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

[amb]

Just for curiosity. How many other Italians are on this forum? :D

[The Man]

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, from a fellow wise guy who was also a senior laboratory technician for quite a number of years (Engineering lab at a company that designed, manufactured and tested connectors for power transmission and distribution). Although I did enjoy creating things as a product designer and engineer later in my career, I always have missed just destroying things in the lab.

[COLONEL]

Just for curiosity. How many other Italians are on this forum? :DWell just to make things interesting I am of Irish /american indian decent ,But just to make things interesting, But I have always checked off Native Americasn when ever asked I figure I was born here and always lived here so that makes me native american. I do not believ in anyone being afro american , or Irish american ,latin american ,etc,etc if you are born in America then you are an American plain and simple .

Welcome to all the newbees here ,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
quote Deman Dawg
since my brain won't ever shut off, I like to think and learn. This is quite a place for that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Boy are you in for a surprise

[DemonDawg]

Welcome DemonDawg, from a fellow wise guy who was also a senior laboratory technician for quite a number of years (Engineering lab at a company that designed, manufactured and tested connectors for power transmission and distribution). Although I did enjoy creating things as a product designer and engineer later in my career, I always have missed just destroying things in the lab.

Why thank you sir. My philosophy is if you don't make a mess every once in awhile you're not pushing hard enough on the end points of your process.:D

[Götterdämmerung]

Just for curiosity. How many other Italians are on this forum? :D

Hi,

I'm Götterdämmerung. I'm a brazilian student living in Germany. :)

I have double citizenship (brazilian-italian). Does that count? :D

[DemonDawg]

Welcome to all the newbees here ,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
quote Deman Dawg
since my brain won't ever shut off, I like to think and learn. This is quite a place for that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Boy are you in for a surprise

Sometimes learning what's not true can be the biggest surprise.:)

[The Man]

Why thank you sir. My philosophy is if you don't make a mess every once in awhile you're not pushing hard enough on the end points of your process.:D


A fine philosophy, however if I try to evoke it after making a mess in the house I fear my girlfriend will just show how hard she can push on the end point of my process.

[The Man]

Hi,

I'm Götterdämmerung. I'm a brazilian student living in Germany. :)

I have double citizenship (brazilian-italian). Does that count? :D


Double the citizenship, double the fun.

Welcome Götterdämmerung.

[Götterdämmerung]

Double the citizenship, double the fun.

Welcome Götterdämmerung.

Thanks!

Double citizenship helps a great deal, specially if one of them is a EU citizenship. I just came to Germany and registered in the city I lived. No prior visa required, nothing.

[chaggle]

Hi, chaggle here. I'm in Spain. I post on UK Skeptics.

[amb]

Hi,

I'm Götterdämmerung. I'm a brazilian student living in Germany. :)

I have double citizenship (brazilian-italian). Does that count? :D

Welcome to the forum. Now that is a salad. Brazilian-Italian-German! :p

[Pure Argent]

Hi, chaggle here. I'm in Spain. I post on UK Skeptics.

Ooh, a Spaniard! Well, I hope you don't mind jokes about bagpipes and hag- no wait. Wrong stereotype.

[chaggle]

Sorry - true blue Brit. Just live in Spain

[Pure Argent]

Sorry - true blue Brit. Just live in Spain

:D

That's all right. I guess we can forgive you, since you're new here. Just watch it next time.

[mordred1988]

Hello JREF forum!
I am a student with an interest in psychology and sexology (no need to comment on that, it has all been said :p ).
I was introduced to the JREF through the SGU and hope to make it to every TAM: Vegas from 7 on!
Oh, my name is Ellen (for those of you who were at TAM 7)

[Pure Argent]

Hello JREF forum!
I am a student with an interest in psychology and sexology (no need to comment on that, it has all been said :p ).

Aww. Way to ruin the fun.

[DemonDawg]

Hello JREF forum!
I am a student with an interest in psychology and sexology (no need to comment on that, it has all been said :p ).


Then you must realize that lying talking about sex is one of the things that humans do best.:D

[Norm Breyfogle]

Hello, folks.

I've recently begun reading and posting responses to some of the JREF forum topics, and upon seeing this introduction thread I thought I should pop in here for a more formal greeting.

I'm 49, an illustrator and writer ... and very skeptical. I came to my present understanding via a great appreciation of science and logic at a young age, but got sidetracked for about four years when I became a born-again Christian during my high school years. However, I maintained an open mind and continued to read scientific and philosophical material which eventually helped to free me of superstitions. My main motivation now is to continue to develop a semantics which accords with the logic/mathematics of science but which can also accommodate the more connotative expressions of language which the layperson utilizes.

I've posted on a wide range of websites (political, religious, artistic/literary), and I've found that interacting on science related forums is the most challenging of all, and the most educational. In fact, I've already rewritten parts of some of my short stories based upon my educational experiences here.

[The Man]

Hello JREF forum!
I am a student with an interest in psychology and sexology (no need to comment on that, it has all been said :p ).
I was introduced to the JREF through the SGU and hope to make it to every TAM: Vegas from 7 on!
Oh, my name is Ellen (for those of you who were at TAM 7)

Welcome, mordred1988. I take it only the tentative connection between your user name and the 1981 film “Excalibur” or your interest in sexology, one of my particular favorites (the movie I mean, otherwise I might be construed as having an incest in sexology).

[The Man]

Hello, folks.

I've recently begun reading and posting responses to some of the JREF forum topics, and upon seeing this introduction thread I thought I should pop in here for a more formal greeting.

I'm 49, an illustrator and writer ... and very skeptical. I came to my present understanding via a great appreciation of science and logic at a young age, but got sidetracked for about four years when I became a born-again Christian during my high school years. However, I maintained an open mind and continued to read scientific and philosophical material which eventually helped to free me of superstitions. My main motivation now is to continue to develop a semantics which accords with the logic/mathematics of science but which can also accommodate the more connotative expressions of language which the layperson utilizes.

Welcome Norm, glad to hear that you weren’t detracted long. “expressions of language which the layperson utilizes”? Sounds more along the lines of mordred1988’s interest in sexology.



I've posted on a wide range of websites (political, religious, artistic/literary), and I've found that interacting on science related forums is the most challenging of all, and the most educational. In fact, I've already rewritten parts of some of my short stories based upon my educational experiences here.

Perhaps you can get an introduction for collection of those short stories from JREF goat (more likely to eat it then introduce it though)? Are any of them available online?

Dan "The Man".

[mordred1988]

Welcome, mordred1988. I take it only the tentative connection between your user name and the 1981 film “Excalibur” or your interest in sexology, one of my particular favorites (the movie I mean, otherwise I might be construed as having an incest in sexology).
The Man,
Really, mordred1988 has to do with a fascination with the character as a child. Was the character good, standing up for the integrity of Camelot, an innocent boy who was manipulated by the women who craved power, or just a bastard who wanted to be king? Also, I am a sucker for the dramatic death scenes. He and King Arthur really top the list on that one.
Anyway, he is a favorite. I have always been a fan of the Camelot legends as well.
Unfortunately, I have never seen "Excalibur"

[Prometheus]

...
Unfortunately, I have never seen "Excalibur"

8zWXE31RmA0

(The rest of the movie--parts 2 thru 12--should show up in the "related videos" bar)

[ForeignServiceGuy]

I am a member of the Foreign Service, living in the USA for the first time in 18 years. I have lived in the Philippines, Italy, Laos, Jordan, Austria, Iraq, and now Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If I seem star-struck at the moment, I am.

I am currently stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (we support U.S. Embassies in Central/South America and Canada), and recently discovered that the JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation) is located not 5 miles from my office. Yesterday (Oct 21, 2009), I decided to check it out at lunchtime.

I assumed I would just spend a few minutes in the library, grab a couple of brochures, and be done. Imagine my surprise when James Randi was there, and he actually sat and talked with me for about 20 minutes. I am sure I came across as a blubbering idiot, but I was in a state of shock.

The most incredible thing about James Randi is how normal he is - so down to earth and, well, normal. I am not sure what I expected, but one assumes that a worldwide following, celebrity status, etc. will change a person. But he is completely normal and friendly, which to me makes him that much more amazing.

He explained to me the concepts behind a globe that constantly rotates without any electricity or battery whatsoever. The way he describes things made it all the more fascinating.

My favorite part, he did a magic trick for me! It was a simple make-the-ball-disappear trick, but I was not expecting it and it was over before I knew what was happening. It was awesome!

I got to meet James Randi, have a conversation with James Randi, got a lesson in magnetism from James Randi, and saw a personal magic trick by James Randi. Being in the Foreign Service, I have seen two or three Presidents and Vice-Presidents, and a few kings and princes, but talking to James Randi is #1 for me.

It was awesome!!!

(The JREF has an Open House every last-Wednesday-of-the-month, at 7:00 pm. If you are ever in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you may want to attend.)

[arthwollipot]

WOW. *envy*

I came within fifteen feet of Randi at TAM7, and that's the best I can boast.

[amb]

A very warm welcome. Did Randi explain the rules to you? About making sure all your overdue library books are returned, about patting the goat should it appear before you, sharing a glass of warm goats milk with other newbies, and taking only a couple of Minties, not the whole bowl ?

[Pure Argent]

*envy*

[COLONEL]

WOW. *envy*

I came within fifteen feet of Randi at TAM7, and that's the best I can boast. Have you met my brother the Grayman, the oatmeal cookie maker?

[Alan]

Hi, I'm a 21 year old from Melbourne, Australia. I work as the caretaker of a non-emergency patient transport's Melbourne base. I've graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science degree. My interests include: skepticism, magic (effects), bisexuality, videogames, podcasts and watching good TV shows on DVD.
He explained to me the concepts behind a globe that constantly rotates without any electricity or battery whatsoever. The way he describes things made it all the more fascinating.

Randi might want to test this perpetual motion machine to take part in a million dollar paranormal challenge I've heard about. :D

[arthwollipot]

Hi Alan. Allow me to indulge in a shameless plug of my own podcast, siglinked.

[Alan]

Hi Alan. Allow me to indulge in a shameless plug of my own podcast, siglinked.
Hi. I just subscribed to it and have begun downloading the first couple. :)

[amb]

Hi. I just subscribed to it and have begun downloading the first couple. :)

Hi Alan. Have you watched this yet? :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSzQC1zKesU&feature=player_embedded

[COLONEL]

Welcome Alan I'm sure you will find what you're looking for here . once you figure out what you're looking for . Have a cookie, a glass of fresh goats milk and a mintie after go down the hall and take the second door on the right or is that left, I always get them mixed up.Pat the goat on the head if you should see it .

[The Fallen Serpent]

Hello fellow skeptics and others possessing more certitude,

My name is Bryan and I have been lurking on and off here for perhaps the past six months. I'm looking forward to joining in on debates, discussions and having my false judgements corrected.

[Pure Argent]

Hi, I'm a 21 year old from Melbourne, Australia. I work as the caretaker of a non-emergency patient transport's Melbourne base. I've graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science degree. My interests include: skepticism, magic (effects), bisexuality, videogames, podcasts and watching good TV shows on DVD.

Randi might want to test this perpetual motion machine to take part in a million dollar paranormal challenge I've heard about. :D

Hello fellow skeptics and others possessing more certitude,

My name is Bryan and I have been lurking on and off here for perhaps the past six months. I'm looking forward to joining in on debates, discussions and having my false judgements corrected.

Welcome to you both!

Incidentally, we're running out of mints. Anyone going to make a run to the store?

[The Fallen Serpent]

Welcome to you both!

Incidentally, we're running out of mints. Anyone going to make a run to the store?

I'm willing to make the trip. A bit of warning. Most likely I will return with chocolate chip mint ice cream by Tillamook or Umpqua and a bartender who can make a good Grasshoper.

[Alan]

Hi Alan. Have you watched this yet? :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSzQC1zKesU&feature=player_embedded
I hadn't. It's very interesting. Thanks.

I was a bit puzzled by if there was a reason you wanted me to see this video in particular beyond it just being a very good video. Was there?

Thanks, and thanks to everyone else too.

[Chocotanya]

Hi everyone. I'm a Canadian with a background in social sciences. I've always been particularly interested in the psychological, motivational, and perceptual underpinnings of misconceptions, delusions, illusions, and what have you. I like to lurk, mostly, but finally got around to registering. Don't bite me, I'm shy!

[COLONEL]

Hi everyone. I'm a Canadian with a background in social sciences. I've always been particularly interested in the psychological, motivational, and perceptual underpinnings of misconceptions, delusions, illusions, and what have you. I like to lurk, mostly, but finally got around to registering. Don't bite me, I'm shy!
Welcome Chocotanya we don't bite ,but a few have been Known to nip occasionally,and if you hang out here you won't be shy for long .Now plese take your cloths off and have a seat, someone will be with you shortly.

[Roadtoad]

Hi everyone. I'm a Canadian with a background in social sciences. I've always been particularly interested in the psychological, motivational, and perceptual underpinnings of misconceptions, delusions, illusions, and what have you. I like to lurk, mostly, but finally got around to registering. Don't bite me, I'm shy!

Yes, but do you like Chocolate?

In the meantime, Tanya, pet the goat, make sure you're library books have been returned, and have a mintie. Oh, and bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA.

Welcome.

[Chocotanya]

I do like chocolate and mint, but not together - I won't be joining The Fallen Serpent for any chocolate chip mint ice cream. I'll go to the library as soon as I have finished patting the goat :p

Yes, but do you like Chocolate?

In the meantime, Tanya, pet the goat, make sure you're library books have been returned, and have a mintie. Oh, and bow three times in the direction of Kent, WA.

Welcome.

[amb]

I hadn't. It's very interesting. Thanks.

I was a bit puzzled by if there was a reason you wanted me to see this video in particular beyond it just being a very good video. Was there?

Thanks, and thanks to everyone else too.
No reason. I just thought you been a fan of Randi may be interested. :)

Hi everyone. I'm a Canadian with a background in social sciences. I've always been particularly interested in the psychological, motivational, and perceptual underpinnings of misconceptions, delusions, illusions, and what have you. I like to lurk, mostly, but finally got around to registering. Don't bite me, I'm shy!

Even if we do bite, it would be a friendly one. Welcome. :p

[COLONEL]

Seeing as it is a boring rainy day, I thought I woud drop by To Welcome and hand out some umbrellas to the NewB's before I have to go milk the goat. Today is MINTIE milk day last night I gave the goat MINTES and before you ask ,no! it does not work with chocolate.

[Captain.Sassy]

Hi
I'm newish.

I like this place.

However, I want to stop getting emails every time someone posts in a thread I've posted in.

Also, I can't get my boss new signature to work.

[sarge]

Brand new member. Refered from another forum that is in it's death throes now.

[crackerjack5]

Hi, I'm crackerjack5, named after my two parakeets Cracker and Jack. I am a 24 year old female college student.

I am a Christian, and as such, I am very concerned and angry about all manners of charletans and fakes, especially faith healers. I believe these hoaxers shed a bad light on Christianity and destroy people's faith and lives. I am very pleased at what James Randi has done to debunk them.

[Rolfe]

Welcome Crackerjack! There are quite a few Christians on the forum, and fans of Randi, and most members aren't as rude as the guy who just suggested you pray instead of getting vaccinated.

Rolfe.

[Femke]

Hi
I'm newish.

I like this place.

However, I want to stop getting emails every time someone posts in a thread I've posted in.


:welcome2, nice to see a newish guy with lots of posts in his name.
If you want to stop getting these emails: go to your control panel (just click on your name) and browse around till you find Edit details. Somewhere in there you can find a check for getting emails for every post in a thread you are subscribed to. Just uncheck that, and Bob is your father's brother.

ETA: Sarge, your post was so shy, I almost missed it. A warm welcome to you too. As far as I know this forum is far from being in death throes, so just jump in and enjoy yourself. Have some of the fresh goats milk (if it tastes funny, it is because of the minties), return your library books and if you see the goat, don't feed it any more minties, and give it a friendly pat on the head before you send it on its way.

[arthwollipot]

Brand new member. Refered from another forum that is in it's death throes now.Hey Sarge. That wouldn't be one of Conrad Askland's forums, that have mysteriously gone offline, would it?

[crackerjack5]

Thanks. It's ok. Every belief system has their rude people. :p

[COLONEL]

:welcome2, nice to see a newish guy with lots of posts in his name.
If you want to stop getting these emails: go to your control panel (just click on your name) and browse around till you find Edit details. Somewhere in there you can find a check for getting emails for every post in a thread you are subscribed to. Just uncheck that, and Bob is your father's brother.

ETA: Sarge, your post was so shy, I almost missed it. A warm welcome to you too. As far as I know this forum is far from being in death throes, so just jump in and enjoy yourself. Have some of the fresh goats milk (if it tastes funny, it is because of the minties), return your library books and if you see the goat, don't feed it any more minties, and give it a friendly pat on the head before you send it on its way.

Hi
I'm newish.

I like this place.

However, I want to stop getting emails every time someone posts in a thread I've posted in.

Also, I can't get my boss new signature to work. Click on USER CP then click on Subscribed threads then check the box or boxes next to the thread(s) you want to change then down on the bottom you can select instant dailly or weekly as to when you want to recieve replies.if you donot want any replies hit delete.

[quadraginta]

Click on USER CP then click on Subscribed threads then check the box or boxes next to the thread(s) you want to change then down on the bottom you can select instant dailly or weekly as to when you want to recieve replies.if you donot want any replies hit delete.


I hope you meant to say "hit 'no email notification.'".

If you didn't then that was mean. ;)

[LibraryLady]

Hi, I'm crackerjack5, named after my two parakeets Cracker and Jack. I am a 24 year old female college student.

I am a Christian, and as such, I am very concerned and angry about all manners of charletans and fakes, especially faith healers. I believe these hoaxers shed a bad light on Christianity and destroy people's faith and lives. I am very pleased at what James Randi has done to debunk them.

So, I don't need to ask what your attitude toward budgies is?

[Roadtoad]

So, I don't need to ask what your attitude toward budgies is?

Certainly not! They're delicious!

[Foolmewunz]

Brand new member. Refered from another forum that is in it's death throes now.

And?

North Carolinians are required, according to the Madurobob codicile to the Membership Agreement, to answer one question:

Tarheels

or

Blue Devils

Welcome aboard, Sarge. And ditto ditto ditto to all the other newbies. As you're making yourselves comfortable, do check out the Members Only areas. There are threads and sub-forums simply designed to ratchet up your post count (my personal choice being the Word Association thread), to get a better feel for some of the embattled warriors from more serious threads, and to just banter about books and music and the boob tube and any old thing.

There will be shuffleboard on the Lido Deck at 1600 hours.

[crackerjack5]

Budgies rule!!!
:parrot:

[Pure Argent]

Brand new member. Refered from another forum that is in it's death throes now.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

- Ode to the JREF

Hi, I'm crackerjack5, named after my two parakeets Cracker and Jack. I am a 24 year old female college student.

This violates a cardinal internet rule, and I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ask you to leave.
This is the internet, madam. Here, the men are men, the women are men, and the children are all FBI agents.

[Roadtoad]

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

- Ode to the JREF


Don't quit your day job.

[Pure Argent]

Don't quit your day job.

This would require that I actually had a day job that I could quit.

[COLONEL]

I hope you meant to say "hit 'no email notification.'".

If you didn't then that was mean. ;)No I was not being mean . I ment what you thought I ment No notification . :cool: The only time I am ever mean is when I am woke up ,before I am ready to be awake .I am not a morning person

[amb]

Keep away from Colonel until he has had his glass of freshly milked goats milk with his brothers oatmeal cookies. After that, he is OK to approach and he is harmless and a much more pleasant person.

[COLONEL]

Keep away from Colonel until he has had his glass of freshly milked goats milk with his brothers oatmeal cookies. After that, he is OK to approach and he is harmless and a much more pleasant person. true, there is something about the milk and the cookies that have a calming effect on me . I also have found that the Minties flavored milk gives you a good buzz . :)

[atheisTim]

Hi, I'm Tim. I'm from the burbs of Chicago, IL. I have predominantly been reading the philosophy and religion forum for the last couple of weeks. Mostly stemming from a recent personal transition from religion (Christianity), to a more atheistic or agnostic view. It's a struggle now, and I only see it getting tougher for awhile,though I think long term it will be a very positive thing. I'm still in process of deciding if I'm going to be an "out" atheist/agnostic or stay closeted as my families religious roots run deep and to top it I work for my dad, so it could get ugly. I believe my being raised religious has really toyed with me psychologically and is a major reason I consider myself socially stunted and nearing dysfunctional. And believe it has also been extremely detrimental to my personal education in ways that I hope to elaborate on somewhere down the line, maybe in an upcoming post as I familiarize myself with the site. One of my main goals/hopes through this site and my personal journey is to figure a way to balance this situation without severing ties with family and more importantly, figuring out how to raise my two boys (2 1/2 and 2 months old) in a household open to allowing them to do what they feel is right and take a path that THEY discover rather then one that I create, shift, mold toward any one way or another. This will be an unusually daunting task as my wife (of 5+ years now) converted from believer in something to committed Christian after we started dating, primarily because of my firm beliefs. And she is now raising them Christian. But with a steadily gaining knowledge through books, chatting it up here on this forum, and additional research I hope to find a way to maintain my normal lifestyle with family and keep the household peaceful as we reconfigure our lives and adjust accordingly. Sorry for the long windedness, guess I'm jumping in with both feet. Cheers, TIM (and yes I realize my log-in name implies that I am committed towards atheism, truth is I'm currently undecided and or lacking proper knowledge and just not all that clever to come up with something else)

[COLONEL]

Welcome Tim Relaxand have a glass of fresh goats milk and a cookie. After we will show you to your room ,if you see the goat pat it on the head .

Just pick you way thru the forums here and you will gain more knowledge then you thought possible

[PirateDaveZOMG]

Halo everyone, I'm Pirate Dave, I've been following the JREF for quite a while now (all the way back to the text-only SWIFTs) but haven't really become a member until recently. Not sure who may be reading this, but whatever. Wakkawakkadoodooyeah!

[arthwollipot]

Wakkawakkadoodooyeah!Uh, yeah. That.

[COLONEL]

Wakkawakkadoodooyeah! Welcome Dave and ikythinkyukyrkywhacky Eh

[Matthew Ellard]

Hello Everyone.

I'm Matthew from Australia and I mostly post on the Skeptic's Society Forum and a little bit on the Skeptic's Annotated Bible forum. I mostly argue against the "holocaust deniers" but as I love Roman History I also like getting stuck into "religious history". I have joined this forum because every now and then I do not understand a conversation that is being posted and would like the ability to ask a question now and then.

I have high respect for JREF, Michael Shermer and others who find the energy to host these skeptic and scientific forums. I also respect when other members point out errors that I have made so I don't look like an idiot in conversations away from the forums.

[Pure Argent]

Hello Everyone.

I'm Matthew from Australia and I mostly post on the Skeptic's Society Forum and a little bit on the Skeptic's Annotated Bible forum. I mostly argue against the "holocaust deniers" but as I love Roman History I also like getting stuck into "religious history". I have joined this forum because every now and then I do not understand a conversation that is being posted and would like the ability to ask a question now and then.

I have high respect for JREF, Michael Shermer and others who find the energy to host these skeptic and scientific forums. I also respect when other members point out errors that I have made so I don't look like an idiot in conversations away from the forums.

Welcome to the forums, Matthew! If you're interested in arguing against Holocaust deniers, there's actually a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=148049&page=58) going on about that right now.

I would welcome the Pirate guy, but I'm not sure that we speak the same language.

[Arkyrion]

Hello. I'm new.

My name is Arkyrion, and I am an 18 year old college student, which means of course that I average around ten hours of sleep a week, have no money, and subsist on a hearty diet of ramen and Mtn. Dew. My hobbies include roleplaying, arguing with Holocaust deniers, and wasting enormous amounts of time on the internet (on an unrelated note, the first person to make a pr0n-related joke shall be summarily fed to the trolls). I have also been known to enjoy intelligent conversation, and I am thrilled to find a place on the internet where finding one seems to be almost possible, and as such I guess I don't have to talk to myself anymore.

I'm also a personal friend of Pure Argent, much to his dismay.

[Pure Argent]

I'm also a personal friend of Pure Argent, much to his dismay.

D***, I thought I had gotten away from you here.

[Trystero4]

Middle School teacher from California here. I've been a big fan of James Randi and his work for years. Not much else to say other than I am a dedicated skeptic and all-around swell guy.

[Pure Argent]

Middle School teacher from California here. I've been a big fan of James Randi and his work for years. Not much else to say other than I am a dedicated skeptic and all-around swell guy.

Don't worry. Use this cream. It'll go down soon.

[Arkyrion]

:eek:

And you just happen to have some on hand why?

[Trystero4]

Don't worry. Use this cream. It'll go down soon.

I get it. I get jokes.

[Pure Argent]

:eek:

And you just happen to have some on hand why?

Why not?

I get it. I get jokes.

Who's joking?

[Jack_]

Hello, new to the work of James Randi. Not sure what to put here. But I figure it is only polite to say my hello.

[Pure Argent]

Hello, new to the work of James Randi. Not sure what to put here. But I figure it is only polite to say my hello.

Welcome, Jack_! Good to have you here!

Even if you aren't sure what to say, there's always something happening in Forum Community! Or perhaps the Humor section. Either one.

[Jack_]

Thank you.

I shall crawl before I can walk.

[Scyldemort]

Hey. I'm Paul. I've been going to TAM for the last two years, and it never really occurred to me to get on the forums before now. O_o

[Pure Argent]

Hey. I'm Paul. I've been going to TAM for the last two years, and it never really occurred to me to get on the forums before now. O_o

Well, at least you're here now.

[grandmastershek]

Hi all.I am Bill. I am not so new to the JREF, I have lurked here and there, primarily 9/11 stuff, and recently decided to join. I am out of work social studies teacher. I majored in history/ed. and minored in philosophy. I am currently getting my MSEd. My primary interests here are conspiracy theories. I became a rationalist a few years ago when I slowly began to realize logic and science had more to offer than my religious beliefs.

[Pure Argent]

Hi all.I am Bill. I am not so new to the JREF, I have lurked here and there, primarily 9/11 stuff, and recently decided to join. I am out of work social studies teacher. I majored in history/ed. and minored in philosophy. I am currently getting my MSEd. My primary interests here are conspiracy theories. I became a rationalist a few years ago when I slowly began to realize logic and science had more to offer than my religious beliefs.

Nice to have you with us, Bill, and sorry to hear that you're out of work. But we're always glad to have another rationalist with us!

[Femke]

Well, this is wonderful, so many new arrivals!
:welcome2
Please make your good selves at home, take off your southwestern/fur hat/sombrero/sun screen/<insert appropriate headwear>, hang up your raincoat/umbrella/parasol/hawaii shirt/<insert appropriate outdoor garment>, pull up a thread of your liking and start enjoying our little island of rationality here.

Where are my manners? Have a minty, some cookies, and a glass of fresh goats milk, and if you see the goat, give it a friendly pat on the head and send it to Colonel.

And now off to Forum community and start upping those post counts!

[LostCatSoda]

Been lurking for some time. A lot of great reads in the Forums.

Was a kid who believed in everything and anything. Age and experience made me a pretty solid atheist and skeptic. Though I would be *thrilled* if indisputable proof of Ghosts, Bigfoots, UFO's, Black Helicopters .... were ever produced! Until then I shall debunk and critically think out the Boogie Men.

Anyhow, Hello.

[amb]

Hello, new to the work of James Randi. Not sure what to put here. But I figure it is only polite to say my hello.

Hello! :p

[amb]

Thank you.

I shall crawl before I can walk.

Yes, you have to crawl to the mighty Zoroaster before you stand and walk!


Welcome all new bloods! the vampires were getting mighty thirsty. Glad you can supply them with new blood, they may now leave us alone for a while. :p

[Triglypha]

Hi all - I've been lurking here for a long time, and thought it was high time I finally introduced myself. I grew up Catholic, but never really believed any of it; I remember feeling a vague embarrassment every time I went to church with my parents. When I finally figured out where the embarrassment was coming from, I realized I had been an atheist all along.

I tried really hard to believe in ESP and paranormal phenomena when I was a teenager, but, alas, my skeptical nature won out there as well.

[COLONEL]

Hello. I'm new.

My name is Arkyrion, and I am an 18 year old college student, which means of course that I average around ten hours of sleep a week, have no money, and subsist on a hearty diet of ramen and Mtn. Dew. My hobbies include roleplaying, arguing with Holocaust deniers, and wasting enormous amounts of time on the internet (on an unrelated note, the first person to make a pr0n-related joke shall be summarily fed to the trolls). I have also been known to enjoy intelligent conversation, and I am thrilled to find a place on the internet where finding one seems to be almost possible, and as such I guess I don't have to talk to myself anymore.

I'm also a personal friend of Pure Argent, much to his dismay.Welcome afrer reading this resume I think you will fit right in . Now go have a glass of goats milk ,a cookie and a MINTIE and wait by the green door . seeing as you are a friend of Pure Arget I will have him show you to your room . be nice and pat the goat on the head if you meet up with it.

[Pure Argent]

Welcome afrer reading this resume I think you will fit right in . Now go have a glass of goats milk ,a cookie and a MINTIE and wait by the green door . seeing as you are a friend of Pure Arget I will have him show you to your room . be nice and pat the goat on the head if you meet up with it.

I wouldn't say "friend" so much as "total archenemies", but sure, I'll show him to his room. On the way, perhaps we could view my sharp objects collection...?

:P

[Arkyrion]

PA, you called me many, MANY names last night. "Archenemy" was not among them

[amb]

There, there children. Lets kiss and make up! :D

[Pure Argent]

PA, you called me many, MANY names last night. "Archenemy" was not among them

Yes, well, that's because you normally do not call someone your archenemy while occupied with stabbing them to death with a broken bottle. It just doesn't have the same zippy quality as "************ ***********".

:cs:

[Arkyrion]

"Broken bottle?" Is that what you're calling it now?

[amb]

Hey! This is a welcoming thread for new members, not a slanging match thread.
;)

[quadraginta]

Hey! This is a welcoming thread for new members, not a slanging match thread.
;)


That's right. Make the new blood wait to find out what they're really gonna deal with.

[COLONEL]

Well I guess we will have to keep them locked in their rooms until they learn to play nice together or kill one another :D

[amb]

If it's a duel they want. Be here tomorrow at dawn, and please choose your weapons before arriving. You shall be back to back, walk 20 paces, turn and fire. May the best man win a packet of Minties. :)

[Arkyrion]

Is a Rocket Launcher an acceptable dueling weapon? I forget.

[Pure Argent]

I know what I want.

http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/news-doom-gunns.jpg

...or the trusty Bio Rifle, a.k.a. Goop Gun. Either works.

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/1/14434/453599-bio_rifle_super.jpg

[EclecticSkeptic]

"New blood" here if that is the preferred title for new members. :) EclecticSkeptic here. You may already know my DH, CriticalThanking. I'm a former physics/math high school teacher. I currently tutor and craft.

[Prometheus]

Welcome ES! What sort of craft?

[EclecticSkeptic]

I do a bit of a lot of things. If it's interesting to me, I may try it. Currently I have been making some home decor from a sycamore tree that turned up its toes in our recent drought, I do some photographic art and I design a wide range of jewelry from a variety of materials. Since I'm brand new, I can't give you a link, but if you want to see some of my items, you can visit, www dot craftgawker dot com/post/archive/eclecticdesignchoices/ .

[Arkyrion]

Welcome aboard, ESkeptic. (We already have a fellow who goes by Skeptic, and I'm too lazy to type out "Eclectic" every time I address you)

[EclecticSkeptic]

That's fine, ES works too.

[CriticalThanking]

Yes, it is true. I am the Designated Hitter.

CT

[skeet]

Long time lurker here. Met Phil and some others at DragonCon and finally convinced myself to register. Glad to have access.

[amb]

A very warm welcome skeet.

[Northern_warrior]

Hello ,ive been lurking in this forum for some time now,so Im guessing its time to make an account and introduce myself..
I expecially valued the constant debunking of the so called 9/11 truth movement"..that people can be so stupid in this day and age are beyond me..
Furthermore im a US/norwegian double citizen..and an ISAF veteran..thank you that is all for now..

[justcharlie09]

Hi,

I'm Charlie, a mom to 3 (almost 4 kids) and a skeptic that still holds onto a modern version of Christianity (don't worry, I'm okay with evolution and probably like creationists less than most atheists do...if that's possible). That said, I got kicked out of my last church for not being mean-spirited or superstitious enough (thought picketing homosexuals and/or abortion clinics was wrong--go figure). Fan of Carl Sagan, The Skeptic, and even a bit of Penn & Teller (can't go for *some* for the Bible-bashing or the Libertarian schtick, but generally like them).

I studied psychology as an undergrad and will try to start grad school sometime next year in informatics. Hopefully.

I live in the US and....not sure what else to say other than I'm a bit of an oddball. It's not so much by choice as by happenstance.

[Arkyrion]

A warm welcome to my fellow Oddball. And also to Northern. Glad to have you aboard the Logic train.

[Captain Tripps]

Hi all, new here. Took me forever to get amy account activated here, but am here now! Nice to meet yall.

Live in Florida, used to live in Texas.

[Prometheus]

Welcome.

[The Man]

Hi all, new here. Took me forever to get amy account activated here, but am here now! Nice to meet yall.

Live in Florida, used to live in Texas.

Nice to know some things have not changed over the years.

Welcome, Captain Tripps.

[COLONEL]

Hi all, new here. Took me forever to get amy account activated here, but am here now! Nice to meet yall.

Live in Florida, used to live in Texas.
Welcome , it may have taken you forever to get here but you can never leave :D

[amb]

So true. The gates are guarded by ferocious man eating goats.

[parthiuv]

Hi to all skeptics & critical thinkers. Finally got my account validated after 4 or 5 tries. Lurking here for a while like 2 - 3 months. Nice to be here and meet you all.

[Pure Argent]

Ooh, I missed a few. Welcome to everyone! Pet the goat as you pass, and watch out for hamsters. They bite.

[CelticRose]

Ooh, I missed a few. Welcome to everyone! Pet the goat as you pass, and watch out for hamsters. They bite.
We have hamsters now? :boggled: That's new.

Have a glass of goat's milk, help yourself to some Grayman's oatmeal cookies and a Mintie, and don't forget to return your library books on time.

[amb]

http://www.getprice.com.au/images/uploadimg/1061/350__1_44EA42D471CE013D02000000AC193D36.JPG

For those who don't know what Minties are. Al newbies are allowed no more than two candies, OK?

[ctamblyn]

Hello all, finally got round to posting! Look forward to meeting you all properly soon - hopefully when I get home from work...

Best regards,
ctamblyn

[The Drain]

Welcome, ctamblyn - nice to have someone new from the northern hemisphere here!

You may hang your hat up over there in the corner.

Beware of the goat, I strongly suspect it's antipodean. Would you like a slice of hot buttered barmbrack?

[ctamblyn]

Why, thank you very much

*munch*

Hey, this is just like bara brith... but with an Irish accent. Yummy.

[SusanB-M1]

Hello all, finally got round to posting! Look forward to meeting you all properly soon - hopefully when I get home from work...

Best regards,
ctamblyn

Welcome! Here's a cheery wave from New Milton!

P.S. The Dorset Humanist Group meet (about 40 attend usually) at the Moordown Community Centre on the second Saturday of every month just in case you happen to be interested.
And if you decide to go to the Christmas Party in Biggleswade, contact me ...
you might like to travel with Carolenextdoor and me
Oh, and a final note: my computer has to be sent away for repair, so I shall be without it- odearohdearohdear! - from tomorrow morning for about a week.

[COLONEL]

Ooh, I missed a few. Welcome to everyone! Pet the goat as you pass, and watch out for hamsters. They bite.

We have hamsters now? :boggled: That's new.

Have a glass of goat's milk, help yourself to some Grayman's oatmeal cookies and a Mintie, and don't forget to return your library books on time.OK when and how did we get Hamsters ? Oh well they won't be aroud long the goat hates anything small and furry.
Welcome to all the new bloods :D:D

[arthwollipot]

Sorry, sorry.

* arthwollipot starts picking up the hamsters

[COLONEL]

Sorry, sorry.

* arthwollipot;5312079 starts picking up the hamsters You can leave the black one that looks like a little bear, I found it sleeping with the goat when I went to milk it .For some reason it had a calming effect on the goat .

OK welcome to all you NewB's out there here is some fresh goats milk to welcome you here and to start your day

[JoeBentley]

A quick basic introduction:

Welcome all. Pleasure to be here.

Name: Joe
Place: Southeast, Virginia.
Age: 30
Job: US Navy for 12 years.
Religion: Strong atheist.
Political: All over the place, but I tend to skew libertarian as my "default."
Basic Philosophy: Strict rationalist, pragmatic, utilitarian.

Hobbies: Voracious reader, hobby level writer, gamer, armchair intellectual, really mediocre harmonica player, ultralight hiker.

Interests: Science, language, history, humor

Likes: Tom Waits, Jimmy Buffett, Drive By Truckers. Surreal, existential, and experimental film, hard sci-fi and horror books.

Stances on the big issues:
Abortion: Legally supportive of the right to do so, morally ambiguous as to the act itself.
Death Penalty: Legally against it, morally conflicted.
Gun Control: Against most all major restrictions on gun ownership.

[GerryC]

Hi folks!
I'm from Adelaide, South Australia.
I was lead here from shows such as the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe and links from Richard Dawkins web site.
I have only really got serious about scepticism in the last few years and I am constantly astonished at the silly things that people believe in.

For example, I was listening to the NPR's Science Friday podcast about becoming a veterinarian. (Go to the Science Friday website and the October 9th podcast to have a listen).

All was going well when a member of the audience asked the vets in attendance something along the lines of "Do veterinarians use alternative medicines?". To which one of them replied "Yes, they are starting to use chiropractic and homoeopathy"! :eek:

I nearly fell off my chair (which was tricky given that I was in a car):D.

Clearly, even the most educated can get sucked into woo. As a teacher, I would admit that our profession is susceptible to the latest trendy teaching methodology.

So I have a question: do you folk have a check list that you use to avoid getting sucked in to woo?

[arthwollipot]

So I have a question: do you folk have a check list that you use to avoid getting sucked in to woo?Nope. We just use a freeform method of suck avoidance.

[Ness36]

Welcome to GerryC, JoeBentley, and ctamblyn. And also welcome to the hamsters.

GerryC:

I also found this forum through the Skeptic's Guide. It is one of my favorite podcasts. I thought I wasn't surprised anymore by the crazy things people believe. Then I was at the whole foods and I saw "Ear Candles" I thought, "what is this?", looked at the package and read it. It took me a while to realize that you stuck this thing in your ear, and then light it on fire!!!!!:eek: WTH??? Then I knew there are absolutely no limits.

Even worse they cost like 15$ for a few cents worth of fabric and wax.

Welcome to the forum!

[Pure Argent]

Welcome to everyone that I missed! And sorry about the hamsters. I brought a box in for temporary storage, but they chewed through the cardboard and escaped into the crawlspace. I think they're breeding, too - there's definitely more of them...

[Prometheus]

Welcome to everyone that I missed! And sorry about the hamsters. I brought a box in for temporary storage, but they chewed through the cardboard and escaped into the crawlspace. I think they're breeding, too - there's definitely more of them...

That's a relief. I thought they'd escaped from Uranus' thread.

[The Man]

... ultralight hiker.

Does that mean you go for very, very, very short hikes or you carry an ultralight when hiking (you know some people actually fly them)?


Welcome JoeBently and everyone else.

[JoeBentley]

Does that mean you go for very, very, very short hikes or you carry an ultralight when hiking (you know some people actually fly them)?

I meant carrying as small and light a pack as reasonably possible. I try to keep my base load (everything except consumables) under 12 pounds, give or take depending on specific circumstances.

I've always wanted to try ultralight or sport flying though.

[The Man]

I meant carrying as small and light a pack as reasonably possible. I try to keep my base load (everything except consumables) under 12 pounds, give or take depending on specific circumstances.

Kind of figured, but I just couldn’t resist.


I've always wanted to try ultralight or sport flying though.

Me too, one of the guys I worked with was building an auto-gyro, don’t know if he ever finished it though.

[hcmom]

OK when and how did we get Hamsters ? Oh well they won't be aroud long the goat hates anything small and furry.


However, if you're large and furry, watch out!

[COLONEL]

Welcome JOE Bentley. Hope you enjoy your stay here.


Name: Joe
Place: Southeast, Virginia.= Norfolk Naval base or Yorktown weapons station
Age: 30
Job: US Navy for 12 years.= Squid
:D

[amb]

A warm and friendly welcome to all newbies. Hope you all have a pleasant stay. This is probably the best forum around. There's something here for everyone whether you are a theist, atheist, agnostic or an insurance salesman/woman.
Enjoy. :D

[Pure Argent]

A warm and friendly welcome to all newbies. Hope you all have a pleasant stay. This is probably the best forum around. There's something here for everyone whether you are a theist, atheist, agnostic or an insurance salesman/woman.

Though in the latter case it is likely to be a spot in the Pit of Almost-Eternal Fire. The "almost" is there because every week or so we have to add more fuel.

[Kud Dukan]

Hello everyone! I registered back in September, but had a lot of stuff going on at the time and forgot I had even registered. Nice to meet you guys.

[Pure Argent]

Welcome, KD. Watch out for the goat.

[Paulhoff]

Hi all, new here. Took me forever to get amy account activated here, but am here now! Nice to meet yall.

Live in Florida, used to live in Texas.
Where in Florida..............

Paul

:) :) :)

[båtsman]

Hi!

20 years old, from Sweden, and a skeptic since I found out I was gullible and stupid. Hopefully I'm cured by now, but one can never be sure, so I do what I can to learn more.

[The Man]

Hello everyone! I registered back in September, but had a lot of stuff going on at the time and forgot I had even registered. Nice to meet you guys.


Welcome, Kud Dukan and Happy birthday

[The Man]

Hi!

20 years old, from Sweden, and a skeptic since I found out I was gullible and stupid. Hopefully I'm cured by now, but one can never be sure, so I do what I can to learn more.

Welcome båtsman. Basically the same way I became a skeptic. Unfortunately, no cure, it is a chronic condition, but with treatments it can be managed.

I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said

“May I blush if I let an hour pass unimproved”


Learn two new things and call us in the morning.

[båtsman]

Welcome båtsman. Basically the same way I became a skeptic. Unfortunately, no cure, it is a chronic condition, but with treatments it can be managed.

I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said

“May I blush if I let an hour pass unimproved”


Learn two new things and call us in the morning.Thank you! Seems like a life-long struggle. Thankfully, it's worth it.

[arthwollipot]

I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said

“May I blush if I let an hour pass unimproved”Yeah, and what did he ever make of his life?

[Arkyrion]

A slew of mixed children?

[Prometheus]

Yeah, and what did he ever make of his life?

IIRC, he grew thousands of acres of marijuana....

[Pure Argent]

Welcome, batsman! Sorry, I have no idea how to put the circle over the a...

[båtsman]

Welcome, batsman! Sorry, I have no idea how to put the circle over the a...Thanks! Yeah, I realised that a bit too late.. But batsman is just fine.

In Swedish there are 3 additional letters: å, ä, ö. I realise it was stupid to choose a name with one of them.

[Howie Felterbush]

Good evening, all!

I've been lurking here for a great while, and I decided to take the plunge. (Mostly because I need to know what AAH is all about.) Following the antics of kit, mak, Sweaty and everyone else on the Bigfoot threads has kept my productivity to a bare minimum over the last couple of weeks, and for that I am profoundly grateful. Reading about the Patterson-Gimlin (Big)Footage is so much more fun than raking leaves, don't you think? I'm a fence-sitter when it comes to Bigfoot, by the way, and I hold no strong opinions about the paranormal, 9/11, flu shots or the Zapruder film.

Respectfully,
Howie

[Pure Argent]

Thanks! Yeah, I realised that a bit too late.. But batsman is just fine.

In Swedish there are 3 additional letters: å, ä, ö. I realise it was stupid to choose a name with one of them.

Nah, 'salright. We have JREFers from everywhere. If people wanted to spell their names in Arabic script (or whatever you call it - I'm no linguist), I'd have no problem with that.

Good evening, all!

I've been lurking here for a great while, and I decided to take the plunge. (Mostly because I need to know what AAH is all about.) Following the antics of kit, mak, Sweaty and everyone else on the Bigfoot threads has kept my productivity to a bare minimum over the last couple of weeks, and for that I am profoundly grateful. Reading about the Patterson-Gimlin (Big)Footage is so much more fun than raking leaves, don't you think? I'm a fence-sitter when it comes to Bigfoot, by the way, and I hold no strong opinions about the paranormal, 9/11, flu shots or the Zapruder film.

Respectfully,
Howie

A fence-sitter, eh? Good to have a neutral opinion around. Maybe you can let us all know how the outsiders perceive the arguments here.

[Howie Felterbush]

A fence-sitter, eh? Good to have a neutral opinion around. Maybe you can let us all know how the outsiders perceive the arguments here.


In a word...intense.

Y'all get worked up over some crazy stuff, that's for sure. The Bigfoot threads are my favorite. The only time I've ever seen people get that excited over another biped's anatomy is when we took a break from D&D to fight over which Sci-Fi chick is the hottest. (I voted for Gillian Anderson, in case you care.)

[amb]

In a word...intense.

Y'all get worked up over some crazy stuff, that's for sure. The Bigfoot threads are my favorite. The only time I've ever seen people get that excited over another biped's anatomy is when we took a break from D&D to fight over which Sci-Fi chick is the hottest. (I voted for Gillian Anderson, in case you care.)

If the interest in 'bigfoot' is your go, you should go to a shoe store. There you'll see big feet, little feet, medium feet and feet of all sizes and color. ;)

[Pure Argent]

In a word...intense.

Y'all get worked up over some crazy stuff, that's for sure. The Bigfoot threads are my favorite. The only time I've ever seen people get that excited over another biped's anatomy is when we took a break from D&D to fight over which Sci-Fi chick is the hottest. (I voted for Gillian Anderson, in case you care.)

If you think that's intense, you should cheek out the UFO thread. Or the Holocaust denialism one.

[Howie Felterbush]

If you think that's intense, you should cheek out the UFO thread. Or the Holocaust denialism one.


I have. Pretty good stuff. The Holocaust threads quickly devolve into name-calling, which I don't really care for, but the UFO threads are quite entertaining.

[leafy]

Hello. I'm leafy and I'm suspicious of everyone and everything.

[Prometheus]

Hello. I'm leafy and I'm suspicious of everyone and everything.

Hi leafy (if that is your real username). Welcome to the forum--maybe (don't take my word for it).

[Pure Argent]

Hello. I'm leafy and I'm suspicious of everyone and everything.

That's okay. We're out to get you anyway.

*sips soda while watching you through hidden camera*

[The Drain]

Hello. I'm leafy and I'm suspicious of everyone and everything.

oooh, you don't need to worry about me - it's all the rest of them in here that you need to watch out for...

[ve2vfd]

Hi there folks!

I'm Pat from Montreal, Canada. Early forties, enjoy quiet times and long walks on the beach... er oops wrong site! :) Actually I am one of those nearly total skeptics, I believe in nearly nothing. I dislike all forms of woowoo, pseudo-science and alternate medicine. 4 years of high school with the catholic brothers has cured me of any religious beliefs (I never made it to the 5th year, they kicked my atheist arse out :) )

I'm a new user here but have been lurking forever. Also an avid listener to many of the skeptical podcasts (SGU, Skeptoid, Skepticality, Skeptics with a K, Pseudo Scientists, DB Skeptic...) as well as Randy Speaks on Youtube. I also enjoy the Skepticblog, some great articles there!

As I said I've been lurking for a while, but since I decided to go on the upcoming cruise I figured it's a perfect time to sign up on the board.

Pat

[arthwollipot]

If you think that's intense, you should cheek out the UFO thread. Or the Holocaust denialism one.Or the porn one, or the Brazilin Jiu Jitsu one, or the Mac vs PC one...

[xandercruise]

Greetings

I am xandercruise on other websites and some of you may know me as a conspiracy buff slash troll.

Have at you!

[lionking]

Hi folks!
I'm from Adelaide, South Australia.
I was lead here from shows such as the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe and links from Richard Dawkins web site.
I have only really got serious about scepticism in the last few years and I am constantly astonished at the silly things that people believe in.

For example, I was listening to the NPR's Science Friday podcast about becoming a veterinarian. (Go to the Science Friday website and the October 9th podcast to have a listen).

All was going well when a member of the audience asked the vets in attendance something along the lines of "Do veterinarians use alternative medicines?". To which one of them replied "Yes, they are starting to use chiropractic and homoeopathy"! :eek:

I nearly fell off my chair (which was tricky given that I was in a car):D.

Clearly, even the most educated can get sucked into woo. As a teacher, I would admit that our profession is susceptible to the latest trendy teaching methodology.

So I have a question: do you folk have a check list that you use to avoid getting sucked in to woo?
Hi Gerry,

I see that you have not gone past post 1. Head off to the Humor section where you will run into another Adelaidean, Wildy.

[amb]

Hello. I'm leafy and I'm suspicious of everyone and everything.

Hi leafy. You can trust me, honest! :p It's the goat you have to watch out for.;)

[amb]

Or the porn one, or the Brazilin Jiu Jitsu one, or the Mac vs PC one...

Porn..........did you say porn? Where's that? :eye-poppi

[arthwollipot]

Porn..........did you say porn? Where's that? :eye-poppiHere (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=157183), but you'll be disappointed.

[amb]

Yep. You're right! :)

[COLONEL]

Hello. I'm leafy and I'm suspicious of everyone and everything.
Well you should be , and just because we let you join, doesn't mean we trust you. I have told the Goat to keep an eye on you .

[COLONEL]

Greetings

I am xandercruise on other websites and some of you may know me as a conspiracy buff slash troll.

Have at you!I think there is a conspiracy going on and thats why you joined up, so that you could join the conspiracy on the conspiracy about the conspiracy going on with the conspiracy here. :boxedin:

[Arkyrion]

I think there is a conspiracy going on and thats why you joined up, so that you could join the conspiracy on the conspiracy about the conspiracy going on with the conspiracy here. :boxedin:

No, Colonel. There is no conspiracy within these walls. Within these walls, we are safe. Within these walls, we are free.

You shall be silenced.

[ve2vfd]

You shall be silenced.

As long as we are not assimilated everything is fine! :boggled:

Pat

[decojuicer]

Hi,

I'm Decojuicer/Mike, and I'm really glad to be here. In the past few years I have found myself alone as a skeptic on most of the websites that I visit. When I asked people to provide sources for their claims, and then refused to accept the source because it wasn't trustworthy, I usually found myself labeled as "that atheist guy" or that "flaming liberal guy" or something much worse.

It will be interesting to talk with like minded individuals and debate people who actually care enough to try to find out the truth.

Mike

[grayman]

If there's one thing we've learned from several thousand years of religion and politics, it's that truth is over-rated.

You can trust me. I wouldn't lie.

Welcome to the forum. Here, have an oatmeal cookie. :stone028:

[decojuicer]

Do they have raisins?? I love Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. How did you know?? Are you psychic?? Wait, never mind.

[grayman]

Yes, the latest batch made yesterday has raisins, and walnuts.

Fair warning: We've already had the great "Raisins: Yes or No?" debate.

[decojuicer]

OK then, I have been warned. But I have to say that I am suspicious of anybody who doesn't like raisins in their oatmeal cookies.

By the way, I will be smoking a couple of pork shoulders for pulled pork on Wednesday up here at deer camp. For your generosity, I will save you a sandwich or 2.

[decojuicer]

For clarification though, have you had the "Peanut Butter: Crunchy or Creamy" debate?

[CelticRose]

For clarification though, have you had the "Peanut Butter: Crunchy or Creamy" debate?
Will you look at this: only 5 posts and he's already stirring up trouble.

We'll have to keep an eye on this one.

[Fonebone]

Hi all -Fonebone here
If I reach the threshold for avatar, signature and url posting I'll introduce myself.meanwhile I'll study the forum posting mechanics and restrictions.

As the parson chants, the clerk replies __Italian allusion

[sarahjeanne]

Hello everyone, I found the JREF forum after trying to figure out what happened to Mr. Lancaster, as I SO enjoyed SSB in the past and kept coming back hoping to see an update. Anyways, after reading some (seriously) long threads I delved further into the JREF world and have been doing some major lurking ever since. So I guess to finish my intro, I am glad to have found this forum and glad to see Mr. Lancaster is well. I hope to learn a lot from everyone here!

[amb]

Welcome sarahjeanne. Here, have one of Grayman's delicious oatmeal cookies with a glass of just milked goat and cat milk. The man with a tray of Minties will be along shortly.

[arthwollipot]

Will you look at this: only 5 posts and he's already stirring up trouble.

We'll have to keep an eye on this one.Two eyes, as often as I can spare them.

[decojuicer]

I have to say, after a few days of lurking and reading, I am pretty intimidated. I'm no moron, but I feel that way after reading many of the posts and threads. I hold no degrees, I don't work in the scientific field, and I don't really know a whole lot about computers.

I am, however, pretty good at doing research and separating the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. I'm also good at making tasty beer and moving heavy things.

Probably my biggest strong point though, is that I can make things understandable to lay people and present an argument that is not loaded with tech speak.

I really hope to learn a lot from you folks. In fact, I already have learned a few things. Thanks.

[arthwollipot]

I have to say, after a few days of lurking and reading, I am pretty intimidated. I'm no moron, but I feel that way after reading many of the posts and threads. I hold no degrees, I don't work in the scientific field, and I don't really know a whole lot about computers.Nor me, nor me, and nor me.

Best thing I can advise is just jump in and say whatever you feel like, and don't get embarrassed or offended if anyone tells you that you're wrong about something.

Oh, and post in Community and Humour. :whistling

[COLONEL]

If there's one thing we've learned from several thousand years of religion and politics, it's that truth is over-rated.

You can trust me. I wouldn't lie.

Welcome to the forum. Here, have an oatmeal cookie. :stone028:
Trust Me ? :jaw-dropp mmm cookies .I like the chocolate oatmeal raisen walnut ones .

[amb]

I have to say, after a few days of lurking and reading, I am pretty intimidated. I'm no moron, but I feel that way after reading many of the posts and threads. I hold no degrees, I don't work in the scientific field, and I don't really know a whole lot about computers.

I am, however, pretty good at doing research and separating the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. I'm also good at making tasty beer and moving heavy things.

Probably my biggest strong point though, is that I can make things understandable to lay people and present an argument that is not loaded with tech speak.

I really hope to learn a lot from you folks. In fact, I already have learned a few things. Thanks.

Welcome buddy. You are wrong about your strongest point. I believe it's your ability to make some decent grog. :D

[Pure Argent]

I have to say, after a few days of lurking and reading, I am pretty intimidated. I'm no moron, but I feel that way after reading many of the posts and threads. I hold no degrees, I don't work in the scientific field, and I don't really know a whole lot about computers.

That's okay. I actually don't know much either. Here's the best thing you will ever find for research on this forum (http://www.google.com).

[sarahjeanne]

Welcome sarahjeanne. Here, have one of Grayman's delicious oatmeal cookies with a glass of just milked goat and cat milk. The man with a tray of Minties will be along shortly.

Thank you very much for the welcome, and the cookie :) Not a fan of goat milk (too goaty tasting), though I must admit I've never tried cat milk. Bottoms up?

[arthwollipot]

If you're getting milk from the cat's bottom, you're...

You know what? Never mind.

[sarahjeanne]

In light of that information I have to go apologize to Mr. Snickers.

[arthwollipot]

Meow!

[Prometheus]

We're milking cats now? :eye-poppi Does the Marquis know about this?

[COLONEL]

We're milking cats now? :eye-poppi Does the Marquis know about this?
Not to worry I let the goat loose and it killed all the cats . the goat hates cats (remember it hates all small furry creatures ) Remember Cats is the other white meat .

[quadraginta]

Not to worry I let the goat loose and it killed all the cats . the goat hates cats (remember it hates all small furry creatures ) Remember Cats is the other white meat .


If only you had taken advantage of the Barbecue Solution I offered we wouldn't be faced with this abuse of poor innocent kittehs.

I still have that recipe for smoked goat brisket.

[decojuicer]

Welcome buddy. You are wrong about your strongest point. I believe it's your ability to make some decent grog. :D

I make a good Schwartzbier, a really good IPA, and an excellent Bourban Vanilla Oatmeal Stout. Even people who don't like craft beer love that Stout.

[COLONEL]

If only you had taken advantage of the Barbecue Solution I offered we wouldn't be faced with this abuse of poor innocent kittehs.

I still have that recipe for smoked goat brisket.Lets BBQ the cats instead, I like goats they serve a purpose, cats on the other hand run loose get into your garden ,chase away the birds .

[COLONEL]

I make a good Schwartzbier, a really good IPA, and an excellent Bourban Vanilla Oatmeal Stout. Even people who don't like craft beer love that Stout.Start brewing

[Gawdzilla]

Me? I'm a 50-meter mutant fire-breathing lizard-thingy, current residing in the Cryptozoology Hall of Fame. (First year I was eligible, btw.)

If you prefer a more mundane CV, I'm a retired Navy CPO, '69-'89, and graduated from Purdue with an MA in History in '04. Currently holed up on I-44, just southwest of St. Loser, Mo. (I've seen one Cardinals fan here already, not a good sign.) I help manage two of the largest WWII document sites on the internet, links available after I prove I'm not a spammer.

My interests are "US-Japanese relations prior to Dec. 7th, '41", conspiracy theories of all kinds, and getting banned from places like abovetopsecret.

[COLONEL]

Welcome Gawdzilla, I too was a squid many moons ago and then I tranfered over to the Army 71-89 Have a fresh glas of Goats milk a oatmeal cookie and a Mintie. return any over due library books you may have .I would like to check out the wwll sites that you talked about ,Feel free to pm me with that infomation . Oh if you should happen to see the goat give it a pat on the head .

[amb]

Better still, start a WW11 Thread. :p

[Howie Felterbush]

Better still, start a WW11 Thread. :p


Did I somehow miss nine World Wars?

[Prometheus]

Did I somehow miss nine World Wars?

Naw, just dinner at his in-laws house.... :duck:

[Howie Felterbush]

Naw, just dinner at his in-laws house.... :duck:

Thank goodness. I thought I had a lot of reading up to do.

[casey123]

Greetings! I wanted to say Hi! This looks like a cool forum with some interesting people and topics. I'm a research tech from Houston Texas and in my spare time I enjoy my dogs, kids, traveling, seeing and doing new things. I love to surf, play games, work on typobounty, or read a good book.

[Pure Argent]

Greetings! I wanted to say Hi! This looks like a cool forum with some interesting people and topics. I'm a research tech from Houston Texas and in my spare time I enjoy my dogs, kids, traveling, seeing and doing new things. I love to surf, play games, work on typobounty, or read a good book.

Welcome, casey123. Have a mintie and a complimentary hamster.

...What? I have to get rid of them somehow. D*** things are everywhere.

[turnuptheradio]

Hi Everybody. My name is Josh and Im in Tampa florida.

[amb]

Thank goodness. I thought I had a lot of reading up to do.

If you were married to the woman I'm with, and over 37 years, you too would have experienced around 9 world wars if not more. :p

[amb]

Hi Everybody. My name is Josh and Im in Tampa florida.

Welcome buddy. Have a hamster on us. No? I tried PA, sorry . :p

[The Drain]

Did I somehow miss nine World Wars?

You did what to Miss Nine World-Wars? The poor girl; I'm surprised she didn't go nuclear on you.


PS: Hello Josh & Cassey123 & everyone else. Please beware of the antipodean conspiracy; they've been doing an awful lot of tunnelling recently and you never know where they might pop up. Here, have a slice of hot buttered barm-brack.

[shad0wbatt333]

Hello all, I'm new to the forums; however, I've followed James Randi a bit over the years, along with Penn & Teller and others. A friend of mine's been a member of JREF for years, so I figured I'd finally sign up.

Anyway, just dropping in to say hello.

[CelticRose]

Hello all, I'm new to the forums; however, I've followed James Randi a bit over the years, along with Penn & Teller and others. A friend of mine's been a member of JREF for years, so I figured I'd finally sign up.

Anyway, just dropping in to say hello.
Uh oh, this one's stalking Randi.

Welcome, everyone. Have a glass of goat's milk, help yourself to a Grayman's oatmeal cookie and a Mintie, and don't forget to return your library books on time.

Oh, and please give the goat a friendly pat when you see it.

Anybody want to adopt a hamster? :D

[Pure Argent]

Hello all, I'm new to the forums; however, I've followed James Randi a bit over the years, along with Penn & Teller and others. A friend of mine's been a member of JREF for years, so I figured I'd finally sign up.

Anyway, just dropping in to say hello.

Welcome! Have a hamster. In fact, have two.

...Please?

[Prometheus]

Welcome! Have a hamster. In fact, have two.

...Please?

No thanks, I'm full.

[Pure Argent]

No thanks, I'm full.

****, there goes our backup plan.

[lexvonrockets]

Hi all! I'm new here too. You people are terrifying. Rock!!

[Fiona]

Hi all! I'm new here too. You people are terrifying. Rock!!


Awww........you say the nicest things:blush:

*Looks very, very scary*

Welcome lexvonrockets :)

[Pure Argent]

Hi all! I'm new here too. You people are terrifying. Rock!!

GET OFFA MY LAWN

>:E

*shotgun fires*

[COLONEL]

Boy, I go away for a day and when I get back I find we are infested with hamsters .

[Prometheus]

Boy, I go away for a day and when I get back I find we are infested with hamsters .

Don't knock 'em; they're rather tasty, you know!

[COLONEL]

Boy, I go away for a day and when I get back I find we are infested with hamsters .

Don't knock 'em; they're rather tasty, you know! Well give me a good Recipe and I'll try one

[godofpie]

Hi all! I'm new here too. You people are terrifying. Rock!!
Welcome fellow tarheel! I'm in Winston trying to maintain a hamster free environment. If you are ever up my way, stop in and say hi.
FACT (http://www.meetup.com/f-a-c-t/)

[tisamystery]

Hi, folks!

Any other aliens here? Or am I the only one?

[Pure Argent]

Hi, folks!

Any other aliens here? Or am I the only one?

Shh! We don't tell the earthlings!

[tisamystery]

Shh! We don't tell the earthlings!

Oops. Right. Forgot.

[amb]

Well give me a good Recipe and I'll try one

Try hamster 'Alla' cacciatore. They tell me it's better than rabbit. But I doubt it :p

[amb]

Hi, folks!

Any other aliens here? Or am I the only one?

Even aliens, in fact, especially aliens are very welcome here. :p

[The Drain]

Hmmm, Alien 'Alla' cacciatore... sounds delicious. Better than goat, anyway.

[James in New York]

Hi, longtime lurker here.

I'm James, a protege of Randi's.

Glad to finally register and join the party! ;)

[COLONEL]

Welcome James , a protege of Randi's mmm ? We will be checking that out .
Have a fresh glass of goats milk ,and help your self to a few BBQ hamsters we need to get rid of them and you can have a oatmeak cookie and a mintie after . Once you have been fed some one will come and show you to your room

[James in New York]

Sounds good.
:)

[leafy]

Thanks for the welcome.

I'm not sure if the membership here overlaps with freeratio.org at all, but if so, my name is hylidae there. :)


Well you should be , and just because we let you join, doesn't mean we trust you. I have told the Goat to keep an eye on you .

That's okay. We're out to get you anyway.

*sips soda while watching you through hidden camera*

Hi leafy (if that is your real username). Welcome to the forum--maybe (don't take my word for it).

Looks like I will be quite comfortable here. :D

Oops, maybe not... I don't think I trust these guys:

Hi leafy. You can trust me, honest! :p It's the goat you have to watch out for.;)

oooh, you don't need to worry about me - it's all the rest of them in here that you need to watch out for...
:boggled:

[Accidental Martyr]

Hello, just registered for the forum. I'm a freelance TV cameraman in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I've always been interested in paranormal/Fortean subjects. When I was younger I would read everything I could find about UFOs, Bigfoot, ghosts etc. As I've gotten older I have turned into a skeptic. I still enjoy reading about Fortean things and also like to look into urban legends and other common myths. Also, after 20+ years in a fundamentalist Christian church I now identify myself as an atheist.

[arthwollipot]

Hi, longtime lurker here.

I'm James, a protege of Randi's.

Glad to finally register and join the party! ;)Exactly what does "a protege of Randi's" actually mean?

[SezMe]

If you prefer a more mundane CV, I'm a retired Navy CPO, '69-'89, and graduated from Purdue with an MA in History in '04.
Another Boilermaker! Welcome.

[SezMe]

Also, after 20+ years in a fundamentalist Christian church I now identify myself as an atheist.
There's gotta be an interesting story in that. Welcome. Remember, anything goes around this joint except you cannot ever answer any of arthwollipot's questions. Don't ask why.

[arthwollipot]

There's gotta be an interesting story in that. Welcome. Remember, anything goes around this joint except you cannot ever answer any of arthwollipot's questions. Don't ask why.Why?

[James in New York]

Exactly what does "a protege of Randi's" actually mean?

Well I was lucky enough to get a chance to show Randi my magic when I was about 16 or so. I had read his Magic of Uri Geller book and wrote him asking for lessons. He invited me to his home in New Jersey and I showed him what I could do (wild sleight of hand stuff) and it was an incredible day for me. After that we would meet in NYC a few times a year and I would show him what I was creating and we would talk philosophy and science and life.

Soon he moved to Florida and invited me to be his apprentice and put me up, room and board, all for free so I could study not only magic with him, but life and what it means to be human. It was a wonderful time and it was there in his library that I picked up Martin Gardner's "Annotated Alice in Wonderland" and many other great books and saw that they were all signed to Randi by these incredible authors (Sagan, Asimov, etc) and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it all, that this world of knowledge and wonder was where the real magic was at.

When I got back home to NY I read everything I could by those guys and Feynman and Gould and Dawkins, and found Douglas Hofstadter's books and Raymond Smullyan and many more.

It's been that way ever since.

Randi truly IS amazing, not just as a performer or escape artist or skeptic, but as a human being. I'm glad to be a part of the JREF forum finally, it looks like a fun and interesting place.

[amb]

Apart from the Great Randi, this forum is also home to the Bad Astronomer who also is a good guy and a debunker of woo.
:)Welcome to all newbies. :)

[COLONEL]

Welcome to all you New B's I would like to hang around and chat but this darn cold I got from the goat (it coughed and didn't cover it's mouth) Has got me down so I am going back to bed .

[FenerFan]

Greetings...I am a long time lurker who finally decided to up and join for no apparent reason. I found this forum in an interesting way. I once stumbled upon an idiotic story about Building 7 at abovetopsecret. This in turn led me to the old loose change forum. I read that forum from time to time just to marvel at teh stupid and quickly noticed that any poster brazen enough to use actual facts and/or logic was labelled as a 'JREFer'. Curious as to what this meant I googled JREF and found this wonderful forum. (This was back when Gravy was posting on a daily basis.) I have been a big fan ever since. I wonder how many other members or lurkers have found there way here via this route.
I am an ESL teacher living in Istanbul. My educational background is in psychology which helps keep me sane after teaching children all day. In my free time I enjoy watching sunsets in the spring, collecting mid to late 1970's unicorn figurines and trying to use the words 'plethora' and 'verisimilitude' in everyday conversations.
I want to thank all the wonderful posters at this forum because I really have learned a lot just lurking here and have been led to some truly informative and enjoyable web sites that have been linked here.
I hope that I can contribute to the forum as well. :)

[FenerFan]

I'm a freelance TV cameraman in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I just wanted to say 'WAR DAMN EAGLE' :D
I spent several years down in Enterprise, AL. I really miss those 'southern girls and the way they talk'.

[Accidental Martyr]

I just wanted to say 'WAR DAMN EAGLE' :D
I spent several years down in Enterprise, AL. I really miss those 'southern girls and the way they talk'.
Well, Auburn played a very good game but Bama got it done in the end :-)
Now they have an even bigger game on Saturday...Roll Tide!:)

[FenerFan]

Now they have an even bigger game on Saturday

I'll be rooting for 'Bama as well. I never cared for the Gators, but my hat's off to the SEC for the last couple of years, the best conference in the country. I used to work in a sports bar in AL and the Iron Bowl week was by far the best of the year, forget about the Super Bowl or World Series. Those were great times for me.

[Femke]

Hi FenerFan,

Welcome to the forums, great to have you here.
Your name suggests you're into soccer as well?

Femke

[James in New York]

I read that forum from time to time just to marvel at teh stupid and quickly noticed that any poster brazen enough to use actual facts and/or logic was labelled as a 'JREFer'.

That's awesome.

[FenerFan]

Hi FenerFan,

Welcome to the forums, great to have you here.
Your name suggests you're into soccer as well?

Femke

Thanks for the welcome.
You are correct. I have really gotten into it after moving here.

[FenerFan]

Femke,

Van Hooijdonk is one of my all-time favourite players. He always played with total professionalism when he was here. He got treated quite badly by the press when he left in my opinion, but he still spends a lot of time in Istanbul. He is really a class act .

FenerFan

[casey123]

LOL... hamsters huh.... hamster soup?