Welcome new Members! Introduce yourselves here!

[Bell]

Originally Posted by BaldSeagull

Hi folks

I joined this forum about a year ago, but have only recently started logging in regularly.

I've spent a couple of weeks looking at Olympics "conspiracies" on the David Icke forums, but because of the absolute codswallop that's been posted over there about it (if you've been there, you'll know what I mean) decided to come and see some debunking, because if you start with debunking talk on there nowadays, you get naughty points and your account gets suspended.

That happened to me today. I got 10 naughty points yesterday for "derailing a thread" (putting forward a rational explanation for "chemtrails"), and another 10 naughty points today, and a temporary ban, again for "derailing a thread", with a post that I deleted, seconds after posting it.

The mods there, especially "Ex-Sheep", and Sean the webmaster, have become very trigger happy. I used to like visiting there, despite the abundance of gibbering lunatics, because you could post pretty much anything without sanction, and it was amusing to "debate" with some of the regular nutcases who post there, but recently they have been banning and suspending people left right and centre.

Anyway, it's good to read some rational thoughts and ideas on things for a change. I feel saner already.

Hi, welcome BaldSeagull!

Never been to Icke's forum, but it sounds like a nasty place. And to think that the conspiracy believers accuse the government (or lizards, or NWO, or the Jews or whomever) that *they* censor *them* and anybody who want to get the "truth" out...

[arthwollipot]

Originally Posted by BaldSeagull

...recently they have been banning and suspending people left right and centre.

The Icke forums, and the Olympic conspiracies in particular, recently got a shoutout on the Skeptics With A K podcast. I'd expect that there are quite a few skeptics recently joined just to see what it's all about, and they're getting points, suspensions and bans. The mods are probably a little oversensitive about it.

[Russ Fye]

Originally Posted by Fascination

Hello! I hope you like it here!

Thank you kindly! Peace

[farnarkle]

Hello, forums.

Came here from google for possible link to research, but joined because the threads are really interesting.

Will probably be a posting machine. Can't wait to get an avatar etc.

See you all in the threads!

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by farnarkle

Hello, forums.

Came here from google for possible link to research, but joined because the threads are really interesting.

I see you've made a start in The Thread That Will Not Die (TTTWND™ to its friends).

That should give you a good feel for the place.

Originally Posted by farnarkle

Will probably be a posting machine. Can't wait to get an avatar etc.

See you all in the threads!

Sounds good.

Welcome to the Forum!

[farnarkle]

Thanks for the welcome. And, yes, TTTWND was too good to not get involved in.

[Careyp74]

Originally Posted by farnarkle

Hello, forums.

Came here from google for possible link to research, but joined because the threads are really interesting.

Will probably be a posting machine. Can't wait to get an avatar etc.

See you all in the threads!

Hey again (other thread) you don't need any XP to at least get a custom title, if that interests you.

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.p...t=custom+title

[farnarkle]

Originally Posted by Careyp74

Hey again (other thread) you don't need any XP to at least get a custom title, if that interests you.

Sweet. Will have to get to thinking. This is an important decision...

[Dick Karp]

Hi folks,

Been a fan for a long time but joined because I found a neat new scam that appears not to have been noticed by any critics asall the first pages of Google are pumping it. It's a block of plastic with a hologram on it (and no power from any source) that claims to 'clear all EMF radiation for a 1000 foot radius. For this they want $120! I am going to try to figure out how to start a new thread for discussion.

Dick

[Akhenaten]

Hi there Dick.

I see you've managed to get your thread started so good for you and welcome to the Forum.

See you round like a rissole.

[Peter Dow]

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Still waiting until I can get full posting rights in this forum. How long is that again?

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by Peter Dow

Still waiting until I can get full posting rights in this forum. How long is that again?

If you're talking about the 15-posts-before-linking rule, it's still the same as when you brought it up in November, 2010.

Originally Posted by Peter Dow

Hi. I will make some token posts just now.

I feel this 15-posts-before-you-can-post-a-link rule restricts me from proper debate of who I am and what I have to offer education.

So I will just suggest that you visit my homepage and ask me 15 questions and I will post 15 very brief answers in 15 different posts.

Then once the rules here allow me to debate as the responsible educator I am, we can do that.

So to answer your question more precisely, at the current rate of posting you should be good to go in early 2016.

[Peter Dow]

Originally Posted by Akhenaten

If you're talking about the 15-posts-before-linking rule, it's still the same as when you brought it up in November, 2010.


So to answer your question more precisely, at the current rate of posting you should be good to go in early 2016.

Hmm. But what I want to say now will be out of date by 2016..

For example, I'd like to post about our military intervention in Afghanistan, but we may well be out by 2014 so 2016 will be too late to make a difference.

Can't I apply for a waiver of the 15 posts rule?

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by Peter Dow

Can't I apply for a waiver of the 15 posts rule?

I'm sure you could, but I'm also sure that in the course of making and trying to support your application you'd exceed 15 posts anyway.

Can't you discuss whatever it is you want to discuss without links for 8 posts?

[Foolmewunz]

Originally Posted by Peter Dow

Hmm. But what I want to say now will be out of date by 2016..

For example, I'd like to post about our military intervention in Afghanistan, but we may well be out by 2014 so 2016 will be too late to make a difference.

Can't I apply for a waiver of the 15 posts rule?

Did you want to post about Afghanistan last year? Or was that a missed opportunity that we'll now never know about?

Frankly, the complaint seems silly. It takes very little effort to come up with fifteen posts. Alternately, you can wade right in and mention that you don't have linking rights yet and refer us to the site you want to link to by using those whatchacall your "word" things. Some of us are quite clever and can probably find the sites if you describe them adequately. If you post a thread on whatever topic it is you wish to discuss, you can write out your links in text e.g. www . alltruthallthetime . com, and one of our netizens will happily parse it correctly for you so that folks can click the links.

[Hattrick]

Hello Forumites!

Just a quick intro for me. I'm an Aussie / American mixed breed, traveled the world and got educated at some of the fine institutions while out there. served as an officer in the military, and have a penchant for getting into debates. a congregant in Native American Religion (Animist), a Freemason, and married to a wonderful Witch. while on the board you will most likely find me in the General section as well as R&P.

Thanks
Hattrick

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by Hattrick

Hello Forumites!

Just a quick intro for me. I'm an Aussie / American mixed breed, traveled the world and got educated at some of the fine institutions while out there. served as an officer in the military, and have a penchant for getting into debates.

Yay! Another part Aussie for the collection. We'll have enough to make a whole one soon.

Originally Posted by Hattrick

A congregant in Native American Religion (Animist), a Freemason, and married to a wonderful Witch.

That's an interesting cocktail. You should get the missus signed up; witches are quite popular here for various reasons (all of them good).

Originally Posted by Hattrick

while on the board you will most likely find me in the General section as well as R&P.

Thanks
Hattrick

Just don't go into Conspiracy Theories. There be dragons (or worse).


Welcome aboard, Hattrick

[Hattrick]

Thanks Ak!

Technically I do hold an Aussie passport, play rugby, went to uni in oz, as well as barrack for an afl team. So according to my mum, I'm a full blown Aussie, regardless of fathers Texas roots.

As for the wife joining the forum... Most likely never happen, but I will defer to her knowledge for a discussion. As for the freemasonry I'm happy to oblige where I can. To my religion it's easier to say to strangers that I'm a jew, so I don't get invited to church, but that only happens in the states. I'm am willing to concede that to. Believe in something that you know has faults does sound a bit insane, but blind faith is even worse than that, in my opinion.

Thanks again for the welcome!

[AdMan]

Originally Posted by Hattrick

To my religion it's easier to say to strangers that I'm a jew, so I don't get invited to church, but that only happens in the states. I'm am willing to concede that to. Believe in something that you know has faults does sound a bit insane, but blind faith is even worse than that, in my opinion.

We'll make an atheist out of you yet.

Welcome to the forum!

[RabbitHabits]

Hello!

I'm new to the forum, horrible at introductions, but I'm giving it a shot.
I'm finishing up my last year of my first degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Media Art and Digital Technology. I used to be a Drawing Major, I still love drawing, and I think my work has been greatly influenced by skeptics and scientists. I've made intaglio prints of Carl Sagan, painted James Randi on cereal boxes, weird things like that. I really want to continue having that as my major influence and I hope that the people here can help me bounce ideas back and forth for silly things (like valentine cards).

Another reason I've come to the forums would be that I am the only skeptic/atheist in a family of religious conspiracy theorists. My brother and I are constantly debating issues like JFK, NWO, Chemtrails, and his favourite - being a Freeman on the Land. I've made it my duty to always attempt to debunk his outrageous, and some times hilarious, claims whenever he posts them on Facebook. Of course he still believes them regardless of how much information I throw at him, but it's all in good fun. I really like the JREF as a resource, and it's helped me find sources in the past, so I decided, hey, why not, I should join the forums!
Hope you guys have a good day!

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by RabbitHabits

Hello!

I'm new to the forum, horrible at introductions, but I'm giving it a shot.
I'm finishing up my last year of my first degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Media Art and Digital Technology. I used to be a Drawing Major, I still love drawing, and I think my work has been greatly influenced by skeptics and scientists. I've made intaglio prints of Carl Sagan, painted James Randi on cereal boxes, weird things like that. I really want to continue having that as my major influence and I hope that the people here can help me bounce ideas back and forth for silly things (like valentine cards).

Another reason I've come to the forums would be that I am the only skeptic/atheist in a family of religious conspiracy theorists. My brother and I are constantly debating issues like JFK, NWO, Chemtrails, and his favourite - being a Freeman on the Land. I've made it my duty to always attempt to debunk his outrageous, and some times hilarious, claims whenever he posts them on Facebook. Of course he still believes them regardless of how much information I throw at him, but it's all in good fun. I really like the JREF as a resource, and it's helped me find sources in the past, so I decided, hey, why not, I should join the forums!
Hope you guys have a good day!

You shouldn't sell yourself short. That was a damn fine introduction.

Welcome to the Forum, RH.

[AdMan]

Welcome, RabbitHabits! Looks like you'll fit right in here.

[Foolmewunz]

Originally Posted by RabbitHabits

Hello!

I'm new to the forum, horrible at introductions, but I'm giving it a shot.
I'm finishing up my last year of my first degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Media Art and Digital Technology. I used to be a Drawing Major, I still love drawing, and I think my work has been greatly influenced by skeptics and scientists. I've made intaglio prints of Carl Sagan, painted James Randi on cereal boxes, weird things like that. I really want to continue having that as my major influence and I hope that the people here can help me bounce ideas back and forth for silly things (like valentine cards).

Another reason I've come to the forums would be that I am the only skeptic/atheist in a family of religious conspiracy theorists. My brother and I are constantly debating issues like JFK, NWO, Chemtrails, and his favourite - being a Freeman on the Land. I've made it my duty to always attempt to debunk his outrageous, and some times hilarious, claims whenever he posts them on Facebook. Of course he still believes them regardless of how much information I throw at him, but it's all in good fun. I really like the JREF as a resource, and it's helped me find sources in the past, so I decided, hey, why not, I should join the forums!
Hope you guys have a good day!

Hey, welcome aboard RabbitHabits. Does the nick' mean you're a furry and go as a nun? How cool would that be at a furries meet-up? (I'll leave the more mundane interpretations to those with a less vivid imagination.)

May I suggest you look up a couple of our graphics-oriented posters. You've met one, here... Akhenaten. Along the lines of your post, you should check out the work of the inimitable Stray Cat. His series of SQM covers (Squid Fishing Monthly) should have taken every "clever post" award we've ever fobbed off on anyone - they're terrific. Your cereal boxes would be a great addition and counterfoil, I believe.

Welcome aboard. Is it illegal where you are to just kill off your family? Here in Thailand, I might get in some trouble, but I could probably grease a prosecutor and/or a judge and get by with a Judicial Warning to behave myself and "not kill any more irritating family members for at least six months".

[Peter May]

Hello everyone, I am a British ex. Pat living in Sweden. I have a background in electron microscopy, material analysis, and electronics. While I can’t discount completely intelligent alien life, fairies, or things that go bump in the night, my own maxim is this. It is very important to understand the nature of what we see, and not what we want to see.


Peter May.

[AdMan]

Originally Posted by Peter May

Hello everyone, I am a British ex. Pat living in Sweden. I have a background in electron microscopy, material analysis, and electronics. While I can’t discount completely intelligent alien life, fairies, or things that go bump in the night, my own maxim is this. It is very important to understand the nature of what we see, and not what we want to see.


Peter May.

I like your maxim. Please see my signature.

Welcome to the forum!

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by Peter May

Hello everyone, I am a British ex. Pat living in Sweden. I have a background in electron microscopy, material analysis, and electronics. While I can’t discount completely intelligent alien life, fairies, or things that go bump in the night, my own maxim is this. It is very important to understand the nature of what we see, and not what we want to see.


Peter May.

Hi Peter.



Greeting from the other end of the Urf.

[Dorian Gray]

Grammar Time!

[Kathi2010]

As my bio says I'm a 53 year old grandmother of two, a girl and a boy. I don't work because I am mentally disabled. I have bipolar disorder 1, among other things, or as my 20 year old neice says I am freaking crazy. In fact, she calls me her crazy aunt.

I consider myself a Christain but I am not religous. There is a difference. I like old movies, most of my favorites are pre-1970, like The Thin Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, the original Yours, Mine and Ours, etc. I like documentaries. I prefer watching them over scripted shows.

I love learning. From ancient aliens to the history of zombies. To me there is a difference between ignorance and stupidy. Ignorance can be changed but stupidity is forever.

I'm a born skeptic. As House said 'Everybody Lies.' I take everything people tell me with a grain of salt. I think that's why I'm going to like it here.

Kathi
I don't want to be normal. I've seen normal and it ain't pretty.

[bruto]

Originally Posted by Kathi2010

As my bio says I'm a 53 year old grandmother of two, a girl and a boy. I don't work because I am mentally disabled. I have bipolar disorder 1, among other things, or as my 20 year old neice says I am freaking crazy. In fact, she calls me her crazy aunt.

I consider myself a Christain but I am not religous. There is a difference. I like old movies, most of my favorites are pre-1970, like The Thin Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, the original Yours, Mine and Ours, etc. I like documentaries. I prefer watching them over scripted shows.

I love learning. From ancient aliens to the history of zombies. To me there is a difference between ignorance and stupidy. Ignorance can be changed but stupidity is forever.

I'm a born skeptic. As House said 'Everybody Lies.' I take everything people tell me with a grain of salt. I think that's why I'm going to like it here.

Kathi
I don't want to be normal. I've seen normal and it ain't pretty.

There's a "watched movies" thread in the Movies, TV etc. forum, as well as an older (now a few pages back, I think) "what's the last movie you watched" thread, which got too long to load easily, that you might find amusing. People review movies recently seen, and many of us like old films. It's been going since about 2006, and there are reviews of a very large body of movies, new and old. Can be a good place for new leads, also just a good bit of fun finding out what other people like and don't like and why.

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by Kathi2010

I don't want to be normal. I've seen normal and it ain't pretty.

Woohoo! A kindred spirit!

Let's party.

Welcome Kathi.

[Socrates]

Hey guys! I live in Greece, I teach physics in a high school. I really hate talking about my whereabouts and likes, but I figured its only fair to say hi and introduce myself. ok, I am a fan of Reductive Physicalism, I am against religion of any kind, cults and new-age mumbo-jumbo. But then I guess we re all here for the very same reason, no? oh, to be fair, there was a time that I was not really a skeptic (at all..) but I used to do lots of drugs back then. heh.. anyway, its cool to be here many thanks!

[Akhenaten]

Originally Posted by Socrates

Hey guys! I live in Greece, I teach physics in a high school.

You've given the philosophy away then?

Originally Posted by Socrates

I really hate talking about my whereabouts and likes, but I figured its only fair to say hi and introduce myself. ok, I am a fan of Reductive Physicalism, I am against religion of any kind, cults and new-age mumbo-jumbo. But then I guess we re all here for the very same reason, no?

Well, not quite 'all'. I have little doubt that you'll meet the others in next to no time.

Originally Posted by Socrates

oh, to be fair, there was a time that I was not really a skeptic (at all..) but I used to do lots of drugs back then.

There's a lot of it about.

Originally Posted by Socrates

heh.. anyway, its cool to be here many thanks!

It's even cooler to have you here. Thank you!



Welcome the the Forum, Socrates.

Yahsu!

[Patchwork Moth]

Good Morning/afternoon/evening (Please choose the most relevant for you)

I've been lurking round here for a little while and got frustrated at inability to respond so I stopped watching and have come to join in the fun. My mind tends to flitter about from item to issue hence the name.

I have a degree in Literature, four children and one grandchild. I'm not that intelligent but love hanging around people who are- a day without learning something is a day wasted. I'm an ex-fundamentalist church goer who one day realised that I'd rather be friendless than try to believe things I secretly thought claptrap just to fit in. I'm proud to say that, despite their father, all my children are both atheist and sceptics. (Leaving the church meant leaving my husband too)

Unfortunately because some lowlife broke into my house I have limited access to a computer (have to wait till 16 year old feels kind enough to lend me her netbook) I may not be able post very often (and my scepticism about insurance companies has increased)

That's all I can think of to say. I look forward to meeting some of you in the forum, learning some new stuff and hopefully, not annoying you too much.

[SusanB-M1]

Patchwork Moth

I enjoyed reading your post! Welcome.

[Futilitist]

Hello,

My name is Loren Soman and I have been a huge fan of James Randi since reading Flim Flam when I was young. I didn't even know this site existed until today. I look forward to getting to know everyone here and having some very cool discussions.

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum. I have stumbled upon a unique opportunity to publicly defrock a well-known charlatan. His name is John Michael Greer and he is the author of a piece of pseudo-scientific trash called the Theory of Catabolic Collapse. I drew him out on

theoildrum.com/node/9445#comments_top

and challenged him to an open debate and he declined. He instead insisted I do a formal critique of his theory, which nobody has ever done to date, and he agreed to have it posted on The Energy Bulletin web site!

Please follow the link if you can. It is somewhat long and the page layout will drive you a little crazy but it is quite a read and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I think people here will be shocked at the general level of discourse. In the various mixed up threads I am posting as LOREN_SOMAN. And my posts continue through the next two drumbeats, till I get BANNED for causing a such a terrible controversy. John Michael Greer condescendingly called it all the 'Tempest in an Oil Drum', ever the wordsmith. (My BANISHMENT was for finally revealing the truth----that my strategy wasn't exactly accidental. And I'd been a member of the oildrum for more than six years without a single reprimand up until now! I'm a pretty nice guy.)

As I was just getting started in my research, I began looking for any other serious treatments of the so called 'theory' and I ran across a link that brought me here. "Prestige" from this site had offered up a pretty good basic analysis. I wanted to enlist his help and the help of any others here who might feel like taking a shot at a real live snake oil salesman. A once in a lifetime opportunity, in the spirit (wrong word choice I know) of James Randi himself. What do you think? Please let me know.

My email is lorensoman1@gmail.com. Please help me get the word out. Thanks.

Best,
Loren

[NearlySane]

Hi - I'm a long time skeptic who has posted on some other ethics and religious sites, notably the BBC, and I've been drawn into some wider circles based on the Atheists Plus stuff. I'd occasionally looked into the forum but never spent much time here till the last couple of days and it looks a good interesting place to post. I am most of privileged status - though wouldn't quite say 'old' yet - though I am tall and that's an often missed privilege.




NS

[Akhenaten]

Hi Futilitist!




Hi NearlySane!




Welcomes to the Forum.

[Acleron]

Hello Futilist and NearlySane. Welcome to Randi forum. I hope it brings you as much entertainment as it has done for me.

[SusanB-M1]

Originally Posted by NearlySane

Hi - I'm a long time skeptic who has posted on some other ethics and religious sites, notably the BBC, and I've been drawn into some wider circles based on the Atheists Plus stuff. I'd occasionally looked into the forum but never spent much time here till the last couple of days and it looks a good interesting place to post. I am most of privileged status - though wouldn't quite say 'old' yet - though I am tall and that's an often missed privilege.




NS

Welcome, Nearly Sane, delighted to see you here! I'm SusanDoris, as you might guess from the avatar!!

[mactonite]

Welcome NearlySane