Welcome new Members! Introduce yourselves here! - Page 25

serpentine · 7th May 2012, 02:01 AM

Akhenaten...
"Interesting times ahead, I'll warrant, when you start meeting up with the folks here who know the paranormal doesn't exist.

Vive la difference and welcome aboard!"
----------

I was taught not to believe in the 'paranormal', and I'm quite familiar with James Randi and all...I have a relative who has given talks at the Skeptic society, and would most likely think I'm full of hooey...
So, it won't be that interesting for me.
Of course the paranormal doesn't exist for certain folks. It's just not going to for certain people.
---------

I do love that quote in Colonel's postings.

Akhenaten · 7th May 2012, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by serpentine

Of course the paranormal doesn't exist for certain folks. It's just not going to for certain people.

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.

- Philip Kindred Dick

xterra · 8th May 2012, 12:39 PM

Colonel,

I appeal to you as the most vocal and prolific spokesperson on this thread, as the apparently-official dispenser of victuals and refreshments(and especially of the Belhaven beer, which either has not been delivered yet, or which you have not shared with me; [a terrible gaffe, especially since I was providing it]), and as someone who lived (and may still live, although I don't know that) in Downstate NY. (You may think of it as Upstate, but I lived in Rochester NY for almost 40 years [having moved there as as an adult in order to attend graduate school after having finished my B. S. at Georgetown {and prior to that having spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps}], and I can assure you that the people in that area did [and do] considered the Catskills, and also the Southern Tier [a rural area with very few cities of populations over 40,000, unless one counts dogs and cats] downstate; the only eastern parts of the state that were considered not to have the downstate title were those north of the Thruway and south of the St. Lawrence Seaway [which used to be called the St. Lawrence River shortly before I arrived in Rochester, I think.], and of course east of the eastern end of Lake Ontario [which ends, according to the cartographic community, at Cape Tibbets {itself a very interesting place with a restored lighthouse that is well worth visiting}]).

Ketyk said in one of her posts in this thread that she had never failed to greet newcomers. AFIK, she did not greet me when I arrived, nor to date. As you see, I've been posting enough that by now I would have expected her to notice.

Should I whine and snivel, become insulted, laugh it off, or bear up under the strain?

Ketyk · 8th May 2012, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by xterra

Ketyk said in one of her posts in this thread that she had never failed to greet newcomers. AFIK, she did not greet me when I arrived, nor to date. As you see, I've been posting enough that by now I would have expected her to notice.

Should I whine and snivel, become insulted, laugh it off, or bear up under the strain?

Why limit your options? Forget me, it could never work.

COLONEL · 8th May 2012, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by xterra

Ketyk said in one of her posts in this thread that she had never failed to greet newcomers. AFIK, she did not greet me when I arrived, nor to date. As you see, I've been posting enough that by now I would have expected her to notice.

Should I whine and snivel, become insulted, laugh it off, or bear up under the strain?

First I would ignore Ketyk and not worry about her, two I handed out the Belhaven about a week ago at the weekend BBQ. There is still some left and I will put it out at the BBQ this coming Friday

xterra · 9th May 2012, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by COLONEL

First I would ignore Ketyk and not worry about her, two I handed out the Belhaven about a week ago at the weekend BBQ. There is still some left and I will put it out at the BBQ this coming Friday

Oho. I see. I should have written "beer up under the strain."

Speed the weekend!

Jre1983 · 10th May 2012, 02:16 PM

Hi everybody, my names Jim. Like many of you, I think, I came to skepticism the long way (I'd say the hard way but I've not been scammed out of any more than the cost of a few books, or been misled about missing loved ones) and by that I mean I've spent some time making gibberish with gematria (but not corndog), pondering at tarot cards, and trying different faiths on for size. Some children gotta touch the stove. I don't regret it, I learned a lot about how humans think and behave along the way. Most divination systems, especially the I Ching, provide an interesting point to ponder, like an inkblot, if not any real prognosticating power. Early mystic systems often reveal facinating things about our ancestors ideas, and were often the closest thing to reason available. Even homeopathy wasn't so absurd in it's day, when germ theory was less accepted and miasma theory and demonic influence were contenders in the public mind. Well, if I go on like this I won't have much to talk about in the forums. It's good to be on a board where the skeptical outnumber the credulous.

Doctor Jonas · 10th May 2012, 02:24 PM

Hello everyone.
I am very pleased to find this place and I have spent quite a while reading the various threads herein, aren't there a lot of crackpots around?.

Akhenaten · 10th May 2012, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Jre1983

Hi everybody, my names Jim. Like many of you, I think, I came to skepticism the long way (I'd say the hard way but I've not been scammed out of any more than the cost of a few books, or been misled about missing loved ones) and by that I mean I've spent some time making gibberish with gematria (but not corndog), pondering at tarot cards, and trying different faiths on for size. Some children gotta touch the stove. I don't regret it, I learned a lot about how humans think and behave along the way.

Sounds like as good a route as any to follow, and a lot better than some that I've seen.

Nothing wrong with 'knowing the enemy', as it were.

Originally Posted by Jre1983

Most divination systems, especially the I Ching, provide an interesting point to ponder, like an inkblot, if not any real prognosticating power.

That sounds like the way arthwollipot describes the tarot - it doesn't reveal anything so much as it simply allows one to better focus one's thoughts. I think if you search for his name and 'tarot' you'll find his (much better) explanation of the principle.

Originally Posted by Jre1983

Early mystic systems often reveal facinating things about our ancestors ideas, and were often the closest thing to reason available.

Absolutely. Astronomy and chemistry are two disciplines that certainly owe a great debt to their mystical forebears.

Originally Posted by Jre1983

Even homeopathy wasn't so absurd in it's day, when germ theory was less accepted and miasma theory and demonic influence were contenders in the public mind.

Yeppers. Fortunately though it seems to be becoming the '-pathy of the gaps' and it's to be hoped that the day isn't too far off when it will disappear completely.

Originally Posted by Jre1983

Well, if I go on like this I won't have much to talk about in the forums. It's good to be on a board where the skeptical outnumber the credulous.

Yupela tok tru.

Welcome to the Forum.

Akhenaten · 10th May 2012, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Doctor Jonas

Hello everyone.

Hiya Doc! Are you the feller that Aqua were calling?

Originally Posted by Doctor Jonas

I am very pleased to find this place and I have spent quite a while reading the various threads herein, aren't there a lot of crackpots around?.

Ooh my wordy lordy yes. I'm pretty sure someone, somewhere is breeding them like Uruk Hai, only not as bright.

Welcome to the zoo!

arthwollipot · 10th May 2012, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by Jre1983

Most divination systems, especially the I Ching, provide an interesting point to ponder, like an inkblot, if not any real prognosticating power.

Originally Posted by Akhenaten

That sounds like the way arthwollipot describes the tarot - it doesn't reveal anything so much as it simply allows one to better focus one's thoughts. I think if you search for his name and 'tarot' you'll find his (much better) explanation of the principle.

Absolutely. I'd be happy to discuss this further if you'd like to start a thread.

Originally Posted by Doctor Jonas

Hello everyone.
I am very pleased to find this place and I have spent quite a while reading the various threads herein, aren't there a lot of crackpots around?.

As long as they stay within the rules, we welcome everyone!

COLONEL · 11th May 2012, 09:02 AM

Welcome NEWB'S
I see we have a few new ones this week it is good to see we are still growing. The weekend menu is as follows
As always fresh Goats milk and by the way NEWB'S if you see the Goat pat it on the head it likes to know it is appreciated. next Belhaven beer donated by another fairly newb,belgian beer and GOVT.koolaid Wood fired oven roasted goat, hamsters and cats cooked anyway you want them Dandilion greens and fiddleheads,baked and mashed potatos ,Oatmeal cookies and MINTIES

Don't forget Sunday is MOTHERS DAY. so if nothing else, give your Mom a card.
Have a great weekend

Dog Breakfast · 11th May 2012, 06:58 PM

Hey everybody, Dog Breakfast here. I'm glad to see so many critical thinkers in one place. Although I guess you're everywhere!

I look forward to meeting you all and making e-friends, but mainly I want a hot hot avatar. Here's to fifty posts.

Just kidding. Let's not pretend avatars aren't one of the more important items, but I'm really just excited to consider your views, and for you folks consider my views, and my views on your views, and my views on your friends' views, too.

Let's all see how much less wrong we can be today than we were yesterday.

Akhenaten · 11th May 2012, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast

Hey everybody, Dog Breakfast here. I'm glad to see so many critical thinkers in one place. Although I guess you're everywhere!

Don't tell the bleevers. They'll panic and cause a scene.

Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast

I look forward to meeting you all and making e-friends, but mainly I want a hot hot avatar. Here's to fifty posts.

Kitten avatars are good. Everyone loves kittens.

Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast

Just kidding. Let's not pretend avatars aren't one of the more important items, but I'm really just excited to consider your views, and for you folks consider my views, and my views on your views, and my views on your friends' views, too.

Holy infinite recursion, Batman!

Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast

Let's all see how much less wrong we can be today than we were yesterday.

My lifelong ambition.

Welcome to the Forum, DB.

COLONEL · 12th May 2012, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by Akhenaten

Kitten avatars are good. Everyone loves kittens.

Yup I love mine on the grill with a little bit of BBQ sauce and Jack Danials

Proper Dave · 13th May 2012, 12:55 PM

Hey everybody, I'm a fellow skeptic and lurker that has been reading these posts for years now. So I think it is time to come out!

Akhenaten · 13th May 2012, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Proper Dave

Hey everybody, I'm a fellow skeptic and lurker that has been reading these posts for years now. So I think it is time to come out!

Woohoo!

Another Dave! I don't think we've ever had a proper one before.

Welcome aboard, mate.

Cheers,

Also Dave.

Desmond · 13th May 2012, 10:28 PM

I'm back on the Internet after a two-year hiatus. Great to finally be able to waste time in a comfortable manner. I guess you could consider me a new member

Femke · 14th May 2012, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by Desmond

I'm back on the Internet after a two-year hiatus. Great to finally be able to waste time in a comfortable manner. I guess you could consider me a new member

In that case, welcome back aboard. You just missed the weekend barbecue, but you can have some goats milk and a Mintie.
Pull up a thread of your liking, make yourself comfortable and enjoy.

Femke

COLONEL · 14th May 2012, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by Desmond

I'm back on the Internet after a two-year hiatus. Great to finally be able to waste time in a comfortable manner. I guess you could consider me a new member

I see you got an early parole

Hexmaster · 17th May 2012, 03:47 AM

Hi. I know some of you already, and I'm sure we have plenty of friends in common.

I've been an active skeptic for a couple of years. I've written books on urban myths and factoids, been on the board of the Swedish skeptic society etc. One of the fondest memories is when I was responsible for Randis lectures over here in the summer of 2010.

I've been aware of this forum for a long time of course, but thought I had enough to do anyway. Of all the reasons to finally join, I possibly chose the worst: To read about late Curnir, a most splendid fellow I only met a couple of times.

/Peter

Akhenaten · 17th May 2012, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by Hexmaster

Hi. I know some of you already, and I'm sure we have plenty of friends in common.

All of my friends are common. but they're all I can afford.

Originally Posted by Hexmaster

I've been an active skeptic for a couple of years. I've written books on urban myths and factoids, been on the board of the Swedish skeptic society etc. One of the fondest memories is when I was responsible for Randis lectures over here in the summer of 2010.

Busy, busy, buisy.

I've been wondering who was doing my share of the work and I think I've found him.

Originally Posted by Hexmaster

I've been aware of this forum for a long time of course, but thought I had enough to do anyway. Of all the reasons to finally join, I possibly chose the worst: To read about late Curnir, a most splendid fellow I only met a couple of times.

/Peter

Sad news indeed, but here's to better times ahead.

Welcome to the Forum, Peter,

Dave

Foolmewunz · 17th May 2012, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Hexmaster

Hi. I know some of you already, and I'm sure we have plenty of friends in common.

I've been an active skeptic for a couple of years. I've written books on urban myths and factoids, been on the board of the Swedish skeptic society etc. One of the fondest memories is when I was responsible for Randis lectures over here in the summer of 2010.

I've been aware of this forum for a long time of course, but thought I had enough to do anyway. Of all the reasons to finally join, I possibly chose the worst: To read about late Curnir, a most splendid fellow I only met a couple of times.

/Peter

Welcome, Peter. Yeah, Curnir had a lot of friends around the intertubes. I hope I'm remembered even half so fondly when I give up the mortal coil.

We are really rather well-represented in Scandinavia. Must be those long winter nights with lots to talk about and not wanting to go outside and be eaten by killer penguins. (I seem to also not be able to escape Scandiwhatsits, personally. I arrive here in Pattaya and there are Swedish restaurants, Danish social groups, Norwegian real estate companies... I think there's even a Finn living up the block from me,... er assuming you're back to allowing the Finns to call themselves Scandinavians again.)

Welcome aboard. I believe I recall the JREF referring to you guys as one of the groups able to pre-test for the challenge (or was that Switzerland - us Americans are a little thick when it comes to geography) and any friend of Randi's is a friend of mine.

Hexmaster · 18th May 2012, 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by Foolmewunz

We are really rather well-represented in Scandinavia.

Nice to hear. The movement is certainly on the rise up here, for whatever reasons.

Originally Posted by Foolmewunz

I believe I recall the JREF referring to you guys as one of the groups able to pre-test for the challenge (or was that Switzerland - us Americans are a little thick when it comes to geography) and any friend of Randi's is a friend of mine.

Yes, the Swedish skeptics society VoF are prepared to take on challenge pre-tests. We've been there twice, I think. No passes so far (surprise).

Actually, on conferences we sometimes swap tags with Swiss colleagues and welcome people with Swedish chocolate and Swiss aquavit etc. Very few reactions so far.

COLONEL · 18th May 2012, 08:54 AM

Happy Friday NEWB'S and welcome Some of you are lurkers and know that Friday is menu day,so here goes.
Fresh Goats milk ,Belhaven ,Smithwicks,and Belgian beer.
Roasted Goat and Roasted leg of lamb Garden fresh salads and vegtables, Apple pie Oatmeal cookies and MINTIES.

Jube · 20th May 2012, 09:36 AM

I’ve been in here reading for years, and thought it was time to join up. At work I am surrounded by Christian conservatives. As a liberal atheist I am treated like an exotic zoo animal (who of course is in desperate need of being born again). I discovered the very bastion of socially conscious liberal types, that welcomed atheists with open arms. So yes, I tried the Unitarian Universalist Church. They pride themselves on their tolerance. That is pretty much the only requirement for admission. Yes there were a few atheists there, and quite a few agnostics, and I like singing. But at the first meeting the woman of the left expounded the wonders of having your chakras balanced by a practitioner of some sort she wanted me to visit. The woman on the right was really into the healing powers of crystals. I found I was not tolerant enough to be a UU.

I discovered that there was a local group of atheists that met regularly, surely they must be my long looked for people? At the first meeting the woman on the right was talking about the dangers of the New World Order. She said, “it must be true, I read it on the internet.” (Truly the only thing wrong with the man on the left was that he was extremely boring and kept trying to pick me up.) Anyway I found that “atheist” doesn’t necessarily mean rational.

So, here I am, still somewhat bruised but looking for a little virtual companionship. Are you “my people”? We shall see.

Akhenaten · 20th May 2012, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Jube

So, here I am, still somewhat bruised but looking for a little virtual companionship. Are you “my people”? We shall see.

Hi there!

I'm sure you'll find some of your people here, but don't be surprised if they turn up in unexpected places. As you'd be aware from your lurking, we have the complete range here, from rational theists to insane atheists. And Tragic Monkey.

The main thing is, however, we're all united by our undying devotion to Teh Bacon.

Welcome aboard, Jube.

Foolmewunz · 21st May 2012, 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by Jube

I’ve been in here reading for years, and thought it was time to join up. At work I am surrounded by Christian conservatives. As a liberal atheist I am treated like an exotic zoo animal (who of course is in desperate need of being born again). I discovered the very bastion of socially conscious liberal types, that welcomed atheists with open arms. So yes, I tried the Unitarian Universalist Church. They pride themselves on their tolerance. That is pretty much the only requirement for admission. Yes there were a few atheists there, and quite a few agnostics, and I like singing. But at the first meeting the woman of the left expounded the wonders of having your chakras balanced by a practitioner of some sort she wanted me to visit. The woman on the right was really into the healing powers of crystals. I found I was not tolerant enough to be a UU.

I discovered that there was a local group of atheists that met regularly, surely they must be my long looked for people? At the first meeting the woman on the right was talking about the dangers of the New World Order. She said, “it must be true, I read it on the internet.” (Truly the only thing wrong with the man on the left was that he was extremely boring and kept trying to pick me up.) Anyway I found that “atheist” doesn’t necessarily mean rational.

So, here I am, still somewhat bruised but looking for a little virtual companionship. Are you “my people”? We shall see.

Ah, this is a variation of the Foolmewunz Interwebs Theorem.
> You/I have likely come across fifteen thousand people in our lives (pro-rating for longevity, location, gregariousness, etc... pay it no mind it's a figure I pulled out of my butt, anyway).
> Of those, the sum total that I count as "friends" is about twenty people. In addition to those twenty, there are maybe eighty acquaintances (e.g. people who I've deemed worthy of my tolerance).
> That's it. 100:15,000

Now why would one assume, knowing that ratio, that you could join a group, any group, and find more than one acceptable acquaintance out of each 150 you come across. Yet just because we have something in common (Hey, you got a modem, I got a modem - let's get married! Or, alternately... Wow, I don't really believe in an omnipotent being either, pay no never mind to the fact that I'm a complete idiot.)

Having said this, be assured of the thought that His Pharoahness was expressing: Don't be surprised if a lot of us are jerks, too.

Welcome aboard. While most of them (note that I'm not including me) may be jerks, you'll find decent conversation and not much tolerance for woo. And, well, as to trying to pick you up? Well, just don't get into an elevator with a guy who offers you coffee. That gambit's already been used. (You also don't mention if you're male or female... if you're female, it's a given - you will be hit on. Poor things just can't help themselves.

)

Star · 21st May 2012, 04:16 AM

Hi! I just joined but I knew about this forum for a while now. Every so often when I look something up involving skeptics and "paranormal" this forum comes up. I am finally registering because I want someone to debunk a video I saw on youtube, but... I like this forum a lot so I think I am going to stick around for a long time!

Foolmewunz · 21st May 2012, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by Star

Hi! I just joined but I knew about this forum for a while now. Every so often when I look something up involving skeptics and "paranormal" this forum comes up. I am finally registering because I want someone to debunk a video I saw on youtube, but... I like this forum a lot so I think I am going to stick around for a long time!

Hey, welcome aboard, Star. I see you've already read enough to know that you can go to the Anti-Humor sub-forum to ratchet up your post count. That's generally good advice for people wanting an avatar, but if you have important research (hell, all YouTube is important) looked into, just go start yourself a thread, post the YouTube location in simple text (throw in an extra space so that the net nannies don't simply refuse your post) and mention that you're a newb and someone will help parse the link for you so that it's viewable.

(It's not that we're necessarily either nice or helpful - we just can't get enough of YouTube research. There are always a couple of dozen debunkers lurking around just dying to take on the newest woo.)

And, good that you're staying around. We need ~~another squirrel for the stew~~ new members. It keeps some of us older newbies on our toes. (I daren't refer to myself as a senior or long-term member. One of The Ancients of Old will be along to make fun of my puny 17000 posts and mere six years on the forums.)

Enigmanaut · 21st May 2012, 07:08 AM

Hello, my name is Michael Jones. I'm a retail worker from the Philly area (desperately trying to find my way out of retail), and I came here by way of the Doctor Who fansite GallifreyBase, where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... usually happens when someone posts something nonsensical about science or psuedoscience.

