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

[mkamaryn]

Hello all- I have been “lurking” on the forum for some time now and have decided to out myself. I am a skeptically minded recovering Mormon in the Louisville, KY area. I’m not all that familiar with forum etiquette so I am just hoping I don’t piss off too many before I figure it out.

[MDI]

Greetings from down under i'm Matt from New Zealand and new to the skeptical community, being slightly interested in paleoanthropology i found the latest bigfoot hoax so annoying in its lack of imagination and attention to detail, at least they could of gone to the trouble of obtaining some tricky DNA to keep us guessing a little longer.

[PadainFain]

Hello all. Been lurking for quite a while, registered recently. I'm an IT Professional with a Physics degree who's recently been awakened to a much greater degree of skepticism than before.

I like to think a lot but I'm well aware that I don't know much about much!

[Moi.Frenchie]

Hi, my name's Rachel, I'm almost 24 and my thighs hurt from doing lunges all morning. My goal in life is to reach 50 posts so that I can have an avatar. I'm an athiest (ex-Catholic) and have a newly found interest in skepticism and debunking but I don't claim to be particularly knowledgeable about many of the subjects discussed here and am mainly here to learn (so be nice :rolleyes:). I realise that I didn't bother to introduce myself right away, but that's because I was thinking of some incredibly witty and cool things to say about myself, but eventually discovered I'm just not creative enough. Life is full of cruel lessons :(

[Jack of Kent]

Words of a wee song for you, Jack of Kent. I cannot find a video but you will get the idea, if you don't know it :)

Thanks Fiona - and RoadToad. You will see that I am getting stuck in already on the British Chiropractic Assiation v Simon Singh thread!

[Jack of Kent]

[Repeat post - please delete]

[arthwollipot]

Hello all- I have been “lurking” on the forum for some time now and have decided to out myself. I am a skeptically minded recovering Mormon in the Louisville, KY area. I’m not all that familiar with forum etiquette so I am just hoping I don’t piss off too many before I figure it out.Don't worry about it. If you piss someone off they'll let you know. Just stay calm and polite - imagine that you're talking with your sweet old grandmother - and you can't get into too much trouble.

And welcome to everyone. Coats on the left, goats on the right, return your library books and post in Community (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26).

[laarree]

Hello, everyone!
My name is Michael. Am a 68-year old geezer (I know,I know: redundant!). Immigrated to the US almost 47 years ago (seems more like 200 years, at times!).
...
My dear wife and I have several gay friends, whose love and friendship we treasure. We both have long ago recognised that this is the "Land of the Free"allright but ONLY if you're NOT gay, NOT a person of colour or NOT a person of non-European ethnic background and if you do NOT do any/much rational thinking 'outside of the box'...! But we have decided to continue fighting 'the good fight', and to keep pushing back the 'frontiers of ignorance/intolerance' (which at times seem to be encircling us!).
...
Shalom to you all!
M.

Greetings, antiChrister! As a gay man, a near-geezer (almost 54 yrs old--eek!), and a culturally Jewish atheist with a German last name, I welcome and appreciate your arrival here. :)

[SusanB-M1]

Just adding my Welcome to all the new members after reading through so many very interesting posts.

(BTW the feet in the tap shoes are not mine!)

[amb]

Hi, my name's Rachel, I'm almost 24 and my thighs hurt from doing lunges all morning. My goal in life is to reach 50 posts so that I can have an avatar. I'm an athiest (ex-Catholic) and have a newly found interest in skepticism and debunking but I don't claim to be particularly knowledgeable about many of the subjects discussed here and am mainly here to learn (so be nice :rolleyes:). I realise that I didn't bother to introduce myself right away, but that's because I was thinking of some incredibly witty and cool things to say about myself, but eventually discovered I'm just not creative enough. Life is full of cruel lessons :(
Let me get this right. You're 24 and your thighs hurt. Well you've come to the right place. You see, I'm a thigh perv......er..... expert and can give incredible massages to your thighs to make them better again.
So a great big welcome is called for and hope you enjoy the humor and reason that's in abundance here. :p :eye-poppi

[amb]

Just adding my Welcome to all the new members after reading through so many very interesting posts.

(BTW the feet in the tap shoes are not mine!)
I'm sure yours are prettier. :)

[halfempty]

Hi there. Since I waste so much time online, I figured I could at least waste it on a forum where I might actually learn a thing or two. :) I'm a devout atheist, hardened skeptic and pessimist (hence the nickname), as well as a resident of a very red part of a very blue state. I hope to be among like-minded folks here in cyberspace since I'm a member of a very tiny minority in the real world. Thanks!

[Moi.Frenchie]

You see, I'm a thigh perv......er..... expert and can give incredible massages to your thighs to make them better again.

Finally! I've been waiting all day for someone to offer ;)

Thanks for the welcome!

[Tortan]

Hello everyone,

My name is Jonathan and, as you can see by the location under my username, I am from Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm fairly new to the skeptic world, at least online. I've always been a skeptical person, but never actively sought out people who were skeptical as well. Needless to say, these, and other forums, are a breath of fresh air to me. I post on other forums that aren't hives for skeptics, so I'm looking forward to being able to talk about things that I wouldn't usually get to that often.

[Tortan]

Double post somehow? I didn't click twice.

[arthwollipot]

Finally! I've been waiting all day for someone to offer ;)

Thanks for the welcome!Don't take him up on the offer. His motives are entirely selfless and he won't take advantage of the situation in any way whatsoever.

[Laughingmonk]

Hello Everyone!

I am a longtime lurker of this forum, but I think it is time to change that!

I am a twentysomething part time student, a prior marine, and an army reservist in the U.S.

[Moi.Frenchie]

Don't take him up on the offer. His motives are entirely selfless and he won't take advantage of the situation in any way whatsoever.

:(

[amb]

:(
Take no notice of him. Of course I'm only thinking of making your thighs better.
I'm a professional thigh massager and professionals don't stoop so low as self gratification in any way.
By the way, have a Mintie while you're waiting.

[TheThinker]

Hi all. I found out about this forum via a mention in the Bad Astronomy blog and thought I'd check it out.

About me: B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Human Factors Engineering, and some course work towards a semi-permanently back-burnered Ph.D. in Systems Science. I recently moved to Houston, TX to take a position at Johnson Space Center supporting NASA's Constellation program.

I also run a critical thinking blog called The Thinker and a tongue-in-cheek humor blog called The Stinker. (The forum won't let me post URL's to them though, since I'm a n00b.)

[Maus]

Hello all. I don't have the education level of many of the other posters but hopefully I can contribute something of substance to the forum.

I have been a lurker for a bit and have enjoyed reading many of the posts.

Thank you in advance for your hospitality.

-Maus

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi all. I found out about this forum via a mention in the Bad Astronomy blog and thought I'd check it out.

About me: B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Human Factors Engineering, and some course work towards a semi-permanently back-burnered Ph.D. in Systems Science. I recently moved to Houston, TX to take a position at Johnson Space Center supporting NASA's Constellation program.

I also run a critical thinking blog called The Thinker and a tongue-in-cheek humor blog called The Stinker. (The forum won't let me post URL's to them though, since I'm a n00b.)
Welcome, The Thinker.

If you hadn't just moved to NASA, I was gonna suggest you look at AFRL's Human Performance Directorate. They are moving about 1500 folks up here from San Antonio in a few years, and I imagine there would be a few openings as a result of the move.

I'm a Safety Engineer, so I've got a moderate amount of interest in Human Factors stuff.


Hello all. I don't have the education level of many of the other posters but hopefully I can contribute something of substance to the forum.

I have been a lurker for a bit and have enjoyed reading many of the posts.

Thank you in advance for your hospitality.

-Maus
Welcome to you also, Maus.

Wouldn't worry too much about the education level/ job title stuff.

We've got everything from janitors to astrophysicists on this forum.

It's what you've got to say and the evidence you bring to the table that counts, not the amount of letters behind your name.

[Thano13]

<<- So is "new blood" an euphemism for fresh meat?!?!?


Hi, my name is Pete, and I'm a sexaholi.....

Oh wait. Wrong meeting.

Anyway. I suppose you all want to know a little about me before you offer my soul to Satan warmly welcome me to the forum.

I was born in the Midwest, raised in sunny California, and moved to the south a decade ago so my kids would get to know their grandparents better. I was a music major, but shifted to science, then criminal justice. I have two kids, one is autistic. I'm on my second marriage. I am an atheist. I am liberal on some issues, but conservative on others. I am horrible when it comes to putting my thoughts into written form, so I'm sure those of you who like to feast on bad posters will not go hungry. Feel free to chastise me because I like the abuse I'm thick skinned and don't mind constructive criticism.

[HghrSymmetry]

Welcome all.

[Roma]

Hello all. Been lurking for quite a while, registered recently. I'm an IT Professional with a Physics degree who's recently been awakened to a much greater degree of skepticism than before.

I like to think a lot but I'm well aware that I don't know much about much!
What was is that awakened you?

[fishwife]

Hello
I am the better half of Piscivore. I will be hanging around to make sure he behaves HAHA!
Hope to be talking to some of you soon.

[Hokulele]

Hello
I am the better half of Piscivore. I will be hanging around to make sure he behaves HAHA!
Hope to be talking to some of you soon.


Yay!!!!

I can't believe you let him talk you into taking that screen name. :D

[danch]

Hi, I'm Dan, 26, from Singapore.
Currently a student, and... erm... and.. not particularly good with introductions :D
Cheers!

[amb]

Hi, I'm Dan, 26, from Singapore.
Currently a student, and... erm... and.. not particularly good with introductions :D
Cheers!
Don't be shy, come in, have a Mintie, relax and pat the goat, Grayman has some cookies you can try with a coffee.
You're very welcome.
By the way. Have you returned your library books? :p

[Talash]

Hey there fellow JREF Forum members. I guess it's about time I finally post something so I can get rid of that "we notice you haven't posted on our forums" message.

As you can tell from my join date, I'm someone who lurks a lot (for incredibly large values of 'a lot'). I was also reading stuff here for a good 2 years before I made this account, so I've been around a while. Even though I haven't been participating I feel like I've still gotten to know a lot of you, sort of like that one-way 'know you' that you get from listening to a lot of episodes of a podcast (say, Geologic or The SGU). I guess that means I should tell you a little about myself as well.

My first name is Daniel. I've been an Atheist for pretty much my entire life, though I guess for the first 15 years I was in more of a "don't care" state of mind than that of being able to claim a proper opinion on the subject of god(s). At this point I'm comfortable enough with my views to have no problem saying that I am 100% sure that god(s) do not exist, but knowledge of the fallibility of the human mind makes me add the caveat that I can be wrong about anything (if it can be proven to me, of course).

Becoming a skeptic wasn't until a few years after that. Thank you public education for not teaching me about critical thinking! (/sarcasm) I must say it was quite an interesting experience to have a couple of my views get knocked down to expose a much more interesting and beautiful reality. Luckily I never had any strong beliefs regarding anything "woo" though, so it was an easy transition to make. Yay science!

Hopefully I'll participate a little more now that I've posted this. Considering my past record for posting, I think in the beginning my posts will still be few and far between. ;)

/wave

[Strawman]

We must fit what we are led to believe into the context of what we think we know. Those who are unwilling to observe objectively and unable to think for themselves are destined to have their opinions and their reality created by others.

[arthwollipot]

Hello
I am the better half of Piscivore. I will be hanging around to make sure he behaves HAHA!
Hope to be talking to some of you soon.Can you sabotage his chess game for me?

[danch]

By the way. Have you returned your library books? :p

I think I may be wanted by the library :D

[amb]

Danch, believe me, you don't want the library police after you.
They will track you down no matter where you hide.
Just give yourself up. It will be easier on you in court. :D

[arthwollipot]

Welcome all new posters. I'd like to take a moment to remind everyone of the possible consequences of failing to return library books (http://www.smh.com.au/news/unusual-tales/handcuffed-for-failing-to-return-library-books/2008/08/22/1219262469765.html). Please don't let this happen to you.

[leo-rcc]

I'd like to take a moment to remind everyone of the possible consequences of failing to return library books. Please don't let this happen to you.

Serves her right. I wanted to get those books and for months they were not there. Throw away the key I say. :D

All silliness aside, it is a bit overkill, but at some point you do have to draw the line. Handcuffing is a tad too much imho.

[danch]

Gasp!
-Runs off to the library, clutching the overdue books-

[Femke]

Can you sabotage his chess game for me?

You play too? Please, tell me how you sabotage chess games. Yesterday I lost in a Kings Indian, I really would have liked to be able to sabotage my opponent's game...
Is there a chess thread I should know about? :cool:

[Malik7]

Welcome, m1eai!

[c_mullark]

Hello everyone. My name is Chris Mullarkey, I am currently a first year college student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (math and physics), I joined a couple days ago but delayed introducing myself because the past two weeks of getting ready and actually moving into college has been pretty hectic. I've been contributing over at Richarddawkins.net for just over a month now and figured I'd branch out to find some other good forums for skeptics, some brief research brought me here. :D

I look forward to lively discussion with the members here.

[leo-rcc]

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the forum. Just like you I also ventured into both fora but the other way around (JREF first then RDF forum).

Enjoy your stay,
Leo.

[fishwife]

Can you sabotage his chess game for me?


Let's see, I can try to distract him. Nay, that never works:)

[fishwife]

Yay!!!!

I can't believe you let him talk you into taking that screen name. :D

He twisted my arm. :D

[arthwollipot]

You play too? Please, tell me how you sabotage chess games. Yesterday I lost in a Kings Indian, I really would have liked to be able to sabotage my opponent's game...
Is there a chess thread I should know about? :cool:As usual, all of the best stuff is in the community forums. Here's the thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=121331) where I'm playing against Piscivore - I've already had by backside whupped once when I failed to see a fork and lost my knight. We're on the rematch now.

ETA: let me just add that I'm absolutely hopeless and wouldn't know a Kings Indian from checkers. So if you know enough about chess to recognise a Kings Indian, you probably won't get much of a challenge from playing me.

[Evolved Wookie]

I would call myself a long-time lurker, but it’s probably more accurate to call myself a brief, voracious lurker. A number of you have taken on the status of celebrity in my brain and so the notion of actually interacting with you is rather daunting (does Arthwollipot have any signed 8”x10” glossies?). Never mind; I’ll use lots of obscure word structures (for obscure read: wrong) and odd allusion in an attempt to sound intellectual. I have to say hello, though; I thought I was alone (or nearly so) in my convictions and the JREF has provided me with an intellectual haven from the onslaught of woo in the real world. I’m glad you exist and I’m delighted to have found you.

I’m an affirmed, if lazy, sceptic. I read a bachelor’s degree in physics at Durham University (I am English, for what it’s worth; pip-pip, how’s ‘at, tea and crumpets, etc) and have as a result actually performed a double slit photon scattering experiment with my own two hands (there’s almost certainly a proper name for this, but like I said, lazy) and proven under-grad wave-particle duality to myself. The point being that I do understand experimentation and the scientific method. Since university I’ve worked in radio-frequency engineering and I now work in the RF plant of a synchrotron accelerator. I’m not necessarily a good academic, but I do ‘get it’.

All this in the name of explaining the ‘lazy’ thing. I find myself disinclined to spend valuable hours of my life distrusting the scientific establishment in which I have a lot of faith. Yes, I used the word ‘faith’ and I’m sure there’s someone out there who wants to jump all over that, but I don’t care. I don’t mean it that way. I will accept reasonable sounding information from an authority in whatever field…up until it rings my woo-alarm, at which point the proper sceptic steps in.

…I’ve realised that I’m using a lot of words and not saying a great deal…I’ll try to concentrate…

OK…excuse #1. I’ve only recently come to the JREF forums and I am educated neither in philosophy or English. I will, I have no doubt, regularly use inaccurate or even inadvertently made-up language to express ideas, in the discussion of which I remain untrained. Please forgive this; I assure you that I will be learning the error of my ways just as fast as I can. With that in mind…

I am an affirmed mechanistic humanist – There are no ghosts or goblins or gods and the only spirituality (small ‘s’) that means a damn is synthesized by the interaction of so many minds. A phrase that always pops into my head to illustrate this is that I utterly believe in the power of fairies, but I absolutely do not believe in the existence of fairies. Stories in whatever form have great power over humanity to teach, warn, guide or entertain…but that doesn’t make the troll under the bridge real and knowing the difference is vital.

I spend a lot of time with my head in the clouds. My preferred entertainment is fantasy or science fiction. I write a great deal of fiction in various flavours, I like films and computer gaming, role-playing, both table-top and live. I play the guitar to accompany my amateurish singing and make a little cash on the side by doing hand-crafted leatherwork for role-players and re-enactors. I recently completed a kangaroo hat. You don’t need to know that, but the phrase ‘kangaroo hat’ amuses me and should be used whenever possible. I tend to use five words where one will suffice or, if I get lucky, several really long words. I think humour is one of the fines inventions of humanity and should be applied wherever possible, however I can’t say that and maintain the charade of having a sense of humour, so rather I will just comment that the squirrels are evil and plotting to take over the world. I know this, you know this, everyone knows this…they just don’t realise it yet. Admit it; you can feel it in your gut; they’re watching us and soon they will strike. I, for one, welcome our new squirrely overlords.

[amb]

You play too? Please, tell me how you sabotage chess games. Yesterday I lost in a Kings Indian, I really would have liked to be able to sabotage my opponent's game...
Is there a chess thread I should know about? :cool:
First a warm welcome. The best way to sabotage a chess game is to place a sleeping powder in your opponents drink.
:D ;) :p

[Femke]

Let's see, I can try to distract him. Nay, that never works:)

How about a nice cleavage? :eye-poppi

A sleeping powder might arise suspicion.

[Lumpy]

Hello my fellow skeptics. I also want to introduce myself...

My name is Andreas, I'm from Germany and I'm 20 years old.
I discovered this forum some month ago and read several threads and I finally decided to become active. I became a skeptic when I did alternative civilian service in a shelter for mentally handicapped people in order to avoid serving the army. There was much woo-woo around like Homeopathy, Reiki and anthroposophic healing methods(e.g. mistletoe-therapy ... even for cancer) which really formed me as a critical thinker.

In October I will begin studying bioinformatics and genome research.
So you may notice that I'm really interested in Biology.

I also like astronomy because it is always mindblowing to read and hear about our universe. We even have our own "Bad Astronomer" in Germany. He's called Prof. Dr. Harald Lesch and in my opinion he even looks like Phil Plait :) (you can look him up and form your own opinion).
I think that's enough about me for today. I hope I will become a valuable servant to the skeptic movement.

Andy

[SusanB-M1]

It is always so interesting to read these pages and I'd like to add a welcome too.

[Piscivore]

ETA: let me just add that I'm absolutely hopeless and wouldn't know a Kings Indian from checkers.

Me neither. And having looked up "Kings Indian", I have to say it seems to me to be a pretty unusual arrangement, does it happen that often that it needs a name?

I'm getting the idea that there was this chess club one time that, due to meeting in a pub- for very long sessions- sat around one day and made up outrageous names for every single move they made, and these names got spread around by subsequent players who didn't know it was a joke.

"Okay, I'm going to counter your "King's Indian" with a "Flatulent Butcher's Boy"

"Yes, well, that just opens up the board for my "Whinging Toady"

"Ah, but if you try a "Whinging Toady" I'll have no choice but to respond with a "Dutch Treacle"!

How about a nice cleavage? :eye-poppi

Always works for me... :)

Sleeping powder, No. Although we did have turkey and red wine for dinner...

[arthwollipot]

(does Arthwollipot have any signed 8”x10” glossies?).8x10 glossies of what? :confused:

Oh, and Piscivore? You may not think you're any good, but you've just checkmated me twice in a row.

ETA: Mate in three, that is.

[Evolved Wookie]

8x10 glossies of what? :confused:

Whatever you feel most compelled to put your name to ;)

[elianushi]

I have been reading some of your threads about conspiracy theories beacause I have recently seen Zeitgeist, the movie, and became very interesting in its theories. But as i went on reading several posts here, i realized that they were more interesting than the movie itself. so I decided to become a member and partecipate myself in those disscusions. Since I am new in writing on forums (this is the first forum ever that i partecipate), i hope i'll not make many mistakes, expecially on written language since english is not my birth language.:o

[arthwollipot]

Whatever you feel most compelled to put your name to ;)Something like this?

http://www.arthwollipot.com/photography/portfolio/canberra/carillon.jpg

(no, before you ask, it's too big to embed on this thread).

[amb]

How about a nice cleavage? :eye-poppi

A sleeping powder might arise suspicion. The cleavage trick will work every time, only make sure your opponent is not gay. :p

[amb]

I have been reading some of your threads about conspiracy theories beacause I have recently seen Zeitgeist, the movie, and became very interesting in its theories. But as i went on reading several posts here, i realized that they were more interesting than the movie itself. so I decided to become a member and partecipate myself in those disscusions. Since I am new in writing on forums (this is the first forum ever that i partecipate), i hope i'll not make many mistakes, expecially on written language since english is not my birth language.:o
I, on behalf of all members wish you a warm welcome. Don't worry about mistakes. You should see my spelling and murder of the English language.
By the way, have you returned you overdue library books?
I'm also the forums pyschic. Anything you wish to know, just ask. ;) :)

[Evolved Wookie]

Something like this?

*snipped URL*

(no, before you ask, it's too big to embed on this thread).

Hmmm - that has all the classic hallmarks of the lair of an evil overlord; dramatic lighting, spiky bits, a nice long drop from which our hero can hang perilously by his cummabund...

I do a fine line in henching, if you need any help.

[Femke]

The cleavage trick will work every time, only make sure your opponent is not gay. :p

My opponent was female, and not gay, unfortunately. I am a member of a lady's chess club (all beginners, including myself, I only speak chess, PV), and as far as I know none are gay enough to have any use for a cleavage. So I need to read up on theory, I'm afraid.

[amb]

My opponent was female, and not gay, unfortunately. I am a member of a lady's chess club (all beginners, including myself, I only speak chess, PV), and as far as I know none are gay enough to have any use for a cleavage. So I need to read up on theory, I'm afraid.
:)

[Foos84]

Hello everyone.

I'm new around these parts, trying to get a feel for the place. I've been listening to several skeptical podcasts for about a year now, and I thought this would be a fun forum to join.

I'm currently a psychology grad student, interested in social cognition. Assuming I live long enough, this will probably change.

As far as hobbies are concerned, I like to argue on the internet, play guitar, play video games, and read books (not articles).

[Piscivore]

8x10 glossies of what? :confused:

Oh, and Piscivore? You may not think you're any good, but you've just checkmated me twice in a row.

ETA: Mate in three, that is.

See, if I was any good, it would have been mate in three. As it is, this game (like nearly every game I play) is turning into Stalingrad. :)

Wookie, it shows remarkable perspicacity not to request any photos of me. Such insight should serve you well here. Welcome!

[Gord_in_Toronto]

He twisted my arm. :D

Fin? Surely? :D

Welcome aboard.

[wolves_skeptic]

I'm Dave... yes, hello... and I'm a Skeptic.

Feels like AA... where's the 12 step plan? :)

[BrianX]

Hey, I'm Brian. I'm a lot of things, but mostly a first-time poster, long-time listener (of Swift, that is). Not sure why I haven't done much here before.

[Mr. Skinny]

I'm Dave... yes, hello... and I'm a Skeptic.

Feels like AA... where's the 12 step plan? :)
1. Avoid the Politics forum
2. Avoid the 911 Conspiracy Theories forum.
3. Ask CFLarsen for evidence at every opportunity; particularly if it involves armed federal marshal's on aircraft, drumsticks, and stuff regarding alligators.
4. It's Lisa's fault.

Get through these first four steps, and we'll eventually lead you through the other eight steps. But first we need an engram to start you on your way to being "clear".

[wolves_skeptic]

1. Avoid the Politics forum

Check.

2. Avoid the 911 Conspiracy Theories forum.

Oh, I had a glance in there. I see the troofers are spitting out the same lame, debunked theories. Best to ignore them as you will never convince them that they are the brainwashed simpletons they really are. So... check.

3. Ask CFLarsen for evidence at every opportunity; particularly if it involves armed federal marshal's on aircraft, drumsticks, and stuff regarding alligators.

Will do.

4. It's Lisa's fault.

Check.

But first we need an engram to start you on your way to being "clear".

I once hit my thumb with a hammer. Does that count?

[amb]

Check.



Oh, I had a glance in there. I see the troofers are spitting out the same lame, debunked theories. Best to ignore them as you will never convince them that they are the brainwashed simpletons they really are. So... check.



Will do.



Check.



[quote]I once hit my thumb with a hammer. Does that count?
Yes that'll do. Welcome and you are now on your way. :p

[Prometheus]

...and don't forget to drop by grayman's place for a free cookie!

[amb]

...and don't forget to drop by grayman's place for a free cookie!
But if he invites you in. Run like the clappers.

[grayman]

I gotta whole lot of cookies in the basement. Why don't you all come on in and help yourself...:stone028:

[Marty]

I've been lurking for quite a while now and decided to start participating. I became familiar with James Randi when I bought his book "Conjuring". This was right around the same time that I became a member of the Magic Castle in Los Angeles.

Stuff about me:

I've been in the jewelry business for the last 24 years. During that time, I worked for 10 years in a gemological laboratory doing diamond grading, gem identification and research. I've been cutting gemstones for the last 12, doing it professionally for the last 2.

From 1980 to 1995, I saw the Grateful Dead and it's members side bands perform around 170 times.

About the only thing I wouldn't think about putting garlic on is breakfast cereal.

Last year, I moved to a town of 3000 people after living in Los Angeles for 16 years.

I've been with the same woman since 1986. We're testing out the relationship before we do anything rash...like get married.

I can't think of anything else right this minute. There's more if you go to my myspace page. There is a link if you click on the contact tab in my profile.

[Ikarus]

An introduction might be a good idea. That way, if I linger here for too long, I can refer back to this post and see if anything is left of me.

I'll start by stating my name here, it feels like the appropriate thing to do. It is Ikarus here, but it is not my real name. I chose it because I like to fly near to the sun, not because I like to play with molten wax and/or feathers. In the real world, I did not get to choose my name, but it will have to do. I suppose it is like that with a lot of things, some things are given, some things you need to or can choose. We have been given the tools to create interaction between choice and precondition, evaluate it beforehand and after the fact and then appreciate it or not.

And with such an amazing toolkit at our disposal, locked inside the cavity of our skull, I find it exponentially amazing, yes, amazing squared, that many people well into their life have not yet learned to appreciate any of the arts, be it painting, music, dance, architecture, philosophy or what have you, in favor of commercial products such as tv soaps.

What is real and what is just spectacle and conjury. How can people, including myself, be tricked and distracted and how can they be untricked and focussed?

I've been eyeballing this Randi figure for a while. I liked what I've seen of him and his foundation. Also, I've heard and seen that a few of knowledgable people can be found on the forums. And now I thought it was time to register, so I won't have an excuse for not posting if I ever feel the overwhelming need to unlurk. (Also, I wanted to see what and how the thread called "Tiberius' Succession" was, because I was told it was awesome, and it was, indeed, but it was in the members-only community forums.)

And there was Ikarus. And he saw that it was good.
21 years of age
Student of architecture
Dutch

P.S. Actually, you could just read the last 4 lines of the above and you'd know enough, the rest is nuance that is only important for me.
P.P.S. If you thought I should've placed the above line at the top of all my words, then you do not appreciate irony like I do.
P.P.P.S. If you only read these post scriptums, you were lucky and clever, but I am relatively sure that by now, you're wondering, no, aching to know what's actually in the text that I spared you from reading. You know it's true. I'm wondering, would it have helped if you stopped reading after "like I do"?

[Fiona]

^that's my good acquaintance, Ik. It is nice to see you here :)

[enrique]

Hi. I apologize it took me a while to post in the Welcome thread. I felt like the forum had so much to read, that I spent much time just reading and not posting.

Enrique is my name. Born in Paraguay, South America, I evidently speak Spanish. I moved to Texas in 1986 at age 22. I didn't know a word of English (well I knew that "no" is the same in English and Spanish. I believe I learned English in about 9 months, but to this day I struggle with writing and reading comprehension. It's a bit frustrating because I love to read and write. I believe I could express myself better writing in Spanish, but I am really willing to learn here in JREF. If you ask, why? I would say that I just found JREF to be an incredible forum full of people with a great ability to defend what they believe. On the other hand I feel not good enough.

I also am A Protestant Christian, and guess I am a little afraid to discuss religion. Please understand that I just feel intimidated, not very mature.

I am frustrated. I am afraid to post!. Why? Not so sure yet, but a good lady well known around this community just helped a bunch with positive reinforcement. Not that you have to give me what I want, but maybe what I need?

I have my heroes already (and the list grows even larger). Some are Gravy, RMackey, Beachnut, Darat, Chillzero, AZcat, Francesca R, Solus (for a very special reason) and many others. I must also say that I greatly appreciate the brave men and women who stick around, including RedIbis, Dictator Cheney, Homeland Insugency, Sizzler and many others....

Just to be clear, I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I have a good friend who is, and love to have conversations with him about it. We really get along great there, I guess because we never fight about it, but just talk. I am sure that's what I will end up doing well here, although it may take me a while to adjust.

Thanks!

[Prometheus]

Don't be afraid. Have a cookie.

[SusanB-M1]

Ikarus

Welcome. One of my granddaughters is just about to start her University studies in Architecture, so I noticed that is your subject too.

enrique
Welcome. If you hand't mentioned it, I'd never have known you were not so good at English!

[Fiona]

@ enrique A wee word of advice, if you will allow me.....it is much better to be honest here. You are already telling us fibs, because it is perfectly clear from your post that your english is very, very good. All sorts of fancy constructions, and even 4 syllable words :jaw-dropp. I am impressed, and embarrassed to be monoglot. And I am hanging on to my one small shred of self-esteem by pointing out your whopper ;)

A very warm welcome, indeed :D

[Arthur Denton]

I've been eyeballing this Randi figure for a while. I liked what I've seen of him and his foundation. Also, I've heard and seen that a few of knowledgable people can be found on the forums. And now I thought it was time to register, so I won't have an excuse for not posting if I ever feel the overwhelming need to unlurk. (Also, I wanted to see what and how the thread called "Tiberius' Succession" was, because I was told it was awesome, and it was, indeed, but it was in the members-only community forums.)

And there was Ikarus. And he saw that it was good.
21 years of age
Student of architecture
Dutch

P.S. Actually, you could just read the last 4 lines of the above and you'd know enough, the rest is nuance that is only important for me.
P.P.S. If you thought I should've placed the above line at the top of all my words, then you do not appreciate irony like I do.
P.P.P.S. If you only read these post scriptums, you were lucky and clever, but I am relatively sure that by now, you're wondering, no, aching to know what's actually in the text that I spared you from reading. You know it's true. I'm wondering, would it have helped if you stopped reading after "like I do"?

^that's my good acquaintance, Ik. It is nice to see you here :)

Hehe, the gang is getting bigger :D Be welcome, Dutch.

[Asheni]

Hi all,

I've been lurking around these parts for a good few months reading the various threads on all sorts of intriguing subjects. I have to admit there are some things that I'd like to believe in but I have this terrible (or not so terrible depending on your perspective, I suppose) leaning toward skepticism for everything. I also have this habit of arguing both sides of things - not really because I believe in something - but because I enjoy looking at things from all angles.

Anyway, on a more personal note, I'm female (which mightn't be obvious from my username), a mother of 4 girls (and pregnant with my fifth child which seems to be a boy), stepmother to three boys, carer of two gerbils and a suicidal hamster, two deranged cats and partner to a nutcase ;) - not that you really wanted to know any of that.

I think that's it really :D I'm going to go back to reading some more as I don't think I'm quite ready to throw myself into posting in some of the more serious subjects yet!

Thanks for sticking with my waffle this far.. I won't bore you any longer :D

ETA: ohhhhhhh I love the usertitle... New blood... that's so me ;)

[qwints]

Hi,
I just got back from Dragon Con where I met a lot of cool people who talked about this forum. I'm a law student at the University of Texas who has been following the skeptic community for four or five years, though I haven't done much. This last weekend convinced me that there are a lot of things to be done to promote critical thinking.

[drainbread]

Hello!

Not sure where to start so I guess I'll break it into sections...

Who the heck am I:
drainbread or "drain" for short(seems like every other forum I go to, people tend to shorten my SN), I will not reveille my true name unless someone guesses it:p, but to keep it fair I will give a hint: it is widely considered a female name in this day and age, at least in the USA. I am a guy.

Where the heck am I from:
Generally, the USA, slightly more precisely, Kansas.

What the heck are my religious and political beliefs:
I was a Jehovah's witness from the age of 6 'till 15 and an atheist since 16. Politics, I hate politics but I do vote, my linchpin is gun control, as I said before I'm from Kansas so take a wild guess on which side I take on the issue, you can also take a guess on who I voted for and no, I don't care if you hate me for it.

What the heck is my education:
None, I got my GED(98% on everything except the essay) when I was 16 and yes I do regret not staying in school.

Why the heck am I here:
About a week or so ago I was watching some youtube videos and came across the TAM series, can't remember if it was Mr. Randi or Dr. Phil(hehe):duck: who made a call for the skeptic community to reach out to the "NASCAR watching, beer drinking rednecks" that hold skepticism in high regard, I took that to heart so here I am and yes, I'm a true blue(collar) redneck and proud of it.

What the heck are my (entertainment) interests (ie. Movies, music, TV and books):
Movies, just about anything except "stupid" comedies(Jim Carey and the like) but being a guy and a redneck on top of that, action is at the top of my list(go figure) but SciFi is right up there.

Music, just about anything except Pop and 99.99% of rap.

TV, SciFi in general, a few sports but I'm not really into sports that involve balls. I hate "reality" TV, period.

Books, ah books, I have a bad habit of reading books that were adapted to movies, not sure why though, I guess it's out of the need to know if the source material is better(or worse) than the movie. I also have the bad habit of reading an entire series.

[BazBear]

Hi all, I'm basically an underachieving slacker in many ways, though as I grow older I've had to try to achieve less slack.

I think I'm pretty well rounded for a HS graduate, though I also know my limitations. I did serve as a communications tech in the US Army, I've been a "sous chef" (the chef having no credentials to be the chef, but he owned the place, IS from Italy...why argue and bite the hand that feeds you lol), an a apprentice plumber (whoops!), ran a full service gas station, and now a closing manager at a supermarket....

Yes, that is supposed to be underwhelming. I also read a lot, and TRY to use logic as best I can...something I think I've always done but didn't know I was doing it. "Common sense" to me IS logic ( I do understand now my idea of common sense isn't the norm)...and I always listen to what others think about my thinking....always. (edit: I may not AGREE of course)

[amb]

To all newcomers above, welcome. A word of advice. Don't pet the goat, don't take any cookies from Grayman and please return your overdue library books back before they send out the library police after you. :D

[druids brew]

Hi all...I am druid or Tim depending on your mood.I live in denmark but work all over Europe.I am a proffessional singer/songwriter who has been fortunate to have had all the time in the world for chasing and thinking.I am happy to be in the presence of so many thinkers in this world of 1's and 0's

[nateu2]

I'm liking this forum more and more every day. Thanks Randi!


-Nate

[UnrepentantSinner]

Howdy new folks. I'm not really anybody around here so I'll let the cool kids extend you the real welcomes.

[OneDollarWilliam]

Hi, I'm Andrew or ODW (you can copy+paste the long form if you like).

I've been lurking for over two years now, but my experience at Dragon*Con this year has convinced me to speak up.

[Arthur Denton]

I'm liking this forum more and more every day. Thanks Randi!


-Nate

Hi, I'm Andrew or ODW (you can copy+paste the long form if you like).

I've been lurking for over two years now, but my experience at Dragon*Con this year has convinced me to speak up.

Welcome! Have a seat. Avoid conspiracies. Have a tea! And watch out for woo.

[Skepticat]

Hi, Forum folks!

Catherine here, a "recovered Catholic" from Allentown, PA, (yes, like the Billy Joel song). I work in the TV studio of a local cable company and occasionally am exposed to aspects of woo-woo during the course of my job.

I've been reading the Swift newsletters for a few years, but have yet to venture much into the Forum area. I look forward to an interesting exchange of ideas with my fellow skeptics!

[HghrSymmetry]

Welcome all!

[Mr. Skinny]

Howdy new folks. I'm not really anybody around here so I'll let the cool kids extend you the real welcomes.
Yes it's unfortunate that you can't be Forum God like, well, me! I guess that makes me one of the cool kids, so I'd like to extend a hearty welcome to all the recent forumjoineruppers.

I guess Randi must have been a hit at DragonCon since we have a few n00bs that mentioned that they just attended. What exactly is DragonCon? (I'm not cool enough to know that, I guess)

Skinny

[tim]

Hi all,

I've been lurking around these parts for a good few months reading the various threads on all sorts of intriguing subjects. I have to admit there are some things that I'd like to believe in but I have this terrible (or not so terrible depending on your perspective, I suppose) leaning toward skepticism for everything. I also have this habit of arguing both sides of things - not really because I believe in something - but because I enjoy looking at things from all angles.

Anyway, on a more personal note, I'm female (which mightn't be obvious from my username), a mother of 4 girls (and pregnant with my fifth child which seems to be a boy), stepmother to three boys, carer of two gerbils and a suicidal hamster, two deranged cats and partner to a nutcase ;) - not that you really wanted to know any of that.

I think that's it really :D I'm going to go back to reading some more as I don't think I'm quite ready to throw myself into posting in some of the more serious subjects yet!

Thanks for sticking with my waffle this far.. I won't bore you any longer :D

ETA: ohhhhhhh I love the usertitle... New blood... that's so me ;)

Hi Asheni!
Welcome to the forum. You'll find quite a few people here from the UK - I don't recall anyone from Derbyshire, but I could be wrong (I say that a lot, just in case).
Being skeptical is not terrible. As Randi says, all you're saying is "That's interesting. Show me." What's wrong with asking for some evidence when people make claims that seem, well, unlikely? Sounds like common sense to me!

[UnrepentantSinner]

Yes it's unfortunate that you can't be Forum God like, well, me! I guess that makes me one of the cool kids, so I'd like to extend a hearty welcome to all the recent forumjoineruppers.

Who are you and what are you talking about?

I guess Randi must have been a hit at DragonCon since we have a few n00bs that mentioned that they just attended. What exactly is DragonCon? (I'm not cool enough to know that, I guess)

The Skeptic Track at DragonCon was similar to a TAM. You should try attending one sometime - like I have 4 times now.

[OneDollarWilliam]

I guess Randi must have been a hit at DragonCon since we have a few n00bs that mentioned that they just attended. What exactly is DragonCon? (I'm not cool enough to know that, I guess)


Dragon*Con is a very large mixed media convention held in Atlanta, GA every Labor Day Weekend (The weekend before the first Monday in September for any international readers.). The average yearly attendance is around 65,000 people, and it has become a bit of a Mecca for American geeks/nerds (and quite a few international geeks/nerds) This year the convention added a track just for Skeptics (Before it was part of the Science Track), and we were lucky enough to have (deep breath): Randi, Phil, Jeff, Richard Saunders, Pamela Gay, Ben Radford, Michael Shermer, Lori Lipman Brown, Karen Stollznow, Kylie Sturgess, George Hrab, D.J. Grothe, Steve Novella, Bob Novella, Evan Bernstein, SoccerGirl, Derek (who was in charge of the whole thing), Swoopy (who was my boss; next door in the Podcasting track), and probably quite a few more whom I can't remember at the moment.

I highly recommend Dragon*Con to anyone who likes Science, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Books, Movies, Cartoons, Foreign Cartoons, TV, Foreign TV, Robots (both real and imagined), Costuming, Comic Books, Belly Dancing, Podcasting, Burlesque, RPGs, Board Games, Card Games, LARPs, Amateur Pro-Wrestling, Shopping, Woo Woo, the Apocalypse, Video Games (although this year it did conflict with PAX), Music, Comedy, Famous People, Weirdos, Famous Weirdos, and SO! MUCH! MORE!!! Seriously, if you are ok with crowds, and you like any of the things I've listed you have to try it at least once.

[amb]

Hi, Forum folks!

Catherine here, a "recovered Catholic" from Allentown, PA, (yes, like the Billy Joel song). I work in the TV studio of a local cable company and occasionally am exposed to aspects of woo-woo during the course of my job.

I've been reading the Swift newsletters for a few years, but have yet to venture much into the Forum area. I look forward to an interesting exchange of ideas with my fellow skeptics!

What took you so long?

Recovering from Catholicism, or any other religious illness of the mind is far from easy.
Dropping cigarettes is far, far easier. A warm welcome is in oder. :hypnotize

[Faolan]

i didn't really know where else to ask... (haven't drank enough coffee to think straight yet anyhow) ... what's a sticky thread?

[tim]

i didn't really know where else to ask... (haven't drank enough coffee to think straight yet anyhow) ... what's a sticky thread?

OK, if you go to the forum index and click on a topic at the top of the list of threads you'll see three or four that are marked "sicky"
It means they stay on the top of the page without dropping down like the others. They are generally sort of important.

[Faolan]

i knew it would be an obvious answer, i just couldn't wrap my mind around it... thank you for the info :o

[Mr. Skinny]

OK, if you go to the forum index and click on a topic at the top of the list of threads you'll see three or four that are marked "sicky"
It means they stay on the top of the page without dropping down like the others. They are generally sort of important.
Stay away from the "sicky" threads, especially if they are started by Shemp, MarquisDeCarabas, Piscavore, Central Scrutinizer, or the other sickos at this forum. :)

[amb]

Stay away from the "sicky" threads, especially if they are started by Shemp, MarquisDeCarabas, Piscavore, Central Scrutinizer, or the other sickos at this forum. :)

Agreed. Also watch out for a Grayman offering cookies, and an Arthwolipot offering his goat for patting.

Welcome everyone, here, have a Mintie. :D

[skepticality]

Oh yes, he was a huge hit at Dragon*Con. I am still getting daily reports from the people at Dragon*Con HQ about the amount of feedback they have received about Randi being there. People LOVED him being there, and he seemed to have a good time himself. He was so chipper on the last day I started to get a tad bit worried that he was feeling so chipper that he'd hurt himself. He started to not even use the stairs to get up on the stage and just hipped up there himself all spry and young-like. I didn't want it to be the event where Randi hurt himself! But, he was happy and enjoying himself, I even caught him randomly wandering the con with his camera and talking to people and such, it was great to see. :)

I guess Randi must have been a hit at DragonCon since we have a few n00bs that mentioned that they just attended. What exactly is DragonCon? (I'm not cool enough to know that, I guess)

Skinny

[grayman]

Agreed. Also watch out for a Grayman offering cookies, and an Arthwolipot offering his goat for patting.

But if Arthwolipot's goat offers you one of my cookies, expect to be a sensation on youtube. :stone028: :goat

Fair warning.

[alysten]

Ok... time to make the "Hi Im a newbie" introduction post. The basics: logical, rational, intellectual, 30 something, F, Druid.

Yup, there... said it, druid. Druid in the traditional practices of justice, leadership, keeper of records, and marker of the passages of time. Not the psuedo-Druid, Stonehenge claiming, tree hugging, deity worshiping, spell casting type... too fluffy bunny. Fluffy bunnies are best eaten... preferably in stews and BBQ.

[santa60]

Hi everyone.

Been looking around for a while and i have got to say, i love this place.

Now i just need to figure out if i can get to TAM7.

[hcmom]

Every new member should be required to voice their opinion in this thread: http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=7572

[arthwollipot]

Dropping cigarettes is far, far easier.It worked for me... :rolleyes:

And who's got my goat? She's gone missing again.

[Prometheus]

....And who's got my goat? She's gone missing again.

....*burp*
:con2:

[amb]

....*burp*
:con2:

Double burp.
:drool:

[arthwollipot]

Ah, there she is. You guys must have eaten a different goat.

[Prometheus]

Welcome noobies! Grab a cookie and sign up for a goat-herding lesson.

[amb]

Ah, there she is. You guys must have eaten a different goat.

She? Your goat is a she? Why aren't I surprised.
That figures.
:p

[Prometheus]

She? Your goat is a she? Why aren't I surprised.
That figures.
:p

Her name is Sylvia.

[alysten]

Wait a minute. I though the new kids were suppose to stay away from the cookies and the goats...

[kylaBC]

Hi folks.
I'm Kyla, I'm 17, and I attended TAM6 with my mom and loved it. She's on here (Kittyclaws) and encouraged me to join.
I've always been skeptical of religion, but it was only a few years ago that I really started to see the harm in all the woo around. Going to TAM served only to solidify the skeptic in me.
I look forward to talking with you all!

[arthwollipot]

Wait a minute. I though the new kids were suppose to stay away from the cookies and the goats...A precautionary measure only. If you really want one of the G-man's cookies, then far be it from us to try and stop you. But you should at least be aware that it is not recommended.

As for the goat - well, she's wandered off again. I last saw her heading in Prometheus' direction. If you see here, could you please send her in the direction that seems most appropriate? Thanks.

[siminganon]

Hi all... I'm Melissa, from Atlanta. I'm more of a lurker than a talker but registered anyway. ;)

[Prometheus]

A precautionary measure only. If you really want one of the G-man's cookies, then far be it from us to try and stop you. But you should at least be aware that it is not recommended.

arthwollipot is such a worrier. Have a cookie; they're fine--really. Nothing strange about those cookies at all. :rolleyes:

As for the goat - well, she's wandered off again. I last saw her heading in Prometheus' direction. If you see here, could you please send her in the direction that seems most appropriate? Thanks.

:con2:

[grayman]

Want a cookie? They're goatmeal raisin. :stone028:

[amb]

Wait a minute. I though the new kids were suppose to stay away from the cookies and the goats...
Very true. But there's nothing stopping them from trying a Mintie.
Why, even the BA has tried them with no ill effects.:D

Hi all... I'm Melissa, from Atlanta. I'm more of a lurker than a talker but registered anyway. ;)
Good for you. A hearty welcome, and here, have a Mintie, much safer than G-mans cookies. :p

[stonequarry]

Hi
StoneQuarry
M - 39 from PA
Atheist and skeptic through and through

[Lothian]

Hi Asheni!
Welcome to the forum. You'll find quite a few people here from the UK - I don't recall anyone from Derbyshire, but I could be wrong (I say that a lot, just in case).Tim & Asheni meet The Shank (http://forums.randi.org/member.php?u=10943). Shank meet Asheni and Tim.

[tnerb]

Hello.

I am new here just call me tnerb (my name spelt backwards). I didn't know where to post a thought provoking thread about psychic communication (one which is not woo but instead debate about the topic).

I really have no idea. I am glad to be here I may vist from time to time.

I consider myself to have experienced psychic experiences and even have discussed it before on other forums without much reason to change my beliefs; although I admit I have not fully discussed the issue I still have not heard much from what I have said that "changes my mind" would be the wrong word so "influences incorrect meathod" or something.

I consider psychic experiences and things as an importance which is not completely satisfied yet. There are a lot of psychics of past of which I have heard of that have also similar to me said some realistic and passionate things about the issue while retaining a position on reality which is satisfied with everyone else. Sometimes people just don't know or don't care what to attack :eye-poppi

[Arthur Denton]

Hello.

I am new here just call me tnerb (my name spelt backwards). I didn't know where to post a thought provoking thread about psychic communication (one which is not woo but instead debate about the topic).

I really have no idea. I am glad to be here I may vist from time to time.

I consider myself to have experienced psychic experiences and even have discussed it before on other forums without much reason to change my beliefs; although I admit I have not fully discussed the issue I still have not heard much from what I have said that "changes my mind" would be the wrong word so "influences incorrect meathod" or something.

I consider psychic experiences and things as an importance which is not completely satisfied yet. There are a lot of psychics of past of which I have heard of that have also similar to me said some realistic and passionate things about the issue while retaining a position on reality which is satisfied with everyone else. Sometimes people just don't know or don't care what to attack :eye-poppi

You should look into the forum index! General Skepticism and Paranormal seems to be your place to post. Welcome, and good luck!

[starchild]

Hi everyone! I'm Elaine, I'm 26 and I'm from Ireland. I've been reading the threads here for a while and the posts are (mostly!!) intelligent and interesting.
Am more of a lurker, but I'll hopefully get to chime in sometime-if I'm brave enough!:blush:

[Roadtoad]

Hi everyone! I'm Elaine, I'm 26 and I'm from Ireland. I've been reading the threads here for a while and the posts are (mostly!!) intelligent and interesting.
Am more of a lurker, but I'll hopefully get to chime in sometime-if I'm brave enough!:blush:

Welcome, Elaine.

A 48 y.o. Enya fan here.

Watch out for anyone offering cookies, or a chance to pet their goat.

[The Drain]

Hi Elaine and welcome... actually I mean to say "Flee, Flee" while you still can, the goat's coming


But if you stay - and even get to the dizzying heights of 15 posts - then you too can have bananas drinking what looks like Beamish :Banane35:


Ignore the goat - please stay!

[amb]

Hi everyone! I'm Elaine, I'm 26 and I'm from Ireland. I've been reading the threads here for a while and the posts are (mostly!!) intelligent and interesting.
Am more of a lurker, but I'll hopefully get to chime in sometime-if I'm brave enough!:blush:

Ah, the memories. My first ever girlfriend was named Elaine and hailed from Ireland as well. I wonder who's wife she is now.
That was 45 years ago but can still picture her pretty face now.
Yes, I know, I'm an old fool. But a very warm welcome is in order. Hope you hang around, and please accept a Mintie.
If anyone offers you a cookie, have it analysed before you eat it. :):o

[Seanrmr]

Hi people,
I've been lurking around for a while and thought that I might try posting finally seeing as I have something I can at least partly know about. I'm studying electrical engineering down in Australia. Please try to look over my bad grammar and spelling(thank mozilla for built in spell check or it would be much worse).
Hope to learn more about things
Sean

[arthwollipot]

Hi Seanrmr, fellow Aussie. There's an entire thread for us in Community - drop in some time. And be careful of that ambnp bloke - he seems to have an unhealthy fascination with cookies.

[amb]

Not to mention persons who for the moment shall remain nameless who have a fascination for goats. :D

[arthwollipot]

Hey, it's the goat that's fascinated with me, not the other way around!

[amb]

Goats are fascinated by anything that looks like food. I'd use a restroom next time you have to relieve yourself if I were you. :D

In case you newbies think we are crazy, this is all in jest, and welcome to the nut house.

[Prometheus]

:welcome2:

[JPL]

Just thought I'd say hello. i;ve been lurking for a month now, so I might as well introduce myself. My main connection to the forum is my brother RSLancaster (of I adore Sylvia Browne fame). I joined to say thanks for all the support many of you are providing.

You'll find me lurking in the General Scepticism and the Paranormal forum for the entertainment and in the Science & Math forum in hopes of learning something.

Being a little less sceptical than my brother, I'd like to make the following psychic predictions:1) When my brother recovers from his stroke his name will still start with the letter "R"; 2) He and Sylvia Browne will still not be bossom buddies; 3) He will only be slightly embarrassed that I'm now on this site.

[tim]

JPL, may I be the first to welcome you here.
Your brother Robert is all the very best that makes the skeptic movement what it is. He is dedicated, he is intelligent and his reasoning skills are second to none. Combined with all that he is unfailingly polite with everyone - even Sylvia. He is also one on the most decent human beings I've ever had the honour to meet.
You do not have to be an athiest or rabid agnostic to be here, despite that rather common impression, as Susan will testify. We even let her bless us from time to time.................. :D
You are very welcome on this forum and we look forward to your participation. If I can help in any way, or if you have any queries, please feel free to PM me.
Good luck!

[amb]

Just thought I'd say hello. i;ve been lurking for a month now, so I might as well introduce myself. My main connection to the forum is my brother RSLancaster (of I adore Sylvia Browne fame). I joined to say thanks for all the support many of you are providing.

You'll find me lurking in the General Scepticism and the Paranormal forum for the entertainment and in the Science & Math forum in hopes of learning something.

Being a little less sceptical than my brother, I'd like to make the following psychic predictions:1) When my brother recovers from his stroke his name will still start with the letter "R"; 2) He and Sylvia Browne will still not be bossom buddies; 3) He will only be slightly embarrassed that I'm now on this site.
What a great acquisition. A very, very warm welcome. I'm sure I speak for every member of this forum in saying that.
Wish your brother a speedy recovery. Wish Sylvia was in his place instead of him. Life can be very cruel and unfair, we have to live by these random events that occur in this world.
All the best...........Angelo.

[Donna Gore]

Hello,

My name is Donna Gore. I have been a skeptic and free thinker for many years, and heard about JREF from Penn and Teller. I've been checking in with your site off and on for several years but never signed up. I especially enjoyed reading the stories of the people who tried to claim the prize.

Anyway, I always had this image in my mind of Randi as stern and gruff because of the way he relentlessly pursues the psychic quacks. And then I had the pleasure to meet him this month at DragonCon and boy was I wrong!! What a dear, sweet man, and so much FUN to hang around with at the Skeptic Track. (PS I think the appointment of Phil Plait was a very good choice.)

Randi inspired me so much that I wrote this little tribute to him. It should be sung to the tune of Barry Manilow's song "Mandy."

Oh Randi,
I remember faith healers,
And other money stealers.
Shadows of a man,
A face through a window spyin in the night,
The night goes into
Morning just another day;
Zombie people pass my way.
Looking in their eyes,
I see that they’ve been hypnotized.
By scam artists who prey.

Oh Randi, well,
You came and you exposed the faking,
And the cheating ways.
Oh, Randi, well,
Dissed them and stopped them from taking,
And we need you today. oh, Randi !

He's giving all the psychics flack;
Exposing each and every quack
Caught up in a world of magic blinding,
Filling in the cracks
And secrets he's finding.

Oh Randi, well,
You came and you exposed the faking,
And the cheating ways.
Oh, Randi, well,
Dissed them and stopped them from taking,
And we need you today, oh Randi!

[Roadtoad]

Hello,

My name is Donna Gore. I have been a skeptic and free thinker for many years, and heard about JREF from Penn and Teller. I've been checking in with your site off and on for several years but never signed up. I especially enjoyed reading the stories of the people who tried to claim the prize.

Anyway, I always had this image in my mind of Randi as stern and gruff because of the way he relentlessly pursues the psychic quacks. And then I had the pleasure to meet him this month at DragonCon and boy was I wrong!! What a dear, sweet man, and so much FUN to hang around with at the Skeptic Track. (PS I think the appointment of Phil Plait was a very good choice.)

Randi inspired me so much that I wrote this little tribute to him. It should be sung to the tune of Barry Manilow's song "Mandy."

Oh Randi,
I remember faith healers,
And other money stealers.
Shadows of a man,
A face through a window spyin in the night,
The night goes into
Morning just another day;
Zombie people pass my way.
Looking in their eyes,
I see that they’ve been hypnotized.
By scam artists who prey.

Oh Randi, well,
You came and you exposed the faking,
And the cheating ways.
Oh, Randi, well,
Dissed them and stopped them from taking,
And we need you today. oh, Randi !

He's giving all the psychics flack;
Exposing each and every quack
Caught up in a world of magic blinding,
Filling in the cracks
And secrets he's finding.

Oh Randi, well,
You came and you exposed the faking,
And the cheating ways.
Oh, Randi, well,
Dissed them and stopped them from taking,
And we need you today, oh Randi!

Oh. My. God.

Welcome, Donna. For some warped reason, I think you'll fit right in.

[amb]

Welcome Donna. Not sure there is a poetry thread here. You can always start one up though after you get a few posts under your belt.

[skepticality]

Donna!

Glad you made it here. :)

I saw your pictures with Randi from Dragon*Con, they were great. Man, I saw SO many pictures from inside my track room that were taken while the events were going on, but I was so busy I didn't even know half of what was going on!

Pictures have been a great way to see some of the 'other' stuff people have done while they were there and having fun.

In a couple more weeks I am going to finally start to encode down the hours, and hours of video we shot to edit it down to a nice 'memory' DVD that people can grab from the skeptrack site. I am sure I'll get to see some more memories there as well. :)

[chris980]

Hello everyone! I am Chris, I am 24 years old. I am currently employed as a dealer in a southern California casino. As a member of the casino industry I see a lot of strange beliefs and woo. In order to try to curb these silly beliefs I started researching scientific and mathematical evidence against these things which lead me here. I am a big fan of James Randi and I really appreciate his work in investigating the paranormal.

I hope to learn some interesting things on this forum and hope that it helps me become a better rational thinker.

Take care! =]

[Hokulele]

Welcome chris980. I would imagine that a So Cal casino is a great place for woo spotting! :)

[amb]

Hello everyone! I am Chris, I am 24 years old. I am currently employed as a dealer in a southern California casino. As a member of the casino industry I see a lot of strange beliefs and woo. In order to try to curb these silly beliefs I started researching scientific and mathematical evidence against these things which lead me here. I am a big fan of James Randi and I really appreciate his work in investigating the paranormal.

I hope to learn some interesting things on this forum and hope that it helps me become a better rational thinker.

Take care! =] I bet you have seen your fare share of rabbit foots, ect. hey? Welcome. :p

Welcome chris980. I would imagine that a So Cal casino is a great place for woo spotting! :)
And a great place to admire the female form. :D

[chris980]

Haha yes indeed I have seen rabbits feet, Clovers, Magic beer bottles, lucky wonder bras. and more! =] Too bad they don't work when the odds catch up.
As for the female form.... lets just say I have seen my fair share of interesting things done by women... (and more disturbingly by men)

[arthwollipot]

And a great place to admire the female form. :DAren't you a little old for that sort of thing, ambnp?

Welcome Chris and welcome Donna. That was a fantastic first post. Roadtoad is absolutely correct - you'll fit right in.

Please say hi to the goat if you see her.

[Prometheus]

I found a four-leaf clover once. The time I spent picking it and carefully wrapping it in plastic to preserve it caused me to miss my train. I don't know about rabbits' feet. I assume the rabbits feet. Oatmeal cookies can work wonders, however. Why not pop over to grayman's basement for your complimentary demo?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Welcome all new members!



Please, do not talk to the gnomes, they are weird and contagious.



:gnome:

[amb]

Aren't you a little old for that sort of thing, ambnp?

Jeezus H Christ. What am I supposed to do because I just turned sixty, spoon my eyes out? I'm at the stage where I can really study and enjoy the female form in all its glory. Nature, I salute you! :p

Sixty is the new 40 you know, plus I'm what's regarded as a sex addict, if such a thing exists, and age has only made me enjoy and take my time making love to a woman not rush things like I did in my teens to 40s.:D

But this is a welcome site, not a biography thread which someone ought to start.

Welcome all new members and don't forget to pay a little respect to the forum goat. :)

[Red3]

This is my first post, so "hi everyone"...

I've come to this forum by way of a sort of anti-recommendation! I have made some posts on a well known conspiracy site and noticed quite a few people on there seem to have a major problem with this site. So since I've grown quite rightly skeptical about a hell of a lot of stuff on the "other" site, here I am.

I will admit to getting carried away with some of the theories bandied about on the internet because l don't have the know how to assess the information presented in a critical manner. I realised that that's how most people get sucked in; because they don't know enough about a given subject to prove the CTist wrong. Which they quite often are. Most of the theories only grow in the holes of knowledge.

So anyway, you have a convert!

P.S. My growing appreciation of Richard Dawkins doesn't go down to well either.

[chris980]

I found a four-leaf clover once. The time I spent picking it and carefully wrapping it in plastic to preserve it caused me to miss my train. I don't know about rabbits' feet. I assume the rabbits feet. Oatmeal cookies can work wonders, however. Why not pop over to grayman's basement for your complimentary demo?

I need no demo of good luck charms... lol I have already seen the ineffectiveness of such devices

[amb]

I need no demo of good luck charms... lol I have already seen the ineffectiveness of such devices

Try attending a party with a stunning blonde as your date.
Your luck is guaranteed to change for the better. Your drink will never run out, men will fall over themselves to meet you. By the end of the night you'll have at least a dozen new friends. ;):p

[Roadtoad]

Try attending a party with a stunning blonde as your date.
Your luck is guaranteed to change for the better. Your drink will never run out, men will fall over themselves to meet you. By the end of the night you'll have at least a dozen new friends. ;):p

Sorry, I prefer redheads. :p

[stonequarry]

Hi all:
StoneQuarry here.
I am a psychic and ghost-hunter as well as a friend of aliens who have abducted me several times.

J/K
I am a skeptic and atheist from central PA, USA.
I found this site thanks to a mention on the SGU (I am quite active there under the same name).

I am 39, married with 4 children and one grandchild.
I have been a computer and network specialist for the last 12 years.
I hate my job but it pays the bills.

I grew up being a woo-er but a few years ago I read some books and spoke to some skeptical friends who had just way too much compelling evidence for the agnostic side.

Hope to make you all laugh at least once - it is my goal in life.
:)

[eirik]

Hi there:) I'm finishing up my master of law as we speak, and i've always been interested in paranormal since I was a kid. I learned early that this is a playground for conjurers, and consider myself a skeptic(or everyone around me does:)) Hope to have many interesting discussions here, as i've been following this forum and the work of jref and randi for about two years now. See you around:)

[JEROME DA GNOME]

:welcome3

[amb]

Sorry, I prefer redheads. :p

Gentlmen prefer blondes. Sorry about that. but that's the way the cookie crumbles, which reminds me.
Have all you new members tried Grayman's cookies yet?
He's waiting for you in his parlour with a fresh batch :p

[Roadtoad]

no! Do not eat the cookies!!!

[Aiden]

Since I must make my first post somewhere, I might as well do it here and introduce myself to the community.

What mainly brings me to this forum is that living in southeast Virginia, I’m accosted on a regular basis with pseudoscience and religious nuts; some of the highlights include Pat Robertson and his Christian Coalition (Virginia Beach), Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E. - also in Virginia Beach), and PETA (Norfolk), all based in this area. With all of that and the regular annoyance of having to deal with believers in alternative medicines, creationism, and other nonsense, I’ve come here to hone my skeptical knowledge/skills.

With that, hello everyone!

[Prometheus]

no! Do not eat the cookies!!!

Ouch. Please ask if there's anyone here with a hangover before you do that.... ;)

[mcb77]

Hi peeps, im Bob im from Scotland and have lurked on here for a while now and finally decided to join in. I am skeptical about alot of different things (mainly conspiracy theories) but anyhoo, i just thought i'd make my first post and say hi to all

[Prometheus]

Welcome Bob! Enjoy!

[Skeptic_Al]

Hi everyone,

I'm Campbell, 34 (although feels like some days I'm going on 80) from Scotland, now relocated to Liverpool, England. I had some pretty woo beliefs in my late teens/early 20's but I like to think I'm no longer succumbing to the power of the dark side. Nowadays I define myself as an atheist elitist with delusions of cheerfulness.

As Lurcio would say: Saluté! (V)

[wizzard_of_aus]

Hi All,

I finally joined the forums after listening to skeptoid since episode 10. I live in Australia, I'm a High School Science Teacher, and I am working incorporating a unit of sceptical study into all levels of junior science.

I joined for a different reason - I need some help. A close friend doing some research (writing a psychological paper on Dissociative Identity Disorder) came across an author: Colin A. Ross (MD) - whose research includes a lot of concepts that automatically set my sceptical senses into overdrive. His primary thesis surrounds the MKULTRA (CIA/ government mind control conspiracy) type of material and the creation of multiple personalities. Two sources I have viewed include Project Bluebird (sorry I can't include the URL as the forum software doesn't trust me yet - Google Colin A. Ross and Bluebird) and an article published in Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry (Volume 9, Number 1, 2007) - The Ethics of CIA and Military Contracting by Psychiatrists and Psychologists. He also has a website at The Ross Institute (no URL but google Colin A. Ross to find it). I have used some of the basic conspiracy theory resources/ cult groups analyses online, and have found nothing. I have checked with quackwatch and not found anything - perhaps this means he is legit, but I still remain uncertain - can anyone help to confirm if this guy is real and not a crank? It just seems his topics fall into so many dubious keywords that trigger my skeptical reflexes, even though I can find no references online to suggest that he is less reasonable than he seems.

Help Please!

(cross posted to Medicine forum)

[laarree]

Welcome, Wizzard! I just looked at the Wikipedia page on Colin Ross http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_A._Ross and he looks pretty cranky. If this page is accurate, then he has worked as a therapist with people who have wound up recovering satanic ritual abuse "memories" and who have been revealed to have multiple personality disorder induced by CIA experimentation, and subsequently was sued for such things. Even more tellingly perhaps was this paragraph: "In 2008, Dr. Ross applied for the James Randi Educational Foundation's One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge with the claim that he can shoot beams of energy out of his eyeballs and cause a speaker, receiving no other input, to sound a tone. During later correspondence with Dr. Steven Novella of The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, he conceded that the equipment he was using was, in fact, a biofeedback machine attached to his laptop, and that the laptop was responding in a well-understood way to an eyeblink. However, he claimed that he could still send energy beams out of his eyes, and was working on modifying the software to ignore an eyeblink." Even the goats are chuckling about this. ;-)

[Prometheus]

Welcome, Wizzard! I just looked at the Wikipedia page on Colin Ross http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_A._Ross and he looks pretty cranky. If this page is accurate, then he has worked as a therapist with people who have wound up recovering satanic ritual abuse "memories" and who have been revealed to have multiple personality disorder induced by CIA experimentation, and subsequently was sued for such things. Even more tellingly perhaps was this paragraph: "In 2008, Dr. Ross applied for the James Randi Educational Foundation's One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge with the claim that he can shoot beams of energy out of his eyeballs and cause a speaker, receiving no other input, to sound a tone. During later correspondence with Dr. Steven Novella of The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, he conceded that the equipment he was using was, in fact, a biofeedback machine attached to his laptop, and that the laptop was responding in a well-understood way to an eyeblink. However, he claimed that he could still send energy beams out of his eyes, and was working on modifying the software to ignore an eyeblink." Even the goats are chuckling about this. ;-)

*giggle*

From the wiki article's bibliography:

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/08/colin_ross_has_an_eyebeam_of_e.php

[laarree]

*giggle*

From the wiki article's bibliography:

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2008/08/colin_ross_has_an_eyebeam_of_e.php

Not just the goats, but Prometheus too is chuckling about all this. :D

[amb]

Not just the goats, but Prometheus too is chuckling about all this. :D

Artholipot also sends out beams from his eyes. It's on his avatar. :p

[laarree]

Artholipot also sends out beams from his eyes. It's on his avatar. :p

So is arthwollipot a Colin Ross wannabe or is Colin Ross an arthwollipot wannabe?

[amb]

So is arthwollipot a Colin Ross wannabe or is Colin Ross an arthwollipot wannabe?

The latter. :p

[Ian]

Hello,

I am a new member to this forum. I am a graduate student in history in Florida, with a particular interest in the history of science. I am working on my thesis on the history of the development of nuclear weapons, and I am especially interested in the history of women scientists. I am concerned about bad science and the popularization of bad science. I would like to collaborate with anyone who is interested in these topics. I would also like to figure out how to not begin a sentence with "I".

Ian

[arthwollipot]

All eyebeamers are merely wannabes for the Lazer-Eyes of DOOOM!!!

ETA: and by the way, they talked about this guy on the Skeptics Guide to the Universe a few episodes ago. He's actually wearing an EEG.

[YoPopa]

I would also like to figure out how to not begin a sentence with "I".

Ian

Welcome Ian

Your problem may be that you are being too formal. As a gensomethingorother you should begin all sentences with "i" .

Such as "i wud like some cookies"

[Roadtoad]

Colin Ross has nothing on Colin Archer.

And, welcome.

[Ian]

Well, some cookies would be nice.

[arthwollipot]

NO!!! Not the oatmeal cookies! You don't know what you're asking!

[tim]

Well, some cookies would be nice.


The forum wombat takes Ian aside for a quiet chat............................





































DON'T EAT THE COOKIES!
:eek::eek::eek:

[Modesty78]

Good morning - in Denmark it's morning right now - I am new to this forum, but have lurked about all this weekend, to much annoyance of my poor boyfriend.

The reason I am here is that I for well over a year have followed Robert Lancasters site on Sylvia Browne. I was starting to wonder what had happened, and finally did a google-search.

Here in Denmark, one of our minor tv-shows have been showing Montel, I don't think it's on any longer, and courious by nature, I had to see if I could find someone who debunked her, lo and behold I found an entire site devoted to her.

On me: I am 30 years old, Danish and Irish, female, studying to be a librarian.

I hope to learn from this board - incidentally, if I have questions regarding words - where do i put them?

[arthwollipot]

On me: I am 30 years old, Danish and Irish, female, studying to be a librarian.

I hope to learn from this board - incidentally, if I have questions regarding words - where do i put them?Welcome. Every board needs more Danish-Irish librarians. :)

If you need help with your English, just post in whatever thread you're reading at the time. I'm sure someone will step up and help you out.

You need to be careful of the goat though. If you see her, just send her on her way.

[Modesty78]

Welcome. Every board needs more Danish-Irish librarians. :)

If you need help with your English, just post in whatever thread you're reading at the time. I'm sure someone will step up and help you out.

You need to be careful of the goat though. If you see her, just send her on her way.

Right now, I'm mainly finding the word woo confusing. I mean, I know it means frauds like Sylvia, but I'd like to know the background for the word. To me it sounds like some sort of phonetic joke, but as I am not very well versed in american slang, it could be practically anything.

The goat? What would my mum be doing here?

My mother owns goats, and at times refers to herself as the head-goat. This is somewhat disturbing.

[Hokulele]

Welcome Modesty78!

Latest definition(s) of woo can be found here.

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=122863

Ask grayman about the goats.

[Modesty78]

Welcome Modesty78!

Latest definition(s) of woo can be found here.

URL removed, as I cannot post answer with it in the quote.

Ask grayman about the goats.
Quite a few to chose from. Thank you.

[amb]

Welcome Ian

Your problem may be that you are being too formal. As a gensomethingorother you should begin all sentences with "i" .

Such as "i wud like some cookies"

Or, ''I'' would like to pet the goat. Or, ''I'' wouldn't mind a Mintie.
There's 1001 ways to start a sentence with ''I''.
A very warm welcome to you anyway. ;)

[Darkhole]

Not just the goats, but Prometheus too is chuckling about all this. :D

Isn't he just one of them? :rolleyes:


Welcome all new members, especially Red3 and Stonequarry ( is that NSW) because they are converts.;)

[arthwollipot]

My mother owns goats, and at times refers to herself as the head-goat. This is somewhat disturbing.That is more disturbing than you realise, for reasons that are unlikely to become clear in public discourse.

[Donna Gore]

Howdy everyone,

I am not familiar with Dr. Ross. However, I do know something about Multiple Personality Disorder "MPD." There is still huge debate over whether it is a genuine disorder or a therapist induced affectation.

A good book for those who are skeptical of the psychology profession is "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" Edited by Doctors Scott Lilienfeld, Steven Jay Lynn, and Jeffrey M Lohr.

Also on the topic of repressed memories, Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is the foremost scientist (and I stress the word SCIENTIST) in this area. I read her book "The Myth of Repressed Memory" several years ago and it was absolutely fascinating. I couldn't put it down.

I haven't kept up with all this in a few years, so there is probably a lot of new info and research out there. I'd be interested in hearing about anything any of you come across on the field of psychology.

[Modesty78]

That is more disturbing than you realise, for reasons that are unlikely to become clear in public discourse.

I know :o

[AngelicAtheist333]

Hiya!! :D

My name is Christina. I'm 17, I like critical thinking and challenging authority whenever I can give a good/decent argument. n____________n

Whatsup, peoplez? :D

[AngelicAtheist333]

My mother owns goats, and at times refers to herself as the head-goat. This is somewhat disturbing.[/SPOILER]

I don't get it. :eye-poppi :eye-poppi

[tim]

My mother owns goats, and at times refers to herself as the head-goat. This is somewhat disturbing.[/SPOILER]

I don't get it. :eye-poppi :eye-poppi

Don't worry about it. It's a forum joke. Welcome. You'll find plenty of people to argue with here! :D

[arthwollipot]

A joke!?? A JOKE??! We'll see who's joking when the goat finds you!

Ahem. Sorry about that, AA333. Welcome to the forums. Have you returned your library books? What's your opinion of budgies? Have a corn dog.

[AngelicAtheist333]

A joke!?? A JOKE??! We'll see who's joking when the goat finds you!

Ahem. Sorry about that, AA333. Welcome to the forums. Have you returned your library books? What's your opinion of budgies? Have a corn dog.

'budgies'? I'm sorry I don't know what that is. It wasn't until a few months ago I even knew what 'trolling' is. XD

Thank you all for the warm welcome.(and the corn dog :3)

I don't need to check out library books usually. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I usually only check out fairytale books form the library. Any research I do that is for school I do AT the library. XD I know it's horrible. n______n

I'm recently reading Robert Solomon's Introduction to Philosophy. I hate it. It's not that it's difficult to comprehend. It's that the pre-philosophers are kinda..... medievil. I'm sure they were considered geniuses for their time. But there are a lot of flaws in their beliefs. And I, for one, do not want to believe something someone says simply because they were once viewed as highly intelligent. Keep in mind though, I'm only on the page 233. XD I have a long way to go before I start to enjoy and fully comprehend the book. Not only that, but my opinion isn't even relavent until I finish reading the book. And even then. My opinion is flawed. XD

So my opinion=nothing. XD It stays as just an opinion. I know I just wasted thread space. But I wanted to say it. And it's a welcome thread/forum. So I figured it would be safer to post that here than anywhere else. ^-^

[tim]

Angelica, all you need to remember is one short sentence - "That's interesting. Now show me some evidence, please."

[arthwollipot]

'budgies'? I'm sorry I don't know what that is. It wasn't until a few months ago I even knew what 'trolling' is. XD:D

I only ask because LibraryLady is not here. These are the questions she normally asks new starters.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen LibraryLady about much at all recently. :confused:

[kid-charlemagne]

ok, i'm actually 32 years old but i'm in pretty good nick.
i'm a dancer from ireland (not an irish dancer) and i'm unused to expressing myself by writing down stuff what i'm thinking, but i'll try my bestest.

[The Drain]

The Irish contingent grows stronger by the day!

Welcome, Kid-C, it's good to have you on board.

Any day now we can launch our surprise attack on the Australians. Until then, watch out for the goat (it reports back to them) and don't accept any oatmeal cookies.

Here, have a slice of hot buttered barm-brack...

[tim]

ok, i'm actually 32 years old but i'm in pretty good nick.
i'm a dancer from ireland (not an irish dancer) and i'm unused to expressing myself by writing down stuff what i'm thinking, but i'll try my bestest.


Welcome!

[skbuncks]

Hello to you all

I have to say I owe it to woo in my finding this site in the first place. It all started with a passing comment from a mate dating back to earlier in the year. Basically we had had a couple of minor earthquakes here in the uk which a couple of alarmists had attributed to global warming. This intrigued me because I couldn't quite fathom how anyone could make a connection between plate tectonics and climate change. Five minutes on google led me to The Skeptics Guide to the Universe (an american skeptics site for those of you not in the know) where this premise firmly debunked. More intriguing was the wealth of knowledge on other subjects. Anyway from there I found my way to UkSkeptics, JREF and the Dawkins site. Arrgghhhh, so much to read, so much to learn.

I have spent the last couple of months as a professional lurker reading various threads, mainly on religion and paranormal 'abilities'.

Outside of christenings, weddings and funerals I have had no exposure to organised religion, consequently I have never been indoctrinated into any system of belief, thank god (roll eyes smile, dam forum platform wont let me post smilies, just lost half this post as a consequence, arrggghhh (bangs head against screen)). Still, I find the mindset of believers, creationists and the like, very fascinating. I find it hard to comprehend how anyone can believe in anything by blind faith alone. Curiosity killed the cat afterall and if a cat can do it why cant we? (hopefully without the dying aspect of things).

Being somewhat drunk an having lost 2/3rds of my original post due to stupid smilie rules I now realize that I was in danger of rambling on for several pages so will bring my hello to an abrupt end.

skb

[kid-charlemagne]

Until then, watch out for the goat

This goat, did it do a stint in the military by any chance?

And greetings fellow ex-lurker, i myself only stepped into the light today.

[tim]

Hello to you all
snip.
Hi
Do I take it you are from the UK? :D
Welcome to the forum. The UK is well represented here as you will note if you read the threads. For the last two years we've held a UK JREF yuletide bash in Bedfordshire. You'll see a thread about it in the forum community.

[skbuncks]

snip.
Hi
Do I take it you are from the UK? :D
Welcome to the forum. The UK is well represented here as you will note if you read the threads. For the last two years we've held a UK JREF yuletide bash in Bedfordshire. You'll see a thread about it in the forum community.

Yep, I am a cumbrian in sheffield :D*. Thanks for the welcome.

This goat, did it do a stint in the military by any chance?

And greetings fellow ex-lurker, i myself only stepped into the light today.

Im concerned about this goat, should I be scared? Does (s)he/it have powers I should be made aware of? If so, to which branch of Western Union do i send my enrolment cheque?

skb

* god damned smilie filter is driving me insane

[Firefly]

Hi Everyone! I've been a member since March, but finally delurked and posted today. Sorry! It wasn't here first, but I just couldn't help myself.....:boggled:

I'm a bigfoot skeptic, but I just find the whole subject so darn interesting (the people more than anything) that I just keep reading about it.

[The Drain]

Welcome skbuncks and welcome redsprite!

Don't mind the goat (I think it's got something to do with the Australians, it could be spying for them) but beware of the oatmeal cookies. I am legally obliged to ask if you have returned your library books?

You can remove the annoying smiley filter by reaching 15 posts, and the easiest way to do that is to head on over to the humour section. Once you get to 15 then you too can have some drunken bananas, or whatever tickles your fancy::Banane35::Banane45:

Oh, and have a slice of hot buttered barm brack...

[kid-charlemagne]

Oh, and have a slice of hot buttered barm brack...
meant to take you up on that earlier. Is it still on offer?

[Baby-Girl]

Elllo ello

Im Christina, im 20, from Winchester area - And i have finally joined you all after 3 years off listening to my fiance talk about the discussions on here!
So far i love it!
Speak to most off you soon im sure!

ME :D
:yikes:

[amb]

meant to take you up on that earlier. Is it still on offer?

It's gone cold by now. But here, have a Mintie instead.
And a jolly good welcome to all newcomers. :p

[tim]

Elllo ello

Im Christina, im 20, from Winchester area - And i have finally joined you all after 3 years off listening to my fiance talk about the discussions on here!
So far i love it!
Speak to most off you soon im sure!

ME :D
:yikes:


Erm, Winchester? UK? Welcome!

[tim]

Yep, I am a cumbrian in sheffield :D*. Thanks for the welcome.



Im concerned about this goat, should I be scared? Does (s)he/it have powers I should be made aware of? If so, to which branch of Western Union do i send my enrolment cheque?

skb

* god damned smilie filter is driving me insane

You should be scared!
Sheffield, eh? Never mind, we all have our cross to bear. Lynn (my boss) comes from Penistone, just up the road from there.

[snowstorm]

hi to all, my name is Damir,29 years old, and I m from Bosnia and Hercegovina.
my contry was in war from1992-1995,and after war there is hundreds of exorcist,parapsyhologist,conspiracy theorist and other.

[Lynx]

Hello to all!
My name is Michael and I'm an former believer.
Really, believer doesn't quite cover it, for years I swallowed 90% of the woo garbage out there. It's only over the last two years that I've finally came to my senses and started questioning the validity of paranormal phenomena and pseudo-science.

I'm glad to be here!

Lynx

[Femke]

:welcome4
Welcome Lynx and Snowstorm, it is good to have you here.
Watch out for the goat, beware of the cookies, and don't forget to turn in your library books.

[Baby-Girl]

Erm, Winchester? UK? Welcome!

Hello, thank you for the welcome, and yes, Winchester (Err near southampton i think) and yes in the UK! :D

[Boran]

Hi, im Ben from Belgium. I've been a long time atheist and sceptic and I learned about Randi from Dan (from dansdata). Since then i've been reading trough the whole site since I absolutely love to read almost anything that I find intresting. So far I have finished the non archives Swift newsletters and I'm on page 5 of the youtube channel (going from back to front)

I think it's not much of a coincidence that Randi knew (was a friend of ?) my other hero in life, Isaac Asimov. I'm a big fan of Asimovs work and I hope one day to have all his works.

[tim]

Hello, thank you for the welcome, and yes, Winchester (Err near southampton i think) and yes in the UK! :D

I've been caught before with US towns named after UK towns.
OK, I was there Thursday - Southampton, then Winchester, then back to Southampton. Don't ask.

[tim]

Hi, im Ben from Belgium. I've been a long time atheist and sceptic and I learned about Randi from Dan (from dansdata). Since then i've been reading trough the whole site since I absolutely love to read almost anything that I find intresting. So far I have finished the non archives Swift newsletters and I'm on page 5 of the youtube channel (going from back to front)

I think it's not much of a coincidence that Randi knew (was a friend of ?) my other hero in life, Isaac Asimov. I'm a big fan of Asimovs work and I hope one day to have all his works.


Welcome!
Yes, Randi was a friend of Asimov and A. wrote a preface to one of Randi's books. It might have been Flimflam, but don't quote me.

[Lynx]

:welcome4
Welcome Lynx and Snowstorm, it is good to have you here.
Watch out for the goat, beware of the cookies, and don't forget to turn in your library books.

Thank you for the welcome!

A nutjob has harassed me in emails that often included a 6 legged goat, I'm hoping it's not the same goat.

I'll bring a giant bag of peanutbutter chocolate chip cookies, should be enough for everyone.

Lynx

[Cade]

Hello all, I am Tim from Australia, I found JREF Forum via Skeptoid podcast which is rapidly becoming my favorite podcast.

I am a Data Entry Monkey, with an Adv Diploma in Multimedia Design.

I have an avid interest in Chemistry, Computer Sciences and numerous other subjects, I plan to mostly lurk and learn for the most part, adding my opinions to those topics that interest me(I would never claim anything I said was anything other then conjecture and I never use absolutes ;) )

as far as religion goes, I am a die hard agnostic and I take nothing seriously.

[Big Green Skeptic]

Hi I'm Peter, 23 from Stansted (famous for our Airport) in the UK, I found out about the jref though the SGU podcast, I also have attended London Skeptics in the Pub for 2 months and enjoy science and comedy.

[Roadtoad]

Hi I'm Peter, 23 from Stansted (famous for our Airport) in the UK, I found out about the jref though the SGU podcast, I also have attended London Skeptics in the Pub for 2 months and enjoy science and comedy.

Welcome, BGS.

Given your intro, perhaps you might actually enjoy the CT side of the Forum. It's where their science IS comedy.

[Baby-Girl]

I've been caught before with US towns named after UK towns.
OK, I was there Thursday - Southampton, then Winchester, then back to Southampton. Don't ask.

Well iv gotta get up to 50 posts to get a picture on here.. so im going to ask! ;-) Were you from?
I realised as i posted btw, that i should have said UK. But with having a little boy trying to attack me as i was writting i dont get much time to type or think!
Anywho, hope all is well.... please help me get my 50 post!!! :D :blush:

[amb]

Well iv gotta get up to 50 posts to get a picture on here.. so im going to ask! ;-) Were you from?
I realised as i posted btw, that i should have said UK. But with having a little boy trying to attack me as i was writting i dont get much time to type or think!
Anywho, hope all is well.... please help me get my 50 post!!! :D :blush:
Head for the community threads. You'll get to fifty before you know it.:)

[tim]

Well iv gotta get up to 50 posts to get a picture on here.. so im going to ask! ;-) Were you from?
I realised as i posted btw, that i should have said UK. But with having a little boy trying to attack me as i was writting i dont get much time to type or think!
Anywho, hope all is well.... please help me get my 50 post!!! :D :blush:

Bedfordshire - about 40 miles north of London. My job takes me all over.
Check this thread.................... http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=125324
For the last couple of years we - UK Jrefers - have held an xmas party at our house. It's quite fun to see serious people slightly the worse for wear and doing silly things. This year we have Chillzero coming from Scotland and TobiasTheCommie coming from Denmark. :eek: Bloody vikings!

[Baby-Girl]

Bedfordshire - about 40 miles north of London. My job takes me all over.
Check this thread.................... http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=125324
For the last couple of years we - UK Jrefers - have held an xmas party at our house. It's quite fun to see serious people slightly the worse for wear and doing silly things. This year we have Chillzero coming from Scotland and TobiasTheCommie coming from Denmark. :eek: Bloody vikings!

Wow as a "New one" your going to have to forgive me a moment, i may sound dim.. So you invite people (have you met all of them?) to your home?! I might be weird, well i am weird, not that weird dont worry... ill shut up now!
So how long have you been on this site for (My fiance, he introduced me to the fun madness that is jref!) Hahhahaaha
Im just about to watch Simpsons...! It almost makes me feel like a big doughnut!

[Baby-Girl]

I've been caught before with US towns named after UK towns.
OK, I was there Thursday - Southampton, then Winchester, then back to Southampton. Don't ask.


P.S DO you have pictures from your previous parties?! :D

[Nogbad]

I have had a few beers in the Gaol House (and a spectacular bout of vomiting after a curry there one night) couple of years since I was last there - nice place.

[tim]

P.S DO you have pictures from your previous parties?! :D


There are probably some kicking around here somewhere. I think Brodski will have some - I'll pm him and ask him to post some.

[Mark Alan Sauer]

Hi,

I am Mark Alan Sauer, MD. I joined the forum to post my scientific paper relating to the building collapses on 9/11.

[arthwollipot]

This goat, did it do a stint in the military by any chance?You don't want to know what the goat used to do. Trust me.

Im concerned about this goat, should I be scared? Does (s)he/it have powers I should be made aware of?Don't worry, you'll find out. We all did, in the beginning.

Hi,

I am Mark Alan Sauer, MD. I joined the forum to post my scientific paper relating to the building collapses on 9/11.Hi Mark Alan Sauer, MD. I'm sure your paper will generate a lot of interest.

Welcome all newbies! Have some popcorn!
:popcorn1

[Prometheus]

...Don't worry, you'll find out. We all did, in the beginning...

Don't you mean, "in the end"?

[arthwollipot]

Don't you mean, "in the end"?I suppose it depends on your perspective. Aren't all ends simply new beginnings?

[amb]

I suppose it depends on your perspective. Aren't all ends simply new beginnings?

:)

[Nomada]

Hi everyone, I've been lurking here for a year or more, so thought it about time I joined in order to support the effort against the woo merchants!


I'm a bigfoot skeptic, but I just find the whole subject so darn interesting (the people more than anything) that I just keep reading about it.

Redsprite, if feeling a bit down, a visit to the bigfoot threads certainly puts a smile on my face! Those bigfooterists are certainly darn interesting people for sure!

Cheers all :)

ps: I don't always end all of my sentences with exclamation marks.. honest!

[arthwollipot]

No indeed - you just ended one with a smilie. Proof!

[amb]

I wish to welcome all newbies. Come right on in. Cookies baked by Grayman are on your left, Minties made by Pascall a division of Cadbury are on your right.
The goat is waiting for a pat in the first room on your left of passage way.
A receptacle for any overdue library books is on your right in the same passage way.
Once you pass all these obstacles, you have a myriad of threads to post your comments in. Again, welcome. :)

[Nomada]

No indeed - you just ended one with a smilie. Proof!
Ah Yes (exclamation omitted). So my therapy is finally working :)

[arthwollipot]

To all newbies:

A sure fire method of increasing your post count is to head over to the Community (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26) and Humor (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=28) subforums. There, you will find threads whose sole purpose for existence is to increase your post count. Here are a few good examples:

Speak Only in Questions (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=25851)
Say What's On Your Mind Right Now (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=51801)
The Three Word Story (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=110535)
REALLY Funny Jokes (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=125897)
And, of course, who could forget...
Sex (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=113243).

There is no serious debate here, no hot tempers, no conspiracies, no nutters, just good clean fun (and if you're lucky, a goat). So get on over there and get your post count up, so that you can post links!

[Prometheus]

To all newbies:

A sure fire method of increasing your post count is to head over to the Community (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26) and Humor (http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=28) subforums. There, you will find threads whose sole purpose for existence is to increase your post count. Here are a few good examples:

Speak Only in Questions (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=25851)
Say What's On Your Mind Right Now (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=51801)
The Three Word Story (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=110535)
REALLY Funny Jokes (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=125897)
And, of course, who could forget...
Sex (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=113243).

There is no serious debate here, no hot tempers, no conspiracies, no nutters, just good clean fun (and if you're lucky, a goat). So get on over there and get your post count up, so that you can post links!

Wait...the only purpose of Sex is to increase one's post count? :confused:

[arthwollipot]

Wait...the only purpose of Sex is to increase one's post count? :confused:The thread, P. The thread.

:nope:

[UnrepentantSinner]

To Art and Prom, have you guys ever donated any money to the JREF for forum upkeep? If you're going to encourage what amounts to spamming, you should at least help pay for server space and bandwidth.

[Mark Carter]

My name is Mark Carter and I have a website about 911. I also have written a book about the Kennedy assassinations called Dual Identity.

[arthwollipot]

To Art and Prom, have you guys ever donated any money to the JREF for forum upkeep? If you're going to encourage what amounts to spamming, you should at least help pay for server space and bandwidth.Consider me chastised.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Consider me chastised.

No! Wrong sensation. I'm trying to guilt you into making a donation to the JREF. :p

[arthwollipot]

No! Wrong sensation. I'm trying to guilt you into making a donation to the JREF. :pWell, you've succeeded in that. I've been wanting to do for some time anyway, but I can't afford a great deal. And with the Australian dollar tanking, the value of any donation I can make will be reduced. I'd prefer to wait until the AUD is back up above 75c so that I can make a real donation.

And anyway, I wasn't encouraging spamming, I was encouraging paarticipation! There have been a number of "I can't post links yet" posts recently, so I offered a solution.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Well, you've succeeded in that. I've been wanting to do for some time anyway, but I can't afford a great deal. And with the Australian dollar tanking, the value of any donation I can make will be reduced. I'd prefer to wait until the AUD is back up above 75c so that I can make a real donation.

And anyway, I wasn't encouraging spamming, I was encouraging paarticipation! There have been a number of "I can't post links yet" posts recently, so I offered a solution.

Apology accepted.

;)

[amb]

To Art and Prom, have you guys ever donated any money to the JREF for forum upkeep? If you're going to encourage what amounts to spamming, you should at least help pay for server space and bandwidth.

You got me by the short and curlies there. I do have a conscious you know even though that's not aimed at me, I will make a donation. :cool:
[As soon as I find the place to donate]

[amb]

My credit card keeps been declined for some reason.
Are Australians allowed to donate?

[UnrepentantSinner]

My credit card keeps been declined for some reason.
Are Australians allowed to donate?

I clicked on the Donate button above and it takes you to the join page. Unless you want to call Linda (which you can with the information on this link), you can send her a form e-mail asking her the best way for Aussies to donate directly for forum support.
http://www.randi.org/joom/contact/contacts/linda-shallenberger.html

[Popsicle]

Hello,

I just joined the forum AND I finally joined JREF as well. My name is Matthew, and I'm a 33 year old analyst/techie currently living in South Carolina. I've lurked here for years, hoping to reverse whatever damage living in this state has done to my brain.

[Galaxie]

Greetings everyone!

I've been lurking for several months and I finally decided to join. This may be the best forum ever! Anyway, I'm 23 and I work as an engineer/product designer for a small manufacturing company. Also, in case anyone wonders why my username is misspelled, it is spelled like the car, not the astronomical object. :p

[arthwollipot]

Welcome Popsicle and Galaxie! I see you've already been making a few posts.

[amb]

Funny you should call yourself Galaxie. I had one when fuel was around ten cents a liter.
Smooth as a babies bottom they were, with a 5 liter V8 engine and a boot so big you sneek at least 4 of your friends into the drive in theater. :)