arctic tundra. Our ten year old daughter is intensely interested in birds. We live in a semi-rural community and have access to almost all modern services. We home-school, which is a rather controversial topic in some circles. I'm a flat-out atheist, which makes the home-schooling experience even more controversial (most local home-schoolers do so for reasons of religion).

Right now, I'm part of a skeptical community of 1. Even my husband falls prone to bigfoot and UFO claims. I debate my mom occasionally regarding alternative medicine. Some of my friends think that I'm off my rocker, especially those that make use of aromatherapy products and chiropractic services.. A forum like this gives me a chance to find like-minded people.

Some day, I'd like to explore some of the ghost stories and lake monsters of Alaska. I am also interested in education and how to teach critical thinking skills to young people. Right now, I just make due with online forums and reading as much as I can.

Thanks,

->Teresa

[Prometheus]

:welcome3:

[katjsha]

Hi to erxview welcome to the forum.

[articulett]

Exactly what are those properties?

They have all these anecdotes about how the special "garments" spared people in fires and saved people through assorted calamities. They have little special symbolic stitching over the nipples and assorted other oddities.

http://www.i4m.com/think/temples/mormon-garments.htm

Oh, and they're crotchless.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hello,

Howdy Teresa and welcome to the forum. A number of us who were on The Amaz!ng Adventure 2 had a wonderful time visiting Alaska. We also have a few other members who live in your state, though probably not in your neck of the woods.

And you no longer are in a skeptical community of 1, you now are in one with thousands of members. It's a pleasure to have you join us. :)

[HghrSymmetry]

They have all these anecdotes about how the special "garments" spared people in fires and saved people through assorted calamities. They have little special symbolic stitching over the nipples and assorted other oddities.

http://www.i4m.com/think/temples/mormon-garments.htm

Oh, and they're crotchless.

Interesting link and entertaining cartoon.
Thank you.

Hmm, since I've increased the power output in my "acceleration sport vehicle"
I've contemplated beefing up the differential to avoid failure.
However, perhaps I could use one of these garments to encase the center housing.
I wouldn't even have to cut the unmentionables due to them being crotchless, the drive shaft can pass through the opening.

My hunch being that the mystic properties will remain intact if the fabric isn't modified for access.

[amb]

They have all these anecdotes about how the special "garments" spared people in fires and saved people through assorted calamities. They have little special symbolic stitching over the nipples and assorted other oddities.

http://www.i4m.com/think/temples/mormon-garments.htm

Oh, and they're crotchless.My next door neighbor is a Mormon, and he recently visited Salt lake City and of course his main purpose was to visit the 'Temple'. He did say that it was obligatory to wear these ridiculous outfits before you can go in to the temple. I didn't realize they wear them continuously. Can't wait till he sticks his head over the fence to chat. Boy I'm going to have some fun.:idea:
:D

[Rik666]

G'Day to all from Southern Australia. I came upon this after i spent some reading and posting on the 911 Truth Movement Forums. Being a skeptic i found them interesting, that quickly changed to simply idiotic. Lesson to all Truthers don't like the obvious being stated to them... So here i am on a site with real intelligent people that has scientific answers to life's questions instead of aliens, government conspiracies, faked moonlandings, and even gunmen hiding on grassy knolls. Oh and trust me when i say a month on the truth forums will do your head in, those people are nuts.

[zeusbheld]

G'Day to all from Southern Australia. I came upon this after i spent some reading and posting on the 911 Truth Movement Forums. Being a skeptic i found them interesting, that quickly changed to simply idiotic. Lesson to all Truthers don't like the obvious being stated to them... So here i am on a site with real intelligent people that has scientific answers to life's questions instead of aliens, government conspiracies, faked moonlandings, and even gunmen hiding on grassy knolls. Oh and trust me when i say a month on the truth forums will do your head in, those people are nuts.

welcome aboard!

i was in New York on 9/11, and rebutting some of the more shocking claims made by 'troofers' on other (non-troofer-related) fora indirectly led me here... a (sort of) similar path ;)

as fora go it's a beacon of light for those lost in darkness without lamps, but quite a few show up with sunglasses or even blindfolds on, attempting to 'prove' something. keeps it entertaining...

[Red McWilliams]

I know I've already introduced myself, but I just had to comment on how impressed I am with this forum. From the technical features to the extremely high quality of the posters, this place is top notch.

I have to admit, I'ma bit intimidated. While I'm not a moron, I do tend to keep my posts simple and somtimes just plain silly. The in-depth responses I see frequently make me want to turn the intensity dial to 11, but I'm afraid I don't have that kind of time.

Anyway, I'm still glad to be here.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I know I've already introduced myself, but I just had to comment on how impressed I am with this forum. From the technical features to the extremely high quality of the posters, this place is top notch.

I have to admit, I'ma bit intimidated. While I'm not a moron, I do tend to keep my posts simple and somtimes just plain silly. The in-depth responses I see frequently make me want to turn the intensity dial to 11, but I'm afraid I don't have that kind of time.

Anyway, I'm still glad to be here.

Welcome! Expel the thoughts you have with literary expression!

Shhh...remember you are anonymous, and this is a great proving ground for thoughts.

[Third Eye Open]

Hello, I'm new! This forum is awesome!
I'm surprised I haven't found it before. I am also impressed with the caliber of posters here, I was initially drawn here by the 'null physics' thread. I spent hours reading the whole thing and learned a lot about physics from all the posters there. (Schneibster especially, he has a degree I'm sure!)

Anyway, I'm glad there is a place like this around to keep all the crazies (or "woo's" as you call them) in line, and am happy to be part of it!

[articulett]

My next door neighbor is a Mormon, and he recently visited Salt lake City and of course his main purpose was to visit the 'Temple'. He did say that it was obligatory to wear these ridiculous outfits before you can go in to the temple. I didn't realize they wear them continuously. Can't wait till he sticks his head over the fence to chat. Boy I'm going to have some fun.:idea:
:D

Yep... young ladies look for the tell-tale signs of a "return missionary"-- (ripe for marrying and super horny to boot)-- "panty lines"... just above the knee.

Really.

[HghrSymmetry]

Hmm, I wonder if they outperform the old iron spiked chastity belts...you know, being endowed with mystical properties and all.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello, I'm new! This forum is awesome!
I'm surprised I haven't found it before. I am also impressed with the caliber of posters here, I was initially drawn here by the 'null physics' thread. I spent hours reading the whole thing and learned a lot about physics from all the posters there. (Schneibster especially, he has a degree I'm sure!)

Anyway, I'm glad there is a place like this around to keep all the crazies (or "woo's" as you call them) in line, and am happy to be part of it!

Welcome to the forum, TEO.

Yeah, the intellect here is attractive. It's what drew me here in the first place.

I don't have the education of most here, but I am Forum God, which is a sorta special title that members here have let me keep out of the goodness of their kind hearts. I think I only keep the title because I'm member #295 or something like that. That, and they're afraid I'll smite them. :)

Anyhow, the people here are great. Lovely folks. There are poets, paupers, pirates, pawns, and kings here. Enjoy them all.

[The skepTick]

Hi all from just outside the Washington, DC beltway. Although I've always been a skeptic, Randi was my first introduction to the organized skeptic world. I had a chance several years ago to give him a tour of parts of NASA at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. This was back when the web was crawling out of the BBS muck, when there were no such things as blogs or podcasts or youtube. Google was still in the hands of a couple of college students and dark energy was just making its way onto the scene.

Randi's was my first foray into experiencing "push" technology...that is, I signed up for his email newsletters before any others. Lately, I've become a little more active via blogging and posting in other forums, and I plan to visit here regularly.

So, nice meeting everyone. See you in the forums!

