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

[Schwarzwald]

Hello everyone out there!

I don't know why I haven't joined you all sooner, but better late then never!

I've recently been seriously delving into the skeptical community, but I've always had an affinity for science and artistic thinking.

My actual delving into the skeptical community was when I came across Carl Sagan's Cosmos being played on the Science Channel about a year and a half ago. I was high at the time and it just entranced me, every single word he spoke, was so poetically put. I was hooked that very instant. Since then I've read Demon-Haunted World, Dragons of Eden and I am currently working through Pale Blue Dot. I've been listening to various podcasts such as SciAm's Science Talk, SGU and Skeptoid.

As for my education, I took 3.5 years of Biology with a focus on Molecular and Cellular Biology before I ran into some personal/financial problems and decided to switch my major to Computer Science and I'm still trying to finish that up. Though at this point I really do regret having dropped my Biology Degree. Oddly enough, and this is my own anecdotal claim, but since I had started smoking pot, it has rekindled my fascination and thirst for science.

I'm also a recently out of the closet (in terms with my family) agnostic atheist. I love all sorts of music, though Progressive music tends to be my favorite, from classic progressive like King Crimson, to Power Progressive Metal like Blind Guardian.

Hmmm.. What else is there to say? I'm 23, a funny guy and looking to have some fun and interesting conversations here!

See you all around! :D

"Imagination and memory are but one thing! Which for diverse considerations have diverse names!" - Schwarzwald

[Darkhole]

:blush: Thank you, you really know how to flatter a forty-something girl...
Well, you still could be my daughter. :p

[Darkhole]

Welcome all.:)

[Darkhole]

Go mbeirimid beo ar an t'am seo aris

Forum rules!

2, You will not post anything that is considered pornographic, obscene, or contains excessive reference to violence and/or explicit sexual acts.:boggled:










Welcome. :p

[g0atb0y37]

I am a math and science teacher located in Norwalk, CT, though I am moving to Huntsville, AL, after this school year. I am hoping to attend TAM7 this year, and I am trying to figure out where to post about getting a roommate there. Any feedback on this topic would be appreciated, though they should probably be posted in a separate topic(?).

[arthwollipot]

I am a math and science teacher located in Norwalk, CT, though I am moving to Huntsville, AL, after this school year. I am hoping to attend TAM7 this year, and I am trying to figure out where to post about getting a roommate there. Any feedback on this topic would be appreciated, though they should probably be posted in a separate topic(?).Post in UnrepententSinner's List - TAM 7 (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=126472). You should find what you're looking for there.

[vanillabear]

Hi everyone!
I’ve been interested in the sceptical movement from a pretty early age, and I’ve always considered myself a scientist (I’m studying mechanical engineering and I’m from England) and I’ve always had a eye for spotting woo. I have mostly been an observer, reading the discussions and listening to SGU podcast. Recently, however, I decided that I wanted to get actively involved in scepticism. This is partly because I feel that my knowledge of logic and engineering could help in useful discussion, and also because a close family member has recently started believing every conspiracy she hears, taking as gospel the words of Alex Jones, David Icke, Daniel Obachike and literally anything to do with the NWO/Illuminati/Masons etc. I think I will be posting a thread on this topic to try to harvest the collective knowledge of the JREF forums.
I hope that I can help and that we can work together to put forward reasoned, logical, evidence based arguments and I look forward to hearing from you all.

[COLONEL]

Welcome newB's have some fresh goats milk it's still warm

[ThorGoLucky]

Hi, I found my way to the JREF forum via Skeptoid.com, where you can find Brian Dunning's most excellent concise podcasts.

I'm Torsten Pihl (pronounced peel) in real life, science defender, board gamer, video gamer, and a kinda into the furry fandom. Rawr!

[Manning]

Hi All - Another recent arrival, though a long time sceptic.

I joined the JREF and the Skeptic Wiki at the same time. My current goal is to try and develop the most comprehensive (and fully referenced) debunking of astrology. There are various sites out there that give it a good stab, but none are as thorough as I would like.

My pet hate: People who write "there is scientific research that indicates/shows/proves [insert claim here]" and then give no indication on how to verify their statement. While this is a standard tactic of pseuodscience peddlers, all too often I see defenders of logic and reason fall into the same mistake.

[Roma]

My pet hate: People who write "there is scientific research that indicates/shows/proves [insert claim here]" and then give no indication on how to verify their statement.

You'll like it here then Manning,
I've been told that if anyone ever writes something like that on any thread here they have things thrown at them, it's true, things really come flyng out of their computer screens at them, rocks, tomatos, small animals.
Sure, sure you may not think that something like that is possible but I have heard that there is scientific research that ........OW! OW! What the hell is that thing!

[ThorGoLucky]

My pet hate: People who write "there is scientific research that indicates/shows/proves [insert claim here]" and then give no indication on how to verify their statement. While this is a standard tactic of pseuodscience peddlers, all too often I see defenders of logic and reason fall into the same mistake.
Ach, me too, ja.

[Prometheus]

<snip>
My pet hate: People who write "there is scientific research that indicates/shows/proves [insert claim here]" and then give no indication on how to verify their statement. While this is a standard tactic of pseuodscience peddlers, all too often I see defenders of logic and reason fall into the same mistake.

Could you please give some indication how we might verify your claim that there are 'defenders of logic and reason' who do that? ;)

Oh, and Welcome!

[integral]

Hello everyone,
I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster. I'm a PhD student in mathematics, and a co-op researcher for NASA. I look forward to finally tossing my 2 cents around!

[ricklesgibson]

Hi everybody! My name's Rick & I'm a 23 year old physics student and long-time skeptic and atheist. I've been looking forward to TAM since 2005 when I first heard about it. I'm so pumped that was able to swing it this year. I've only recently signed up for the forums on the JREF & Skepchick and I'm looking forward to posting more and discussing skeptical and scientific matters. I think I'm going to hop right in and see what's going on. See you all around

[SusanB-M1]

integral and ricklesgibson

Welcome - the authorities will be along in a moment to tell you about initiation rites etc, but I always read this page. it is so very interesting to read about young people studying Physics and Maths; thus helping to ensure the progress of Science and research well into the future. grandmothers like myself wonder what the future of our grandchildren will be. I am of course optimistic.<smiley>

[arthwollipot]

integral and ricklesgibson

Welcome - the authorities will be along in a moment to tell you about initiation rites etc, but I always read this page. it is so very interesting to read about young people studying Physics and Maths; thus helping to ensure the progress of Science and research well into the future. grandmothers like myself wonder what the future of our grandchildren will be. I am of course optimistic.<smiley>Hi. I represent the Authorities. I have to take exception with your point that studying physics and maths ensures the progress of science into the future. There is no evidence to suggest that this is the case and in fact physics and maths students have been shown in many demographic studies to be less happy and fulfilled than their colleagues who study the humanities.

Did you see what I did there? I claimed to "represent Authority"... and then I argued with you... so that makes me...

...the Argument from Authority...

Heh heh heh. I slay me.

[Foolmewunz]

There are scientific studies that indicate that I should welcome all the new folks.

(Gah! They're getting so young!)

If you've been following this thread in your lurkership period then you know the drill.....

Have you returned your library books?
If you want a Minty, one of the Aussies will provide one.
Cookies are to the left. Grayman's not around for a while but he's sent over a new batch.
Give the goat a couple of pats on the head, but no sudden movements please - she's been a little on edge this past couple of weeks since she learned that the hotels in Vegas won't give a nanny her own room and she's going to have to bunk with some of the crew from Texas.

Welcome aboard everyone. Get out there and start skepticizing!

[amb]

Welcome all newbies. Follow Foolmewunz's instructions to the letter and you'll be fine.
Except the part about the cookies. I implore you, beware of the cookies.:D

[Roadtoad]

There are scientific studies that indicate that I should welcome all the new folks.

(Gah! They're getting so young!)

If you've been following this thread in your lurkership period then you know the drill.....

Have you returned your library books?
If you want a Minty, one of the Aussies will provide one.
Cookies are to the left. Grayman's not around for a while but he's sent over a new batch.
Give the goat a couple of pats on the head, but no sudden movements please - she's been a little on edge this past couple of weeks since she learned that the hotels in Vegas won't give a nanny her own room and she's going to have to bunk with some of the crew from Texas.

Welcome aboard everyone. Get out there and start skepticizing!

Hey! You left out bowing three times towards Kent, WA! Sheesh! You keep this up, and people are going to think you drive a (shudder!) FREIGHTSHAKER!!!

Remember, Newbs. Kenworths rule.

[SusanB-M1]

Did you see what I did there? I claimed to "represent Authority"... and then I argued with you... so that makes me...

...the Argument from Authority...

:D I am sure I am not the only one suitably impressed!

I like 'the argument from personal incredulity' phrase, but always manage to not quite remember it when I'd like to use it!


___

[hcmom]

I like 'the argument from personal incredulity' phrase, but always manage to not quite remember it when I'd like to use it!


___

The goats are fond of that one.

[Roadtoad]

The goats are fond of that one.

The goats are fond of many things, but we don't want to scare the newbs off.

[frank lampard]

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_________________________

[Foolmewunz]

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_________________________

I don't know, Frank. After that last World Cup, have you had to resort to hanging out on poorly attended sk(c)eptic boards?


Welcome. Have a cookie, don't forget to bow down to Kent, WA (see, 'Toad, I ain't to old to learn), return all your library books, and have a damned Minty. (The Aussies have a racket going. I think they're skimming a half a cent off of every packet and selling them to the unsuspecting Americans.)

[amb]

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_________________________
Frank, to be quite frank, we're glad you could join us. Go ahead and make yourself at home. A packet of Minties is on it's way, check your letterbox in a week, and if they haven't arrived complain to the moderators.
:p

[COLONEL]

Jean Jean made a machine Frank Frak turned the crank Jo Jo made it go Art Art ...Well you know the rest Welcome Frank

[Reactor drone]

I've lurked a bit here,reading a few topics of interest so I thought I might as well sign up in case I can contribute.

I'm currently in the manufacturing industry(plastics) but I have a wide range of interests and try to apply critical thinking and logic to help me understand the wider world/universe :)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Welcome newer folks.

Pay no attention to the knuckleheads and their inside jokes that are more likely to confuse you than provide useful information.

[Fiona]

Welcome newer folks.

Pay no attention to the knuckleheads and their inside jokes that are more likely to confuse you than provide useful information.

You want them to leave when they have hardly arrived? :confused:

Why do you hate the forums?

[wvbig]

Hi everybody. I'm a Bigfoot researcher in W.V. But I'm interested in many msteries

[arthwollipot]

Welcome newer folks.

Pay no attention to the knuckleheads and their inside jokes that are more likely to confuse you than provide useful information.What? But that's the best part!

[COLONEL]

Attention All New B's ignor UnrepentantSinner (http://forums.randi.org/member.php?u=170) he has escaped and has not been taking his medication, as soon as the men in the white coats recapture him and get him back on his meds his post will start to make sense again .

[Prometheus]

Welcome newer folks.

Pay no attention to the knuckleheads and their inside jokes that are more likely to confuse you than provide useful information.

I had hoped that no one would juice that particular piglet....

[amb]

A little humor has never done anybody harm, and makes newbies feel welcome. Perhaps even helps in making them feel part of the community as soon as they subscribe.
I'm of the opinion that more than 60% of people have a sense of humor. :)

[COLONEL]

A little humor has never done anybody harm, and makes newbies feel welcome. Perhaps even helps in making them feel part of the community as soon as they subscribe.
I'm of the opinion that more than 60% of people have a sense of humor. :)
Only 60% :jaw-dropp ? That seems low . :D

[frank lampard]

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_______________________________________________

[amb]

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_______________________________________________

Another frank. What the hell is happening here. We've been overun with franks.
A warm welcome ''frank.'' Help yourself to a Mintie, to your right is a glass of warm just milked glass of goats milk. After that, please pat the goat as it gets hard to handle if negleted.
Colonel, I said MORE than 60%. That could mean as high as 99%. :p

[COLONEL]

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_________________________

Hi guys,I am newbie here.My name is frank.Glad to meet you all,guys..

_______________________________________________
Ok whats going on here you posted the same message twice ? Stop stuttering Frank and tell us a little more about your self. Hey AMB if we could get a few Mr. Beans on the forum we would have Frank & Beans !

