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

[COLONEL]

Hello folks,

My name is Jim and this is my first ever post and what better place to make it than the 'welcome thread'.
P.S - Sometimes my spelling and grammar are not the best, but I try my best dammit! :cool:
Welcome Jim ,we're not to picky on spelling here , As long as we can understand what you're getting at you will be OK ..

[arthwollipot]

I appreciate a good illusion from time to time, and will indeed pat the goat providing it's one of those illusory goats rather than the filthy creatures my parents owned when I was young. SH SH SH SH!!! I hope the goat didn't hear you say that.

[amb]

Hello folks,

My name is Jim and this is my first ever post and what better place to make it than the 'welcome thread'. I have been aware or Randi for years but never thought to visit this site, I actually found a link to this site from the humour site cracked.com and then wondered why I wasn't here a few years ago. I'm 27 (today as a matter of fact) and have had a healthy interest in the paranormal, science and debunking things in general for as long as I can remember. I also like music and sports but this is not the time or place to discuss them. :)

When I was a child (around 7 or 8) I used to read alot of magic books and remember going to Bernards Magic Shop in Melbourne with my dad quiet regulary (I wish I had kept the stuff I used to have, oh the memories). I'm not really into the magic side of things anymore and I now have more interest in mentalism and the psychology behind magic. I'm not sure how to put it but I hope you get the general idea.

Anyhow since today is my birthday, I'm going to try and find some beer.

Cheers

Altered Statesman

P.S - Sometimes my spelling and grammar are not the best, but I try my best dammit! :cool:

Velcom. You may fish to download the Google toolbar. Ita has a handy little button there named Spelcheck:p

[Robster, FCD]

Hi. I'm a biology prof in Kentucky, with a degree in toxicology, interests are cell bio, cancer and public health. I have been a lurking member of the skeptical community for years, have blogged off and on, and just joined the local drinking skeptically group. Cheers.

[Eos of the Eons]

Hi. I'm a biology prof in Kentucky, with a degree in toxicology, interests are cell bio, cancer and public health. I have been a lurking member of the skeptical community for years, have blogged off and on, and just joined the local drinking skeptically group. Cheers.


ooooooo. Welcome welcome.

We'd like your input on the whole vaccines issue in the science and tech/med threads. The website I endorse is www.stopjenny.com (http://www.stopjenny.com) for a skeptical look at antivaccine claims. *grins*

[Robster, FCD]

Eos, I'm very much pro-vaccine, and have mixed it up in the past at Orac's place with he antivaxers. I'll keep an eye out for those threads. I liked Jenny better when she just did fart jokes.

[Eos of the Eons]

Eos, I'm very much pro-vaccine, and have mixed it up in the past at Orac's place with he antivaxers. I'll keep an eye out for those threads. I liked Jenny better when she just did fart jokes.
Exactly :D
Go figure, EDUCATED people understand this (particularly if educated in biology fields). That is why your contributions will be most interesting, and most welcome. Welcome again!

[Foolmewunz]

Hi. I'm a biology prof in Kentucky, with a degree in toxicology, interests are cell bio, cancer and public health. I have been a lurking member of the skeptical community for years, have blogged off and on, and just joined the local drinking skeptically group. Cheers.

Well, welcome professor. Now you make never you no mind no skeptix questions. Most important thing we need to know:
Kentucky
Louisville
Western Kentucky

We didn't have a Wildcat supporter for the annual NCAA tournament thread, and it's just not the same without someone to pick on from Kentucky. (See thread in sports on NCAA BB 2009 - it also explains my temporary avatar.)

Seriously - welcome aboard. Enjoy yourself, and if you are a hoops fan, we let out a lot of our frustrations dealing with the various snake oil merchants over there and in Forum Community. Make yourself at home.

[Robster, FCD]

None of the above, actually. Currently teaching at a small college, but I did go to UK for grad school. Can't say I care about UK basketball. When I was growing up, UK could have put five random fans on the court and they would have won, and where is the fun of watching a game when you know the outcome. But, I'm more of a football and hockey fan, actually.

[Foolmewunz]

None of the above, actually. Currently teaching at a small college, but I did go to UK for grad school. Can't say I care about UK basketball. When I was growing up, UK could have put five random fans on the court and they would have won, and where is the fun of watching a game when you know the outcome. But, I'm more of a football and hockey fan, actually.

Well, welcome nevertheless. UK will rise again with the coaching change, I'm sure.

(As I said - it's a diversion. We're fans of the various sports - there are great lengthy threads on NCAA football and NHL, also... I think there's a thread on just about every sport - my longest ever thread starter is running for years - on Rugby, of all things. It's actually funny to see - several of the most cutthroat warriors on serious topics actually have civil and friendly discussions of sports, a topic that seems to drive everyone other than skeptics to total and completely irrational distraction.)

[arimaic1]

got through with the 48 laws of power and realized, I am ready to listen with more discernment...right now I am remembering my life with Iranian roomates and learning taarof or as Dale Carnegie says, "How to Win Friends and Influence People"...in the last six years of my life, I have dealt with people who are more concerned about how I feel about something more than what I have or can learn about it..you know the old saying everyone just pipes..no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care...sometimes they never get past that feeling thing and as I have watched one job dissolve because people were not willing to stand up and ask "what is causing the loss of income here.." I have run into the firm understanding that we have some very different monkeys at the steering wheel of things now and whether or not reason will ever have its day again..I have missed it...

[Desertrat]

Hello :D Another newbie here. I found this site through Penn and Teller's show. They mentioned a bloke named Randi quite often and I was curious enough to google him. Glad I did :D

Not much to tell about me.. Former energy healer. Realized it was bunk when my teacher of the "arcane arts" and talented healer came up with a rather severe case of cancer.

So now it seems that if I were to apply for the million dollar challenge, I'd have to find a new ability! Sadly, the ability to detect hoaxes doesn't seem to be applicable towards the prize money. ;)

[DarleneSterner]

:talk002::talk002:
Well, this is where I introduce myself! :loveatfirstsight:

Hello, my name is Darlene Sterner. The facts say I am 27, from the USA, traveled all over this wonderful country, grew up in PA; I went to a private catholic school for elem, high school was a public school that was the best in the state for my focus, then off to college at Pennsylvania State University.

I grad from PSU in 2006, moved to Orlando, FL. I got into a variety of professions, have been doing quite well in all of them!!!

Yea, success.

I left Florida last year to live and work in Seoul, SK. That was a great trip.

The most important news, :talk039:
other than the facts, are that I have had experience with the paranormal since 2005!!!! I have been studying the paranormal skeptically since then, my experiences range.... :jaw-dropp

I would go into detail but I'll wait... One of my hopes is to meet with the team at JREF and find out what these unexplained events were/are, I must know the truth!!! I would state that I am a Parapsychologist... I also have sent in my app for the challenge.

So if anyone is interested in proving or disproving the paranormal, I am deeply involved in doing such and have daily experience with the task of sorting through unexplained events... :talk002:

Namaste

[KellyG]

That is one jazzy post!

[COLONEL]

Boy look at all the Newb's, Goats milk,oatmeal cookies and minties all around When you finish that go to the door that says Grayman knock two times and wait until he tells you what to do.

[Foolmewunz]

Hey, welcome aboard, Desertrat.
We just love turned woos, so I think we can waive the obligatory goat petting and oatmeal cookies (they put RAISINS in them - say no more), and you can proceed to threads and do your thing.
BTW, what's an "energy healer"?

Welcome, also, to DarleneSterner - although it took me a while to digest your post antiquated type faces and multiple smilies are too much for me this early in the morning on a holiday.
I don't know that the JREF actually has a team of people to help you find out what your woo is all about - you might do better to take that to a University with a Parasychology department (I think one of the Florida Unis has one).

Have you actually applied for the challenge, as in submitting the proper applications and protocol, or are you considering doing so? If you've actually applied, you could go start a thread in the Million Dollar Challenge section. If you're contemplating same, you should maybe think of doing so in the General Skepticism and Paranormal sub-forum.

In either case, can we ask: What's your line of paranormal? Telekinesis? ESP? Breatharian? Homeopathy? Astral Projection?



Welcome one and all. Don't trip on the Aussies on your way to the main events.

[AmI]

Hi there......
so I joined the site today and posted a couple of times.
I cannot find a list of the rules (10) ? maybe (11).......of them :)
site navigation is not my strong point.
thx

[Desertrat]

energy healing is the belief that by touching someone you can cure all sorts of diseases.

I personally am glad that I never actually tried to heal someone using these methods.. the furthest I got was learning about it.

*sad face*

But what if I happen to LIKE raisins? :p

[Interesent]

Greetings folks! I'm a newest n()()b here.

For years I gave been sceptical, time by time actually , but all of my family are deeply religious. So, since I came out as an atheist, I have been asked many questions and am constantly blamed for being idiot - atheist.

I came to search for explanations of paranormal stories with what I am being tried to be converted back to Christianity.

[Foolmewunz]

But what if I happen to LIKE raisins? :p

Well, I think you'll have a new best friend, then. Grayman. (That may or may not be a good thing. While he'd be a good person to have your back in brawl, he does tend to frighten away small children and woodland creatures.)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Hi there......
so I joined the site today and posted a couple of times.
I cannot find a list of the rules (10) ? maybe (11).......of them :)
site navigation is not my strong point.
thx

Here you go.
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=25744

[Foolmewunz]

Greetings folks! I'm a newest n()()b here.

For years I gave been sceptical, time by time actually , but all of my family are deeply religious. So, since I came out as an atheist, I have been asked many questions and am constantly blamed for being idiot - atheist.

I came to search for explanations of paranormal stories with what I am being tried to be converted back to Christianity.

I see US has given you a link to the rules. They're not all that stringent (hey, I've survived, and I'm a total bastage).

I think you'll find we have a number of atheists/agnostics who are from believer families - some of whom are actually former major league bible thumpers. Just stroll around the Religion and Philosophy threads.

And welcome aboard, of course. Settle in and enjoy yourself.

[amb]

:talk002::talk002:
Well, this is where I introduce myself! :loveatfirstsight:

Hello, my name is Darlene Sterner. The facts say I am 27, from the USA, traveled all over this wonderful country, grew up in PA; I went to a private catholic school for elem, high school was a public school that was the best in the state for my focus, then off to college at Pennsylvania State University.

I grad from PSU in 2006, moved to Orlando, FL. I got into a variety of professions, have been doing quite well in all of them!!!

Yea, success.

I left Florida last year to live and work in Seoul, SK. That was a great trip.

The most important news, :talk039:
other than the facts, are that I have had experience with the paranormal since 2005!!!! I have been studying the paranormal skeptically since then, my experiences range.... :jaw-dropp

I would go into detail but I'll wait... One of my hopes is to meet with the team at JREF and find out what these unexplained events were/are, I must know the truth!!! I would state that I am a Parapsychologist... I also have sent in my app for the challenge.

So if anyone is interested in proving or disproving the paranormal, I am deeply involved in doing such and have daily experience with the task of sorting through unexplained events... :talk002:

Namaste
Wow. Where does one begin? Firstly parapsychology is a study of nothing.
Secondly. All so-called supernatural events are quite adequately answered by natural processes.
Thirdly. In this world what you see is what you get. Unexplained events are only so until they're adequately studied by the scientific method and by William of Occam's reasoning.
All that aside. Welcome to all newbies, make yourselves at home, relax and have a glass of goat milk, Grayman's cookies are legendary, have a couple with confidence. Oh, I almost forgot. Have a Mintie on me as well. :p

[hcmom]

Oh, I almost forgot. Have a Mintie on me as well. :p

Wow, you're almost as bad as the goats!! Can we at least take the Mintie off you and rinse it before we have it?

[themagicwand]

Hello everyone. My name is Paul, I'm from the UK, and I'm a full-time professional mentalist. Nice to be here! :)

EDIT: Gah! Just had a look around. Consider me gone.

[ZeeZero]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to say hello. I'm a newb skeptic, but I feel like I have always embraced the basic tenants of ratinality and critical thinking.
I found my way to the jref after spending a reasonable amount of time sampling atheist oriented content, then branching into skeptisism.
Living in a relatively small town in ontario I run into a lot of woo, so I am greatful there are resources like this available.
While I can't say I agree with everything and everyone, I find most of the content here is exceptional and makes ypu think.
I will probably lurk more than post, but wanted to get the introductions over with so I'm not a total outsider if I want to leave a comment.

Glad to be a part of the community.

Aaron. ZeeZero.

[amb]

Wow, you're almost as bad as the goats!! Can we at least take the Mintie off you and rinse it before we have it?

Be my guest! But it won't taste the same afterwards.:p

[Estellea]

Welcome Estellea have a oatmeal cookie a glass of Goats milk and have a minty seeing as you have been lurking then you know the drill ,pat the Goat on the head when you see it .
And don't forget to make sure you've turned in your library books, and make the all important three bows towards Kent, WA.I got confused so I snorted the milk and cookies and knocked heads with the goat whilst bowing towards Kent. But my library books have only been overdue once.

[LilaMae]

Hello all-

OK so I am dangerously......dangerously close to dropping some serious coin and going to TAM this year. (I'm getting bailout money, woo-hoo!) I'm at the holy-crap-could-this-really-be-seriously-happening-I-may-actually-be-going-to-TAM-for-the-first-time-and-if-so-this-will-be-the-ballsyist-thing-I've-ever-done-in-my-life stage.

And I am a noooooooooob. I entered the skeptical community when I started listening to the SGU podcast, before that - true believer. Honestly. I still have that new-atheist smell (which is quite pleasant, actually).

I'm eager to make new friends and to chat with TAM veterans and other fine members of the JREF community.

[Hutch]

Hello everyone. My name is Paul, I'm from the UK, and I'm a full-time professional mentalist. Nice to be here! :)

EDIT: Gah! Just had a look around. Consider me gone.

Well, no minties and Goat's Milk for you!


Hi folks,

Just wanted to say hello. I'm a newb skeptic, but I feel like I have always embraced the basic tenants of rationality and critical thinking.
I found my way to the jref after spending a reasonable amount of time sampling atheist oriented content, then branching into skepticism.
Living in a relatively small town in Ontario I run into a lot of woo, so I am grateful there are resources like this available.
While I can't say I agree with everything and everyone, I find most of the content here is exceptional and makes you think.
I will probably lurk more than post, but wanted to get the introductions over with so I'm not a total outsider if I want to leave a comment.

Glad to be a part of the community.

Aaron. ZeeZero.

That was such a nice opening post I even corrected your spelling mistakes...

Welcome to the Forum, milk, cookies, goats, Kenworth, library books....et. al.


Hello all-

OK so I am dangerously......dangerously close to dropping some serious coin and going to TAM this year. (I'm getting bailout money, woo-hoo!) I'm at the holy-crap-could-this-really-be-seriously-happening-I-may-actually-be-going-to-TAM-for-the-first-time-and-if-so-this-will-be-the-ballsyist-thing-I've-ever-done-in-my-life stage.

And I am a noooooooooob. I entered the skeptical community when I started listening to the SGU podcast, before that - true believer. Honestly. I still have that new-atheist smell (which is quite pleasant, actually).

I'm eager to make new friends and to chat with TAM veterans and other fine members of the JREF community.

Welcome Lila, there are a number of threads in the The Amazing Meeting subforum, post early and often and let people get to know you. It is a pretty accepting and easygoing bunch (but watch out for Scrut...)

Seriously the more posts you make, the easier it will be to indentify and meet you at TAM.

As for the rest, see above....

[COLONEL]

I got confused so I snorted the milk and cookies and knocked heads with the goat whilst bowing towards Kent. But my library books have only been overdue once. You Snorted one of Graymans cookies ??? Please tell me what was it like ? I wonder if the buzz was as good as when they are eaten ?

[amb]

Has anyone spotted Grayman in any other thread? It seems that he thinks he's baked enough oatmeal cookies to last for months and has gone walkabout.
Hey Gray........We are running out of the delicacy, and could do with another fresh batch. I'm running out of Minties.

[LilaMae]

Happy Easter, everyone - from the newest noob. (who's trying to get to 50)

Today we celebrate the day that Peeps died for your sins...or something like that....it may have also involved jelly beans.

[arthwollipot]

Hello everyone. My name is Paul, I'm from the UK, and I'm a full-time professional mentalist. Nice to be here! :)

EDIT: Gah! Just had a look around. Consider me gone.Hi Paul.

Bye Paul.

Wow. That was quick.

[COLONEL]

Has anyone spotted Grayman in any other thread? It seems that he thinks he's baked enough oatmeal cookies to last for months and has gone walkabout.
Hey Gray........We are running out of the delicacy, and could do with another fresh batch. I'm running out of Minties. Last I knew Union Pacific had him working nights and wierd hours .

[The Man]

Hi Paul.

Bye Paul.

Wow. That was quick.

Well what would you expect from a mentalist? His very presence here to begin with was probably just an illusion he placed in our minds.

[Foolmewunz]

Hello everyone. My name is Paul, I'm from the UK, and I'm a full-time professional mentalist. Nice to be here! :)

EDIT: Gah! Just had a look around. Consider me gone.

Where do we nominate this and what do we nominate it for. I keep going back and reading it because it's one of my favoritest ever posts.

[COLONEL]

Where do we nominate this and what do we nominate it for. I keep going back and reading it because it's one of my favoritest ever posts. I'm not sure where ,But nominate it for the shortest membership

[amb]

I can't stop laughing. Is this some kind of record for the shortest membership duration?
Arth. You cracked me up. I almost choked on my beer. :D

[diegesis]

This must be the place where I say "hello" and you say "welcome".

So, hello! :boxedin:

[SusanB-M1]

This must be the place where I say "hello" and you say "welcome".

So, hello! :boxedin:
Certainly is! Welcome!
Someone will be along shortly with all the proper instructions for library books and things.

[amb]

Last I knew Union Pacific had him working nights and wierd hours .

I forgot that vampires sleep during the day. That explains it all. :p

[Roadtoad]

This must be the place where I say "hello" and you say "welcome".

So, hello! :boxedin:

Good morning, and welcome to the board. Please, have a cookie, perhaps a Mintie as well. Give the goat a pat on the head as you pass, thanking her for the milk, and make sure you're library books have been returned. Make sure you're wearing comfortable clothing as you bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA, chanting the appropriate mantra, and please let us know your stance on budgies.

[Roadtoad]

I can't stop laughing. Is this some kind of record for the shortest membership duration?
Arth. You cracked me up. I almost choked on my beer. :D

Personally, I blame Lisa.

[Foolmewunz]

This must be the place where I say "hello" and you say "welcome".

So, hello! :boxedin:

Well, yeah.... If you're going to stay around, that is. (We haven't been doing so well in that department, but assuming you're not a mentalist with the inability to read a board before you join up or while waiting for confirmation...)

So, seeing that you've made three whole posts, we're (me and my pirate spiders, who have, I must hasten to add, not a thing to do with Somalia) going out on a limb, here.....

Welcome, Diegesis. Make yourself comfortable, pick out an interesting sub-forum and dive right in.

:spjimlad::spjimlad::spjimlad: Hi, we're not from Somalia!

[Roadtoad]

Well, yeah.... If you're going to stay around, that is. (We haven't been doing so well in that department, but assuming you're not a mentalist with the inability to read a board before you join up or while waiting for confirmation...)

So, seeing that you've made three whole posts, we're (me and my pirate spiders, who have, I must hasten to add, not a thing to do with Somalia) going out on a limb, here.....

Welcome, Diegesis. Make yourself comfortable, pick out an interesting sub-forum and dive right in.

:spjimlad::spjimlad::spjimlad: Hi, we're not from Somalia!

Pssst. Dude. Lose the eye patches! And the Somali accents!

[diegesis]

Wow! thank u!
I will spend some time reading all this beautiful stuff in here but yes, from what I've already seen I'm going to stay. Great forum people. :)

[BonkingBear]

Hello... Just stirred from my cave in deepest Sussex after a coldish winter and having a sniff around. Hmm....definitely a nihilist so must be in the right place. Looks good so will mooch around a bit....see whats brewing.

[Foolmewunz]

Hello... Just stirred from my cave in deepest Sussex after a coldish winter and having a sniff around. Hmm....definitely a nihilist so must be in the right place. Looks good so will mooch around a bit....see whats brewing.

I'm trying to remember where we've made the nihilists hang out....

Hmm? Is that a personal philosophy or economic philosophy. The latter are hanging out in the Anarcho-Capitalist threads in Economics, that's for sure. Personal nihilists are running around doing whatever they want, naturally.

Welcome aboard.... there's room for everyone.

What's a Bonking Bear? That's not like a Drop Bear, is it? I'm deathly afraid of drop bears - nasty critters, those!

[BonkingBear]

I'm trying to remember where we've made the nihilists hang out....

Hmm? Is that a personal philosophy or economic philosophy. The latter are hanging out in the Anarcho-Capitalist threads in Economics, that's for sure. Personal nihilists are running around doing whatever they want, naturally.

Welcome aboard.... there's room for everyone.

What's a Bonking Bear? That's not like a Drop Bear, is it? I'm deathly afraid of drop bears - nasty critters, those!

It's a spiritual philosophy....like Buddhism....without an eight fold way..;)

Bonking Bear is a frisky bear....not sure about a Drop Bear - never had one

[Spinelli]

Hiya,

JR is a hero of mine since childhood. When the magic show ended and the skeptic turn around happened I was piqued. Has the English language developed a better community than JREF online? If so, when? Been reading the site for some time now. Astounding posts. Looking forward to digging in way too deep.

I'm a 43 y.o. father of three - married and work as a master butcher for a national grocery chain here in Canada.

I'm a Philosophy & Political Science Grad who once thought reading far more important than earning. Still do believe it to be true.

I have one rule : Moderation. Everything in moderation, including moderation.

[Foolmewunz]

Hiya,

JR is a hero of mine since childhood. When the magic show ended and the skeptic turn around happened I was piqued. Has the English language developed a better community than JREF online? If so, when? Been reading the site for some time now. Astounding posts. Looking forward to digging in way too deep.

I'm a 43 y.o. father of three - married and work as a master butcher for a national grocery chain here in Canada.

I'm a Philosophy & Political Science Grad who once thought reading far more important than earning. Still do believe it to be true.

I have one rule : Moderation. Everything in moderation, including moderation.

Hey, welcome Spinelli! I'm an honorary Nova Scotian (and Montrealaise) - my ex-wife, and thus in-laws are all from the nether reaches of the province - Cape Breton Island (North Sydney), and my daughter attended St Francis X. We have quite a few Canadians on board, and a nice handful of Maritimers ('though I'm not sure you want to actually include Newfoundlanders* in as Maritimers, even if your Federal government does so - they're such a cantankerous lot, ya know).

We happen to be having a fluster and bluster filled thread right now on retail sales, particular emphasis on grocery stores, if you'd care to drop in. Check out the Business/Finance threads.

And welcome aboard. We could use some Canadian beef!

Oh, and don't let the Moderators hear your comments about moderating in moderation. I won't mention it if you don't.


*Yeah, I won't use "Newfie" unless I've known the person for ten years or so. You can find yourself on the wrong end of a wet halibut for using the term without the proper inflection and attitude.

[amb]

Hiya,

JR is a hero of mine since childhood. When the magic show ended and the skeptic turn around happened I was piqued. Has the English language developed a better community than JREF online? If so, when? Been reading the site for some time now. Astounding posts. Looking forward to digging in way too deep.

I'm a 43 y.o. father of three - married and work as a master butcher for a national grocery chain here in Canada.

I'm a Philosophy & Political Science Grad who once thought reading far more important than earning. Still do believe it to be true.

I have one rule : Moderation. Everything in moderation, including moderation.

Welcome. Everything in moderation is a very good philosophy except for sex. You must get as much as possible while you're able, for everyone you miss, you will never catch up on. :p

[Spinelli]

Great welcome...and thank you all very much.

[COLONEL]

Welcome Spenelli I'm sure someone has told you what to do by now, if not Have a cookie and a glass of fresh goats milk and a Mintie . ten pat the Goat on the head when you see it .

[mazyloron]

Well, I guess this is the thing to do, so here goes...

Hi.

*whew* That was tough.

So yeah...been a fan for years, but I've really gotten into the site in the last year or so. When I've taken the time to poke my head into the forums, I've seen plenty of interesting threads. So, though I'm not so sure how much I have to contribute, I figured I might as well sign up, just in case.

[arthwollipot]

Now that you've signed up, check out the Members-Only sections. You'll be amazed what you've been missing out on!

[naisby]

Hello all!

Made it at last (pc issues it seems!) Brian, if you read this!

Looking forward to reading and posting, some interesting stuff on here, excellent!

[amb]

Hello all!

Made it at last (pc issues it seems!) Brian, if you read this!

Looking forward to reading and posting, some interesting stuff on here, excellent!

Not so fast!! Have you returned your overdue library book? Have you patted the goat, or at least acknowledged it? What's your stance on budgies?
What about Minties? What's your opinion of them? And last but not least.
You have to drink a glass of fresh goats milk to be accepted here.

Just jesting. Welcome to the forum.

[ziztur]

Hi everyone!

It's me, Ziztur, a total noob to the JREF forum but not a noob to skepticism.

I'm 26 years old, live in St. Louis, and got turned on to skepticism and evidence-based science partly due to graduate school.

I am on my way to earning a doctoral degree in occupational therapy (I'm graduating in a month) from the Washington University in St. Louis Program in Occupational Therapy. We place a very heavy focus on evidence-based medicine in our teaching, as we are trying to drive the OT field toward evidence-based practices (currently, they kind of aren't)

So, I run a website in which the focus is on atheism and skepticism, especially of alternative medicine. I'm glad to be here!

[hcmom]

You have to drink a glass of fresh goats milk to be accepted here.



Goat's MILK is what you're telling them it is?!? You should be ashamed of yourself.

[hcmom]

So, I run a website in which the focus is on atheism and skepticism, especially of alternative medicine. I'm glad to be here!

You might want to hunt down another forum member, krelnik, who runs the "whatstheharm (http://whatstheharm.net)" site.

[COLONEL]

Goat's MILK is what you're telling them it is?!? You should be ashamed of yourself.Well it is fresh and the milk part does come from the Goat :D

[arthwollipot]

Well it is fresh and the milk part does come from the Goat :DPsst! That's a billy goat!

[Bokks]

:D
That's some funny banter!

Well, hello everyone! I'm a junior at Eastern Connecticut State University, which is in--you guessed it--Connecticut, USA.

In cyberspace I'm a moderator of another vBulletin site where I've been since 2007, so I might use some noparse text that is valid there but while similar is not valid here... particularly the smilies.

Despite my age and the general tendencies for everyone in my age-group to be "good at computers" I'm actually a luddite, what I've learned in my tenure of being a member of other sites has been an exhaustive process so I'll probably mess up occasionally here! ;)

On that note, I'm a history major and aspiring member of historical academia--whatever that means--which is probably what contributes to my inability to function particularly flawlessly with technology.

Anyway, I joined the JREF because I've been a fan of "The Amazing Randi" for a while, and of the Foundation since I was a freshman. I like to think I always think analytically, so when I found out that there is actually a vBulletin format for the JREF I joined up ASAP. :p

That's basically me in a nutshell. :rolleyes:

[rlr]

Hello everyone. My name is not Paul, I'm not from the UK, and I'm not a full-time professional mentalist. Not even a part-time one.

On the other hand, my name is Richard, I'm from the US, and I used to be a physics tutor, and am now contemplating medical school. Not attending... just contemplating. For now.

Also, I grew a beard so that I might better understand the mind of my hero, James Randi. For the clean-shaven can never truly know what the bearded are thinking.

[arthwollipot]

In cyberspace I'm a moderator of another vBulletin site where I've been since 2007, so I might use some noparse text that is valid there but while similar is not valid here... particularly the smilies.Hey there Bokks. There's a list of permitted formatting codes here (http://forums.randi.org/misc.php?do=bbcode). Enjoy!

[Desertrat]

Hello everyone. My name is not Paul, I'm not from the UK, and I'm not a full-time professional mentalist. Not even a part-time one.

On the other hand, my name is Richard, I'm from the US, and I used to be a physics tutor, and am now contemplating medical school. Not attending... just contemplating. For now.

Also, I grew a beard so that I might better understand the mind of my hero, James Randi. For the clean-shaven can never truly know what the bearded are thinking.

welcome to you not paul. I'm glad to meet you, and welcome :D

And would you tell me what James Randi is thinking? Sadly, I'm not a bearded lady so I'll never know :p

[Fireshadow]

I suppose that since I've been posting in other threads, I might as well introduce myself. I work in customer service (and I work too much), love reading and learning about all subjects, and spend my off time feeding my obsession with video games. I've spent the last couple of years reading quite a bit of things relating to skepticism and critcal thought (including reading the entire Swift archive...that took me quite awhile).
I once was pagan (never was a Christian), but mostly for the social aspect (my best friends were pagan--still are). There were some things I've studied that were on the fringe (Tarot, astrology, reiki), but I've never fully bought into any of them, and I've tried to look at everything from a skeptical perspective. I suppose the paradigm shift in my life, though, would be my reading of The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan...which I read on the recommendation of Scott Kurtz of the webcomic PvP. From there, it's kind of snowballed to the point I find myself today.

I tend to lurk--preferring to keep out of discussions where I have limited knowledge on the subject (which is why my posts thus far have been in community forums, rather than anything serious), but I enjoy reading and finding new ways to look at things.

[Razela]

I guess it would be my turn.

Hi everyone. My name is Jamie and I'm 25 and from San Diego originally, but currently live in Tucson, AZ. I graduated 2-ish years ago from the University of Arizona (Go Cats!) and have been working as a government bureaucrat ever since (please don't hate me). I will, however, be leaving my job in a couple months to return to being a poor student, but this time as a public policy graduate student at University of Chicago.

I've always loved science-y type things so becoming active in the skeptical community was a natural progression. I honestly have no recollection of how I ever first came across the JREF, but I started reading SWIFT about 3-4 years ago and things kind of took off from there. Oh, and by active, I mean I'm a lurker. I read a bunch of skeptical blogs, listen to some podcasts, even get skeptic magazine, but I rarely, if ever, actually interact online with other skeptics. Basically, no emails/comments/etc. Saying that, however, I think it's time for some changes.

I have been wanting to go to TAM for years, but every year it had to fall on the worst possible weekend where I already had other, no-possible-way-of-getting-out-of-it commitments. Finally, this year I'm able to go. I figure that posting on the JREF forums will help me get to know a few people (ok, a whole bunch of people) before I even get to TAM. I'm honestly a little intimated by the forums as there are SO many people and posts going on at once, but I figure the best way to do this is just jump in and see what happens. Anyways, looking forward to some good banter with all of you.

Cheers.

[arthwollipot]

Welcome all newbies! Coats on the left, goats on the right, book return straight ahead. Visit Community and don't drip on the floor.

[Locutus]

Hullo all,

I am what is known in this part of the world as a 'Tom', of the British varietal. When pressed I make a slightly tannic yet surprisingly mellow wine of a dangerously fluorescent green hue. I live in Bath, but am a student at Oxford and so I spend my waking hours there (as opposed to my hibernation during the vacations). Looking forward to prod various bits of the forums to see what falls out.

Thanks!

[tim]

Hullo all,

I am what is known in this part of the world as a 'Tom', of the British varietal. When pressed I make a slightly tannic yet surprisingly mellow wine of a dangerously fluorescent green hue. I live in Bath, but am a student at Oxford and so I spend my waking hours there (as opposed to my hibernation during the vacations). Looking forward to prod various bits of the forums to see what falls out.

Thanks!


Ah, welcome. I was in Oxford the other day.
Have you noticed the TAMLondon event in October? See the thread in TAM events etc at the top of the index.

[Locutus]

Thanks very much, I hadn't but I've had a look now. Will definitely see if I can turn up.

[r-j]

Now that you've signed up, check out the Members-Only sections. You'll be amazed what you've been missing out on!

Or offended. There are dirty jokes being told there. Somebody should put a warning on the sections where anything goes. Children might read them, and be scarred for life.

[hcmom]

Or offended. There are dirty jokes being told there. Somebody should put a warning on the sections where anything goes. Children might read them, and be scarred for life.

This is why it's the "Members only" section.

[COLONEL]

Or offended. There are dirty jokes being told there. Somebody should put a warning on the sections where anything goes. Children might read them, and be scarred for life.

This is why it's the "Members only" section.
Yeah what Mom says

[Foolmewunz]

Yeah what Mom says

First rule of skepticism: Mom is always right.

[Roadtoad]

First rule of skepticism: Mom is always right.

I doubt it.

[Foolmewunz]

I doubt it.

Oooh! I'm telling!

M-o-o-o-m! Roadtoad's disagreeing again! But m-o-o-o-m, he started it!

[MikeSun5]

Hello JREFers, I'm Mike from Florida. I have a great time watching all you guys match wits on this forum, so I figured I'd join the fracas.

Nice to be here.

[COLONEL]

I doubt it. Mom will probably tell you .
Oh yeah well you just wait until your father gets here.

[COLONEL]

High Mike from Fl. have a warm glass of Goats milk and a famous Gayman oatmeal cookie after to refresh your breath you may take a Minty . go to the library and return all your over due books last but not least pat the Goat on the head when you see her .

[Foolmewunz]

Hello JREFers, I'm Mike from Florida. I have a great time watching all you guys match wits on this forum, so I figured I'd join the fracas.

Nice to be here.

Hey, Mike and welcome.

We don't so much match wits as pass them around. There's actually only one wit (that's the singular of wits, right?) for the bunch of us and we take turns. It gets really rough when you know there's an opening for a particularly brilliant riposte but can't come up with it because the wit wagon is over at Mr. Skinny's profile that day.

I had my day. Man, shudda seen me on Feb 29, 2007! I was dynamite. Before and since, though.... I just respond with, "Oh, yeah?"

Welcome. Pay no attention to the goat. She's been patted on the head so much by newbs that she's starting to list and walk into walls. And we're out of Grayman's cookies, so I guess you'll have to settle for a Minty (whatever the hell that is - the Aussies swear by 'em though... and something called a Tim Tam).

[arthwollipot]

Don't you be disrespecting the Tim Tams!

[Erigena]

Hi everyone,

Me llamo Deanna. That's my Spanish lesson for today. I currently reside in South Florida and I'm here by way of a fellow skeptic. I've already acquired an addiction to the forums. As requested, I returned all my library books. Bring on the goats...it's good to be here.

[Roadtoad]

Hi everyone,

Me llamo Deanna. That's my Spanish lesson for today. I currently reside in South Florida and I'm here by way of a fellow skeptic. I've already acquired an addiction to the forums. As requested, I returned all my library books. Bring on the goats...it's good to be here.

Hold it there...

Did you have a cookie? A Mintie? Did you bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA?

Welcome.

[arthwollipot]

Me llamo Deanna.Mi llama es Zathras.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_433246c5764373bde.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=7798)

[Gytha Ogg]

Morning all, yet another newbie. Lurked on here for a while and finally decided to register. I first ended up here reading all the excellent 9/11 CT debunkings.

So.. yeah.....

[Locutus]

Good morning, Gytha Ogg. Welcome to this place and don't mind the smell. =)

[amb]

Hey, Mike and welcome.

We don't so much match wits as pass them around. There's actually only one wit (that's the singular of wits, right?) for the bunch of us and we take turns. It gets really rough when you know there's an opening for a particularly brilliant riposte but can't come up with it because the wit wagon is over at Mr. Skinny's profile that day.

I had my day. Man, shudda seen me on Feb 29, 2007! I was dynamite. Before and since, though.... I just respond with, "Oh, yeah?"

Welcome. Pay no attention to the goat. She's been patted on the head so much by newbs that she's starting to list and walk into walls. And we're out of Grayman's cookies, so I guess you'll have to settle for a Minty (whatever the hell that is - the Aussies swear by 'em them These are Minties, for the last time!


http://www.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:o5Ep9aM46_vDpM::www.lovemarks.com/media/image/minties_html.jpg

[Sandra Price]

I have read a lot about James Randi and hope to meet him in Las Vegas in July. I'm a retired book dealer originally from California and retired to the Arizona Desert to help my old bones.

I am a member of Secular Humanists of Phoenix and Atheist Alliance International.

[amb]

I have read a lot about James Randi and hope to meet him in Las Vegas in July. I'm a retired book dealer originally from California and retired to the Arizona Desert to help my old bones.

I am a member of Secular Humanists of Phoenix and Atheist Alliance International.

Welcome Sandra Price. It goes without saying that been a book dealer your library books have all been returned on time, you don't have any overdue ones laying around somewhere?
Anyway, have a glass of warm just milked goat milk, a cookie or a Minty and make yourself at home. I think you will be among friends here.

[Foolmewunz]

These are Minties, for the last time!


http://www.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:o5Ep9aM46_vDpM::www.lovemarks.com/media/image/minties_html.jpg

Last time? Promise?
Another grumble grumble antipodean plot grumble grumble to take over grumble grumble the confectionary counters of the world.

ETA: grumble grumble

[COLONEL]

I love Minties ,the Grayman sent me two bags of them .:)

[krayon]

Another day, another newbie.

Been lurking here for a few months, primarily to learn the ropes about all things woo, and, as an added bonus, to keep my insomniac brain occupied while waiting for sleep to kick in.

My posting here will probably be scarce as I'm terribly self-conscious about my writing even in my native Finnish, but rest assured, you won't be missing much.

[LilaMae]

Another day, another newbie.

Been lurking here for a few months, primarly to learn the ropes about all things woo, and, as an added bonus, to keep my insomniac brain occupied while waiting for sleep to kick in.

My posting here will probably be scarce as I'm terribly self-conscious about my writing even in my native Finnish, but rest assured, you won't be missing much.

Welcome, Crayon!

You're doing fine so far...just build on that.;)

[krayon]

It just occurred to me: in reference to my very first forum post in the astrological readings thread, I think I just gave away too much information and a couple of guaranteed hits to SlayerofCliffracers.

Note to self: make use of the spoiler tag.

[hcmom]

First rule of skepticism: Mom is always right.

I doubt it.

Oooh! I'm telling!

M-o-o-o-m! Roadtoad's disagreeing again! But m-o-o-o-m, he started it!

*hcmom sends Roadtoad and Foolmewunz to their rooms until they can stop arguing

[amb]

I love Minties ,the Grayman sent me two bags of them .:)

So, that's who stole them. I'm missing exactly two bags.

[MissInformation]

Hello! Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm a former fanatic fan of Sylvia Browne (after spending years in the Mormon church she was a breath of fresh air). Fortunately I didn't get sucked all the way in and waste money on a reading with her though I did squander many hours watching Montel and more than a few dollars on her books. I first heard of James Randi through her, actually, while she was defending her reasons for not participating in the Million Dollar Challenge. Of course then I didn't quite understand the challenge, I just believed that the man had nothing better to do than taunt Browne because he was envious of her (for what reasons, I didn't know). Not too long after the coal miner incident I was watching yet another episode of Montel when I started to wonder how many of these cases Browne actually helped to solve. That's when I found StopSylviaBrowne. It was also when my love affair with the woman turned into disgust and I deemed myself agnostic.

At the same time I found the forums here and read some here and there. I've become a frequent lurker since Robert Lancaster's stroke...stopping in a few times a week to check for any updates on his progress.

More recently I've been exposed to the sheer lunacy of Alex Jones' followers (I don't know how it didn't happen earlier, either), which is what prompted me to finally register here after years of lurking. I'm looking forward to having some fairly reasonable discussions with some fairly reasonable folks for a change...so here I go!

[COLONEL]

So, that's who stole them. I'm missing exactly two bags.
All I know is the're mine now and I only have about 5 pieces left :D

[MikeSun5]

All I know is the're mine now and I only have about 5 pieces left :D

ok, I'm sold. I want a Minty.

[malcontentx]

Hi, I'm Gina.

[Prometheus]

Hi, I'm Gina.

Do you expect us to believe that? :) :welcome2

[arthwollipot]

Hi Gina!

[siddhigyrl]

*pats nanny, wipes milk moustache from upper lip (it WAS milk, right?), brushes cookie crumbs from shirt, pops Mintie in mouth, and bows to WA three times while placing books back on library shelves*

Ack, I got out of religion to avoid such rituals!

Brenda here. Attended CFI World Congress a couple of weeks back with BF (we were the token gimps [oops, I mean physically challenged citizens ;)]) at the back of the room. Have been an admirer of Randi's work since the late 70s/early 80s when I would see him on That's Incredible or some such show. Would beg the parents to let me stay up if he was appearing on Carson.

His Faith Healers helped me convince my mom to quit visiting such charlatans (she semi-bought into my disability being a punishment from god upon her and the lack of my ability to be healed was a reflection on our not being faithful/praying enough). I had already given up on religion years before, but my mom still prayed for my healing. Urgh.

I still get the occasional religious whack-job coming up to me or BF Chris and staying he or she will pray for me to either (1) be healed, or (2) find my body whole in the afterlife... Hello, god is just pretend, I'm quite whole, thank you, completely independent, not in need of fixing, and (as I've said so many times I've lost count) not interested in having any other body than my own.

Let's see, more about me: science editor, mom to one incredible skeptic 11 y.o., stepmom to an atheist/humanist 15 y.o., girlfriend to "agnostic" (really Catholic) Christopher, sis to atheist Dan, participates in CFI here in DC (where separation of church and state is heartily disrespected on a daily basis :eye-poppi).

I bow down before the budgies, whom we all know are planning world domination by 2038.

[Foolmewunz]

*pats nanny, wipes milk moustache from upper lip (it WAS milk, right?), brushes cookie crumbs from shirt, pops Mintie in mouth, and bows to WA three times while placing books back on library shelves*

Ack, I got out of religion to avoid such rituals!

Brenda here. Attended CFI World Congress a couple of weeks back with BF (we were the token gimps [oops, I mean physically challenged citizens ;)]) at the back of the room. Have been an admirer of Randi's work since the late 70s/early 80s when I would see him on That's Incredible or some such show. Would beg the parents to let me stay up if he was appearing on Carson.

His Faith Healers helped me convince my mom to quit visiting such charlatans (she semi-bought into my disability being a punishment from god upon her and the lack of my ability to be healed was a reflection on our not being faithful/praying enough). I had already given up on religion years before, but my mom still prayed for my healing. Urgh.

I still get the occasional religious whack-job coming up to me or BF Chris and staying he or she will pray for me to either (1) be healed, or (2) find my body whole in the afterlife... Hello, god is just pretend, I'm quite whole, thank you, completely independent, not in need of fixing, and (as I've said so many times I've lost count) not interested in having any other body than my own.

Let's see, more about me: science editor, mom to one incredible skeptic 11 y.o., stepmom to an atheist/humanist 15 y.o., girlfriend to "agnostic" (really Catholic) Christopher, sis to atheist Dan, participates in CFI here in DC (where separation of church and state is heartily disrespected on a daily basis :eye-poppi).

I bow down before the budgies, whom we all know are planning world domination by 2038.

Well, an A+ !!! You've done your homework.

Welcome aboard. I'd show you around, but it sounds like you could do the studio tour, yourself.

Is it rude to ask what your specific disability is? (Just curiosity - it's okay to tell me I'm being boorish.)

[siddhigyrl]

Is it rude to ask what your specific disability is? (Just curiosity - it's okay to tell me I'm being boorish.)

To be honest, I've always felt it's better to ask than stare or avert eyes.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, "frozen joints", AKA AMC. Birth defect. Nonprogressive. 1 in 3000 births. No known cause.

BF has it as well-- he uses braces and crutches (and powerchair on occasion). Adopted my daughter in 2003 -- she has it also. She and I are both ambulatory, though have significant limps.

[Erigena]

Mi llama es Zathras.

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_433246c5764373bde.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=7798)
That's pretty good. I can now add Llama to my language list.

[Erigena]

Hold it there...

Did you have a cookie? A Mintie? Did you bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA?

Welcome.
I'm watching my girlish figure so I'll have to choose between the cookie and the minty. I'll take the minty, it sounds refreshing, like a good debate. Thanks Roadtoad!

[kylev]

I'm Kyle, a 34 year old software engineer living in San Francisco, CA. I attended TAM6 last year, and hope to make it to TAM7.

My skeptic advocacy efforts center around being a moderator of Reddit.com's /r/skeptic/ section (I'm not allowed to make that a link yet) and generally applying critical thought to other parts of reddit.com and among the woo-loving hippies in the Bay Area.

[RexStevens]

Hi every one, hope ya,ll are doing well. My name is Rex Stevens and i reside in Houston, Tx. I was introduced to this forum by a friend that has been a member for years. cause maybe ya,ll can help me on my quest. I,m a viet nam vet that has alot of memory blanks about experiences while in country.Now i,m in thrapy dealing with different issues relating to said time. here's the question, I came up with the idea that memory recall through hypnosis.I'm probable the only vet that wants to go back in time and remember what he can't or won't remember. But my friend who introduced me to this forum, who by the way is avery intelegent gentalman. Has told me that what i'm trying to do won't work.(memory recall through hypnosis). now this forum goes world wide so I might get some solid feedback. thank you for your time. respectfully Rex Stevens

[Foolmewunz]

To be honest, I've always felt it's better to ask than stare or avert eyes.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, "frozen joints", AKA AMC. Birth defect. Nonprogressive. 1 in 3000 births. No known cause.

BF has it as well-- he uses braces and crutches (and powerchair on occasion). Adopted my daughter in 2003 -- she has it also. She and I are both ambulatory, though have significant limps.

Thanks. I have something else to look up, now. (Never too old to learn about new topics...)

And I salute you, by the way. Single mom, adopting a child with any form of disability (is that un-PC, frankly I lose track of what terms one's allowed to use)... pretty big bite to take out of life and takes a lot of fortitude. I look forward to your posts.

Now, off with you! Get those first 50 posts so you can get an avatar and post links and stuff. Take an extra Minty on your way out, and try not to trip over all the Aussies.

[fuelair]

Hi every one, hope ya,ll are doing well. My name is Rex Stevens and i reside in Houston, Tx. I was introduced to this forum by a friend that has been a member for years. cause maybe ya,ll can help me on my quest. I,m a viet nam vet that has alot of memory blanks about experiences while in country.Now i,m in thrapy dealing with different issues relating to said time. here's the question, I came up with the idea that memory recall through hypnosis.I'm probable the only vet that wants to go back in time and remember what he can't or won't remember. But my friend who introduced me to this forum, who by the way is avery intelegent gentalman. Has told me that what i'm trying to do won't work.(memory recall through hypnosis). now this forum goes world wide so I might get some solid feedback. thank you for your time. respectfully Rex StevensAs a fellow Viet vet (but not in the combat end - 24th Evac/9th Med Lab, Long Binh) I certainly wish you well - but also must add no data that I know of supports hypnosis recovering memories- though there is some on false memories being created purposely or not during hypnosis (leading questions, too much detail provided by hypnotist....).

[COLONEL]

Fuelair & Rex Welcome home

[fuelair]

Fuelair & Rex Welcome homeThanks kindly - wish we all could have made it!!:)

[Roadtoad]

Thanks kindly - wish we all could have made it!!:)

Ditto, that.

[Roma]

But my friend who introduced me to this forum has told me that what i'm trying to do won't work.(memory recall through hypnosis). now this forum goes world wide so I might get some solid feedback. thank you for your time. respectfully Rex Stevens

Hey Rex, my cousin came back from Afghanistan awhile ago and has PTSD, recovered memory therapy made him worse, your friend is right it doesn't work.

Good luck and here is a site that might be interesting for you:

http://quackwatch.org/

[amb]

Thanks. I have something else to look up, now. (Never too old to learn about new topics...)

And I salute you, by the way. Single mom, adopting a child with any form of disability (is that un-PC, frankly I lose track of what terms one's allowed to use)... pretty big bite to take out of life and takes a lot of fortitude. I look forward to your posts.

Now, off with you! Get those first 50 posts so you can get an avatar and post links and stuff. Take an extra Minty on your way out, and try not to trip over all the Aussies.

First he/she gives away my Minties willy nilly, the he/she has the audacity to insult us Aussies. What pray tell is wrong with tripping over an Aussie? It can only happen in Bondi Beach or similar where the female Aussies lay almost nude soaking up the sun.
A very warm welcome to all newbies.:) Be prepared to receive a hiding if you try to bring any woo here. You will be swamped with critical lectures of why it's woo. :p

[Foolmewunz]

Sound Check.

Test. One. Two. Three. Test. Test.

Is this thing on?


Seriously, newbs,... we're just kidding. Really. We're not really fighting and tussling and hollering at each other. It's the goat. She sometimes makes an awful racket.

It's okay to come back in, now.

[amb]

Yea, I just fed the thing and it's sound asleep after I burped it. It won't bother anyone for a while. So come on in, don't be shy, we're all friends here. :)

[MacM]

Yep. New here and have been hammered by many before you so have at it - LOL.

[hcmom]

Yep. New here and have been hammered by many before you so have at it - LOL.

Really, we prefer saws and wrenches and pliers to hammers....

[timm]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum (first post). I'm a christian, aeronautical engineer, father of three, teacher, swim coach, pianist (ragtime), numismatist, science fiction enthusiast and history buff. I want to improve my critical thinking skills and hold intellectually honest conversations. My life revolves around my church community. We stick to each other like glue. I'm currently renovating my house and am coated with sheetrock dust. Never done it before but I'm going to try my hand at doing the shower pan myself (as well as the tiling). I believe that no question is taboo and welcome all slings and arrows.

[Roadtoad]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum (first post). I'm a christian, aeronautical engineer, father of three, teacher, swim coach, pianist (ragtime), numismatist, science fiction enthusiast and history buff. I want to improve my critical thinking skills and hold intellectually honest conversations. My life revolves around my church community. We stick to each other like glue. I'm currently renovating my house and am coated with sheetrock dust. Never done it before but I'm going to try my hand at doing the shower pan myself (as well as the tiling). I believe that no question is taboo and welcome all slings and arrows.

Welcome, Timm. The bolded part, if you mean it, will serve you well here. Having said that, I would advise a great deal of distance from a few religious trolls who have taken up residence here, as they will not serve you well, and have wound up tarring good people of faith.

In the meantime, be sure to pat the goat, have a cookie from Grayman. There's Minties to be enjoyed, and be sure you've returned all your library books. Don't forget to bow three times towards Kent, WA, in honor of Kenworth Trucks, and be sure to say nice things about budgies.

[timm]

Thanks for the welcome, Roadtoad.

[Roma]

Hi timm, and welcome from another Christian and fellow child wrangler. :)

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome timm (and others, of course),

We have a few things in common. I've done the "coated in drywall dust" period of my life, have three kids myself (all grown) and work around a lot of aeronautical engineers, occasionally play the guitar, and may need some numismatist advice in the near future (planning on selling my deceased dad's coin collection).

I'm an atheist, so we don't have the church thing in common, and I should mention that I'm forum god. However, I don't require anyone to bow three times toward Dayton, Ohio. :D

Welcome to the forum!

[Roadtoad]

...I'm an atheist, so we don't have the church thing in common, and I should mention that I'm forum god. However, I don't require anyone to bow three times toward Dayton, Ohio. :D

Welcome to the forum!

Well, DUH! They're too busy bowing towards Kent, WA. Kenworths RULE!

[Marduk]

Hi, I am Marduk
some of you might already know me, I swing heavily toward the sceptical side of things specialising in ancient history, I keep getting banned from pseudo history websites for posting factual information supported by credible empirical evidence, and for steadfastly not believing in Aliens or Atlantean pyramid builders
also I save whales (usually 1000 at a time)

if anyone sees any sitchenites please let me know, I eat them for breakfast and am always hungry for more
:D

[SusanB-M1]

Hi, I am Marduk
some of you might already know me, I swing heavily toward the sceptical side of things specialising in ancient history, I keep getting banned from pseudo history websites for posting factual information supported by credible empirical evidence, and for steadfastly not believing in Aliens or Atlantean pyramid builders
also I save whales (usually 1000 at a time)

if anyone sees any sitchenites please let me know, I eat them for breakfast and am always hungry for more
:D

How lovely to see you here! Welcome, indeed!:)

(SusanDoris - but I'm pretty sure you know that.:))

[timm]

Your name caught my attention. Sei italiana?

[Marduk]

Your name caught my attention. Sei italiana?

Sono Babylonian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marduk
:D

[Marduk]

(SusanDoris - but I'm pretty sure you know that.:))
of course, you are the reason I'm here
:p

[amb]

Your name caught my attention. Sei italiana?

Welcome timm and others. Hope noe of you have any overdue library books lying around. Ifso, please return them ASAP. [For timm] Non so si lei e Italiana, ma Io si. :)

[JHawke]

Hi guys,

J. Hauge is my real name, but I suspect JHawke is easier to pronounce for you americans.

I live in Denmark, and no, that is not the capital of Ikea.
My english will probably be pretty sucky now and then, but I hope you can understand my posts.

Hmm, what else can I say..

I'm an atheist. I like playing the devils advocate.
I like asking a lot of questions :P

[amb]

Welcome JHawk. We recently [more than a decade ago] had a Prime Minister named Robert J Hawk. He was the most popular PM we ever had. His nick name was the silver bodgie because of his boozing and womanizing.

[SusanB-M1]

of course, you are the reason I'm here
:p
Well, I did wonder.... :) I shall have to try and keep up with your posts.
Have you looked at the info about the London meeting (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=4645908#post4645908) in October?
Carolenextdoor and I are looking forward to it.

[wendyinthewind]

i am Wendy:fg:

Looking forward to learning from you all!

[SusanB-M1]

i am Wendy:fg:

Looking forward to learning from you all!
How very nice to see you here, too.:) Welcome!

[wendyinthewind]

Thank you, Susan, some of the others have already made me feel very welcome also!

[Hecubas]

Hello JREF forum. I am a long time lurker, having read the forums almost daily for quite some time. I consider myself a skeptic and critical thinker, however, I am burdened with a general apathy (hence my lack of posts). I am ever curious as to the nature of reality and interested in the ways people understand it (or think they understand it).

As a child, I grew up interested in unusual or strange things such as bigfoot, Loch Ness monster and UFOs through watching television programs such as "In Search Of". Later in school, I would write papers that would explore the origins of myths or legends such as that of vampires. In college, I was thrilled with subjects like biology, statistics and psychology. As an adult and parent, I explored the reasons behind medical practices including trivial things like vapor rub and delicate issues like circumcision. All in all, I'm very much into finding out what we know, and how we know it.

I'm not all dry, however. I do have a taste for absurd and surreal humor such as Monty Python and Tim & Eric. :)

[LinzeeBinzee]

Hello, I've made a couple of posts so I thought I'd introduce myself. Name's Lindsay, I'm from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I learned about the JREF through the Skeptic's Guide. I'm new to skepticism and I'm loving it...looking forward to meeting everyone at TAM :)

[BTMO]

Hi folks,

My name is Brenton, I live in Wellington, New Zealand (though I still consider myself an Australian).

I am a lower-case "s" skeptic - I am skeptical of most of the claims that I come across, but can't be bothered joining any of the skeptics associations around the place.

I study marine biology full time, and work in IT part time - though actual hours worked in each would suggest the exact opposite of what I just said!

:)

Cheers,

Brenton

[amb]

Welcome to all newbies. Have you all patted the goat as you came in? It gets a little upset and won't be milked for days if it's ignored. :D BTMO, NZ is really the seventh state of Aussie. But it's kept hush, hush.

[BTMO]

Welcome to all newbies. Have you all patted the goat as you came in? It gets a little upset and won't be milked for days if it's ignored. :D BTMO, NZ is really the seventh state of Aussie. But it's kept hush, hush.

Yeah, I know - I tell the kiwis all the time. They never believe me.

What the hell. I am stealing their jobs and women...

[HENTAI DOUKYUSEI JP]

hi, i am marduk
some of you might already know me, i swing heavily toward the sceptical side of things specialising in ancient history, i keep getting banned from pseudo history websites for posting factual information supported by credible empirical evidence, and for steadfastly not believing in aliens or atlantean pyramid builders
also i save whales (usually 1000 at a time)

if anyone sees any sitchenites please let me know, i eat them for breakfast and am always hungry for more
:d

feliz cumpleaños!

[COLONEL]

Boy look at all the new B's ! I have to go and milk the Goat so that we have plenty of milk to wash down the Graymans cookies .

To all you New B's I say welcome

[Marduk]

feliz cumpleaños!

gracias coronel
:D

[arthwollipot]

Hi, I am Marduk
some of you might already know me, I swing heavily toward the sceptical side of things specialising in ancient history, I keep getting banned from pseudo history websites for posting factual information supported by credible empirical evidence, and for steadfastly not believing in Aliens or Atlantean pyramid builders
also I save whales (usually 1000 at a time)

if anyone sees any sitchenites please let me know, I eat them for breakfast and am always hungry for more
:DHappy birthday, Marduk.

[Emukt]

Hello,

I've been a long time lurker and decided I wanted to join for real. There's been a few times when I wanted to post and then couldn't that I decided to join.

I live in Brooklyn with wife and two kids. I'm really into gaming: RPGs, Warhammer 40k, boardgames and the occasional computer/console game. I helped start a gaming club called NerdNYC. We run events fairly often and have alot of fun.

Thanks for having me.:D

[SusanB-M1]

Happy birthday, Marduk.
If it's his birthday, then I must join in and say Happy Birthday too.:)

[COLONEL]

The Gaymans birthday is Monday the 4th

[John Jones]

Hi. I'm John Jones.

