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

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Chaos
Oh. Then what is a person in his/her right mind doing in Munich? :eek:
Suffer! And heading for the airport whenever possible :)

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Suffer! And heading for the airport whenever possible :)

Figures.

If heading for the airport ever ends up bringing you to Frankfurt, drop me PM before you go, so we can meet and have a drink.
One of my professors last semester was Bavarian, so I have some idea what you´re going through...;)

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Chaos
If heading for the airport ever ends up bringing you to Frankfurt, drop me PM before you go, so we can meet and have a drink.
One of my professors last semester was Bavarian, so I have some idea what you´re going through...;)
Frankfurt... Frankfurt?? You are sneering at Munich but actually do live in Frankfurt? Isn't this a classic "pot calling the kettle black" thing here?

(Should anybody not familiar with these places still bother reading our posts: Frankfurt is like a miniature edition of Chicago, just without the fun, and bankers instead of the music. Mind-numbing. :slp: Whereas in Munich, we do have Oktoberfest and... well, Oktoberfest!)

J/K, thanks for the invitation. Should I ever come to Frankfurt I'll be happy to send u a message and have a drink, or two. :)

[Roadtoad]

You know, along with Rikzilla, I used to live in Frankfurt.

And actually, I liked it.

Come to think of it, I liked Munich, too.

Of course, I preferred Wuerzburg.

(Funny tale about when I lived in Wuerzburg. That's for later. It involves Britain's Royals, yours truly getting a bit big for his britches, and a radio engineer at AFN who had one strange sense of humor.)

[DivaLasVegas]

Originally posted by wahrheit
No kidding, I read them all. Now I'm looking for the other three who did. Thanks for the welcome.




MELD !

Hihihi, that must be the german in us ;) i have read them all, too.

A hearty, warm welcome to you *smile*

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Frankfurt... Frankfurt?? You are sneering at Munich but actually do live in Frankfurt? Isn't this a classic "pot calling the kettle black" thing here?

(Should anybody not familiar with these places still bother reading our posts: Frankfurt is like a miniature edition of Chicago, just without the fun, and bankers instead of the music. Mind-numbing. :slp: Whereas in Munich, we do have Oktoberfest and... well, Oktoberfest!)

J/K, thanks for the invitation. Should I ever come to Frankfurt I'll be happy to send u a message and have a drink, or two. :)

I´m not living in Frankfurt (Thank Darwin!). I live about half an hour´s train ride away from Frankfurt, and I study at the university in Frankfurt. I also worked there for a couple of years.

And Frankfurt is not Chicago without the fun (if anything, it would be Chicago without the wind!), it is Los Angeles without the sunshine.
Whereas Munich, that´s basically (just as all of Bavaria) a blue-and-white checkered padded cell... :D

[Gaga]

Hello all!
I lived in München for a couple of months years ago, it wasn't that bad... but I haven't lived in other german cities so I cannot really draw a comparison.
moreover I was studying the day and washing dishes in as eis-cafe at night to pay the german course so most of the time I was just too tired to actually enjoy the city.

aside [homer simpson] beeer... [/homer simpson]

wilkommen
gaga

[maniak713]

Hi!

I'm from Poland.

I've been reading Randi's commentaries for some time and decided to drop in here to see if there's some interesting stuff.

[ma1ic3]

Welcome.

[clarsct]

Originally posted by wahrheit
No kidding, I read them all. Now I'm looking for the other three who did. Thanks for the welcome.


Count me in.

It took a week or so, but was well worth it.

[arthwollipot]

Yep, I read them all too.

[DivaLasVegas]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
Yep, I read them all too.

That makes 4 :D

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Hey! I read all the commentaries, too - that makes me number 5 of 4?:)

Welcome to all the other newbies - I'm new myself!

A question for the German lobby:

Is there an easy way to learn German? As a Brit, I find the Grammatik especially difficult!

Still - there's always the Dunkelbier to aid recovery!

YBW

[Gaga]

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?

Is there an easy way to learn German? As a Brit, I find the Grammatik especially difficult!

As an italian I find it difficult too, in comparison to english at least.
ihmo, the only "easier" way to learn a foreign language is to go in that foreign country. Without having the chance to speak your native language you have to learn something in order to survive :)

on the other hand, you can survive in Germany for a long time once you can say "ein Bier bitte" :D

[Gaga]

btw, i'm also one who have read all the commentaries. (In summer, office hours seem to never end)

[DivaLasVegas]

Originally posted by Gaga
As an italian I find it difficult too, in comparison to english at least.
ihmo, the only "easier" way to learn a foreign language is to go in that foreign country. Without having the chance to speak your native language you have to learn something in order to survive :)

on the other hand, you can survive in Germany for a long time once you can say "ein Bier bitte" :D

I beg to differ :D you can survive in Germany a long time once you can say * 1 GROSSES Bier bitte und eine Pommes* ;)

I agree that German is one of the hardest languages to learn because everything is either a she, a he, or an it and because there is no rule whatsoever that can be applied here.

A Table is a he ( der Tisch)
A Ship is an it ( das Schiff)
A Cow is a she ( die Kuh) but a horse is an it ( das Pferd) and a bear is a he ( der Bär)

That is difficult enough and only a little percentage of foreigners ever get it right.

I actually learned englisch through reading books ( even though i could`nt understand anything for a long time hihi). Also living on the dutch boarder i watched a lot of english speaking films with dutch sub. that helped a lot.
But i believe that if you "speak" only german ( no matter how badly at first ;-) you will learn it very quickly. My daughter spoke only english a year ago and now she is nearly word perfect.

[Gaga]

Originally posted by DivaLasVegas
I beg to differ [...] 1 GROSSES [...]

:D In most of the places I've been, asking for a small beer was going to draw too much suspicion... (i.e. people tapping their forehead with the forefinger)

re the gender issue, we have only two (he & she) but are completely unrelated to their german counterparts (z.B. 'der' Sonne und 'die' Mond)

anyway yes, you can start communicating quickly (if you don't mind speaking like a caveman...)

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

I'm slowly picking it up, but the Der, Die, Das is a big, big problem!

As is putting the verb at the end of the sentence.

I was recently asked where I was learning German - I mentioned the supermarket, furniture store, VW main dealer, etc. At least I've been able to live!

Everybody I meet is very helpful, but often they speak in Franconian, the local dialect, and that doesn't even sound German to me! (Apparently "real" Germans from other parts of the country also find it difficult to understand.) Often they're proud to be able to show off their English.

My biggest problem is that at work I'm dealing with Brits, Italians, Americans as well as Germans, so it's all done in English.

I loved Italy when I visited for work last year - Belluno, north of Venice - and the food is my favourite. Also, in the factory virtually all of the women were very good looking - maybe I should move to Italy!:D

However, I love Germany, especially Nuernberg, and want to stay, so will persevere with the language! Viel Spass!

YBW

[Chaos]

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
*snip*
(Apparently "real" Germans from other parts of the country also find it difficult to understand.)
*snip*

You bet we do. More often than not, when they interview someone from rural Bavaria for TV news or a TV show or something, they have to provide German subtitles... :) (really! I´m not joking!)

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
Hey! I read all the commentaries, too - that makes me number 5 of 4?:)

Less than one page on the forums, and we are way beyond tim's prediction. More and more people do admit they read them all :D

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
A question for the German lobby:
Is there an easy way to learn German?
From my experience: No. :( German seems to be a pain in the a**, especially the grammar and gender, as you already suspect. However, you do have the advantage of not being influenced by the gender thing from your own language. It takes about 300 years to make a Spaniard refer to the sun as a "she", whereas it is a "him" in Spanish. The moon, on the other hand, is male in German, but female in Spanish. This assures eternal confusion :D

We had an Irish intern some years ago. I saw his German textbook and he showed it to me. I got some of the biggest laughs I had for years out of this book. Best was the chapter trying to set up rules as to whether a river in German was male or female. After 2 pages of rules, there followed 3 pages of exemptions.

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
As a Brit, I find the Grammatik especially difficult!
You are not alone, we find it just as difficult as you do. However, we don't need to understand or analyse it, we simply babble along...

Prost and welcome!

(Edit to correct quote)

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Chaos
... when they interview someone from rural Bavaria for TV news or a TV show or something, they have to provide German subtitles... :) (really! I´m not joking!)
You are obsessed with Bavaria, it seems. ;)

YouBelieveWHAT, good to hear you like Nuernberg and want to stay. You and Chaos are right about the dialect, it's a joke. But the area is really nice, numerous U.S. troops decided to stay after the end of service and became residents. No matter how much the language sucked at the beginning :)

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by wahrheit
You are obsessed with Bavaria, it seems. ;)

YouBelieveWHAT, good to hear you like Nuernberg and want to stay. You and Chaos are right about the dialect, it's a joke. But the area is really nice, numerous U.S. troops decided to stay after the end of service and became residents. No matter how much the language sucked at the beginning :)

You forgot to mention that they learned to cheat. They used the Bavarian "d--," instead of "Die," "Der," or "Das."

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
You forgot to mention that they learned to cheat. They used the Bavarian "d--," instead of "Die," "Der," or "Das."
:D :D :D

[tim]

There are two simple rules for international communication.
1) Use English
2) When they don't understand, SHOUT!
:D :D :D

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Wahrheit - thanks for the encouragement!

I have already managed to cause gales of laughter with my local colleagues when I sent out an e-mail that I'd spent ages translating.

Seems I got "Lager" and "Lage" mixed up!

For the uninitiated - in the context of my message Lager (not the drink!) means Warehouse, but Lage means lies!

Still - as long as I think people are laughing with me, and not at me, I'll be happy!

And I do get some credit for trying!

YBW

[YouBelieveWHAT?]

Thanks for the advice, Roadtoad!

I guess I'd better learn to mumble in German!

YBW

[DivaLasVegas]

Originally posted by Chaos
You bet we do. More often than not, when they interview someone from rural Bavaria for TV news or a TV show or something, they have to provide German subtitles... :) (really! I´m not joking!)

Hihihi :D that is right.

Even though i love the cologne and bavarian accents, it is like another language on it`s own.

[clarsct]

Originally posted by Chaos
You bet we do. More often than not, when they interview someone from rural Bavaria for TV news or a TV show or something, they have to provide German subtitles... :) (really! I´m not joking!)


That's not incredibly surprising. I was in London and got a Welsh cabbie. It was enough to almost make me wanna pray for subtitles, sign language, or some hint as to what he was saying.

Yes, I said pray, to many known gods and a few less known ones.

And I thought that country spawned the language I speak.

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
Wahrheit - thanks for the encouragement!

You're welcome ;)
Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
I have already managed to cause gales of laughter with my local colleagues when I sent out an e-mail that I'd spent ages translating.

Guess how long it takes me to write e.g. a post to this forum. I don't mind making mistakes, because I know that nobody really cares or would be nitpicking. However, I'm afraid I might be completely mistaken or sound rude when I didn't want to.
Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
Seems I got "Lager" and "Lage" mixed up!

For the uninitiated - in the context of my message Lager (not the drink!) means Warehouse, but Lage means lies!

Frankly, I didn't get this one, because "Lage" means site or situation but never "lies". Were your colleagues playing a joke on you?
Originally posted by YouBelieveWHAT?
Still - as long as I think people are laughing with me, and not at me, I'll be happy!
You are right. In all the years I had to speak in a foreign language, never ever anybody was laughing at me, but with me! But I remember one classic mistake: I used to say "I don't care" when I meant to say "I don't mind". No big deal in German -- but "I don't care" sounds comparatively bloody rude in English :D

[sackett]

Originally posted by clarsct
. . . I was in London and got a Welsh cabbie. It was enough to almost make me wanna pray for subtitles . . . .

