BIG thanks to Hal!!

[Girl 6]

Hi Everyone,

It's my bad, certainly. But, I want to correct it! I want to give a BIG, HUGE thanks to Hal for being the Master of Ceremonies. I should have said something while I was on the podium, but it escaped me at the time.

So, everyone, chime in and express your thanks! He kept the meeting humming along and lended a bit of humor when needed. I also was very moved by what he said about the space shuttle Columbia and it's crew. I appreciate that you allowed us some time to absorb the shock with some dignity.

Hal, you rock!! :D And, I love the tights! But, could you wear some fishnets next time? ;)

G6

[UKBoy1977]

I agree. We were treated to a lot of very smart people this weekend but Hal impressed me more than anyone (along with Randi, of course!). He has such a quick wit and is so absorbing to listen to, he could go into politics or be a comedian. In fact I think he could do pretty much anything he wanted to!

Such a combination of intellect and personality is rare!

[markb]

Hal, king of the bad puns!

You rock, Hal!

[Pete]

Another agreement. Before the conference, I wasn't sure what to expect. I told a friend, "There's an Air Force Colonel who likes to dress as Alexander Hamilton coming." His talk was one of the highlights of the weekend. He's one helluva guy.

[Brown]

Just curious: did Hal tell the ten-dollar-bill joke ("What is this, a bribe?" "No, it's my I.D.!")?

[Ed Baehr]

I too was wondering what to expect of this Hal guy. I applaud the amount of work he did during the meeting and can't begin to imagine the amount of work done by him behind the scenes. The JREF is fortunate to be associated with someone of his caliber. I have been converted into a Halite. (which will also melt ice)
Hal, as far as I'm concerned, you can do anything you want with those pod bay doors!
Ed Baehr

[seraph9k]

Agreed. Hal did an incredible job with anything he touched, but there were three highlights for me:

1) His handling of the Columbia disaster. Halting the meeting for an hour so we could all catch our breath was, I think, absolutely the best possible response to a difficult situation. Add to that his "they were doing what they wanted to do..." speech was particularly appropriate (and from where I was sitting, not an easy speech for him to give), and Hal deserves kudos for it.

2) His "not all skeptics are atheists" comment was especialy welcome. (I tried to corner him several times throughout the rest of the conference to thank him for it, and was unable to do so--so, I'll take this opportunity to say "Thanks for that, Bidlock. Some of us were feeling rather alienated until that moment, and the comment opened a much needed dialog. I, for one, thank you--and I'm sure several others do as well.)

3) Okay, _Hamilton Lives_. I must confess that I went into this thinking "Okay, it seems a fair exchange to let Bidlock do his thing in exchange for all his work," but I left deeply stimulated intellectually by the presentation, and I think THAT'S exactly what this conference was about. He made me rethink a lot of my previous views of the Hamilton/Jefferson issue, and I think it just goes to show that skepticism and critical thinking are necessary in all things--and shouldn't be equated with science alone.

So, are we going to make him do this all again next year? The guy probably needs a break after all the work this year, but I do hope he'll continue to play a BIG role in future Amaz!ng Meetings.

Seraph9k

(Edited to correct "Challenger" to "Columbia", thanks for the heads up, Denise!)

[Jack of Hearts]

Hal was positively one of the most collected, professional and generous people I have ever met. He did not allow the news of the tragedy to interfere with any aspect of his responsibilities, so far as I am aware, though he was surely and sorely affected. He has earned my admiration and respect.


John

[darling]

Hal is excellent.

I swear he dosn't get my humor at all, but that's OK (his only fault is that he went to UofM.)

[sadluxation]

Not only is Hal a smart, funny and surprisingly modest guy. He doubles for an excellent alarm clock.

If only i could take him with me. I'd never be late.
:D

[Walter Wayne]

Thanks Hal,

What they said. Awesome job.

Walt

[Mr. Skinny]

I didn't get to attend the AM :mad: , but I know Hal to be a fine individual from observing the way he operates on the forum.

This thread is a really nice tribute to Hal, and given that he has always represented the US Air Force as well, I think he ought to print out this thread when its run its course, and give it to his supervisor as input for his next performance evaluation at work.

I know Hal doesn't need too much "filler" to make his performance evaluation look good, but sometimes it's appropriate to gild the lily.

----
2) His "not all skeptics are atheists" comment was especialy welcome.
----


That is correct, not all. But, any guesses at the % of skeptics that are atheists?

I'd wager that it is well over 60%.

I'd wager that the correlation is statistically significant.

[RichardR]

You could virtually set your watch to the times the different speakers started. (Well, maybe except from the last afternoon ;) ) Something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. Great job.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Hal was the surprise delight of the proceedings. I enjoyed every introduction he made, his talk, and especially Alexander Hamilton. He handled the tragedy with aplomb. Many of his jokes were truly horrible.

Thanks, Hal!

~~ Paul

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Girl 6
So, everyone, chime in and express your thanks! He kept the meeting humming along and lended a bit of humor when needed. I also was very moved by what he said about the space shuttle Columbia and it's crew. I appreciate that you allowed us some time to absorb the shock with some dignity.


Hal rocked. Period.

I was going to post a poll asking how much sleep people thought he got with responses like:

1. An hour
2. An hour or so
3. 1-2 hours
4. 2 hours

I realized how stupid that would be, a man with as much on his plate as he has does not sleep at all.

-----

When Hal announced the loss of Columbia, I was taken back to an event in 1983 - the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beruit. I was in Chapel that morning, at Protestant services in Grafenwoehr, FRG. I cannot remember who in the command structure made the announcement, but it wasn't the Chaplain. Whoever it was delivered the news with the same gravitas, respect and military bearing that Hal did 22 and 1/2 years later.

Thank you Hal.

I went outside for a cig, and to stare into the sky as I am want to do when I get bad news. After a while I noticed Hal come out and gaze across the lake. I've seen the look on his face before. I've seen it on my dad when he discussed with me (later in the day) the Elementary School massacre. I've seen it on the face of a WWII Marine who, while admitting to being on Iwo Jimi, refused to offer any details. I've seen it on the faces of FDNY firemen during the documentary "9/11" It's a look that is a combination of stoicism and heart breaking anguish that the military (and fire and police) seem to issue along with boots and a short haircut.

I knew I was invading his space, but I couldn't help myself. No matter how much I wished to empathize, I could only sympathize.

He went inside and I turned back to look for the egrets and herons so I could reinforce the fact that life on Earth continues despite human tragedy.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Brown
Just curious: did Hal tell the ten-dollar-bill joke ("What is this, a bribe?" "No, it's my I.D.!")?

After his Hamilton Lives I waved a sawback in the air instead of applauding.

One of these days I'd love to see a full presentation-in character questions-out of character questions- of Hamilton Lives.

[SkepticScott]

All I can say is, like so many others, "Thank you Hal". Your speech about the Columbia tragedy, and your smooth handling of everything made TAM a success!

[kittynh]

Hal, you were wonderful! I'm sorry if at one point I came up and started to just jabber at you while you gave me this look like, "who are you?", while being very polite! I just felt like your personality in real life is so like your postings that of course I know you! Please stay funny, just ignore those rude bores who claim your jokes were horrible! As for Hamilton, you were the best! I teach, and you should be in every classroom! Talk about making history come alive! Thanks!

[Marc]

I'm writing up something for the local newsletter on the event. Not much planned out on it yet, but do plan on giving a great review to all of Hal's work. I'm recomending him for hosting the next Acadamy Awards, maybe then it will run in a reasonable amount of time. :D

[The Bad Astronomer]

I too was very impressed with Hal. So much so that when a local paper called me for a comment about the Shuttle, I mentioned his short speech (http://www.pressdemocrat.com/search/#archive) (put the words "bidlack" and "plait" in the search engine).

Hal, you are an honorable man, and one for whom we all have a lot of respect. It was also fun verbally fencing with you!

[Quinn]

Just another vote of thanks to Hal for his work, his humor, and especially for the way he handled the unenviable task of breaking the Columbia news to us. He was the very essence of reason and dignity under fire, and his brief words about the tragedy were an inspiration to us all. I couldn't imagine a better place to have been when hearing such news, or a better messenger. Thanks Hal.

And be more careful with that hearing aid battery!

Quinn

Originally posted by seraph9k

2) His "not all skeptics are atheists" comment was especialy welcome. (I tried to corner him several times throughout the rest of the conference to thank him for it, and was unable to do so--so, I'll take this opportunity to say "Thanks for that, Bidlock. Some of us were feeling rather alienated until that moment, and the comment opened a much needed dialog. I, for one, thank you--and I'm sure several others do as well.)


Amen! :D

The timing of the remark also required a lot of guts.

You know, I spent a lot of time orbiting around Hal during the conference. Every comment made in this topic is right on the money. He is a man for all seasons.

Hal was the one person who I did not get a picture of myself with that I had pre-planned on doing so. It just never seemed to be the right time. I did not wish to disturb his momentum. And he just kept going, and going, and going. Like the Energizer rabbit.

Wit, charm, brilliance, energy. Just can't say enough.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Hal, we love ya, baby!

~~ Paul

[bignickel]

Hal was very enjoyable, and definitely, if not the the glue that held the convention together, at least some kind of advanced polymer.

I especially enjoyed the Alexander Hamilton presentation. We need a debate! Alexander Hamilton versus... Christopher Walkien! :)

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by seraph9k
His "not all skeptics are atheists" comment was especialy welcome. (I tried to corner him several times throughout the rest of the conference to thank him for it, and was unable to do so--so, I'll take this opportunity to say "Thanks for that, Bidlock. Some of us were feeling rather alienated until that moment, and the comment opened a much needed dialog. I, for one, thank you--and I'm sure several others do as well.)


A Yew-per (had to do it phoenetically)???? Where they have 3 seasons - winter, spring and deer? ;)

My dad was assigned to KI Sawyer from '79-'81. Except for the 3-20 feet of snow (yes, I've seen the markers in the Kewenaw Penninsula) each winter, I loved it up there. So eat a pastie on St. Urho's day in remembrance of your fellow skeptics, eh.

The point about skeptism = atheism has been a serious bone of contention for me. I am an atheist, but even if I weren't I'd be skeptical of UFOs, Cryptozoology, theraputic touch, revisionist history, Atlantis and supposed lost "halls of records," spirit mediums, psi, etc.

I feel that the skeptic movement does a disservice if it considers that one must be an atheist to be a "true skeptic." If for no other reason than it smacks the very same "religious" intollerance that atheists are supposedly so disdainful of.

The majority of people in America are religious. The majority are not woo woo young earth creationists who think Bob Tilton can give them riches and Benny Hinn can cure their cancer. The majority are just folks, trying to live their lives and - just like all of us - can really use a healthy does of skepticism or adivce and lessons in how to be more so about the myriad of things we both agree don't exist. There's no reason to let the whole "God thing" get in the way.

[Charlie in Dayton]

Not to be too schmaltzy or @$$-kissy about it...

Hal, ya did one helluva job, under mostly trying and at one point extremely adverse circumstances. If ya need any character references to help trade that oak leaf for an eagle, let me know. I have MS Word at the ready.

[Charlie in Dayton]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
A Yew-per (had to do it phoenetically)???? Where they have 3 seasons - winter, spring and deer? ;)

My dad was assigned to KI Sawyer from '79-'81. Except for the 3-20 feet of snow (yes, I've seen the markers in the Kewenaw Penninsula) each winter, I loved it up there. So eat a pastie on St. Urho's day in remembrance of your fellow skeptics, eh.

That's YOOPER, as in these guys... (http://www.dayoopers.com/)


Oh, to be on the road to Gwinn one more time... :D

[UnrepentantSinner]

Originally posted by Charlie in Dayton


That's YOOPER, as in these guys... (http://www.dayoopers.com/)


Oh, to be on the road to Gwinn one more time... :D

Hahahahahah. Sorry we didn't get more time to chat Charlie. I saw you several times and was going to intoduce myself, but I'm a lot more shy IRL than over the web.

It's been 20 years since I was in the UP so my proper use of local vernacular has eroded. I'll always remember that a successful car salesman must change his name from Ernest McKinney to Ernie Vukkumujian though. :)

[Finella]

Hi, all...

I'll join this love-fest for Hal, too... amazing to learn that someone from the military can be 1) a democrat, and 2) have a sense of humor. :) j/k.

I also want to thank Hal (more publicly) for speaking up on the athiest-skeptic/agnostic or religious/skeptic issue. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I accompanied my man to this conference, having very limited exposure to JREF and its groupies. But by that point in the day I was really beginning to feel uncomfy with this crowd and the group mood regarding religion and church attendance. Not that I expected people to really get seriously POd if I happened to want to go to church on Sunday, but it did make me feel like I could not relate to the entire group. So it was good to hear Hal speak up, and find that I needn't feel alienated. So to speak.

My salute to you, Hal...

---,---'--{@

[hal bidlack]

aw shucks.

thanks.

[Reager]

Ok everyone, I couldn't resist posting this as soon as pssible. Hal's contribution to the Amazing Meeting was truly extraordinary. Hence, I'd like to announce formation of The Unnoficial Hal Bidlack Fan Club!

Hal, please take this site in the spirit it is intended, that of genuine admiration and good humor.

http://www.rabidcat.com/bidlack

It's pretty bare at the moment, but I know if all of Hal's admirers contribute something we can make it as great as Hal!

Mike

[Patricio Elicer]

Hal,

You did a superb job, your wit, energy and sense of humor were amazing. Thanks so much for the effort.

And thank you for giving me the opportunity to be at the Randi table at the radio show, I'm already getting requests from Hollywood :D

PS
I'm still trying to remember who the hell made me speak at the show, to kick him in the nuts :D

[Walter Wayne]

Originally posted by hal bidlack
aw shucks.

thanks. Don't feel embarassed. As soon as we are over our initial sense of awe we will go back to the usual jibes and complaints.

Until then you must put up with our worship.

Walt

[Mr. Skinny]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
(snip)
PS
I'm still trying to remember who the hell made me speak at the show, to kick him in the nuts :D
It wasn't me, but when I listened to the broadcast, I could tell from the tension in your voice that you were thinking "If I screw this up, I'll never hear the end of it from Mr. Skinny" :D

[Girl 6]

Originally posted by Patricio Elicer
Hal,

You did a superb job, your wit, energy and sense of humor were amazing. Thanks so much for the effort.

And thank you for giving me the opportunity to be at the Randi table at the radio show, I'm already getting requests from Hollywood :D

PS
I'm still trying to remember who the hell made me speak at the show, to kick him in the nuts :D

pssst...

It was me! :D

G6

[Patricio Elicer]

Originally posted by Mr. Skinny
I could tell from the tension in your voice that you were thinking "If I screw this up, I'll never hear the end of it from Mr. Skinny" :D Exactly Skinny, but seems I didn't screw it up because I haven't heard anything from you, so far :D

Girl 6 Oops!, sorry. I withdraw the kick :D