I've lurked for a year or two and finally decided to join.

I'm a skeptic and a critical thinker - or so I like to believe.

John Jones isn't my real name, BTW. My wife and I have an agreement that we will never use our real names on-line. I was stalked by a really creepy student at the FBI academy in Quantico years ago, and I don't want that to happen again.

I'm a chemist. I like my job.

That is all.

[MikeSun5]

Hi. I'm John Jones.

I've lurked for a year or two and finally decided to join.

I'm a skeptic and a critical thinker - or so I like to believe.

John Jones isn't my real name, BTW. My wife and I have an agreement that we will never use our real names on-line. I was stalked by a really creepy student at the FBI academy in Quantico years ago, and I don't want that to happen again.

I'm a chemist. I like my job.

That is all.

Married chemist.... used to work at Quantico... didn't like the creepy dude... lame pseudonym...

Yep, I know who you are. :)

[Prometheus]

:welcome2

[Danton]

Hello, all.

My name (as you can probably tell, as there's a large hyperlink bearing it on my left) is Danton, chosen to honor Georges Jacques Danton, a French Revolutionary guillotined by Robespierre.

I've lurked here for some time, indulging in my private passion of watching charlatan smashing (yes, I am an enormous geek, why do you ask?), and decided to join up after seeing an opportunity to make a Candlejack joke (resulting in my temporary abduction). Unfortunately, I just had to go make another post and ruin the beautiful absurdist humor.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Howdy John and Danton. I never cease to be amazed by the names/phrases that are still availible for use as IDs here. :)

[Doberman_Pip]

Hello there. Potted bio: Grew up influenced by evangelical baptists. 'Born again' and baptized age 13. Studied theology at university - thereby curing myself of all forms of fundamentalism and almost all religion. Generally skeptical and atheist/materialist/naturalist. Recurrently fascinated by Buddhism, but reading the posts and joining JREF forum has fortunately stopped the most recent bout dead in its tracks. Well done. :D

Dunno if i'm just going to lurk or what, but you seem a lively bunch.

[Roma]

Welcome LinzeeBinzee, glad to see another Winnipeger here, I grew up in Transcona, only you can understand what that means http://www.topsmileys.net/smilies/animal/flamingo.gif (http://www.topsmileys.net)

[Dally]

Moi: From England, since I'm an Indian bloke (I live in an area dominated by Indian folk like myself), I am one of the very few atheists around in my area :rub:

Closet atheist, recently became a filthy disbeliever :cs:
I've come to seek guidance and knowledge from others much more intelligent than me (which would be all of you anyway :P).

Studying biology full time at university, soon to study teh lovely subject of genetics...Which will lead me to evilution!

I found out about James Randi after watching some Penn & Teller BS. I now believe that James Randi, is the Santa Claus of the skeptics.

[BTMO]

Studying biology full time at university, soon to study teh lovely subject of genetics...Which will lead me to evilution!

Welcome aboard!

Which university? I was in the UK recently and went to the Grant Museum at UCL - well worth a visit! It was one of those little, old fashioned museums that you do see so much any more. It was one of the real finds on our holiday.

:D

[amb]

Moi: From England, since I'm an Indian bloke (I live in an area dominated by Indian folk like myself), I am one of the very few atheists around in my area :rub:

Closet atheist, recently became a filthy disbeliever :cs:
I've come to seek guidance and knowledge from others much more intelligent than me (which would be all of you anyway :P).

Studying biology full time at university, soon to study teh lovely subject of genetics...Which will lead me to evilution!

I found out about James Randi after watching some Penn & Teller BS. I now believe that James Randi, is the Santa Claus of the skeptics.

Santa Clause is a myth for little children. James Randi is real.
A warm welcome. May I suggest you subscribe to the Randigram. Hours of pleasure is guaranteed. :p

[COLONEL]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my younger brother the GRAYMAN :D

[zzn2323]

hello from ferndale washington. not much going with me here. i am interested in hearing all sided on matters. here to learn about all the different views and opinions one has.

[Gebrecca]

HOI!

My name is Rebecca, I live in Holland, I'm twenty years old, I love cheese and I'm not good with computers.

Could anyone tell me how I can upload an avatar?

[krayon]

HOI!

My name is Rebecca, I live in Holland, I'm twenty years old, I love cheese and I'm not good with computers.

Could anyone tell me how I can upload an avatar?

As far as I know, the option to upload an avatar (or attach a signature) doesn't become available until you've made 50 posts. "Contribute away, and you'll be there in no time," says the member with 42 to go.

See how easy that was? Oh, and welcome!

[Gebrecca]

As far as I know, the option to upload an avatar (or attach a signature) doesn't become available until you've made 50 posts. "Contribute away, and you'll be there in no time," says the member with 42 to go.

See how easy that was? Oh, and welcome!

You smart.

[arthwollipot]

There exist plenty of threads in Humour and Community for the sole purpose of increasing your post count. I personally recommend the Three and Nine Word Stories, Speak Only In Questions and Say What's On Your Mind Right Now.

Alternatively, you can just plunge right into Religion & Philosophy or Conspiracy Theories if that's more to your taste.

Says the guy with 18,606 posts...

[Femke]

Hoi Rebecca,

Welcome aboard! It is always good to see how a fellow Dutch found her way to this oasis of rationality. Good luck with upping your post count, you'll soon get the hang of it.

Femke

[amb]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my younger brother the GRAYMAN :D

The Grayman is your brother???? :eek: :eye-poppi

You're related to a vampire?

Happy bathday Grayman.

[Charming]

Hi!
I'm a 20 year old (21 in 3 days!!) Psychology student at a UK University. I am quite new to this skepticism business, but have really enjoyed reading some of the debates in the forums and would like to get involved every now and then. I first found this website via Robert Lancaster's 'stopsylvia' website, which I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'd never actually heard of her until I accidentally stumbled upon Lancaster's website; I guess she's not much of a celebrity in the UK (thank God).

Anyway I hope to be posting in the forums soon! :p

[COLONEL]

The Grayman is your brother???? :eek: :eye-poppi

You're related to a vampire?

Happy bathday Grayman. Yup, I am the oldest . then Grayman and then we have a younger sister

[Prometheus]

Yup, I am the oldest . then Grayman and then we have a younger sister

Do all three of you make good cookies?

[scarlettinlondon]

'morning. I am an applied psychologist living in London. I am 44, feel older, look younger and live with my boyfriend and a couple of cats. I work for the local council, of all odd things. My office is grim but my colleagues are great. Sometimes I cycle to do my rounds and swear at lorries. At other times I drive and swear at cyclists. I like to share my abuse equally. I came to this site through finding out about 'indigo children' whose parents are starting to pop up in my area and insist on special treatment. This clearly brings on extra doses of sweariness.

[BTMO]

'morning. I am an applied psychologist living in London. I am 44, feel older, look younger and live with my boyfriend and a couple of cats. I work for the local council, of all odd things. My office is grim but my colleagues are great. Sometimes I cycle to do my rounds and swear at lorries. At other times I drive and swear at cyclists. I like to share my abuse equally. I came to this site through finding out about 'indigo children' whose parents are starting to pop up in my area and insist on special treatment. This clearly brings on extra doses of sweariness.

A swearing, cycling psychologist?!?!

Welcome a-***********-board!

:-D

[Doberman_Pip]

Hello scarlett! You're not a trick cyclist as well are you? ;)

[amb]

'morning. I am an applied psychologist living in London. I am 44, feel older, look younger and live with my boyfriend and a couple of cats. I work for the local council, of all odd things. My office is grim but my colleagues are great. Sometimes I cycle to do my rounds and swear at lorries. At other times I drive and swear at cyclists. I like to share my abuse equally. I came to this site through finding out about 'indigo children' whose parents are starting to pop up in my area and insist on special treatment. This clearly brings on extra doses of sweariness.

Welcome. I see you have two pussies. They must be a handful, what with your cycling and all. Anyway, come in, have a coffee and one cookie and; this is imperitive. Pat the goat as you come in. Also, have you returned all your overdue library books back yet? If not, please do so ASAP. :p ;)

[scarlettinlondon]

Welcome. I see you have two pussies. They must be a handful, what with your cycling and all. Anyway, come in, have a coffee and one cookie and; this is imperitive. Pat the goat as you come in. Also, have you returned all your overdue library books back yet? If not, please do so ASAP. :p ;)

Thank you all. Sadly I have been banned from the library. I dropped 'small gods' hardback version in the bath and made it Wrinkly. I was happy to pay for it's replacement, but I then wanted to keep the damp one. They wanted both money and book. They won the argument. We parted ways.

Goat duly fondled

[scarlettinlondon]

The swearing goes with the cycling rather than the psychology though......

[arthwollipot]

Goat duly fondledShemp already likes you.

[Foolmewunz]

'morning. I am an applied psychologist living in London. I am 44, feel older, look younger and live with my boyfriend and a couple of cats. I work for the local council, of all odd things. My office is grim but my colleagues are great. Sometimes I cycle to do my rounds and swear at lorries. At other times I drive and swear at cyclists. I like to share my abuse equally. I came to this site through finding out about 'indigo children' whose parents are starting to pop up in my area and insist on special treatment. This clearly brings on extra doses of sweariness.

You might combine your hobbies and instead of taking out vehicular frustrations by adapting sweariness toward cyclists, just channel that and run over the indigo parents. I'm sure you'll get some sort of diplomatic immunity, and if not, well there will at least be fewer indigo believing whackjobs around.

Oh, and welcome... This place needs a few more psychologists. (There's an anti-psychology thread, or a semblance thereto) going on somewhere - The Science & Medicine and Smart Guy Stuff sub-forum, I believe.)

[lionking]

'morning. I am an applied psychologist living in London. I am 44, feel older, look younger and live with my boyfriend and a couple of cats. I work for the local council, of all odd things. My office is grim but my colleagues are great. Sometimes I cycle to do my rounds and swear at lorries. At other times I drive and swear at cyclists. I like to share my abuse equally. I came to this site through finding out about 'indigo children' whose parents are starting to pop up in my area and insist on special treatment. This clearly brings on extra doses of sweariness.

Welcome from the antipodes. What part of London do you live in?

[scarlettinlondon]

I am in wimbledon. This sounds posher than it actually is. There is the Vill-age where the indigo parents live. Then there is the Wrong Side of the Tracks, which is me in my hovel.

I am happy to attempt to swerve at Indigo Parents. Pls detail identifying marks from behind?

[amb]

I can just see the strawberry and cream from here. :)

[Marduk]

Pls detail identifying marks from behind?

they'll have a sticker on the rear bumper which reads "my other car is an Atlantean spaceship"
:D

[arthwollipot]

I am happy to attempt to swerve at Indigo Parents. Pls detail identifying marks from behind?You'll just know. Trust your instincts.

[tim]

I am in wimbledon. This sounds posher than it actually is. There is the Vill-age where the indigo parents live. Then there is the Wrong Side of the Tracks, which is me in my hovel.

I am happy to attempt to swerve at Indigo Parents. Pls detail identifying marks from behind?

Can't you tell by their auras? :D

You are, I assume aware of TAMLondon in October? If you're not, go here - http://www.tamlondon.org/
More fun than you can shake a stick at. Look at the speaker list................:eye-poppi

[foxholeatheist]

Hello all. My name is Paul and aside form being dashing charming and a terrible speller I am a Combat Medic in the US Army. I am stationed at a small FOB near Sadr City Iraq (but we're moving to a smaller FOB out near the Iranian border in the next few days).

Longtime atheist and even longer time skeptic, I am 26 years old and a member of MAAF (Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers). I am a military brat so I've lived all over the place but I call South Korea home (I am also half Korean).

I have a great wife and a dog and no plans on reproducing.

There are in fact atheists in foxholes and more than you think.

[BTMO]

I have a great wife and a dog and no plans on reproducing.

Um... with which one??????

;)

(sorry - amusingly written sentences do that to me!)

[foxholeatheist]

Um... with which one??????

;)

(sorry - amusingly written sentences do that to me!)

Now that you mention it... neither...

[siddhigyrl]

Hullo Scarlett and Paul from a fellow newbie!

Ugh, those parents of indigo children (ie, children brought up with no parental boundaries and keen senses of entitlement)... so sorry for you.

OAT: Reading posts by infamous kk and doc, I have to ask:

Have any of you longtimers received proselytizing crap in the mail etc you suspected may be from the troofers/trolls in the Forum?

[Roadtoad]

Hullo Scarlett and Paul from a fellow newbie!

Ugh, those parents of indigo children (ie, children brought up with no parental boundaries and keen senses of entitlement)... so sorry for you.

OAT: Reading posts by infamous kk and doc, I have to ask:

Have any of you longtimers received proselytizing crap in the mail etc you suspected may be from the troofers/trolls in the Forum?

Yes. And that's why there's a delete button.

[Furcifer]

Yes. And that's why there's a delete button.

Just make sure you read it first, it may be another member letting you know your link has gone terribly awry... ;)

[Monster Machine]

I'm a little late in introducing myself, but I am Monster Machine, a recovering christian (more agnostic now than anything...) I have been lurking on the boards for quite some time and only recently decided to actively post. I have very strong opinions on the religious "cram it down your throat" approach to "winning the lost for Jesus" and I will try to watch what I say.

I won't post all that much (I am not a confident debater / speaker) but I may chime in from time to time. I also have a bad case of sarcasm which can get me into trouble, and I don't want a Rule warning.

Monster

[LisaLynn]

Hello,

Ahhh..where to start? I'm a 40 year old female who is back in college again and studying to go into the medical field. I recently deconverted from Christianity in 2008 and it's been a long, hard road. I think I would be considered a weak atheist by Dawkins.

I've always loved learning, but deconverting from Christianity opened up whole new worlds for me in terms of what I found myself interested in. I feel like a sponge now, soaking up all the information I missed out on earlier in life.

I joined here because unlike other forums I've lurked in, there is such a wide variety of information presented here! One minute I could be reading about religion and the next minute about politics or the arts. I may not post very much, but I do intend on reading and learning as much as possible.

[Roadtoad]

Welcome, Lisa. You might be surprised by how much you find yourself posting, particularly given the number of folks here in the medical field.

Just a few things you should know: Be sure to give the goat a nice pat on the head. Have a cookie. Be sure to return your library books, and say nice things about budgies. Bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA, and recite, "Kenworth, World's Finest," and you should be all set, (though I would suggest you might want to steer clear of R&P for the time being. Consider this a troll alert.)

[LisaLynn]

Welcome, Lisa. You might be surprised by how much you find yourself posting, particularly given the number of folks here in the medical field.

Just a few things you should know: Be sure to give the goat a nice pat on the head. Have a cookie. Be sure to return your library books, and say nice things about budgies. Bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA, and recite, "Kenworth, World's Finest," and you should be all set, (though I would suggest you might want to steer clear of R&P for the time being. Consider this a troll alert.)

Thanks, RoadToad! Well, I just posted in R&P. I had to get it off my chest. Couldn't help myself. I'm not big on cookies, but fortunately, I don't mind goats!:)

[Roadtoad]

Thanks, RoadToad! Well, I just posted in R&P. I had to get it off my chest. Couldn't help myself. I'm not big on cookies, but fortunately, I don't mind goats!:)

Oh, man. That's just cold. Grayman will be heartbroken... :p

[COLONEL]

Thanks, RoadToad! Well, I just posted in R&P. I had to get it off my chest. Couldn't help myself. I'm not big on cookies, but fortunately, I don't mind goats!:)

Oh, man. That's just cold. Grayman will be heartbroken... :p Heart broken ? he'll probably have a heart attack, next thing you know she will post that she doesn't like minties . Well at least she doesn't mind the goat .

Welcome lynn

[Roadtoad]

Heart broken ? he'll probably have a heart attack, next thing you know she will post that she doesn't like minties . Well at least she doesn't mind the goat .

Welcome lynn

NO! How can you be here and not like MINTIES!?!?

Next thing you'll know, she'll turn to that Pastafarian heresy...! :jaw-dropp

[LisaLynn]

Thanks Colonel!

Mmmmmm....Pastafarians....

[amb]

Thanks, RoadToad! Well, I just posted in R&P. I had to get it off my chest. Couldn't help myself. I'm not big on cookies, but fortunately, I don't mind goats!:)

You're in good company. Nothing, and I mean nothing beats a goat roasted in a wood fired oven. Hardly any fat, protein rich, but make sure it's not our forum goat. For a feast the goat should be no older than 6 months old. What Italians call ''Cappretto'' Which means 'young goat'. ;) Welcome by the way. I was so exited to see another goat lover on the forum I forgot to welcome you. :p

[Yeggster]

Just wanted to say Hi

I have been reading some of the archives here what a great forum!

I look forward to participating more in the futre.

As an introduction I am 40 something and am self employed, my wonderful wife and I have 4 kids aged 6 to 22.

[LisaLynn]

You're in good company. Nothing, and I mean nothing beats a goat roasted in a wood fired oven. Hardly any fat, protein rich, but make sure it's not our forum goat. For a feast the goat should be no older than 6 months old. What Italians call ''Cappretto'' Which means 'young goat'. ;) Welcome by the way. I was so exited to see another goat lover on the forum I forgot to welcome you. :p

Thanks Amb!

Welcome Yeggster!:)

[Marduk]

I was so exited to see another goat lover
:jaw-dropp

[siddhigyrl]

I love goat, with couscous in a nice Moroccan stew.

[wicked_ways]

Happy Mother's Day to all! I have lurked for a loooong time, and even posted a little as snoop_doxie. Wait! will that void this membership? Ack! Let this be our little secret.

did i see prometheus wink at me on the last page?

I have laughed myself silly over the corndog debacle and the PGF/Bigfoot discussions.
Hope for more of the same, and maybe contribute more (effexor seems to be working quite well).

thank you and pass me the cookies please.

[amb]

Happy Mother's Day to all! I have lurked for a loooong time, and even posted a little as snoop_doxie. Wait! will that void this membership? Ack! Let this be our little secret.

did i see prometheus wink at me on the last page?

I have laughed myself silly over the corndog debacle and the PGF/Bigfoot discussions.
Hope for more of the same, and maybe contribute more (effexor seems to be working quite well).

thank you and pass me the cookies please.

Cookies coming right up. How do you like your goats milk? Chilled or warm?
Oh! There's a Mintie also if you have returned all your overdue library books as well. :p

[wicked_ways]

I think chilled milk with warm cookies. Delightful!
And I get a Mintie for all library books returned.
YAY!

[Darkhole]

Hoi Rebecca,

Welcome aboard! It is always good to see how a fellow Dutch found her way to this oasis of rationality. Good luck with upping your post count, you'll soon get the hang of it.

Femke

Al those young dutch women's makes me feel old. :(

Welcome.:D

[Femke]

Al those young dutch women's makes me feel old. :(

Welcome.:D

:blush: Thank you, you really know how to flatter a forty-something girl...

[geirka]

Hello everybody :) I am a 30 year old post.doc. in chemistry from Norway, and have always had a curious interest for the darker sides of academic life, such as greedy publishers, faked results, pseudoscience getting through peer-review, and so on. Naturally, the "Benveniste-affair" made me more curious about James Randi, and I have now been a lurker around here for several years :cool:

Lately, fellow sceptic Richard Dawkins has with his books helped me find a new, better life without religion, and I am therefore extremely happy to get a ticket to TAM London, with both Dawkins and Randi as speakers. I feel a bit sorry for the more seasoned members who didn't get tickets, though. Blame people like me :o

[garcia<3]

Hi,

I'm an illustrator currently living in Los Angeles. I was raised by Jehovah Witnesses and stopped going to church when I was 13 because they couldn't explain to me who created god. Well they tried but their answer was unsatisfactory. :jaw-dropp

I recently discovered the skeptical community through the Skeptics Guide. It's nice to see that there are so many like minded people out in the world. I never knew I was a skeptic, only that I had a major problem with creationism. I hope that one day I can attend TAM.

[arthwollipot]

It's surprising to me that people can say "I lurked here for several years before joining". I don't see how this is possible. Several days, certainly. Weeks, perhaps. Months is pushing it. Years? Never. I don't believe it.

[Roma]

It's surprising to me that people can say "I lurked here for several years before joining".

Seems odd to me too but then again I was a member for several months before I even knew I could lurk.

[amb]

Yea, OK. Several months. But years? Sounds strange to me as well.
Welcome anyway. You know the rules if you have been lurking, so I won't repeat them. :)

[geirka]

It's surprising to me that people can say "I lurked here for several years before joining". I don't see how this is possible. Several days, certainly. Weeks, perhaps. Months is pushing it. Years? Never. I don't believe it.
Nice welcome, accused of lying in my first post... I think you are taking scepticism too far :D

[arthwollipot]

Nice welcome, accused of lying in my first post... I think you are taking scepticism too far :DWell, I never said anything about lying, exactly. I expressed disbelief that anyone could read this forum for any length of time and not feel compelled to chip in with a comment of their own.

After all, this forum suffers greatly from SIWOTI Syndrome (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=SIWOTI)...

Whaaaat?? Tell me I'm wrong!

[Seoigeach]

Hi there,
I'm a 32 year old skeptic/atheist from Ireland.
Probably like many of you I've been like this since I've been very young but never thought there might be a community of fellow sufferers of this "condition" :)

I discovered the work of the amazing Randi through a Ricky Gervais podcast (wouldn't he be great for TAM? as he said himself he's a "follower of james randi" and even had a good dig at Doris Stokes in one of his latest shows).

Ever since I've been devouring sceptical books by Michael Shermer, Francis Ween, Damian Thompson (and of course James Randi) ... etc. (not to mention Hitchens, Dawkins ... etc)

I really look forward to hearing from others on all matters of pseudo-reality, having grown up in an environment of religious and non-religious woo-woo .... I've had to trapze around the "holy" shrine of Knock (where the virgin-mary (who else?) appeared to some poor folks back in the mists of time) with my grand-parents more times than I care to remember and have always felt .... this doesn't add up!

Looking forward to taking part.

[fleabeetle]

I’m male, 60 years old, lifelong citizen and resident of UK. Joined JREF late in April this year; am making this post largely from curiosity and interest, re posting on a new site. What brought me to JREF was: I have had a long-term interest in reputed “animals unknown to science”, especially of the giant-hairy-biped kind – which led me to “BigfootForums” (on which I have a different “handle”). References thereon, informed me of the existence of JREF. Have sought out JREF, wishing for a viewpoint on Bigfoot, “contrarian” to that mostly taken on BFF; and having found BFF not a totally congenial place (this re “personal vibes” – not about opinions / beliefs concerning cryptids).

Am not likely to post much on JREF, being pretty much a woolly-minded and mentally lazy type, whose notions if posted on this site, would likely be speedily made mincemeat of. As regards cryptids, I’m “interested but wishy-washy ‘who knows’ “ ; but do consider re the North American Bigfoot, that the position taken by many enthusiasts, that it’s a purely flesh-and-blood animal – just a very reclusive, very rare, very intelligent one which has eluded the human race for centuries – is the unlikeliest of all in the line-up.

Have found much interesting “browsable” material on JREF, on other subjects than unknown life-forms. Glad to have discovered JREF.

[arthwollipot]

Hi there,
I'm a 32 year old skeptic/atheist from Ireland.
Probably like many of you I've been like this since I've been very young but never thought there might be a community of fellow sufferers of this "condition" :)

I discovered the work of the amazing Randi through a Ricky Gervais podcast (wouldn't he be great for TAM? as he said himself he's a "follower of james randi" and even had a good dig at Doris Stokes in one of his latest shows).

Ever since I've been devouring sceptical books by Michael Shermer, Francis Ween, Damian Thompson (and of course James Randi) ... etc. (not to mention Hitchens, Dawkins ... etc)

I really look forward to hearing from others on all matters of pseudo-reality, having grown up in an environment of religious and non-religious woo-woo .... I've had to trapze around the "holy" shrine of Knock (where the virgin-mary (who else?) appeared to some poor folks back in the mists of time) with my grand-parents more times than I care to remember and have always felt .... this doesn't add up!

Looking forward to taking part.How do you pronounce your name?

[BTMO]

How do you pronounce your name?

Seoigeach? I am going to guess "Shag-itch"

Seriously.

[SusanB-M1]

Seems odd to me too but then again I was a member for several months before I even knew I could lurk.
:D:D Me too ... and when I kept seeing the word 'lurk', it took me quite a while to work out what it meant, in relation to forums.

[Foolmewunz]

:D:D Me too ... and when I kept seeing the word 'lurk', it took me quite a while to work out what it meant, in relation to forums.

I don't know if there's an officious official meaning for lurker. I've seen some use it as I do; e.g. I was a visitor and reader for ages. I'd read my SWIFT every week and then go through the interesting battlefields threads to keep up with latest in quackery and delusion. I referred to that as "lurking" - still do.

Others, perhaps more correctly, mean the folks who've been actual members here for years and have maybe single-digit or even nul posts, but who've been in and out of every nook and cranny and know all of us by name and avatar.

But while I think that's probably a better definition, I just like the term "lurker". It sounds so tawdry. So I'm staying by my claim of having been a lurker for years.

Welcome all. And most important: Do you like pie? Mmmm, pie.

And where are the cookies? Now that Grayman's not here for a while did we finally get the raisins out of the oatmeal cookies?

[arthwollipot]

I don't know if there's an officious official meaning for lurker.http://catb.org/jargon/html/L/lurker.html

Of course, the Jargon File is a few years old now. I find myself lurking on individual threads, for example, when I am interested in the content but don't have anything of substance to contribute.

But to lurk the entire forum... for years... before posting? That requires an inhuman level of self control. Haven't you people even heard of SIWOTI Syndrome???

[nepeta]

I know the site JREF a long time and I already posted some or your articles to my atheist forum. The main reason of joining it was because my mother joined an evangelic sect years ago and she cannot be convinced that she's being explored by the worst kind of liars she already lost a house an lots of money offering it to the church. She left the first sect to join a dissident bishop of the first sect, but it's just the same with another brand.
I'd like to find a way to debunk this sect because its destroying lots of lives.:boggled:

[amb]

I know the site JREF a long time and I already posted some or your articles to my atheist forum. The main reason of joining it was because my mother joined an evangelic sect years ago and she cannot be convinced that she's being explored by the worst kind of liars she already lost a house an lots of money offering it to the church. She left the first sect to join a dissident bishop of the first sect, but it's just the same with another brand.
I'd like to find a way to debunk this sect because its destroying lots of lives.:boggled:

Welcome friend. I know exactly what you mean. My very elderly mum not so much as exploited as brainwashed by the catholic community into wasting her precious time in pursuits such as rosaries, prayer sessions etc. which consume enormous amount of time which I feel could be better utilised.
Your mum has been taken to the cleaners by these rouges, and you should try to get her to let go before she's left with nothing at all.
Get her the ''God Delusion'' by Richard Dawkins, and make her read it. It may or may not help. Good luck, and again, welcome. :)

[Seoigeach]

hehe even people this neck of the woods have a problem pronouncing this name :D

it is pronounced Show-ig-uch ...... the "ch" is the same as in german like "licht"

thanks for asking by the way!

[BTMO]

hehe even people this neck of the woods have a problem pronouncing this name :D

it is pronounced Show-ig-uch ...... the "ch" is the same as in german like "licht"

thanks for asking by the way!

Hey! I was close...

Not bad for a kid from Tailem Bend...

;)

[Seoigeach]

Hey! I was close...

Not bad for a kid from Tailem Bend...

;)
Yes ... i saw that - very, very close. :cool:

Fair play, a far better effort than most give.

Its usually pronounced see-oyj ..... grrrrr

[Foolmewunz]

Yes ... i saw that - very, very close. :cool:

Fair play, a far better effort than most give.

Its usually pronounced see-oyj ..... grrrrr

Yeah, but what does it mean? I see an ongoing debate in the Obscure Irish Words and Songs Forum. That it's either supposed to be Seoigeach or Seoigheach, or that maybe they are actually two separate words, one meaning Joyce (as in a a family name) and the other being a derivation of the word for "wonderful".

(We look up everything, here.... and then someone comes along who actually knows the topic and we skitter off under the refrigerator like cockroaches dowhen you turn on the light upon entering the kitchen at night.)

Oh, and considering the subject of the thread: Welcome....

[Seoigeach]

Yeah, but what does it mean? I see an ongoing debate in the Obscure Irish Words and Songs Forum. That it's either supposed to be Seoigeach or Seoigheach, or that maybe they are actually two separate words, one meaning Joyce (as in a a family name) and the other being a derivation of the word for "wonderful".

(We look up everything, here.... and then someone comes along who actually knows the topic and we skitter off under the refrigerator like cockroaches dowhen you turn on the light upon entering the kitchen at night.)

Oh, and considering the subject of the thread: Welcome....
Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, your detective work is very good ..... you just about have it.

My surname is Seoige, which is the Irish version of Joyce. So Seoigeach is a nice nickname for Joyces .... the equivalent in english would be Joycer or Joycee.

When James Joyce is spoken about in Irish he is usually referred to as "an Seoigeach" - THE Joyce.

Don't worry i'm not thinking i'm "an Seoigeach" just a Seoigeach :o

and thanks again for the welcome.

Go mbeirimid beo ar an t'am seo aris

[arthwollipot]

Go mbeirimid beo ar an t'am seo arisOkay, now you're just showing off!

[geirka]

But to lurk the entire forum... for years... before posting? That requires an inhuman level of self control. Haven't you people even heard of SIWOTI Syndrome???
Well, after spending too much time getting annoyed by some Norwegian usenet discussions a few years ago (nine, actually), I simply just quit posting in discussions, realising that it probably wasn't worth the effort. And in here there are enough people who have been hit hard by the syndrome, so no need for me to come here and "set the record straight" ;) (and there's always that PhD that needs to be finished...)

Incidentally, your first reply to me brought back that old, annoyed feeling... :D

[Seoigeach]

Okay, now you're just showing off!
:D hehe sorry

[djempirical]

hello!

i finally got around to joining the forums. :)

[Prometheus]

Yeah, but what does it mean? I see an ongoing debate in the Obscure Irish Words and Songs Forum. That it's either supposed to be Seoigeach or Seoigheach, or that maybe they are actually two separate words, one meaning Joyce (as in a a family name) and the other being a derivation of the word for "wonderful".

(We look up everything, here.... and then someone comes along who actually knows the topic and we skitter off under the refrigerator like cockroaches dowhen you turn on the light upon entering the kitchen at night.)

Oh, and considering the subject of the thread: Welcome....

Your cockroaches run and hide?! :eye-poppi Around here, when we turn on a light at night, the cockroaches attack! ;)

http://naticklabs.org/roach.html

[Hound01]

Hi everyone,
My name is Mark and I live in Melbourne Australia. I'm 51 years old and a dentist.
I have booked in to attend TAM 7 in July so am looking forward to meet a lot of new friends in the skeptical community.
I have been reading skeptical stuff for around 2 years and love it all. I am an atheist and only believe in things for which a satisfactory amount of solid evidence exists. I wasn't always this sane and spent some years in an organisation that I now regard as pretty nutty.
My interests apart from skepticism are reading, wine, fine dining, tennis and travel. I have 4 kids ranging from 18 down to 11.
Cheers,
Mark

[amb]

hello!

i finally got around to joining the forums. :)
Good on you. Welcome. A Mintie is in the mail. :)
Hi everyone,
My name is Mark and I live in Melbourne Australia. I'm 51 years old and a dentist.
I have booked in to attend TAM 7 in July so am looking forward to meet a lot of new friends in the skeptical community.
I have been reading skeptical stuff for around 2 years and love it all. I am an atheist and only believe in things for which a satisfactory amount of solid evidence exists. I wasn't always this sane and spent some years in an organisation that I now regard as pretty nutty.
My interests apart from skepticism are reading, wine, fine dining, tennis and travel. I have 4 kids ranging from 18 down to 11.
Cheers,
Mark
A warm welcome to you too. A Mintie is in the mail. If cookies is your thing, then you're out of luck. Our regular cookie baker is away at the moment. :p

[Hound01]

Hi Amb,
Good to meet another Aussie. We're almost in the same time zone.

[siddhigyrl]

Oi! I'm American Irish and NO ONE besides new agers get my last name correct.

It's Sidhe. Most pronounce it "city". In India, they would say "siddhi" -- one of Ganesh's hot mamacitas.

It's pronounced "shee." Woosters know it as it's Gaelic for faeriefolk.

[BTMO]

It's pronounced "shee." Woosters know it as it's Gaelic for faeriefolk.


Yah! I am not a new ager!

I wouldn't have gotten it right...

... or even close.

Query - why not just spell it like it is pronounced?

;)

[amb]

Hi Amb,
Good to meet another Aussie. We're almost in the same time zone.

You may be surprised to learn that this place is crawling with Aussies and wanabe Aussies. :p

Head for Australians only thread.

[siddhigyrl]

Yah! I am not a new ager!

I wouldn't have gotten it right...

... or even close.

Query - why not just spell it like it is pronounced?

;)

and risk the wrath of me sweet old Grannie? She'd kick me arse from Arlington, VA, to County Tyrone!

[Meat]

Sup? I'm a Lineman from the northwest part of the U.S. Cool website and forum.I was raised in the A of G church but left at 18 and never returned.I'm a skeptic however I cannot help but think we may have come from another place in the universe. Not sure why I think this except there are so many unanswered questions about our existence. Meat.

[Slow Woo]

Well I guess I have to introduce myself as well, unfortunately for me :D. I'm 28, live in Florida, work in mechanical testing (line pipe) and was employed as a mechanic in the years prior to that (vocational/trade school). I've actually been reading this site and forum regularly for over a year now. As I've found myself going through it more and more I finally decided to break down and join. I would consider myself to be a skeptic by nature and have been as long as I can remember. My father was a skeptic and he used to discuss things with me. I can also remember reading through his copies of Skeptical Inquirer and talking with him. I don't know how actively I will post here, as when I come to a thread there is usually already one or several posts that express my point of view, and I don't really feel compelled to say the same things that have already been posted. I think that covers it for me hopefully. :boxedin:

Also, my nick here is not related to the type of woo that is commonly referred to here.

[Hokulele]

Welcome Meat! My father-in-law was also a lineman before he retired (Um, unless you are a tackle or guard on an American football team. Different kind of lineman.).

Welcome Slow Woo! What type of woo does your nick refer to?

[Slow Woo]

Welcome Meat! My father-in-law was also a lineman before he retired (Um, unless you are a tackle or guard on an American football team. Different kind of lineman.).

Welcome Slow Woo! What type of woo does your nick refer to?
It's a long story, but the sound is what it refers too.