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

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome. Excuse my ignorance. But what's BAUT?
That would be the Bad Astronomy/Universe Today web site/forum.

[amb]

I get the BA newsletter every day, but I'm in to many forums already to join that one as well.

[Homo bibiens]

Thank you all for the welcome.

There must be some fresh goats milk left (if you see the goat, give it a pat),

???

That would be the Bad Astronomy/Universe Today web site/forum.

Correct.

but I'm in to many forums already to join that one as well.

Wise decision.

[CarlosTheJackal]

I am a Swedish sceptic of 49, resident in Switzerland.

I came across this site via a programme I downloaded via LegalTorrents, "Here Be Dragons". I suppose that film originated somewhere here!

[PaulJ]

I am a Swedish sceptic of 49, resident in Switzerland.
Welcome Carlos!
I came across this site via a programme I downloaded via LegalTorrents, "Here Be Dragons". I suppose that film originated somewhere here!
Is that the film by Brian Dunning (of Skeptoid.com)? I hear he's launching a new video podcast series. Not to be missed, if the quality is similar to the film.

[Darkhole]

and am critical of many conspiracy theories.

:rolleyes:Not all?

Welcome.

[phoenixphire24]

Hello forum!

I'm new around here, although I've been following some of the threads when interesting topics come up. My husband and I have been into the skeptical movement since we stumbled across the SGU podcast about 2 years ago. We've been trying to get to TAM, but my husband is a medical student, and therefore has very little vacation time. I myself work in a lab at the same medical school and also have sparse vacation time. However, it looks like we'll be able to go on the upcoming Amazing Adventure! to the Caribbean, so I hope we'll get to meet a few of you out on the seas!

I'm not sure how much I'll be about the forum, other than on the trip threads, but if something catches my eye, I'lll attempt to jump in! :D

[Foolmewunz]

Hi everyone. I am a refugee from BAUT.

I find this so sad and ironic. Here you escaped over the wall, swam the harbour, stole a boat and rowed for three weeks subsisting on only rainwater, and.....

... you've escaped from BAUT to another forum headed by the Machiavellean Phil Plaitt!

Welcome Homo bibiens! Since Phil was named head of the JREF, we've seen a few arrivals from BAUT. I always liked the forums over there and I'm an unabashed Bad Astronomer fan, but I stay away from slide rules and sciencey geeky stuff, as I'm just no good at it. (Frankly some of the mathematics geek threads on this forum scare me.)

[Foolmewunz]

My name is Julia, I'm 32 and I live in Austin, Texas. Just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I used to subscribe to the Skeptical Inquirer back in 97 but got bored with Bigfoot and Roswell and kind of forgot about skeptical issues for a while. Not always having reliable internet access didn't help either. Anyway after recently discovering a bunch of skeptical podcasts that I've been catching up on while working temp jobs I've become reobsessed. Seems like this forum gets mentioned a lot so here I am. Hey! What's up?

Oh, dear,... another Texan. If it's not the Aussies, it's the Coloradans (Coloradianas? Coloradites? Coloradese?); not the Coloradans, it's the Canadians; not the Canadians, it's the Texans! What's this mish-mash of a site coming to? Isn't it possible any longer to find a nice normal red-blooded American of Jewish-Sicilian extraction living in China and raising a half-Thai kid? Am I asking too much?

Welcome aboard. I think we have a couple of other members from Austin, so expect stalkers along momentarily. (Down Boys! You don't know if it's actually a Skepchick... could be an eighty-two year old Franciscan Monk.)

You'll be surprised (not) to find that Bigfoot is still going strong here. We seem to be the home away from home for whole large segments of the discussion. Evidently that's because most serious BF research sites (gah... you can't type that without laughing can you?) just ban each other willy-nilly. Cryptozoology seems to be in a temporary ascendency amongst the woo population. (Roswell? Not so much.)

[Foolmewunz]

My husband

(insignificant info to regular forumites deleted)

Yeah, sure, see ya around.





Okay... just kidding. I'm catching up with my Welcome Wagon duties. So welcome aboard (nautical/cruise pun intended).

Is "Phoenix" in relation to your locale or the mythical bird or other? We have picked up a lot of regulars on the forums from the various TAMs and Adventures. Most of us won't die of envy and completely hate you, so feel free to dive right in. There's enough stuff and nonsense to just plain entertain, and there are some meaty and serious discussions going on, as well. (Well, I heard that - they don't let me into any of those.)

[Homo bibiens]

I find this so sad and ironic. Here you escaped over the wall, swam the harbour, stole a boat and rowed for three weeks subsisting on only rainwater, and.....

... you've escaped from BAUT to another forum headed by the Machiavellean Phil Plaitt!

Phil Plait is not much in evidence at BAUT. Not sure how it is here.

Welcome Homo bibiens! Since Phil was named head of the JREF, we've seen a few arrivals from BAUT. I always liked the forums over there and I'm an unabashed Bad Astronomer fan, but I stay away from slide rules and sciencey geeky stuff, as I'm just no good at it. (Frankly some of the mathematics geek threads on this forum scare me.)

The slide rules and sciency geeky stuff is what I tend to be good at, although for various reasons I did not participate in such threads at BAUT. I'll see how it is here :)

[amb]

Hello forum!

I'm new around here, although I've been following some of the threads when interesting topics come up. My husband and I have been into the skeptical movement since we stumbled across the SGU podcast about 2 years ago. We've been trying to get to TAM, but my husband is a medical student, and therefore has very little vacation time. I myself work in a lab at the same medical school and also have sparse vacation time. However, it looks like we'll be able to go on the upcoming Amazing Adventure! to the Caribbean, so I hope we'll get to meet a few of you out on the seas!

I'm not sure how much I'll be about the forum, other than on the trip threads, but if something catches my eye, I'lll attempt to jump in! :D

Welcome to the forum. I take it you are aware of the rules? I'll remind you of a few. You must pat the goat if you come accross it. R Return any overdue library books, you must eat at least three of Grayman's oatmemeal cookies. My Minties are freely available if you drink the goat's milk while still warm.
Oh, and you must drink this milk while facing Las Vegas. :p

[quadraginta]

Welcome to the forum. I take it you are aware of the rules? I'll remind you of a few. You must pat the goat if you come accross it. R Return any overdue library books, you must eat at least three of Grayman's oatmemeal cookies. My Minties are freely available if you drink the goat's milk while still warm.
Oh, and you must drink this milk while facing Las Vegas. :p


@phoenixphire24

Chevon cutlet recipes are welcome. The grill is always open.

He's right about the books.

The b*st*rds are keeping the tollhouse cookies for themselves. We know they've got 'em. They've been outed.

If the Minties smell like Gold Bond (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=minties) give 'em a pass.

Oh, great. Now they're using cameras.

[drtalee]

Hello

I'm new here, just wanted to say "Hi". My name is Terrence (Terry) Lee, and I live in Murfreesboro Tennessee. I'll probably just lurk for a while. Nice being here.

[COLONEL]

We just got back from Vacation in Maine and I thought I better get in here and welcome all the NewB's that joind up while I was gone , I see AMB has informed you off the rules. He failed to mention one thing,don't make the goat mad . if you do it refuses to give us milk and gets real mean and hard to control, which gets me angry So please be nice to the goat .

[phoenixphire24]

Hello everyone! Thanks for the nice greeting!

@Foolmewunz It's the mythical bird. I'm a Harry Potter nerd.

@amb I will keep an eye out for the goat, although I don't like goat milk, so that's out. Love oatmeal cookies though. No problem with the library books; I'm a bibliophile and tend to just buy everything I want to read.

@COLONEL Will try not to make the goat mad. :D

[arthwollipot]

...I live in Murfreesboro Tennessee.If you don't want us to know where you live, just say you live on the moon. There's no need to make up names.

[COLONEL]

Hello

I'm new here, just wanted to say "Hi". My name is Terrence (Terry) Lee, and I live in Murfreesboro Tennessee. I'll probably just lurk for a while. Nice being here.

If you don't want us to know where you live, just say you live on the moon. There's no need to make up names. They have funny names in Tenn. my daughter lives in Knoxville on a street called CHICKAMAUGA

[AngelaLord]

Hi, there. Found my way here from the Steve Pavlina forum*, where the veracity and sincerity of the million dollar challenge, and of James Randi personally, is being discussed. Just seeking perspectives here.

*unable to post a link till I've been here awhile, but you can do a search by "Skeptics and the million dollar challenge".

[Burning Beard]

Hi guys!

I'm a kid from New Zealand who never stopped asking "why".

I think there's a couple of people here who have already met me before at the Sensing Murder forums. *waves*

Having grown up reading books about the paranormal and unexplained I became very disillusioned with my way of thinking and have come full circle over the last few years and now live in the real world.

I look forward to bouncing ideas off you guys and hopefully learning more "real causes" for things I don't understand rather than jumping to paranormal conclusions as I did in the past.

I'm a graphic designer working for a publishing company but also freelancing too. I'm also a musician and hopelessly addicted to music, reading and discovering new stuff.

[Mr. Skinny]

Good to meet you, Burning Beard.

There's a pretty wide variety of specialities among members here.

We've got a few other Kiwis already and way too many Aussies. :D

[Femke]

Hi AngelaLord and Burning Beard,

:welcome2

Welcome in this paragon of reality. Allow me to run the forum rules by you newbies.
If you run into the goat give it a pat and send it on its way, help yourselves to amb's delicious Minties, have a glass of fresh goats milk, be sure to have Grayman's oatmeal cookies and by all means, if LibraryLady comes by, be sure not to have overdue books lying about.

[amb]

Hi, there. Found my way here from the Steve Pavlina forum*, where the veracity and sincerity of the million dollar challenge, and of James Randi personally, is being discussed. Just seeking perspectives here.

*unable to post a link till I've been here awhile, but you can do a search by "Skeptics and the million dollar challenge".

Angela, welcome to the forum. Glad to have a namesake even though you are female. I'm Angelo, and wish you well. :)

[Burning Beard]

Good to meet you, Burning Beard.

There's a pretty wide variety of specialities among members here.

We've got a few other Kiwis already and way too many Aussies. :D

*waves to all the Kiwis and Wallabies*... oh, and everybody else :)

[AngelaLord]

Hi AngelaLord and Burning Beard,

:welcome2

Welcome in this paragon of reality. Allow me to run the forum rules by you newbies.
If you run into the goat give it a pat and send it on its way, help yourselves to amb's delicious Minties, have a glass of fresh goats milk, be sure to have Grayman's oatmeal cookies and by all means, if LibraryLady comes by, be sure not to have overdue books lying about.

I had no idea there'd be refreshments served! :D

[kdogg]

yo

I made the James Randi and Alternative Medicine page on Encyclopedia Dramatica but I can't post links because I have to talk to you guys 14 more times

[amb]

yo

I made the James Randi and Alternative Medicine page on Encyclopedia Dramatica but I can't post links because I have to talk to you guys 14 more times
A cinch. Just head for communities, you could get your 14 posts in a couple of hours. :)

[JihadJane]

Hi guys!

I'm a kid from New Zealand who never stopped asking "why".

I think there's a couple of people here who have already met me before at the Sensing Murder forums. *waves*

Having grown up reading books about the paranormal and unexplained I became very disillusioned with my way of thinking and have come full circle over the last few years and now live in the real world.

I look forward to bouncing ideas off you guys and hopefully learning more "real causes" for things I don't understand rather than jumping to paranormal conclusions as I did in the past.

I'm a graphic designer working for a publishing company but also freelancing too. I'm also a musician and hopelessly addicted to music, reading and discovering new stuff.



The "real" world is as fluid on these forums as anywhere else.

[Arthur Denton]

I had no idea there'd be refreshments served! :D

By refreshments they mean debunking. Welcome, your lordess.

[john glassman]

Hi guy's and gal's i am new to the forum and like to say this is very nice forum site!! I am dowser and have stay hidden from wife and other people around me they think i have a screw loose. I located old house foundation's and lost ring's and old bottle's and other odd thing's !! Iam alone nobody in my area dowse are there anyone else in this forum dowse??:boxedin:

[Foolmewunz]

Hi guy's and gal's i am new to the forum and like to say this is very nice forum site!! I am dowser and have stay hidden from wife and other people around me they think i have a screw loose. I located old house foundation's and lost ring's and old bottle's and other odd thing's !! Iam alone nobody in my area dowse are there anyone else in this forum dowse??:boxedin:

Hey, welcome John. May I suggest you head straight on over to the General Skepticism and Paranormal sub-forum? (Unless you're here to claim for the Million Dollars, in which case, naturally - go stake out your turf in the MDC area.) We're becoming pros at discussing things with dowsers.

As to those old bottles? Were you actually dowsing for old bottles? Is there a lot of call for that?

Actually, I can recall a missing bottle of Thunderbird in 1966. Lost about the vicinity of the Garibaldi Statue in Washington Square. Cuba Perez swears that we didn't really lose it and that Derf Smada and King Brown drank it, but I'm still thinking it just got lost. Could you help find it? That's like two and a half bucks that I really couldn't afford to lose at that time.

[Mike in Ohio]

Hello all!
Other than searching Geek Forums (said with reverence) for computer fixes, and facilitating a few online courses for science teachers in Ohio this will be my first time joining a forum. I had originally intended to join for a single purpose, to ask the following question:
"Does anyone know how/where I can get a copy of the NOVA special "Secrets of the Psychics"? I have used this video for for at least 13 years to kick off discussions about the nature of science in my classroom. My copy was showing signs of wear and finally broke :( NOVA and WGBH websites still have lesson plans but no tape for sale. Amazon.com was no help and I'm not a fan of using YouTube for copyrighted material. I'm open for suggestions...or at least an explanation as to why this awesome show is no longer available."

After skimming about half (hey, I'm a pretty thorough guy- but there is a limit!) of the 800-some posts in "Welcome" , I think I may hang around and look into some of the other threads.

I'll be 49 in a few weeks and this is my twenty-second year of teaching physics and .... Recently the "..." has been chemistry. My degrees are in Biology and Zoology, but teaching physics is much more fun. (Who else can get away with having a guillotine in the classroom and a trebuchet stored in the track shed?).

I had a glass of warm goat's milk when I was 12, very filling. So, thanks...but I'm still full. I will, however, pat any goats I see (just glad you don't have a forum porcupine!).

Should an Aussie offer me Tim Tam minties (or better yet, some Foster's) I will gladly accept! I hold library books in great respect and always renew or return them on time. I think budgies are cool but be careful if you visit...there is a Cooper's Hawk that occasionally helps herself to one of the songbirds at our feeder. Being a biologist by training, I enjoy watching the hawk feed (no budgies yet) as much as I enjoy watching the finches and sparrows eat.

I have never turned down an oatmeal cookie in my life. My wife makes the best oatmeal cookies I've ever had but if Grayman is interested in a bakeoff, I'd be ever so happy to judge.

Sorry Roadtoad, it's not in my nature to bow...but if it matters, I make a habit of holding back traffic when I see an 18-wheeler that's having hard time merging.

Well, time to grade those quizzes.
-Mike in Ohio

[Foolmewunz]

Hey, Welcome Mike.....

Grade A+ for reading the thread!

I think if you were to go post your query in the General Skepticism & Paranormal section, you'll probably find the most likely sources for getting your hands on the Nova episode.

You might also try to find out if the JREF library has a copy. Not sure of the legal ramifications but since you use it for teaching, I'm sure it falls under "fair use" as long as you give them credit. I can't imagine that the producers from Nova would object.


ETA: Okay, NOW, I truly recommend you contact the JREF. I can see that as late as 2007, the lovely Mr. Geller was trying to block distribution of the video again. It might be tied up for some reason, or this might be why Nova/PBS doesn't have it on their current sales and distribution list.

[SusanB-M1]

Mike in Ohio

Welcome. Like you, when I first joined, I read through about 20 pages of the thread and found it - still find it - most interesting.

[amb]

Did you have the same cute shoes? :D

[SusanB-M1]

Did you have the same cute shoes? :D

My tap shoes are far less glamorous! Teak found this picture somewhere on the internet for me to use as an avatar. I have the same picture on my web site, but with a disclaimer 'These are not my feet.'

[dmn001]

Hi! New here. :)
Finally my account got validated! :)

[MattusMaximus]

Welcome to the Forum, Mike.

Us skeptical physics teachers have to stick together ;)

[Def Egge]

Hello, JREF forum members.

After lurking here for the past couple of years or so, I decided to register.

I am trained as an evolutionary ecologist but make my daily bread by lecturing in general science at a small private university in Austin, TX [Dear God! Another Texan!!]. A good 20% of my bread-and-butter course is spent on B.S. detection and the distinction between pseudoscience and good science.

I look forward to participating here.

[arthwollipot]

After lurking here for the past couple of years or so, I decided to register.Good plan! The best part of the forum is the Members Only area.

[hcmom]

Good plan! The best part of the forum is the Members Only area.

Yep, because only in the Members Only area can we discuss Uranus (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=153865).

[ravenscape]

Hello,

I joined yesterday, and I suppose I should make it official by posting in the great big intro thread.

[amb]

Yep, because only in the Members Only area can we discuss Uranus (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=153865).

Jebus H Christ. Uranus has even spread to this thread. It's a bloody epedemic.:p

[Femke]

Hi dmn001, Def Egge and ravenscape,

:jrefwelcome

Please, make yourselves at home. Before you are allowed to join in, please be aware of the forum rules: if you see the goat, give it a pat and send it on its way, help your good selves to at least three oatmeal cookies and a glass of freshly milked goats milk, enjoy the Minties amb gives out to newbies only, and please return your library books.

Once the formalities are over, may I be the first to congratulate you on your taste in internet forums?

Femke

[Ignorantbystander]

Hello,

I am just some guy from the Netherlands, no scientific background, trying to make make a living with photography and in the meanwhile I work as a stagehand at concerts.
My main interest is holocaust denial but lately I find 911 and other conspiracies also pretty amusing.
I posted on RODOH for a while but lately things got pretty silly over there so I decided to give it a try over here.

[Arthur Denton]

Hello,

I am just some guy from the Netherlands, no scientific background, trying to make make a living with photography and in the meanwhile I work as a stagehand at concerts.
My main interest is holocaust denial but lately I find 911 and other conspiracies also pretty amusing.
I posted on RODOH for a while but lately things got pretty silly over there so I decided to give it a try over here.

You're interested or you're a denier? That's something valid to ask, depending on the answer I'll welcome or unwelcome you.

[Ignorantbystander]

My main interest is holocaust denial but lately I find 911 and other conspiracies also pretty amusing.
the "pretty amusing" part was intended to inform that I'm not a denier.
so I guess I'm welcome ;-)

[Gemini]

Hi
Came by your forum through UK Skeptics keep up the good work !

Gemini

[Def Egge]

Hi dmn001, Def Egge and ravenscape,

:jrefwelcome

Please, make yourselves at home. Before you are allowed to join in, please be aware of the forum rules: if you see the goat, give it a pat and send it on its way, help your good selves to at least three oatmeal cookies and a glass of freshly milked goats milk, enjoy the Minties amb gives out to newbies only, and please return your library books.

Once the formalities are over, may I be the first to congratulate you on your taste in internet forums?

Femke

Ah, so PAT is the goat? ;-)

I'll do my best to abide by the forum rules. Thank you for the welcome.

There appear to be some very intelligent and clever folks around here. I am certain that I will enjoy my stay.


All the best ....

Def Egge

[Foolmewunz]

Hey welcome noobies....

@Gemini - Hmmm, I can't say I hold much to astrology. Being a triple Virgo, myself, how could I? But I'm skeptical about UK skeptics. Shouldn't they be UK Sceptics? (We have many UKians on board. The chief despot long-suffering senior administrator, Darat, is from someplace where they drive on the wrong side of the road, I believe.

@IgnorantBystander - Well, I reckon you've seen the thread with our premier Dutch Denier, then? Personally, I blame him for the rash of neo-nazis and holocaust deniers that we've had dropping in, of late. But I suppose it's a fair trade, as we've also gotten a goodly amount of attention from some very good Denialist Debunkers.

If you guyz need to come up for air, drop in on some of the Members sections, kick your shoes off, and get to know some of the regulars and irregulars.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I, for one, refuse to interact with any of these newbies until they've been here for 6 months or 5,000 posts. Whichever comes first.
:eusa_snooty:

[arthwollipot]

Snob.
:monkey1:

[UnrepentantSinner]

Quiet! You're still a newb too!
:wackyrealmad:

[arthwollipot]

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/thum_43324795b7cfe1aa4.jpg (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=10340)

[Ignorantbystander]

@IgnorantBystander - Well, I reckon you've seen the thread with our premier Dutch Denier, then? Personally, I blame him for the rash of neo-nazis and holocaust deniers that we've had dropping in, of late. But I suppose it's a fair trade, as we've also gotten a goodly amount of attention from some very good Denialist Debunkers.


Yes, and I know this guy from a Dutch libertarian forum.
He knows **** about the Holocaust except for what he read on IHR, VHO or other denier sites. He's also a big fan of Bollyn, which says enough I think.
But I'd rather debate the self-styled denier Budly (denierbud).
I'm not going to revive old threads though so I wait for them to return.

[amb]

I, for one, refuse to interact with any of these newbies until they've been here for 6 months or 5,000 posts. Whichever comes first.
:eusa_snooty:

They're not automobiles coming here for a service U S. They're people.
Providing they adhere to the rules, they are more than welcome.
Rule 1. Pat the goat, if you come across it.
Rule 2. Return any overdue library books
Rule 3. Drinking a glass of warm, just milked goat's milk is a condition of entry.
Rule 4. there isn't one.
Welcome everyone! :p

[Foolmewunz]

They're not automobiles coming here for a service U S. They're people.


You mean we shouldn't be kicking the tyros tyres?

[Angel Love]

Hi everyone, just a quick introduction and to say I'm looking forward to contributing to the forum, if I dare :)

[r-j]

Hi again everybody. I just started posting again, and all kinds of strange things occurred. While I thought it was all my fault, I think now it wasn't.

So, I don't know where to ask this, but is there a topic here to talk about Randi? I don't think he ever visits here, but is there a topic to talk about him?

[whatnot]

Hey yunz, I'm new here. I joined after learning that a FB friend (an artist I really admire) is at least sympathetic to 9/11 conspiracy theories. Bummed me out for days. I guess I'm ISO level-headed commentary on that issue and others (alt-med, LGATs, etc).

I came to skepticism via Point of Inquiry. I like Brian Dunning, even though he passed on the theme song I pitched for Skeptoid.

I guess I should dig around more, but I wonder if there's much content here on postmodernism (e.g., The Sokal Affair).

Bye for now,

D

[Femke]

Hi again everybody. I just started posting again, and all kinds of strange things occurred. While I thought it was all my fault, I think now it wasn't.

So, I don't know where to ask this, but is there a topic here to talk about Randi? I don't think he ever visits here, but is there a topic to talk about him?

Hi, welcome back. What kinds of strange things occurred after posting?
And you might want to go to the JREF subforum (the only following this one) if you want to discuss Randi.

Illusion and Whatnot,

:welcome2

Have some warm goats milk, help yourself to grayman's oatmeal cookies and amb's Minties, pat the goat if you see it, and then go right ahead and start contributing to a thread of your liking. Enjoy!

[power2012]

Hey I'm power2012, thought this place was pretty interesting and I had heard of James Randi before on television.

[caglvo]

Hello! I just joined the forums because I just got on board for Amaz!ng Adventure 5, and I want to keep up on the latest news there. I'll also keep my eye on other interesting threads elsewhere in the forum.

[Roma]

I'll also keep my eye on other interesting threads elsewhere in the forum.

I don't know if you would be interested in any of my favorite threads, all I ever post are oatmeal cookie recipes, but there does seem to be a controversey over whether or not raisens should be put in the batter or arranged in the shape of a smilie face on top before baking.

[Deranged]

:confused:
It isn't easy being deranged.

[amb]

:confused:
It isn't easy being deranged.

Holy bazookas Batman. A very hot welcome Deranged. Now I'm deranged as well!:D Here, have a bagful of Minties and a couple of cartons of Budweiser!

[Femke]

Deranged,

:welcome2
Please head over to the Forum Community and get your 20 posts, go get that avatar in place. :D

ETA: O, sorry, Caglvo and Power2012, I completely missed you.
A warm welcome to you as well, of course.
Have a Minty and an oatmeal cookie, there must be some fresh goats milk left, and then off you go, to a subforum of your liking and post away!

[arthwollipot]

15 posts, Femke.

[Femke]

Now you tell me. :o
I could have had my avatar 5 minutes earlier? :jaw-dropp

[arthwollipot]

Yep.

[mspenard]

Could someone point me to an essay debunking Edgar Cayce's claims?

Thank you!

[caglvo]

I don't know if you would be interested in any of my favorite threads, all I ever post are oatmeal cookie recipes, but there does seem to be a controversey over whether or not raisens should be put in the batter or arranged in the shape of a smilie face on top before baking.

I think the only problem there is that you're using a dried-out fruit where chocolate chips would clearly be the better solution! mmmmmm..... cookies....

[bluescat48]

Hi! new here. I hope to engage in meaningful discussions.

Point 1) I am a skeptic, I either accept, reject or am skeptical of any idea or hypothesis.

[Hokulele]

15 posts, Femke.


50 posts. 15 is for links.

Welcome everyone!

[arthwollipot]

50 posts. 15 is for links.I thought we were talking about links. We were talking about links, right?

*ninja smokebomb*
:scarper:

[amb]

Could someone point me to an essay debunking Edgar Cayce's claims?

Thank you!

Welcome to the forum. Don't waste your time on that fake. But if you must. Just Google his name and see what you get.

[arthwollipot]

Could someone point me to an essay debunking Edgar Cayce's claims?

Thank you!Try this:
http://skepdic.com/cayce.html

[Femke]

I thought we were talking about links. We were talking about links, right?

*ninja smokebomb*
:scarper:

I was talking about yummy avatars.
Well, I was not entirely wrong. It was something with a '0' in it. :boxedin:

[COLONEL]

Welcome evryone to the forum .I see the subject of cookies is on again, an oatmeal cookie with out raisens is like an icecream sunday without the cherry on top.I see we are getting low on milk so I am off to milk the goat .

[r-j]

Hi, welcome back. What kinds of strange things occurred after posting?
And you might want to go to the JREF subforum (the only following this one) if you want to discuss Randi.

Illusion and Whatnot,

:welcome2

Have some warm goats milk, help yourself to grayman's oatmeal cookies and amb's Minties, pat the goat if you see it, and then go right ahead and start contributing to a thread of your liking. Enjoy!

After I started posting in the funny jokes thread it vanished! I got a screen that said I didn't have permission to view it. Or that I wasn't logged in. Because I visit the thread every day it was quite a shock.

Then, I posted in another thread about jokes and it was moved to someplace called AAH. Then somebody reported me for not being funny.

It was all very disturbing. And I only started posting because this message kept coming up saying I hadn't posted in a long time and I thought I would lose my account if I didn't post.

Well, I am off to find the thread where people discuss James Randi. Or threads. I'm not sure.

[amb]

After I started posting in the funny jokes thread it vanished! I got a screen that said I didn't have permission to view it. Or that I wasn't logged in. Because I visit the thread every day it was quite a shock.

Then, I posted in another thread about jokes and it was moved to someplace called AAH. Then somebody reported me for not being funny.

It was all very disturbing. And I only started posting because this message kept coming up saying I hadn't posted in a long time and I thought I would lose my account if I didn't post.

Well, I am off to find the thread where people discuss James Randi. Or threads. I'm not sure.
It happens sometimes. No big deal, just log in again. Happened to me last night, I was asked for my user name and password. Sometimes the cookies are deleted from you computor which in turn means the forum loses touch with you computor.

[Femke]

After I started posting in the funny jokes thread it vanished! I got a screen that said I didn't have permission to view it. Or that I wasn't logged in. Because I visit the thread every day it was quite a shock.

Then, I posted in another thread about jokes and it was moved to someplace called AAH. Then somebody reported me for not being funny.

It was all very disturbing. And I only started posting because this message kept coming up saying I hadn't posted in a long time and I thought I would lose my account if I didn't post.

Well, I am off to find the thread where people discuss James Randi. Or threads. I'm not sure.

Must be scary, to see your jokes vanish. Well, just brush up on your funny skills, I should say. And good luck on the discussion on Randi, there must be a few threads about him in the next subforum.

[PowderNine]

Hi, hello! I'm not terribly sure what to write, but I figure this thread would be a good starting point. :)

I'm truly amazed at the sheer diversity of topics under one roof. It's going to take a good while just to read through what I personally find interesting. A good while.

[Foolmewunz]

After I started posting in the funny jokes thread it vanished! I got a screen that said I didn't have permission to view it. Or that I wasn't logged in. Because I visit the thread every day it was quite a shock.

Then, I posted in another thread about jokes and it was moved to someplace called AAH. Then somebody reported me for not being funny.

It was all very disturbing. And I only started posting because this message kept coming up saying I hadn't posted in a long time and I thought I would lose my account if I didn't post.

Well, I am off to find the thread where people discuss James Randi. Or threads. I'm not sure.

Naaah!
You just got caught in the 2009 JREF Moderators "Dumbest Mod Action of the Year" Contest crossfire. The joke thread was temporarily removed to what we refer to as "deep storage". That's our euphemism for an empty one gallon Best Foods (never use Kraft) mayonnaise jar which we keep on Terry's back porch. If you want to actually know the background and solve the mystery, there's a long thread in Forum Management, started by Wolfman, on the topic. I actually highly recommend that thread - it's a pretty good demonstration of everything good and bad about these forums, all in one easy to digest liquid gel caplet.
And no one REALLY reported you for being not funny. If unfunny was an offense, we'd have to ban ninety per cent of the posters. (Just look at what passes for humor in this thread, for instance.)
Finally, AAH is the repository, just this side of "deep storage". Off topic posts, thread derails, bickering, etc.... you will find entire threads moved there, groups of posts from a particular thread, and even the occasional single stand alone post.

[Hokulele]

Welcome BassoProfondo! Take your time and enjoy the sights.

[JLJudik]

Just popping-in to say hi to everyone. And a special hi to Library Lady :). She told me about the forum, so I thought I'd join and have a look around.

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome, JLJudik. Library Lady is well known on this forum.

Some here seem to actually like her. :D

[PowderNine]

Welcome BassoProfondo! Take your time and enjoy the sights.

Thank you, Hokulele!

I shall attempt what you suggest (though time is short and the sights are plenty). I'll do my best :)

[hcmom]

Welcome, JLJudik. Library Lady is well known on this forum.

Some here seem to actually like her. :D

Everyone who returns their library books on time...

[LibraryLady]

Welcome, JLJudik. Library Lady is well known on this forum.

Some here seem to actually like her. :D

Ah, Skinny. My hopeless crush continues.

Everyone who returns their library books on time...

Those who don't....well, it doesn't bear talking about.

Welcome! Once again, I have seduced someone to the dark side!

[Brad The Astronomer]

Hello all!
Just a quick hello, a greeting from the Gulf Coast - Houston, to be precise. I have recently joined the Greater Houston Skeptic Society in an effort to "find the others".

"Find the others" is my new personal motto - words to live by.

It was either Woody Allen or Groucho Marx (perhaps it was Woody Allen quoting Groucho Marx) who famously said that ninety percent of life is showing up.

It occurred to me that although that quote may be true, it's only half the equation. Once one has shown up, one then must find the others.

I'm looking forward to all the many posts from all the many others on this forum. Your number has just increased by one.

Take Care, Beware
-Brad The Astronomer

[Mr. Skinny]

Ah, Skinny. My hopeless crush continues.

Kisses, LL. :)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Good to have another Texan join up Brad. :TEXAS:

[amb]

George W Bush is from Texas isn't he? I wouldn't tell to many people I'm from Texas if I were you. ;) Welcome to all newbies.

[pnerd]

Hello, everyone! I'm from Bangladesh. Hope I'll have a great time here in this forum. I already like it. :)

[tim]

Hello, everyone! I'm from Bangladesh. Hope I'll have a great time here in this forum. I already like it. :)

Welcome!

[pnerd]

Welcome!
Thanks!

[Femke]

Hi Brad, Hi pnerd,

:welcome3

Where are my manners, please step in from the cold/rain/scorching sun/<insert appropriate weather condition here>, and take off your padded coat/soutwester/sombrero/<insert appropriate outdoor garment here>.
Did you have trouble finding us?
Have a refreshment. Colonel just milked the goat so there is fresh goats milk, help yourself to grayman's oatmeal cookies, and amb's minties are for newbies only, lucky you.

And once you are settled in, feel free to browse around, pick a thread to your liking and start posting away. If you get lost, there are always friendly neighbourhood posters to help you find your way, don't hesitate to ask.

Enjoy!

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome, Pnerd. Are you "from" Bangladesh, as in formerly resident of... or are you posting from Bangladesh?

(a propo of nothing, actually - just my curiosity)

[BobHaulk]

hi
i've joined because i'm sick of me friends going on about 9/11 and the new world order. I was looking for things to say to counter their claims. Only last night one of them was banging on about lamp posts outside the pentagon being sheared but not damaging the wings, he said it goes against newtons laws or something.
Any suggesting's for a response

[amb]

Tell your friend? that the Pentagon was brought down by a guided missile fired by Bush himself. Bush and Bin Laden are old school chums, everyone knows that! The whole thing was a Jewish conspiracy. Tell your friend that. :D

[arthwollipot]

hi
i've joined because i'm sick of me friends going on about 9/11 and the new world order. I was looking for things to say to counter their claims. Only last night one of them was banging on about lamp posts outside the pentagon being sheared but not damaging the wings, he said it goes against newtons laws or something.
Any suggesting's for a responseHey, how come you get an avatar after only 6 posts?

[pnerd]

.
Thanks everyone for their warm welcome.


Welcome, Pnerd. Are you "from" Bangladesh, as in formerly resident of... or are you posting from Bangladesh?
I am posting from Bangladesh. I am a Bangladeshi. :)
.

[Foolmewunz]

.
Thanks everyone for their warm welcome.



I am posting from Bangladesh. I am a Bangladeshi. :)
.

That's cool! I think you might be our first Bangladeshi (or at least the first who's mentioned it). I'm pretty sure I logged on from Dacca once in the past, but I can't recall an actual member from Bangla.

[pnerd]

That's cool! I think you might be our first Bangladeshi
I feel important. :D



I'm pretty sure I logged on from Dacca once in the past, but I can't recall an actual member from Bangla.
Do you mean you've visited Bangladesh?
.

[Foolmewunz]

I feel important. :D



Do you mean you've visited Bangladesh?
.


Yeah, three different times. I'm in shipping/forwarding and we have a big operation there.

Travel tip for other forumites: If travel agent says "Dacca" and "General Strike" within the same sentence - CHANGE YOUR PLANS. We think of a general strike as demonstrations and bullhorns and marches; in Bangladesh a general strike means rock cars, turn over, set on fire. Ergo, you can only get around on foot or by pedal cab because limo, taxi, hotel cars, etc... (plus private cars) are not on the streets for those couple of days. Try taking a pedal cab from the airport to the city with sufficient luggage for a thirty day sub-continent trip, sometime. Quite the adventure.

[pnerd]

Travel tip for other forumites: If travel agent says "Dacca" and "General Strike" within the same sentence - CHANGE YOUR PLANS. We think of a general strike as demonstrations and bullhorns and marches; in Bangladesh a general strike means rock cars, turn over, set on fire. Ergo, you can only get around on foot or by pedal cab because limo, taxi, hotel cars, etc... (plus private cars) are not on the streets for those couple of days. Try taking a pedal cab from the airport to the city with sufficient luggage for a thirty day sub-continent trip, sometime. Quite the adventure.
Sad, but true :( I'm sorry for your bad experience in my country.
.

[Foolmewunz]

Sad, but true :( I'm sorry for your bad experience in my country.
.

Well, I'm getting a little older, now, but I've been doing this for more than four decades, and generally, in travel, whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger, to coin an old adage. I got assigned to go to South Africa during the township riots, Chile during the anti-Pinnochet, Sri Lanka just after they bombed the Hilton, etc... So, I'm kinda used to it. Other than day 1 of my first visit (the general strike in '98) my other trips have been fruitful and quite interesting.
Fascinating country your from with a lot of challenges, to put it mildly.
Welcome aboard, once again.
(Sorry for the derail ladies and gents... back to your normally scheduled programming.)

[arthwollipot]

Well, I'm getting a little older, now, but I've been doing this for more than four decades, and generally, in travel, whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger, to coin an old adage. I got assigned to go to South Africa during the township riots, Chile during the anti-Pinnochet, Sri Lanka just after they bombed the Hilton, etc... So, I'm kinda used to it. Other than day 1 of my first visit (the general strike in '98) my other trips have been fruitful and quite interesting.
Fascinating country your from with a lot of challenges, to put it mildly.
Welcome aboard, once again.
(Sorry for the derail ladies and gents... back to your normally scheduled programming.)One of my housemates was once shot in Afghanistan...

[pnerd]

Fascinating country your from with a lot of challenges, to put it mildly.
HAHAHA! yes. :)


Welcome aboard, once again.
Thanks, once again!


One of my housemates was once shot in Afghanistan...
Reminds me of Dr. Watson (of Sherlock Holmes fame). He got shot in Afghanistan too before he came back to London and met Holmes. Sorry for the random fact (or fiction).

[CatOfGrey]

Lifetime Southern California resident, university degree in mathematics, currently working as an consultant in economics, statistics, database programming, and finance for a small think tank.

Applicants for the JREF prize seem to structure their tests in a manner that makes it difficult to determine a 'significant score'. I could assist the JREF with probability and statistics calculations, including Monte Carlo and resampling simulations to determine a range of statistically significant results.

I was raised in two philosophies: as a scientist and as a Christian. I am a 'skeptical believer' who has faith, but questions Christian beliefs as a duty to myself and my religion. I was agnostic in college, but now find that my understanding of science has actually made me more wondrous in my view of the universe. On the lighter side, I am comfortable being branded a heretic by atheist and Christian. Oh, yeah - I totally respect your atheism - it's not an irrational choice. Please respect that my faith isn't completely without reason, either.

[FrankChurch]

Hello all. Yes, my name is really Frank Church and no, I am not related to the Senator from Idaho--late Senator, shall I say. A man, who made liberalism as great as its claims.

I am from Cincinnati, work in catering, but want to be a writer or work with music.

I notice many really smart people and just hope I can keep up..lol

Just giving it to the conservatives is fun enough. I thought they were all religious nuts? Better not inform the GOP. Toodles.

[Femke]

Hi, Catof Grey and FrankChurch,

:welcome5
Please help your good selves to some fresh goats milk, Graymans cookies if there are any left, and one or two of the minties amb so generously supplies to the newbies.
Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your choice of forums, it sounds like you both will fit right in! Feel free to browse around the subforums, there is always a thread or two to take your fancy.
Ah, you just missed the fire and brimstone on San Francisco and Los Angeles, I'm afraid. But there is always a hot Bigfoot discussion on the stove somewhere, a bit of homeopathic water to wash it down with, and some UFOs to light your path. There is always a topic for everyone's taste.
Enjoy.

[Riayn]

Hi, I'm Meg, a 34 year old Aussie geek girl who is very new to the skeptic movement. If I had known you were all here, I would have been here a hell of a lot sooner.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi, I'm Meg, a 34 year old Aussie geek girl who is very new to the skeptic movement. If I had known you were all here, I would have been here a hell of a lot sooner.
We've been wondering where you've been.

For years, everyone here has been saying "Where's Meg?", only to hear "Meg who?" in response.

So, we searched the quatrains of Nostradamus for clues as to who Meg might be, but only found some reference to (loosely translated) "the woman from the land of gravity powered ursine-like mammals and other poisonous creatures"

Now, the prediction has become realized.

Welcome!

[Riayn]

We've been wondering where you've been.

For years, everyone here has been saying "Where's Meg?", only to hear "Meg who?" in response.

So, we searched the quatrains of Nostradamus for clues as to who Meg might be, but only found some reference to (loosely translated) "the woman from the land of gravity powered ursine-like mammals and other poisonous creatures"

Now, the prediction has become realized.

Welcome!

Sorry about that, I went walkabout. However, I finally found my way here.
Thanks for the wonderful welcome, My Skinny.

[Foolmewunz]

I believe that Aussies are required to post their actual location. There are so many Aussies here over the past few years (you running some kind of skeptical/sceptical recruiting drive down there?) that we segregate you by city and region.

Welcome, indeed, Rioayn/Meg.... And you, too, FrankChurch and CatofGray... make yourselves at home. Jump right into some of the serious stuff or drop in to Forum Community and some of the members only threads and feel your way around.

[The Man]

hi
i've joined because i'm sick of me friends going on about 9/11 and the new world order. I was looking for things to say to counter their claims. Only last night one of them was banging on about lamp posts outside the pentagon being sheared but not damaging the wings, he said it goes against newtons laws or something.
Any suggesting's for a response

Welcome Bob, I am sure you will find all you need in that regard in the conspiracy theorys sub forum (though it still might make no difference). Just as a quick response as I recall lamp posts are generally designed to shear at the base (in case it is hit by a car). Best of luck to you and just remember no goats have ever been implicated in a 9-11 conspiracy (so they must be the ones pulling all the strings).

[Riayn]

I believe that Aussies are required to post their actual location. There are so many Aussies here over the past few years (you running some kind of skeptical/sceptical recruiting drive down there?) that we segregate you by city and region.

Welcome, indeed, Rioayn/Meg.... And you, too, FrankChurch and CatofGray... make yourselves at home. Jump right into some of the serious stuff or drop in to Forum Community and some of the members only threads and feel your way around.

I didn't realise that Aussies were required to be categorised by location here. Is that so we can foster some interstate rivalry? :D

Now that I have worked out my User CP, my location is now clearly displayed as required.

[Roma]

Please respect that my faith isn't completely without reason, either.

Plenty of Christians here CatOfGrey,
you just can't see us because of the trees in the forest ;)

Welcome :)

[Foolmewunz]

I didn't realise that Aussies were required to be categorised by location here. Is that so we can foster some interstate rivalry? :D

Now that I have worked out my User CP, my location is now clearly displayed as required.


Ah, perfect, then. You may proceed to woo-bashing.

[Jimmy Roberts]

Hello everyone.

I've been lurking for a bit and thought it was time to come out of hiding. I'm 40 and currently reside in Louisville. I consider myself a skeptic but am new to the community.

I enjoy studying physics and amateur astronomy as well as lively discussions about the same. Hope I can make useful contributions to the fora!

Jim

[Femke]

Welcome Jimmy,

Glad you finally came out of hiding. I could have sworn I felt eyes on my keyboard the whole time, it's good to know who it is. :D

Femke

[Jimmy Roberts]

Lol, I'm sneaky that way.

Seriously, thanks for the welcome, Femke. ;)

[FrankChurch]

I was just saying the other day, where's Meg..lol

Welcome all. Let's rumble.

[LadyDamorea]

From Virginia, USA. Nice to meet everyone.

[Riayn]

From a fellow newbie, welcome Jimmy and LadyDamorea! :)

[UnrepentantSinner]

All right newbies! We run a tight ship here! Everyone get in a comfortable thinking postion so you can do some brain ups! 1... 2... 3... One! 1... 2... 3... Two! 1... 2... 3... Three!
:drillserg

[arthwollipot]

I didn't realise that Aussies were required to be categorised by location here. Is that so we can foster some interstate rivalry? :DSSSHHHH!!!! Don't mention "Fosters"! We have enough trouble trying to convince them that there's a reason we send it all to the US.

[Foolmewunz]

SSSHHHH!!!! Don't mention "Fosters"! We have enough trouble trying to convince them that there's a reason we send it all to the US.

Actually - I don't know, but I think some Americans get credit for foisting that mule-sweat on the American public.... the advertising agency. They had a couple of series of commercials in the '90s that were just short of brilliant. Don't know if you guys ever saw them - the theme was "How to speak Australian", and they'd show a Great White and then someone with a thick Aussie accent would say, "guppie"...... "Foster's, it's Australian for 'beer', mate." Brilliant commercials - the beer is swill, though.

[Especially]

Hi All !

Just a quite note to say I'm glad I finally got here. I will be posting on the state of society in England and on the rise of the EU superstate in England.

Regards

[AnarchoCapitalist]

I come from the United States in peace :D

[The Man]

Welcome Especially and AnarchoCapitalist.

I look forward to hearing your input on the state of England and the EU superstate Especially.

I like your name AnarcoCapitalist, rather descriptive of our current economic conundrum and I wish “I come from the United States in peace” was more descriptive of our foreign policy.



Please plan nicely with the goat (don’t feed it too many minties or greyman’s cookies).

[Foolmewunz]

Welcome Especially and AnarchoCapitalist.

I look forward to hearing your input on the state of England and the EU superstate Especially.

I like your name AnarcoCapitalist, rather descriptive of our current economic conundrum and I wish “I come from the United States in peace” was more descriptive of our foreign policy.



Please plan nicely with the goat (don’t feed it too many minties or greyman’s cookies).

Just what is the goat planning? I've had my suspicions all along.:spjimlad:

[Riayn]

Actually - I don't know, but I think some Americans get credit for foisting that mule-sweat on the American public.... the advertising agency. They had a couple of series of commercials in the '90s that were just short of brilliant. Don't know if you guys ever saw them - the theme was "How to speak Australian", and they'd show a Great White and then someone with a thick Aussie accent would say, "guppie"...... "Foster's, it's Australian for 'beer', mate." Brilliant commercials - the beer is swill, though.

Compared to American domestic beer, I imagine that Fosters tastes quite good.
Fosters just tastes like crap compared to our superior Aussie domestic beer. :D

[Riayn]

Hi All !

Just a quite note to say I'm glad I finally got here. I will be posting on the state of society in England and on the rise of the EU superstate in England.

Regards

Welcome Especially! Always nice to see someone from the Motherland.

[The Man]

Just what is the goat planning? I've had my suspicions all along.:spjimlad:

....just remember no goats have ever been implicated in a 9-11 conspiracy (so they must be the ones pulling all the strings).

Should have been play, oh well.

[Tizzy]

I just wanted to drop by, introduce myself, and say a friendly hello from a new (Canadian) member!
A very inviting thread this is :)

Respectfully,
Tizzy

[The Man]

Welcome come Tizzy, good to hear from north of the border.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Compared to American domestic beer, I imagine that Fosters tastes quite good.
Fosters just tastes like crap compared to our superior Aussie domestic beer. :D

How much American domestic beer have you consumed and what brands?

[Riayn]

How much American domestic beer have you consumed and what brands?

I have just returned this week from the US.
The domestic beers I have regretfully tried are Budweiser, Millers and Amstel (?). All crap, sorry.

However, you guys do have some other breweries that manage to do a decent beer - Samuel Adams most notably. However, alas, this beer doesn't seem to be available everywhere unlike the ones above.
Also there are some microbreweries out there that can brew a good beer as well.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I have just returned this week from the US.
The domestic beers I have regretfully tried are Budweiser, Millers and Amstel (?). All crap, sorry.

Amstel is Dutch.

However, you guys do have some other breweries that manage to do a decent beer - Samuel Adams most notably. However, alas, this beer doesn't seem to be available everywhere unlike the ones above.
Also there are some microbreweries out there that can brew a good beer as well.

That's what I was getting at. Don't judge all American beer on the big three mass-market lagers.

[Riayn]

That's what I was getting at. Don't judge all American beer on the big three mass-market lagers.

I apologise for casting dispersions on American beers.

However, the only US beers that make it to the export market are the crap ones. You really have to do something about that. :p

[amb]

I apologise for casting dispersions on American beers.

However, the only US beers that make it to the export market are the crap ones. You really have to do something about that. :p

If the beers you claim a crap, how come they have such a huge market share?

I think most European beers are crap, especially Peroni. But, I won't hold it against you that you have no taste in beer, welcome to the forum. :p

[Clare Swinney]

Hello from New Zealand. :) A sprightly 89-year old woman called Betty Hooper, who incidentally recently acquired tattoos in Denmark, told me she believes in the benefits of drinking a home made stout. She uses a Coopers kit, which is an Australian brand. It doesn't seem to have done her any harm.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I apologise for casting dispersions on American beers.

However, the only US beers that make it to the export market are the crap ones. You really have to do something about that. :p

Sadly, we can't as InBev purchased Anheuser-Busch and I think Miller-Coors is owned by another foreign conglomerate. Maybe we can convince Jim Koch to brew enough Sam Adams for export, but the rest of the world is stuck with our watery lagers for now. :alc:

[Foolmewunz]

Hello from New Zealand. :) A sprightly 89-year old woman called Betty Hooper, who incidentally recently acquired tattoos in Denmark, told me she believes in the benefits of drinking a home made stout. She uses a Coopers kit, which is an Australian brand. It doesn't seem to have done her any harm.

Clare Swinney? The Clare Swinney?

I think you're our most famous truther here in quite some time, if you're the legitimate item.

Welcome aboard, Clare. I'd like to say that it'll be smooth sailing, but we have a rather devoted Anti-CT group here, so here's hoping you get settled in and not to harried by the cross-examination you're bound to get.

[Peter i]

Checking in from Denmark :)

I'm a chemist, atheist and skeptic, taking a childish joy in teasing people who insist that other people should abide to the whims or commands of their invisible friend or pet spirit. Pseudoscientist also have a very special (very) warm spot in my hart.
:D


As to the beer: I fully agree with Python (1982) about American beer and canoes.
As a Dane I'm sorry to say that the normal Carlsberg and Tuborg fall in the same category. We do however have some rather fantastic micro-brewers doing a great job.

[Tizzy]

Welcome come Tizzy, good to hear from north of the border.

Thank you, although I do wish to be in a slightly warmer climate; I have a genuinely bad feeling about this winter.

[serpentine]

Hello back at ya'...Not a total 'skeptic' as far as the 'para-normal' goes...And do know there are very real experiences...But so called 'psychics', and such should be ashamed of themselves...Taking advantage of people's vulnerabilities...

[Deranged]

Hi, I'm Deranged. I really like JREF's questions and answers. They help to stimulate my
brain and get my mind off "stuff." I'll try and be respectful at all times. D.

[Femke]

Hello Peter, Tizzy, serpentine and Deranged,

Welcome, welcome. What a pleasure to have so many new guests all at the same time. Please come in, take off your coats, have a seat, can I offer you some refreshments? Some goats milk, a few cookies, amb's minties? Remember to return your library books in time (LibraryLady is quite fussy on that and rightfully so) and then off you go to the subforums and post away. Of course there is the subforum Members Only, for those who need to up their post count, but there is something for everyone in the rest of the forum, so enjoy!

[Clare Swinney]

Clare Swinney? The Clare Swinney?

I think you're our most famous truther here in quite some time, if you're the legitimate item.

Welcome aboard, Clare. I'd like to say that it'll be smooth sailing, but we have a rather devoted Anti-CT group here, so here's hoping you get settled in and not to harried by the cross-examination you're bound to get.

Hello Foolmewunz. Thank-you for your welcome and kind thoughts. I gathered it would not be smooth sailing, which is one of the reasons I'm here - to spread the word.

[Foolmewunz]

Hello Foolmewunz. Thank-you for your welcome and kind thoughts. I gathered it would not be smooth sailing, which is one of the reasons I'm here - to spread the word.

Well, then let's get to it.... The CT section is over that-a-way. I know I'd like some answers to some of your personal claims (not the generic catchall never-met-a-conspiacy-I-didn't-like stuff) as to your battles with the "authorities" in New Zealand.
(We often do what's termed a "call-out thread", but I'll leave it to you to start your own if you want to discuss the elements in your "case".)

[Clare Swinney]

Well, then let's get to it.... The CT section is over that-a-way. I know I'd like some answers to some of your personal claims (not the generic catchall never-met-a-conspiacy-I-didn't-like stuff) as to your battles with the "authorities" in New Zealand.
(We often do what's termed a "call-out thread", but I'll leave it to you to start your own if you want to discuss the elements in your "case".)


Thank-you for your concern. I have done my posting in regard to the "authorities" and my life being threatened for the 9/11 activist work I was doing already, thank-you.
:) People can see the evidence for themselves and find the link to the apology I got from the hospital for being called "delusional" for saying 9/11 was an inside job here:
http://clareswinney.wordpress.com/incarcerated-in-a-psychiatric-ward-because-i-said-911-was-an-inside-job/

[dc1971]

Hello all,

First of all I would like to introduce myself. I won't use my real name, but if you want to know I won't keep it a secret from you - Just ask. On the forum, you can refer to me as DC.

I just recently had a revelation. Although I wouldn't call myself a 9/11 Truther, I had followed the Truther Movement for a little over a year. This group of activists I found rather fascinating. I think one of the reasons for my fascination stems from my asking questions of our government as to their involvement in the events as well as the fact that there were many "firsts" that happened that day.

I won't go too in depth to what were some of the motives behind the history of 9/11 Truth as well as other activists organizations including We Are Change, but I recently found a pattern to the madness behind this movement. One of the biggest influences is Alex Jones and what he is calling the "Information War." It seems that this Alex Jones character has placed his grubby paws on any type of activist group or any type of 9/11 Truth Movement and it's all for his own gain.

Now I had been listening to Alex's radio show for about the same amount of time as I had been following the Truth Movement. Just as I found fascination with them, I found fascination with Alex Jones. I really wanted to believe his message but I was skeptical. I have always been skeptical of those who have radio talk shows on the air. Specifically those who are labeled as Conservative Talk. Alex claims not to be conservative but his issues are based in that same paradigm. He advocates gun ownership, he is for less government (which I am too), he comes across as a strict follower of the constitution and he talks about his religious views on a regular basis (along with the Illuminati, Globalism, the Global Elite, and the New World Order).

Back in 2005, Jason Bermas and Dylan Avery produced a movie titled Loose Change and it wasn't until 2007 that Alex Jones was credited as Executive Producer. In fact, it seems that every corner of the 9/11 Truth Movement has Alex's name on it now. I found that interesting and I decided to dig a little deeper.

About 3 months ago, I stumbled on several 9/11 Myth sites and Debunker websites. Mind you, at this point I was feeling rather passionate towards the Truth Movement and finding this material didn't make me too comfortable. It wasn't until I stumbled on a video showing Alex Jones engaging in a heated discussion with Mark Roberts at Ground Zero that I could say my heart was ripped from my chest via my spinal column and I just said "No way! It's not true! Alex Jones has been on his radio show exposing the truth to us! What Mark Roberts is saying here is nothing but.... it's just... really... it can't..." LOL, basically I was at a loss for words!

So I did more digging. Up until about a month ago, I started reading the material on the 9/11 Myth sites. I read through the facts that were debunking the Myths put out by the Truthers. It all made sense to me and at the same time I really felt foolish! But I also started to realize that the original purpose of the 9/11 Truth Movement has been derailed.

Jason Bermas, Dylan Avery and Luke Rudkowski are very young and impressionable guys. They have their whole life ahead of them and yet I really feel sorry for them because they have taken their efforts and their organizations to a level of such wicked monstrosity that it's really ruining their credibility and it's really putting their generation at risk. Since Alex Jones has taken these young pups under his wing, he has done nothing but totally distort their whole sense of reality. For Alex, it's all show business but Jason et al believe it's all for the good of humanity. They are making a big mistake! Even now, if they were to try to legitimize themselves it would be too late because the damage has been done and it really makes me sad to see this type of burden laid on them for the rest of their lives.

So enough about Bermas, Avery and Luke. As for myself, I feel I have moved away from the Dark Side. I want to know more about what you people feel on the events of 9/11 and if any of you almost fell victim the way I did.

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to become part of this forum. I look forward to engaging in some worthwhile discussion.

Regards,
DC

[Foolmewunz]

Hey, welcome DC1971.

First off, you might want to ask the mods if you can change your name. Your nickname, "DC" is taken by a known individual (he formerly called himself Dictator Cheney) who seems to (possibly?) be recanting previous truther beliefs, also. You might confuse people.

Or, just stick with the longer version.

Aside from that, .... Welcome aboard. I think we have a number of reformed conspiracy theorists of the more recent vintage, e.g. 911, NWO, New Pearl Harbor, etc... Not all were all the way down the rabbit hole - quite a few were just fascinated observers around the fringes, also.

(I'm an old guard reformed conspiracy theorist - I believed in multiple JFK theories. I fell for Paul is Dead for 24 hours. And I was content to believe in even the most blatant hoaxes like Paul Krassner's Lyndon fornicates the JFK corpse urban legend...)

I had my personal epiphany about 20 years ago. Now I look at both sides as critically as possible and let the facts guide me. Well, except for politics - it's quite okay to hate conservatives just because they are conservatives, I find. They feel the same about me. No evidence required.

Welcome aboard - make yourself at home. The CT sections have gotten a little ugly, of late, but I'm still drawn back to them. There are many other sub-forums that you'll find interesting, though.

[dc1971]

Okay, you can call me 1971 if you want! Great year anyway! It was the year I was born! Yes, I don't want to be mistaken for Dick Cheney anyway!

Thank you again!

DC1971

[UnrepentantSinner]

So enough about Bermas, Avery and Luke. As for myself, I feel I have moved away from the Dark Side. I want to know more about what you people feel on the events of 9/11 and if any of you almost fell victim the way I did.

19 Al Queda operatives hijacked 4 planes and flew 3 into the WTC towers and Pentagon. The 4th crashed after the passengers overpowered the hijackers. The end.

And no. Alex Jones is a kook of the first order.

[Roadtoad]

19 Al Queda operatives hijacked 4 planes and flew 3 into the WTC towers and Pentagon. The 4th crashed after the passengers overpowered the hijackers. The end.

And no. Alex Jones is a kook of the first order.

No. Jones is no "kook of the first order." I wound up listening to his broadcast, and he's simply a kook.

[amb]

Okay, you can call me 1971 if you want! Great year anyway! It was the year I was born! Yes, I don't want to be mistaken for Dick Cheney anyway!

Thank you again!

DC1971

I was beggining to have my doubts, I'm glad you cleared that up. :) A very warm welcome. The Minties are temporarly out of stock, but grab a handful of Grayman's oatmeal cookies and a glass of freshly milked goats milk. :p

[dc1971]

Ah yes! Goat Milk! I love Goat Milk! It tastes so much better than Cow's milk and it's very very very good for you! Yet it's SOOOOoooo expensive! Unless you own your own goat, of course!

[Hokulele]

Welcome DC'71!

There are a number of "reformed" truthers wandering around these parts, including someone who used to be an administrator on one of the 9/11 Truth forums (Loose Change). Settle in, browse around, and jump on in when you feel like it.

[dc1971]

Also, I will have to check out the CT sections of this forum. I'm sure there's some fascinating conversation that I could put my two cents into!

[dc1971]

Not just a kook, I would even have to say the words he used to describe Mark Roberts... An Absolute Demon!

[dc1971]

Wow, that's fascinating! The Truth Movement is definitely a dying breed!

[UnrepentantSinner]

dc, it's helpful to quote folks so they know who you're replying to. Just click on the "quote" button in the post you want to comment on.

[ottological]

Hello everybody. Nice forum you have here.

I would offer to introduce myself, but I'm afraid writing introductions makes me feel rather like Tristram Shandy. :)

[The Man]

Welcome ottological and don’t worry writing like Tristram Shandy might still be preferable to writing like Slim Shady (although apparently there is more money to be made with the latter than the former).

[dio]

And dio typed: let there be the first post:
and there was the first post.
And dio saw the first post, that it was good:
and dio turned from lurker to poster.
And dio typed: let the posts under my
username be gathered together unto one place,
called my post count: and it was so.


Hello everybody. I'm really glad I found this place. Interesting debates, smart people.

[A.A. Alfie]

Hi all
New here.
I had a great time over the past few days reviewing some old threads
I'm from Melbourne Australia and looking forward to some active debate

[BobHaulk]

hi the man
i have to admit i was nearly suckered into believing the 9/11 ******** but i quickly saw the error of my ways. It saddens me that every time i go visit one of me friends it's all he's on about. Only yesterday he sent me a link about melting steal temperatures so today i'm gonna have a read of the 9/11 stuff here. I don't want to mind, it's such a waste of time and effort. I tell you the 9/11ers are like members of a cult. Mind you, i piss my pants when any of them tell me to wake up.
cheers from a hillside in Scotland

[LibraryLady]

Okay, welcome everybody! Please remember to wipe your feet and hang up your jackets.

Have you returned your library books?

[The Man]

hi the man
i have to admit i was nearly suckered into believing the 9/11 ******** but i quickly saw the error of my ways. It saddens me that every time i go visit one of me friends it's all he's on about. Only yesterday he sent me a link about melting steal temperatures so today i'm gonna have a read of the 9/11 stuff here. I don't want to mind, it's such a waste of time and effort. I tell you the 9/11ers are like members of a cult. Mind you, i piss my pants when any of them tell me to wake up.
cheers from a hillside in Scotland


Well I'm glad to hear the first part of that Bob, the last part I’m sorry to hear and I do wish you luck. Of all the sub-forums CT is probably the least likely to find me posting on (particularly 9-11 threads). Hope to run into you on one of the other sub forums.

Cheers from a small metal desk in a very large room filled with extremely expensive equipment containing all sorts of hazardous materials somewhere in East Fishkill NY.

Later

Dan “The Man”

[bethgsd]

I hope my intro isn't too long.

I came to the skeptical community after being raised Catholic, then being a golden retriever about religion (the sun is shining, it is a nice day and you worry about religion?), to realizing that there just can't be a kind and loving God with something that happened to a friend that is very religious. I was rather angry with all of the people that had lied to me about this when I was a child. If they just admitted that humans didn't know stuff instead of claiming a belief like that.

I also wanted to believe that maybe some people could do neat stuff like predict the future or move objects with their brain waves. Then I saw some of Mr. Randi's stuff and realized it is all a magic trick unless it can really truly be proven under strict controls.

And somewhere in this journey I started working in the sciences and learned more and more and here I am.

I look forward to reading and learning and maybe even posting some.

Beth

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome to the forum, Beth.

Another "failed" Catholic here.

I was lucky enough to decide to go to engineering school right out of high school, so I rather quickly grasp onto the concept of "doing proper science", and that helped me sort out all manner of beliefs I held.

Now I are been an enjuneer for 35 years, and I also be forum god (the pay for forum god sucks, but somebody needs to do it).

[Paradox74]

Greetings. I’m not comfortable in revealing most of my personal beliefs on the internet (at least, not yet) but, I’ll briefly explain how I got to here.

It all started with a visit to my Astronomy Professor’s personal website. Back then, I was a believer in a lot of paranormal and pseudoscientific things and concepts (ghosts, Young Earth Creationism, psychics and others). Apparently, I was first repelled by the website’s atheistic theme due to my previous religious beliefs. On the other hand, I was also interested in how non-theists think. One thing lead to another and here I am.

My main pseudoscientific and paranormal topics to research and tackle are YEC(Young Earth Creationism), Holocaust-denial and psychic powers.

Currently, I am a college student who is interested in science and mathematical fields. I look forward to communicating and posting on these forums.

[Femke]

Hi dio, A.A.Alfie, Betgsd and Paradox74,

:welcome2

Please make yourselves at home, there is room for everyone. If you see the goat, give it a friendly pat on the head, and help yourself to some of Graymans famous oatmeal cookies.

Dio, great introduction! Sounds like you will fit right in, but unfortunately the job of forum god is already taken, so you'll have to just work your way around Skinny. You'll manage.
A.A.A, if you feel like resurrecting old threads, try to suppress it. We don't want too many zombies around. But feel welcome to browse them, they make fascinating reading.
Paradox and Beth; welcome to our little pocket of rationality. Good to see that you found your way to reality.

Femke

[wattie187]

Howdy folks

just wanted to say hello to the board, I tend to read more than I post on these things but it seems there will be plenty of topics to get my teeth stuck into.

Cheers

Lee

[amb]

Howdy folks

just wanted to say hello to the board, I tend to read more than I post on these things but it seems there will be plenty of topics to get my teeth stuck into.

Cheers

Lee

That's fine. As long as you don't get you teeth stuck into the goat should you come across it.
Anyway, a warm welcome and have a Mintie or two.

http://www.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:D0ZSqCtHlgjhoM::gmgeldar.files.wordpr ess.com/2009/04/minties-pic.jpg&h=94&w=131&usg=__NTC-AO5DISrtGbTGH3V_mhCUFY4=

[Mira]

Hello all. I'm Mira. A new person with this forum,new blood as you call it. I've been following the jref forum for a while now, and I found there were somethings I'd like to comment on, so I figured it was time to stop lurking and get an account. So I guess all I can say right now is "may the debates go well!"

Mira

[arthwollipot]

New blood... neewwww... bloooooddddd..... *slurp*

[Pure Argent]

Well, I just noticed that my post count was over 1,000, so I think I should join the greeting staff... So welcome, Mira! Don't worry; we keep garlic on hand in case arth gets too out of control.

[COLONEL]

Welcome everyone ,I just stopped by to grab a mintie before I go and milk the goat. To whoever is giving the goat minties ,please stop it, it's effecting the taste of the milk

[amb]

That sounds interesting. Mintie tasting milk. You may have stumbled on to something there Colonel.

[snard!]

Hi everyone,
Thought I would introduce myself.

Have been looking at the forum for a while, finally decided I would like to be part of it all.
Have been debating screwy antivax folks in other places, and thought it'd be nice for a change to talk with folks that actually use their brain!

I am (like I said) mostly interested in Medical stuff. (Why I don't know, my background is in the Visual Arts.) Any skeptical stuff is fun though.

Anyway, it is good to be here!

snard!
:)

[Femke]

Hi Mira and Snard!

:welcome5

It is good to have you around. Find yourself a seat among the rest of us, have some goats milk - you're in luck, amb just came in with a frothy jug, it must be still warm - and help yourself to cookies and minties.
And after the refreshments, off you go to a subforum of your choice and start entertaining/educating/enlightening/<insert fun forum activity> yourselves, and hopefully, us.

Femke

[Pure Argent]

Hi everyone,
Thought I would introduce myself.

Have been looking at the forum for a while, finally decided I would like to be part of it all.
Have been debating screwy antivax folks in other places, and thought it'd be nice for a change to talk with folks that actually use their brain!

So you came here?

:cs:

Just kidding. Welcome to the JREF!

[COLONEL]

Hi everyone,
Thought I would introduce myself.

Have been looking at the forum for a while, finally decided I would like to be part of it all.
Have been debating screwy antivax folks in other places, and thought it'd be nice for a change to talk with folks that actually use their brain!

I am (like I said) mostly interested in Medical stuff. (Why I don't know, my background is in the Visual Arts.) Any skeptical stuff is fun though.

Anyway, it is good to be here!

snard!
:)
Welcome to the forum Snard, But where do you come off insulting us by saying that we use our brains here? :D Have a Glass of goats milk along with a oatmeal cookie and a mintie

[arthwollipot]

I think snard! (great name) just said that we have only one brain between us.

[amb]

Which would surely mean only one person. Amb. :D

[Pure Argent]

Which would surely mean only one person. Amb. :D

Nah, we can share. Ever played The Great Brain Robbery?

[arthwollipot]

Oooh oooh! Can I be the Mad Trepanner?

[Pure Argent]

Oooh oooh! Can I be the Mad Trepanner?

No.

[Roybobal]

That sounds interesting. Mintie tasting milk. You may have stumbled on to something there Colonel.

I'd buy that. Sort of like spearmint flavoured milk, it could be a winner.

Anyhoo, another West Aussie here, currently I'm living and working in Japan. I used to lurk here years ago under a different, long-forgotten username.

Well, time to familiarise myself with the board.

[Gimme Some Truth]

You know...I am never quite sure what to put into these things, but here it goes:

Hello, my name is Steve and I enjoy being periodically tasered by random law enforcement agencies from around North America. Next year I am planning a trip to Burundi, presently their police are not equipped with taser guns, however, they tend to make due with a box spring and car battery.

So I am excited about that, naturally.

People seem to be interested in race on these things, so allow me to give you a quick run down of my lineage.

My father was born in Nicaragua in 1953 and came down with bacterial diarrhea before he was 8 months old. At the age of 4 he was already working as a peanut farmer for 18 Córdoba or (2 cents) every 3 complete monthly orbital motions of the moon.

By the time he was 17 he was able to fill a mason jar to the brim with his savings. It was a proud moment, and when people say I have a strong work ethic, you won't need to ask why.

My mother was raised in Timisoara Romania, while originally born in Winooski Vermont she was kidnapped by a rouge sect of Hungarian Jesusit Priest.

I am not certain as to how my parents met but here I am...a product of their love, devotion and sacrifice.

I haven't seen either of them since I was 9, I hope they are doing well and I am Caucasian.

Like I said...I never know what to put in these things, hmmm...Oh my height and weight. OK, I am 5'3 and 712 lbs. I'm not morbidly obese, I'm merrily fat.

My complexion is perfect and the secret to my flawless skin is Sulfuric acid, Bacon grease, Red 40, Chlorine gas and Potassium permanganate.

Equal parts...shake vigorously and apply in a well ventilated room, preferably outdoors in a wooded area.

Oh yes, education and employment ... I have received my Masters in Bioengineering, a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Law and currently 1 semester away from attaining my PhD in Political Science and I work at a soft baked Pretzel stand in the mall.

I hope to speak with you all soon.

Laus Deo,

-Steve

Postscript: I have an extensive collection of Serial Killer memorabilia including Jefferys refrigerator in original condition.

S.

[arthwollipot]

Hey there GST! Perhaps you might be interested in this thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=108153)?

[Gimme Some Truth]

Hello arthwollipot!

So, what leads you to believe I would enjoy such a thread?

I mean, besides all the untrue things in my introduction? LMAO ;)

[arthwollipot]

Oh, my mistake. I meant to suggest this thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=108150). Sorry about that.

[musicman01]

Hey everyone. I have heard of this forum for a while now, and finally got the urge to join. I usually don't reply to threads, but I love to read them and will probably try to be part of the threads as much as I am able.

[amb]

Welcome to all newbies. Your new blood can be donated to the thirsty folk who haunt the vampire threads. :D

[taiyo]

Hi! What a great resource!!

I'm a biochemist by profession, but I've been interested in debunking 'pseudoscience' and general weirdness for years now, purely for my own interest, and I've found many useful websites/forums etc. But recently someone I know has fallen into some kind of conspiracy theory black hole, to the point where he's really alienating people. I can't keep up with it all so I decided I needed some serious back up! So now I see that lots of things he's ranting about have been debunked to death, and this forum seems to be a great place to pool resources and untangle it all!

[COLONEL]

Welcome to all newbies. Your new blood can be donated to the thirsty folk who haunt the vampire threads. :DSpeaking of BLOOD how about filling the Bloody Mintie Bowl ? It's empty .

[The Man]

Hi! What a great resource!!

I'm a biochemist by profession, but I've been interested in debunking 'pseudoscience' and general weirdness for years now, purely for my own interest, and I've found many useful websites/forums etc. But recently someone I know has fallen into some kind of conspiracy theory black hole, to the point where he's really alienating people. I can't keep up with it all so I decided I needed some serious back up! So now I see that lots of things he's ranting about have been debunked to death, and this forum seems to be a great place to pool resources and untangle it all!



Welcome taiyo and everyone else. Please jump right in the pool. The water is fine, cool but not cold, just don’t swim too close to the goat (the water tends to get a little warmer if you know what I mean).

[amb]

Speaking of BLOOD how about filling the Bloody Mintie Bowl ? It's empty .

How about donating some money for re-furbishing the bowl with Minties? ;)

[Pinely]

Hello.

Been a skeptic for quite a while and learned about James Randi via Penn and Teller's show. That eventually lead me here. Reading about the million dollar prize and the various conspiracy theories kept bringing me back to read threads. Eventually I decided that I would like to comment on a thread, so I signed up. I want to thank everyone involved in the maintenance and creation of these boards. Aside from the hours of entertainment spent reading threads, I've also learned a good deal.

[arthwollipot]

And that comment was very worth you spending the time on it. Like I said, welcome. Please present your neck at the next window.

[Pure Argent]

Hello.

Been a skeptic for quite a while and learned about James Randi via Penn and Teller's show. That eventually lead me here. Reading about the million dollar prize and the various conspiracy theories kept bringing me back to read threads. Eventually I decided that I would like to comment on a thread, so I signed up. I want to thank everyone involved in the maintenance and creation of these boards. Aside from the hours of entertainment spent reading threads, I've also learned a good deal.

*thumbs-up*

Welcome, Pinely! Don't worry about arthwollipot. Like I said, we have garlic if you want any.

[arthwollipot]

I love garlic.

[amb]

I love garlic.

I'll bet your audience don't! :p

[Pure Argent]

I love garlic.

Yes, that's why we have it for you.

[hcmom]

I love garlic.

Yes, that's why we have it for you.

Well, don't give it to the goats, it will make the milk taste horrible!!


Actually, back in the olden days, it wasn't milking that got done to the goats....

[poeatszeitgeist]

Hullo.

I’ll try to keep it brief, but be forewarned that I’m notoriously long-winded.

I found the JREF forum firstly through borrowing Dawkins’ God Delusion from a great guy that constantly supplied me with new authors and reading material. (Of course I immediately set out to buy my own copy.) Dawkins soon led me to the rest of the four horsemen, which in turn led me to Michael Shermer, and, to make a long story short, the domino effect led me to James Randi and this forum. It’s been a wonderful ride.

I’ve been snooping around here on and off for close to four months, and I’m still not sure if I can make any significant contribution to the conversation. I’ve been a trembling atheist since around the age of fourteen, but living in the belt buckle of the Bible Belt (Appalachia mountains), I never honestly felt empowered in my views as an atheist until recently. So, to say the least, I have quite a bit of ground to cover in being comfortable with expressing these views not only openly, but in a debate-like manner.

I’m an English major, which basically dumps me into a world of debate limbo. I’m in a section of academia where everyone is right. For example, there’s a famous (or perhaps infamous is the better word) essay by critic Leslie Fielder entitled “Come Back to the Raft Ag’in, Huck Honey”, in which Fielder argues that the relationship between Huck Finn and Tom (From Twain’s Huckleberry Finn) is a decidedly homosexual one, placing Tom in the role of pedophile and rapist. I can say that, subjectively, this argument is ridiculous to my sensibilities and understanding of the text, but that Fielder is still “right”. This brings me to a question: Does anyone know of any sites or books that give some advice on the structure of an objective argument? I feel like I may be wandering a little blindly in that regard.

It looks like my attempt at brevity was a failure.
pez

[Femke]

Hi Pez,

:welcome2

It is good to have you here, I hope you will enjoy the forums. Don't feel shy, just jump right in, you will get the hang of it.
But first try some of the goats milk, if it tastes funny, blame Arth. I hope amb has found the means to fill the minties bowl, otherwise you will have to take a raincheck on those.

Femke

[arthwollipot]

Actually, back in the olden days, it wasn't milking that got done to the goats....Shhh! We don't want to scare them off!

[arthwollipot]

I’ve been snooping around here on and off for close to four months, and I’m still not sure if I can make any significant contribution to the conversation.I recommend the Community and Humour forums, where "significant" is not required, only "contribution".

Hmm. B negative from the smell of it.

[poeatszeitgeist]

Femke

It sure seems hard to be shy with confetti trumpeting party hates, goat milk and mints. Thanks for the warm welcome. :)

Arth

I don't know if I can be humorous, but I sure can be communal.

Also, you must have a fantastic nose.


ETA: Party hats, even. Trumpeting party "hates" doesn't sound nearly as pleasant.

[Pure Argent]

Hullo.

I’ll try to keep it brief, but be forewarned that I’m notoriously long-winded.

That's okay. No one here will read what you say anyway.

:P

I found the JREF forum firstly through borrowing Dawkins’ God Delusion from a great guy that constantly supplied me with new authors and reading material. (Of course I immediately set out to buy my own copy.) Dawkins soon led me to the rest of the four horsemen, which in turn led me to Michael Shermer, and, to make a long story short, the domino effect led me to James Randi and this forum. It’s been a wonderful ride.

I’ve been snooping around here on and off for close to four months, and I’m still not sure if I can make any significant contribution to the conversation. I’ve been a trembling atheist since around the age of fourteen, but living in the belt buckle of the Bible Belt (Appalachia mountains), I never honestly felt empowered in my views as an atheist until recently. So, to say the least, I have quite a bit of ground to cover in being comfortable with expressing these views not only openly, but in a debate-like manner.

I’m an English major, which basically dumps me into a world of debate limbo. I’m in a section of academia where everyone is right. For example, there’s a famous (or perhaps infamous is the better word) essay by critic Leslie Fielder entitled “Come Back to the Raft Ag’in, Huck Honey”, in which Fielder argues that the relationship between Huck Finn and Tom (From Twain’s Huckleberry Finn) is a decidedly homosexual one, placing Tom in the role of pedophile and rapist. I can say that, subjectively, this argument is ridiculous to my sensibilities and understanding of the text, but that Fielder is still “right”. This brings me to a question: Does anyone know of any sites or books that give some advice on the structure of an objective argument? I feel like I may be wandering a little blindly in that regard.

It looks like my attempt at brevity was a failure.
pez


tl;dr

See?

But seriously, glad to have you with us.

[poeatszeitgeist]

tl;dr

Lmao. That's exactly what I was waiting on.

Thank you, though. Glad to be here.

[Pure Argent]

Lmao. That's exactly what I was waiting on.

Thank you, though. Glad to be here.

:D

Glad to have you here.

[arthwollipot]

Also, you must have a fantastic nose.Never had any complaints...

Wait, what?

[poeatszeitgeist]

Never had any complaints...

Wait, what?

You guessed my blood-type correctly. I thought it was too much of an accomplishment to ignore, but obviously I was a little too cryptic.

[arthwollipot]

You guessed my blood-type correctly. I thought it was too much of an accomplishment to ignore, but obviously I was a little too cryptic.You mean I was actually right?

Well well well.

[poeatszeitgeist]

You mean I was actually right?

Well well well.

Considering only around 2% of the population have a B negative blood type, and that you had 8 blood types to choose from, it's a pretty impressive display of "dumb luck".

Too bad it wasn't the lottery, eh?

[arthwollipot]

Considering only around 2% of the population have a B negative blood type, and that you had 8 blood types to choose from, it's a pretty impressive display of "dumb luck".No, no, it was my nose. Like you said.

[M.ister W]

Hello :)
I'm a new boy. Can someone tell me where my desk is and if there's an empty locker?

[arthwollipot]

Hello :)
I'm a new boy. Can someone tell me where my desk is and if there's an empty locker?Your desk is over there by the goat. Watch out for amb - he gets a bit territorial at this time of the year. And I'm pretty sure you can find a locker up the back somewhere. Just look for Mr Skinny.

Hmmm. O positive?

[M.ister W]

Correct. You can tell from that far away?

[arthwollipot]

Yesss! *victory arm pump*

Ahem. Yes, my nose is that good. :D

[balder]

Hello,I'm a new member from Scotland.Glad to be here.

[Pure Argent]

Hello :)
I'm a new boy. Can someone tell me where my desk is and if there's an empty locker?

Sorry, there aren't any. But we can always turf out amb or somebody to make room.

Hello,I'm a new member from Scotland.Glad to be here.

Glad to have you here, as long as you're willing to put up with constant references to bagpipes and the like.

Kidding, kidding...

[hcmom]

Arthwollipot, I don't know what my blood type is, could you tell me please?

[quadraginta]

Arthwollipot, I don't know what my blood type is, could you tell me please?


Cool. Double-blind test.

[Mateo808]

New here but not new to JREF - I'm a huge fan of James Randi. To be honest I had never heard of JR until I read Carl Sagan's "the Demon Haunted World" and read about "Carlos". I've been a huge fan ever since! Good to be here! Oh and my mom turned me onto this site (thanks Mom).

Mateo in So-Cal

[Pure Argent]

New here but not new to JREF - I'm a huge fan of James Randi. To be honest I had never heard of JR until I read Carl Sagan's "the Demon Haunted World" and read about "Carlos". I've been a huge fan ever since! Good to be here! Oh and my mom turned me onto this site (thanks Mom).

Mateo in So-Cal

Welcome, Mateo. Good to have you here.

Y'know, I've noticed that there tend to be a lot of family ties on this site. I was introduced by my dad, the Marquis is married to another member (I don't remember which), et cetera et cetera...

[arthwollipot]

Arthwollipot, I don't know what my blood type is, could you tell me please?No, I think I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.

[Prometheus]

No, I think I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.

Booo! Hisss!

Besides, even if you fail you'd still be 2 for 3--way better than Sylvia Browne....

[amb]

No, I think I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.

Hey! How would you like to be John Edwards opening act? I humbly relinquish my title as the forum psychic to you. :p

[J-Funk]

Hello

I found this forum while searching the net for evidence and arguments (ya know other than simple common sense ;)) to us against the outrageous claims of anti-vaccination and 9/11 truth groups. Up until a couple of weeks ago I wasn't particularly interested in what these groups had to say 'cause I didn't know there were any of them in my area but then I ran into one, Toronto Truth Seekers. They used to be mostly a 9/11 truth group but now focus mainly on the H1N1 flu vaccine.

In late September I happened to walk past their table and at first I didn't pay much attention to it because it didn't seem too 'out there'. No claims that vaccines for things like polio or measles don't work or that vaccines cause autism, just signs asking people to look into the risks of the flu shot. But as I was walking away, on the side of their tent I saw "9/11 Truth" and I knew I had to find out what they were telling people. So I went over to the table and sure enough the first thing I hear them telling a passer-by - the flu shot has many nasty toxins in it including aborted foetuses. :boggled: I started laughing and argued with them for a few minutes but eventually there were two or three of them talking at me at once throwing rapid fire 'facts' at me and I didn't have time to think of a response before something new was being thrown at me so I decided it was best to just leave.

Ever since then I've been reading their mailing list and I've become fascinated by their narcissism and warped sense of reality. One small thing that caught my eye recently was this internet poll they put up which one of them believe if they get 1000 votes on it then that will make it “just as scientific as anything else”. What?

I keep catching myself wanting to join the group just so I can argue with them and I know that would be a colossal waste of time but I still want to do it; I think I might be obsessed. ;) Anyway the first step is admitting you have a problem so I thought I'd rant here instead. :o

Sorry about that and thank you for having this place that has so many smart people that know this stuff inside and out.

[quarky]

I feel new.

[Pure Argent]

Hello

I found this forum while searching the net for evidence and arguments (ya know other than simple common sense ;)) to us against the outrageous claims of anti-vaccination and 9/11 truth groups. Up until a couple of weeks ago I wasn't particularly interested in what these groups had to say 'cause I didn't know there were any of them in my area but then I ran into one, Toronto Truth Seekers. They used to be mostly a 9/11 truth group but now focus mainly on the H1N1 flu vaccine.

In late September I happened to walk past their table and at first I didn't pay much attention to it because it didn't seem too 'out there'. No claims that vaccines for things like polio or measles don't work or that vaccines cause autism, just signs asking people to look into the risks of the flu shot. But as I was walking away, on the side of their tent I saw "9/11 Truth" and I knew I had to find out what they were telling people. So I went over to the table and sure enough the first thing I hear them telling a passer-by - the flu shot has many nasty toxins in it including aborted foetuses. :boggled: I started laughing and argued with them for a few minutes but eventually there were two or three of them talking at me at once throwing rapid fire 'facts' at me and I didn't have time to think of a response before something new was being thrown at me so I decided it was best to just leave.

Ever since then I've been reading their mailing list and I've become fascinated by their narcissism and warped sense of reality. One small thing that caught my eye recently was this internet poll they put up which one of them believe if they get 1000 votes on it then that will make it “just as scientific as anything else”. What?

I keep catching myself wanting to join the group just so I can argue with them and I know that would be a colossal waste of time but I still want to do it; I think I might be obsessed. ;) Anyway the first step is admitting you have a problem so I thought I'd rant here instead. :o

Sorry about that and thank you for having this place that has so many smart people that know this stuff inside and out.

Oh, good, another person who doesn't buy into this crap! Every time I find someone else I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The YouTube battle isn't going well... the JREF is like a breath of fresh air.
Welcome to the forums! If you're looking for 9/11 help, that's in Conspiracy Theories. As for the H1N1 panic, try Science, Mathematics, Medicine and Technology.

I feel new.

That's because you are.

[COLONEL]

I feel new. Welcome I feel like a beer and having sex .

[balder]

Sorry, there aren't any. But we can always turf out amb or somebody to make room.



Glad to have you here, as long as you're willing to put up with constant references to bagpipes and the like.

Kidding, kidding...

Na,heard it for years,it bothers me not!Surely I can't be the only Scot on here?

[quadraginta]

Na,heard it for years,it bothers me not!Surely I can't be the only Scot on here?


Perhaps the only True Scot?

There could be an argument about this.

[DemonDawg]

Hello People,

I've been reading the forums for quite some time. Quite an interesting place. I wanted to see if the members only area was as interesting as the public areas. Turns out I was right and as an added bonus there are even more people here I hadn't heard of before.

I've been a skeptic and non believer since second grade when I realized there had to be a reason for things to be the way they are. Magical explanations just never cut it for me. Today I'm a senior lab technician in Research and Development for a specialty materials manufacturer and a wise guy with a sick sense of humor. I like reading, music, gardening, landscaping and stone wall building. I may not post much but I will certainly read a lot (when my I don't have to fight with my wife and son for the computer).
Oh, and since my brain won't ever shut off, I like to think and learn. This is quite a place for that.

[Pure Argent]

Hello People,

I've been reading the forums for quite some time. Quite an interesting place. I wanted to see if the members only area was as interesting as the public areas. Turns out I was right and as an added bonus there are even more people here I hadn't heard of before.

I've been a skeptic and non believer since second grade when I realized there had to be a reason for things to be the way they are. Magical explanations just never cut it for me. Today I'm a senior lab technician in Research and Development for a specialty materials manufacturer and a wise guy with a sick sense of humor. I like reading, music, gardening, landscaping and stone wall building. I may not post much but I will certainly read a lot (when my I don't have to fight with my wife and son for the computer).
Oh, and since my brain won't ever shut off, I like to think and learn. This is quite a place for that.

Welcome, DemonDawg! Glad to have you finally posting. Sometimes the number of lurkers here boggles the mind, and it's good to see some of them finally coming forward to join the discussion. But hey, if silently watching through the window is your thing... :P

[DemonDawg]

Welcome, DemonDawg! Glad to have you finally posting. Sometimes the number of lurkers here boggles the mind, and it's good to see some of them finally coming forward to join the discussion. But hey, if silently watching through the window is your thing... :P

If you make too much noise sometimes they stop doing what they were doing:blush: But sometimes not. :jaw-dropp

[Elizabeth I]

Hello People,

I've been reading the forums for quite some time. Quite an interesting place. I wanted to see if the members only area was as interesting as the public areas. Turns out I was right and as an added bonus there are even more people here I hadn't heard of before.

I've been a skeptic and non believer since second grade when I realized there had to be a reason for things to be the way they are. Magical explanations just never cut it for me. Today I'm a senior lab technician in Research and Development for a specialty materials manufacturer and a wise guy with a sick sense of humor. I like reading, music, gardening, landscaping and stone wall building. I may not post much but I will certainly read a lot (when my I don't have to fight with my wife and son for the computer).
Oh, and since my brain won't ever shut off, I like to think and learn. This is quite a place for that.

Bienvenido. I recommend jumping in and posting, now that you've introduced yourself. You will get challenged occasionally, but there are some incredibly smart people on the forum - rocket scientists and like that - so it's not too humiliating. :D

[arthwollipot]

Oh, and since my brain won't ever shut off, I like to think and learn. This is quite a place for that.Brraaaaaaaiiiiinnnnnn........

[UnrepentantSinner]

Na,heard it for years,it bothers me not!Surely I can't be the only Scot on here?

I'm pretty sure there are a bunch of other English folks here as well.