I may be quiet for a bit, just reading. Kind of an introvert, so I don't speak much until I get a feel for a place.

Oh, and I'm an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff.

Foolmewunz · 21st May 2012, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Enigmanaut

Hello, my name is Michael Jones. I'm a retail worker from the Philly area (desperately trying to find my way out of retail), and I came here by way of the Doctor Who fansite GallifreyBase, where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... usually happens when someone posts something nonsensical about science or psuedoscience.

I may be quiet for a bit, just reading. Kind of an introvert, so I don't speak much until I get a feel for a place.

Oh, and I'm an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff.

Well, since you're still in retail, you're not the guy Kookbreaker had to fire, I guess. (See thread "I hate firing people" in Forum Community to understand the weak joke.)

Welcome to the forums. Put your feet up and take it easy. There's no pressure to become an erudite poster immediately (and for some of us, like myself, that status never comes). I read here for years back before there were public and members sections and only joined when I felt I had something to add - and I haven't shut up, since.

Again - welcome.

COLONEL · 21st May 2012, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by Enigmanaut

Hello, my name is Michael Jones........
where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums...

Welcome Michael and have a glass of fresh Goats milk. We have a lot of Discussions on this Forum, But as far as being intelligent ones, That is something you will have to decide. What you think is intelligent might not be to someone else and visa versa. Enjoy your time here.

The Man · 22nd May 2012, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Enigmanaut

Hello, my name is Michael Jones. I'm a retail worker from the Philly area (desperately trying to find my way out of retail), and I came here by way of the Doctor Who fansite GallifreyBase, where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... usually happens when someone posts something nonsensical about science or psuedoscience.

I may be quiet for a bit, just reading. Kind of an introvert, so I don't speak much until I get a feel for a place.

Oh, and I'm an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff.

Welcome, Enigmanaut what part of Philly. My parents grew up in Philly and though I grew up here in the mid-Hudson valley we’d spend quite a bit of time in Philly visiting relatives. Once, I guess, they thought we were old enough to kick out of the nest (all of legal drinking age) then did it the other way and moved back to Philly, leaving us poor kids here. So I still get down there from time to time to visit relatives.

Ah, “an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff” and what kind of stuff would that be, their entertainment systems, the layout of their kitchen, how they deal with ‘trash day’ (“Oops, that old spatial discomentater needs to go in the recyclables”), perhaps their laundry? One of the things that always distinguished the ‘Marvel universe’ (or marvel method) from that of DC (particularly initially) was the focus on the mundane yet superheroisticly problematic nature of that kind of stuff. Spiderman just trying to do his Superhero laundry was an interesting sub-story and made him seem more realistic.

Welcome everyone.

Enigmanaut · 23rd May 2012, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by The Man

Welcome, Enigmanaut what part of Philly. My parents grew up in Philly and though I grew up here in the mid-Hudson valley we’d spend quite a bit of time in Philly visiting relatives. Once, I guess, they thought we were old enough to kick out of the nest (all of legal drinking age) then did it the other way and moved back to Philly, leaving us poor kids here. So I still get down there from time to time to visit relatives.

Ah, “an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff” and what kind of stuff would that be, their entertainment systems, the layout of their kitchen, how they deal with ‘trash day’ (“Oops, that old spatial discomentater needs to go in the recyclables”), perhaps their laundry? One of the things that always distinguished the ‘Marvel universe’ (or marvel method) from that of DC (particularly initially) was the focus on the mundane yet superheroisticly problematic nature of that kind of stuff. Spiderman just trying to do his Superhero laundry was an interesting sub-story and made him seem more realistic.

Welcome everyone.

I'm from Fairless Hills in Bucks County, it's to the North East of Philly. As for the "Superhero stuff", well, I'd post a link, but I can't do that just yet.

middleofnowhere · 23rd May 2012, 08:00 PM

Hi

I found this forum today while trying to find some information in the JREF. I pass there everyday, the location on Davie Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. I noticed it looks closed up. I am sorry I never took the time to stick my head in. What Happened? I used to see Mr. Randi around town from time to time and attended a few of his lectures.

Akhenaten · 23rd May 2012, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by middleofnowhere

Hi

I found this forum today while trying to find some information in the JREF. I pass there everyday, the location on Davie Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. I noticed it looks closed up. I am sorry I never took the time to stick my head in. What Happened? I used to see Mr. Randi around town from time to time and attended a few of his lectures.

Hi there, middly.

As far as I know (which isn't at all far) everything is ops normal with Mr Randi. I'm sure we would have heard here if that were not the case.

Anyway, the main thing is that you found the most important bit of the Foundation - us!

Cheers, and welcome.

arthwollipot · 24th May 2012, 02:22 AM

All those who can't post links yet: There are a number of threads in Humor and Community that exist solely for the purpose of increasing your post count. You need 15 to post links and 50 for an avatar. Go to it. Now.

Bell · 24th May 2012, 03:27 AM

Jawohl!

COLONEL · 24th May 2012, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

All those who can't post links yet: There are a number of threads in Humor and Community that exist solely for the purpose of increasing your post count. You need 15 to post links and 50 for an avatar. Go to it. Now.

Thats true ,but then we get to call them post HO's

7th May 2012, 02:01 AM	#961
serpentine New Blood Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 17	Akhenaten... "Interesting times ahead, I'll warrant, when you start meeting up with the folks here who know the paranormal doesn't exist. Vive la difference and welcome aboard!" ---------- I was taught not to believe in the 'paranormal', and I'm quite familiar with James Randi and all...I have a relative who has given talks at the Skeptic society, and would most likely think I'm full of hooey... So, it won't be that interesting for me. Of course the paranormal doesn't exist for certain folks. It's just not going to for certain people. --------- I do love that quote in Colonel's postings.
serpentine New Blood Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 17

7th May 2012, 10:41 PM	#962
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by serpentine Of course the paranormal doesn't exist for certain folks. It's just not going to for certain people. Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip Kindred Dick
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon

8th May 2012, 12:49 PM	#964
Ketyk Earthbound Misfit Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 4,750	Originally Posted by xterra Ketyk said in one of her posts in this thread that she had never failed to greet newcomers. AFIK, she did not greet me when I arrived, nor to date. As you see, I've been posting enough that by now I would have expected her to notice. Should I whine and snivel, become insulted, laugh it off, or bear up under the strain? Why limit your options? Forget me, it could never work.
Ketyk Earthbound Misfit Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 4,750	__________________ "Where is evil? In the rat, whose nature it is to steal grain. Or in the cat? Whose nature it is to kill the rat."

8th May 2012, 12:54 PM	#965
COLONEL Sniper of the Galactic Universe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The many voids of the Universe Posts: 29,838	Originally Posted by xterra Ketyk said in one of her posts in this thread that she had never failed to greet newcomers. AFIK, she did not greet me when I arrived, nor to date. As you see, I've been posting enough that by now I would have expected her to notice. Should I whine and snivel, become insulted, laugh it off, or bear up under the strain? First I would ignore Ketyk and not worry about her, two I handed out the Belhaven about a week ago at the weekend BBQ. There is still some left and I will put it out at the BBQ this coming Friday
	__________________ Major Ashley-Pitt: In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country. Matthew Quigley: Well, Lieutenant... Major Ashley-Pitt: Major. Matthew Quigley: Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England. Last edited by COLONEL; 8th May 2012 at 12:56 PM.

10th May 2012, 02:16 PM	#967
Jre1983 New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 10	Hi everybody, my names Jim. Like many of you, I think, I came to skepticism the long way (I'd say the hard way but I've not been scammed out of any more than the cost of a few books, or been misled about missing loved ones) and by that I mean I've spent some time making gibberish with gematria (but not corndog), pondering at tarot cards, and trying different faiths on for size. Some children gotta touch the stove. I don't regret it, I learned a lot about how humans think and behave along the way. Most divination systems, especially the I Ching, provide an interesting point to ponder, like an inkblot, if not any real prognosticating power. Early mystic systems often reveal facinating things about our ancestors ideas, and were often the closest thing to reason available. Even homeopathy wasn't so absurd in it's day, when germ theory was less accepted and miasma theory and demonic influence were contenders in the public mind. Well, if I go on like this I won't have much to talk about in the forums. It's good to be on a board where the skeptical outnumber the credulous.
Jre1983 New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 10

8th May 2012, 12:39 PM	#963
xterra So far, so good... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: On the outskirts of Nowhere; the middle was too crowded Posts: 4,024	Colonel, I appeal to you as the most vocal and prolific spokesperson on this thread, as the apparently-official dispenser of victuals and refreshments(and especially of the Belhaven beer, which either has not been delivered yet, or which you have not shared with me; [a terrible gaffe, especially since I was providing it]), and as someone who lived (and may still live, although I don't know that) in Downstate NY. (You may think of it as Upstate, but I lived in Rochester NY for almost 40 years [having moved there as as an adult in order to attend graduate school after having finished my B. S. at Georgetown {and prior to that having spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps}], and I can assure you that the people in that area did [and do] considered the Catskills, and also the Southern Tier [a rural area with very few cities of populations over 40,000, unless one counts dogs and cats] downstate; the only eastern parts of the state that were considered not to have the downstate title were those north of the Thruway and south of the St. Lawrence Seaway [which used to be called the St. Lawrence River shortly before I arrived in Rochester, I think.], and of course east of the eastern end of Lake Ontario [which ends, according to the cartographic community, at Cape Tibbets {itself a very interesting place with a restored lighthouse that is well worth visiting}]). Ketyk said in one of her posts in this thread that she had never failed to greet newcomers. AFIK, she did not greet me when I arrived, nor to date. As you see, I've been posting enough that by now I would have expected her to notice. Should I whine and snivel, become insulted, laugh it off, or bear up under the strain?

9th May 2012, 10:36 PM	#966
xterra So far, so good... Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: On the outskirts of Nowhere; the middle was too crowded Posts: 4,024	Originally Posted by COLONEL First I would ignore Ketyk and not worry about her, two I handed out the Belhaven about a week ago at the weekend BBQ. There is still some left and I will put it out at the BBQ this coming Friday Oho. I see. I should have written "beer up under the strain." Speed the weekend!

10th May 2012, 02:24 PM	#968
Doctor Jonas Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 4	Hello everyone. I am very pleased to find this place and I have spent quite a while reading the various threads herein, aren't there a lot of crackpots around?.
Doctor Jonas Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 4

10th May 2012, 04:58 PM	#969
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by Jre1983 Hi everybody, my names Jim. Like many of you, I think, I came to skepticism the long way (I'd say the hard way but I've not been scammed out of any more than the cost of a few books, or been misled about missing loved ones) and by that I mean I've spent some time making gibberish with gematria (but not corndog), pondering at tarot cards, and trying different faiths on for size. Some children gotta touch the stove. I don't regret it, I learned a lot about how humans think and behave along the way. Sounds like as good a route as any to follow, and a lot better than some that I've seen. Nothing wrong with 'knowing the enemy', as it were. Originally Posted by Jre1983 Most divination systems, especially the I Ching, provide an interesting point to ponder, like an inkblot, if not any real prognosticating power. That sounds like the way arthwollipot describes the tarot - it doesn't reveal anything so much as it simply allows one to better focus one's thoughts. I think if you search for his name and 'tarot' you'll find his (much better) explanation of the principle. Originally Posted by Jre1983 Early mystic systems often reveal facinating things about our ancestors ideas, and were often the closest thing to reason available. Absolutely. Astronomy and chemistry are two disciplines that certainly owe a great debt to their mystical forebears. Originally Posted by Jre1983 Even homeopathy wasn't so absurd in it's day, when germ theory was less accepted and miasma theory and demonic influence were contenders in the public mind. Yeppers. Fortunately though it seems to be becoming the '-pathy of the gaps' and it's to be hoped that the day isn't too far off when it will disappear completely. Originally Posted by Jre1983 Well, if I go on like this I won't have much to talk about in the forums. It's good to be on a board where the skeptical outnumber the credulous. Yupela tok tru. Welcome to the Forum.
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon Last edited by Akhenaten; 10th May 2012 at 05:01 PM. Reason: speeling

10th May 2012, 05:21 PM	#970
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by Doctor Jonas Hello everyone. Hiya Doc! Are you the feller that Aqua were calling? Originally Posted by Doctor Jonas I am very pleased to find this place and I have spent quite a while reading the various threads herein, aren't there a lot of crackpots around?. Ooh my wordy lordy yes. I'm pretty sure someone, somewhere is breeding them like Uruk Hai, only not as bright. Welcome to the zoo!
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon

10th May 2012, 10:53 PM	#971
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 85,452	Originally Posted by Jre1983 Most divination systems, especially the I Ching, provide an interesting point to ponder, like an inkblot, if not any real prognosticating power. Originally Posted by Akhenaten That sounds like the way arthwollipot describes the tarot - it doesn't reveal anything so much as it simply allows one to better focus one's thoughts. I think if you search for his name and 'tarot' you'll find his (much better) explanation of the principle. Absolutely. I'd be happy to discuss this further if you'd like to start a thread. Originally Posted by Doctor Jonas Hello everyone. I am very pleased to find this place and I have spent quite a while reading the various threads herein, aren't there a lot of crackpots around?. As long as they stay within the rules, we welcome everyone!
	__________________ A million people can call the mountains a fiction Yet it need not trouble you as you stand atop them https://xkcd.com/154/

11th May 2012, 09:02 AM	#972
COLONEL Sniper of the Galactic Universe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The many voids of the Universe Posts: 29,838	Welcome NEWB'S I see we have a few new ones this week it is good to see we are still growing. The weekend menu is as follows As always fresh Goats milk and by the way NEWB'S if you see the Goat pat it on the head it likes to know it is appreciated. next Belhaven beer donated by another fairly newb,belgian beer and GOVT.koolaid Wood fired oven roasted goat, hamsters and cats cooked anyway you want them Dandilion greens and fiddleheads,baked and mashed potatos ,Oatmeal cookies and MINTIES Don't forget Sunday is MOTHERS DAY. so if nothing else, give your Mom a card. Have a great weekend
	__________________ Major Ashley-Pitt: In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country. Matthew Quigley: Well, Lieutenant... Major Ashley-Pitt: Major. Matthew Quigley: Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England.

11th May 2012, 06:58 PM	#973
Dog Breakfast Critical Thinker Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 441	The Name's Dog Breakfast Hey everybody, Dog Breakfast here. I'm glad to see so many critical thinkers in one place. Although I guess you're everywhere! I look forward to meeting you all and making e-friends, but mainly I want a hot hot avatar. Here's to fifty posts. Just kidding. Let's not pretend avatars aren't one of the more important items, but I'm really just excited to consider your views, and for you folks consider my views, and my views on your views, and my views on your friends' views, too. Let's all see how much less wrong we can be today than we were yesterday.

11th May 2012, 11:57 PM	#974
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast Hey everybody, Dog Breakfast here. I'm glad to see so many critical thinkers in one place. Although I guess you're everywhere! Don't tell the bleevers. They'll panic and cause a scene. Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast I look forward to meeting you all and making e-friends, but mainly I want a hot hot avatar. Here's to fifty posts. Kitten avatars are good. Everyone loves kittens. Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast Just kidding. Let's not pretend avatars aren't one of the more important items, but I'm really just excited to consider your views, and for you folks consider my views, and my views on your views, and my views on your friends' views, too. Holy infinite recursion, Batman! Originally Posted by Dog Breakfast Let's all see how much less wrong we can be today than we were yesterday. My lifelong ambition. Welcome to the Forum, DB.
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon

12th May 2012, 06:49 AM	#975
COLONEL Sniper of the Galactic Universe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The many voids of the Universe Posts: 29,838	Originally Posted by Akhenaten Kitten avatars are good. Everyone loves kittens. Yup I love mine on the grill with a little bit of BBQ sauce and Jack Danials
	__________________ Major Ashley-Pitt: In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country. Matthew Quigley: Well, Lieutenant... Major Ashley-Pitt: Major. Matthew Quigley: Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England.

13th May 2012, 12:55 PM	#976
Proper Dave New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 3	Hey everybody, I'm a fellow skeptic and lurker that has been reading these posts for years now. So I think it is time to come out!
Proper Dave New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 3

13th May 2012, 04:02 PM	#977
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by Proper Dave Hey everybody, I'm a fellow skeptic and lurker that has been reading these posts for years now. So I think it is time to come out! Woohoo! Another Dave! I don't think we've ever had a proper one before. Welcome aboard, mate. Cheers, Also Dave.
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon

13th May 2012, 10:28 PM	#978
Desmond New Blood Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4	I'm back on the Internet after a two-year hiatus. Great to finally be able to waste time in a comfortable manner. I guess you could consider me a new member
Desmond New Blood Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4

14th May 2012, 03:35 AM	#979
Femke Goddess of the Glowing Sunsets Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 466	Originally Posted by Desmond I'm back on the Internet after a two-year hiatus. Great to finally be able to waste time in a comfortable manner. I guess you could consider me a new member In that case, welcome back aboard. You just missed the weekend barbecue, but you can have some goats milk and a Mintie. Pull up a thread of your liking, make yourself comfortable and enjoy. Femke
	__________________ Epiphanette (a very small epiphany): that kind of tingly, excited feeling of realizing that you were wrong, and that you have to adjust your world view accordingly. - With thanks to Weak Kitten and Blue Sock Monkey. I am 100% confident all professional psychics and mediums are frauds. The rest might be sincere but are still deluded.

14th May 2012, 12:58 PM	#980
COLONEL Sniper of the Galactic Universe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The many voids of the Universe Posts: 29,838	Originally Posted by Desmond I'm back on the Internet after a two-year hiatus. Great to finally be able to waste time in a comfortable manner. I guess you could consider me a new member I see you got an early parole
	__________________ Major Ashley-Pitt: In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country. Matthew Quigley: Well, Lieutenant... Major Ashley-Pitt: Major. Matthew Quigley: Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England.

17th May 2012, 03:47 AM	#981
Hexmaster New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4	Hi. I know some of you already, and I'm sure we have plenty of friends in common. I've been an active skeptic for a couple of years. I've written books on urban myths and factoids, been on the board of the Swedish skeptic society etc. One of the fondest memories is when I was responsible for Randis lectures over here in the summer of 2010. I've been aware of this forum for a long time of course, but thought I had enough to do anyway. Of all the reasons to finally join, I possibly chose the worst: To read about late Curnir, a most splendid fellow I only met a couple of times. /Peter
Hexmaster New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4

17th May 2012, 09:33 AM	#982
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by Hexmaster Hi. I know some of you already, and I'm sure we have plenty of friends in common. All of my friends are common. but they're all I can afford. Originally Posted by Hexmaster I've been an active skeptic for a couple of years. I've written books on urban myths and factoids, been on the board of the Swedish skeptic society etc. One of the fondest memories is when I was responsible for Randis lectures over here in the summer of 2010. Busy, busy, buisy. I've been wondering who was doing my share of the work and I think I've found him. Originally Posted by Hexmaster I've been aware of this forum for a long time of course, but thought I had enough to do anyway. Of all the reasons to finally join, I possibly chose the worst: To read about late Curnir, a most splendid fellow I only met a couple of times. /Peter Sad news indeed, but here's to better times ahead. Welcome to the Forum, Peter, Dave
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon

17th May 2012, 11:20 PM	#983
Foolmewunz Grammar Resistance Leader TLA Dictator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pattaya, Thailand Posts: 41,468	Originally Posted by Hexmaster Hi. I know some of you already, and I'm sure we have plenty of friends in common. I've been an active skeptic for a couple of years. I've written books on urban myths and factoids, been on the board of the Swedish skeptic society etc. One of the fondest memories is when I was responsible for Randis lectures over here in the summer of 2010. I've been aware of this forum for a long time of course, but thought I had enough to do anyway. Of all the reasons to finally join, I possibly chose the worst: To read about late Curnir, a most splendid fellow I only met a couple of times. /Peter Welcome, Peter. Yeah, Curnir had a lot of friends around the intertubes. I hope I'm remembered even half so fondly when I give up the mortal coil. We are really rather well-represented in Scandinavia. Must be those long winter nights with lots to talk about and not wanting to go outside and be eaten by killer penguins. (I seem to also not be able to escape Scandiwhatsits, personally. I arrive here in Pattaya and there are Swedish restaurants, Danish social groups, Norwegian real estate companies... I think there's even a Finn living up the block from me,... er assuming you're back to allowing the Finns to call themselves Scandinavians again.) Welcome aboard. I believe I recall the JREF referring to you guys as one of the groups able to pre-test for the challenge (or was that Switzerland - us Americans are a little thick when it comes to geography) and any friend of Randi's is a friend of mine.
	__________________ Ha! Foolmewunz has just been added to the list of people who aren't complete idiots. Hokulele It's not that liberals have become less tolerant. It's that conservatives have become more intolerable.

18th May 2012, 03:16 AM	#984
Hexmaster New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4	Originally Posted by Foolmewunz We are really rather well-represented in Scandinavia. Nice to hear. The movement is certainly on the rise up here, for whatever reasons. Originally Posted by Foolmewunz I believe I recall the JREF referring to you guys as one of the groups able to pre-test for the challenge (or was that Switzerland - us Americans are a little thick when it comes to geography) and any friend of Randi's is a friend of mine. Yes, the Swedish skeptics society VoF are prepared to take on challenge pre-tests. We've been there twice, I think. No passes so far (surprise). Actually, on conferences we sometimes swap tags with Swiss colleagues and welcome people with Swedish chocolate and Swiss aquavit etc. Very few reactions so far.
Hexmaster New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 4

18th May 2012, 08:54 AM	#985
COLONEL Sniper of the Galactic Universe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The many voids of the Universe Posts: 29,838	Happy Friday NEWB'S and welcome Some of you are lurkers and know that Friday is menu day,so here goes. Fresh Goats milk ,Belhaven ,Smithwicks,and Belgian beer. Roasted Goat and Roasted leg of lamb Garden fresh salads and vegtables, Apple pie Oatmeal cookies and MINTIES.
	__________________ Major Ashley-Pitt: In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country. Matthew Quigley: Well, Lieutenant... Major Ashley-Pitt: Major. Matthew Quigley: Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England.

20th May 2012, 09:36 AM	#986
Jube New Blood Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1	I’ve been in here reading for years, and thought it was time to join up. At work I am surrounded by Christian conservatives. As a liberal atheist I am treated like an exotic zoo animal (who of course is in desperate need of being born again). I discovered the very bastion of socially conscious liberal types, that welcomed atheists with open arms. So yes, I tried the Unitarian Universalist Church. They pride themselves on their tolerance. That is pretty much the only requirement for admission. Yes there were a few atheists there, and quite a few agnostics, and I like singing. But at the first meeting the woman of the left expounded the wonders of having your chakras balanced by a practitioner of some sort she wanted me to visit. The woman on the right was really into the healing powers of crystals. I found I was not tolerant enough to be a UU. I discovered that there was a local group of atheists that met regularly, surely they must be my long looked for people? At the first meeting the woman on the right was talking about the dangers of the New World Order. She said, “it must be true, I read it on the internet.” (Truly the only thing wrong with the man on the left was that he was extremely boring and kept trying to pick me up.) Anyway I found that “atheist” doesn’t necessarily mean rational. So, here I am, still somewhat bruised but looking for a little virtual companionship. Are you “my people”? We shall see.
Jube New Blood Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1

20th May 2012, 10:01 AM	#987
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 29,692	Originally Posted by Jube So, here I am, still somewhat bruised but looking for a little virtual companionship. Are you “my people”? We shall see. Hi there! I'm sure you'll find some of your people here, but don't be surprised if they turn up in unexpected places. As you'd be aware from your lurking, we have the complete range here, from rational theists to insane atheists. And Tragic Monkey. The main thing is, however, we're all united by our undying devotion to Teh Bacon. Welcome aboard, Jube.
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon

21st May 2012, 02:02 AM	#988
Foolmewunz Grammar Resistance Leader TLA Dictator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pattaya, Thailand Posts: 41,468	Originally Posted by Jube I’ve been in here reading for years, and thought it was time to join up. At work I am surrounded by Christian conservatives. As a liberal atheist I am treated like an exotic zoo animal (who of course is in desperate need of being born again). I discovered the very bastion of socially conscious liberal types, that welcomed atheists with open arms. So yes, I tried the Unitarian Universalist Church. They pride themselves on their tolerance. That is pretty much the only requirement for admission. Yes there were a few atheists there, and quite a few agnostics, and I like singing. But at the first meeting the woman of the left expounded the wonders of having your chakras balanced by a practitioner of some sort she wanted me to visit. The woman on the right was really into the healing powers of crystals. I found I was not tolerant enough to be a UU. I discovered that there was a local group of atheists that met regularly, surely they must be my long looked for people? At the first meeting the woman on the right was talking about the dangers of the New World Order. She said, “it must be true, I read it on the internet.” (Truly the only thing wrong with the man on the left was that he was extremely boring and kept trying to pick me up.) Anyway I found that “atheist” doesn’t necessarily mean rational. So, here I am, still somewhat bruised but looking for a little virtual companionship. Are you “my people”? We shall see. Ah, this is a variation of the Foolmewunz Interwebs Theorem. > You/I have likely come across fifteen thousand people in our lives (pro-rating for longevity, location, gregariousness, etc... pay it no mind it's a figure I pulled out of my butt, anyway). > Of those, the sum total that I count as "friends" is about twenty people. In addition to those twenty, there are maybe eighty acquaintances (e.g. people who I've deemed worthy of my tolerance). > That's it. 100:15,000 Now why would one assume, knowing that ratio, that you could join a group, any group, and find more than one acceptable acquaintance out of each 150 you come across. Yet just because we have something in common (Hey, you got a modem, I got a modem - let's get married! Or, alternately... Wow, I don't really believe in an omnipotent being either, pay no never mind to the fact that I'm a complete idiot.) Having said this, be assured of the thought that His Pharoahness was expressing: Don't be surprised if a lot of us are jerks, too. Welcome aboard. While most of them (note that I'm not including me) may be jerks, you'll find decent conversation and not much tolerance for woo. And, well, as to trying to pick you up? Well, just don't get into an elevator with a guy who offers you coffee. That gambit's already been used. (You also don't mention if you're male or female... if you're female, it's a given - you will be hit on. Poor things just can't help themselves. )
	__________________ Ha! Foolmewunz has just been added to the list of people who aren't complete idiots. Hokulele It's not that liberals have become less tolerant. It's that conservatives have become more intolerable.

21st May 2012, 04:16 AM	#989
Star New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 5	Hi! I just joined but I knew about this forum for a while now. Every so often when I look something up involving skeptics and "paranormal" this forum comes up. I am finally registering because I want someone to debunk a video I saw on youtube, but... I like this forum a lot so I think I am going to stick around for a long time!
Star New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 5

21st May 2012, 04:53 AM	#990
Foolmewunz Grammar Resistance Leader TLA Dictator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pattaya, Thailand Posts: 41,468	Originally Posted by Star Hi! I just joined but I knew about this forum for a while now. Every so often when I look something up involving skeptics and "paranormal" this forum comes up. I am finally registering because I want someone to debunk a video I saw on youtube, but... I like this forum a lot so I think I am going to stick around for a long time! Hey, welcome aboard, Star. I see you've already read enough to know that you can go to the Anti-Humor sub-forum to ratchet up your post count. That's generally good advice for people wanting an avatar, but if you have important research (hell, all YouTube is important) looked into, just go start yourself a thread, post the YouTube location in simple text (throw in an extra space so that the net nannies don't simply refuse your post) and mention that you're a newb and someone will help parse the link for you so that it's viewable. (It's not that we're necessarily either nice or helpful - we just can't get enough of YouTube research. There are always a couple of dozen debunkers lurking around just dying to take on the newest woo.) And, good that you're staying around. We need ~~another squirrel for the stew~~ new members. It keeps some of us older newbies on our toes. (I daren't refer to myself as a senior or long-term member. One of The Ancients of Old will be along to make fun of my puny 17000 posts and mere six years on the forums.)
	__________________ Ha! Foolmewunz has just been added to the list of people who aren't complete idiots. Hokulele It's not that liberals have become less tolerant. It's that conservatives have become more intolerable.

21st May 2012, 07:08 AM	#991
Enigmanaut New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 6	Hello, my name is Michael Jones. I'm a retail worker from the Philly area (desperately trying to find my way out of retail), and I came here by way of the Doctor Who fansite GallifreyBase, where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... usually happens when someone posts something nonsensical about science or psuedoscience. I may be quiet for a bit, just reading. Kind of an introvert, so I don't speak much until I get a feel for a place. Oh, and I'm an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff.
Enigmanaut New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 6

21st May 2012, 07:18 AM	#992
Foolmewunz Grammar Resistance Leader TLA Dictator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pattaya, Thailand Posts: 41,468	Originally Posted by Enigmanaut Hello, my name is Michael Jones. I'm a retail worker from the Philly area (desperately trying to find my way out of retail), and I came here by way of the Doctor Who fansite GallifreyBase, where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... usually happens when someone posts something nonsensical about science or psuedoscience. I may be quiet for a bit, just reading. Kind of an introvert, so I don't speak much until I get a feel for a place. Oh, and I'm an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff. Well, since you're still in retail, you're not the guy Kookbreaker had to fire, I guess. (See thread "I hate firing people" in Forum Community to understand the weak joke.) Welcome to the forums. Put your feet up and take it easy. There's no pressure to become an erudite poster immediately (and for some of us, like myself, that status never comes). I read here for years back before there were public and members sections and only joined when I felt I had something to add - and I haven't shut up, since. Again - welcome.
	__________________ Ha! Foolmewunz has just been added to the list of people who aren't complete idiots. Hokulele It's not that liberals have become less tolerant. It's that conservatives have become more intolerable.

21st May 2012, 07:50 AM	#993
COLONEL Sniper of the Galactic Universe Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The many voids of the Universe Posts: 29,838	Originally Posted by Enigmanaut Hello, my name is Michael Jones........ where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... Welcome Michael and have a glass of fresh Goats milk. We have a lot of Discussions on this Forum, But as far as being intelligent ones, That is something you will have to decide. What you think is intelligent might not be to someone else and visa versa. Enjoy your time here.
	__________________ Major Ashley-Pitt: In our experience, Americans are uncouth misfits who should be run out of their own barbaric country. Matthew Quigley: Well, Lieutenant... Major Ashley-Pitt: Major. Matthew Quigley: Major. We already run the misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England.

22nd May 2012, 07:16 PM	#994
The Man Unbanned zombie poster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Posts: 18,311	Originally Posted by Enigmanaut Hello, my name is Michael Jones. I'm a retail worker from the Philly area (desperately trying to find my way out of retail), and I came here by way of the Doctor Who fansite GallifreyBase, where I saw a member posting about intelligent discussions on the JREF forums... usually happens when someone posts something nonsensical about science or psuedoscience. I may be quiet for a bit, just reading. Kind of an introvert, so I don't speak much until I get a feel for a place. Oh, and I'm an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff. Welcome, Enigmanaut what part of Philly. My parents grew up in Philly and though I grew up here in the mid-Hudson valley we’d spend quite a bit of time in Philly visiting relatives. Once, I guess, they thought we were old enough to kick out of the nest (all of legal drinking age) then did it the other way and moved back to Philly, leaving us poor kids here. So I still get down there from time to time to visit relatives. Ah, “an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff” and what kind of stuff would that be, their entertainment systems, the layout of their kitchen, how they deal with ‘trash day’ (“Oops, that old spatial discomentater needs to go in the recyclables”), perhaps their laundry? One of the things that always distinguished the ‘Marvel universe’ (or marvel method) from that of DC (particularly initially) was the focus on the mundane yet superheroisticly problematic nature of that kind of stuff. Spiderman just trying to do his Superhero laundry was an interesting sub-story and made him seem more realistic. Welcome everyone.
	__________________ BRAINZZZZZZZZ

23rd May 2012, 09:13 AM	#995
Enigmanaut New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 6	Originally Posted by The Man Welcome, Enigmanaut what part of Philly. My parents grew up in Philly and though I grew up here in the mid-Hudson valley we’d spend quite a bit of time in Philly visiting relatives. Once, I guess, they thought we were old enough to kick out of the nest (all of legal drinking age) then did it the other way and moved back to Philly, leaving us poor kids here. So I still get down there from time to time to visit relatives. Ah, “an amateur artist, mostly working on Superhero stuff” and what kind of stuff would that be, their entertainment systems, the layout of their kitchen, how they deal with ‘trash day’ (“Oops, that old spatial discomentater needs to go in the recyclables”), perhaps their laundry? One of the things that always distinguished the ‘Marvel universe’ (or marvel method) from that of DC (particularly initially) was the focus on the mundane yet superheroisticly problematic nature of that kind of stuff. Spiderman just trying to do his Superhero laundry was an interesting sub-story and made him seem more realistic. Welcome everyone. I'm from Fairless Hills in Bucks County, it's to the North East of Philly. As for the "Superhero stuff", well, I'd post a link, but I can't do that just yet.
Enigmanaut New Blood Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 6