This reminds me of the time I shared a cab from the Washington, DC airport with some guys from, I think, Milwaukee. Our cabbie was a black Washingtonian. He spoke in (to me) perfectly clear Southern. The Milwaukeers were baffled - and so was the cabbie when they tried to answer him. I found myself interpreting, using Wyomingish, which seemed to bridge the language chasm. I'd always assumed that Americans are dialect-tolerant by necessity, but that experience made me a doubter.

I once knew an Allamanic-speaking woman who loved to puzzle North Germans, a people she considered as alien as Martians.

This world is a funny place, and none of us are getting out alive.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by sackett
*snip*
I once knew an Allamanic-speaking woman who loved to puzzle North Germans, a people she considered as alien as Martians.
*snip*

Actually they are as alien as Martians... :D but in a cute, E.T.-the-Extraterrerstrial kind of way. Bavarians are more like those critters from Independence Day...

The dialect North Germans (the people from Frisia, on the coast next to the Netherlands) speak is called, translating literally, Flat German. They eat flounders, who are also a bit... vertically challenged. Their land is flat as a tabletop. So I guess it is no wonder that those of us in the south are, figurately speaking, looking down on them... :D

[EdB]

Have posted a few times, nothing of conciqence of course. Originally I decided to join because of a debate about the great UFO of Rendlesham, but by the time my membership had been approved, it had died. Oh, lived on one of the airbases concerned, know the area round it, the likelyhood of a UFO landing there.. is slim to say the least, too many trees for comfort, and yes you can see the light house in the right conditions. Oh and I met Larry Warren once.

Anyway, I'm 40 ish, an electrical tech, I make sure the stuff, you hire from one of the UK's leading tool hire companys isn't going to kill you any time soon, I'm a born again batchelor. Like scifi stuff, computers is a given, and well other stuff I guess.

EdB.

[tim]

Originally posted by EdB
Have posted a few times, nothing of conciqence of course. Originally I decided to join because of a debate about the great UFO of Rendlesham, but by the time my membership had been approved, it had died. Oh, lived on one of the airbases concerned, know the area round it, the likelyhood of a UFO landing there.. is slim to say the least, too many trees for comfort, and yes you can see the light house in the right conditions. Oh and I met Larry Warren once.

Anyway, I'm 40 ish, an electrical tech, I make sure the stuff, you hire from one of the UK's leading tool hire companys isn't going to kill you any time soon, I'm a born again batchelor. Like scifi stuff, computers is a given, and well other stuff I guess.

EdB.

Welcome, EdB - belatedly, it seems, as you've been registered here longer than I have! :D
I lived in Ipswich for a couple of years - I quite enjoyed it. Nice museum, I seem to remember...........

[EdB]

Thanks for the welcome Tim, the museum, hasn't changed, still seems the same as it was, when I was i kid in the 60's. still got that time past it by feeling. spent many a happy hour, wandering round it.

[tim]

Originally posted by EdB
Thanks for the welcome Tim, the museum, hasn't changed, still seems the same as it was, when I was i kid in the 60's. still got that time past it by feeling. spent many a happy hour, wandering round it.

I was there between '73 and '75, then a year in Stowmarket.
Good times....... I was a bit younger, then, of course.......

[Hawk one]

Hmm, it occurs to me that I've never introduced myself, actually. Oh well, better late than never.

Nickname's Hawk one with a small o. Plenty of people get that wrong. It's a sort of pronounciation pun on my real name. Norwegians should be able to find out my real name with this knowledge.

I came to this forum thanks to a satiric web page about organised religion. Some guy pointed out one of 1inch-rist's threads, and I clicked myself into it. I then lurked about a bit, but it wasn't until I read Peter Morris' posts in the "Excuses for not taking the the test" thread that I decided to join. After I joined, I decided I wouldn't post in that thread after all, since PM had had his insanity explained to him so many times before. I was sure I couldn't write anything that would change this.

Happily, I've not got rid of this habit, and now join in the fight against the likes of hammegk, Open Mind, Marquis de Carabas, etc. I am a true layman of the world, and has a tendency to mostly post when the counterpoint to any given claim is really, really, really obvious; or if I think I have a good punchline to throw in.

In the real world, I'm a fairly unsuccessful freelance writer. Recently, I've also started a one-man company called Rent-A-Geek, which is about geek stripping. I'm fairly confident I'm the first guy in Norway to enter this specific niche of stripping. And yes, I'm serious.

THe question is of course why I would start such a thing. Basically, it's about two things: I get a lot of ideas in my head. It's mostly about entertainment (I have 5 years of radio experience), and I've learned that whenever I get an idea that just seems to have that extra little kick, I have to act on it.

Case in point: In the final year of [Norwegian equivalent to] high school, I went to Northern Italy on a ski holiday. Afterwards, I got the idea that it'd be really cool to dye my hair black, put on some really nice clothes (the kind one can wear at a funeral), add some shades on my glasses, use the cane I bought down in Italy... In short, dress up like someone in the mafia. And I went ahead and did it. First day in class after holiday was one of the best days in my life. Making sure to get 5 minutes late, I was able to make a proper Entrance with a capital E. Trust me, you don't know the meaning of the word "silence" until you've done something so shocking as this.

Anyway, I got this idea that a company called "Rent-A-Geek" would be really cool. But I don't have many particularly geeky skills, at least not worth paying for. But my body is geeky, so why not use that...? And so it all started. That should tell you what you need to know about my mental balance, right? ;)

[Roadtoad]

If you're a Norwegian, Hawk, are you one of those responsible for Blue Swede? (I always did think it was a joke from Norway.)

[Hawk one]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
If you're a Norwegian, Hawk, are you one of those responsible for Blue Swede? (I always did think it was a joke from Norway.)

I had to look up on the Blue Swede thing, since I had no idea whatsoever what that was. After simply taking a look at the first result page of the search, I think I understand why you ask, though.. Assuming you are talking about some kind of musical band, I can assure you that Norway isn't repsonsible. At least you'll never find any evidence.

Basically, you'll find that just about every story about Swedes doing something stupid generally turns out to be true. They really are something of a kind. There's nothing we Norwegians can do to make them look bad that they can't do more thoroughly themselves. Swedes are the painful acne on the butt of the world, the kind that just refuses to be popped (and this is metaphorical. Just because Norway's closely located to Sweden geographically does not mean we are located on the metaphorical butt of the world. Sheesh.)

[Roboramma]

Hi all.
I thought I should introduce myself, as I'm starting to get quite active around here.
I happened upon Randi's website in a link from something to do with Richard Dawkins. I'd heard of Randi before, referenced in various books and whatnot, and was intrigued. After going through a few months worth of old commentary archives I found the forums. I was pretty much hooked right away.
There are alot of interesting topics discussed, and the discussions (for the most part ;) ) are rational and informing.
I joined when there was a discussion about evolution and homosexuality, and wanted to throw in my two cents.
I'm very interested in evolution, and whenever discussions around here steer that way I can't help myself.
As a human being I'm a yoga teacher living in Hong Kong right now, but on my way to Shanghai in a couple of weeks. The pay in asia is alot better than in Canada which is where I'm from. And before anyone jumps down my throat, I certainly don't buy into all the spiritual bs that tends to go along with yoga. But great for a number of things: flexability, balance, fitness, relaxation and sometimes concentration.
I guess in some ways yoga helped develop my skepticism, as I went to india to study under a "guru" there. Well... the guy was almost ninety and mostly slept while I was learning from him. Yet people were still kissing his feet every day.
The worst was when everyone would gather in his house and ask questions. I remember one person was attacked for asking a completely simple question ("is supta badha konasana a good way to open the hips") everyone just jumped on him because "guruji" didn't seem to have an answer. The rest of it was just people asking the most meaningless drivel: "verse 5 of the bagavad gitta says "..." does that mean that "..."" his response would be completely in sanscrit and everyone would "oooh" and "aaah." as though he were being so profound, when not one person there could understand what he was saying.
Anyway, after a few weeks there I was injured and left. I found a different teacher who smiled and taught me things and was hard on me in a really kind way. Before that experience I'd been somewhat skeptical, afterwards.. well.
I'm certainly a materialist, I love the works of people like Isaac Asimov, Carl Sagan, E.O. Wilson and Richard Dawkins.
I came here to enjoy the intelligence of rational people and debate things that I admit I don't know nearly as much about as I'd like. :)

[Marquis de Carabas]

Originally posted by Hawk one
-snip-
Happily, I've not got rid of this habit, and now join in the fight against the likes of hammegk, Open Mind, Marquis de Carabas, etc.
-snip-
How'd I get thrown in with that bunch?

[Hawk one]

Originally posted by Marquis de Carabas
How'd I get thrown in with that bunch?

I invented you, remember? So I can throw you in whatever bunch I like. :D

[Marquis de Carabas]

Originally posted by Hawk one
I invented you, remember? So I can throw you in whatever bunch I like. :D
Oh, you're one of those cruel, merciless gods, I see. So be it. :p

[Doomdude]

Hello all, I supose I should introduce myself.
I am 51 years old and work in the motor trade in the UK, England to be exact. I have 3 children, 2 boys 21 and 17 and a daughter aged 19 who is more trouble than both the boys put together:(
I have quite strong views on things like religion, paranormal, aliens visiting Earth ,ghosts, reincarnation ETC.
To be blunt, I think the whole lot is a bunch of crap, it saddens me to think that the human race has progresed so little in the last 2000 years that people still belive in this rubbish. Also that people can't see things for what they are and have to invent some supernatural reason for everything. I could go on and on with this subject but I'm sure that I will get the chance in the coming months.

[tim]

Welcome, Doomdude!
There are quite a lot of us Brits on these boards as you will see.
Your philosophy of life is not too far away from many of us here.
Enjoy yourself!
Tim

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by tim
Welcome, Doomdude!
There are quite a lot of us Brits on these boards as you will see.
Your philosophy of life is not too far away from many of us here.
Enjoy yourself!
Tim
I want to subscribe to that view, except for the Brits part, of course :D
Welcome, Doomdude, and thanks for the frank description of your opinion on all the supernatural crap.

[Doomdude]

Your Welcome:)

[Roadtoad]

Killer. All these Brits running around here; it might be worth a trip to Britain.

Any good pubs in your area, Doomdude? (Great handle, BTW...)

[Andvari]

Hello everyone, I've been a lurker here for a long time and finally decided to introduce myself.

21 years old, currently living in Dallas, Texas (there do seem to be quite a few Texans on the board). I honestly don't remember how I found this forum, since I've been lurking for around 3 years, but reading everyone's discussions has greatly helped my critical thinking skills.

I suppose my journey to skepticism is far less exciting than many I've read on this forum; I grew up Catholic, but it didn't really stick. I do remember getting confirmed in my church because doing so would get me out of my terribly boring Sunday school classes (deal with the parents; you know, pledge your immortal soul to church and get back 2 hours a week...how could I refuse? :p ). Wasn't long after that when I stopped going to church altogether (except for the token Easter/Christmas masses for the parents' sake).

I would say my de-confirmation was completed when I recieved Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World for Christmas and then proceeded to read it in church while the priest did his thing. :D

Well, that's it in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to finally contributing my small part to the forum.