[UnrepentantSinner]

Welcome The skepTick. Some of us prefer to abbreviate user IDs, do you have a preference or would TsT work for you?

[Emilymae]

Hello, all. I live in Ohio. Having been exposed to skepticism for 3 months now, the only thing that has surprised me is Chiropractic therapy being generally accepted as non-useful here. Oh, how the stupidities of our culture invade our minds, often below our radars!

[Ellimist]

Hello. I have been reading about and interested in skepticism and science for over 10 years now. I have read Randi.org/JREF for many years, but never thought to join the forums, mostly because of how intimidating they seem. After being one of the highest members in other forums, it feels weird to have only one post. Oh well, hi.

[amb]

Hmm, I wonder if they outperform the old iron spiked chastity belts...you know, being endowed with mystical properties and all. I understand locksmiths did a roaring trade in those days. :eye-poppi Imagine a young man dating a Mormon lass and later getting a bit randy after a little kiss, and dicovering her wearing this ridiculas underwear. By the time he tried to get to first base he would give up as it been mission impossible. By the time all that gear is removed, the mood would pass. :flamed:

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hello. I have been reading about and interested in skepticism and science for over 10 years now. I have read Randi.org/JREF for many years, but never thought to join the forums, mostly because of how intimidating they seem. After being one of the highest members in other forums, it feels weird to have only one post. Oh well, hi.

You smoked the most pot on the other forum? :D

Glad to have a long time fan/participant of Randi and the JREF join us. Now start posting so you can get an avatar!

[The skepTick]

Welcome The skepTick. Some of us prefer to abbreviate user IDs, do you have a preference or would TsT work for you?

Hmmm...a license plate might read skptk. sktk is even shorter. I usually drop the "The"...at least to my good friends.:o

[Pato2747]

Hello there, I'm Pato2747.

I've been interested on skepticism for quite a while now, and I've been looking around on this forums for a few days before finally registering.

This is an awesome community, and I really like being now a part of it.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hmmm...a license plate might read skptk. sktk is even shorter. I usually drop the "The"...at least to my good friends.:o

Noted. :) Most forumites are inveterate typers of full words and phrases, but nicks just beg to be acronymized or abbreviated. I've gone by US for so long that I'm uncomfortable when people address me by my full appellation.

Hello there, I'm Pato2747.

I've been interested on skepticism for quite a while now, and I've been looking around on this forums for a few days before finally registering.

This is an awesome community, and I really like being now a part of it.

Howdy and welcome Pato? Is there any particular area, field or issue you find interesting or just skepticism in general?

[Ellimist]

US, I like the way you think.

Thanks for the welcome. I may see you within the depths of these forums within the week. :biggrin:

[Pato2747]

Noted. :) Most forumites are inveterate typers of full words and phrases, but nicks just beg to be acronymized or abbreviated. I've gone by US for so long that I'm uncomfortable when people address me by my full appellation.



Howdy and welcome Pato? Is there any particular area, field or issue you find interesting or just skepticism in general?

Skepticism in general. I've always remained equal to all of the business that the skeptics work at (From Conspiracy Theorists to End of the world predictions).

[Tedo2001]

Hello, I just joined and so...here I am.

I'm a long time skeptic and really appreciate the rational breeze that blows through at least a small part of the internet. I've known of Mr. Randi for years yet only recently discovered this site. There's so much content here it is a seemingly daunting task to get through it but I shall try.

I got here via Richard Dawkins site...and how I got there...like most internet discoveries, though a vast series of links. Discovery can be a fantastic journey...

I'm more of a reader/lurker than a poster but hopefully I'll have something to contribute in the future.

Until then...
Cheers,
Ted

[Kaizen]

Hello All,

I've been refining my personal philosophy more proactively within the last 6-7 years or so and more recently found out that my current position tends to be in line with skepticism, free thinking and secular humanism. I'm best described as a weak Agnostic and a weak/negative Atheist. I don't have too much of a formal education, so you'll have to excuse me when I have a little trouble with big words and concepts you throw at me.

Anyway, just doing my intro and I hope to get a lot from this place.

[Michelle Lyon]

Hello. :) I'm also a long time lurker and first time poster. I registered on the Forum after buying tickets for TAM6, hoping to network with other TAM-goers. :)

My life story is posted for the world on MySpace. Look me up! My username is Homesick Berkleyite.

[HghrSymmetry]

Welcome all.

And Kaiz, don't worry about complicated words and concepts. Most will be happy to explain what they are saying in simpler terms. Yes, there are some elitists that won't, but that says more about them than you.

:)

[Prometheus]

Welcome all.

And Kaiz, don't worry about complicated words and concepts. Most will be happy to explain what they are saying in simpler terms. Yes, there are some elitists that won't, but that says more about them than you.

:)

Could you please explain that in simpler terms? :rolleyes:

ETA: er, oh yeah, :welcome2:

[HghrSymmetry]

Of course, turn on your web cam.

[rinjy]

Hello! I was invited here by a friend. I am 25 and live in Tempe, Arizona. Hmmm. Hello again!

[amb]

Hello! I was invited here by a friend. I am 25 and live in Tempe, Arizona. Hmmm. Hello again!
Well, just because you were invited don't expect a cup of coffee and bickies.
Or a free lunch. There's no such thing.
Welcome and hope you enjoy your stay.:)

[AshB]

Hi everyone,
I am Ash, a year 12 student at an arts school in Melbourne, Australia.
I have been listening to the skeptoid podcasts for about a month now and was really curious to see what went on in the forum.
I have quite strong views, but they are open to change if the evidence against me is proven scientifically.
I dont really know what to say here, i am sure you will all learn more about me and who I am through my future posts.
:)

[PrincessMo]

Hi guys. I'm new. :)

Never know what to say in these intro threads, so... I live in Cali with my husband and our two fabulous dogs. I guess we'd be labeled skeptics, but we prefer the term critical thinkers. I do, however, suspect the dogs are prone to woo-based beliefs involving treats, belly-rubs and squirrels.

I spend most of my time volunteering, traveling and reading Skeptical Inquirer. Hope to get you know you all better. See you in the fora.

[Cetacea]

Hello.

And... I really can't think of much to say...

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi everyone,
I am Ash, a year 12 student at an arts school in Melbourne, Australia.
I have been listening to the skeptoid podcasts for about a month now and was really curious to see what went on in the forum.
I have quite strong views, but they are open to change if the evidence against me is proven scientifically.
I dont really know what to say here, i am sure you will all learn more about me and who I am through my future posts.
:)
Howdy, AshB. The Aussies are getting thick here. Good to have young blood as well.

Hi guys. I'm new. :)

Never know what to say in these intro threads, so... I live in Cali with my husband and our two fabulous dogs. I guess we'd be labeled skeptics, but we prefer the term critical thinkers. I do, however, suspect the dogs are prone to woo-based beliefs involving treats, belly-rubs and squirrels.

I spend most of my time volunteering, traveling and reading Skeptical Inquirer. Hope to get you know you all better. See you in the fora.
Welcome. You need to put down the Skeptical Inquirer and post on this forum instead. :)

Hello.

And... I really can't think of much to say...
Eh...I really can't think of much either, but welcome anyhow. :D

[BenHad]

Hi everyone,
I am Ash, a year 12 student at an arts school in Melbourne, Australia.
I have been listening to the skeptoid podcasts for about a month now and was really curious to see what went on in the forum.
I have quite strong views, but they are open to change if the evidence against me is proven scientifically.
I dont really know what to say here, i am sure you will all learn more about me and who I am through my future posts.
:)

Hi sh. Take a romp thru the "Australians Only...." Thread under "Humor". Have fun and Welcome.

BenHad

[amb]

You need a six pack of Crown Larger to join the Aussie only thread.
Only joking, VB will do just fine. Welcome.

[JamesCash]

Hello everyone,
After watching some random CT movies (Zeitgeist/loose change etc.) I had this feeling there would be alot more to it then these movies suggested. Thats how (google) I ended up on this forum and found out there is actually alot more discussing going on in this forum then just the CT-part. I consider myself to be pretty skeptical.

I'm dutch, I'm going to be studying politics/international relations soon and I like chocolate. :)

Cheers.

[laarree]

Hi guys. I'm new. :) ... I do, however, suspect the dogs are prone to woo-based beliefs involving treats, belly-rubs and squirrels....

The only ones your dogs worship are the primary dispensers of treats and belly-rubs, i.e. you and your husband. Are you saying your existence is questionable? Squirrels, on the other hand, are well known for fuzzy thinking and are indisputable vectors of woo infection. :)

[philebus]

Hi folks,

I've been questioning all sorts for many years which lead me to philosophy some time back. I remember watching James Randi's shows on the BBC, the psychic surgery demonstration is one I'll never forget, so it was great to discover this site.

My biggest hate is probably mediums, who I can only see as parasites of the worst kind. However, my pet love/hate is tarot. Love the games, hate the nonsense - and try to fight one with the other. Hard work though, I just can't persuade people to doubt their unquestioned and deeply held faith that Poker is actually a good game! If only they could open their eyes ;)

[arthwollipot]

Hello, I'm new! This forum is awesome!Why, yes it is.

Hello.

And... I really can't think of much to say...You just said it. I look forward to more of your inspiring honesty! :)

You need a six pack of Crown Larger to join the Aussie only thread.
Only joking, VB will do just fine. Welcome.And this just confirms what I suspected all along - ambnp is a heretic.

I've been questioning all sorts for many years which lead me to philosophy some time back. I remember watching James Randi's shows on the BBC, the psychic surgery demonstration is one I'll never forget, so it was great to discover this site.

My biggest hate is probably mediums, who I can only see as parasites of the worst kind. However, my pet love/hate is tarot. Love the games, hate the nonsense - and try to fight one with the other. Hard work though, I just can't persuade people to doubt their unquestioned and deeply held faith that Poker is actually a good game! If only they could open their eyes ;)The psychic surgery demonstration is the one I remember too. I wasn't aware of who it was when I saw it, but many years later I came along here and realised that the Randi whose commentaries and books I had been reading was the same guy who did that bit on TV I saw so many years ago.

And to be honest, I'm actually a fan of tarot. Not for any mystical underpinnings - they don't exist - but for the fact that they provide randomly-generated symbols that people can apply to themselves and their situations. I've done a couple of "readings" (random card draws) for people, and by relating the symbolism to aspects of their life, they've been helped to make sometimes difficult decisions. A tarot deck is one of the best catalysts for self-analysis I've ever encountered. So long as you don't go overboard and buy into the woo.

[etachase]

first post here... ahhh, feels good.

Been lurking for years (even had a prior user name), so, fair question is "why has it take so long to post?"

Answer: I have provisionally concluded to go to TAM6 and though I have been to several prior TAMs (first went to TAM3 to hear Dawkins) I have never really ventured "out" at night. So, this time 'round I figured I would find out what the cool-JREF-forum folks get up to doing in the evenings during TAM and maybe let my hair down (though I don't have much) a little bit.

I plan on staying in the 'mingo with my usual TAM co-conspirator who also might want to let his hair down (though he has less than I). Only foreseeable contingency that will keep me from being at TAM6 is a complication related to the arrival of child #3 in May. But, assuming normal arrival of the baby - I hope to meet some of you in Vegas (baby Vegas).

etaChase out.

[Prometheus]

Hi folks,

I've been questioning all sorts for many years which lead me to philosophy some time back. I remember watching James Randi's shows on the BBC, the psychic surgery demonstration is one I'll never forget, so it was great to discover this site.

My biggest hate is probably mediums, who I can only see as parasites of the worst kind. However, my pet love/hate is tarot. Love the games, hate the nonsense - and try to fight one with the other. Hard work though, I just can't persuade people to doubt their unquestioned and deeply held faith that Poker is actually a good game! If only they could open their eyes ;)

What's wrong with poker?

[philebus]

It's not tarot:D

Seriously, the only game people I meet seem to want to play is Poker - I never understood why, different taste in strategy I guess. Still, it is very hard to get people to learn tarot - in large part because of the myths surrounding the cards. Even when I have produced a French suited pack, I've had people say "Oh no, sorry, I wouldn't feel right".

[Prometheus]

I've never played tarot, though I've got a beautifully painted deck around here somewhere that I got as a gift from a woo-woo ex-girlfriend. I used to play a lot of solitaire, but I quit because I got tired of catching myself cheating.

[James Fox]

Hi folks, I’m new!! I’ve been reading the forums fro a couple of months and hang out at a few other sites when time allows. Very much hoping to attend TAM 6 and meeting the fine folk from around these parts! I’ve been quite impressed with the dialogue and postings I’ve read and it seems like a great community. I hale from Bellingham WA.
Cheers!

[Epok]

Greetings and salutations, I'm Epok aka Mikey. I'm new to the forums but I've been reading Swift for over a year. Its nice to have a forum where I can discuss certain topics without upsetting a roomful of people. So I will be seeing you folks around. Peace.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hello new folks, glad to have you join us here.

Answer: I have provisionally concluded to go to TAM6 and though I have been to several prior TAMs (first went to TAM3 to hear Dawkins) I have never really ventured "out" at night. So, this time 'round I figured I would find out what the cool-JREF-forum folks get up to doing in the evenings during TAM and maybe let my hair down (though I don't have much) a little bit.

Check out the TAM 6 activities thread, and comment if you have a suggestion. Oh, and plan on being at the forum party.

[articulett]

It's not tarot:D

Seriously, the only game people I meet seem to want to play is Poker - I never understood why, different taste in strategy I guess. Still, it is very hard to get people to learn tarot - in large part because of the myths surrounding the cards. Even when I have produced a French suited pack, I've had people say "Oh no, sorry, I wouldn't feel right".

That's interesting. Now I feel like getting a deck. I think the reactions it provokes are interesting. I used to show people how Led Zepplin backwards can sound demonic once you read the words... for an example of how your mind tricks you... but I had too much trouble convincing people it was just their minds... even though they agreed that it was just garbled nothing befoe I showed them the words. It was something they did at TAM... and I thought it was cool, so I showed students... but it's too hard to convince them that it was a trick of their mind, so I don't show them anymore. There are some milder examples with Brittany Spears and Eminem that I use instead.

[amb]

I've never played tarot, though I've got a beautifully painted deck around here somewhere that I got as a gift from a woo-woo ex-girlfriend. I used to play a lot of solitaire, but I quit because I got tired of catching myself cheating. How do you cheat with tarot cards? Especially playing with yourself. :D

[amb]

Hi folks, I’m new!! I’ve been reading the forums fro a couple of months and hang out at a few other sites when time allows. Very much hoping to attend TAM 6 and meeting the fine folk from around these parts! I’ve been quite impressed with the dialogue and postings I’ve read and it seems like a great community. I hale from Bellingham WA.
Cheers!
Welcome. Your not a distant relative of the infamous Fox sisters are you? :D

[hcmom]

Hmmm...a license plate might read skptk. sktk is even shorter. I usually drop the "The"...at least to my good friends.:o

Dang, I was thinking "The" would be a perfect shortening of your nick... :halo:

[philebus]

Prometheus,

It is well worth trying the Tarot games - they've had 600 years of history and are refined to as close as perfection as you're going to get. They are complex trick taking games (sometimes called point-trick games) and can be very demanding but are always fun. Just google something like "ottocento" or "jeu de tarot" or even "tarock" - you'll find that there are a few of us out there promoting them. Scarto is a good game to start with.

[Prometheus]

Prometheus,

It is well worth trying the Tarot games - they've had 600 years of history and are refined to as close as perfection as you're going to get. They are complex trick taking games (sometimes called point-trick games) and can be very demanding but are always fun. Just google something like "ottocento" or "jeu de tarot" or even "tarock" - you'll find that there are a few of us out there promoting them. Scarto is a good game to start with.

Thanks, I'll do that.

[Kosstamojan]

Hi everyone I'm glad to here on the forum. I have been a fan of James Randi and a skeptic since I was in middle school, much to the dismay of my parents. I don't where to post question so I will ask it here. There is a video titled: James Randi interview 2004 in the video section. It is a few excerpts from the interview. Does anyone know where I could find the full video? Any help would be appreciated.:)

[Xiaan]

I thought I should also introduce myself in here, I have been sticking to the Sensing Murder thread. More of an avid podcast listener (Skeptics Guide, Skeptoid, Skepticality, The Way of Reason just to name a few) than a forum contributor as I tend to be very busy with work and family. What pointed me in the direction of Skepticism? It was all thanks to Fox's abysmal "Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon?", as an avid armchair astronomer I was somewhat dismayed by this mockumentary and turned to the Internet. Phil Plait was my saviour...much to all of my friends and familys annoyance I ended up e-mailing his analysis to them all. One thing led to another and then I found myself reading Randi's forum regularly.

[Jezneyk]

Hello all. I’m Jeremy from Bristol, UK. Have been a long time lurker (about 4 years or so) but have finally decided to take the plunge and join in, mainly as I have decided to go to TAM6 and I would like to introduce myself to some of the learned forum members that I might bump into there.

I found the JREF after reading Flim-Flam and also following drunken discussions with one of my friends on woo topics. We are of the same opinions so these sessions tend to be reinforcement really but I decided to investigate further. I have found these forums extremely enlightening and I am very impressed at the knowledge, dedication and tenacity of many of the members: I have learned a great deal. I suppose we are relatively fortunate in the UK in that we don’t have to deal with some of the nonsense to such an extent as others (HRH Charlie and Archbish’ Williams excepted) but it is still there of course.

A bit about myself: I have a background in molecular biology and used to do research but now I am a Civil Servant working as a Patent Examiner in the UK Patent Office (or Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) as we now have to call it). I had a very skeptical, critical thinking, non-religious upbringing, for which I am grateful. However, I did dabble with Christianity, mainly as a means to get a girl. But, I didn’t “get it” (Christianity, that is, not “it”, although I didn’t get any of that either) and, although I did see the girl for a while, my flirtation with the C of E didn’t last long.

Seem to have rambled on somewhat for what was supposed to be a brief intro. I look forward to joining in and meeting some of you in June.

Happy chocolate egg weekend

[Lensky1917]

Hello everybody. I am not very familiar with the format of this forum, but I will try to learn fairly quickly.

[hcmom]

Hello everybody. I am not very familiar with the format of this forum, but I will try to learn fairly quickly.

A quick tutorial for you:

Be careful about who you take cookies from.
Be careful about who you give your goats to.*
Return your library books.
Spell and punctuate with at least some consideration for the pedants here.

ETA:*This is not a euphemism for anything, btw...

[Prometheus]

A quick tutorial for you:

Be careful about who you take cookies from.
Be careful about who you give your goats to.*
Return your library books.
Spell and punctuate with at least some consideration for the pedants here.

ETA:*This is not a euphemism for anything, btw...


...and watch out for gratuitous corndogs.

[hcmom]

...and watch out for gratuitous corndogs.

Which, sadly, also isn't euphemistic.

[Lensky1917]

I thought this forum was a place to discuss the paranormal, not be the paranormal. :rolleyes:

[Prometheus]

I thought this forum was a place to discuss the paranormal, not be the paranormal. :rolleyes:

You'll fit right in! :cool: Welcome!

[Prometheus]

Which, sadly, also isn't euphemistic.

It isn't? Uh oh, I think I have some explaining to do....

[amb]

Hello everybody. I am not very familiar with the format of this forum, but I will try to learn fairly quickly.
I've been here for months, and I still am not familiar. Relax and enjoy and welcome. :)

[Veleria]

Hello everyone.

I'm excited to finally be on here, although I have to admit I'm not quite a sceptic yet, I am certantly getting there.

I used to have a firm belief in magic (wicca and the like), but eventually found that many of the results I saw could be replicated by psycological or scientific means.

I was further disillusioned when, after I failed to produce results that could not be explained, I was told it was because I didn't truly believe.

I have since refound my childhood love of all things science, and with my newfound animosity (I believe that's the right word) of the paranormal, I figured this would be the perfect place for me.

If there's anything else you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to ask.

[COLONEL]

Welcome all you newbies . Veleria you will be skeptical when we get thru with you By the way anyone seen my goats ?

[Veleria]

I hope so COLONEL, and sorry no goat.

By the way, would you be so kind as to explain the term "woo woo"?
I think I missed something there?

[amb]

Welcome all you newbies . Veleria you will be skeptical when we get thru with you By the way anyone seen my goats ?How many did you have? I had some capretto roasted in a wood fired oven yesterday. Yummmy. I don't know if it was one of yours though. :p

[Roadtoad]

Welcome, Veleria. Sorry, no goats. Just trucks over here.

[amb]

Roadtoad, we can use a truck or two to hunt for goats, so everyone can feast on barbecued or roasted capretto.
Only joking newcomers, but you have not yet lived until you taste barbecued goat.

[JohnTheRevelator]

Hi everyone,

I am a huge fan of James Randi and this was a motivating factor in leading me to this thread.

I consider myself a skeptic and as a result, an Atheist. I used to be a Muslim, but after careful consideration of all the facts versus faith, I soon realized that it would be foolish to try to add an unnecessary higher power, especially when there is no evidence of such a being. I was met with sharp criticism by both friends and family. In fact, I lost many friends as a result, and my religious older sister has not spoken to me ever since (which disappoints me as she is going to have kids soon). This occurred when I was 16 years old; I am now 17.

I am a senior in high school. I love James Randi and am very disappointed that he is not as famous as he should be. This man has worked his whole life to ensure that people don't fall for the same old traps and tricks and he woke me out of my gullibility. I also love Richard Dawkins, Carl Sagan, Michael Shermer, as well. It truly upsets me at school when 9/10 of the students at my school don't even know any of the aforementioned authors at all. This is also a reason I'm here. I want to feel comfortable in a place full of fellow skeptics whom question basically anything and everything. I also see that most members here are highly intelligent (way above my status) and the idea of learning from you guys fascinates me greatly.

I'm sick of being with creationists at home, online, at school (90% of the student body don't even believe in the Big Bang for Christ's sake). I was looking for a place where I can ask questions about anything, including religion, and I think I found the place. I can let out my alter ego here.:)

[Fitter]

JohnTheRevelator, welcome. And as a Blind Willie Johnson fan let me say I approve mightily your forum name.

[Foolmewunz]

JohnTheRevelator, welcome. And as a Blind Willie Johnson fan let me say I approve mightily your forum name.

A little young for Blind Willie.... perhaps the Depeche Mode version?

(Whatever - we're just curious nitpickers, John... Welcome to the forums. I think I've got a corduroy jacket older than you, but I'm always delighted to see today's youte getting involved in critical thinking and skepticism.)

[Serenity's Light]

Hi Everyone!

I've been reading the forums for a while, but just recently decided to actually register and start posting. You guys seem to have some really interesting discussions here, and I'm looking forward to participating.

[arthwollipot]

Here's a question that is asked frequently in this thread, and I for one am happy to explain it every time it's asked:

By the way, would you be so kind as to explain the term "woo woo"?
I think I missed something there?I could respond with a couple of links - I believe both Skepdic and Skepticwiki have an entry, but I prefer to answer in my own words.

"Woo-woo" (often abbreviated to just "woo") can be used as a noun or as an adjective, and is used to refer to or describe any phenomenon which would not win the Randi Million Dollar Prize. In other words, is not real or cannot be emprically demonstrated.

For example, water dowsing is woo. Remote viewing is woo. Alien abduction is woo. Ghosts and poltergeists are woo. Quantum mechanics is not woo unless it is misused to support woo (quantum healing, etc). Telepathy and clairvoyance are woo. Reiki, acupuncture and therapeutic touch are woo. Ayurveda is woo. Spiritualists and mediums are woo.

If it can be demonstrated to an independent observer, and tested under strict observing conditions, then it is not woo.

The etymology of the term is unclear. The most likely origin of the word (in my opinion) is that it comes from the sound one makes when imitating a ghost. Usually accompanied by waggling of the fingers.

I hope that helps. The term is very rubbery, and can be applied to a lot of different circumstances. For example, I recently posted that people who buy into the woo aspects of Tarot (rather than those who just play games with them or collect them as art objects) often say that you should stick with just one deck, and I described that as investing woo into the deck. The more woo the deck carries, the better it is at whatever it is you're using it for.

It's an open source term. Use it, play with it, stretch it, but never use it to refer to something that can be independently verified under strict observing conditions.

Welcome to the forums one and all. I hope your stay here is happy and productive.

[amb]

I wish my wife would ''woo.'' [Snicker, snicker]

[hughie522]

Hello World,

I've been working my way through the commentary articles, all the while thinking, "Well, at least we don't have that nonsense here in Australia."

Well that's all gone out the window in one week...

I'm a disillusioned twenty-year-old living in a world of homeopathic handcreams, teen-orientated books on Kaballah and a workplace that encourages open-mindedness to the degree of acupuncture and 'hands-on healing' ('spiritual clensing').

You must be polite and professional and understanding and tolerant and for this reason the unsinkable ducks sail forever unwards...

Glad to be here, hope to feel welcome :D.

[amb]

A warm welcome hughie522. Of course you are welcome. Just watch arthwollipot, he has this thing about goats.

[James Fox]

Welcome hughie522!! I have a brother-in-law who lives in Caves Beach NSW who is as frustrated as yourself. You're not alone, keep up the good fight.
Cheers!

[Finnegan]

Helloa,

I'm a British teen, liberal, atheist, compulsive contrarian and naif, and this is the closest that I've ever come to writing a personal advert.

Finnegan

[James Fox]

I have a nephew in Uckfield who sounds a lot like you!! Welcome and enjoy the conversation!

[arthwollipot]

A warm welcome hughie522. Of course you are welcome. Just watch arthwollipot, he has this thing about goats.Hey, don't blame the messenger! I just warn people about the potential pitfalls of associating too closely with the goats! They're not my goats.

[arthwollipot]

Another explanation of the term "woo":

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2006/08/reader_mailbag_what_is_woo_1.php (http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2006/08/reader_mailbag_what_is_woo_1.php)

[amb]

No one uses the term ''woo'' like articullet can. Bless her.

[Ixion]

I am a graduate student in immunology at the University of Arizona, working on a Ph.D. which I hope to get soon. I have always been interested in the occult and the paranormal, but not as a believer, but as a means of testing my perceptions. I am a skeptic and don't buy into all the woo in the world. I do find UFOs and ghosts and the similar fantasy a great source of entertainment. I have been a lurker at JREF for over a year, but am just now getting around to register for the forums. :)

[Finnegan]

Welcome, Ixion!

[amb]

I am a graduate student in immunology at the University of Arizona, working on a Ph.D. which I hope to get soon. I have always been interested in the occult and the paranormal, but not as a believer, but as a means of testing my perceptions. I am a skeptic and don't buy into all the woo in the world. I do find UFOs and ghosts and the similar fantasy a great source of entertainment. I have been a lurker at JREF for over a year, but am just now getting around to register for the forums. :)
Lurkers are also welcome. So welcome. :) As long as you look at the paranormal as just entertainment, there's no harm done. It's when people take it serious that can cause a lot of distress and damage.

[Polar Bear]

Hello everyone. I am English, living in London. I try and combine scepticism and open-mindedness towards everything, which can lead to getting dispirited at times. I came across these forums (fora?) by accident, skimmed some posts and decided I liked the critical tone in general - not to mention some of the excellent quotes some posters decorate themselves with. Don't know too much about Randi but I like the million dollar prize thing a lot. My interests are history, politics, hillwalking and most things in general, I suppose.

[Polar Bear]

Hello everyone. I am English, living in London. I try and combine scepticism and open-mindedness towards everything, which can lead to getting dispirited at times. I came across these forums (fora?) by accident, skimmed some posts and decided I liked the critical tone in general - not to mention some of the excellent quotes some posters decorate themselves with. Don't know too much about Randi but I like the million dollar prize thing a lot. My interests are history, politics, hillwalking and most things in general, I suppose.

ETA I didn't mean to post this twice, sorry!

[Polar Bear]

Hello everyone. I am English, living in London. I try and combine scepticism and open-mindedness towards everything, which can lead to getting dispirited at times. I came across these forums (fora?) by accident, skimmed some posts and decided I liked the critical tone in general - not to mention some of the excellent quotes some posters decorate themselves with. Don't know too much about Randi but I like the million dollar prize thing a lot. My interests are history, politics, hillwalking and most things in general, I suppose.

[non sequitur]

Hello everyone. :)
Not really good with introductions, but I'll start with some basic facts...

My real name is Marcus, you may refer to me as either that or non sequitur, it doesn't really matter. I'm an American. I live in Kansas City, Kansas. I generally am skeptical of anything paranormal or supernatural, however if confronted with hard evidence then I'm open to things like that.

I consider myself a Libertarian Republican politically. I'm 20 years old. I was referred to this forum from a friend of mine. I generally like to hang out in Conspiracy Theories and Political forums, but I will also from time to time post in a social/nonpolitical forum.

If you want to get some idea of how I post then feel free to check out my posts on Political Crossfire Forums. I have the same name, just all one word, nonsequitur.

Other than that I'm glad to be here!

[this charming man]

Hello Polar Bear and Welcome! :w2:
Hello Polar Bear and Welcome! :w2:
Hello Polar Bear and Welcome! :w2:

Spoon-glisten-topiary non sequitur and apple core! :pigsfly

[LosingMyReligion]

I grew up an Assembly of God preacher's daughter and, yes, spoke in 'tongues' from the time I was 8 years old. (If anyone is curious, I can teach you how to do it! :p)

I graduated from an AG college with a Psychology degree 21 years ago. My skepticism evolved slowly, starting in college and progressing through James Burke, Joseph Campbell, and eventually leading me to Shermer, Dawkins, and Hitchens (my candidates for the new Holy Trinity... old habits are hard to break.)

Now I find myself trying to raise two boys (5 and 8) in the middle of Georgia, USA. My 8 year old was taunted on the school bus just this last Monday for not believing in God, and was told he would burn in hell. I think he handled it pretty well, but I know he's got a very tough road ahead of him.

He said he was the ONLY one on the bus who did not believe in God. Fortunately, rather than feeling he must be crazy, he was more amazed that all of his friends were so credulous.

Anybody out there have a good zinger an 8 year old can use the next time he has to defend his belief in science? Maybe there's already a thread just for this... if so, just point me in the right direction!

[this charming man]

Hi LMR (sorry for the abr.)

Your son could tell everyone there is no santa :D

(8 year olds still believe in santa right?)

[LosingMyReligion]

What? there's no santa? has there been an official investigation?

[articulett]

LMR-- congratz on losing your religion... and how nice of you not to inflict it on your son. I was raised with religion, but my good friend wasn't. She'd scare the children in the schoolyard by saying, "If there is a god, may lightening strike me right now"-- and they'd all run off screaming. She'd just smile, and enjoy the power of not being superstitious. Your son might try something like that. He can use their credulity to his advantage... he can tell them to be nice or he'll put a hex on them or something-- maybe even learn a few of Randi's magic tricks. It's not bad to have people fear you a little.

[articulett]

When my son was 7, he met some kids at a hotel when we were driving across country who made fun of him because he believed people came from apes--

I had to explain to him what religious ignorance was. He didn't even know that there WAS anything different to "believe in".

[articulett]

What? there's no santa? has there been an official investigation?

I think there needs to be an investigation into the post counting system... it says you have one post, though you have 2 on this very page.

What's up with that?

[this charming man]

as of this post, it says she has two

[LosingMyReligion]

LMR-- congratz on losing your religion... and how nice of you not to inflict it on your son. I was raised with religion, but my good friend wasn't. She'd scare the children in the schoolyard by saying, "If there is a god, may lightening strike me right now"-- and they'd all run off screaming. She'd just smile, and enjoy the power of not being superstitious. Your son might try something like that. He can use their credulity to his advantage... he can tell them to be nice or he'll put a hex on them or something-- maybe even learn a few of Randi's magic tricks. It's not bad to have people fear you a little.

Awesome - I love it.

[articulett]

as of this post, it says she has two

Yeah, now it says three... must have been a time delay thingie...

[MarkCorrigan]

Probably a bit late, since I've started elsewhere, but aloha anyway.

[Andreas van Haren]

Hi!
I found this page after I saw clips from James Randi on youtube, and I loved it! I always looked for developing of my own "gifts", did put lots of money in it in many different courses, read books since I was a child but never ever had a real experience, besides the little hints that everyone has now and then. Seeing the program on Zembla in The Netherlands with Char, really opened my eyes that the mediums talking with the dead are really a big fraud. I watched many episodes with John Edward and Char and believed it always, but after seeing that dutch medium giving his "reading", it was so clear that he was fake, he was very bad in this!

thanks for your work, James.

Best wishes,
André

[Foolmewunz]

Well, welcome Andreas. You've developed your gift - it's called critical thinking. So welcome in more ways than one.

Lots of Scandinavians here. Settle in - I'm sure you'll run into them shortly. If you need to adjust and you're interested in debunking of psychics there's no better place to start than the numerous RSLancaster threads on his herculean efforts to de-claw Sylvia Browne.

And welcome to the rest of the noobs and fresh meat. I note that no one seems to be bringing pie any longer. Has someone deleted that from the Membership Agreement. I have to go talk to a certain Forum Deity. This place just ain't the same if you guys don't bring pie!

[arthwollipot]

Welcome everyone! Check your bags at the door - goats are on the left, and don't let anyone give you cookies.

[SusanB-M1]

LosingMyReligion

Welcome. What an interesting post. I think that a series of lectures on how to speak in tongues could be very funny! Probably not in your part of the world though.

[amb]

Speaking in tongues is just that, a bable of nonsense that makes no sense at all and is only understood by dogs at best or the person who claims to speak in tongues. I've heard parrots that make more sense. How could that be taught?
My dear old dad when drunk could speak in tongues if my mum refused him any more wine or beer.

[LosingMyReligion]

A nice old church lady taught me how in just a couple of minutes when I was a kid. Of course, she didn't think she was 'teaching' me; she thought she was opening my mind to the utterances of the Holy Spirit. She told me to listen quietly and I would start to hear strange sounds in my head that didn't make any sense. Then she told me not to be scared; those sounds were the Holy Spirit giving me a Heavenly language to pray in.

Being an impressionable grade schooler, I of course went along. What little kid wouldn't want to believe God was speaking through them? So there really was no special trick, just the courage to string together random syllables out loud. This is why I think it's actually easier for kids than adults. They're not nearly so likely to be afraid someone will think they're crazy.

Of course she proceeded to tell my mother that I spoke in fluent Spanish. She claimed I said '(my name) loves Jesus' over and over again. To this day, my mother still uses that 'experience' to confirm her faith. Not so much because of the Spanish claim, but because she said she heard me roll my r's, which was something she could never do.

I continued praying in my 'new language' for many years, but I have to admit I always felt like it was fake. I remember imagining a new word and trying to figure out where to work it into my string of syllables.

No matter how many times I try to tell my mother I was just an impressionable kid, I can't seem to convince her that we were both duped. I even offer to demonstrate the 'skill' for her again, since she could not possibly believe the 'Holy Spirit' could speak through me now, in my apostate condition, but she remains undeterred.

[ladysaria]

Just wanted to stop in and say hey. I've been reading for a while, decided to post finally today, ie I had something relevant to share. So, um, hey!

[articulett]

LMR-- cool trick... I hope you tell the story to your sons. I bet they can "speak in tongues" too.

[Chipshotz]

Hi everyone! I've been reading the site for a while and finally joined:shy:. Particularly enjoy the Religion and Philosophy threads. I only wish I could express myself as well as many of you.
I also read the anti-Scientology sites and salute the brave girls at xscientologykids.com.

The similarities between Scientology and the creationist tactics are obvious :jaw-dropp.

Thanks for such an educational site!

[Mr. Skinny]

And welcome to the rest of the noobs and fresh meat. I note that no one seems to be bringing pie any longer. Has someone deleted that from the Membership Agreement. I have to go talk to a certain Forum Deity. This place just ain't the same if you guys don't bring pie!
My PM box is empty.


Welcome noobs!

Bring pie!

Win Powerball!

Ask LeFevre about Skinnematics!

[HghrSymmetry]

Now I find myself trying to raise two boys (5 and 8) in the middle of Georgia, USA. My 8 year old was taunted on the school bus just this last Monday for not believing in God, and was told he would burn in hell. I think he handled it pretty well, but I know he's got a very tough road ahead of him.


Welcome LMR.

I admire your decision. Though personally, I probably would have instructed them to fake it and pretend they believe in an invisible sky spook, just to avoid reverse persecution.

Kids can be so kind and compassionate. :rolleyes:

[theneedtoknow]

Hello Everyone,

I have been browsing the forums for a while, ever since I looked up null physics in google. I am "one of those people" who get infinitely irritated when someone believes in stuff like homeopathy, astrology, etc, so reading through all the threads has been thoroughly enjoyable. I finally decided to join so I can occasionally give my 2 cents.
I'm originally from Eastern Europe, but live in Canada now. I am about to graduate my first undergraduate university degree (Bachelor of Commerce w/ specialist of finance and major of economics). I am starting a second undergrad degree in May (Bachelor of Science w/ specialist of theoretical physics). Ultimately, I would like to get my PhD in physics and teach. I'm also a bit of a party boy :D
I hope we all have fun!

[Aitch]

Hi!

Like many others, I've been reading these boards for a while and have finally decided to join up.

After being brought up a Catholic and being involved in various evangelical churches, I decided, some years ago, I was old enough to think for myself. Educated to degree level, I retired early a year or two ago, after 25 years in the airline IT area (but looking for work - due to an equal mixture of boredom and impecuniosity).

Into music, the arts and being bloody-minded. Specialities are smart-arse remarks and missing the point. ;)

[COLONEL]

Welcome LMR , The need to know , and Aitch . Just have a seat and relax, someone will be along shortly to take care of you .

[amb]

LMR-- cool trick... I hope you tell the story to your sons. I bet they can "speak in tongues" too.
I once bit my tongue and had to speak without it for a couple of days. Does that count?:) Honestly, forget any comedy sitcom on TV, if you want a good hardy belly laugh, you have to attend an evangelical church where it's quite common for their members to sound like chooks. :p

[fuelair]

Hi!
I found this page after I saw clips from James Randi on youtube, and I loved it! I always looked for developing of my own "gifts", did put lots of money in it in many different courses, read books since I was a child but never ever had a real experience, besides the little hints that everyone has now and then. Seeing the program on Zembla in The Netherlands with Char, really opened my eyes that the mediums talking with the dead are really a big fraud. I watched many episodes with John Edward and Char and believed it always, but after seeing that dutch medium giving his "reading", it was so clear that he was fake, he was very bad in this!

thanks for your work, James.

Best wishes,
AndréJust so you know, the odds that mr. Randi will see your post here is low (he does not appear often in the forum). If you want to thank him where he will see it, respond to his weekly column here (home page, IIRC, will lead you that way!! Best, fuelair - welcome in!!:)

[fuelair]

Speaking in tongues is just that, a bable of nonsense that makes no sense at all and is only understood by dogs at best or the person who claims to speak in tongues. I've heard parrots that make more sense. How could that be taught?
My dear old dad when drunk could speak in tongues if my mum refused him any more wine or beer.
Actually, it can be taught and learned. It has to sound like a spoken pattern to not be easily spotted as nonsense. It is even better if the pattern does not flow like English does. That is what allows certain good comedians like Sid Caesar to speak nonsense syllables that sound, to a non-speaker of the language, like German, French, Italian etc. - he had the pattern and the basic phonics down. Use another pattern and mix the phonics and you have spekischuh imtungle.:D:D:D

[fuelair]

Hi!

Like many others, I've been reading these boards for a while and have finally decided to join up.

After being brought up a Catholic and being involved in various evangelical churches, I decided, some years ago, I was old enough to think for myself. Educated to degree level, I retired early a year or two ago, after 25 years in the airline IT area (but looking for work - due to an equal mixture of boredom and impecuniosity).

Into music, the arts and being bloody-minded. Specialities are smart-arse remarks and missing the point. ;)That last skill set should be very usefull around here!! Welcome in and have fun!!!:)

[arthwollipot]

It has to sound like a spoken pattern to not be easily spotted as nonsense.This was not my experience when I went to an evangelical church. People just babbled. It didn't sound like anything other than nonsense.

[fuelair]

This was not my experience when I went to an evangelical church. People just babbled. It didn't sound like anything other than nonsense.
I would say they were not trying/trying hard to fool anyone then.:)

[arthwollipot]

I would say they were not trying/trying hard to fool anyone then.:)Anyone except themselves, perhaps.

[grayman]

Hello new people.



Want an oatmeal cookie? :stone028:

[lorriedjn]

Since routinely listening to every science, skeptical podcast I can get my hands on I believe I can say I am no longer a "recovering" catholic.

I joined JREF and Registered for TAM 6. I am totally psyched to meet people who won't say they will pray for me every time I open my mouth....

I hope to become a part of many mind enhancing conversations, or just share some stupid jokes.

[arthwollipot]

Since routinely listening to every science, skeptical podcast I can get my hands on I believe I can say I am no longer a "recovering" catholic.

I joined JREF and Registered for TAM 6. I am totally psyched to meet people who won't say they will pray for me every time I open my mouth....

I hope to become a part of many mind enhancing conversations, or just share some stupid jokes.For the stupid jokes part, head on over to the Humor and Community subforums. Feel free to increase your post count. The threads that have more than 10,000 responses are good for this. Just don't feel obliged to read the entire threads.

Coat on the right, goat on the left, and don't accept cookies from grayman.

[amb]

Since routinely listening to every science, skeptical podcast I can get my hands on I believe I can say I am no longer a "recovering" catholic.

I joined JREF and Registered for TAM 6. I am totally psyched to meet people who won't say they will pray for me every time I open my mouth....

I hope to become a part of many mind enhancing conversations, or just share some stupid jokes. An Englishman, an Irishman and an Italian walk into a bar. The barman looks at them and exclaims, ''What is this, some kind of joke?'' :D
And then there was an Irishman who walks into a bar with a piece of bitumen under his arm, and calls to the barman, ''Ill have a pint for me and one for the road thanks''

[grayman]

Coat on the right, goat on the left...

Coat on the right, goat on the left???

Sorry about what I did to your jacket. My bad. :boxedin:

[hcmom]

Hello new people.



Want an oatmeal cookie? :stone028:

New members, when you're warned to not take cookies from strangers, grayman is who we really mean.

[Prometheus]

Coat on the right, goat on the left???

Sorry about what I did to your jacket. My bad. :boxedin:

Playing "pocket pool" again, grayman?

[Cobalt]

Hello, I figured I should introduce myself.

I found the site via various CT forums, where the argument usually was "Those guys at JREF didn't prove anything.." and upon investigation, they usually didn't prove anything except some wild and rediculous claim implausible or impossible.

I figured the better conversation would come here than at CT forums, so here I am.

[amb]

Playing "pocket pool" again, grayman?

Am I imagining things, or have you changed the colour shade on your avatar?

Welcome all newcomers. :)

[mattdick]

Hi all,

I'm new to the jref fora, but I'm a long-term skeptic. I've been reading Sagan, Shermer, Dawkins, et. al. for a good few decades, I'm an addicted podcast subscriber (SGU, Skeptoid, Skepticality, Infidel Guy, IDTF, etc), and I'm a regular poster at Neurological, Skepchick, etc.

So I'm not new to the community at all, just this forum so I thought I'd give a quick introduction.

I live in Chicago, I'm a software engineer by trade. I'm married with two kids. Two skeptical kids, I might add.

Looking forward to wandering around and saying 'hi'.

[Prometheus]

:welcome2

[Karl Rose]

I suppose it's only appropriate to make an introduction. I'm Karl (my user name is my real name), I'm a constant skeptic, focusing on cryptozoology. I mostly joined just to let a member know that I would like to use some of his/her findings at a site I run. But I enjoy the skeptic atmosphere of this forum, and I believe I'll contribute occasionally as time allows.

[amb]

I suppose it's only appropriate to make an introduction. I'm Karl (my user name is my real name), I'm a constant skeptic, focusing on cryptozoology. I mostly joined just to let a member know that I would like to use some of his/her findings at a site I run. But I enjoy the skeptic atmosphere of this forum, and I believe I'll contribute occasionally as time allows.
At the risk of sounding dumb. What the heck is cryptozoology and what do they do? Sounds like some kind of animal science.

Whatever you do, welcome.:p

[MasQuater]

Hello my name is Dave.

This forum looks busy so I am content to lurk first unless something irresistable catches my fancy.

[amb]

MasQater, whatever you do, don't mention goats. Arthwollipot has a phobia about them.
And if Prometheus offers you cookies, don't accept them.:duck:
Aside from that, a warm welcome.

[MasQuater]

LOL! I'll be sure the goats are drawn and quartered and stay out of everyone's garbage bins. No, no goatherder jokes anyone, please! ;p

And cookies? *drools* I think I can resist the powers of the Darkside.... I think I can.... I think I can....

Oh, and thankies for the warm welcomes! :D

[Vater_Araignee]

I am Vater Araignee.
Darth Vader jokes are stupid, so if you have one allow me to tell you "You are not unique" I get heckled with them on stage. On that note I am a semi pro stage magician and a full time welder.
I am a believing skeptic ei. "I believe in aliens, I just don't believe you have seen them, gone with them or copulated with them. Blah blah freaking blah."
If I deliver nothing but a smile then I shall consider myself a productive member of this board.

:crowded: I'd also like to say "Hey guys I'm finally here" to the T.O.P.H.O.A.X. members that have been pestering me to join.:crowded:

[mattdick]

Vater,

You have no idea how tired name jokes can become. My name is also my user name. My name is Matt Dick. With a name like mine, it can get very old, very quickly.

ambnp,

Cryptozoology is the study of animals that are unlikely to exist. Like Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti, etc.

[Prometheus]

I've just baked some fresh cookies! Who wants some?

[articulett]

I've just baked some fresh cookies! Who wants some?

Who is going to take cookies from a guy whose avatar looks like pieces of his face might have melted into the batter?

[grayman]

I've just baked some fresh cookies! Who wants some?

Hey, that's my lure bait modus operandi means of administering sleep inducing drugs way of welcoming new members!

:mad:

[pmcody]

Hi all... While my screen name says pmcody just call me Paul :cool:

[Karl Rose]

At the risk of sounding dumb. What the heck is cryptozoology and what do they do? Sounds like some kind of animal science.

Whatever you do, welcome.:p

Cryptozoology was originally coined to mean "the study of hidden animals", which was fine until the hidden animals became imaginary animals and took on paranormal abilities or were somehow associated with extraterrestrials.

[Foolmewunz]

New members, when you're warned to not take cookies from strangers, grayman is who we really mean.

Correction....

Population of earth, when mothers throughout history have warned their offspring not to take cookies from strangers, Grayman is the stranger they were referring to.

[Prometheus]

Who is going to take cookies from a guy whose avatar looks like pieces of his face might have melted into the batter?

Hey, that's my lure bait modus operandi means of administering sleep inducing drugs way of welcoming new members!

:mad:

It wasn't my idea:

MasQater, whatever you do, don't mention goats. Arthwollipot has a phobia about them.
And if Prometheus offers you cookies, don't accept them.:duck:
Aside from that, a warm welcome.

[grayman]

I forgive you Prometheus. What kind of cookies do you have? What do you say you and I take our cookies and newbies, go milk the goats, and salute our avatars of beauty? :stone028:



BTW, I have extra duct tape and bungee cords if you need...

[tim]

Hello to all our new members, and a warm welcome. I see some of you are attending TAM. Keep a look out for TAM events - there's a forum party and all sorts of stuff.
http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=10

[cbraun]

Hi,

I just joined and I must say the posts here are mostly refreshing. I came here after seeing the Terence Witt ad in Discovery and getting away from the KurzweilAI forum.

I am currently an IT Project manager with the US Navy after semi-retiring from Silicon Valley engineering development management.

I have a Master's in Physical Chemistry but have mostly worked in hardware and software development.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hello and welcome to all the new forumites.

I joined JREF and Registered for TAM 6. I am totally psyched to meet people who won't say they will pray for me every time I open my mouth....

A perk (o.k. the perk) of forum membership is that if you have an avatar we'll have a way for you to wear it on your TAM credentials (either printed on them or a sticker). Once you get 50 posts, pick one and it will help folks identify you there.

I'm a constant skeptic, focusing on cryptozoology.

I'm a jack of all trades when it comes to my skepticism but I mainly focus on the Crevo debate and there's a lot of crossover with cryptozoology. Glad to have you with us.

I am a believing skeptic ei. "I believe in aliens, I just don't believe you have seen them, gone with them or copulated with them. Blah blah freaking blah."

That's a perfect example of a justified belief/skepticism juxtaposition. :)

[amb]

Vater,

You have no idea how tired name jokes can become. My name is also my user name. My name is Matt Dick. With a name like mine, it can get very old, very quickly.

ambnp,

Cryptozoology is the study of animals that are unlikely to exist. Like Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti, etc.
Thanks for that. I think youve been nice when you say; ''unlikely to exist''
200% unlikely to exist is more to the point. Anybody who witnesses such phenomenon is either mistaken, fraud, hoax, or needs to make an appointment with a physic. :)

[amb]

I forgive you Prometheus. What kind of cookies do you have? What do you say you and I take our cookies and newbies, go milk the goats, and salute our avatars of beauty? :stone028:



BTW, I have extra duct tape and bungee cords if you need... And so they lived happily ever after milking goats and eating strange cookies.

Welcome newbies and hope you have as great a time as I'm having. :D

[grayman]

Pssst, ambnp. Want a cookie?



:stone028:

[Prometheus]

I forgive you Prometheus. What kind of cookies do you have? What do you say you and I take our cookies and newbies, go milk the goats, and salute our avatars of beauty? :stone028:



BTW, I have extra duct tape and bungee cords if you need...

I've got fresh goat milk. Now I'm just trying to find some batteries for my stun gun.

[articulett]

Since routinely listening to every science, skeptical podcast I can get my hands on I believe I can say I am no longer a "recovering" catholic.

I joined JREF and Registered for TAM 6. I am totally psyched to meet people who won't say they will pray for me every time I open my mouth....

I hope to become a part of many mind enhancing conversations, or just share some stupid jokes.

A collapsed Catholic here, myself.

Sometimes (when I'm feeling bold) and people say, "I'll pray for you"--

[mattdick]

I think youve been nice when you say; ''unlikely to exist''

Well... okay. If I had to bet, of course I'd bet against on basically all of the cryptofauna, but I'm trying to make a good first impression here.

msd

[articulett]

A collapsed Catholic here, myself.

Sometimes (when I'm feeling bold) and people say, "I'll pray for you"--

I say, "Thanks, and I'll think for you"

(I just realized, I must have erased the last line before pressing submit.)

[arthwollipot]

Looking forward to wandering around and saying 'hi'.Hi!

MasQater, whatever you do, don't mention goats. Arthwollipot has a phobia about them.Not a phobia, just a healthy respect for the trouble that they can cause when approached inappropriately.

And so they lived happily ever after milking goats and eating strange cookies."Milking"? Is that the new euphemism now? :D

[amb]

Hi!

Not a phobia, just a healthy respect for the trouble that they can cause when approached inappropriately.

"Milking"? Is that the new euphemism now? :D Why, what else do you do with these goats apart from milking them? No wonder they act inappropriately when approached.
New Zealand sheep run for their lives at the sound of a zipper. That's why N.Z sheep herders are now wearing button flys instead of zippers on their trousers.
:D

[Foolmewunz]

I've got fresh goat milk. Now I'm just trying to find some batteries for my stun gun.

"It puts on the lotion or it gets the hose, again."


And welcome everyone, indeed! We seem to be getting a lot more of the anti-woo skeptics of late. Perhaps a sign that the 911 CT craze has run its course (one can hope, can't one).

Make yourselves at home. The cookies and goats and pseudo-psycho stuff is all just an act, we assure you. Grayman and Prometheus actually work in their spare hours to save the Orinoco River bottle-nosed dolphin, a species I think I just invented. And the Marquis de Carabas? He works with the volunteer fire department on the SKFT (saving kittens from trees) brigade.

Really. It's True. :spjimlad:

Oh, but on the serious side... don't mess with Mr. Skinny. There's still a pillar of salt hanging out in the Original Welcome Thread from 2004, as witness to the last newb who defied the Forum Deity.

[James Fox]

Welcome to the new from the fairly new!
And Hi Mattdick, good to see others who frequent Neurologica and Skepchick!
I’m still hoping someone will bring goat cheese oatmeal brownies! :eek:
~jf