[amb]

Well I'll be darned, I thought that name sounded familiar. So we're not been taken over by franks then? Some Beans and franks would be nice. :)

[Dr. Galen]

Hi-

Another newcomer here. Not sure this forum is right for me but thought I'd give it a try. Haven't really lurked but browsed a couple times and registered awhile ago but am just getting around to an intro.

I like to think I'm a critical thinker and am definitely skeptical of the paranormal as the forum aims, but also try to be open-minded and tolerant. I'm 40'ish, male, married and hard to classify professionally but have advanced degrees in biological sciences.

Of the usual subjects here I'm most interested in bigfoot. I remain unconvinced by all bigfoot evidence (and think I'm a very good student of the subject) but see no reason why they couldn't exist- at least some time in the recent past. I was once fascinated by UFOs but after I finished that third grade report I haven't thought much about the... or seen much reason to.;)

Looking forward to getting to know members here and hope this forum is actually what it's intended to be.

And to minimize any misconception, I've chosen my moniker in reference to the Planet of the Apes character, not the Roman physician and philosopher, even if they are arguably inseparable.

[amb]

Welcome Dr. Galen. I'm certain you'll feel at home here if you give the forum a fair go.
There are hundreds of members here just like you. Again, welcome. :)

[Damian]

Greetings and salutations!

Huzzah for redundant movie quotes.

I'm new. I'll try to be nice. Well, most of the time.

I tend to be sarcastic, and, sadly, sarcasm is mostly lost in text. I try to be skeptical of everything, but I still believe extraterrestrial life exists. I don't belive we have been visited by any though.

I wish I was a Somalian pirate. YAAARRRR!!

[1badkitty]

Hi, I'm new here to the JREF Forum. I'm 1badkitty. I decided to join this site after reading some of the stuff on the JREF Home page. I was impressed after reading the articles debunking Sylvia Browne, as well as watching James Randi on LKL. I have a curious mind and read just about anything and everything. I hope that by hanging around here, I can become more skilled in critical thinking. I have much to learn in this area, and I really need the practice!:D

[Roadtoad]

Welcome, kitty. There are a few things you should be aware of.

First, pat the goat. Have a cookie. Perhaps a Mintie, too. Enjoy a glass of milk, and by all means, make sure you've returned your library books, and say nice things about budgies. (However, in your case, please don't eat them.) Bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA, and by all means, welcome.

[quadraginta]

Cookies? Toll House chocolate chip is acceptable.

Nothing else. (My mother always claimed she just used the recipe on the back of the chocolate chip bag, but I think she was fibbing. If you know what her secret was please email. This is the Intergalactic Standard For Toll House Cookies, and the secret may have passed with her.)

Mints? "Can't stan' 'em". The credibility of anyone who can is therefore in question.

I've always been critical of thinking. I mean, be reasonable. Could all those Limbaugh fans be wrong?

Pass the goat, please.

Thanks.

ETA: There is no Kent, WA. It's a Google Earth typo.

Don't think you can fool me just 'cause I'm new here.

[pfeenix]

ok, let's see, i'm new here (obviously...), and i'm going to warn you right now that i have a tendency to ramble on, so if this gets a little long and you choose not to read all the way though, i won't be offended.;)

another warning: i willingly admit that i do tend to be a bit of a woo at times, myself (mainly in the areas of the paranormal), but even then, i still approach the subjects fairly skeptically (at least i think so...), looking for some form of concrete evidence (although, at those times, rather than trying to prove to myself, my goal becomes more along the lines of trying to find a way to prove to others--except when it comes to alleged "psychics" and things of the like, there are just too many frauds out there for me to trust in their claims without substantial proof presented before me).

ok, what else....

i was cursed with an incurably curious mind and, therefore, if something strikes my fancy, i have a tendency to go on slightly obsessive research stints, comparing and contrasting the available information out there until i reach a point where i can form my own opinion/hypothesis/theory/etc., and then, at some point, be able to test them on my own.

i found this site randomly online, got curious (a habit of mine:p), started looking through threads, saw some interesting conversations, and then my afore mentioned inquisitive mind started screaming, "i wanna play!", so here i am...

that's all i can think of to say now (i know, i know, "finally!!!") so, any questions/comments/insults, feel free to fire away.

[COLONEL]

Welcome everyone
Quadraginta we offer the Graymans oatmeal cookies ,Try one I'm sure you will agree they are better then chocolate chips

[quadraginta]

Welcome everyone
Quadraginta we offer the Graymans oatmeal cookies ,Try one I'm sure you will agree they are better then chocolate chips
Philistine.

Now if carrot cake is a possibility perhaps we can work something out.

Cream cheese frosting, of course.

[CelticRose]

Hi! :w2:

My name's CelticRose. A friend recommended this forum to me. After lurking for a few days, I've decided that y'all are definitely my kind of people. It's nice to see folks who are intelligent, think for themselves, and have a marvelous sense of humor (I nearly fell off my chair laughing at some of the posts in the "solving the 666 question" thread. :D).

My education, critical thinking, and debating skills are not on a par with most members of this forum (from what I've seen so far), but it looks like I'll learn a lot here. ;)

Now, where are those cookies?:cookieeat

[quadraginta]

Hi! :w2:

My name's CelticRose. A friend recommended this forum to me. After lurking for a few days, I've decided that y'all are definitely my kind of people. It's nice to see folks who are intelligent, think for themselves, and have a marvelous sense of humor (I nearly fell off my chair laughing at some of the posts in the "solving the 666 question" thread. :D).

My education, critical thinking, and debating skills are not on a par with most members of this forum (from what I've seen so far), but it looks like I'll learn a lot here. ;)

Now, where are those cookies?:cookieeat

Watch out if they try to feed you the oatmeal ones. They're pushing 'em too hard.

Very suspicious.

[Roadtoad]

Welcome, Celtic Rose. I'll be in Phoenix on Monday. Perhaps connecting with some other forumites. (At least, I hope.)

[CelticRose]

Welcome, Celtic Rose. I'll be in Phoenix on Monday. Perhaps connecting with some other forumites. (At least, I hope.)
Thanks, Roadtoad.

Looks like the weather will be nice for you -- sunny and only 100F. ;)

[Roadtoad]

Thanks, Roadtoad.

Looks like the weather will be nice for you -- sunny and only 100F. ;)

Sweet. The reason I'm coming in is because the AC in the Peterbilt I'm driving doesn't work. They're supposed to fix it Monday.

[MOngo]

Hello, new here, i was asking someone about some information on "the mantauk project". They told me i might find some insights and information around here somewhere?

[amb]

Hi! :w2:

My name's CelticRose. A friend recommended this forum to me. After lurking for a few days, I've decided that y'all are definitely my kind of people. It's nice to see folks who are intelligent, think for themselves, and have a marvelous sense of humor (I nearly fell off my chair laughing at some of the posts in the "solving the 666 question" thread. :D).

My education, critical thinking, and debating skills are not on a par with most members of this forum (from what I've seen so far), but it looks like I'll learn a lot here. ;)

Now, where are those cookies?:cookieeat
Here you are. Enjoy.

http://www.pastrywiz.com/dailyrecipes/images/711.jpg

[quadraginta]

Here you are. Enjoy.

http://www.pastrywiz.com/dailyrecipes/images/711.jpg
Now, those look good.

I'm glad there are true cookie aficionados here.

[CelticRose]

Here you are. Enjoy.
Ooh...chocolate chip! Yummy! :D

*sees goat wander by, pats it*

[quadraginta]

Ooh...chocolate chip! Yummy! :D

*sees goat wander by, pats it*
(my bold above)

You are obviously an individual of consummate discernment and excellent taste.

Wise decision, staying away from the oatmeal cookies.

Would you mind passing the goat? No one else seems to be close.

Thanks.

[Thom_]

I am new here! So hello! Hope everybody's having/had (depending on where you're located) a wonderful day. :D

[Hutch]

Actually, I'm having a so-so day, Thom, and I have to go to work on Sunday so that will be even a worse day, and then Monday comes around.....

If you haven't guessed, I'm grumpy....

Anyway, most folks here are not, so enjoy yourself, pat the goat, eat the cookies, drink the milk, return your library books on-time, and acknowledge the greatness that is a Kenworth truck.


On, BTW quadraginta, it is not Mints being offered, it's Minites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minties


Ok, that oughta hold the #@%$^% for another month....

:cool:

[quadraginta]

<snip>

On, BTW quadraginta, it is not Mints being offered, it's Minites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minties
<snip>

Thanks for your concern and help, Hutch. I appreciate the reference link as well, but I'm afraid I'm too thick to get the point.

It's not mint flavored candy, it's ... mint flavored candy.

???

Perhaps it's the cartoons that make them special?

You did provide the impetus for further research and I found some interesting alternative meanings here (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=minties).

Here's a sample ...


minties
noun (pl): testicles, particularly those freshly coated with Gold Bond medicated body powder which contains menthol

"Matt, goddamnit, I can smell your minties across the room!"and another ...


minties
Hot broads who put out.

"Are there going to be any minties there tonight who will give mad domage?"I'm not sure that these improve matters, though.

Maybe the second one.

You're right about Kenworths.

[quadraginta]

Memories from more years ago than I like to think about.

Double Bubble Gum. Candy with cartoons.

The watermelon flavor was not well thought out.

[amb]

(my bold above)

You are obviously an individual of consummate discernment and excellent taste.

Wise decision, staying away from the oatmeal cookies.

Would you mind passing the goat? No one else seems to be close.

Thanks.

Why? What do you intend to do with the goat? :eye-poppi

[quadraginta]

Why? What do you intend to do with the goat? :eye-poppi
Nothing in particular.

I'm just trying to get your goat.

[arthwollipot]

Everyone gets this goat. Sooner or later.

[COLONEL]

Everyone gets this goat. Sooner or later.
And not just by the horns either :D

[quadraginta]

Everyone gets this goat. Sooner or later.
I had sorta planned to keep the goat.

I was gonna invite everybody.

Barbecued Goat With Lemon Salad And Almond Pesto (http://www.cookeryonline.com/goats/BBQ%20Goat%20Lemon%20Salad.html)

[hcmom]

If you're gonna cook the old goat, you'd better be providing the forum with a new one...

And actually, knowing where the old goat has been, maybe you should just bbq the.... uh.... less-used one.

[quadraginta]

If you're gonna cook the old goat, you'd better be providing the forum with a new one...

And actually, knowing where the old goat has been, maybe you should just bbq the.... uh.... less-used one.
Thanks for the heads up.

Didn't know there were choices.

All they all of questionable provenance?

Is the almond pesto okay with everyone? I can do a mean mustard sauce.

[Drax100]

Hello! I've fairly new to these forums, but I've followed Mr. Randi for a very long time. Seen alot of his stuff on youtube and the like, he's awesome at his debunking and such. Anyway... glad to be part of the forums. :)

[Riftmann]

Howdy all,

I was a member way back when but I must have been purged from the database since it has been so long since I have visited.

Big fan of both James Randi and Phil Plaitt, and a semi-regular poster over at the Bad Astronomy Universe Today Forum.

Which brings me back to why I rejoined. We had a poster making some outrageous claims about the Billy Meier UFO Hoax. He said that Randi recanted on his April 26th, 2004 post that Meier was a fraud. So I joined to ask for more info so I could debunk that, but that thread has been closed because the poster refused to stick to the BAUT forum rules, so it is a moot question now...

[ElectricVoodoo]

Greetings,

It was suggested by a colleague that I join the JREF. I am what my user name suggests, though as with anything it goes much deeper than that. My expertise and knowledge are in a few areas that do seem quite relevant to a number of topics that I have read thus far on the JREF forums/threads. I hope I can contribute to the areas of medicine and science and the diversity within each field. On a seemingly never ending quest for knowledge, I am certain I will learn from others as well.

Regards,
ColMD

[COLONEL]

Thanks for the heads up.

Didn't know there were choices.

All they all of questionable provenance?

Is the almond pesto okay with everyone? I can do a mean mustard sauce.
I have taken the goat into protective custody you have really upset it ,I probably will not get any milk out of it for at least a week . How about we cook your dog or cat ? I'm partial to dog because it taste a little like beef if done right, but then again cat is the other white meat .

[Prometheus]

I have taken the goat into protective custody you have really upset it ,I probably will not get any milk out of it for at least a week . How about we cook your dog or cat ? I'm partial to dog because it taste a little like beef if done right, but then again cat is the other white meat .

I've found that dog tastes like pork, and cat tastes like liver, actually.

[amb]

I had sorta planned to keep the goat.

I was gonna invite everybody.

Barbecued Goat With Lemon Salad And Almond Pesto (http://www.cookeryonline.com/goats/BBQ%20Goat%20Lemon%20Salad.html)

:drool::drool::drool: Let me know when it's cooked.

[amb]

I've found that dog tastes like pork, and cat tastes like liver, actually.

You have it all wrong. It's babies that taste like pork. Cats taste a little like rabbit. As for dogs, I never had the pleasure. :eye-poppi

Welcome newbies, you are all cordially invited to the feast.

[Riftmann]

What does barbecued woo taste like?

[Prometheus]

What does barbecued woo taste like?

Chicken.

[Riftmann]

Don't insult barbecue chicken...

[Prometheus]

Don't insult barbecue chicken...

It's the woosters who do that. All I do is cook 'em and eat 'em.

[Riftmann]

the chicken or the woo woos?

[Prometheus]

the chicken or the woo woos?

Whichever comes first.

[Brion]

Hello everyone, my name is Trevor and my mother, Faydra has been on these boards for quite some time. I came every once in awhile, but I am usually at the RRS website.

I am 18 years old, and have been an Atheist since I was around 12 (I think)

At that time I thought I was the only person in the world who didn't believe in a God. Little did I know of how huge the non-believing percentage is.

I grew up Christian, my father didn't exactly like me being a non-believer, and my step grandmother tried to preach to me when I had "come out".

Well, that's all for now. Hope to see you all in later posts.

[quadraginta]

I'm gonna need a bigger grill, aren't I?

[Roma]

I'm gonna need a bigger grill, aren't I?

Yes a much bigger grill.

You might want to consider replacing your old goat with a Canadian Mountain goat, but they don't like to be milked, er, well I wouldn't try it.


http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww344/romahart/Canadianmountaingoat.jpg

[Wolfman]

Hello everyone, my name is Trevor and my mother, Faydra has been on these boards for quite some time. I came every once in awhile, but I am usually at the RRS website.

I am 18 years old, and have been an Atheist since I was around 12 (I think)

At that time I thought I was the only person in the world who didn't believe in a God. Little did I know of how huge the non-believing percentage is.

I grew up Christian, my father didn't exactly like me being a non-believer, and my step grandmother tried to preach to me when I had "come out".

Well, that's all for now. Hope to see you all in later posts.Ah...so are you the one who achieved internet fame when you were grounded by your mother on the WOW forums? :D

[Prometheus]

Yes a much bigger grill.

You might want to consider replacing your old goat with a Canadian Mountain goat, but they don't like to be milked, er, well I wouldn't try it.


http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww344/romahart/Canadianmountaingoat.jpg

:D Nom'd!

[boyntonstu]

I call myself BoyntonStu because I live in Boynton Beach, FL and my name is Stu.

I am a retired physicist/inventor.

As an introduction to some of my inventions, see my $100 elevator here:



youtube _hom61NxuaE

And the E-Z Reach system for removing/replacing a smoke detector from a high ceiling without using a ladder in under 5 seconds.


See: Larry David beats his smoke detector to death with a bat
youtube TP21wqv0ia0

(or just search BoyntonStu)

I look forward to rational discussions about energy and MPG increase claims.

Thanks for watching,

BoyntonStu

[Cuddles]

I look forward to rational discussions about energy and MPG increase claims.

Why, do you have claims about energy and increasing car mileage? What are they exactly?

[boyntonstu]

Why, do you have claims about energy and increasing car mileage? What are they exactly?

Air restriction:

All modern cars are computer controlled.

The computer forces the air fuel ratio to be 14.7:1.

What happens at high altitude, say Denver, CO?

The MAF sensor sees less air and reduces the gas to maintain 14.7:1.

This mixture is NOT a lean mixture. It is still 14.7:1.

Again, in Denver, the engine does not run lean!


I am at sea level in Florida.


When I restrict the air flow to the MAF the computer 'thinks' that it is at altitude. The car, a 2001 ZX2 gets slightly less power, but its MPG went from 28 to 32 MPG. (The power loss is not noticeable until about 70 MPH)


My next step is to make a butterfly that will open for full power when the throttle is opened beyond a certain position.


I claim the above to be true and accurate.

I welcome all to try using 10 cents worth of duct tape to do your own test.

I will guide you though it step by step. (free)


BoyntonStu

[mcgowdog]

I was referred here from Steve Fowler's ESD Journal site.

I've been a member for quite a while, but I don't think I've ever posted yet.

I can't believe I remember my username and password.

Has anyone ever heard of 3M's new hand held device that measures ESD events, EMI, and RF signals?

Thx 4 any feedback.

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome BoyntonStu....

As you may have noted we're a board full of Skeptics (sceptics if you weren't in Boynton, septics to a whole bunch of wooists). I think if you're talking about clever practical applications of known science, then you might want to make it clear up front that you haven't rewritten the laws of physics. We get a lot of that ilk in here. Take a stroll through the Science/Math sub-forum for some samples.

(If, OTOH, you have found a way to produce Free Energy or PM, the woo hoo, welcome aboard, let me go wake the nerds and you guys can have at it!)

Welcome also Mcgowdog,
Why the interest in ESD, may we ask? Are you a ghost hunter? Ghost hunter debunker? Having trouble with a copy machine in your home office? Let me get out the sorting hat..... "Hmmmm, Gryfind...,...... No, General Skepticism and the Paranormal for you...... Off you go!"

[boyntonstu]

Welcome BoyntonStu....

As you may have noted we're a board full of Skeptics (sceptics if you weren't in Boynton, septics to a whole bunch of wooists). I think if you're talking about clever practical applications of known science, then you might want to make it clear up front that you haven't rewritten the laws of physics. We get a lot of that ilk in here. Take a stroll through the Science/Math sub-forum for some samples.

(If, OTOH, you have found a way to produce Free Energy or PM, the woo hoo, welcome aboard, let me go wake the nerds and you guys can have at it!)

Welcome also Mcgowdog,
Why the interest in ESD, may we ask? Are you a ghost hunter? Ghost hunter debunker? Having trouble with a copy machine in your home office? Let me get out the sorting hat..... "Hmmmm, Gryfind...,...... No, General Skepticism and the Paranormal for you...... Off you go!"

"(If, OTOH, you have found a way to produce Free Energy or PM, the woo hoo, welcome aboard, let me go wake the nerds and you guys can have at it!)" OU and PM are IMPOSSIBLE! No Way!

What I do as a physicist is to apply science to technology.

See my $100 (safe) elevator and my smoke detector changer on YouTube.

Search "BoyntonStu"

BoyntonStu

[Towlie]

I'm "Towlie" from Miami, currently subscribing to:
Science, Mathematics, Medicine, and Technology
Religion and Philosophy
Politics
Puzzles


This is my post#50, so I'm looking forward to uploading my avatar now. :yahoo

[amb]

A towel? You're a towel? Trying not to show any prejudice here. But welcome anyway.

If you see a goat close by, be a good chap and give it a pat or two. Cookies are on you right, Minties are to your left. Colonel will be along shortly and guide you through the protocols.

[sadhatter]

Hello All

Very long time jref fan , and owner of the worlds only randi-fish tattoo. My e-mail finally stopped erasing the reply that let me activate my jref forum account, so i am a pretty happy camper.

I Look forward to posting frequently in the forums, and being able to do more than agree or disagree in my head as to what is going on.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hello All

Very long time jref fan , and owner of the worlds only randi-fish tattoo. My e-mail finally stopped erasing the reply that let me activate my jref forum account, so i am a pretty happy camper.

I Look forward to posting frequently in the forums, and being able to do more than agree or disagree in my head as to what is going on.
(bolding mine)

Evidence?

:) Just kidding, sadhatter. Welcome to the forum.

[runnah]

I am runnah but I don't actually do any running.I live in Maine and am n avid outdoorsman. I also enjoy rally racing and fine microbrews. By trade I am a photographer/videographer and a graphic designer. I am also a 10 year photoshop vet. So if you have any image related questions I can help.

I currently work doing with condtruction companies to create various marketing mterials.this takes me all over the east coast. So if my typing sucks its cause I am on my blackberry.

As far as my skepticism I would say I am a dyed in the wool hardcore skeptic. If you tell me water is whet you better be able to splash some on my face. I found this site from the skeptiod podcast.

[COLONEL]

Well I see we have a lot of new faces . Welcome everyone ,I'm off to Americade

[Roma]

Well I see we have a lot of new faces . Welcome everyone ,I'm off to Americade


And where, pray tell, is Americade ?

[Roadtoad]

And where, pray tell, is Americade ?

Not here, obviously. :(

[Foolmewunz]

And where, pray tell, is Americade ?

The Toad's right... it's about as far from the West Coast as you can get. Big Time Biker Follies in Lake George.

Have fun, Colonel!* Bring me back a trike - I'm getting old and find that my interest in bikes in moving in obverse proportion to my ability to handle one - so a trike with a whole lot of engine and much noise might fit the bill nicely.


*Actually maybe that should read, "Hope you had fun, Colonel." I think it's ending just about as I type this message.

[COLONEL]

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u316/COLONEL54/th_tractor038.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u316/COLONEL54/?action=view&current=tractor038.jpg)

Foolmewunz I did not see any three wheelers but how about a nice bar stool ?
Click pic to enlarge

[Foolmewunz]

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u316/COLONEL54/th_tractor038.jpg (http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u316/COLONEL54/?action=view&current=tractor038.jpg)

Foolmewunz I did not see any three wheelers but how about a nice bar stool ?
Click pic to enlarge

Now there ya go! Isn't there a theory out there (if there isn't, there ought to be) that given enough time and money, man will find a way to convert any useful object into a channel for obtaining booze or women?

(Sorry mods - it's a slow Newbie week.)

[oneironaut]

Hi everybody! I'm glad to be here.

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome, oneironaut.

Next time you post, try to minimize the superfluous commentary. :)

I enjoy to-the-point, terse commentary, so I'm sure you'll be one of my favorite posters.

[Inglo]

So I joined August 14, 2007 and according to what it says up above my last visit was Aug. 19, 2008. Evidently I'm over two months early for my yearly visit.
I just registered for TAM7 and thought I'd take a peek around the forums.

Howdy.

I'm an Astronomy grad student. Researching dwarf galaxies in the Coma cluster.

See ya in Vegas!

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome Oneironaut. Like the Skinny god said, try to keep it a little less wordy, okay. You've got to leave some room for us verbose bastages!
Enjoy your stay. Kick off your shoes and relax.

And Welcome, too, Inglo. I guess you know that The Bad Astronomer has taken over this dump been given the reins as Randi's successor, seeing as to how you're into Astonomy.
Check in on the TAM threads, you'll find lots of viable information sandwiched amongst the worthless banter.... not dissimilar to this thread.

Enjoy yourselves. Move around a bit. There are all sorts of goodies hiding in various unlikely Sub-Forums. (I'm recently promoting Business/Economics... There's an awesome thread about Amway, and recently there's a great thread on Ruppert's latest book, wherein his ghostwriter showed up to defend things from one of our evil skeptics.)

[amb]

Hi everybody! I'm glad to be here.

I agree with the others. You talk too much. A little less information please.
By the way. Have you patted the goat as you came in? If not, Colonel will have a hard time milking it. :p

[hcmom]

Hi everybody! I'm glad to be here.

So far......

[leo1000]

Hello everyone, i like to introduce myself as someone who has a major interests in Parapsychology, Psychical Research, Quantum Physics.

[Foolmewunz]

Well, Welcome Leo1000,

And I see from the tea leaves that you've got a birthday coming up shortly, so let me be the first to wish you all the best.

When you say that you've "major interests", does that mean:

In looking into and exposing the idiocy of most of the claimants?
In finding a career in sheep shearing?
In offering proof because you know for a fact and have definitive evidence that psychics and para-woo-woo are for real?

We look forward to your input.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Since it needs to be said again, new folks, please don't get freaked out by some of the inside joke advice offered by people who aren't really that far from newbies themselves.

Lurk, check the forum out, see what you're interested in and start posting away.

[HarryHenderson]

Hello,
'Harry' here. Risking the superfluous commentary wrap, I'm new to (posting on) the JREF forum although I have been familiar with it for many years, and familiar with James Randi for probably 30+ years. I've been on the internet essentially since its public beginnings and am pretty savvy of the goings-on (generally) with it. My main 'hobby interest' has been Bigfoot, but I've an interest in and over the years have read many-a-word regarding all manner of strangeness that seems to go on in our 'universe'. Additionally, I'm a former moderator at the Bigfoot Forums (BFF), so I have a sorta crude and basic understanding of the 'forum thing'...and its sometimes unpleasantries. Regardless, at times I'm compelled to pretend I know 'everything about everything' - when that happens, "...just go along with it and let him finish." Or not. :)

[leo1000]

Well, Welcome Leo1000,

And I see from the tea leaves that you've got a birthday coming up shortly, so let me be the first to wish you all the best.

When you say that you've "major interests", does that mean:

In looking into and exposing the idiocy of most of the claimants?
In finding a career in sheep shearing?
In offering proof because you know for a fact and have definitive evidence that psychics and para-woo-woo are for real?

We look forward to your input.

I know that many paranormal phenomena are real based on extensive research looking at both pro proponents and skeptics.My decision is that parapsychologists and survival researchers are right. That there is overwhelming data for both psi and survival of consciousness after death.

[Isobel]

Hi everyone, I'm Isobel, female from Irvine in Scotland.

I found your page while googling for Sally Buxton who is a well known medium in this area. I'm not 100% skeptical and I'm not a 100% believer either. I think John Edwards, Sylvia Brown and Derek Acorah are not real 'mediums' IMO.

What annoys me most about mediums is that once you nod or agree with them they go on and on about the thing they've just said instead of giving you more details.

I really want to believe in something after death (who doesn't - so long as it's nice), but I'm not sure.

Looking forward to debating with you all.

[dropzone]

I'm dropzone at the Straight Dope Message Board, so I'm the same here, since there's some crossover. My bachelor's is in Anthropology but all I've done with it was to email author Kathy Reichs and ask, "Were you my Bones--er, Human Skeleton--prof back in the Fall of '74?" After a positive response and a lot of nitpicking of the series, she told me to make myself useful, so now I've been a technical consultant on two of her bestsellers, with another coming in August (the last opened at #1 on the NYT, so she'll probably break the top ten, knock on wood God willing with any luck ALRIGHT, ALREADY! Let's just say that the odds suggest that it will happen and it won't require any supernatural intervention. YEESH! :D

Oh, and I tend to abuse smilies and formatting features.

[amb]

I know that many paranormal phenomena are real based on extensive research looking at both pro proponents and skeptics.My decision is that parapsychologists and survival researchers are right. That there is overwhelming data for both psi and survival of consciousness after death.
Welcome aboard. Looking forward to your evidence for such a claim. :)
Hi everyone, I'm Isobel, female from Irvine in Scotland.

I found your page while googling for Sally Buxton who is a well known medium in this area. I'm not 100% skeptical and I'm not a 100% believer either. I think John Edwards, Sylvia Brown and Derek Acorah are not real 'mediums' IMO.

What annoys me most about mediums is that once you nod or agree with them they go on and on about the thing they've just said instead of giving you more details.

I really want to believe in something after death (who doesn't - so long as it's nice), but I'm not sure.

Looking forward to debating with you all.
Welcome Isobel. The reason they go on and on once they have your attention is because they have hit a bullseye. Mother goose would know more about you than any medium in existence.
The million dollar challenge is still up for grabs, and will never be claimed.

[Brian5000]

Hello!

My name is Brian, and I'm from Michigan.

I work as a medical technologist at the local hospital. I test blood and body fluids, do work-ups for transfusions and some work in microbe culturing (I do the preliminaries, the specialists finish it).

I found this site after looking up the million dollar challenge, which I had originally heard about from Penn and Teller's show. I've read though most of the challenge entries with a combination of humor and disgust.

My personal experience with "woo" comes from my wife's battle with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is basically any chronic, gastrointestinal discomfort that can't otherwise be explained. Fed up with traditional medicine, she decided to investigate "alternatives" (an herbalist). She didn't know much of anything about the biology, so naturally I was terrified that she was going to blindly follow some stranger's advice and get herself seriously hurt. I spent a long time trying to talk her out of it, and explain a little about human biology and how herbalism works (particularly the whole "this MAY cure" thing). She went anyway.

I have to thank this herbalist (who came recommended by her co-worker). She was so far in left field, talking about her aura and the moon, that even my wife could see though it. We were polite and as instructed by my wife, I didn't speak through the session. Afterwards, she complained, "I hate it when you're right!" I just gave out a sigh of relief that she had seen the light.

[ThorGoLucky]

Whew, Brian5000!

IBS is annoying; I have it, though mostly fixed with fiber pills and green leafy vegetables, when I remember to eat them.

[Konstantin]

Hello!
I have recently registered on this forum after lurking around for some time.
I have been following James Randi's career for a few years now.

I usually don't post on forums, but saw the "magic from Russia" :o (where I am originally from) on the Swift blog and decided to finally join the discussion.

So hello everyone ! :)

[arthwollipot]

Hello!
I have recently registered on this forum after lurking around for some time.
I have been following James Randi's career for a few years now.

I usually don't post on forums, but saw the "magic from Russia" :o (where I am originally from) on the Swift blog and decided to finally join the discussion.

So hello everyone ! :)Aha! There you go Tricky! People do come here from the blog! :D

Welcome Konstantin, and also Brian5000. Please dunk your brain in this vat before proceeding.

[Sean84]

Hello, welcome wagon. Where do you keep the booze?

[arthwollipot]

Fridge to your left, goat on your right.

And the angel of juiced piglets behind.

[amb]

Hello, welcome wagon. Where do you keep the booze?

Sorry, I didn't know you were arriving. Welcome. I drank all the booze. But if you behave, you can have a glass of freshly milked goats milk.

[Roadtoad]

Hey! Don't forget the cookies, bowing towards Kent, WA, and returning the library books!

Geez! What do we need to do? Hire a greeter away from MallWart?

[ThorGoLucky]

Hi, Frank(s). :)

[Edumacated]

hi.

[Foolmewunz]

Whole bunch of chatty bastages showing up, of late, eh?

Well, welcome nevertheless. Since you haven't given us a pre-selection, we'll have to work from the standard intros.

Welcome to Chez JREFF. (We pronounce it "shay zhay rrrefff, rolling the r, of course, because we're pretentious and pretending to be French so that we can charge you triple for the cheap Argentinian wine and bad coffee.)

I'm Jean Guy (zhan gee, you ignorant toadies). I'll be your waiter, today. I'd like to tell you about our specials while Amy is preparing your beverages.

Today we're having a special on Amway over in the Business/Finance sub-forum. I highly recommend the discussion. It may run a little short on decorum, but more than makes up for it in information. Indigestion rating is a comfortable 1.5

If that's not your cup of tea, our chef has prepared for you a nice hot thread on Single-Payor pros and cons over in Politics. A little thick on the sauce, but overall a tasty thread. Indigestion rating 2.4

As side dishes, there a number of I hate Israel/I hate Palestine threads available. Our saucier will be around with the cart, shortly. Indigestion rating 8.5

And, of course, we have our regular a la carte menu, featuring the famous Chez JREFF standards.

> We have the usual detritus in Conspiracy Theories, of course. You can come watch the corpse of the Truth Movement twitch a few more times.
Indigestion rating 33.4

> We have the 4,733rd Bigfoot thread starting any minute now in General Skepticism and the Paranormal. Indigestion rating 9.8, Humor rating 22.1

> In the same sub-forum and sometimes in Science/Math, we have our First Sous Chef, FLS, preparing her award winning Minced Homeopath. Indigestion rating 0.57

> And in Science/Math, someone's invented nothing at all. Really. Not a damned thing. But the math/science geeks will be happy to go on about it for forty pages. (If you think it was rough on Pork Chop Hill, don't get between two physicists on that sub-forum.) Indigestion rating 6.5; Confusion quotient Xy

> For desert - I recommend a double shot of Calvados and a visit to Humor or Forum Community. There, the informed diner will realize that those same ingredients(posters) in the pitched battles in those other threads are actually almost human. (Well, except for the Mods - they're all android clones of our frame relay, based on four AS400s working in tandem and calling itself "D*A*R*A*T"
Indigestion rating 0.1 sans Shemp. With Shemp 11.3


Welcome aborad, everyone. And let this be a lesson to you. Give us more information or I'm forced to ramble on like this, m'kay?

[amb]

Hi Edumacated. Please take it easy in future posts. You have given to much information.
Welcome to the best forum in the business. :)

[amicus]

Joined this board in 2004, and before the crash that required new registration I think I joined in the mid-90’s. I originally subscribed to Swift when it was printed on paper and sent by snail mail, so I have been familiar with Randi’s work for at least 20 years. I was hoping to win an award for being the longest lurker, but have given up on that dubious honor and decided to take the plunge. I have gone to the last five TAMs with a friend who has bailed on me this year. Looking forward to meeting some of the “regulars” this year.

[COLONEL]

Hey! Don't forget the cookies, bowing towards Kent, WA, and returning the library books!

Geez! What do we need to do? Hire a greeter away from MallWart? Hello welcome to Walmart , Ooops I mean JREF Old habits die hard. Have a Mintie along with a Graymans cookie then relax with a fresh glass of goats milk and pat the goat on the head when you meet it .

[quadraginta]

Be wary of the "Minties". They may or may not be mint flavored candies.

There seems to be some confusion about this.

Some sources suggest that if there is a detectable odor of Gold Bond Powder you might want to give them a pass.

...or maybe not?

[dewsouth]

Hello everybody.

I am presently a member of another message board but getting bored so I searched for a new place to call home and found you.
I'm a 62 year old female that is interested in every subject you all are talking about.
I'm glad I found you. Oh I am from Georgia, USA.

[Nosi]

I'm Nosi, from BOUT, and formerly from GodLikeProductions although I dumped that place like a hot rock! Thanks for the welcome!

[amb]

Hello everybody.

I am presently a member of another message board but getting bored so I searched for a new place to call home and found you.
I'm a 62 year old female that is interested in every subject you all are talking about.
I'm glad I found you. Oh I am from Georgia, USA.
Hurrah! A person of my age at last. A very warm and happy welcome. Regardless what some people say about my Minties, they're safe and delicious.
By the way, if you see a goat wondering about, give it a pat and tell it to come home as it's missed by all. :)
I'm Nosi, from BOUT, and formerly from GodLikeProductions although I dumped that place like a hot rock! Thanks for the welcome!
Think nothing of it. You're welcome with open arms. ;)

[MysteryMammal]

Hell everyone. I've been reading the Swift blog for months now and only in the past few weeks realized there was a forum here at the JREF site. Maybe my forum name should be "ObliviousMammal".

I picked my name in homage to a small woodland creature that ran out from near my front porch one night. I was out having a smoke and got a fairly decent look at the critter to know it wasn't a cat or raccoon. I told a friend, dubbing the creature "mystery mammal". He told me it was a chupacabra he sent to kill me. With friends like mine... A couple of days ago I saw a similar critter to the mystery mammal in the downtown region of my small city in broad daylight. I watched it slinking under cars for a good minute or so. I think it's some kind of rodent, maybe a gopher. Might have been something in the weasel family, though. Whatever it is I just hope it's not living under my house.

In addition to the bad habit of smoking, my boyfriend is threatening to stage an intervention because of what he calls an "excessive" coffee habit. In my defense, I am trying to quit smoking. But I will NEVER give up my coffee!

I hate introduction threads. I never know what to say. Any questions for me?

[Sean84]

I hate introduction threads. I never know what to say. Any questions for me?

Just one... Why not post your story in one of the bigfoot threads? You obviously encountered a MicroBigfoot and that story is SOLID evidence.
(Sorry for the sarcasm; welcome to the forum from a fellow n00b.)
I can give you a recipe for grilled possum if need be, too.

[quadraginta]

Just one... Why not post your story in one of the bigfoot threads? You obviously encountered a MicroBigfoot and that story is SOLID evidence.
(Sorry for the sarcasm; welcome to the forum from a fellow n00b.)
I can give you a recipe for grilled possum if need be, too.
Cool. Me, too. Me, too.

(I recently acquired this goat, you see.)

:D

[MysteryMammal]

Just one... Why not post your story in one of the bigfoot threads? You obviously encountered a MicroBigfoot and that story is SOLID evidence.


MicroBigfoot! Of course! How could I have been so blind! That explains everything!

I wonder if Kevin Trudeau has a MicroBigfoot Repellent THEY Don't Want You To Know About? Time to turn on the late night informercials to find out.

[Sean84]

(I recently acquired this goat, you see.)

:D

By all means tell me when it's properly fattened...

[amb]

Hell everyone. I've been reading the Swift blog for months now and only in the past few weeks realized there was a forum here at the JREF site. Maybe my forum name should be "ObliviousMammal".

I picked my name in homage to a small woodland creature that ran out from near my front porch one night. I was out having a smoke and got a fairly decent look at the critter to know it wasn't a cat or raccoon. I told a friend, dubbing the creature "mystery mammal". He told me it was a chupacabra he sent to kill me. With friends like mine... A couple of days ago I saw a similar critter to the mystery mammal in the downtown region of my small city in broad daylight. I watched it slinking under cars for a good minute or so. I think it's some kind of rodent, maybe a gopher. Might have been something in the weasel family, though. Whatever it is I just hope it's not living under my house.

In addition to the bad habit of smoking, my boyfriend is threatening to stage an intervention because of what he calls an "excessive" coffee habit. In my defense, I am trying to quit smoking. But I will NEVER give up my coffee!

I hate introduction threads. I never know what to say. Any questions for me?

Yes! How do you feel about goats and Minties? Oops, almost forgot, sorry Grayman. And oatmeal cookies? :p

[PuddleRiver]

I love oatmeal cookies, though I prefer snickerdoodles. They are the cookie to die for.

Oh yeah, I am a 52 year old female n00b, Mommy to one, Nana to 2. Glad to meet everybody. Anyone else here my age?

[amb]

I love oatmeal cookies, though I prefer snickerdoodles. They are the cookie to die for.

Oh yeah, I am a 52 year old female n00b, Mommy to one, Nana to 2. Glad to meet everybody. Anyone else here my age?

Well, I just turned 61 if that's any consolation. :p

[MysteryMammal]

Goats? Well, I've never eaten one. Do they taste good? Right now I feel that they are creepy bullies. Creepy because of those eyes, bullies because they always try to eat my clothes and/or my hair.

Oatmeal cookies are good, provided they have no raisins. Can't abide no raisins.

What's a minty?

And finally: The last two posts make me feel young. I'm a sprightly 30 years old.

[quadraginta]

Goats? Well, I've never eaten one. Do they taste good? Right now I feel that they are creepy bullies. Creepy because of those eyes, bullies because they always try to eat my clothes and/or my hair.

Oatmeal cookies are good, provided they have no raisins. Can't abide no raisins.

What's a minty?

And finally: The last two posts make me feel young. I'm a sprightly 30 years old.


Properly prepared, goat can be quite delicious. I'm accumulating recipes even now. Everyone will be invited to the barbecue.

I remember when I was thirty. Sort of. That was when the actor dude got to play the part as president, wasn't it? Never did understand why that sitcom lasted eight years. It was utterly unrealistic.

Forget the oatmeal cookies. They're trying waay too hard to get rid of 'em. Something's up about that. Hold out for the chocolate chip. They got 'em. Somebody's just hoarding 'em.

Earlier discussion on the subject of "minties" included this exchange. Very informative.


http://forums.randi.org/showpost.php?p=4764895&postcount=369

[Whirligig]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this but am interested in contributing some of my thoughts on issues of interest. My day job is as an accountant and I follow the stock market in my spare time.

Whirligig

[amb]

Goats? Well, I've never eaten one. Do they taste good? Right now I feel that they are creepy bullies. Creepy because of those eyes, bullies because they always try to eat my clothes and/or my hair.

Oatmeal cookies are good, provided they have no raisins. Can't abide no raisins.

What's a minty?

And finally: The last two posts make me feel young. I'm a sprightly 30 years old.

Behold.........a Mintie!

http://www.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:D0ZSqCtHlgjhoM::www.shopnewzealand.co .nz/images/Minties-Pic.jpg

[amb]

Properly prepared, goat can be quite delicious. I'm accumulating recipes even now. Everyone will be invited to the barbecue.

I remember when I was thirty. Sort of. That was when the actor dude got to play the part as president, wasn't it? Never did understand why that sitcom lasted eight years. It was utterly unrealistic.

Forget the oatmeal cookies. They're trying waay too hard to get rid of 'em. Something's up about that. Hold out for the chocolate chip. They got 'em. Somebody's just hoarding 'em.

Earlier discussion on the subject of "minties" included this exchange. Very informative.


http://forums.randi.org/showpost.php?p=4764895&postcount=369
Roasted in a wood fired oven, with all the trimmings. Drool, drool.
But please, not our forum goat. OK?

[NWO Sentryman]

hi. I'm NWO Sentryman. Proud Gatekeeper. How can i be of service?

[quadraginta]

Roasted in a wood fired oven, with all the trimmings. Drool, drool.
But please, not our forum goat. OK?
Okay. I prefer 'em when they're young and tender anyhow.

[arthwollipot]

Okay. I prefer 'em when they're young and tender anyhow.Are you calling the Forum Goat old???

[Ness36]

Hi, I've been a lurker for a while, and just started posting. Everyone is so witty here.

[quadraginta]

Are you calling the Forum Goat old???


Nope. I'm just going by what ya'll told me.

If you're gonna cook the old goat, you'd better be providing the forum with a new one...

And actually, knowing where the old goat has been, maybe you should just bbq the.... uh.... less-used one.

[amb]

Okay. I prefer 'em when they're young and tender anyhow.

:drool::drool::drool: Capretto. In any Italian Restaurant worth it's name should have capretto on their menu. [A young goat]

[Femke]

NWO Sentryman and Ness 36,

:welcome2

Your introductions got ignored in the culinary exchanges here, and I hadn't seen the welcome smileys for some time. Welcome, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable, the goat will be along shortly to show you to your threads.

[Roadtoad]

Hell everyone. I've been reading the Swift blog for months now and only in the past few weeks realized there was a forum here at the JREF site. Maybe my forum name should be "ObliviousMammal".

I picked my name in homage to a small woodland creature that ran out from near my front porch one night. I was out having a smoke and got a fairly decent look at the critter to know it wasn't a cat or raccoon. I told a friend, dubbing the creature "mystery mammal". He told me it was a chupacabra he sent to kill me. With friends like mine... A couple of days ago I saw a similar critter to the mystery mammal in the downtown region of my small city in broad daylight. I watched it slinking under cars for a good minute or so. I think it's some kind of rodent, maybe a gopher. Might have been something in the weasel family, though. Whatever it is I just hope it's not living under my house.

In addition to the bad habit of smoking, my boyfriend is threatening to stage an intervention because of what he calls an "excessive" coffee habit. In my defense, I am trying to quit smoking. But I will NEVER give up my coffee!

I hate introduction threads. I never know what to say. Any questions for me?

Welcome, MM. Perhaps if you switched to cigars, that might help.

Coffee? It ain't coffee until it crawls out of the pot and tries to hump your leg.

Welcome.

[Ambrosia]

hi people of JREF.

I used to lurk - now I post as well.

When I'm not posting on the interwebs I am a highly trained (Mich Star) pastry chef, and while I'm highly knowledgable about chocolate in particular and food in general I am looking forward to learning lots while I am here about lots of other stuff.

Feel free to throw cooking/recipe based PM's in my direction - I can talk about food for days...

I'm old enough to still be young, but to feel old (34) and I too am a coffee junkie.

in other news...

there's a goat????

[amb]

hi people of JREF.

I used to lurk - now I post as well.

When I'm not posting on the interwebs I am a highly trained (Mich Star) pastry chef, and while I'm highly knowledgable about chocolate in particular and food in general I am looking forward to learning lots while I am here about lots of other stuff.

Feel free to throw cooking/recipe based PM's in my direction - I can talk about food for days...

I'm old enough to still be young, but to feel old (34) and I too am a coffee junkie.

in other news...

there's a goat????

Of course there's a goat. What kind of forum do you think this is? For Zeus sake, please give it a pat if you run into it, otherwise it gets very stroppy and refuses to get milked.
Chocolate is my favourite subject. Especially the Swiss, and Belgium type.

[arthwollipot]

Careful amb, or you'll scare them off.

[amb]

Nah! Goats are cute little devils who everyone adores. Aren't
they?

[COLONEL]

Nah! Goats are cute little devils who everyone adores. Aren't
they?Yes they are especially our little goat .

[Foolmewunz]

hi people of JREF.

I used to lurk - now I post as well.

When I'm not posting on the interwebs I am a highly trained (Mich Star) pastry chef, and while I'm highly knowledgable about chocolate in particular and food in general I am looking forward to learning lots while I am here about lots of other stuff.

Feel free to throw cooking/recipe based PM's in my direction - I can talk about food for days...

I'm old enough to still be young, but to feel old (34) and I too am a coffee junkie.

in other news...

there's a goat????

Well, you're gonna make some friends, lemme tell you! There are some major chocolate junkies here! Just drop into the Forum Community section - we used to have a tradition of threads "Ask Me About Being XXXXXX". If you were to start one and fill in "chocolatier(e)" you'd have a whole lot of takers, I reckon.

And we just had a thread peter out called Coffee Coffee Coffee (I believe) in which I worked a trade for a couple of pounds of Kona direct from Hawaii in exchange from some decent green tea from China. (Now if we'd had some homemade champagne truffles to go along with it, we could've started a bidding war, and I think I would've lost out, as the Kona donor is also a chocaholic, IIRC.)

Welcome, indeed. If you're heading for Tam (I'm not, alas) don't let the Skepchicks sucker you into bringing them hand made chocolates short of pledges of their first borns. They're that desperate for chocolate, I assure you.

[amb]

This is one of the best. Period.


http://www.chocolat.com/ProductImages/cotedor/NEWmilk100.jpg

[COLONEL]

This is one of the best. Period.


http://www.chocolat.com/ProductImages/cotedor/NEWmilk100.jpg So you drink chocolate Elephants milk? :D I'll stick wth the goat milk

[Ness36]

NWO Sentryman and Ness 36,

:welcome2

Your introductions got ignored in the culinary exchanges here, and I hadn't seen the welcome smileys for some time. Welcome, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable, the goat will be along shortly to show you to your threads.

Thanks for the welcome! The goat should be along any minute now..... Damn interweb tubes must be clogged or something. *Shakes moniter*

[Annanakki]

Greetings. I found this forum through a link by a very respected poster on another forum. I am seriously excited with the wealth of information and opinions and experiences I have come across from the short browsing I have done so far. I may not post for awhile due to reading, reading, and reading, which is my favorite past time, so that won't be a problem. :)

I am a 52 year-old housewife who loves a good discussion and loves learning. My favorite authors are Starhawk, Lyall Watson, Daniel Quinn, and David Abram. I also love historical fiction, especially Engish history. Sharon Kay Penman writes a wonderful series in this arena.

Let's see... I recently became an online Pastor of the Universal Life Church and am working on obtaining a license to marry people in my home state of Pennsylvania. I wish to serve the secular and Pagan community. I tend to label myself Pagan as I am not of the Abrahamic religious persuasion, but that is neither near not there except that is driving force behind my wanting to perform marriages for those that do not wish a Christian marriage. Sorry to drag religion into my post. And my first post at that!

I spend the majority of my time reading and hanging out on several internet forums, mostly Pagan and other relgious forums. I practice yoga and meditation, hold energy healing rituals, and walk dogs as a volunteer at a humane society several times a week. I also make gem stone jewelry and have an internet site on etsy. It's more of a hobby than a business.

I enjoy life and greet the day, the world, the sun, the earth, the birds, and the little critters in my backyard every morning. Nothing surprises me anymore and I take life as it comes. I have no worries or regrets. I find as I get older that fear is no longer a part of my life like it once was. At the moment my life is full. When and if it should not be in the future, then I will deal with it and adjust accordingly.

I'm sure getting long winded here, aren't I? I do have a tendency to ramble. Well, I had best be reading and get caught up on what's going on around here.

Thanks for having me.

~ Annan

[hcmom]

Greetings. I found this forum through a link by a very respected poster on another forum. I am seriously excited with the wealth of information and opinions and experiences I have come across from the short browsing I have done so far. I may not post for awhile due to reading, reading, and reading, which is my favorite past time, so that won't be a problem. :)

I am a 52 year-old housewife who loves a good discussion and loves learning. My favorite authors are Starhawk, Lyall Watson, Daniel Quinn, and David Abram. I also love historical fiction, especially Engish history. Sharon Kay Penman writes a wonderful series in this arena.

Let's see... I recently became an online Pastor of the Universal Life Church and am working on obtaining a license to marry people in my home state of Pennsylvania. I wish to serve the secular and Pagan community. I tend to label myself Pagan as I am not of the Abrahamic religious persuasion, but that is neither near not there except that is driving force behind my wanting to perform marriages for those that do not wish a Christian marriage. Sorry to drag religion into my post. And my first post at that!

I spend the majority of my time reading and hanging out on several internet forums, mostly Pagan and other relgious forums. I practice yoga and meditation, hold energy healing rituals, and walk dogs as a volunteer at a humane society several times a week. I also make gem stone jewelry and have an internet site on etsy. It's more of a hobby than a business.

I enjoy life and greet the day, the world, the sun, the earth, the birds, and the little critters in my backyard every morning. Nothing surprises me anymore and I take life as it comes. I have no worries or regrets. I find as I get older that fear is no longer a part of my life like it once was. At the moment my life is full. When and if it should not be in the future, then I will deal with it and adjust accordingly.

I'm sure getting long winded here, aren't I? I do have a tendency to ramble. Well, I had best be reading and get caught up on what's going on around here.

Thanks for having me.

~ Annan

Woo hoo, sounds like Annan will know where to get goats!

[Larch_Noble]

Heya, I'm Kristen. :) Heh...if you really need to know how I found this site, I have heard of James Randi before, but was watching Penn and Teller's show "B*llsh*t" on Youtube today, and came by an episode where James Randi was in it. That reminded me to check this place out, as I've become a skeptic since early April. I can say that confidently now because I've let go of believing in souls, reincarnation, ghosts, etc. of the like. It had rooted me for a long time beforehand, about most of my life, until I came to realize I created most of this up to explain why I felt weird things, how come at an early age I philosophized about the universe and our role in it and whatnot.

I'm about 17, turning 18 this Thursday, June 25th. Still learning how to drive because it took me long enough to deal with my anxiety about it. xD Going to community college this fall for my Mortuary Science Major, so who knows? I've heard it's better to work near hospitals and not just funeral parlors, as I've gotten advice from someone who worked 7 years in one and never got enough money for what he would do almost all the time. Pretty fascinating that funeral services can be seen as a business, and quite sad actually.

I'm kinda a metalhead, but listen to a variety of music. I have a Myspace in my profile for anyone interested. I'll admit that I have left a relationship back in April, and it was QUITE nasty (can you say emotional manipulation on both sides and bad communication?). I'm also a bicurious young woman, but girls terrify me for some reason. xD My interests are philosophy, science, english, books, movies, documentaries, astronomy, psychology, sociology, history, government, politics, earth science, music, hiking, camping, dancing, debating, etc. I'm so honest, I'll admit I am a hypersexual. :mglook

I think that's enough for now. lol

[pccat]

Hi Guys, I haven't read anything here besides the 911 threads..
I guess I came here because I like the idea of a forum dedicated to critical thinking rather than woo woo..
I am of course a "skeptic" :)

[Annanakki]

Woo hoo, sounds like Annan will know where to get goats!

Goats? This is a farming community? :D

I hope to get goats. Having my thoughts dissected is always a good thing in my opinion. I like having it all laid it all out on the table. I haven't done any 360's yet, but I have sure refined a lot of what I thought sounded good. :)

[SkepticScott]

Hi Larch Noble, pccat! Welcome to the Forum!

[khaighle]

Hi, I'm new.

I actually made this account entirely to thank "Gravy" for the enormous amount of work he's put into debunking Loose Change and its associated nitwits. I'm rather embarrassed to admit that they had me going for a while.

Thanks, Gravy! Thanks also, huge number of other JREFers!

[amb]

Have you also thanked the goat? It gets very depressed if ignored and refuses to get milked.
Welcome to all newbies. :)

[RexStevens]

Howdy ya all! My name is Rex Stevens I am a Viet Nam vet, 14 yrs in recovery
from alcohol abuse,And currently under counseling for ptsd.I drive a cab in Houston, Texas.I was here a while back and was told by a friend (who is a member),here is the greatest collection of minds in the planet,So I was, and still am in aw.Its like going to the greatest library in the land,only the books can talk.Back before I was seeking the answer to the following question.Can Hypnosis work for memory recall.As I am attempting to do what no vet in his right mind would do.That's recall what I can not remember.And I got a couple of good answers warning me of the dangers.The above is on the more serious side.Anyway I got invited back,but you notice they did not offer me cookies and they kept the goat away.(they told him one word,Tacos,well you don't see him)Now on the lighter side.Here goes,ya all better go tinkle now,Pause.How come alien abductions only happen in the USA,are the aliens prejudice or what.See what happens when a cab driver has to much time on his hands.Thank you ya all have a blessed day.

[tuoni]

Hi,

I've been lurking around the forums for quite a while and thought it was about time I signed up. I'm a freelance programmer and am currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science - in my spare time I tinker with machines running varying operating systems.

I hope to be able to make at least some sort of useful input to the discussions here, and look forward to getting "stuck in" :)

[Gayle]

Hello, I'm not new here, but I haven't posted in several years. I do feel like a newbie because I see so many unfamiliar names and many old regulars appear to be among the missing. I've been reading posts for the past several days, looking for a thread to dive into. So far, I'm still lurking on the sidelines, but I thought it would be polite to at least say, "Hello, it's nice to be back."

Gayle

[RexStevens]

Dear miss Gayle,I am new here,but will say hi,and welcome back!

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome back, Rex (although your hiatus was brief). Don't believe that crap about the best and brightest. We pay a guy to sit in coffee shops around the country mumbling about how frakkin' brilliant we are.
(I like your question about alien abductions. I posit that it's a corollary to Parkinson's law - the amount of fantasies increase in direct proportion to the leisure time available in which to create them.)


And another Welcome (back) for Gayle. If your time here predates the split between Members and Non-Members areas, you might want to drop into Forum Community. There are lots of old regulars there.

[amb]

Welcome all newbies, old and new. You are welcome to a tray of Grayman's freshly baked oatmeal cookies, a glass of freshly milked goats milk, and of course, a Mintie. :)

[Foolmewunz]

Hi, I'm new.

I actually made this account entirely to thank "Gravy" for the enormous amount of work he's put into debunking Loose Change and its associated nitwits. I'm rather embarrassed to admit that they had me going for a while.

Thanks, Gravy! Thanks also, huge number of other JREFers!

Bump - 'cuz I missed this. This kind of post just makes our day over in the Conspiracy Theories sub-forum. It's the only reason many of us even bother to talk to the delusional TMers - the people who are on the fence or who are new to the topic. One person saved from the dark side is worth it.

Yes, there are a number of hard-working sumbitz on the debunking scene here over the years, but Gravy's work surely stands out. I mean, who else actually strikes fear in troofer hearts. He's taking a deserved rest, but like Zorro, when there is a need, he rides through in the dark of night and leaves a theoretical Z on their collective butts.

[Prometheus]

Bump - 'cuz I missed this. This kind of post just makes our day over in the Conspiracy Theories sub-forum. It's the only reason many of us even bother to talk to the delusional TMers - the people who are on the fence or who are new to the topic. One person saved from the dark side is worth it.

Yes, there are a number of hard-working sumbitz on the debunking scene here over the years, but Gravy's work surely stands out. I mean, who else actually strikes fear in troofer hearts. He's taking a deserved rest, but like Zorro, when there is a need, he rides through in the dark of night and leaves a theoretical Z on their collective butts.

I bet he burns it on with nano-thermite.

[Husch]

Hi all :)

Well, let's see...I joined recently because I am going to be attending TAM7, and it seemed only fitting. I've been an Atheist on and off throughout my life, all the while trying to find some religion that made sense to me. Tried worshipping God as I was taught, Satan, Pann (srslylol), The Secret, and so on. Finally, in my 36th year (about a year ago), I came to the conclusion that they are all equally ridiculous (except for the Pastafarians - I kinda like them, lol) ;) I knew this all along I think - but I thought I was the moron of the bunch for not being able to 'get it', and so persisted.

Anyway, as well as being an Atheist, I find myself being drawn to the Skeptic movement as well. Hence, I will be attending TAM7, and the SGU dinner. I've been scammed more than once, and hope to help others avoid the same.

As the great (lol) GWB once said "fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again." Or something like that.

[Foolmewunz]

Hi all :)

Well, let's see...I joined recently because I am going to be attending TAM7, and it seemed only fitting. I've been an Atheist on and off throughout my life, all the while trying to find some religion that made sense to me. Tried worshipping God as I was taught, Satan, Pann (srslylol), The Secret, and so on. Finally, in my 36th year (about a year ago), I came to the conclusion that they are all equally rediculous (except for the Pastafarians - I kinda like them, lol) ;) I knew this all along I think - but I thought I was the moron of the bunch for not being able to 'get it', and so persisted.

Anyway, as well as being an Atheist, I find myself being drawn to the Skeptic movement as well. Hence, I will be attending TAM7, and the SGU dinner. I've been scammed more than once, and hope to help others avoid the same.

As the great (lol) GWB once said "fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again." Or something like that.

Something about that GWB mangling of an old adage gets to me. Don't really know why.:spjimlad::spjimlad:

Welcome, Husch. You might want to be careful with a name like that - one of the unofficial meeters and greeters and all-'round roller coaster mavens at the TAMs is "Hutch".

[quadraginta]

Something about that GWB mangling of an old adage gets to me. Don't really know why.:spjimlad::spjimlad:

Welcome, Husch. You might want to be careful with a name like that - one of the unofficial meeters and greeters and all-'round roller coaster mavens at the TAMs is "Hutch".
In a similar vein, on another board there was a poster of the conservative persuasion who had a sig line that said,"Facts are stubborn things." Ronald Reagan


I pointed out that the citation was close, but it was actually John Adams who said that, and when Reagan swiped it he also misquoted and said,"Facts are stupid things".


I also pointed out that the misquote was probably more appropriate for Raygun to use, which seemed to be the cause of some sort of bad feeling.

:)

ETA: They never did fix their sig line.

[Husch]

Hmm, thanks guys - it seems odd to change my name, but I don't want to be confused with someone else, steal their handle. Husch to me means 'be quiet listen, learn'. I used it in some mmorpg games I played. With only 3 posts now, it's not much of a sacrifice to change. Regardless, I wanted to edit my post to add this:

PS: If any of you subscribe to Freethought Today, the FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation) newspaper, you might have seen my picture in the April 2009 issue. The white Ford Escort with the license plate SECULAR, and many bumper stickers. I'm the guy standing next to it. I'm pretty proud of that, I must admit. ;)

[Foolmewunz]

In a similar vein, on another board there was a poster of the conservative persuasion who had a sig line that said,"Facts are stubborn things." Ronald Reagan


I pointed out that the citation was close, but it was actually John Adams who said that, and when Reagan swiped it he also misquoted and said,"Facts are stupid things".


I also pointed out that the misquote was probably more appropriate for Raygun to use, which seemed to be the cause of some sort of bad feeling.

:)

ETA: They never did fix their sig line.

Actually, I was just sarcastically referring to my User Name.

@Husch - Don't worry too much about the name thing - just pointing it out. We have a lot of people with similar names and the little bit of confusion isn't that big a drain on the national treasury.

[blue sock monkey]

Hey y'all--
--
Been lurking for many moons & thought it was time to join in. I'm a fan of Skeptical Inquirer, Richard Dawkins, Penn & Teller, and of course The Amazing One (ever since I was browsing the occult section of a bookstore & found some sly clerk had cleverly shelved some of his books there). My favorite phrase is "What's your evidence?"--which I try to remember to ask myself too.

Be seeing you....

[Husch]

Lol, thank you. I actually didn't notice that. Cracked me up this morning, though. ;)

[Roma]

How come alien abductions only happen in the USA

Alien abductions don't only happen in the U.S.A.

Not that I have any experience with that kind of thing,
and I am not speaking as a Canadian who has ever experienced that kind of thing,
I've just heard about Canadians being abducted or something by aliens,
I think it was my cousin, and he had a drinking problem,
or maybe it was his dog,
but there were several sightings of spaceships around where I live,
I mean where he lives,
a lot of other people saw them, not just him,
the newspapers even reported it, (not the part about the abduction),
but if they put it in the paper then it has to be true.

[tim]

Alien abductions don't only happen in the U.S.A.

Not that I have any experience with that kind of thing,
and I am not speaking as a Canadian who has ever experienced that kind of thing,
I've just heard about Canadians being abducted or something by aliens,
I think it was my cousin, and he had a drinking problem,
or maybe it was his dog,
but there were several sightings of spaceships around where I live,
I mean where he lives,
a lot of other people saw them, not just him,
the newspapers even reported it, (not the part about the abduction),
but if they put it in the paper then it has to be true.


:D:D:D

[CelticRose]

Welcome, blue sock monkey! Pat the goat if you see it, etc., etc. :)

My favorite phrase is "What's your evidence?"--which I try to remember to ask myself too.
Fnord may sue you for copyright violation -- his favorite phrase is "Evidence, please?" ;)

[Ambrosia]

Well, you're gonna make some friends, lemme tell you! There are some major chocolate junkies here! Just drop into the Forum Community section - we used to have a tradition of threads "Ask Me About Being XXXXXX". If you were to start one and fill in "chocolatier(e)" you'd have a whole lot of takers, I reckon.

I will go do just that when I have a little more time to respond, I'm not a chocolatier yet - tho I have ambitions in that dept.


Welcome, indeed. If you're heading for Tam (I'm not, alas) don't let the Skepchicks sucker you into bringing them hand made chocolates short of pledges of their first borns. They're that desperate for chocolate, I assure you.

alas TAM London was full when I discovered it existed, and TAM USA clashes with work, I will make an effort for 2010 though.

This is one of the best. Period.


evidence? ;)

The most widely used chocolate brand among top pastry chefs in my experience is valrhona, which is French, my favourite widely used chocolate for just plain old fashioned eating is Green & Blacks dark, tho the best of the best of the best imo is made by an Italian company called Amedei, as used by chocolate/pastry chef genius, and my hero Will Curley.

Thanks for the welcomes :)

[Nektar]

Hello to you all, may i say it is a pleasure to be here and have the chance to take part in the excellent threads & discussions.

I'm a 37 year old male from Scotland and have always had an interest in the "unexplainable" & paranormal etc. Since i've been browsing JREF & done some reading of my own, i've seen how easy it can be to debunk most of the things that pass as paranormal or "unexplainable", by thinking skeptically and applying logic & reason.

I have plenty to learn here and look forward to doing so in the course of time. You have all kept me thoroughly entertained and informed for the last couple of years when i browsed the forum as a visitor.

For that, i thank you all!

[Femke]

Hi Nektar,

Welcome to the forum. Help your good self to some cookies and some fresh goats milk, maybe a mintie, and the goat will come along shortly to show you to your thread.

By the way, are you in any way related to Ambrosia? :D

Femke

[amb]

Ambrosia is a very tasty Swedish cheese. But. what's in a name? Welcome all you newbies.
Enjoy your stay and head for community threads to get you post count up if it so pleases you. :)

[Nektar]

Hi Nektar,

Welcome to the forum. Help your good self to some cookies and some fresh goats milk, maybe a mintie, and the goat will come along shortly to show you to your thread.

By the way, are you in any way related to Ambrosia? :D

Femke

Not quite...related to an old 70's prog rock group ;):D

[GeekyAtheist]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie here. Last year at this point I was a fundie young earth creationist, and after a long process, I'm now a skeptic atheist. I'm coming to TAM7, and can't wait to meet a lot of you there!

[LibraryLady]

Welcome, GeekyAtheist. Since I gave you this link, I thought I'd welcome you personally.

[Herkimer]

Hi! I've been lurking these forums for years now looking for information to fight the ignorance that is known as the 9/11 Truth Movement. I've been posting on Reddit as Herkimer and before that on Digg as Herkimer56. Even Alex Jones has called me out on his show as an evil agent of the NWO. I'm really looking forward to expanding my education here. Cheers to all!

[Squidgy]

Hi guys :)
I have been interested in conspiracy theories the last year or two and have probably read every single conspiracy theory there is. :boxedin:
A friend of mine told me about critical thinking sites so I searched and stumbled across this one so here I am.
I hope I am welcome here and would prefer not to be labeled a 'twoofer' but I won't lose any sleep if I am.
I look forward to getting involved with the threads on here and seeing what is on the other side of the fence.

Can someone explain the goat thing to me please :confused:

[SusanB-M1]

Welcome, Herkimer and Squidgy. It took me a long while to sort out the meaning - well, that's if you can call it 'meaning'!!! - of the goat/cookies/minties references.:) Hiding behind the curtains and lurking around helps though.

[Squidgy]

Welcome, Herkimer and Squidgy.

Thankyou Susan.

I would like to share with you guys that I have been here 2 hours and my paranoid fantasies about the new world order and the like have been shattered already. Truth Seeking was like a game for me and I was thirsty for more. I have been unemployed with way too much time on my hands. With the recession and all that I was looking for something to blame and these conspiracy stories were easy bait.

I got sick of alex jones long ago but still believed in the NWO. I am poorly educated but not thick so I feel quite ashamed of myself for falling for so much BS but how was I to know?

I was never interested in politics till I heard about the NWO etc. I even told some of my friends about it and they got drawn in too (guilt trip here). Humble apologies are owed me thinks :boxedin:

I still have some things I want clearing up but I can see already that most of the answers are already right here on the forum so many thanks to all who contribute :blush:

[Fiona]

Well Squidgy, I do not contribute to any of that stuff but I do want to say that this is one of the handsomest compliments you can pay to the people here who have worked hard on this one. They deserve to be appreciated and it is really nice that you have come out and said that.

[Dr. Keith]

After listening to the SGU for a few months I was sitting down to lunch and caught a commercial for Dr. Franks Homeopathic Pain Spray. I went out on the web to see how bad it was being trashed and was surprised to find relatively few sites talking about it. Sure, all were negative, but many focused on the shoddy billing practices and automatic reorders instead of the fact that he is charging twenty bucks for minty water.

So, as I laid awake at night thinking of starting a web site that sold a water downed version of Dr. Franks, because more diluted must be better, I came up with the perfect name, Dr. Keith's. I'm not a medical doctor but I have a professional degree that carries the doctorate label, at least in the states.

Not sure if I'm going to start the site, but I thought I should join in the conversation here before I made any rash decisions. There is no passion like that of a convert, so I figured a little deep breathing may be in order.

Seeing how kind this group was to the one person who posted here about their positive results with Dr. Frank was actually quite inspiring. I'm rethinking my whole project and how it could be laid out. Thanks.

Keith

[Squidgy]

Well Squidgy, I do not contribute to any of that stuff but I do want to say that this is one of the handsomest compliments you can pay to the people here who have worked hard on this one. They deserve to be appreciated and it is really nice that you have come out and said that.
Thanks Fi :)

[Squidgy]

I was hoping for a tad more feedback from the skeptics. One thing I always liked about the truth movement was their hospitality. Where's that goat? I'm sure he will share cookies with me.

[Mr. Skinny]

Thankyou Susan.

I would like to share with you guys that I have been here 2 hours and my paranoid fantasies about the new world order and the like have been shattered already. Truth Seeking was like a game for me and I was thirsty for more. I have been unemployed with way too much time on my hands. With the recession and all that I was looking for something to blame and these conspiracy stories were easy bait.

I got sick of alex jones long ago but still believed in the NWO. I am poorly educated but not thick so I feel quite ashamed of myself for falling for so much BS but how was I to know?

I was never interested in politics till I heard about the NWO etc. I even told some of my friends about it and they got drawn in too (guilt trip here). Humble apologies are owed me thinks :boxedin:

I still have some things I want clearing up but I can see already that most of the answers are already right here on the forum so many thanks to all who contribute :blush:
Welcome,

Well, it certainly seems you'll add a dose of humor to the CT forum.

But watch out, cause there are NWO agents viewing your every move there!

[Squidgy]

Welcome,

Well, it certainly seems you'll add a dose of humor to the CT forum.

But watch out, cause there are NWO agents viewing your every move there!
I was serious!!! I think :confused:

[Squidgy]

Thanks for the welcome dude :)

[COLONEL]

Welcome, GeekyAtheist. Since I gave you this link, I thought I'd welcome you personally.You forgot to explain about returning over due books or offer any cookies, minties or goats milk

[arthwollipot]

I was hoping for a tad more feedback from the skeptics. One thing I always liked about the truth movement was their hospitality. Where's that goat? I'm sure he will share cookies with me.I'll be sure to send her your way after I'm finished with her.

[amb]

Hi guys :)
I have been interested in conspiracy theories the last year or two and have probably read every single conspiracy theory there is. :boxedin:
A friend of mine told me about critical thinking sites so I searched and stumbled across this one so here I am.
I hope I am welcome here and would prefer not to be labeled a 'twoofer' but I won't lose any sleep if I am.
I look forward to getting involved with the threads on here and seeing what is on the other side of the fence.

Can someone explain the goat thing to me please :confused:

All newbies are asked to perform a ritual of patting the goat and grab a few cookies. Minties are also available, but in short supply at the minute.
It's to make you feel welcome, but seeing you're 42 posts up, you'd have gathered that by now.
Please check that all your library books have been returned on time otherwise the library police will be knocking on your door at anytime.

Welcome to the farm. :p:)

[Squidgy]

Welcome to the farm.
Thankyou :)

[Foolmewunz]

@DRKeith - many of us have often commented that it'd be so damn tempting, knowing how easily bilked the believers are to get into the con rackets. Almost everyone has come to the conclusion that we prefer sleeping at night - couldn't live with ourselves if we did. But, yes, it sure does look tempting sometimes.
Stay with us - have a cookie - the Dark Side doesn't offer cookies, ya know!

@Squidgy - I greeted you in your "Clique" thread, but hadn't seen this post.
We have a number of converts from the TM (if that's still what they like to call themselves). The attraction of the NWO is that it's such a catchall for everything that you feel you can't control - it's just so much easier if it's someone else's fault. Combine that with the self-serving nature of those in power, whether financial or political power, and you can come up with all sorts of "proof" for the over-extended tentacles of the NWO. It's something a lot of people get into at a certain point. Most of us find our way around it, or out of it. Glad to see you're working it out. That's sort of what being a critical thinker/skeptic is all about.
You're from the UK/GB/England? We have a whole huge contingent from thereabouts.


And a hearty "Welcome", All!!!!

[AdinDraco]

Hi everyone. I've been aware of these forums for a while (been a big fan of the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe for ages) but only signed up recently after being directed here by Skeptoid. I split my limited computer time approx 50/50 between skeptic stuff and atheist stuff. I mostly posted here now because this site actually seemed to nag me about it!

[Dr. Keith]

@DRKeith - many of us have often commented that it'd be so damn tempting, knowing how easily bilked the believers are to get into the con rackets. Almost everyone has come to the conclusion that we prefer sleeping at night - couldn't live with ourselves if we did. But, yes, it sure does look tempting sometimes.
Stay with us - have a cookie - the Dark Side doesn't offer cookies, ya know!


Agreed. It was going to be a more tongue in cheek way of diverting traffic from Dr. Frank. With a little search engine optimization it could show up as as the alternative to "mainstream alternative medicine."

Before getting to an actual ordering page there would be so many disclaimers and explanations that the crap doesn't work that the only people who would order would be friends who wanted to force me to actually go to the post office.

I was even thinking that the "product" would a be a bottle of spring water over which I read the ingredients from Dr. Franks. A sort of incantation. And then slap a hand printed label over the spring water label.

Really, it is more work than I am up to doing right now. Just trying to pay bills is getting harder these days. But the idea keeps me up at night. Not as a profit source, but as an educational tool.

Maybe a cookie would help. Thanks.

[Squidgy]

@Squidgy - I greeted you in your "Clique" thread, but hadn't seen this post.
We have a number of converts from the TM (if that's still what they like to call themselves). The attraction of the NWO is that it's such a catchall for everything that you feel you can't control - it's just so much easier if it's someone else's fault. Combine that with the self-serving nature of those in power, whether financial or political power, and you can come up with all sorts of "proof" for the over-extended tentacles of the NWO. It's something a lot of people get into at a certain point. Most of us find our way around it, or out of it. Glad to see you're working it out. That's sort of what being a critical thinker/skeptic is all about.
You're from the UK/GB/England? We have a whole huge contingent from thereabouts.

Nice to know that I'm not the only one who got duped and re-awakened. I'm glad you understand 'why' truthers fall for what the poo peddlers spin.
It's funny cos I had suspicions about Alex Jones and more so David Icke(for obvious reasons ;) ) all the time I was twoof seeking but it baffled me when people were doing it for non-profit reasons.

A few weeks ago a youtuber called EarthLastHope had people/fools critisizing him for conning money out of them. I then realised anyone who is doing it for non-profit is ultimately hoping to one day profit from it.

For the record I never spent a penny on films or donations or any other crap like that :cool:

It may be a lost cause but once I have learned more 'real' truth I am going to try and rescue a few truthers that I respect from the dark side :D

Since I came to this forum I have felt like a huge weight of fear and paranoia has been lifted from my shoulders and if I can help some others feel like that then I will get a nice feeling of well-being from it.

However I may also recieve death threats lol :jaw-dropp

[athene]

hi! I assume I won't get detention for saying that evolution is the only viable explanation for our existance while I'm here. If I am correct, the internet is officially better than real life.

[amb]

hi! I assume I won't get detention for saying that evolution is the only viable explanation for our existance while I'm here. If I am correct, the internet is officially better than real life.

Yes we have evolved, just like Grayman's cookies, from simple ingredients to the delicious biscuits available to all newbies.

Welcome.

[Squidgy]

the internet is officially better than real life.

You only just figured that out? :D
Welcome

[athene]

Did I just see the word cookies? 'cos if the internet is indeed better than real life (a fact now confirmed) then virtual cookies must be better than real ones.

[Squidgy]

Did I just see the word cookies? 'cos if the internet is indeed better than real life (a fact now confirmed) then virtual cookies must be better than real ones.
MMmm jayyref cookies. I've had no reason to complain ;)

[xXMoshtradamusXx]

Yeah I'm xXMoshtradamusXx
Mosh for sake of shorthand
I'm kinda new to the whole Skeptics deal so go easy on me:boxedin:, but I think I'm very courteous and willing to learn a lot so here's to happy posting!

[triforcharity]

Hey, where's the dag gome minties?? Anyway....

I am not exactly "new" to the forums, but found this today, so I figured I would come in and introduce myself.

My name is Matthew, and I am a survivor of the attack on NYC in September of 2001. I was a firefighter for the FDNY, and was stationed at 10 house (the closest house to the WTC) when 9/11 happened. I cannot even begin to tell you how that changed my life forever.

Anyway, I am retired from FDNY, but moved to a small town on the Space Coast of Florida and continued my passion here. I love helping people. That is what I was put on this earth to do.


Anyway, I have always heard of the CT movement, and thought they were mostly idiots. I have confirmed recently that I believe every one of them to be have some kind of sever brain damage that is caused by something I cannot pronounce.

I watched the movie "Loose Change" the first time about a month ago, and thought for a split second it was true. But, lo and behold, a quick Google search, and I found Gravy aka Mark Roberts' sites. I knew then that the CT were brain dead to some degree.


Anyway, I am sorry this post is rather long, but, figured I would put it out there.


Thanks for the cookies, but, I have to ask, what's wrong with the milk??? Is it spoiled??

[SezMe]

Welcome triforcharity. I can only imagine the pain the truthers must cause FDNY survivors. Glad you're here to share your experiences with us.

Milk is fine....if you like goats milk with a spotty chain-of-custody record. :)

[triforcharity]

Well, it pains me that they think that FDNY was in on it. That is what pains me the most. I would have given my own life so that the others may live. But, that is what Brothers do.

Anyway, I think this milk needs to be tossed. I think it's past it expiration date. Wait, its chunky......is it supposed to be that way??

Thanks for the welcome.

[amb]

Yeah I'm xXMoshtradamusXx
Mosh for sake of shorthand
I'm kinda new to the whole Skeptics deal so go easy on me:boxedin:, but I think I'm very courteous and willing to learn a lot so here's to happy posting!

A warm welcome. Just look at my signature. That's all you'll ever need in life.:p

[COLONEL]

Hey AMB the MINTIES bowl is empty

[xXMoshtradamusXx]

A warm welcome. Just look at my signature. That's all you'll ever need in life.:p

Thanks, I shall deff keep that in mind. It's strange being on a site where I don't feel the need to post because someone has had an idea that trumps my own. It's a great learning experience.:D

[deRoy]

Welcome me. I'm me.

[deRoy]

I need more posts =[

[Squidgy]

Welcome deRoy. Former truther here so I am full of steamy things to say. The best way to get quick post count is to start a controversial or interesting thread. Anything just make it stand out.

[garybooker]

Greetings to Everyone,
My name is Gary and this is my first post on the board. I love to learn and I am into some of everything under the sun. I look forward to the conversations here.

[amb]

Welcome me. I'm me.

Hi me! I'm amb, very pleased to meet you, and welcome. Colonel tells me the Minties bowl is empty, so have one of Grayman's oatmeal cookies instead, but don't say I didn't warn you. Oh, and have a glass of fresh just milked goats milk.

[Femke]

I need more posts =[

Hi deRoy,

:welcome3

Welcome to the forum, and why dont you just head over to the Humor section, there are plenty threads there to up your post count.
Enjoy!

[alice19]

Hi, I'm Lindsay, and I know it's a little late, but I'm headed to my first TAM on Thursday! I thought I could join this to read up a little before I go.
I'll be going it alone, but I'm sure everyone is very friendly and I will feel plenty welcome!

A little about me: I just graduated with a BS in Molecular Bio/Biochem, and I'm applying to grad schools and researching. I live in Chicagoland, and have a dog named Trucks- that's all for now!

just curious about one thing while I set all this up, how do we set up an Avatar or picture for next to our posts?
Thanks, and helloo everyone!

[recruit]

Hi, I'm Stan and I'm an alcoholic.

Er, wait. Sorry, I meant to post that in another forum. ;)

Let's see, about me. I just graduated with a degree in engineering and instead of putting that to good use, getting a good job and making a decent living, I'm enlisting in the Marine Corps (hence the name). I like drinking and debunking (never at the same time of course).

[Promising Galahad]

Howdy, all. Thanks to TAM, I've started visiting the boards again and decided to set up an account.

My username has held meaning over the years (I use it in a number of places, enough to get at least one copycat -- weird), so I just decided to use it here.

Some things that interest me are martial arts (including movies), old time strongman feats, parkour, canoeing, monster movies, learning how to be a better human being, among other things.

I'm so glad to find other like minded people here. Awesome. :)

[Fiona]

Welcome alice 19. I am sure you will find a lot of friendly (not to say too friendly) people at Tam. You need 50 posts to get the bells and whistles, but that is not at all hard to do here: lots of threads in community which seem designed specifically to assist: I am sure you will find something to interest you elsewhere as well

Good to see you, recruit: you are obviously in a joining frame of mind. As it happens squidgy caused a flurry of clique formation just recently so I think we can accommodate this rather curious desire very well now: your timing is perfect

And welcome also to you, Promising Galahad. Interesting name indeed: is there a story?


The proper welcoming people will be along shortly, I am sure: they can tell you all you need to know about goats .....

[psychonaut]

I'd like to introduce myself. A bit of a lurker I am, here and RDF. I have attentional difficulty staying up to date with forums so I'm not a big poster. But I definitely like to discuss things and hear what folks have to say.

I enjoy debating with people about their beliefs, especially religious. And I enjoy debating and discussing with people about ideas evolutionary and psychological and other scientific. I also do a whole pile of internet video watching, a lot of the stuff shared in this broader skeptical, scientific, atheist community. A few of my favorites out there are Dawkins v McGrath, Dawkins v Pinker, Harris v Wolpe.

The other things I enjoy most are meditation, psychedelics, poker, beer, cooking, tennis, and ben&jerry's.

I meditate a lot and go to meditation retreats. I'm really interested in seeing first-person more and more subtle and precise mind processes. I like tracking thoughts back to the source. Getting to the realm where the processes of mind are just another sense (the 6th) — by this, I mean that my awareness at any given moment is manifested as either a thought or a sound or a sight or a taste or a smell or a feel. Psychoactives help me get more precise in these activities, too.

I play poker for a living and really enjoy that, too. Right now I'm living in Las Vegas digging into a life of poker.

And, as I become a poster here, it's nice that I'll have the chance to meet and maybe get to know some of you folks this weekend at TAM7.

[amb]

Hi, I'm Stan and I'm an alcoholic.

Er, wait. Sorry, I meant to post that in another forum. ;)

Let's see, about me. I just graduated with a degree in engineering and instead of putting that to good use, getting a good job and making a decent living, I'm enlisting in the Marine Corps (hence the name). I like drinking and debunking (never at the same time of course).
About time I had a drinking partner! Welcome. :alc::

[Micromegas]

Hey, folks!

I'm a reader of Dawkins and Shermer, and a critic of conspiracism. Looking forward to some interesting discussions.

-Mike

[recruit]

About time I had a drinking partner! Welcome. :alc::


Cheers!

[COLONEL]

Micromegas (http://forums.randi.org/member.php?u=33173)
New Blood

Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Massachusetts, USA Hey, folks!


I'm a reader of Dawkins and Shermer, and a critic of conspiracism. Looking forward to some interesting discussions.

-Mike Mass. ? that would make you a Flatlander :D Well welcome anyways. Have a GIf you see the goat give it a pat on the head .rayman oatmeal cookie and wash it down with a fresh glass of our goats milk, then you can have a Mintie if AMB has filled the bowl.

[psicode]

Hi David here from Australia.

I'm a designer, magician, skeptic and atheist (though not always in that order).

I've been a long time fan of James Randi though only just become a member (of the forum and JREF). I love behavioural science and how the brain fools us. I hope to make it to next year's Amazing Meeting.

[amb]

Minties bowel is now full. Help yoursevelves newbies only. Colonel, keep your gruby hands out the the candy bowel.


http://www.lovemarks.com/media/image/minties_html.jpg

[brandon_a]

Hi, I'm Brandon from Atlanta.

I was brought here from the TAM7 live stream off of UStream. I've been listening to the SGU for a couple years and have kind of been on the sidelines and watching in from the outside and have been really impressed with how inclusive the community is. So here I am, making myself known and I hope to engage in lively conversation and maybe meet some of you if you are in the Atlanta area.

Oh, some of my hobbies include computer programming (specifically Adobe Flex, Mac and iPhone development), photography and I'm a very amateur magician.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi, I'm Brandon from Atlanta.

I was brought here from the TAM7 live stream off of UStream. I've been listening to the SGU for a couple years and have kind of been on the sidelines and watching in from the outside and have been really impressed with how inclusive the community is. So here I am, making myself known and I hope to engage in lively conversation and maybe meet some of you if you are in the Atlanta area.

Oh, some of my hobbies include computer programming (specifically Adobe Flex, Mac and iPhone development), photography and I'm a very amateur magician.
Hi brandon.

Do you mean the general skeptic community or this forum? Hadn't thought about it in a while, but I suppose the skeptic community is considerably more tolerant of many lifestyles and oddities.

Poster Fidelio from this forum lives in Atlanta, but he rarely posts, if at all any more. I know there are others.

Welcome to the forum.