[Saxon]

Hello folks. I've been lurking on the board for a while and I thought it was about time I showed my ugly face. I'm a young, SWM, looking... wait, let me start over. I'm a 20 year old (soon to be 21!) slacker, skeptic, and clever wit. That's what my mother tells me, at least. I'm in California in the States now, trying to settle down after a series of moves around north america and I'm pleased to announce that I love to debunk and deconstruct the dearly held beliefs of credulous people. This seems like a great place to pick up some tips, get to know some like minded people, and keep an eye on what's going on in the world of psychic frauds, wacky ufologists, and rogue researcher into FORBIDDEN SCIENCE! (Ominous latin chorus)


Looking forward to getting to know you all.

[ma1ic3]

Hello

[tim]

Welcome to Andvari and Saxon. Clever wit. Hmmm - anything like a smart*ss? :p ;)
Anyway, a warm welcome to you both. Have fun and enjoy yourselves!

[Saxon]

The clever wit (sagasis artifex ) has often been mistaken for the common smart*ss (sagasis c*llide), especially in the biological literature of the early 19th century.


Er, I think that probably answers your question :D

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Saxon
The clever wit (sagasis artifex ) has often been mistaken for the common smart*ss (sagasis c*llide), especially in the biological literature of the early 19th century.


Er, I think that probably answers your question :D

I like this one´s humor, tim. I don´t think we should eat him... yet.

[BrotherBluto]

I'm not new to the forum, but it's been so long since I've posted that I thought this was the most relevant place to do so.

Good to see so many familiar faces (avatars).

--BB

[Roadtoad]

Just wanted to say, Brother Bluto...

TOGA!!! TOGA!!! TOGA!!!

[ma1ic3]

Welcome back.

I did the same as you. I had an old account that I posted with 11 times over the course of almost 2 years.

[espritch]

I would say my de-confirmation was completed when I recieved Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World for Christmas and then proceeded to read it in church while the priest did his thing.

I like it! :D Welcome to the forum.

[moopet]

Constant lurker, recent member, imminent poster. Englishman living in Scotland.
Can't remember how I found this place but I have always had an interest in the strange things people believe. Personally I think I try to keep an open mind but my friends just groan when I throw myself into an argument these days. It's far too easy to make enemies when you're prepared to tell people they're full of it. And that their bum looks big in whatever they're wearing... :) Never saw the light of any of the religions I was exposed to as a child, always asked, "why?" repeatedly...
I don't normally introduce myself on forums, but I've been reading back over a lot of posts recently and feel that if I'm going to insert a couple of pennies here and there then there ought to be one post people can look back at and say, "oh, him"
So: *waves*

[tim]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by moopet
Constant lurker, recent member, imminent poster. Englishman living in Scotland.

Hi Moopet, welcome indeed. Johnson said "much may be made of a Scotsman if he be caught young". There's no excuse for going the other way, though........
(Wombat ducks to avoid half bricks thrown by incandescent Scots)

[Winny]

Hello.

I registered a couple of months ago and figured I missed my chance to post to the "Introduce Yourself Here" thread, but I was encouraged by the recent post of moopet who has been registered since January.

So, here I am. I live in Sydney, Australia, but travel quite a bit. Mainly in Australia and mainly to the capitals (for business).

I'm fascinated by religion, juggling, history, magic, money, cricket, alcohol and cigarettes.

I've been posting over in "JREF Topics" mostly, especially the "Million Dollar Challenge", but I think I'll hang out here for a while until KRAMER forgives/forgets me.

cheers

Winny

[tim]

Welcome, Winny!
Until Kramer forgives you? OK folks, here's another one - set a watch on hell to let us know when it freezes over!
Nah - he'll forget you first......
:p ;)
You're welcome, Winny.

[Perpetual Notion]

Howdy folks. Long time lurker, first time post... er, well, actually my first post was to point out to Mayday that she was lying about something, but she ignored me. I can't understand why and I'm deeply, deeply hurt ;)

Anyhow, I reside in sunny Tucson, Arizona, home of the infamous Gary Schwartz. DH is a prof at U of A and we socialize with faculty in the psych department, but I'm forbidden from bringing up his name. urrrgh. His "lab" is right next to my dentist's though and I was thinking about having my incredible psychic powers tested there because I can predict with almost 100% accuracy that every time I go into the kitchen, my cat will starting whining for food. I know I could take The Challenge, but I'm afraid Randi will be mean to me. :D

I became a skeptic my sophomore year of college when Flim-Flam was assigned in a pseudoscience class I took and with a small backslide into the world of sCAM when I was quite ill at one point, I've maintained it.

My main reason for joining the forum is my interest for why people cling to beliefs which aren't rational, even if they're not that big of a deal, ie. The Audio Challenge. The rationalization that goes on is fascinating.

I'm also quite interested in philosophy, medicine and science and am enjoying learning about homeopathy, which I knew nothing about before lurking here.

You have a great place and it's great to be here!

[Kopji]

Hey welcome PN!
Nice to have another from Arizona. I'll hafta make sure my cowboy boots are clean and underwear is changed... :D

[Perpetual Notion]

Ooooh!! Clean underwear :D. You sure know how to sweet talk a gal. It's nice to know there are other Arizonans on the board. I hope it's still cool and beautiful up where you are. The summer heat is on it's way down here. Nice to meet ya :)

[ma1ic3]

Welcome.

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Kopji
Hey welcome PN!
Nice to have another from Arizona. I'll hafta make sure my cowboy boots are clean and underwear is changed... :D
From what a colleague in Phoenix told me, it's more important you take a shower every other hour and make sure the A/C works :)

[Zeno]

Hello. My name is Adam Romeo. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I was informed of randi.org from the interview James Randi did with Penn & Teller. I had seen Randi on Penn & Teller's show a few times but never really knew anything about him until I saw the interview. I ended up remembering to go to randi.org and decided I would join the forum. Its that simple.

[espritch]

Welcome arromeo. Have fun and don't be shy about joining in on threads. Just whatch the Politics and Philosophy forums unless you enjoy arguing in circles.

[SezMe]

Originally posted by Perpetual Notion
My main reason for joining the forum is my interest for why people cling to beliefs which aren't rational, even if they're not that big of a deal, ie. The Audio Challenge. The rationalization that goes on is fascinating.
That fascinates me too. The ultimate has to Rouser2's position on Schiavo. Incredible.

Welcome

[Baby_Boo]

Hello,
Well 1st of all yes I am Boo's daughter :jaw: . I am a fresman in high school. I have, sort of, well "reading over my mothers shoulders" for a few years now while she has been posting on Jref. It seems now it is something I want to do. I really became intrested in posting when I found out this really was a place where I could share my veiws without getting shot at. lol

Thanks very much and I'll be seeing you around...

Baby_Boo:w2:

[Mercutio]

I was hoping, from your name, that you would be who you say you are!

Welcome!!!

Good genes you chose...

:D

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Baby_Boo
Hello,
Well 1st of all yes I am Boo's daughter :jaw: . I am a fresman in high school. I have, sort of, well "reading over my mothers shoulders" for a few years now while she has been posting on Jref. It seems now it is something I want to do. I really became intrested in posting when I found out this really was a place where I could share my veiws without getting shot at. lol

Thanks very much and I'll be seeing you around...

Baby_Boo:w2:

Hi and welcome, Baby_Boo!

You´ll find that you´re not the only daughter of a veteran poster who has found her way here. No, not me - neither am I a daughter, nor do I have parents who post here :) But there are Kitten and Doglefox (Kitty´s daughters), Schizobunny (daughter of Nyarlathotep and Chanileslie), Zeplette (Zep´s daughter), and probably one or two others I forgot. Hmm... maybe you should open a "JREF forum daughters´ club", where you can talk among yourselves about how embarrassing parents can be... ;) There are also a few others who are also about your age - guys, too :)
And of course, this is also a place to "share your views without being shot at". But beware Tim, the combat wombat - he bites! :eek:

[tim]

Originally posted by Baby_Boo
Hello,
Well 1st of all yes I am Boo's daughter :jaw: . I am a fresman in high school. I have, sort of, well "reading over my mothers shoulders" for a few years now while she has been posting on Jref. It seems now it is something I want to do. I really became intrested in posting when I found out this really was a place where I could share my veiws without getting shot at. lol

Thanks very much and I'll be seeing you around...

Baby_Boo:w2:

Well now, Baby_Boo, let me be the first to welcome you here. Your mum has a great sense of humour and I'm sure you share it. Whether JREF can cope with two of you is another question.....
You are very welcome here. Any questions, just ask. Most people here are friendly, and hardly any of us bite - much. Jump right in!

[tim]

Believe it or not, Chaos' comment about me biting and mine about people here not biting are pure coincidence.
Next time I see you, Chaos, :c1:

[Chaos]

Originally posted by tim
Believe it or not, Chaos' comment about me biting and mine about people here not biting are pure coincidence.
Next time I see you, Chaos, :c1:

...only if you can catch me. Hint: approach against the wind; burnt wombat has a very distinctive smell. :)

[sackett]

It’s probably no use asking a freshman if she knows any Dylan lyrics, but have you ever heard that line, “It’s all over now, Baby Boo�?

All right, all right, I’m leaving. Quitcher pushin’.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by Chaos
...only if you can catch me. Hint: approach against the wind; burnt wombat has a very distinctive smell. :)

Actually, grilled wombat is quite good, particularly with a kiwi/kumquat glaze. :p

ETA: And we'd try it, except my wife thinks Wombats are cute....

[Boo]

Originally posted by sackett
It’s probably no use asking a freshman if she knows any Dylan lyrics, but have you ever heard that line, “It’s all over now, Baby Boo�?

All right, all right, I’m leaving. Quitcher pushin’.

I'm not sure she has but her mom has.;) Actually, she does have a passing knowledge of Dylan. I try my best to expose her to the good things in life.

As for the rest of you guys, thanks for welcoming her. And tim, I think it only fair to warn you she bites back. :p




Boo

[wahrheit]

Ahh, I missed the opportunity. I saw the "...new applicant: Baby_Boo" thing on the top of the forum's page earlier, before they cleared you as a registered member, and was about to search for a post of Boo and ask if this was a coincidence. Well, I don't know your mother, so I decided to shut up.

Welcome! Btw, I think Chaos is the bad guy, tim certainly is a good guy, though it is true that these wombats are pretty smelly creatures, like dogs after a rain.

[tim]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Ahh, I missed the opportunity. I saw the "...new applicant: Baby_Boo" thing on the top of the forum's page earlier, before they cleared you as a registered member, and was about to search for a post of Boo and ask if this was a coincidence. Well, I don't know your mother, so I decided to shut up.

Welcome! Btw, I think Chaos is the bad guy, tim certainly is a good guy, though it is true that these wombats are pretty smelly creatures, like dogs after a rain.

And this particular wombat is definitely irritable - a long day, a sleepless night and a firewalk to worry about tomorrow.
Be very careful what you say...........

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by tim
And this particular wombat is definitely irritable - a long day, a sleepless night and a firewalk to worry about tomorrow.
Be very careful what you say...........
:D

That firewalk, I think I saw it mentioned somewhere else here, you and Darat if I remember correctly. I hope there will be a video???

[tim]

There will certainly be pictures, wahrheit, and a video if possible.
We are doing on behalf of two charities - JREF, of course, and Cancer Research UK.
You are invited to sposor us if you wish. What's ten euro between friends......... :D :D :D

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by tim
There will certainly be pictures, wahrheit, and a video if possible.
We are doing on behalf of two charities - JREF, of course, and Cancer Research UK.
You are invited to sposor us if you wish. What's ten euro between friends......... :D :D :D
My credit card is ready, just point me in the right direction. Also, should you ever need server space / download mirror capacity for videos and such, just let me know. I assume it's on the Isles, I wish I could be there tomorrow and watch!

[BrotherBluto]

Roadtoad, ma1ic3--good to see ya again.

I heard that there was some kind of internal strife in the JREF forums during my absence. This may not be the place for discussing it so if anyone wants to send me a PM with the details I'm intrigued.

I imagine if I were there my input would have resembled this:
"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"

[Chimpy]

Hi I'm a newbie, still navigating my way around the forum and hoping I find the time to check back regularly:) Anyways, fem/25/archy grad/ randi fan.

Dislikes astrology because: I never ever ever ever got the promised vast amounts of money regularly listed in my horoscope :-)

Likes Randi because: nonsense is dangerous and education is key.

At the moment I'm in the middle of my Master's degree in archaeology so I should technically be studying instead of posting :-)

[tim]

Originally posted by Chimpy
Hi I'm a newbie, still navigating my way around the forum and hoping I find the time to check back regularly:) Anyways, fem/25/archy grad/ randi fan.

Dislikes astrology because: I never ever ever ever got the promised vast amounts of money regularly listed in my horoscope :-)

Likes Randi because: nonsense is dangerous and education is key.

At the moment I'm in the middle of my Master's degree in archaeology so I should technically be studying instead of posting :-)

Hiya Chimpy!
You're just up the road from me - I'm in sunny Biggleswade, about 25 miles away.
You have several things going for you here......
1) Archaeology (Field of interest?)
2) You're attending the finest university in the world. (Ducks to avoid brickbats from the direction of Oxford. American universities are, by definition, inferior).
Studying is not as educational as JREF. Honest.
Welcome to the Forum. All human life is here. :D It's educational, entertaining and frequently funny as hell! Any questions, just ask.
Oh, and ignore all the stuff about shaving wombats. Please. Just don't ask.
:eek:

[Chimpy]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tim
[B]Hiya Chimpy!
You're just up the road from me - I'm in sunny Biggleswade, about 25 miles away.

I'm trying to get used to the English system of 25 miles being near :-)

You have several things going for you here......
1) Archaeology (Field of interest?)

Central Mediterranean prehistory, gender, identity.


2) You're attending the finest university in the world. (Ducks to avoid brickbats from the direction of Oxford. American universities are, by definition, inferior).

Weellll, the Other Place can't really compete:)

I won't ask about Wombats promise.

[tim]

In your BLOG you mention imperialism in 19th century archaeology. When I was a lad in 1963 I knew Margaret Murray, who worked with Flinders Petrie in Egypt. She was a hundred years old when I met her, but still very alert. Now there really was a case of imperialism - Petrie treated his staff and the local people as idiots and not really to be trusted. Doctor Murray must have been one of the first professional women archaeologists. It's a shame she's known these days for her book "God of the Witches".

[Chimpy]

Originally posted by tim
In your BLOG you mention imperialism in 19th century archaeology. When I was a lad in 1963 I knew Margaret Murray.

LUCKY LUCKY you! Murray excavated in Malta and did a good chunk of valuable work there. I was thoroughly fascinated by her autobiography "My first hundred years". Haven't managed to read the witching book yet:) But the Haddon library has a copy so now is probably a good time to check it out :)

[tim]

Originally posted by Chimpy
LUCKY LUCKY you! Murray excavated in Malta and did a good chunk of valuable work there. I was thoroughly fascinated by her autobiography "My first hundred years". Haven't managed to read the witching book yet:) But the Haddon library has a copy so now is probably a good time to check it out :)


I had a copy of "My First Hundred Years" that she gave me. It went the way of many books - I lent it to someone and I never saw it again. A couple of years ago I finally tracked down a copy in Sweden (!) and bought it over the net. What fun to read it again.
When I was staying in Devon shortly afterwards I was talking about the net with a fellow guest at an old Rectory we were both staying in. He was quite elderly and asked what sort of things one could do. I told him about the book. He looked dumfounded and said "But I knew her too!"
It seemed he had a position at the British Museum. He was assigned as a young man to be a gopher for Doctor Murray when she came to give lectures. She got used to him and even when he was quite senior she just wouldn't have anyone else. He described her as a "tarter".
"God of the Witches" was taken up by followers of Wicca and has become a cult book. It has been strongly criticised, to say the least.
It argues, if I remember correctly, that a witch cult survived in Europe to the present day.

[Smike]

Originally posted by tim
It went the way of many books - I lent it to someone and I never saw it again. A couple of years ago I finally tracked down a copy in Sweden (!) and bought it over the net.

There's big profit in "borrowing" books from friends. There's this guy in Sweden gives £50 for 100 books. I believe he sells them to gullible fools over the 'net.

[tim]

Originally posted by Smike
There's big profit in "borrowing" books from friends. There's this guy in Sweden gives £50 for 100 books. I believe he sells them to gullible fools over the 'net.

Don't push your luck, frog. Or I'll post links about frog sex......
:p ;)

[Smike]

Just think. If I changed my avatar nobody would have any idea what you were talking about....

[tim]

Originally posted by Smike
Just think. If I changed my avatar nobody would have any idea what you were talking about....

True. But they would wonder what I know about your sex life. Especially if I mentioned sellotape .........

[SezMe]

Hey, I'm way from new here, but I never had an avatar before. Well, I finally decided it was time to stop running around naked so here is my first shot at one.

Thank you, Mr. Moibus (sp?)

[tim]

Originally posted by SezMe
Hey, I'm way from new here, but I never had an avatar before. Well, I finally decided it was time to stop running around naked so here is my first shot at one.

Thank you, Mr. Moibus (sp?)

Very nice!

[wahrheit]

Hey Chaos, working on your own sock puppet, eh? (See attachment)

[Chaos]

Originally posted by wahrheit
Hey Chaos, working on your own sock puppet, eh? (See attachment)

If I would ever get myself a sockpuppet, it would be a lot more sublte than that... which means that YOU would never get it... ;)

[Iamme]

Originally posted by SezMe
Hey, I'm way from new here, but I never had an avatar before. Well, I finally decided it was time to stop running around naked so here is my first shot at one.

Thank you, Mr. Moibus (sp?)

-------------------------------------------------

Is your donut ring facing left or...no, wait..it's facing right..no, wait it's....:D

Does anyone remember the name of the famous artist who makes drawings of the impossible?: Stairs that keep going up, yet they return to the bottom step? If someone can bring up his site, I'm sure many here would enjoy seeing his artwork. I have seen it before. There are many neat/odd/impossible pictures that come up on his site.

[tim]

Originally posted by Iamme
-------------------------------------------------

Does anyone remember the name of the famous artist who makes drawings of the impossible?: Stairs that keep going up, yet they return to the bottom step? If someone can bring up his site, I'm sure many here would enjoy seeing his artwork. I have seen it before. There are many neat/odd/impossible pictures that come up on his site.

Yep. M.C. Escher.........

[rebecca]

I was not used widely in the United States until the 1970s.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Radial Tire
I was not used widely in the United States until the 1970s.

Ha! I´ve been around from the very beginning! :p

[arthwollipot]

So far as I can tell, I am unique.

[rebecca]

This is how I'm made:

http://www.energymanagertraining.com/tyre/img/03.gif

[ma1ic3]

Interesting... I was made by a man and a women. You seem to have been made by 20 men. This either makes you really tough or really gay.

[rebecca]

I deliver longitudinal/lateral traction and feature tread and sidewall cut protection to help me withstand tough conditions!

[Odin]

Radial Tire

How are you able to connect to the internet? Do you have a brain? Are you the result of a horrifying experiment in tire construction using human genetic material?

[sackett]

I'm just posting to get my count up to 666. Cue eeire theme.

I'm tired of the whole thing.

[Panama Red]

Hello,

First post! I've been lurking these forums for quite some time and finally decided to join at the risk of learning something. I’m a 21-year-old student at the University of Oklahoma and am currently studying Journalism and Electronic Media.

I had the unique opportunity of living overseas in the United Arab Emirates for a number of years and graduated from the American Community School of Abu Dhabi in 2003.

I enjoy long walks on the beach, short jogs on the beach, and other beach-oriented activities.

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by Panama Red
Hello,

First post! I've been lurking these forums for quite some time and finally decided to join at the risk of learning something. I’m a 21-year-old student at the University of Oklahoma and am currently studying Journalism and Electronic Media.

I had the unique opportunity of living overseas in the United Arab Emirates for a number of years and graduated from the American Community School of Abu Dhabi in 2003.

I enjoy long walks on the beach, short jogs on the beach, and other beach-oriented activities.

Welcome to the forum Panama Red. :)

Glad you decided to de-lurk. All that I know about Oklahoma is what I heard from my brother. He did a year at Ft. Sill in 1970 or thereabouts.

Sounds like you've had lots of interesting experiences for a 21 year old.

Are you a fan of the group New Riders of the Purple Sage? :D

[Chris O.]

My Cousin goes to school at OU. Grew up in Muskogee. Small world. He's studying Asian Studies, or something along those lines.

[CiaraBeth]

Hi everyone! I'm Beth in FF (http://www.freethought-forum.com/), HH (http://www.heathenhangout.com/), and IIDB. I've lurked in here for ages, but cannot remember the user name to the other account.

I am an agnostic atheist, formerly a fundamentalist Christian. I am 31, have been married 14 years this summer solstice, have two children, two beagles, and a cat.

:w2:

[espritch]

Hi, CiaraBeth! Seems a lot of people lurk a while before joining up. I guess they are trying to figure out if we are a bunch weirdos. So...um...are we?

[CiaraBeth]

Originally posted by espritch
Hi, CiaraBeth! Seems a lot of people lurk a while before joining up. I guess they are trying to figure out if we are a bunch weirdos. So...um...are we? Hehe. Nope. You guys are just a wee wittle intimidating. ;)

[tim]

Originally posted by CiaraBeth
Hehe. Nope. You guys are just a wee wittle intimidating. ;)

Please - don't be intimidated. We promise we won't bite. Probably. ;)

[Chaos]

Originally posted by CiaraBeth
Hehe. Nope. You guys are just a wee wittle intimidating. ;)

"A wee little"?

Drat. I think we´re going to have to try harder... :D


How about this:

:hit: :j2: :bricks: :jedi: :k: :brk: :zzw:

Scared now?

[arthwollipot]

That knight icon is terrible. I mean look at him. Not only is he attacking from his rear arm, he's leading with his foot (opening up his leg to attack) and swinging his shield out of the way! Has this guy had no training whatsoever? I could take him out with a single incartata!

[tim]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
That knight icon is terrible. I mean look at him. Not only is he attacking from his rear arm, he's leading with his foot (opening up his leg to attack) and swinging his shield out of the way! Has this guy had no training whatsoever? I could take him out with a single incartata!

I could take him out with a single hand grenade.

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by tim
I could take him out with a single hand grenade.

Trite answer, wombat. Hand grenades are not invented yet. If you were in a situation where you could have had a hand grenade, he wouldn't be attacking you with a sword - badly or otherwise.

[tim]

OK, a trebuchet, then.

[Darat]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
Trite answer, wombat. Hand grenades are not invented yet. If you were in a situation where you could have had a hand grenade, he wouldn't be attacking you with a sword - badly or otherwise.

Nonsense - I think you better check some reputable historical sources (http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/grail-21.htm) . Although obvious rare and precious The Holy
Hand Grenade of Antioch is contemporary with knights.

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by tim
OK, a trebuchet, then.

Ah! NOW you're talking!

[wahrheit]

Originally posted by Darat
Nonsense - I think you better check some reputable historical sources (http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/grail-21.htm) . Although obvious rare and precious The Holy
Hand Grenade of Antioch is contemporary with knights.
And just like this guy :k: they lack both fighting skill and the money for a real horse. Anyway, tim's trebuchet caused just a flesh wound.

[Roadtoad]

I still say the Holy Hand Grenade is the best option. It would condemn the varlet to Hellfire!

[Chaos]

Having used the Holy Hand Grenade extensively in Worms 3D, I have to agree with Roadtoad.

There´s nothing better than a weapon that loudly sings "Hallelujah" before it sends your enemies to their fiery deaths... well, except for the Homing Pigeon kamikaze, but that´s another story. :)

[fls]

Hi

Linda
(this is really a test)

[Garrette]

What a shame. Your first test and you failed.

Try again if you like.

Edited to add: Oh, yeah. Hi.

[tim]

Originally posted by fls
Hi

Linda
(this is really a test)

Aw, don't take any notice of Garrette!
Welcome to the forum!

[Chaos]

Oh, and don´t take any notice of Tim, either. He hasn´t quite been himself ever since that unfortunate incident in Las Vegas.

[Garrette]

In fact, it's probably best if you simply don't take notice.

If you leave now we'll deny you were ever here.

Did you bring cookies? Or rum?

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Garrette
In fact, it's probably best if you simply don't take notice.

If you leave now we'll deny you were ever here.

Did you bring cookies? Or rum?

Screw that.

Did you bring chocolate?

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by Chaos
Having used the Holy Hand Grenade extensively in Worms 3D, I have to agree with Roadtoad.

There´s nothing better than a weapon that loudly sings "Hallelujah" before it sends your enemies to their fiery deaths... well, except for the Homing Pigeon kamikaze, but that´s another story. :)

I have to admit I'm kind of fond of the Super Sheep, but the Banana Bomb comes a close second!

[fls]

Originally posted by Garrette
What a shame. Your first test and you failed.

Try again if you like.

Edited to add: Oh, yeah. Hi.

Gosh. That was profoundly clever.

I am out of my league here.

Linda

[fls]

Originally posted by Garrette
In fact, it's probably best if you simply don't take notice.

If you leave now we'll deny you were ever here.

Did you bring cookies? Or rum?

Stuff I like never seems to be available to bring.

I have lots of Tootsie Rolls left over from Halloween that I'd be happy to pass out.

Linda

[Garrette]

Originally posted by fls:

Gosh. That was profoundly clever.

I am out of my league here.
Ooh. Ouch.

You're in.


Originally posted by fls:

Stuff I like never seems to be available to bring.

I have lots of Tootsie Rolls left over from Halloween that I'd be happy to pass out.

Though I may change my mind.

[Paracelsus]

I'll make my first post to introduce myself in this thread then...

When I was a child I used to believe in crap(paranormal and UFOs), when I grew up I started immerse myself in science so about the age of 13-14 I stopped believing in crap, and found that science could explain most(not all) of my questions of that I could ask myself.

Lately, I have fought many battles with the ignorance around me and tried to educate people about what is wrong with pseudoscience and the nearby misconceptions about real science.

Why would I come here... To seek support to continue to be an annoying element to those who spreads misconceptions about true knowledge.

[tim]

And a very warm welcome to you, Paracelsus. I think you may have come to the right place!
Any questions, feel free to ask. Have a good time.

[BillsFan]

Hello. I'm a American serviceman living in sunny England. I find that the posters on this site tend to be not only smart, but funny. I always strive to be skeptical of the world around me and this site has done me a world of good. It is nice to see that there are tons of other like minded people out there.

[Marquis de Carabas]

Originally posted by BillsFan
Hello. I'm a American serviceman living in sunny England. I find that the posters on this site tend to be not only smart, but funny. I always strive to be skeptical of the world around me and this site has done me a world of good. It is nice to see that there are tons of other like minded people out there.
Assuming that the Bills referenced in your screen name are the Buffalo variety, I can see how you developed a skeptical attitude--maybe even a cynical one. :p

Welcome to the Fora.

[BillsFan]

Originally posted by Marquis de Carabas
Assuming that the Bills referenced in your screen name are the Buffalo variety, I can see how you developed a skeptical attitude--maybe even a cynical one. :p

Welcome to the Fora.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head there. Although, maybe there was a little bit of Woo on that whole "Wide Right" thing.

[Frinkiak7]

I've been posting for a couple of days, but I supposed I should make an appearance here as well. I'd like to thank everyone for the welcomes I've recieved in all of the forums (fora?). Reading Randi's commentaries has done me a world of good, and lurking here has done the same. I hope I can contribute.

[Vitriolis]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking here for a few years and I was starting to feel like a peeping Tom, so I thought it was time to take the plunge. I have always been skeptical, but lurking here has taught me alot. There are some very funny, creative and intelligent people on these boards and I have to admit I'm a little bit intimidated (just a little:) )

Anyway Hi.

[tim]

Hi Vitriolis and Frinkiak7! You are very welcome here!
Don't be intimidated by all the PhDs around. They're only human - sort of. :p ;)
Vitriolis, think about what you post before you push the final button! Don't make claims you can't back up, because sure as eggs is eggs someone will pick you up on it. But we have folk from all walks of life and from all over the world, and the variety of opinions is incredible.
Oh, and read your membership agreement. You don't want an angry wombat after you.......

[MLynn]

Originally posted by tim
Hi Vitriolis and Frinkiak7! You are very welcome here!
Don't be intimidated by all the PhDs around. They're only human - sort of. :p ;)
Vitriolis, think about what you post before you push the final button! Don't make claims you can't back up, because sure as eggs is eggs someone will pick you up on it. But we have folk from all walks of life and from all over the world, and the variety of opinions is incredible.
Oh, and read your membership agreement. You don't want an angry wombat after you.......
That's right! People of all types lurk/post here - even little me, the mistfit Xian executive secretary. :D So, don't feel intimidated, just post as you think you should or just for the fun of it. No reason to hold back!

[Vitriolis]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Tim you kinka freaked me out, so I re-read the memebership agreement. The last thing I need is an angry, naked Wombat coming at me! :D

[Eos of the Eons]

Originally posted by Vitriolis
Thanks for the welcome guys.

Tim you kinka freaked me out, so I re-read the memebership agreement. The last thing I need is an angry, naked Wombat coming at me! :D

Well *muses* I don't think it would be ALL bad...you'd get to meet Tim :D

[ma1ic3]

Hello Frinkiak7 and Vitriolis.

That sucks that the wombat has already caught your scent Vitriolis. There is only three things you need to know about a wombat:

1. wombats are mammals.
2. wombats fight ALL the time.
3. The purpose of the wombat is to flip out and kill people.

Oh, and this is for the wombat, who probably wants me to back up my claim: Backup for wombat (http://www.funjunkie.co.uk/wombats_are_the_ultimate_power_in_the_universe.htm )

[arthwollipot]

Everything you need to know about wombats can be read here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A53650

Pay particular attention to the bit where it warns against the consequences of sticking your hand down a wombat hole.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
Everything you need to know about wombats can be read here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A53650

Pay particular attention to the bit where it warns against the consequences of sticking your hand down a wombat hole.

I liked this part:

The second confusing thing about Australia are the animals. They can be divided into three categories: poisonous, odd, and sheep. It is true that of the ten most poisonous arachnids on the planet, Australia has nine of them. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that of the nine most poisonous arachnids, Australia has all of them. However, there are curiously few snakes, possibly because the spiders have killed them all. But even the spiders won't go near the sea (see below). Any visitors should be careful to check inside boots (before putting them on) under toilet seats (before sitting down) and generally everywhere else. A stick is very useful for this task.

Strangely, it tends to be the second class of animals (the odd) that are more dangerous. The creature that injures the most people each year is the common wombat. It is nearly as ridiculous as its name, and spends its life digging holes in the ground, in which it hides. During the night it comes out to eat worms and grubs.

The wombat injures people in two ways: first, the animal is indestructible. Digging holes in the hard Australian clay builds muscles that outclass Olympic weightlifters. At night, they often wander the roads. Semi-trailers (road trains) have hit them at high speed, with all nine wheels on one side, and this merely makes them very annoyed. They express this by snorting, glaring, and walking away. Alas, to smaller cars, the wombat becomes an asymmetrical high-speed launching pad, with results that can be imagined, but not adequately described.

The second way the wombat injures people relates to its burrowing behaviour. If a person happens to put their hand down a wombat hole, the wombat will feel the disturbance and think 'Ho! My hole is collapsing!' at which it will brace its muscled legs and push up against the roof of its burrow with incredible force, to prevent its collapse. Any unfortunate hand will be crushed, and attempts to withdraw will cause the wombat to simply bear down harder. The unfortunate will then bleed to death through their crushed hand as the wombat prevents him from seeking assistance. This is considered the third most embarrassing known way to die, and Australians don't talk about it much.

Hmmmm. Wondered why Zep never talked about it much.

[Vitriolis]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
Everything you need to know about wombats can be read here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A53650

Pay particular attention to the bit where it warns against the consequences of sticking your hand down a wombat hole.

Being Wombat ignorant I was...skeptical, so I looked around and I found this..

Wombats can be territorial and show aggression to one another, but they will rarely fight. When they do, the attacking wombat will try to bite the other wombat's ear or side. The other wombat will try to use its thick-skinned rear as a shield and may use its hind feet to kick back. Wombats may also chase each other.

It uses it's butt as a defense...cool! :D

Wombania (http://www.wombania.com/wombats/wombat-defence.htm)

Don't forget to wish Chewbacca a happy birthday!

[Frinkiak7]

Just as long as no one brings up the drop-bears.

[espritch]

According to the Australian Tourism Council, drop bears don't exist. All those missing tourists were probably just eaten by crocodiles.

[Manny]

The whole back end of the JREF site went out this afternoon. I want to apologize for that.

See, it's my fault. I bring weird and bad board performance wherever I go. Hope the database Ghods didn't lose too much and I'll try not to cause it again.

;)

[tim]

Originally posted by espritch
According to the Australian Tourism Council, drop bears don't exist. All those missing tourists were probably just eaten by crocodiles.

Of course drop bears exist! I know nobody's ever got a good picture of one, but well, they wouldn't, would they? By the time they got the camera out, they would be dropped on. Here's an accurate artist's impression, though......
And welcome manny - don't do it again.
And those who take the p*ss out of wombats, please re-read this sentence.........
"The creature that injures the most people each year is the common wombat."
Now, back to drop bears -

[Kiless]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
Hmmmm. Wondered why Zep never talked about it much.

We just DON'T. Best way to deal with it. And it makes dropbears avoid us, as they don't like gossip.

[clarsct]

HEY!

Zep and Kiless:

What's wrong with us Americans, anyway?


As a result of all this hardship, dirt, thirst, and wombats, you would expect Australians to be a dour lot. Instead, they are genial, jolly, cheerful, and always willing to share a kind word with a stranger, unless they are an American.

:(

[tim]

Originally posted by clarsct
HEY!

Zep and Kiless:

What's wrong with us Americans, anyway?



:(

Well, nothing, per se. Individually. It's just when you all get together you can be just atiny bit anti-social. Oh nothing really serious - just polluting the planet and invading other people's countries. Oh, and the worst thing? Exporting "Friends".
:p ;)

[Kiless]

Originally posted by clarsct
HEY!

Zep and Kiless:

What's wrong with us Americans, anyway?
:(

Too tall.

Better at limericks.

And what Tim said.
:p

[clarsct]

Hmph..well..let's attack these one at a time, shall we?

Oh, and WELCOME ALL...*chuckle* if this doesn't give an idea of what goes on around here........



Originally posted by tim
Well, nothing, per se. Individually. It's just when you all get together you can be just atiny bit anti-social. Oh nothing really serious - just polluting the planet
Who started the Industrial Revolution? Britain?

and invading other people's countries.
British Imperialism differs how? Only because they did it first.


Oh, and the worst thing? Exporting "Friends".
:p ;)

Gah! What about 'Have you been served?" I think we're even!

So...come again? (Oh yeah, you forgot to mention that we're argumentative....):D ;)

[clarsct]

Originally posted by Kiless
Too tall.
Not my fault that you're the amazing 135cm woman..Probably comes from eating Vegemite!

Better at limericks.
Well....ok....I guess I'll give you that one.:D

And what Tim said.
:p
Well, took care of that one....

I think it's just snobbery....you know....thinking you're the "Tallest Poppy"...But I could be wrong...


*suddenly brightens up and grins*
Hey! There's not nearly as many things to be thrown here as in the Pub...cool!
>VISIT PHIL'S PUB<

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by clarsct
Gah! What about 'Have you been served?" I think we're even!

"Are You Being Served?" perhaps?

[tim]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
"Are You Being Served?" perhaps?

Do I hold all Australians responsible for exporting fosters "beer"? I do not. So don't blame me for "Are You Being Served".
And clarsct? I'll see you at Phil's later. Let's see how you cope with a (virtual) brick around the ear.......
:p ;)

[chipmunk stew]

Originally posted by Girl 6
...please take this opportunity to introduce yourselves and tell us what lead you here...
I found the skeptic forum (http://www.skepticforum.com) first, and was lured here by Mercutio (http://www.skepticforum.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=11) at the prospect of another limerick challenge (http://www.skepticforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=90&start=40).

I made my introduction (http://www.skepticforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=5&start=363) there (including a nice recipe for Chipmunk Stew), if you wish to take a look.

I hope that one day I too may have my own avatar and be privy to all the inside banter.

[arthwollipot]

Banter? There's inside banter? I thought it was just random stream of consciousness and non-sequiturs!

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by chipmunk stew
I found the skeptic forum (http://www.skepticforum.com) first, and was lured here by Mercutio (http://www.skepticforum.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=11) at the prospect of another limerick challenge (http://www.skepticforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=90&start=40).

I made my introduction (http://www.skepticforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=5&start=363) there (including a nice recipe for Chipmunk Stew), if you wish to take a look.

I hope that one day I too may have my own avatar and be privy to all the inside banter. Hey! Since you already <s>blame</s> credit me for your being here...if you find any inside banter, be sure to pass on the dirt! Especially if it is about me...

Welcome, Chipmunk Stew!

[espritch]

Welcome, Chimpmunk Stew. By the way, how many chipmunks does it take to make a pound of diced chipmunk?

[arthwollipot]

Um, about a pound?

[tim]

I didn't know chipmunks played with dice ?!?

[jgravelle]

I... I'm sorry... :con2:

I was looking for the men's room...


-jjg


(*Edited for punctuation... first impressions and all that)

[tim]

Originally posted by jgravelle
I... I'm sorry... :con2:

I was looking for the mens' room...


-jjg

Well don't use this thread!
Welcome to the forum!

[arthwollipot]

I believe there's one in Phil's Pub (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53764). Down the hall and to your right.

[chipmunk stew]

Originally posted by espritch
Welcome, Chimpmunk Stew. By the way, how many chipmunks does it take to make a pound of diced chipmunk?
Not sure, but I could tell you how much wood a woodchuck would chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.


Thank you all for the friendly welcome.

[chipmunk stew]

Originally posted by tim
I didn't know chipmunks played with dice ?!?
Hm. I didn't know wombats shaved. Something new every day.

[jgravelle]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
I believe there's one in Phil's Pub (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53764).

Thanks, but I've had my Phil for today.

-jjg

[tim]

Originally posted by chipmunk stew
Hm. I didn't know wombats shaved. Something new every day.

It's not a question of choice, sadly. At TAM3 the evil group of female posters (aka the "Skepchicks") seized me with malice aforthought (and you should see what they did to him!) and brutally shaved me against my will. Despite the valiant attempts of my wombat guards - Luciana, MLynn and MoFaux - Renata, Girl 6 and their henchchicks shaved off my moustache in an evil initiation ritual.
Now you see what can happen to innocent marsupials here you may wish to reconsider your membership ................
:eek: :eek: :eek:

[chipmunk stew]

Originally posted by tim
Now you see what can happen to innocent marsupials here you may wish to reconsider your membership ................
:eek: :eek: :eek: *gulp* Thanks for the warning...

[Kiless]

Originally posted by tim
It's not a question of choice, sadly. At TAM3 the evil group of female posters (aka the "Skepchicks") seized me with malice aforthought (and you should see what they did to him!) and brutally shaved me against my will. Despite the valiant attempts of my wombat guards - Luciana, MLynn and MoFaux - Renata, Girl 6 and their henchchicks shaved off my moustache in an evil initiation ritual.

LOL!!! It was bloody fantastic and I reckon you loved every minute of it. It happened so fast, I mostly got blurred photographs, that's my only complaint. :D

[tim]

As you can see from the above, Chipmunk, Kiless was one of those who treated me so unkindly. (sob). And she rationalises her cruelty by telling herself I enjoyed it.........

[rharbers]

I should have posted here first, but I just missed it.

Ronald R. Harbers
53 years
Grandfather of 3
Religion-none
Politics-Liberal (I mean the true kind)
I love my wife.
I love history and non-fiction books.
I love beer.
I love barbecue.
I love swordsmanship.
I love jazz.

I hate all liars, preachers, priests, shamans and pretenders.
I hate rap music.
I hate anchovies.

[Gaga]

Originally posted by rharbers
[...]I hate anchovies.
aww too bad. You don't qualify for membership for just one thing :D

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by rharbers
I should have posted here first, but I just missed it.

Ronald R. Harbers
53 years
Grandfather of 3
Religion-none
Politics-Liberal (I mean the true kind)
I love my wife.
I love history and non-fiction books.
I love beer.
I love barbecue.
I love swordsmanship.
I love jazz.

I hate all liars, preachers, priests, shamans and pretenders.
I hate rap music.
I hate anchovies.

You hate ANCHOVIES!?!?!

Get off the board!!! :p

[chipmunk stew]

Originally posted by rharbers
I should have posted here first, but I just missed it.

Ronald R. Harbers
53 years
Grandfather of 3
Religion-none
Politics-Liberal (I mean the true kind)
I love my wife.
I love history and non-fiction books.
I love beer.
I love barbecue.
I love swordsmanship.
I love jazz.

I hate all liars, preachers, priests, shamans and pretenders.
I hate rap music.
I hate anchovies. I rather like rap music (of a sort). Aside from that though, if you invite me over for a barbecue, I'll leave my CDs at home and I think we'll get along just fine. :w2:

[arthwollipot]

Originally posted by rharbers
I love swordsmanship.

Oooo! Pray, tell more!

I'm currently studying Tower Manuscript I.33. What styles are you interested in?

[tim]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
You hate ANCHOVIES!?!?!

Get off the board!!! :p

Roadtoad, anchovies are the spawn of Satan! They are disgusting, foul-smelling, slimy, revolting pieces of rotten fish. I cannot find any saving grace in an anchovy whatsoever. Let Satan take them all down to hell and feed them to tortured souls who burn in eternal hellfire. The anchovy torture would be worse that the flames!
:p ;)

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by tim
Roadtoad, anchovies are the spawn of Satan! They are disgusting, foul-smelling, slimy, revolting pieces of rotten fish. I cannot find any saving grace in an anchovy whatsoever. Let Satan take them all down to hell and feed them to tortured souls who burn in eternal hellfire. The anchovy torture would be worse that the flames!
:p ;)

But they taste sooooooo good on a pizza. (Especially Pepperoni.)

Not so good, though, on tacos, the PREFERRED, BLESSED, EXALTED, HONORED, and even REQUIRED comestible of this board. :D

[rharbers]

Originally posted by arthwollipot
Oooo! Pray, tell more!

I'm currently studying Tower Manuscript I.33. What styles are you interested in?

I am a student of Kenjutsu, the art of Japanese swordsmanship. I'm also interested in the European Swords Arts. The art I live is probably best described as Bujutsu, since I study all weapons.

I'm sorry to offend all the "Anchovie Lovers" out there. I just can't stand them, and I will eat anything.

I also apologize to the"Rappers". It's your time in the sun now, so I should just lie on the porch with the big dogs.

If anyone is in Peeltown, Texas you are invited to stop by the "Barbarojas" for beer and barbecue. I have a "Pit" that truly is a "Man's Toy"; to die for. It's built to roll across the U.S!

Thanks for the welcome.

[Gaga]

"bigoi in salsa" (spaghetti with anchovies - mandatory dish if you want to live in venice)
chop a couple of small sweet green onions, let them go in a fryin pan with some oil till they're soft. add some chopped anchovies (the small ones preserved in oil) with some chopped capers. add a little water or white wine and let it go with small fire stirring every once in a while.
take a pot of water to boiling, add salt, throw in 100 g spaghetti per person, wait till they're done (ca. 12 min) drop them in the colander (let some cold water run or you'll ruin the sink piping;) )
dry them and pass them for 30 sec in the pan with the sauce with high fire.
Serve with 4 liter white wine per person.:D

Rharbers, you'll like the anchovies this way, if not, the wine will stun you enough to make you forget you've eaten them...

[rharbers]

Originally posted by Gaga
Rharbers, you'll like the anchovies this way, if not, the wine will stun you enough to make you forget you've eaten them... [/B]

Well, I'll try anything. The wine is a safe bet. I'm sure!:D

[Riddick]

someone mentioned they couldn't see me in my pic, so here is a gratuitous "better lighted' looksee:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/Riddick51/Riddick51-1125m.jpg

rharbers forgot to mention he hates losing to OU every year :D

[Dr Adequate]

Originally posted by rharbers
I should have posted here first, but I just missed it.

Ronald R. Harbers
53 years
Grandfather of 3
Religion-none
Politics-Liberal (I mean the true kind)
I love my wife.
I love history and non-fiction books.
I love beer.
I love barbecue.
I love swordsmanship.
I love jazz.

I hate all liars, preachers, priests, shamans and pretenders.
I hate rap music.
I hate anchovies. Some anchovies, priests, and preachers are okay. They do their honest best, even the anchovies. However, none of them should ever be put on pizza.

Rap music --- I'm with you. Music without a tune. That's the best idea since dehydrated water.

Idiots.

[Dr Adequate]

Originally posted by Riddick
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/Riddick51/Riddick51-1125m.jpg I've filed that in my favorites list, troll, and next time you get personal with anyone, I'm going point out that according to you you look like this.

[rharbers]

Originally posted by Riddick
someone mentioned they couldn't see me in my pic, so here is a gratuitous "better lighted' looksee:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/Riddick51/Riddick51-1125m.jpg

rharbers forgot to mention he hates losing to OU every year :D

I hate to disappoint you, but "I'm a Sooner Fan", though I do not follow the sports beat much. :D

Some anchovies, priests, and preachers are okay

Alright anchovies! ;)

[treble_head]

I guess at this point, I should introduce myself. I never knew this thread was here, cuz... I'm kinda slow. I sorta got here through Penn & Teller (their show, that is. I don't know them).

I am a stand-up comedian (don't laugh... or... wait... do. I don't know anymore) who subsidises his already high pay by selling fireplaces and patio furniture.

I'd say I've had a great start here on the forums so far. I got drunk and yelled at Rebecca without knowing anything about her,(if you're going to pitch a home run, pitch a big one, I always say) broke rule 2 twice by mentioning Penn & Teller's show and posted to the limerick challenge without reading the rules.

Seriosuly, though, I have had an awexome time on here, met some great people, working on weirding up the Three Word Story even more than it's alredy been (Thanks, Chimpunk Stew, Javalar, (sorry about the wingus, didn't know where that'd go), Shemp, Arthwollipot, etc. Anyway, enough about me, let's talk about Mayday. (she'd like that).

[Eos of the Eons]

*blinks* I don't know if I've seen you around the science threads though, so I must say I don't recognize your avatar.

So welcome!

Do you have any skepticism in your stand up routine?

Funnily enough I was at Yuk Yuk's in Red Deer only last night. Not too bad. Seen better. Seen Worse.

I have to go read Rule 2 now...

[Ducky]

Originally posted by Girl 6
Generally speaking, Diezel usually takes this on. But, he's been asleep at the wheel while I continue with my quest for world domination. :D

Anyway, I want to extend a warm welcome to the new posters to the board. I've noticed that we've had quite a few of them post already. But, if you wouldn't mind, please take this opportunity to introduce yourselves and tell us what lead you here. Also, don't pass up a chance to criticize the management. ;)

It's nice to see the new faces and soon, the new avatars! Welcome everyone!!

G6

Hi there!

Glad to be here. I'm David - I live in St. Paul and work as a musician and sound engineer (both recording and live) when not underwriting mortgages...

As for what lead I am, I'm a fairly common isotope, but perhaps I contain kryptonite within! I challenge superman to prove otherwise!

Okay bad joke...

[Phideaux]

I haven't had much time to post, but I've been enjoying browsing the threads here. I intend to lurk when I can.

Thanks to everyone here for interesting posts!

I've been an active poster at the Recovery from Mormonism site for 10 years where I am an advocate for rational thinking.

I'm astounded at what people will believe because they want to. I've recommended books by Randi there more times than I can count.

I'm female, 52, and retired from my job in microbiology and clinical chemistry.

I've been a Shermer groupie, able to meet him 3 times now. I'm grateful to people like Randi, Shermer, and Dawkins who try to educate. Sometimes I throw up my hands and feel like giving up on humanity. Let's just say I don't get the impression humans are all that bright, myself included.

Thankfully sites like this show honest intellectual inquiry (as well as humor) is alive and well.

[espritch]

fowlsound:
As for what lead I am, I'm a fairly common isotope, but perhaps I contain kryptonite within! I challenge superman to prove otherwise!

I don't get it.


Luckily, bad jokes aren't a bannable offense around here, or I'd have been kicked out years ago. Welcome, fowlsound.

Phideaux:
I haven't had much time to post, but I've been enjoying browsing the threads here. I intend to lurk when I can.

Feel free to wade right in. By the way, is that pronounced Fido? Welcome to the board.

[Chaos]

Originally posted by fowlsound

As for what lead I am, I'm a fairly common isotope, but perhaps I contain kryptonite within! I challenge superman to prove otherwise!


Stable or unstable isotope?

If it´s the former, you can go to the Phil´s Pub thread to do some bonding on the molecular level.
If it´s the latter, you will find that Phil´s Pub is also the perfect place to decay.

But either way, if you go to the Skepticism and the Paranormal forum you mind get the nucles of your sanity shattered from exposure to some truly exotic elements.

[Ducky]

Originally posted by Chaos
Stable or unstable isotope?

If it´s the former, you can go to the Phil´s Pub thread to do some bonding on the molecular level.
If it´s the latter, you will find that Phil´s Pub is also the perfect place to decay.

But either way, if you go to the Skepticism and the Paranormal forum you mind get the nucles of your sanity shattered from exposure to some truly exotic elements.

I would say stable isotope, though a trip to the pub is sounding like a good idea!

actually what brought me here was Bob Carroll's Skeptic's Dictionary website. A while back I saw White Noise with some friends during my recovery from surgery, and got into a huge argument with a friend that also thinks he's psychic (good comic relief when he couldn't find us in the theater after the movie.)

I ended up writing Bob an email on his EVP entry and he quoted me in the entry. (Rather flattering! I was happy.)

www.skepdic.com/evp.html is the link I believe...

Anyway, it brought me here, and I just had to donate!

The list of applicants is hysterical by the way. I'm rooting for the guy who can call down UFO's! That's good comedy!

You know, illusionists used to do all this and have no pretense that it wasn't anything but entertainment. What's the rush to claim it is real?

[Chaos]

Originally posted by fowlsound

You know, illusionists used to do all this and have no pretense that it wasn't anything but entertainment. What's the rush to claim it is real?

Two things:

1. "Let´s show those close-minded skeptics..."

2. One Million Dollar... need I say more?

[Ducky]

Originally posted by Chaos
Two things:

1. "Let´s show those close-minded skeptics..."

2. One Million Dollar... need I say more?

I agree, though I have I guess the following points (which are probably self evident.)

1. were they not hugged enough as a child?

2. Penn & Teller make the big bucks (along with copperfield et. all.) and don't claim any supernatural powers. It's just useless to do so. People will still be entertained - unless all you do in your act is talk some garbage. I invoke Occam's razor here.

[Jon.]

Hi all!

I'm a new member, a lawyer in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I've been posting at alt.atheism for a little while now, and came across JREF while browsing semi-randomly on wikipedia.

I want to combat the forces of darkness that are threatening in the USA, as exemplified by the ID'ers and their anti-evolution crusade.

I am also very concerned about what I see as a rise in anti-intellectualism in the media and society generally, especially in North America. This manifests itself as a distrust of science, especially modern medicine, and a growth in pseudosciences like homeopathy.

My other interests are music (especially prog rock and classic rock), humour, and my 2-year old son (and his sibling, set to arrive in about 3 months).

I plan to lurk here for a while before posting. What I've seen so far makes me think this will be a fun place to hang out.

Jon.

[Kiless]

hello! Read the commentaries and found the link. :) Don't like anchovies! :p

[Chaos]

Originally posted by Auden
hello! Read the commentaries and found the link. :) Don't like anchovies! :p

Pretty short for a first post :(

Oh well... brevity is the soul of wit, I guess.

In other words: welcome to the forum.

[tim]

Hi to everyone who's posted in the last week - I've been away for a little break. Anyone who detests anchovies, welcome. Anyone who likes them - never mind, we all have our cross to bear.
Chaos - I've had a great holiday, so your sins are forgiven. For the moment .........
:p ;)

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by Auden
hello! Read the commentaries and found the link. :) Don't like anchovies! :p

Obviously a fascist, or a commie.

Welcome, anyway. :p

[tim]

Roadtoad, anchovies? Yech! :p ;)

[LibraryLady]

I've been posting for a little while but haven't really introduced myself.

Not revealing my real name yet....

I'm 51 this week, grand-aunt of four little boys, and spoiling them nicely, thank you very much.

I used to post on the Skeptics listserv moderated by Taner Edis, but it got waaaaaaay too vitrolic for me and I dropped off. I was lead here by my respect for Mr. Randi, and have been lurking for quite some time.

I love:

Budgies
Babies
Books
Lewis Carroll (you didn't think they were all going to start with B did you?)
Information
House, MD
Mysteries set in small English villages

I hate:

Relentlessly cheerful people
People who try to foist their religious views on me
Spiders (not afraid, but they bite me)
Insincerity
And yes....anchovies

[tim]

OK, LL, your in! Anchovies are the spawn of Satan. If he existed, of course.
Three great grand-nephews? Pah. three grand-daughters and a grandson. And I'm 55 - last 7th April!
Just 'cos I'm stretching the years a bit don't mean you stop using your brain................
Welcome again!

[Zep]

Mmmmmm! Anchovies...!

http://www.babbonyc.com/images/food/anchovies-360.jpg

[Roadtoad]

NOW you're talking!

[treble_head]

I just... it... ummm... Canned meat. Ugh. :nope:

[Roadtoad]

You take them and grill them, and serve them with a composed salad. If you use garlic infused oil, they really taste great.

They're also great on a bed of couscous.

[LibraryLady]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
You take them and grill them, and serve them with a composed salad.

As opposed to an agitated salad?

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by LibraryLady
As opposed to an agitated salad?

Very funny.

It means you actually arrange the components of the salad, so it looks appealing.

Working in a library I thought you'd know that. :p

[LibraryLady]

Originally posted by Roadtoad
Very funny.

It means you actually arrange the components of the salad, so it looks appealing.

Working in a library I thought you'd know that. :p

Wrong department; that would be Science.

And I forgot to add that I love puns.

[rharbers]

I was beginning to believe that just a few of us were prejudice against the Anchovy. Now there are a "School" of us. By the way, I dislike sardines too.:p

[espritch]

I was beginning to believe that just a few of us were prejudice against the Anchovy. Now there are a "School" of us. By the way, I dislike sardines too.

Well, maybe the sardine aren't too fond of you either. Did you ever think of that? I didn't think so.

P.S. We are not taking the bait. This thread will not become a feeding frenzy of bad fish puns. We will not be reeled in so easily. I'm affaid you'll have to cast your net elsewhere.

[treble_head]

Originally posted by espritch
Well, maybe the sardine aren't too fond of you either. Did you ever think of that? I didn't think so.

Actually, I mull that over on a regular basis. Is that weird?

[arthwollipot]

I don't think it's all that weird that you mull it.

[treble_head]

Cool. So my online jorurnal about sardine fondness is cool too, right.

[tim]

Zep, you're a sick, sick, person........

[Zep]

Originally posted by treble_head
Cool. So my online journal about sardine fondness is cool too, right. I'm not really sure this is THAT kind of place to explore your personal "fondnesses". Perhaps SC would be more open and non-work-friendly for that, hmmm? :D
Originally posted by tim
Zep, you're a sick, sick, person........ Too many of them there anchovies will do that to me, yes. Moderation is the key. Just one tin per meal, you daily average serve of anchovies, is all that is required...

[moonbeam]

Hello!

This is my very first post, and it sure feels strange knowing what I say is going to end up for ba-Zillions to read.

Thanks to my boyfriend, I am a huge fan of this site. I love all the bantering and weird and hilarious posts here, and usually I am trying to catch up on all the latest great stuff that I don't have time left in the evening to actually write.

I've questioned the whole god thing for a while, but felt nervous about trying to speak my mind, lacking the right thing to say to prove my reason for not believing. My mother grew up catholic ( shame on me for everything) and my grandparents are methodist. Mostly none of it really felt right and the bible is laughable. I have many times felt the urge to reply to a post, but being such a newbie, I feel a teeny bit intimidated at the wealth of knowledge. So I am content to sit back and read for the most part, and laugh with you.

About me: I'm 43, female, from upstate NY in the counrty, not the city! I love cats, humor, honesty, and the night sky, possibly in that order! :D I dislike deceit.

Thanks for providing a place for my first post to feel comfortable.

[Mr. Skinny]

Hi moonbeam,

Welcome to the forum. Glad you broke the ice (so to speak) and made your first post.

I sorts remember my first post. I think there were about three or four hundred members back then. Like you, I had enjoyed lurking for a few months and felt I might get to know some of the people here.

Hope you enjoy it here and make some good friends.

[David Carroll]

I normally avoid these threads as I don't like talking about myself but it's cold in here without my avatar to keep me warm so I've got to get my post count up.
:D

Fifty going on fifteen, married with children and grandchildren. Poor as a churchmouse but I keep on trying. Like fishing, fish-keeping, long walks with my wife, and disputing the viewpoints of extremists. Despise extremists, ideological hacks and yankees who move to Florida and then carp about how much "better" thing were back home.

And that's all yer gettin' fer now.:cool:

[Soseki]

Wow, where to start with introducing myself...I've already posted a few times ( less than 5) so far, but I've been lurking for well over a year already. I'm a 25 year-old male Brit, based in Northern Japan for the last two years...will be in NYC from this August doing postgraduate work in the City.

I guess the reason I started　reading, and later posting, was because I spent a significant part of my youth messing around with ghosts, UFOs, Bigfoot, psychic literature and so on...yet for some reason, however intellectually fascinated I was by the possibility of it all, some part of it never quite rang true. After all, if any of this was verifiably true, it would be of huge significance...and yet it never made the mainstream media. That alone was enough to make me wonder, and eventually I found my way here.

I regret that I'm not even remotely qualified in any form of science...although I am pretty good when it comes to Japan and related subjects.

As they say over here, よ����願�致���。

In the hope that I will learn something, and perhaps even be able to contribute from time to time,

Soseki

[David Carroll]

Welcome Soseki, from another newbie. Uh, what does that mean?


39 Woo-hoo! I can see the avatar at the end of the tunnel!

[Soseki]

Thanks! Um, yeah, it's kinda hard to translate into good English, but it means something like "May we have a good relationship" or perhaps slightly more naturally, "I look forward to working with you all..."

Soseki

(working towards that Avatar...keep reaching for the rainbow!)

[David Carroll]

I'm envious of you. I'd love to learn to speak and read Japanese should I ever find the time. Are the characters difficult to learn?

(edit)

Ah, the warmth...so nice and toasty warm now. Sigh...

[Soseki]

Sorry 'bout the delay...

Yeah, Japanese has to be one of the world's most clunky writing systems, I reckon. The characters aren't so hard to learn individually, but you need to know a lot of them (over 1500 or so) in order to be functionally literate, and unlike Chinese each usually has at least two possible readings, which vary sometimes quite arbitrarily.

The funny thing is that the language itself is actually relatively simple, at least compared to European languages. It would have been much more sensible to use a phonetic script like roman characters, but unfortunately Chinese characters were all that was available around 600 A.D....one accident of geography and we're all screwed.

So when people ask me why I started doing Japanese, and I say "masochism", I'm only half joking...

[treble_head]

Soseki... Hajimimashite! Dozo Yoroshiku.

Have fun here. there's a lot to be had. A lot of frustration too, but at the end of the day, it's really great to talk with so many great people.

Oh, and I don't know much Japanese. (so don't send me a message in Kanji or anything...) That greeting is one of about 10 things I remember from 2 semesters of Japanese class. I do remember that Japanese girls love the phrase "Kireina hitomi dane" (you have beautiful eyes). I've had experience in that one. Full invitation to use it. :D

[Soseki]

I do remember that Japanese girls love the phrase "Kireina hitomi dane" (you have beautiful eyes). I've had experience in that one. Full invitation to use it.

Hahaha, that's awesome. I'm going to try that one out. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks also for the welcome...I've really got a lot out of the site over the last year or so, and thought I might as well get involved. I do fear for the sanity of some of the members who try to engage the more, um, outlandish posters...I don't know how they do it...e.g. the MAS bunch. You're better men and women than I, I'd have thrown my hands up in despair long ago.

[Dredred]

Hello!
I'm new here, although this is not my first post, but my twentysomethingth, so i should rephrase that as "I'm relatively new here", or something.
I'm a 29 y/o male and I live in the Netherlands. I've never had any scientific training, i've only recently discovered the value of skepticism, partly due to watching Penn&Teller's Bullsh*t shows (season 1 and 2, i'm less enthusiastic about the 3rd season). I discovered how good it feels to rid yourself of superstitions. For example, I actually sort of believed there exist psychics who can know things about you because they can see your aura, until i read about things like cold reading and emotion-color synaesthesia. I sort of believed these things because i know very decent people who are convinced they are clairvoyant and can see auras. And also because i've had experiences myself that i still can't explain rationally. But i drew the line when I discovered a collegue of mine is a Sai Baba devotee, an art project i helped to create, made of gem-stones, was being sold (to my surprise) as posessing 'healing' power, and a couple of friends of mine have taken up the habit of drinking their own piss every morning (seriously), because they think it cures just about anything. So those things, too, made me want to know more about the skeptic point of view, and that's how I discovered this excellent forum. I'm really impressed by the level of discussion here. It's very educational and entertaining.

Niels

[espritch]

and a couple of friends of mine have taken up the habit of drinking their own piss every morning (seriously)

Sadly, this is not the first time I've heard of this. It makes you wonder if there is any nonsense so silly that no one would fall for it.

Welcome to the board.

[Dredred]

Originally posted by espritch
Sadly, this is not the first time I've heard of this. It makes you wonder if there is any nonsense so silly that no one would fall for it.

Exactly. BTW, I think basing your way of life on the teachings of a multi-millionaire gay rapist fraud that impresses people by 'materializing' holy watches (Sai Baba), and spending your hard earned money on trips to India to be near him, is right up there with drinking your own piss.

[SezMe]

Originally posted by Dredred
Exactly. BTW, I think basing your way of life on the teachings of a multi-millionaire gay rapist fraud that impresses people by 'materializing' holy watches (Sai Baba), and spending your hard earned money on trips to India to be near him, is right up there with drinking your own piss.
Worthy of a sig! Maybe your own? Welcome.

[chran]

Hello all!

Long time reader, first time poster.

I'm a guy from Denmark who really enjoys reading Randi's commentaries and also you guy's posts.

I mostly come here, to get "ammunition" to use against people believing in paranormal things - sometimes I'm confronted with a claim that such-and-such is true, and I would like to be able to have the perfect retort. Most times I find it on here, AFTER the fact :)

Anyway, I also donated $50 out of my meager funds to the JREF and now I'm a proud, card-carrying member and also the owner of a cool coffee mug! w00t!

I look forward to posting with ya'll!

[espritch]

I look forward to posting with ya'll!

I'm impressed. You managed to use "ya'll" in correct context even though it is not standard english. Most Yankee Americans (a.k.a, Northerners) can't seem to figure that out. You'd obviously make a good Southerner. So welcome to the board. :D

[Fengirl]

I guess it’s time to post a “hello�…

I’ve been a reader/lurker for a little while, and this is rapidly becoming my favourite place to browse. I’ve loved reading the threads, and am hugely grateful to many of the regular posters, for giving me a lot of “light-bulb� moments…and probably more genuine “laugh-out-loud� moments than I’ve experienced anywhere else on the web! This feels like a community that I would like to be a part of. Taking a skeptical, atheistic, freethinking road through life can often be a lonely experience, I find….and this forum is an antidote to that feeling of being the “lone voice of reason� in an unreceptive world.

I can only echo Chran’s comment about finding the arguments explored on this forum to be an invaluable source of ammunition/defence when confronted by the nonsense, superstition and quackery spouted by so many I meet.

A few personal details: I live in Cambridgeshire, England, I’m 39, married with dogs. My background is in psychology, and I’m around a third of the way to qualifying as a lawyer.

A big “thanks� to all who have contributed to this forum….those I agree with, AND those I don’t…you have been a true inspiration.

[Smike]

Originally posted by Fengirl
...snip... I’m 39, married with dogs ...snip...

"married with dogs"?

Tell me you mean that you are married, and that you own some dogs.

Please.

Even if it isn't true.

Oh, and welcome to the forum! ;)

[Fengirl]

Smike…..Smike…..(thank you for the welcome! )

1. I am married.
2. I have dogs (no kids).

To clear up any confusion, I am not married TO dogs.

Don’t get me wrong….dogs are great….but not THAT great, eh?!

[treble_head]

Originally posted by Fengirl
Smike…..Smike…..(thank you for the welcome! )

1. I am married.
2. I have dogs (no kids).

To clear up any confusion, I am not married TO dogs.

Don’t get me wrong….dogs are great….but not THAT great, eh?!

But you bought the dogs, right? You didn't HAVE them instead of HAVING kids?

I can see the headlines: Cambridgeshire woman, 39, gives birth to beautiful litter of puppies. This is all to strange for me.

Oh, and welcome, by the way.

[Fengirl]

Right…OK…a lesson learned. I see that I am going to have to be exceptionally precise on this forum, to avoid a roasting!

“Cambridgeshire woman gives birth to litter of puppies�…..If only this had been true….That $1,000,000 prize would be MINE…ALL MINE, I tell you!

[chran]

Originally posted by espritch
I'm impressed. You managed to use "ya'll" in correct context even though it is not standard english. Most Yankee Americans (a.k.a, Northerners) can't seem to figure that out. You'd obviously make a good Southerner. So welcome to the board. :D Well, I've seen all the episodes of Britney Spears' "show" Chaotic (http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show.cgi?show=149) (*cough*Download*cough*) so I've certainly heard it enough times :D

Thank you for the welcome!

And Fengirl? Giving birth to puppies isn't a paranormal claim :)

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by espritch
I'm impressed. You managed to use "ya'll" in correct context even though it is not standard english. Most Yankee Americans (a.k.a, Northerners) can't seem to figure that out. You'd obviously make a good Southerner. So welcome to the board. :D
I'm sorry, but as an "almost" Southerner, I've gotta correct y'all and say that the apostrophe is after the "y", not after the "a". It does stand for "you all" after all, y'all.

[chran]

Originally posted by Mr. Skinny
I'm sorry, but as an "almost" Southerner, I've gotta correct y'all and say that the apostrophe is after the "y", not after the "a". It does stand for "you all" after all, y'all. D'oh! Thanks for the correction.

[espritch]

I'm sorry, but as an "almost" Southerner, I've gotta correct y'all and say that the apostrophe is after the "y", not after the "a". It does stand for "you all" after all, y'all.

Ok. Point conceeded. I guess you can be a Southerner too. Just don't go getting upitty on us.

[Dr Adequate]

Originally posted by moonbeam
Thanks to my boyfriend, I am a huge fan of this site... I hope he has something else to recommend him.

But, since you're here anyway... welcome to the forums!

[moonbeam]

Originally posted by Dr Adequate
I hope he has something else to recommend him.

:confused: Stutter...stammer...well...I'm not quite sure what you mean by this statement. Who is "he" and who is "him"?

Thank you for the welcome, it is a cool place to hang out! :cool: