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

[asthmatic camel]

Originally posted by Smike
~snip~ I guess I just don't have so much spare time as some other people.

Smike, trust me; that's something to be very grateful for.

[oldmac22]

I'm a 53 year old brickmason foreman with a severe case of A.D.D. Typing is pure torture for me so it will be a long time before I get an avatar.
I've always respected and admired James Randi. This forum is a lifeline to others who feel the way I do . I 've about given up on trying to convert the blind believers in my life. Most are beyond hope . Most are happy and smug with the thought of their salvation. In some ways I'm jealous of them. Ignorance can truly be bliss. However the truth is far more important to me. I'll never turn back.
Thank you to everyone who posts on this breath of fresh air.

[tim]

Welcome, oldmac22!
Although we are mostly of, how shall we say, an atheist or agnostic persuasion, we have a number of xians here who are cherished and respected. It is possible to be both, as I am sure you will agree when you meet them.
I hope you enjoy yourself here - it's a fascinating place to be with a wide variety of people from all over the world.

[KingMerv00]

I've been posting on the boards for alittle while but never properly introduced myself.

Location: NJ

Age:23

Religion: Agnostic (nearly atheist)

Occupation: Chemist (BS in chem. Trying for law school next year.)

Hobbies: Martial Arts, Reading, Watching fundie TV shows for a laugh

I will be at TAM3 with my skeptic girlfriend. I'll be the one in a toga chugging rum and cokes.

[tim]

Originally posted by KingMerv00
I've been posting on the boards for alittle while but never properly introduced myself.

Location: NJ

Age:23

Religion: Agnostic (nearly atheist)

Occupation: Chemist (BS in chem. Trying for law school next year.)

Hobbies: Martial Arts, Reading, Watching fundie TV shows for a laugh

I will be at TAM3 with my skeptic girlfriend. I'll be the one in a toga chugging rum and cokes.

Welcome indeed Merv! Or Your Highness, whichever you prefer!
I'll be at TAM3 as well. You'll easily recognise me because I'll be the only marsupial there.

[aargh57]

Thanks for the welcome everybody. I've also been a little envious at times of people that still have a faith just because I believe that death is easier for them in some ways. I also never try to "convert" anyone as far as religion goes. I pretty much just say "live and let live". I remember a line from a movie I saw where Ray Liota tells his daughter after his wife dies that heaven is just something people say to make each other feel better when someone dies (or something to that effect). The little girl responds "What's wrong with that?" I still don't have a great answer to that question. The only thing I get a little uncomfortable about is when I talk to my stepmom and I have to listen to all the nonsense about fire and brimestone, gay bashing, halloween and Harry Potter is satanic, etc... and hold my tongue. Anyway, thanks again for the welcome and have fun at TAM3.

[KingMerv00]

Originally posted by aargh57
"What's wrong with that?" I still don't have a great answer to that question.

Welcome to the forum.

I REALLY don't wanna derail this thread but I just can't help myself here. I think it is wrong to define death in terms of an afterlife because it changes the way people act while they are still alive. If there is no afterlife, then you have to take care of those you love BEFORE you die. Also, many religions attach arbitrary rules to their particular view of the afterlife that breed supersition and magical thinking (you won't go to heaven unless you are splashed with magic water etc.). Lastly, fundies like Falwell and the like are SO interested in your afterlife they would have laws in place while you are alive to protect your immortal soul.

It's best to try an live an slightly unpleasent truth than a comfortable lie.

[tim]

Originally posted by KingMerv00
Welcome to the forum.

I REALLY don't wanna derail this thread but I just can't help myself here. I think it is wrong to define death in terms of an afterlife because it changes the way people act while they are still alive. If there is no afterlife, then you have to take care of those you love BEFORE you die. Also, many religions attach arbitrary rules to their particular view of the afterlife that breed supersition and magical thinking (you won't go to heaven unless you are splashed with magic water etc.). Lastly, fundies like Falwell and the like are SO interested in your afterlife they would have laws in place while you are alive to protect your immortal soul.

It's best to try an live an slightly unpleasent truth than a comfortable lie.

Merv, start a thread in R&P (religion and philosophy) on the subject. FWIW, I don't have a serious problem with people believing in an afterlife, if it gives them comfort. I do have a problem with people who try to tell me how to run my life, whether they be religious or not.

[KingMerv00]

My fault entirely...I shouldn't have brought that into this thread.

Anyway, I welcome newcomers again.

[Xeriar]

I suppose I should introduce myself here.

I'm a programmer / computer guy from Minnesota who has been reading Randi's commentary for the past two years and never noticed the existance of these forums until they were mentioned there o_O

Anyway, I was born and raised catholic, got involved with an evangelical Bible study group who convinced me dearly that something might be wrong with Christianity, so I left after reading my Bible a second time, becoming a deist for a year or so before turning to nontheism.

I had a lot of fun joining Bible study groups as a foil after that - some of my Christian friends would invite me and agree not to tell anyone else that I wasn't. Apparently I got very good with my arguements as time progressed.

I'm not really a skeptic, per se. I find astrology and wicca amusing and don't really hold much against most religious types, and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until it wanders into the realm of hurting others.

Or if they're creationists, since I consider trying to obstruct real science 'hurting'.

[tim]

Originally posted by Xeriar
I suppose I should introduce myself here.

I'm a programmer / computer guy from Minnesota who has been reading Randi's commentary for the past two years and never noticed the existance of these forums until they were mentioned there o_O

Anyway, I was born and raised catholic, got involved with an evangelical Bible study group who convinced me dearly that something might be wrong with Christianity, so I left after reading my Bible a second time, becoming a deist for a year or so before turning to nontheism.

I had a lot of fun joining Bible study groups as a foil after that - some of my Christian friends would invite me and agree not to tell anyone else that I wasn't. Apparently I got very good with my arguements as time progressed.

I'm not really a skeptic, per se. I find astrology and wicca amusing and don't really hold much against most religious types, and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until it wanders into the realm of hurting others.

Or if they're creationists, since I consider trying to obstruct real science 'hurting'.

Welcome to the forum, Xeriar!
You will find religious persuasions of all kinds here, from fundamentalist Christians to atheists, and probably just about everything else. We accept - for the most part - peoples beliefs, providing they aren't too extreme.
If you make claims, though, don't be surprised if you are asked to provide evidence!
There's a lot of fun and humour here as well, so enjoy yourself!

[H3LL]

I've only just seen this thread.

Do I have to introduce myself or does everyone already know that I'm an irritating ****?

[tim]

Originally posted by H3LL
I've only just seen this thread.

Do I have to introduce myself or does everyone already know that I'm an irritating ****?

Hi, H3LL, and welcome. You don't have to be irritating to win an argument...............:p ;)

[B.S]

Hello everyone. Its been interesting reading the commentaries and the forum for the last year or so. I've learned a lot, ( really, a lot ), and I wish I had all this information when I was a kid. I have been a disbeliever since my first conscious memory, and have been in many discussions ( errr ... fights? arguments? battles? wars? worse? ... pick one ) with believers and some of this info can actually make a fight less serious. When you have the proper knowledge to refer to it becomes less of a catfight, and can, sometimes, actually resemble a discussion.

I am a retired railroad clerk ( CNR, Moncton, N.B., Canada ) with a little background in geology and a love of astronomy ( visual, my math sucks ). I'm not as old as you might think, being retired, but there is a little grey in places.

Ok, thats it. I hope everyone is well, and I am pleased to be here.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by tim
Hi, H3LL, and welcome. You don't have to be irritating to win an argument...............:p ;)

...but it helps a lot... :D

[tim]

Originally posted by B.S
Hello everyone. Its been interesting reading the commentaries and the forum for the last year or so. I've learned a lot, ( really, a lot ), and I wish I had all this information when I was a kid. I have been a disbeliever since my first conscious memory, and have been in many discussions ( errr ... fights? arguments? battles? wars? worse? ... pick one ) with believers and some of this info can actually make a fight less serious. When you have the proper knowledge to refer to it becomes less of a catfight, and can, sometimes, actually resemble a discussion.

I am a retired railroad clerk ( CNR, Moncton, N.B., Canada ) with a little background in geology and a love of astronomy ( visual, my math sucks ). I'm not as old as you might think, being retired, but there is a little grey in places.

Ok, thats it. I hope everyone is well, and I am pleased to be here.


Welcome. B.S!
If you like astronomy, try Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy site, if you haven't already.
http://www.badastronomy.com/
In the meantime, enjoy yourself!

[da bear]

Howdy people. I joined up last month, but I've just been lurking about for a bit, reading some of the incredible variety of things to read here, and I've only scratched the surface.

Anyway, I'm just an ordinary Joe(that's not my name ;) ), work as an oil refinery plant operator in northern Canada, and have varied interests. I'm a skeptic by nature, that's kind of how I came to find this place.

I hope to have some great times here and believe that I'll both learn a lot and hopefully be able to contribute as well.

[Eos of the Eons]

I'm bursting with pride to see all the Canadians piping up :)

Welcome you guys!

[B.S]

Thanks for the welcomes. I agree that its great to see so many Canadians joining up. With all the wonderful variety of people on board here I think it is uplifting to see so many nationalities getting along so well. I only wish it could be the same with international politics.

I've only been here a couple days, but I think a lot of people have signed up in that time. Popular spot, it seems. So welcome to all you new(er) members,and have a good time.

[tim]

CANADIAN WARNING!
The sneaky devils are trying to take over the board again! Remember last time! "Today JREF, Tomorrow the World".
We must fight this dread invasion to the death! (Well, ok, when I say death I don't actually mean "death" as such - especially for Eos!
Awww, welcome anyway, even to the Canadians.....:p ;)

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by B.S
Thanks for the welcomes. I agree that its great to see so many Canadians joining up. With all the wonderful variety of people on board here I think it is uplifting to see so many nationalities getting along so well. I only wish it could be the same with international politics.


Obviously, you haven't spent much time in the Politics & Current Events section of the forum. :D

But welcome to the JREF!

[B.S]

You're right, I haven't. Now I'm scared to go there. My dreams of a utopian society could be dashed! Oh darn.

[Jorghnassen]

Yeah, I'm new, I should've posted here before. Being happy with relative anonimity I'll just say this: if you ask what is my religion, I'll say Catholic, but only for two reasons. One, I have not been excommunicated, and two, though I am an atheist, atheism isn't a religion.

[da bear]

Originally posted by tim
CANADIAN WARNING!
The sneaky devils are trying to take over the board again! Remember last time! "Today JREF, Tomorrow the World".
We must fight this dread invasion to the death! (Well, ok, when I say death I don't actually mean "death" as such - especially for Eos!
Awww, welcome anyway, even to the Canadians.....:p ;) Ahhhhh thank you, your welcome is appreciated.

It's too late for you though.

We already have most of Hollywood under our control, so we already have the majority of your minds. Soon we shall have your souls. That's if you believe you have one, otherwise we'll just have to settle for your various body parts to give Canadians that are in need of transplants.

[monkboon]

Originally posted by da bear
... otherwise we'll just have to settle for your various body parts to give Canadians that are in need of transplants.

I like the way this one thinks. Can we keep him, pleeeeeeease?
:D

[tim]

Originally posted by monkboon
I like the way this one thinks. Can we keep him, pleeeeeeease?
:D

Wellllll..............OK. As long as he doesn't mess on the rug!
:D :D :D

[malbui]

Been here a while without introducing myself, which was rude.

Irish/French, profoundly atheist, background in linguistics and AI and in some form a professional sceptic: I spend big chunks of my working life looking for traces of things like money laundering and requesting evidence that procedures have been properly followed. (My most commonly used phrase is "I assume you can demonstrate that to me"). Not as exciting as it sounds but it keeps me amused. And it's indoor work with no heavy lifting.

[B.S]

Execellent qualifications for this forum. Glad you're here.

[tim]

Welcome Malbui!
Have a good time here. It's not too late to think about TAM3.........:D :D :D

[Ryan O'Dine]

Hey all!

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I was led to the JREF pretty much like everyone else -- an angel appeared to me in a flaming bowl of Cap’n Crunch saying, “Go to the JREF.� Shortly after, Cap’n Crunch appeared to me in a flaming bowl of Sugar Frosted Mini Wheats saying, “Don’t listen to the angel,� but by then the damage had been done, and so here I am.

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome, Ryan.

Many of us here are Tacoists, so be careful. I think you're the first Cap'n Crunchist on the forum. :)

[Ryan O'Dine]

Originally posted by Mr. Skinny
Welcome, Ryan.

Many of us here are Tacoists, so be careful. I think you're the first Cap'n Crunchist on the forum. :)

No, you have me all wrong, I wouldn’t be caught dead worshiping the Crunch. I’ve merely given my life to Him and obey His every command -- that’s all.

[tim]

Originally posted by Ryan O'Dine
No, you have me all wrong, I wouldn’t be caught dead worshiping the Crunch. I’ve merely given my life to Him and obey His every command -- that’s all.

Ermmm..... we have a number of gods here - Mr. Skinny - aka Skinny God, and Ed to name but two. The Crunch? I don't think that's a good idea.................

[Ryan O'Dine]

Originally posted by tim
Ermmm..... we have a number of gods here - Mr. Skinny - aka Skinny God, and Ed to name but two. The Crunch? I don't think that's a good idea.................

Probably not the time or the place for this, and I hate to start off on the wrong foot, but in a fair fight Cap’n Crunch (all praise his hallowed name) would demolish your so-called Gods with one hand tied behind his back (though not his own).

In an unfair fight, there’d be nothing but a few crumbs for Count Chocula (all praise his hallowed name) to lick up.

[Eos of the Eons]

:D Those Cerealists are evil. Now Snap, Crackle, and Pop-There are somebodies to devote your life too! I worship the Crispy Squares...mmmm marshmallowy goodness...mmmmm
I see your god and raise you my gods! They can tag team circles around yours :p

[Chaos]

Originally posted by tim
Ermmm..... we have a number of gods here - Mr. Skinny - aka Skinny God, and Ed to name but two. The Crunch? I don't think that's a good idea.................

Don´t forget Linda the JREF Goddess... and Cleopatra (the Egyptians believed that their kings became gods after death)

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by Chaos
Don´t forget Linda the JREF Goddess... and Cleopatra (the Egyptians believed that their kings became gods after death)
Linda is a Foundation Goddess. Ed and I are Forum Gods. Different strokes and all that.

Cleopatra is a lawyer. 'Nuff said.

I've allowed Taco worship here, but I'd have to see Ryan's Cerealist Organizational Plan (COP) before I'd consider allowing another competing theology.

[Ryan O'Dine]

Having been struck by lightning 13 times since my last post, I cower in a cloud of shame, toy surprises, singed pieces of a nutritious breakfast, and fire extinguisher foam to concede the superiority of your gods.

[da bear]

Ahh nice try, but we all know you Cerealists are meeting in secret, planning to usurp the older Gods. What a devious group of zealots you are.


Coooool, where do I sign up.

I personally worship the omnificence that is the Honey Nut Cheerio Bee.

P.S. Welcome Ryan O'Dine

[Ryan O'Dine]

da bear --

You can open the Canadian branch.

(We'll talk away from you-know-who ;) )

[espritch]

Tony is the one true tigre. And he's GRRRREAT!

[Ryan O'Dine]

Originally posted by espritch
Tony is the one true tigre. And he's GRRRREAT!

The North Carolina branch. I pay in boxtops.

Join us, Newbies. Join us in our empire of toasty goodness. (Or just say hello. Whatever floats your cornpops.)

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by Ryan O'Dine
The North Carolina branch. I pay in boxtops.

Join us, Newbies. Join us in our empire of toasty goodness. (Or just say hello. Whatever floats your cornpops.)
Ryan,

You have captured the attention of the Lord High Emperor Skinnygod (and not in a good way).

I would suggest that you cease and desist this Ceralist talk, before I become enraged.

[Eos of the Eons]

Or what Mr. Skinny? Cereal Gods are figments of advertiser imaginations and you don't scare me. Nyah :p :D

Go on, give Ryan O'Dine all you got! He's not scared of you! (neither am I, but give Ryan all you got...I'm not scared of you..no I'm not! I'm not!)

[tim]

A bolt of lightning would seem apprpriate at the very least!

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
Or what Mr. Skinny? Cereal Gods are figments of advertiser imaginations and you don't scare me. Nyah :p :D

Go on, give Ryan O'Dine all you got! He's not scared of you! (neither am I, but give Ryan all you got...I'm not scared of you..no I'm not! I'm not!)

Ah... a voice of reason. I take it that you, too, are an agastroist? (i.e. someone who does not worship foodstuffs)

[Mr. Skinny]

Eos, Ryan doesn't realize that I'm a cereal killer. If he fails to watch his step, he may end up being found with his lungs full of oatmeal, his mouth stuffed with Shredded Wheat, and Cheerios placed over his permanently closed eyes. :D

Now where's that lighting bolt smilie............

[Ryan O'Dine]

I think I'll take this opportunity to gracefully step aside and let the next newbie have their turn at lightning bolts, death threats, and other forms of welcome. :)

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by Ryan O'Dine
I think I'll take this opportunity to gracefully step aside and let the next newbie have their turn at lightning bolts, death threats, and other forms of welcome. :)
You're a great sport Ryan. It's all in fun, of course.

[DonOne]

Hi All.

My first post here, but have been a lurker for a while;)

I am not sure what my contribution will be to this forum, (I might just carry on lurking:D ) but I thought it only polite to pop in and say hello, so................


HELLO!:bgrin:

[richardm]

Originally posted by DonOne
I am not sure what my contribution will be to this forum, (I might just carry on lurking:D )

Now you've delurked, you should make a few posts. We know you're out there now so there's no point hiding... besides, you might find you enjoy it!

[espritch]

Blimey! It looks like we've got us another Brit!

The more the merrier I guess. :)

[tim]

Welcome, DonOne! If things keep going it won't be long before we British outnumber the Americans here. Well, I guess if we include the Canadians on our side - Yes, I know they're not properly British, but then they aren't Americans either - we may achieve our aim of Forum domination sooner than we thought!
(evil cackle) Today JREF, tomorrow the World!(evil cackle)

[DonOne]

Thanks for the welcome!

As for forum domination? I would be happy at gaining control of the ironing pile:cry:

[B.S]

Welcome DonOne, and I promise to start working on a good British accent, just in case.

[Eos of the Eons]

Um, Brits and Canadians...but we're an Ocean apart! Not that it matters really, aw heck, we have an even better chance since we would then cover more areas of the planet together...

Okay, I'm rambling. Very tired. So much food at work lately and so much shopping and so much to do, I'm out of it. Carry on, and most importantly welcome!

[da bear]

Welcome DonOne

I just want to say that I don't mind being lumped in with the brits, on three conditions.

1) Prince Charles gets something done with those ears.

2) I don't have to listen, read, or watch any reports on what's going on with the Beckhams.

3) I don't have to try and talk like they do in movies like Snatch, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

;)

[DonOne]

your 'avin a bubble geeza!
Dint ya no we all talk like Vinne! (Jones)!:p

Charlies ears are way beyond fixing!

Beckhams??? who are they?:D

If we (the Brits) and you (the Canadians) all joined forces we just might be able to dominate the world:eek: and that way, if we were in charge, I could get one of the minions to do my ironing...............
Sounds like a plan to me:D
How about we start the revolution after Christmas? You up for it?:roll:

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by DonOne
Charlies ears are way beyond fixing!

I sort of thought the ears would go with his new gig: Demolition.

(I can see it now: "Chuck's Demolition Company. I wrecked my home. Let me wreck yours.")

Beckhams??? who are they?:D

A couple of Peterbilt drivers I used to know out of Des Moines, IA. The used to drive Freightshakers. (They've moved from the Projects to the 'Burbs...) :D :D

If we (the Brits) and you (the Canadians) all joined forces we just might be able to dominate the world:eek: and that way, if we were in charge, I could get one of the minions to do my ironing...............
Sounds like a plan to me:D
How about we start the revolution after Christmas? You up for it?:roll:

Just remember: If the minions get bitchy, they add EXTRA STARCH!

[Alex DeLarge]

Hi all,
after reading the weekly commentaries religiously for more than a year and the forums occasionally, I finally decided join.

I'd like to thank Mr. Randi for all of his hard work, he was one of the people who inspired me to become a skeptic and critical thinker.

[brachet]

Hi there! :book:

[tim]

Alex DeLarge and brachet!
A very warm welcome to both of you. We're mostly a friendly bunch here and haven't burnt a newbie at the stake in ohhhh, it must be several days!
There are a great deal of interesting things here, and not a little humour. Please feel free to jump in when you have anything to say. But a word of warning.........skepticks may ask tyou to prove your comments and provide sources. If you don't have them - ouch! :zzw:
:D :D :D

[brachet]

Okey dokey then. If I get picked to be burned at the stake, do I have to provide the fuel? Will special equipment be neccesary? There is a burn ban in my area, so we'd have to do it somewhere out of town. I hope that won't inconvenience anyone too much. Oh my, and what to wear? Decisions, decisions...

[Alex DeLarge]

Originally posted by tim
skepticks may ask tyou to prove your comments and provide sources. If you don't have them - ouch! :zzw:
:D :D :D [/B]

My kind of people :)

Thanks for the welcome.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by brachet
Okey dokey then. If I get picked to be burned at the stake, do I have to provide the fuel? Will special equipment be neccesary? There is a burn ban in my area, so we'd have to do it somewhere out of town. I hope that won't inconvenience anyone too much. Oh my, and what to wear? Decisions, decisions...

We're fairly casual around here. For burning at the stake, I'd recommend a nice blazer, and perhaps a pair of khakis. (Dark socks, though.)

No special equipment, but while you aren't required to provide the fuel, you will be expected to provide the first match.

[Darat]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
We're fairly casual around here. For burning at the stake, I'd recommend a nice blazer, and perhaps a pair of khakis. (Dark socks, though.) ...snip...

But we do have some standards so no trainers or other sports footwear.

:xmas

[Darat]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
We're fairly casual around here. For burning at the stake, I'd recommend a nice blazer, and perhaps a pair of khakis. (Dark socks, though.) ...snip...

But we do have some standards so no trainers or other sports footwear.

:xsmiley

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
We're fairly casual around here. For burning at the stake, I'd recommend a nice blazer, and perhaps a pair of khakis. (Dark socks, though.)

No special equipment, but while you aren't required to provide the fuel, you will be expected to provide the first match.

All right... but who gets to fill out the Environmental Impact Statement? :D I mean, isn´t it a violation of some environmental law or something to burn people alive - without a soot filter?

[tim]

Originally posted by Chaos
All right... but who gets to fill out the Environmental Impact Statement? :D I mean, isn´t it a violation of some environmental law or something to burn people alive - without a soot filter?

Well actually no, Chaos.
Under EC regulation 206,708, paragraph 1763 of the third draft (look under witches, disposal of, burning), you will find subsection 1328, which allows Forum administrators to burn posters who irritate them without an EIS.
It should be noted, however, that this only applies if the person being burnt is not wearing trainers.
Hence Darats insistance on "no trainers or other sports footwear".
Since Jauary we've burnt 23 and a half. (One got away with a bad toasting).

[Chaos]

Originally posted by tim
Well actually no, Chaos.
Under EC regulation 206,708, paragraph 1763 of the third draft (look under witches, disposal of, burning), you will find subsection 1328, which allows Forum administrators to burn posters who irritate them without an EIS.
It should be noted, however, that this only applies if the person being burnt is not wearing trainers.
Hence Darats insistance on "no trainers or other sports footwear".
Since Jauary we've burnt 23 and a half. (One got away with a bad toasting).

I have to admit I´m a bit confused here. Does the term "witch" apply to both male and female... uh... delinquents, or only to the females while the males are reffered to as "sorcerers"?

Also, under EC regulation 241,135, paragraph 917 in the 12/17/2004 version, it clearly says that "witches, sorcerers, charlatans and other persons that practice or are affiliated with the powers of magic, witchcraft or sorcery" can only be burned on a Friday afternoon, and only if the wind is blowing away from the EC office buildings.

[B.S]

Can we roast marshmallows?

[Chaos]

Originally posted by B.S
Can we roast marshmallows?

Only if they were produced in a EC-certified (see regulation 47110815ff) marshmallow factory.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by Chaos
Only if they were produced in a EC-certified (see regulation 47110815ff) marshmallow factory.

So, I guess the usual store brand I buy so we can make smores while camping is out of the question....

[nishnabe]

My official delurkification occured a couple of days ago over in the Literature> What are you reading? thread. Then I discovered this thread as the proper welcome wagon.

Generally, I'll self-identify as Canadian in most circumstances, rather than the more correct term; American. The term American seems to be associated lately with the descendants of the colonists who claimed independence from their old country after finding their squatters rights apparently being respected. Nope.., don't want to be mistaken for one of them. I understand they are not spoken well of, in some other countries.

Originally posted by tim
If things keep going it won't be long before we British outnumber the Americans here. Well, I guess if we include the Canadians on our side - Yes, I know they're not properly British, but then they aren't Americans either - we may achieve our aim of Forum domination sooner than we thought!
(evil cackle) Today JREF, tomorrow the World!(evil cackle)

Tim; The Canadian in me Thanks you for recognizing me as "not properly British." I suppose that's a first step.
The indigenous person in me wonders why white folks talk about dominating something or someone?
I know it was mentioned in jest, but is an imperialist heritage required to "get it?"

Sorry Tim. You seem to be a respected individual around these parts and I don't intend to be a wet blanket here. I just thought I'd take the conversation away from breakfast food gods.

Alrighty then...let me have it...*wincing*

[Eos of the Eons]

Yes. spank that wombat! Nuff of the food deity dweebs, hah! He's gonna get shaved too...ha ha ha!

Love you Tim *sweet voice* You're cool, but you're gonna be cooler when us naughty skepchicks are through with you.

Woo hoo! Another Canadian...and American. Hah! We Canadians are diverse and numerous.

Welcome welcome welcome :)

[B.S]

Originally posted by nishnabe




Alrighty then...let me have it...*wincing*

I have flung one of my marshmallows in your general direction, better duck!

Welcome, and don't worry, they enjoy "confrontational" people around here. I predict you will have many interesting discussions. Enjoy.

[espritch]

Alrighty then...let me have it...*wincing*

Bah! As one of those "Americans" to whom you refer, it would be beneath my dignity to respond to such jealous carping. It's just part of the job description when you're the top dog.



:p

Oh by the way, welcome to the forum. :)

[tim]

Originally posted by nishnabe
My official delurkification occured a couple of days ago over in the Literature> What are you reading? thread. Then I discovered this thread as the proper welcome wagon.

Generally, I'll self-identify as Canadian in most circumstances, rather than the more correct term; American. The term American seems to be associated lately with the descendants of the colonists who claimed independence from their old country after finding their squatters rights apparently being respected. Nope.., don't want to be mistaken for one of them. I understand they are not spoken well of, in some other countries.



Tim; The Canadian in me Thanks you for recognizing me as "not properly British." I suppose that's a first step.
The indigenous person in me wonders why white folks talk about dominating something or someone?
I know it was mentioned in jest, but is an imperialist heritage required to "get it?"

Sorry Tim. You seem to be a respected individual around these parts and I don't intend to be a wet blanket here. I just thought I'd take the conversation away from breakfast food gods.

Alrighty then...let me have it...*wincing*

Nah, no offence meant or taken. Half my family are in and around Toronto, so I don't dare say too much.
To be honest I don't look at people as being "Canadian", or "German", or "Chinese", or "white", or "black", or "christian" or "muslim" or "buddhist", because by doing that you pigeonhole them which I sm always loathe to do. I treat individuals as just that - individuals.
So as one individual to another may I say welcome!

[tim]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
Yes. spank that wombat! Nuff of the food deity dweebs, hah! He's gonna get shaved too...ha ha ha!

Love you Tim *sweet voice* You're cool, but you're gonna be cooler when us naughty skepchicks are through with you.

Woo hoo! Another Canadian...and American. Hah! We Canadians are diverse and numerous.

Welcome welcome welcome :)

Cool? Of course I'm cool? Have you ever seen a wombat wearing shades?
You think you're big enough to spank this wombat? Ha! I don't think so!
Excuse Eos, please, nishnabe - she has delusions of grandeur and a tendency to be cruel to marsupials. More to be pitied than blamed, really...............

[UnrepentantSinner]

I'd like to welcome all the recent American* members. For all you types from Old Europe and other lesser and third world nations that have joined, please PM the admins to delete your membership. We really don't need your kind or your socialism here.

* Oh wait... I forgot Poland!








;) :D

[tim]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I'd like to welcome all the recent American* members. For all you types from Old Europe and other lesser and third world nations that have joined, please PM the admins to delete your membership. We really don't need your kind or your socialism here.

* Oh wait... I forgot Poland!








;) :D

Don't you start now, US, or I'll set the skepchicks on you at TAM3!

Oh, wait - that's what your after, isn't it? :p ;)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by tim
Don't you start now, US, or I'll set the skepchicks on you at TAM3!

Oh, wait - that's what your after, isn't it? :p ;)

I will catch the attention of all of the Skepchicks no matter how hard I try to avoid it. It will manifest thusly, "Oh no, here comes US. We'd better move to another table/bar/hotel" or something along those lines.

If your and my paths haven't crossed at some point, just listen for the "Oh s***, there he is," or "He's trying to hug me!" followed by a scream. There you will find me... or Central Scrutinizer...

[tim]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I will catch the attention of all of the Skepchicks no matter how hard I try to avoid it. It will manifest thusly, "Oh no, here comes US. We'd better move to another table/bar/hotel" or something along those lines.

If your and my paths haven't crossed at some point, just listen for the "Oh s***, there he is," or "He's trying to hug me!" followed by a scream. There you will find me... or Central Scrutinizer...

US, I'm looking forward to meeting you. It should be...........interesting.
:p ;)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by tim
US, I'm looking forward to meeting you. It should be...........interesting.
:p ;)

Oh, it will be, just be prepared when I spurn you handshake... and offer a hug.

[tim]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
Oh, it will be, just be prepared when I spurn you handshake... and offer a hug.

OK, but no tongues when I kiss you! :p

[asthmatic camel]

Ummm, Tim, are Lynn, Pip & Pandora becoming a little worried by your proclivities yet? :jaw:

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by tim
OK, but no tongues when I kiss you! :p

No kissing... blech. Two mustachioed men making out makes me think of nothing but crumbs and dried beverages that should have been combed out.

Feel free to grab my bum though... I will.

[tim]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
No kissing... blech. Two mustachioed men making out makes me think of nothing but crumbs and dried beverages that should have been combed out.

Feel free to grab my bum though... I will.

US, if you want to grab your own bum, that's fine. Just keep your cotton-picking hands off mine!
And AC? "Ummm, Tim, are Lynn, Pip & Pandora becoming a little worried by your proclivities yet?"
Well no. they've known the truth about me for a while, now...........

[supercorgi]

Hi folks!

I just found this forum and decided that I should introduce myself. I've long admired Randi but just found JREF about 1 1/2 years ago. I just started reading the forums a couple of months ago when I was looking for an interesting way to goof off during work and they've been quite interesting. It's sooo good to be around fellow skeptics. One of my hobbies brings me into contact with many, many people who believe in woo things and sometimes it gets a little overwhelming. It's nice to find like minds here when I start to think the entire world has become irrational and credulous.

As for me...well...I'm a chick (does that automatically make me a skepchick or do I have to do something to win that honor?). I live in the US (although these days I'm ashamed to admit it in an international forum...sorry folks, I didn't vote for the goon). I'm a technical writer who used to study archaeology. I used to be a gamer, am a long time reader of scifi and fantasy. I was raised Protestant (congregationalist) but became an athiest in my late teens (first I was an apatheist but later became more confident).

My main hobbies are dog agility with my supercorgi, Louie, and medieval re-creation (SCA - that's where I come in contact with so many woos). I'm skeptical of everything, and sometimes too cynical, but I don't argue points with the faithful much because I'm not that good at presenting an argument and it just seems too futile.

Oh well, maybe more exposure to you guys will improve my argumentative skills. I don't know if I'll post much but I do enjoy everything.

Nice to meet cha! :biggrin:

[espritch]

As for me...well...I'm a chick (does that automatically make me a skepchick or do I have to do something to win that honor?).

Well, as I understand it, you have to shave a wombat first (it's some kind of super secret ritual type thingy). You'll learn about that soon enough. ;)

Welcome to the forum. Glad to see I'm not the only American skeptic that didn't vote for the shrub.

[tim]

Well it's nice to meet you too, supercorgi!
Let me first say, if any of those damn' skepchicks tell you that become one of their number you have to shave a wombat do not believe them! This is really important. To me, that is.
Archaeology? Particular areas of interest? I like Egypt and Early British, myself.......
As for the religous side it doesn't matter too much here, we're pretty tolerant. Some of our most respected members are Christians. :D It doesn't stop them being skeptical about stuff.
I hope you enjoy yourself. Apart from the serious side there's much fun to be had here and some really good people.
There are also a lot of dog owners, too...............
:dl:

[tim]

Originally posted by espritch
Well, as I understand it, you have to shave a wombat first (it's some kind of super secret ritual type thingy). You'll learn about that soon enough. ;)

Welcome to the forum. Glad to see I'm not the only American skeptic that didn't vote for the shrub.

You swine! Any more of this picking on innocent wombats and there will be trouble! Remember the Wombat War of 2003!
Troops! Attention!

[supercorgi]

Thanks for the welcome folks!

Hmm...shaving wombats? Can I use my dog clippers? I had to shave my cat this summer -- is that anything like shaving a wombat? ;)

As for archaeology. I've always been fascinated by Egypt, worked on a dig in Greece as an undergraduate, was working on my Ph.D. in archaeology (early European iron age) but didn't finish up. I find all archaeology fascinating but am not really into paleolithic or neolithic.

[espritch]

"Captian, captain! Wombats! The wombats are comming!"

"Get ahold of yourself, soldier! Where are they? How many?"

"They're everywhere, sir! Hundreds of 'em - thousands!"

"Dang it! We're not prepared for this. We've only got one newbie Skepchick with cat shears. Call HQ and tell 'em we need reinforcement ASAP! At least a Skepchick regiment. Tell them to break out the straight razors. And for God's sake, hurry! Or we'll all be wombat kibble!"

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by espritch
"Captian, captain! Wombats! The wombats are comming!"

"Get ahold of yourself, soldier! Where are they? How many?"

"They're everywhere, sir! Hundreds of 'em - thousands!"

"Dang it! We're not prepared for this. We've only got one newbie Skepchick with cat shears. Call HQ and tell 'em we need reinforcement ASAP! At least a Skepchick regiment. Tell them to break out the straight razors. And for God's sake, hurry! Or we'll all be wombat kibble!"

Wombats eat kibble?

[espritch]

Wombats eat kibble?

My God Man! We're about to be up to our eyeballs in furry death and you want to know if they eat KIBBLE? This is why we're gonna lose this war; I'm surrounded by idiots!

[Eos of the Eons]

Originally posted by supercorgi
Thanks for the welcome folks!

I've always been fascinated by Egypt, worked on a dig in Greece as an undergraduate, was working on my Ph.D. in archaeology (early European iron age) but didn't finish up. I find all archaeology fascinating but am not really into paleolithic or neolithic. medieval re-creation (SCA - that's where I come in contact with so many woos)

Okay, alert Cleo and exarch to just begin with. Cleo and El Greco are in Greece. They are great to have around to pick their brains. exarch does medieval re-creations...along with a few others.

I'm hopping up and down with excitement...yes you're a bona fide skepchick...all the way...and even willing to step up to the wombat torture!

I've always been fascinated with Egypt as well. I'm so envious of your studies! Welcome welcome welcome double welcome :)

Oh, will you be coming to TAM? (exarch is single and all, lol)

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by espritch
My God Man! We're about to be up to our eyeballs in furry death and you want to know if they eat KIBBLE? This is why we're gonna lose this war; I'm surrounded by idiots!

How can we lose? I'm not made of kibble. Are you?

[tim]

And here's me thinking you were a friend! Ha! Turncoat!

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by tim
And here's me thinking you were a friend! Ha! Turncoat!

Dude, most of us behind the wheel have a term for Wombats: Roadkill.

[tim]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
Dude, most of us behind the wheel have a term for Wombats: Roadkill.

It's a good thing you ain't coming to TAM3, 'toad - you'd be a dead amphibian!
:p ;)

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by tim
It's a good thing you ain't coming to TAM3, 'toad - you'd be a dead amphibian!
:p ;)

Only if you can catch me!!! :D :D :D

[supercorgi]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
I'm hopping up and down with excitement...yes you're a bona fide skepchick...all the way...and even willing to step up to the wombat torture!

<snip>

Oh, will you be coming to TAM? (exarch is single and all, lol)

I'm afraid not. :(

So I suppose you'll have to torture all the wombats by yourself.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by supercorgi
I'm afraid not. :(

So I suppose you'll have to torture all the wombats by yourself.

Oh, GREAT! You all just HAD to say that in my bride's presence. And she LIKES wombats!

[Eos of the Eons]

Sorry to hear that, maybe some other year :)

Wombat shaving is a now tradition among the TAM skepchicks. The wombats protest, but it still can't hide their adoration of all the attention and careful handling by razor wielding skepchicks.

Wombats everywhere would be go ungroomed and uhandled if it were not for TAM and skepchicks. The wombats would long for some other type of attention and invade homes looking for skepchicks. This would make ordinary folk think have lost it completely and set up horrible wombat traps that snip off body parts as they set off.

We must avoid this tragic end and not abandon our wombat shaving rituals!

[espritch]

We must avoid this tragic end and not abandon our wombat shaving rituals!

Ah. The slippery slope argument. You know you could avoid that if you would use a little less shaving cream.

[supercorgi]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
Wombat shaving is a now tradition among the TAM skepchicks. The wombats protest, but it still can't hide their adoration of all the attention and careful handling by razor wielding skepchicks.

Is suddenly picturing a wombat in a cute poodle clip...

:roll:

[tim]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
Oh, GREAT! You all just HAD to say that in my bride's presence. And she LIKES wombats!

She has exquisite taste, if I may say so.

[tim]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
Sorry to hear that, maybe some other year :)

Wombat shaving is a now tradition among the TAM skepchicks. The wombats protest, but it still can't hide their adoration of all the attention and careful handling by razor wielding skepchicks.

Wombats everywhere would be go ungroomed and uhandled if it were not for TAM and skepchicks. The wombats would long for some other type of attention and invade homes looking for skepchicks. This would make ordinary folk think have lost it completely and set up horrible wombat traps that snip off body parts as they set off.

We must avoid this tragic end and not abandon our wombat shaving rituals!

I'll have you know I have never been uhandled, Eos!
And "This would make ordinary folk think have lost it completely and set up horrible wombat traps that snip off body parts as they set off."
What does that mean?
This is why we wombats do not view skepchicks as a threat......
Supercorgie, take no notice of such ravings. Eos is obviously having a siezure of some sort. A shame really, because when she is sane she is quite charming. More to be pitied than blamed. Sigh....... :(

[Tex]

Well it's time to finally step up and make a proper introduction. As my unimaginative moniker suggests, I hail from the reddest of the "red states". Not exactly a bastion of rational thought and progressive ideals but I like it. Decent BBQ and Tex-Mex. My better half is from an entirely different sort of "red" state, China. She is teaching me Mandarin, but my skills are rudimentary at best. I am still more fluent in Java and C#.

I have to confess that I am addicted to reading this forum. Trolls and flamewars aside, there's a lot of cogent and interesting discussion here. And even the trolls and flamewars are of a higher caliber than most forums. :) I find that I'm not always articulate (and fast) enough to contribute much here, but I can always drop for some vicarious enjoyment as one woo-woo idea after another is swiftly and thoroughly debunked.

[tim]

Originally posted by Tex
Well it's time to finally step up and make a proper introduction. As my unimaginative moniker suggests, I hail from the reddest of the "red states". Not exactly a bastion of rational thought and progressive ideals but I like it. Decent BBQ and Tex-Mex. My better half is from an entirely different sort of "red" state, China. She is teaching me Mandarin, but my skills are rudimentary at best. I am still more fluent in Java and C#.

I have to confess that I am addicted to reading this forum. Trolls and flamewars aside, there's a lot of cogent and interesting discussion here. And even the trolls and flamewars are of a higher caliber than most forums. :) I find that I'm not always articulate (and fast) enough to contribute much here, but I can always drop for some vicarious enjoyment as one woo-woo idea after another is swiftly and thoroughly debunked.

Welcome, Tex. Don't live vicariously - get out and kick some butt!
:D :D :D

[De_Bunk]

Sorry...I thought 'Tex' just called....

:D

DB

[Dhaos Knight]

Moinlaven! It huoits! OI it hurts! dropped a rock on my foot, wait... I'm wearing steel toed boots.....

[fenster]

.....and another one enters from the socialist backwater we call Canada. What are trolls and flamewars, though?

[espritch]

Another Canadian? I think we must have 50 Canadians registered here. That's like, what, half the population of Alberta? ;) Well, I guess it makes sense. If you live in a place as cold as Canada, what else are you going to do during the winter?

Oh well. Welcome to the forum, fenster. :)

P.S. Trolls are people who post highly charged posts just to get people stired up (although the term is often applied incorrectly to posters who are just jerks). Flame wars are often a result of trolling as a thread started by a troll devolves into a heated session of name calling and and general bad manners. Of course this can happen in a legitimate thread if the subject is controversial.

[Scoff]

My name is Scoff and I am here because a friend of mine uses the forums and I find them very interesting. I've read a couple of threads that I really want to reply to so I've registered.

I'm down south - of the planet, that is.

Scoff

[phyz]

I've lurked a bit, searched a bit. Still don't know the ropes, but I learn quick. I think I'll have something to say here and there. And I'm still buzzed from TAM3; what better time to clear my throat and start tapping the keys.

[aofl]

Howdy,

I'm from California and I was at the TAM3 and decided to increase my participation in skeptical discussions, so joined the forum.

I'm very skeptical that Canada even exists.

DB

[BrianW.]

Like aofl I also registered after returing from TAM 3.

Hello everyone. Happy to be here.


BrianW.

[tim]

Hi BrianW., aofl and phyz, and welcome indeed! We probably met at TAM3 - I've just got back to England a few hours ago.
You may have wondered why some people were wandering around wearing polo shirts arguing pro and con about the cruel initiation ceremony indulged in by Skepchicks of shaving wombats.
Well, I was that wombat, and they did shave me, so please be careful and whatever you do - DON'T TRUST THEM!

[espritch]

Well, I was that wombat,

Wait! I thought Paul was the wombat...err...no...he was the walrus. Never mind.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by espritch
Wait! I thought Paul was the wombat...err...no...he was the walrus. Never mind.

Goo-goo-ga-joob...

[insomneac]

After lurking for almost two years, I took a break from the boards. Now I'm back and posting with semi-regularity.

[Chocolate Chip]

Hello Everyone,

I'm Chocolate Chip and I found this forum while stumbling across the internet. Lurked here for about 6 months before deciding to join up. From Canada, I work in a blue-collar job. I run, lift weights, and read as much as I can. Decided to join to make some kind of contribution (a good one I hope), to learn and to laugh.

[Eos of the Eons]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/eostory/Party2.gif Wow, lots of great new posters! Welcome welcome welcome everybody...especially the Canadians :D

I'm still recovering from TAM, and will post more in the coming days. It's easier to get to know people when they post, even if they think their opinion is already stated, there is always another way to put something. There's always something to add to keep the conversation going. Ask questions, bring in information. Every post is appreciated.

I also love seeing new avatars. I try to imagine what they will be and look forward to seeing what actually is adopted by the poster.

Again, Welcome...and don't heed that wombat...a shaved wombat is a huggable wombat ;)

[tim]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
snip
Again, Welcome...and don't heed that wombat...a shaved wombat is a huggable wombat ;) [/B]

You never said a truer word, Eos! I got so many hugs and kisses it was worth it! Lynn's making me grow it back though..........
:D :D :D

[jmercer]

My name's Jim, and I've been reading Randi's Commentary for probably close to a year now, ever since I found it via the CSICOP website. Finally took a look in the forums, got a lot of really interesting insights and information... and decided to join and start posting.

I'm a Director of Information Technology, read Sci-Fi avidly, love astronomy and physics, practice a few internal martial arts. (Without the woo factor, thank you!)

Good to be here - and I'm glad to find some place like this exists. :)

(Well, exists virtually, anyway. :D )

[B.S]

Originally posted by aofl

I'm very skeptical that Canada even exists.

DB
Welcome to the forum, and here is proof that Canada exists, where else does it look like this?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/sskeli/DCP05392.jpg

[JKVisFX]

I guess I will formally introduce myself.

I was the one at TAM3 who broke his ankle while setting up camera equipment for the presentations. You probably saw me in a wheel chair wheeling about the last two days.

I have pretty much been a life long skeptic and atheist - certainly since my early teen years. I have no love for religious-soaked minds and the ignorance, intolerance, stupidity, and bad judgment that too often comes with them. Not that skeptics and atheists are incapable of all of the above, it just seems like we do a little better in that regard overall.

I am graphics and animation designer who has a background in film visual effects. I work for a game developer in the Seattle area and live across the Puget sound in a historic Norwegian town called Poulsbo.

I am married, with two kids, a dog, cat, two rabbits, two ducks, seven chickens, two chinchillas, and one gerbil.

I'm not too likely to post here much but will certainly lurk from time to time. I enjoyed meeting a few of you at TAM3. I am not much of a party type and generally keep to myself so, I didn't do much socializing. Besides, being injured kind of put a damper on all that anyway.

It is great to see such a large group of intelligent, thoughtful, skeptical people gathered in a forum such as this.

Best.

--JK--

[tim]

Originally posted by jmercer
My name's Jim, and I've been reading Randi's Commentary for probably close to a year now, ever since I found it via the CSICOP website. Finally took a look in the forums, got a lot of really interesting insights and information... and decided to join and start posting.

I'm a Director of Information Technology, read Sci-Fi avidly, love astronomy and physics, practice a few internal martial arts. (Without the woo factor, thank you!)

Good to be here - and I'm glad to find some place like this exists. :)

(Well, exists virtually, anyway. :D )

Welcome to the forum, Jim, although I notice you've been posting a while. Did you go to TAM? If you did you will no that this is no virtual community any more - over sixty of us, from all over the world, went. It was like meeting old friends. I've never had so many experiences crammed into a six day trip. Meeting the speakers, meeting the posters, the meals, the ride on the Big Shot on to of the Stratosphere, the Grand Canyon, Shooting a Thompson sub-machine gun and getting my moustache shaved off by a hoard of semi-naked skepchicks........
If you weren't there, think about TAM4. Think very, very hard - then GO!

[jmercer]

Why, I believe I will... but - no shaving! (The semi-naked skepchicks are just fine. :D )

I've been posting for a few weeks, then I finally poked my nose in here, saw this thread, and realized I should do the formal "Hiya!"... so here I am.

Thanks for the welcome! :)

[Anne Bonny]

Hi All,

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting some of you at TAM3. What a great time that was! My real name is Stacy, I'm duppyrace's friend from Tucson. I've been lurking about for some time, but this is my first post. ;) I'm already looking forward to the meeting next year!

Stacy

[geni]

Originally posted by Anne Bonny
Hi All,

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting some of you at TAM3. What a great time that was! My real name is Stacy, I'm duppyrace's friend from Tucson. I've been lurking about for some time, but this is my first post. ;) I'm already looking forward to the meeting next year!

Stacy

Wecome to the forum. Now if you will excuse me I have a homeopath to deal with.

[tim]

Originally posted by Anne Bonny
Hi All,

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting some of you at TAM3. What a great time that was! My real name is Stacy, I'm duppyrace's friend from Tucson. I've been lurking about for some time, but this is my first post. ;) I'm already looking forward to the meeting next year!

Stacy

Hi Stacy, I met you at TAM. It's nice to see you here. Any questions, just ask. As you found out, we're mostly a friendly bunch. Have fun!

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by tim
Hi Stacy, I met you at TAM. It's nice to see you here. Any questions, just ask. As you found out, we're mostly a friendly bunch. Have fun!

Especially when it comes to wombat shaving....:D :D :D

[tim]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
Especially when it comes to wombat shaving....:D :D :D

Oi! You! Toad! Don't push your luck! You can't imagine what it's like to be set upon by a horde of scantily clad skepchicks and forcibly shaved! Sob.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by tim
Oi! You! Toad! Don't push your luck! You can't imagine what it's like to be set upon by a horde of scantily clad skepchicks and forcibly shaved! Sob.

Now, see, that's the difference between you and me, Tim. Being amphibious, I have no hair.

Of course, this means I have no access to skepchicks, scantily clad or otherwise...

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Hi everybody!

My very first post, so I'm obviously nervous - this seems to be the right place to get over it.
I'm a Brit - Welsh, in fact - currently living and working, as a Computer Analyst/Programmer, in Bavaria
I was brought up as a Presbyterian, but as the end of my teens approached, it seemed less and less relevant to my life.
I found the JREF almost by accident. I had just finished re-reading a book on the Apollo Moon landings, and mentioned it to a friend. He told me that there were people who believed that it was all a hoax, so I went surfing to check out what these nuts were concocting. As I guessed, it was all a pile of *expletive deleted*, but I did find a sneering reference to the Bad Astronomer. What a contrast - real science, and a sense of humour too! And - best of all - a link to the JREF!
I've been through the commentaries, and caught up, then spent some time lurking in the forum (sounds like the start to a Roman joke!) before deciding to join in the fun. That took a while, as this place can seem intimidating, when your knowledge is sparse!
I started reading backwards through the commentaries, but kind of got the sense of knowing the answers before reading the questions, as it were. Almost Psychic! However, afer a lie down in a darkened room I felt better, and from then on read from the oldest to the newest.
Unfortunately, just after I signed up, the guy who replaced me in the UK left the company, so I now have two full-time jobs, and "play-time" is at a minimum.
However, this means taking life seriously, and I can't do that for too long, so here I am.
I'm most definitely a skeptic (the "k" does make it seem stronger that a "c" somehow), and an atheist, though until recently I'd never thought of myself with a label. After visiting several Skeptic websites - I love Ebon Musings (must find out how to do links properly!) and trying to wade through the froth and sticky brown stuff in a number fo Xtian sites, I'm more than ever convinced that both these labels are correct.
I was amused by 1inCh - or 2.54 centimeters, as we say in Germany, announcing that Logic and Reason were the tools of the devil. With my job it's impossible not to use both all day long, so I guess I'm damned. I assume that even though I didn't know this when I started in the Computer industry, that can't be used in evidence? Actually, as I enjoy my job, I guess I'm doubly damned!

Ah well! Hope this isn't too long,

Gotta get back to "expletive deleted" now,

[tim]

Hi YouBelieveWHAT?
Nice to see you here. YouBelieveWHAT?'s a bit of a mouthful, though. How about referring to you as "WHAT?"
Please, don't be intimidated - we're mostly friendly. Jump right in, but a word of warning - check your facts! It's as well to quote sources as well. If you don't you'll find people will challenge you over it.
Please have fun!

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Thanks for the welcome - I do intend to have fun, as often as I can sneak away from work:)
I guess you've probably worked out where the name came from - in spite of expecting to find a lot of woo-woo stuff I was still amazed at what people believe in! Though after the last few months of lurking here and visiting all sorts of kook sites, my "amazement quotient" is getting rapidly eroded! "WHAT"'s fine, as is YBW - I guess it doesn't matter what you call me, so long as you call!
I probably should have added that ever since I saw Randi on the BBC (I think) doing a comprehensive demolition of Uri Geller I've been a fan! I now have several of his books - just finished the Nostradamus one.
By the way - I've worked out what IMO, IMHO, IIRC and WTF mean, but LOL still has me puzzled. I can think of many meanings, but none of them make any sense in context!
Now to get to 50 posts so that I can get picture!

YBW

[tim]

Lots Of Laughs!

[tim]

You might also see ROTFLMAO.
Rolls On The Floor Laughing My A*se Off!

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Thanks - it's so simple - when you're told the answer!
I did think Lots of Luck! - but that was clearly wrong in some of the posts!
Oh by the way - now I'm a "proper" member of the JREF, what with posting in the Forum, and being a declared Skeptic/Atheist, when do I get my membership badge for the Great Evil Atheist Conspiracy? I assume there's a monthly newsletter, or similar, and it might be interesting to get along to regular meetings, too!
Sorry - Ebon Musings have a terrific essay about this, and I couldn't resist!

[tim]

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
Thanks - it's so simple - when you're told the answer!
I did think Lots of Luck! - but that was clearly wrong in some of the posts!
Oh by the way - now I'm a "proper" member of the JREF, what with posting in the Forum, and being a declared Skeptic/Atheist, when do I get my membership badge for the Great Evil Atheist Conspiracy? I assume there's a monthly newsletter, or similar, and it might be interesting to get along to regular meetings, too!
Sorry - Ebon Musings have a terrific essay about this, and I couldn't resist!

Erm.....you just missed TAM (The Amazing Meeting)3 in Las Vegas!
It was great. Look at the top of the home page for links.
Some of us who attended TAM think it might be a good idea to hold a European meeting. We'll look at that after the new software's installed this weekend. The forum will be down about 4 days.

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Yup - I noticed about TAM - sounds like I need to start saving.
A European TAM would be a great idea.
By the way - I promise never to try to do anything to wombats, though if I read the posts correctly, all that attention you got from skepchicks must have been very, very nice:)

YBW

[SezMe]

Originally posted by tim
Lots Of Laughs!
I thought it was Laugh Out Loud. Now I'm, er, skeptical.

[tim]

Don't s'pose it matters. I've seen it described both ways, SezMe.
As for the traumatic assault on the forum wombat by the skepchicks, YBW, I am sworn to secrecy!
:D :D :D

[MLynn]

A big welcome to all the new people! You are too numerous to name individually, but your participation is appreciated. I hope you all enjoy your stay here.

There will be a system upgrade soon (?) and the system may be down for a few days, but please don't go away. it will be temporary. :D

[voodoochile]

Okay, I'll play...

I've been a skeptic for about a decade, during that time, I subscribed to the Skeptical Inquirere from CSICOP and also used to read Free Inquiry, though that became less necessary as I became more settled and comfortable with my Atheism.

I found these forums almost by accident. I am an admin on the largest White Sox website and we recently got listed in some list of huge Internet websites (http://rankings.big-boards.com). We are on target to break 1M posts by the end of the year and I wanted to see what sites were in that area and presto there was JREF - though now I can't find what page it is on the list.

Nice to have an Internet home for the free thinkers of the world. I look forward to talking with you folks and hopefully learning a bunch of stuff...

[tim]

Welcome, voodoochile!
You don't have to be an athiest to post here! :D
Some of our most highly respected posters are Christians. As an organisation we don't really take a stance on religion - It can't be proved one way or the other.
Come here and say you talk to god, ok. Come here and say he answers - prove it!
Have fun!

[arthwollipot]

Hello everyone.

My name is Andrew, but you can refer to me as Wolli if you don't want to type out my whole nick. I am from Australia. One of my emails to Mr Randi was featured in a Commentary a few months ago. Anyway.

One of my favourite hobbies is arguing with creationists, but I am a skeptic about most things. I am also an atheist, if that matters. Right now my favourite debate forums are down so I'm a little lost for somewhere to exercise my skills.

I am also a bit of a language nazi, so if you see any glaring grammatical errors in my posts, feel free to nitpick me mercilessly! :)

This forum is a bit high-traffic for my normal preferences, but I guess I'll cope with that. I can see that it's an interesting and insightful community, and I'd love to be a part of that.

[Eos of the Eons]

Oh yeah, an Aussie :) Say hi to the combat Wombat!

Welcome, and I look forward to the exercising of your skills. Your timing is great, we've had an influx of new folks arguing that we're a bunch of close minded folks that skew numbers in research, etc.

[arthwollipot]

You know, that's pretty scary. I am also a member of a medieval combat reenactment group, and years ago we did have a member who was referred to as the "combat wombat".

*shudder*

Anyway, sounds like fun. I'm looking forward to being able to navigate this forum with the same ease I navigate my other forums! ;)

[MLynn]

Welcome, wolli! There are quite a few Aussies here: Kiless and Athon come to mind. I hope you enjoy it here!

[tim]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by arthwollipot
[B]You know, that's pretty scary. I am also a member of a medieval combat reenactment group, and years ago we did have a member who was referred to as the "combat wombat".

*shudder*

(Evil laugh) "I am your worst nightmare!" (End evil laugh)

Welcome to the forum!

[JKVisFX]

Hey! What gives! I introduced myself and nobody welcomed me! Feeling kind of ignored and unwelcome here. :( "Nobody loves me, Everygody hates me, Guess I'll eat some worms."

Just kidding actually.

Best.

--JK--

[tim]

Originally posted by JKVisFX
Hey! What gives! I introduced myself and nobody welcomed me! Feeling kind of ignored and unwelcome here. :( "Nobody loves me, Everygody hates me, Guess I'll eat some worms."

Just kidding actually.

Best.

--JK--

There, there! (friendly pat on shoulder). We would have got around to you sooner or later! :D
I like your site and the demo reel is superb!
A warm welcome to JREF. I hope you'll find it interesting and fun!

[slant]

Hi Everybody,

So I've finally gathered the testicular fortitude to come out and post after 6 months of lurkdom. I am a college student from New York and have been informed, educated and entertained countless times from the threads on this site.

I have to say right off the bat, though, that I don't really have any great passion for skepticism. Don't get me wrong, I use critical thinking all the time. I just don't enjoy, or even find it necessary in many cases, to tear down people's whacko beliefs. I just follow wherever the intelligent and witty posters go and this place just happens to have them in spades.

I hope to chime into discussions whenever I can by using critical thinking and facts backed up from reliable and trustworthy sources.

Because...that's how you guys like it, right? ;)

[Chaos]

Welcome!

Originally posted by slant
*snip*
I hope to chime into discussions whenever I can by using critical thinking and facts backed up from reliable and trustworthy sources.

Because...that's how you guys like it, right? ;)

You haven´t been to the Politics forum much, have you? :)

[Wonko-The-Sane]

(I went and made a new thread for this in the forum community before I realised there's a proper thread for these posts, so I've moved it here)

Well, I've been lurking around here for a week or two, and thought it was time I stepped out of the shadows and said hi... so.. uh.. "hi" :)

So, I should probably tell you a bit about myself.. let's see.. I'm 26, live in Scotland, my main field of knowledge is computing/IT, but I'm interested in all areas of science in one way or another (though I make no claims of knowledge or expertise!)

In terms of my views and philosophy, there's a wonderful Douglas Adams* quote to the effect "Isn't it enough to see that the garden is beautiful without having to pretend there are faries living at the bottom of it". The universe is an incredible, wonderful and beautiful place, far more so in reality than any of the rather poor fantasies we ever dream up to explain it away. I do try to always remain objectively skeptical, rather than cynical, though, and i'll admit I've held some wacky beliefs myself in the past.

---
*Who is also responsible for at least 42% of my general derangement and twisted sense of humour, along with Monty Python's Flying Circus, Vic Reeves, Chris Morris and The League of Gentlemen.

[ReFLeX]

Hello everyone. I am new also. I can bet you almost care.

Anyway, Wonko, you may find a frequent poster has that Adams quote as their signature...

[tim]

Welcome, Wonko and ReFLeX!
Have you been reading Richard Dawkins? If not, you should.
Have fun!

[Electric Monk]

Greetings Wonko-The-Sane!

I've been a Douglas Adams fan since I heard the radio episodes broadcast in the 70s. I played them so many times I nearly had them memorized. Got them on my iPod now.

I spent some brief time talking to Richard Dawkins about Douglas Adams at TAM3. DA is sorely missed. :(

Originally posted by Wonko-The-Sane
The universe is an incredible, wonderful and beautiful place, far more so in reality than any of the rather poor fantasies we ever dream up to explain it away.
Indeed, hence my sig.

--James

[Flex]

Howdy,

(Blasted automatic timed log-out! It’s hard enough to type here at work with the constant interruptions, and then the message doesn’t post because the timed log-out has kicked in. So I lose all my typing. Well, from now on I’m going to type my posts in another program first, then copy the text over. That’s the ticket. :) (I know that I could use the cookies to keep me logged in, but I prefer not to.))


I had an account here several years ago, but didn’t post all that often. I’ve forgotten the login and password. No matter. I only mention it to avoid misunderstandings in case someone’s memory is that long.

I’ve been reading the political section here for a couple weeks now. I have to say, for a group that supposedly tries to be evidence-based, logical thinking, and rational, the arguments on that forum seem to be no better than on other forums I’ve read. I’m not condemning the lack of logic or the personal attacks found on those forums, just commenting that it exists. I fully understand that some posters and/or trolls are more interested in spouting a point of view than providing evidence for their beliefs, so some personal attacks are simply made on them out of frustration.

I suppose I should provide a little bit of background detail about myself. I attended TAM3 and greatly enjoyed it. I didn’t meet all that many people because I was also meeting a friend I hadn’t seen in several years. We spent much of the time in picking up the threads, and little time making new friends.

I am an electrical engineer for an automotive supplier. I work on automotive switches, and happen to specialize in the interior panel dimmer switch. You know, the knob you turn to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel? The function that no one ever uses? Yeah! That’s my baby!

After doing this for ten years, I feel that I have just about exhausted the available creativity in this line of work. So, I’ve started on an MBA program and am specializing in international finance. I suppose that wouldn’t be everyone’s choice, but I’m finding it great fun. Engineering is not the only job I’ve had. I grew up in a somewhat more rural area, and spent many years with cows, chickens and horses. I spent four years enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, then worked a variety of jobs while going to school. These jobs varied from building hard drives for Northern Telecom to shrink-wrapping bricks.

I enjoy traveling and have done a fair bit. As a youngster the family visited the Caribbean, Spain and Greece. In the service I managed to get to the far east, and was stationed in Turkey for eighteen months. Since then I’ve traveled when I could, luckily my sister married an Englishman and lives in Leeds, so I’ve been able to get to England a couple times. Last year I rented an apartment in Florence for a couple weeks, and loved it. Last year, I also took the opportunity to go on a vacation to China, which was also fascinating.

I love to read, and I read widely. For the past few years I have been reading the various literature on the nature of consciousness, and this has led in very diverse directions. From the usual works by Hofstadter, Penrose, and Edelman to somewhat further afield, like Piaget and Veblen. Not that I restrict myself much. I’ve just read, and enjoyed, Dawkin’s latest as well as Richard Wiseman’s _The_Luck_Factor_. I’m starting on Williamson’s _Markets_and_Heirarchies_ today. I do read a good deal of fiction, but most of what I read these days, I’ve read before. Some books are just enjoyable to read, and I’ll take them off my shelf and read them again and again. My favorite authors in this category include P.G. Wodehouse, C.S. Forester, Rex Stout, and Jack Vance. It’s rare when I don’t have at least one book from one of these authors bookmarked (in the old meaning of the word).

I’m also somewhat involved in politics. I am a member of the Michigan Democratic Party, and a Precinct Delegate. I worked my precinct for Kerry last year, and am proud that a majority of Michigan voters chose Kerry. I don’t agree with all the planks on the Democratic Party platform, but as I see it, the only way I can change those planks is to get involved myself. I still think Kerry would have been a much better president than George W. Bush, but I don’t despise President Bush. President Bush is neither a genius nor a fool, but I think his policies are poor.

BTW, I know that there is an on-going debate about what to do about the apparent increased faith-based policies and politics. Here’s a suggestion. Become active in your local political party. It really doesn’t matter which one you choose, there are irrational platform planks in all of them. It will take time, years, to make a change, but it’s a lot easier to change an entrenched bureaucracy from within than without.

I have other hobbies and interests. I regularly game with my friends; mainly board gaming these days, it’s hard to get a group together to role-play. I often relax with computer games, there is nothing like a good frag-fest. I am also renovating a house, in my copious spare time. I like beer, and drink a good deal of it. I drink enough to justify keeping a keg of an excellent local bitter in a fridge in the basement. Doing this also means I can throw parties on a regular basis.

Finally, I have gone into my background at some length, but I want to make it clear that I do not consider my background as particularly special. I suspect that in the diversity of this forum, there are people who are more informed than I about any particular subject that could be named. That doesn’t mean I have nothing to add, nor will I be slavishly attentive to those people. Like everyone else here, my own particular set of experiences and knowledge may give me insight into aspects of a discussion that even the experts may lack. I will pay attention to rational arguments from anyone posting, and I expect to have any irrational arguments I post to be challenged. That’s the real beauty of an internet forum, the fallacy of reliance on authority is severely weakened when anonymity is possible.

I’m a bit long-winded at times. Sorry about that. I’ll try to keep most of my posts to a reasonable length.


Cheers,

-Flex

[tim]

Welcome back to the forum, Flex!

[espritch]

I’ve been reading the political section here for a couple weeks now. I have to say, for a group that supposedly tries to be evidence-based, logical thinking, and rational, the arguments on that forum seem to be no better than on other forums I’ve read. I’m not condemning the lack of logic or the personal attacks found on those forums, just commenting that it exists.

Yes. Unfortunately, politics seems to be one of those areas where people tend to take a posistion and then look for facts that support that position. Part of the problem I guess is that political issues are usually very complicated and most people just don't have the patients or knowledge to arrive at a well informed conclusion so they just go with their "gut". That's probably why I rarely post to the Politics forum. I prefer Science; either the answer fits the facts or it is wronge. What is scary is when you get an issue like global warming or genetically enginered crops that is a science issue but one that is politically charged.

Anyway, welcome back to the forum.

[Nova Land]

I know I'm late, but wanted to get in on the welcomes (or welcome backs) for Flex. It's always a special delight to see someone join who spends time in Puzzles. Originally posted by Flex

... for a group that supposedly tries to be evidence-based, logical thinking, and rational, the arguments on that forum seem to be no better than on other forums I’ve read. I’m not condemning the lack of logic or the personal attacks found on those forums, just commenting that it exists.Yes, and that's one reason I find the Politics section such an intriguing challenge (and why I'm so glad that JREF includes that section as part of the board). If skepticism and rational thinking are real, not simply clubs we use to clobber believers in the paranormal with, then we should be able to apply this kind of thinking to mundane matters as well as extraordinary ones.

Why should believers in the paranormal respond well to attempts at reasoned discourse when we ourselves (as a group) do not respond well to it either? Many of the techniques we often use unthinkingly -- baiting our opponents, ridiculing them, responding to insults with insults -- may be good for winning debates but seem lousy for helping people think reasonably. When we who consider ourselves skeptics are able to do better at discussing politics reasonably among ourselves, then we will be much better equipped to discuss the paranormal reasonably with others.

Just as the Puzzles section is a good exercise area for developing and practicing skeptical skills, so is the Politics section. Or it could be.I’m a bit long-winded at times. Sorry about that. I’ll try to keep most of my posts to a reasonable length.Please don't do that! I have trouble keeping posts under a page myself, and need to have a few other <s>long-winded</s> generous posters to hide behind occasionally.

[Placebo]

Hi all!

I've been looking around the forum for a while, and it's time to introduce myself :)
My name is Greg (*hears the chorus 'hello Greg'*), I live in South Africa. I'm a professional software developer and work for a telecommunications company.

My interests include science, machine learning (pseudo AI), neurophysiology, computer game development and lucid dreaming.

I've always considered myself both sceptical as well as open-minded, and as such I may have a 'woo-woo' idea or two :)
Rest assured that I have no verifiable proof in that regard. As such, it's entirely a openness to the ideas rather than a complete belief and claim :)

But as such, I have ventured into the muddy waters and forums regarding those woo-woo ideas. Naturally I found that many, perhaps most, are delusional and fraudulent individuals. Although I also feel that some could be genuine - I know a handful that I feel are both honest and sane.

I respect and support the 'crusade for truth', and I find the claims made on the site to be quite interesting, often entertaining.
The often misdirected brash attitude could use some working on, but the reasons for them are understandable in any event.

See everyone around
Greg

[EDIT]
Reworded my post to redefine 'believe' to something like 'are open to'

[Darat]

hello Greg

[Chaos]

Hi Greg!


South Africa?

Wow! We did it! We finally have poster from all continents! (Well, except Antarctica, but then, the skepchicks are so cool, they practically almost count as antarctical :D)

[Placebo]

Originally posted by Chaos
Hi Greg!


South Africa?

Wow! We did it! We finally have poster from all continents! (Well, except Antarctica, but then, the skepchicks are so cool, they practically almost count as antarctical :D)
Hehe, yep. South Africa
Glad to have completed the map :)

[tim]

Originally posted by Placebo
Hehe, yep. South Africa
Glad to have completed the map :)

Erm, you wouldn't consider moving to Antartica, would you? Only we're really struggling to get a Forum member from there, what with there only being a couple of hundred residents. I mean, it's not that far away, is it? And it's quite nice in the summer, I'm told.........:p ;)

[joesixpack]

Hi, I'm joesixpack. I'm new to the forum here. I'll tell you a bit about myself. I'm a bit slow witted and not terribly well educated, but I'm generally sceptical and I can smell bull sh-- er, I mean, fertelizer when it gets used. I dislike pseudoscience and religous fundamentalism. I like most people I meet, even when I don't agree with them. I am agnostic leaning towards atheism, but I'm generally pretty tolerant of believers.

I like to drink and I like to sing, but most people only like to hear me drink. I am also considered a bit of a jack ass by friends and enimies alike.

That about summs me up. ;-)

[Eos of the Eons]

Welcome to the club joesixpack! People used to say I was shy and sweet...now I hear b*tch more often. Think I care? Pfffft.
Shy and sweet was just a reserved boiling pit of anger bubbling into a volcano. Now I'm happy :D

[tim]

Don't take any notice of Eos, Sixpack. She's all sweetness and light really. Just don't mention the war....er, I mean MMR or homeopathy!
What, you think you need to be well educated? Well, I guess that's me outta here for a start....:D
Welcome!

[arthwollipot]

I haven't got anything beyond secondary level in formal education.

[Placebo]

Originally posted by tim
She's all sweetness and light really. Just don't mention the war....er, I mean MMR or homeopathy!
Some would take that as an insult :D
Excuse my ignorance, but what is MMR? Immunisation?

[tim]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
I haven't got anything beyond secondary level in formal education.

So? :D :D :D
Yeah, we have quite a few PhDs here. (I'm not one of them). If you read Mr Randi's books, you will note he makes no claims of being highly educated. What his like has taught him is how to spot fakes. Sometimes a PhD makes you think you're so clever you can't be fooled by someone with a lesser education. Wrong!
Downright commonsense is a rare commodity......

[tim]

Originally posted by Placebo
Some would take that as an insult :D
Excuse my ignorance, but what is MMR? Immunisation?

Measles/Mumps/Rubella combined vaccine. It was suggested in the UK it might be linked to autism and other illnesses - since disproved, as far as I know.
Lots of parents didn't let their offspring have the jab. Guess what? MMR had a good time.....

[Placebo]

Originally posted by tim
Measles/Mumps/Rubella combined vaccine. It was suggested in the UK it might be linked to autism and other illnesses - since disproved, as far as I know.
Lots of parents didn't let their offspring have the jab. Guess what? MMR had a good time.....
Thanks for the clarification - good to know ;)
Esp. as I have second hand information to suspect that some locally distributed vaccines can be worrisome - thankfully there are alternatives for the one I know of :)
I'll google around about MMR and the debunking of the problem.

[ahoneycutt]

Hi everyone,

My name's Andy and I live in the great northwest desert the rest of the country calls "Idaho". I wandered here from skepticreport.com.

-edit: I wandered to this site from skepticreport.com, not to idaho. I wandered to Idaho from Georgia.

I work as a "Digital Technician" for the local newspaper. This translates into "I browse the web from work...a lot." I'm sure it's in my job description somewhere.

I will be going to school in May. I'm not exactly sure what I will be getting into, but would like to end up in the sciences. I've been thinking about physics but I'm not sure what I may end up doing after college if I were to pursue that as a major.

In my free time I do freelance programming, web design, and graphic design. I build computers, etc. etc.

-Andy

[tim]

Welcome ahoneycutt!
I hope you enjoy yourseld here! (After Idaho, it's got to be an improvement!)
:p ;)

[patcall]

Hi my name is Pat (M) from Michigan. Retired from the state government after 26 years. I was in the Army for 6 years 61-67. I have been a skeptic for many years and am an Atheist. I enjoy reading what smart people have to say. Don’t expect much from me, because I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer. There was a link from a Florida forethought group to this site. .

[ahoneycutt]

Originally posted by tim
Welcome ahoneycutt!
I hope you enjoy yourseld here! (After Idaho, it's got to be an improvement!)
:p ;)

Thanks tim. After Idaho, anything's an improvement. Although we have nice summers, the rest of the year sucks. Winter is about 6 months of the year out here: October - Aprilish :hit:

[espritch]

ahoneycutt:
My name's Andy and I live in the great northwest desert the rest of the country calls "Idaho".

Dang! I guess now I can no longer say "Idano anyone from Idaho." Welcome anyway.

Wellcome patcall as well. The sharpness of knives is a rather relative thing. After some time on the web, I begin to suspect you don't have to be all that keen edged to be sharper than a lot of the cutlery out there.

[Eos of the Eons]

Originally posted by Placebo

Esp. as I have second hand information to suspect that some locally distributed vaccines can be worrisome - thankfully there are alternatives for the one I know of :)


Ahem. Please bring the 2nd hand information and the information on the alternatives to the science forums. I'm dying of curiosity! ....So I hope you're not kidding.

It's that homeopathic vaccines are worrisome and you know of real vaccines as a good alternative right?

[tim]

Originally posted by patcall
Hi my name is Pat (M) from Michigan. Retired from the state government after 26 years. I was in the Army for 6 years 61-67. I have been a skeptic for many years and am an Atheist. I enjoy reading what smart people have to say. Don’t expect much from me, because I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer. There was a link from a Florida forethought group to this site. .

Hi Pat, welcome to the forum!
Wow, I mean, you must be really old! :p ;)
Well, there are quite a few of us in our fifties here - (querulous voice) this skeptiking ain't only a young man's game, you know! (end querulous voice). I'm 54 and there are those older than me - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!
Please - do not denegrate your intellect. You are very welcome here.

[Placebo]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
Ahem. Please bring the 2nd hand information and the information on the alternatives to the science forums. I'm dying of curiosity! ....So I hope you're not kidding.

It's that homeopathic vaccines are worrisome and you know of real vaccines as a good alternative right?
Certainly - I'm not kidding :)
And unfortunately I'm not refering to homeopathic vaccines, but rather a government issued vaccine in South Africa. As I said, there are alternative, more costly vaccines available - it could never cause the sort of trouble that MMR did.

I can start a thread on it, but first I'd like to do a bit of digging on the subject.

When I say '2nd hand' I refer to a singular case of mother, who I know personally (ie. anecdotal). Of course, that would be far from objective, without me looking for further information.
What did have me wondering is the very unusual reaction the doctors had to the case.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
It's that homeopathic vaccines are worrisome and you know of real vaccines as a good alternative right?

Errr... homeopathic vaccines can´t be worrisome - because, after all, what could be problematic about tap water? :D

[Eos of the Eons]

Originally posted by Chaos
Errr... homeopathic vaccines can´t be worrisome - because, after all, what could be problematic about tap water? :D

The fact that it won't protect you from the disease, and you are led to believe it will.Certainly - I'm not kidding
And unfortunately I'm not refering to homeopathic vaccines, but rather a government issued vaccine in South Africa. As I said, there are alternative, more costly vaccines available - it could never cause the sort of trouble that MMR did.

I can start a thread on it, but first I'd like to do a bit of digging on the subject.

When I say '2nd hand' I refer to a singular case of mother, who I know personally (ie. anecdotal). Of course, that would be far from objective, without me looking for further information.
What did have me wondering is the very unusual reaction the doctors had to the case.

I'm really rolling over in my grave with curiosity now! South Africa has always peaked my interest since the Health Minister there advocates "alternatives" like garlic over antivirals for HIV...so I'm wondering about the "government issued" vaccine.
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2004/02/16/south_africa_traditional_medicine_to_fight_aids_po verty.htm

Science can help:
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/recent/developing/100303d.html

But getting the health minister support has a history of reluctance in South Africa.
.Although the Mbeki administration has supported AIDS prevention efforts and research, it has ignored its own experts' advice to provide AZT to HIV-infected pregnant women. It has become mired in scandals, like a former health minister backing a supposed wonder drug for AIDS that turned out to have no scientific worth. And last year, it even failed to spend nearly half of its AIDS budget.
http://www.aidscience.org/Science/Cohen288(5474)2168.html
I mean, why bother with beneficial drugs like AZT when the gov't would rather invest in something useless? The wonder drug promised results afterall...made outrageous claims of effectiveness with no proof of effectiveness...but that's okay.

[Placebo]

But getting the health minister support has a history of reluctance in South Africa
Indeed. You won't find me defending our health minister :)

South Africa has always peaked my interest since the Health Minister there advocates "alternatives" like garlic over antivirals for HIV
lol! I was unaware of that. Thanks for that info ;)
Unfortunately most of your links seem to be broken

PS - I posted a little more information about this particular anecdote here: http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53447&highlight=vaccine

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Eos of the Eons
The fact that it won't protect you from the disease, and you are led to believe it will.
*snip*

But technically, it is not the tap water that is worrisome, it is that person´s gullibility only :p

Okay, end of derail :)

[politas]

Myk here.

I'm an IT worker, currently working in a network operations centre.

Atheist, skeptic, interested in science (though I found IT far more intereesting in school)

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by politas
Myk here.

I'm an IT worker, currently working in a network operations centre.

Atheist, skeptic, interested in science (though I found IT far more intereesting in school)

Hi Myk.

[ob986s]

Been a fan of Randi's since seeing him as a kid on Carson, just found JREF a few months ago

I am also an IT Guy though I sell it instead of using it

the name is one I have used since 2000 and though it has meaning it's meaning had nothing to do with any concievable JREF topic. I use it because it is unique enough that it is always available on whatever I choose to join.

Thanks for the welcome

Jon

[Placebo]

Hey Myk & ob :)

[tim]

Hi Myk & ob986s!
A warm welcome to the forum!
I hope you enjoy yourselves. Any questions, just yell!

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by ob986s
the name is one I have used since 2000 and though it has meaning it's meaning had nothing to do with any concievable JREF topic. I use it because it is unique enough that it is always available on whatever I choose to join.

I'm a little surprised that no-one has asked me about my name yet.

Before you do, it's a pronouncable nonsense word that I use for much the same reason as ob has stated. Google "arthwollipot" and I can assure you that everything you find has something to do with me.

I suddenly panic, test, and am assured that this is still true (except for one or two things on the very last page). But this one (http://www.plazoo.com/search_en/gay.htm) gave me a bit of a surprise.

[Croesus47]

I've been reading this board at work for over a year and I finally decided to join in the fun. Please be gentle with me, this is my first post. ;)
I'm not sure how to get the ball rolling so I'll just post in the categories that I regularly browse. Oh and any messages from fellow Canadians will be accepted with open arms (waves a little maple leaf flag)
Any questions?

[Eos of the Eons]

*opens arms too* Welcome!


Hey, wanna translate your sig?

[Croesus47]

I found this phrase a few years back in the liner notes for a Killing Joke album. The down-and-dirty translation is, "F*** me if you can't take a joke!"...

Not that I'm making suggestions... ;)

I just wish people would have a better sense of humour.:p

[Eos of the Eons]

:D Awesome! I think you'll find you'll like us here, I don't see many without a sense of humour (well, you have lurked for a bit, so should know for the most part). I'm glad I asked.

[Croesus47]

Now if only I can post enough to get a real avatar *LOL*

[Placebo]

Hey Croes :)
You shouldn't get your head bitten off just for saying hello :D
But should you argue a possibly woo topic, just remember to take people's opinions as opinions. No matter how ad hominem :)

Just my personal feeling on the matter

Welcome ;)

[Bellatrix]

Hei, I saw this and thought I'd take chance to introduce myself to everyone since I'm new. Erm...

I not really sure what to say... Except to Hal... I'm glad you like donuts. (Your putting money in my pokets:D )

[tim]

Originally posted by Bellatrix
Hei, I saw this and thought I'd take chance to introduce myself to everyone since I'm new. Erm...

I not really sure what to say... Except to Hal... I'm glad you like donuts. (Your putting money in my pokets:D )

Welcome to the forum Bellatrix. Don't worry too much about the spelling (yes, I checked your profile :D ) quite a lot of people here have difficulty with English. They spell words like "colour" and "honour" wrong..... :p ;)
And they still think they're speaking English.......
Have fun!

[ilk]

Hi everybody. My name is Andrew, I'm a Libra, I enjoy reading, writing and taking long walks underwater.

Oh, wait, this isn't a dating forum. Let me start over.

Greetings! I go by the internet moniker ilk.
I am a young male aged 17-25. I live in a relatively insignificant group of islands in the south pacific, recently made famous by a dishevelled fat man.
I am a recent university graduate with a generic business degree which I expect to do very little for me.

I have had a casual interest in skepticism for as long as I can remember, although it is only recently that I have recognised this. Previously this interest had only manifested in a distaste for organised religion and a habit of asking extremely annoying questions. More recently I have come to recognise this questioning nature as a key aspect of my personality, and I started reading these forums to develop my faculties and expand my knowledge base (my degree, while almost totally worthless, has at least furnished me with plenty of ready-to-use buzzwords).

I suppose that will do as an introduction.
Ya Hya Chouhada.

[espritch]

I live in a relatively insignificant group of islands in the south pacific, recently made famous by a dishevelled fat man.


Hi ilk. Welcome to the forum. Who is this fat man and why is he dishevelled? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by espritch
Hi ilk. Welcome to the forum. Who is this fat man and why is he dishevelled? Inquiring minds want to know.

What???? You don´t know? Uncultured barbarian!

*beats espritch to death with Lord of the Rings DVD case*

:D, of course

[tim]

Originally posted by espritch
Hi ilk. Welcome to the forum. Who is this fat man and why is he dishevelled? Inquiring minds want to know.

The "Wellington, NZ" sort of gives it away!
Welcome, ilk! I don't know if we have anyone from NZ on the forum - but I'm sorry to have to tell you we do have a lot of Australians!
Have fun!
:D :D :D

[ilk]

Yup, I've already had my country maligned by a dastardly aussie in the short time I've been here. Thanks for the welcomes :)

[tim]

Originally posted by ilk
Yup, I've already had my country maligned by a dastardly aussie in the short time I've been here. Thanks for the welcomes :)

Take no notice - the're jealous because the middle of their country is filled with a lot of -well, desert, really. Shame.......
:p ;)

[Scottch]

First time poster (actually 2nd)

I have been lurking for about a year now, but have always been a Randi follower and enjoyed the conversations here. Most of you can say what I think pretty well and I am really impressed with the logic of some. However, I am also surprised by the irrationality of others on this board (actually - not surprised - I did teach high school). I just hoped they got smarter as they get older. I am an amateur magician and full time atheist.

As a math and science teacher, I showed his NOVA special on psychics before I even knew he had a web site. My kids thought he was pretty cool. I also showed a lot of Cosmos clips - a little over the head of most of the students - but some got it. I now am an educational consultant getting my PhD in Education. Sometimes I think critical thinking and education is the only thing that is keeping us from going back to the Dark Ages.

I know most of you pretty well from your posts (I am sounding more and more like a stalker) and I hope to have you start to get to know me.

Scott

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome to all the new people! Haven't looked in this thread for a few weeks, but sounds like we have some interesting new folks.

To Scottch, It would be fun to see some of your impressions of everyone here after a year of lurking, but I won't ask you to commit forum suicide. :D

[Scottch]

Originally posted by Mr. Skinny
Welcome to all the new people! Haven't looked in this thread for a few weeks, but sounds like we have some interesting new folks.

To Scottch, It would be fun to see some of your impressions of everyone here after a year of lurking, but I won't ask you to commit forum suicide. :D

Right - shot down in a flame war on my third post. That would almost be a record. Unfortunately I am not what you would call an opponent to JREF. I come here at least twice a day to reaffirm that rationality is somewhere in the universe.

Don't worry -- I have quite a lot of respect for many of the people here. If I have time in the next year or two, I would love to get to know some of you at a TAM or two - or at least burn with you in the HELLFIRE :D

Scott

[Eos of the Eons]

Thank you Scottch, for affirmation that there are awesome educators out there! You join Kiless and Athon, among many others here now.
There were many educators at TAM3 as well. There just might be hope for this world...

[ob986s]

Originally posted by Scottch
First time poster (actually 2nd)

I have been lurking for about a year now, but have always been a Randi follower and enjoyed the conversations here. Most of you can say what I think pretty well and I am really impressed with the logic of some. However, I am also surprised by the irrationality of others on this board (actually - not surprised - I did teach high school). I just hoped they got smarter as they get older. I am an amateur magician and full time atheist.

As a math and science teacher, I showed his NOVA special on psychics before I even knew he had a web site. My kids thought he was pretty cool. I also showed a lot of Cosmos clips - a little over the head of most of the students - but some got it. I now am an educational consultant getting my PhD in Education. Sometimes I think critical thinking and education is the only thing that is keeping us from going back to the Dark Ages.

I know most of you pretty well from your posts (I am sounding more and more like a stalker) and I hope to have you start to get to know me.

Scott


I don't know where you teach but keep showing the Nova special. One of my professors in college (U of Alabama) showed it in class and it re-opened my eyes to critical thinking, as did his class.

Glad to hear other teachers are doing the same.

Jon

[ma1ic3]

Hi.

Im new.

Feel free to ask me questions, even stupid ones, so I can increase my post count and get an avatar.

[Eos of the Eons]

Welcome! What kind of Avatar are you going to get?

[ma1ic3]

Probably this one.

http://home.comcast.net/~nosnikta52/IGavatar.PNG

Concept art from Legacy Of Kain, Blood Omen 2.

[TragicMonkey]

Originally posted by ma1ic3
Feel free to ask me questions, even stupid ones, so I can increase my post count and get an avatar.


If you could coat an angry cat in avocado paste and fire it backwards in time through a magic cannon and hit any historical figure with it, who would you pick as the target, and what did they do to deserve your wrath in this fashion?

[ilk]

Hah, I butted my head against Kumar a few times to get my post count up enough for an avatar. ma1ic3 has the much smarter plan.

[ma1ic3]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
If you could coat an angry cat in avocado paste
and fire it backwards in time through a magic cannon and hit any historical figure with it, who would you pick as the target, and what did they do to deserve your wrath in this fashion?

Paris from Troy, because he's an elf.

[clarsct]

Hi!

This is my second post, as I just HAD to sound off about free speech in another thread. I stumbled on you guys by accident from Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy page. Boy am I glad. I would've been here sooner, but it took me a week to read all past commentaries from Mr. Randi. Happy to be here!

[ma1ic3]

Hello.

You read all past commentaries? How exactly do you define all?

[clarsct]

ALL...as in all that are posted. I started at the beginning of the commentary section and worked my way up to present day. Although I haven't read this week's yet. I will, after I go do my actual job! I'm talking about Randi's weekly commentary section, not every single post on the Forum. I'm not that much of a masochist.

[tim]

clarsct
ma1ic3

Welcome, both!
Phil's a nice guy, for an astronomer!
:p ;)

[ma1ic3]

I tried reading them all. I read a bunch of them, and saved all of them on my computer so I could read them offline. But... there's just so many.

[clarsct]

Thanks, tim!

As for reading them all, I found them fascinating. You see, when you spend your life in a small town in the bible belt, being different is bad. Real bad. Just knowing other people think in the same lines is a damn good feeling.

For the record...
In other threads it was implied I was female. I have nothing against females, quite the opposite, but I, however, am not among those angelic ranks.

[LucyR]

Originally posted by Placebo
Hehe, yep. South Africa
Glad to have completed the map :)

Don't flatter yourself.

[wahrheit]

Hi all,

I'm a regular reader of Randi's commentaries for years now (I read all of them), and thought it's time to join the forums.

Atheist, skeptic, interested in science. I even own a soldering gun.

Apart from a few buddies I feel surrounded by irrational entities, so the JREF and the forums seem to be the right place for me.

I know I still have to come up with a fancy signature, but couldn't think of one, yet. And just like the rest of the forum-newbies I'm already twisting my mind what to use as an avatar, once I reached the required number of posts. :)

[Placebo]

Originally posted by LucyR
Don't flatter yourself.
Hey, whaddayaknow - good to see I'm not alone ;)

[LucyR]

Originally posted by Placebo
Hey, whaddayaknow - good to see I'm not alone ;)

...and drop the Americanisms. We don't need them. ;)

[tim]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Hi all,

I'm a regular reader of Randi's commentaries for years now (I read all of them), and thought it's time to join the forums.

Atheist, skeptic, interested in science. I even own a soldering gun.

Apart from a few buddies I feel surrounded by irrational entities, so the JREF and the forums seem to be the right place for me.

I know I still have to come up with a fancy signature, but couldn't think of one, yet. And just like the rest of the forum-newbies I'm already twisting my mind what to use as an avatar, once I reached the required number of posts. :)

A warm welcome, wahrheit!
Youi must be one of about four people who've read all the commentaries! (Apart from Randi that is - although I remember one week he didn't write it.......)
Enjoy yourself!

[El Greco]

Originally posted by wahrheit
I know I still have to come up with a fancy signature, but couldn't think of one, yet. And just like the rest of the forum-newbies I'm already twisting my mind what to use as an avatar, once I reached the required number of posts. :)

I suggest using "El Greco for President" as your signature and my photo as your avatar.

If everything goes as planned you can be vice-president.

Welcome, btw :)

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Hi all,

I'm a regular reader of Randi's commentaries for years now (I read all of them), and thought it's time to join the forums.

Atheist, skeptic, interested in science. I even own a soldering gun.

Apart from a few buddies I feel surrounded by irrational entities, so the JREF and the forums seem to be the right place for me.

I know I still have to come up with a fancy signature, but couldn't think of one, yet. And just like the rest of the forum-newbies I'm already twisting my mind what to use as an avatar, once I reached the required number of posts. :)

Hi!

Let me guess...you´re from Germany? :)

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by tim
Youi must be one of about four people who've read all the commentaries!
No kidding, I read them all. Now I'm looking for the other three who did. Thanks for the welcome.
Originally posted by El Greco
I suggest using "El Greco for President" as your signature and my photo as your avatar.

If everything goes as planned you can be vice-president.
Deal, but I also demand a cozy job in the oil industry. No real work, please.
Originally posted by Chaos
Let me guess...you´re from Germany?
Got me! Who's the snitch? My nick? My poor English? Upchurch??

[Eos of the Eons]

:D Your nick, and the fact that Chaos is as well.

[wahrheit]

I don't know Chaos, but I guess he used that Force thing and sensed my presence. I'm new to all this, can't levitate even a small ball and still need both hands to hold my laser-sword. :(

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
I don't know Chaos, but I guess he used that Force thing and sensed my presence. I'm new to all this, can't levitate even a small ball and still need both hands to hold my laser-sword. :(

Hint: choosing a user name that is German strongly hints at the user being a German native speaker - and those are a little hard to find outside Germany. (I´m not sure if I should count Austrian and Swiss dialects as German ;) - or Bavarian dialect, for that matter :D)

So, where do you live? (If I may ask...)

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Chaos
Hint: choosing a user name that is German strongly hints at the user being a German native speaker
Your cleverness baffles me!
Originally posted by Chaos
I´m not sure if I should count Austrian and Swiss dialects as German ;) - or Bavarian dialect, for that matter :D)
Go there and have your lapidation for that remark ;) Presumably you're from the north and nothing but frantically jealous of the mountains.
Originally posted by Chaos
So, where do you live? (If I may ask...)
Right now, Munich.

[tim]

Oh no! The Germans are taking over the Forum "Welcome New Posters" thread!
Today JREF, tomorrow.........
:p ;)

[wahrheit]

And as usual the British are watchful and ruin our secret plans, blimey!

[tim]

Originally posted by wahrheit
And as usual the British are watchful and ruin our secret plans, blimey!

Do you know, I haven't heard anyone say "blimey" in over thirty years....... nostalgia isn't what it used to be. I miss it.

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by tim
Do you know, I haven't heard anyone say "blimey" in over thirty years....... nostalgia isn't what it used to be. I miss it.
So much for an alleged British English expletive. Our intelligence corps is a bunch of blithering idiots. Next you'll tell me your secret service guys are close to decrypting my nifty Enigma? Don't bother, I'll command my subs to pull out anyway and then plot a more clever move :D

[tim]

Originally posted by wahrheit
So much for an alleged British English expletive. Our intelligence corps is a bunch of blithering idiots. Next you'll tell me your secret service guys are close to decrypting my nifty Enigma? Don't bother, I'll command my subs to pull out anyway and then plot a more clever move :D

No, sadly we will never decrypt your codes. It would have helped if we had an Enigma machine, kept at, oh, I don't know, let's say Bletchley Park. However, those dashing Americans managed to capture one from U571 while they were busy winning the war. (see here - http://www.gnomon.com.au/movies/alex-rieneck/u-571.shtml )
:D :D :D

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by tim
No, sadly we will never decrypt your codes. It would have helped if we had an Enigma machine, kept at, oh, I don't know, let's say Bletchley Park. However, those dashing Americans managed to capture one from U571 while they were busy winning the war. (see here - http://www.gnomon.com.au/movies/alex-rieneck/u-571.shtml )
:D :D :D
Ha! I knew all along that those BBC documentaries on Bletchley Park were nothing but post-war propaganda obfuscating the real course of history! ;)

What an incredible insult, this "movie". While I'm used to a rather funny portrayal of Germans in most Hollywood productions, e.g. having them German bad guys speak with a Polish or Russian accent, I didn't know they would dare to ridicule their ally's history in such an embarrassing way. :confused:

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Your cleverness baffles me!

Go there and have your lapidation for that remark ;) Presumably you're from the north and nothing but frantically jealous of the mountains.

Right now, Munich.

Damn... a Bavarian... isn´t any place safe from the likes of you? ::p

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Chaos
Damn... a Bavarian... isn´t any place safe from the likes of you? ::p
I'm not Bavarian. :rolleyes:

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
I'm not Bavarian. :rolleyes:

Oh. Then what is a person in his/her right mind doing in Munich? :eek: