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Author Topic:   Your First Ever EVC Post
NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 61 of 140 (535612)
11-17-2009 1:08 AM
Reply to: Message 60 by FaithfulHeart
11-16-2009 8:54 PM


Love it!!!!
You are very welcome here! Anyone who posts his first post to the thread talking about what people's first posts were is going to be fun!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 60 by FaithfulHeart, posted 11-16-2009 8:54 PM FaithfulHeart has not replied

Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 62 of 140 (572061)
08-03-2010 1:18 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-09-2009 8:30 PM


Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
Given that many EvC old timers have recently rejoined I thought I would see if anyone was interested in sharing their thoughts on this topic.
The OP writes:
What was your first ever EVC post? Do you read it now and cringe with embarrassment? Do you read it now and feel the glow of self congratulatory consistency? Do you read it now and wonder when that once polite, reasonable and respectful person that you used to be became such a pompous self righteous arse?
This thread is intended as an opportunity for a bit of self-deprecating fun. Maybe some serious reflection if the mood so takes you. Especially if you have an EVC "journey" to tell.
I am particularly interested in the first/early posts of those regular members who have been posting for years. I am intrigued to see how those posters have developed over time and how they view their evolution here. But all are welcome. "Young" and "old".
(Note: This thread isn't about debating the issues raised in linked to first posts. This thread is about people not points and as such is intended to be fairly uncontentious)

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Replies to this message:
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 Message 77 by Omnivorous, posted 08-31-2010 9:03 PM Straggler has replied

ringo
Member (Idle past 402 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


(1)
Message 63 of 140 (572072)
08-03-2010 1:54 PM
Reply to: Message 62 by Straggler
08-03-2010 1:18 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
Straggler writes:
Given that many EvC old timers have recently rejoined I thought I would see if anyone was interested in sharing their thoughts on this topic.
(Bit of advice, sonny: Never invite old people to reminisce unless you're prepared to listen to long, rambling and sometimes incoherent memoirs that are only nominally on-topic. We're almost always interested in sharing our thoughts and we're a lot easier to start up than we are to shut up.)
To start, I have no idea what my first post was but that ain't gonna stop me.
I first came to EvC as a result of a Google search - I think it was about a geology question. The first member that I remember seeing was the lovely and talented Nosy Ned. The first member to welcome me was Buzsaw. I told him that I'd probably never agree with him on anything and I believe that prophecy has been fulfilled. I remember my first post-of-the-month nomination like it was yesterday but I have no idea what the post was about. (I'm reasonably sure that the nomination was well-deserved, though.) I was once nominated for a POTM by Moose for a two-word post, "That's fundie," which refered to something that riVeRraT said. (I would also like to point out that I am one of the few members who always takes the time to spell riVeRraT's user name correctly.)
After I rode off into the sunset, I went all the way around the world and finally arrived right back where I started. I was a bit surprised to see that a lot of the topics I had participated in were still open. (I guess it's true what the Buddhists say that nothing happens when I'm not here.) The first post of my second incarnation was a record-breaking one word, "Cleveland." I'm disappointed that it hasn't gotten a POTM nomination.
Edited by ringo, : Fixed a spellllinge mistake. Has anybody noticed how clever my "Reasons for Edit" are?

Life is like a Hot Wheels car. Sometimes it goes behind the couch and you can't find it.

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Replies to this message:
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jar
Member (Idle past 384 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 64 of 140 (572074)
08-03-2010 2:03 PM


I think this was my first post at EvC.
quote:
I don't think it can really be descibed as Christian activism. There is a large body of Christians that think Creationism down right funny at best, silly as a rule and outright dangerous at worst.
There seem to be two types of Christians out there today (perhaps since the beginning) that look at the world and religion from diametrically opposite viewpoints. There is one group that looks at Christianity (and unfortunately TRUTH) as being bounded by the Bible (whichever version is their particular choice).
The second group look on GOD and the world as a whole. They do not tend to limit GOD. They look on the Bible as a map, rather than the territory itself.
For the second group, there are no problems such as the age of the universe or evolution. They see no conflicts between science and religion, the former deals with the HOWS while the later deals with WHY.
My spallin was appalin even then.
Message 8

Anyone so limited that they can only spell a word one way is severely handicapped!

Replies to this message:
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Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 65 of 140 (572075)
08-03-2010 2:05 PM
Reply to: Message 63 by ringo
08-03-2010 1:54 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
Ringo writes:
(Bit of advice, sonny: Never invite old people to reminisce unless you're prepared to listen to long, rambling and sometimes incoherent memoirs that are only nominally on-topic. We're almost always interested in sharing our thoughts and we're a lot easier to start up than we are to shut up.)
In this topic that form of rambling "off-topic" is very much "on-topic".
Ringo writes:
To start, I have no idea what my first post was but that ain't gonna stop me.
It appears to be this?
Message 14

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Huntard
Member (Idle past 2285 days)
Posts: 2870
From: Limburg, The Netherlands
Joined: 09-02-2008


Message 66 of 140 (572077)
08-03-2010 2:20 PM
Reply to: Message 63 by ringo
08-03-2010 1:54 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
ringo writes:
The first member that I remember seeing was the lovely and talented Nosy Ned.
Speaking of Ned, whatever happened to him? I haven't seen him around in quite a while.

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crashfrog
Member (Idle past 1457 days)
Posts: 19762
From: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: 03-20-2003


Message 67 of 140 (572092)
08-03-2010 6:03 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-09-2009 8:30 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
Interesting thread!
Message 12
quote:
I'm glad someone brought up the relationship of computer software, evolution, and intelligent design hypotheses. I was pondering starting a new thread but I'm glad I don't have to. (I'm new to the forum, so hello everybody.)
The technique of so-called "genetic" or "evolutionary" programming is not new; however a recent article in Scientific American highlights its use in creating patentable electronics. To put it simply, genetic programming is a kind of problem-solving computer-driven technique that applies the basics of evolutionary models (inheretable variation, descent with modification, survival of the fittest) to solving general problems, such as (in the case of the article) filtering out high or low frequency signals. The computer designs random electronic circuits from standard parts and puts them to the test - do they do any filtering, for example - and selects the most successful circuits. Then, processes like mutation and genetic crossover are applied to generate new circuits, which are then tested again, and so on.
The gist of the article is not only does this process give rise to successful circuits, it creates circuits that are often more efficient than the same circuit designed by a human. Also, while the article doesn't make this comparison, such circuits often bear similarities to living systems, in that they possess elements that are redundant or have no purpose. Also, many of the circuits made defy our understanding of their operation. They're simply too complex.
Basically, if evolutionary processes (random chance plus natural selection) can give rise to complex systems - in fact, can make them better than humans can design them - what does that say for "intelligent design" theories? Ignoring the fact that the whole genetic programming system is human-made - if you need God to set up evolution in the beginning, that's fine - doesn't this spell defeat for a theory based on the premise that complexity can't come from chance?
(P.S. I'm sorry the article is subscription-based; I suggest you get to your library. It's the Feburary issue. Great diagrams.)
I think it's held up pretty well. Not all my old posts have, of course.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 10-09-2009 8:30 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 69 by Straggler, posted 08-03-2010 6:25 PM crashfrog has replied

Blue Jay
Member (Idle past 2688 days)
Posts: 2843
From: You couldn't pronounce it with your mouthparts
Joined: 02-04-2008


Message 68 of 140 (572093)
08-03-2010 6:10 PM
Reply to: Message 64 by jar
08-03-2010 2:03 PM


Hi, Jar.
I see only two "spallin" errors in your first post: "descibed" and "down right," neither one of which is really a spelling error.
I think you've overstated the problem.

-Bluejay (a.k.a. Mantis, Thylacosmilus)
Darwin loves you.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 64 by jar, posted 08-03-2010 2:03 PM jar has not replied

Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 69 of 140 (572096)
08-03-2010 6:25 PM
Reply to: Message 67 by crashfrog
08-03-2010 6:03 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
I think it's held up pretty well.
It has.
But you were noticeably less bolshy back in the day.....
As, predictably, were most of us as newbies.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 67 by crashfrog, posted 08-03-2010 6:03 PM crashfrog has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 70 by crashfrog, posted 08-03-2010 6:29 PM Straggler has replied

crashfrog
Member (Idle past 1457 days)
Posts: 19762
From: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: 03-20-2003


Message 70 of 140 (572099)
08-03-2010 6:29 PM
Reply to: Message 69 by Straggler
08-03-2010 6:25 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
True. Well, I struggled to find my "voice" for some time. Then, one day, I decided to try "asshole"!
No, just kidding. I think it was more of a slow evolution as my patience was worn down by the belligerent ignorance of creationists.

This message is a reply to:
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Replies to this message:
 Message 71 by Straggler, posted 08-03-2010 6:33 PM crashfrog has not replied

Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 71 of 140 (572103)
08-03-2010 6:33 PM
Reply to: Message 70 by crashfrog
08-03-2010 6:29 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
Crash writes:
Then, one day, I decided to try "asshole"! No, just kidding.
Oh don't put yourself down!!
Crash writes:
I think it was more of a slow evolution as my patience was worn down by the belligerent ignorance of creationists.
They do have that effect......
But there is only so much we can blame them for.
And I say that as one tencious arse to another...... But you have 10,000 posts on me so heavens knows what sort of an arse I will be should I ever make it that far.

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 Message 70 by crashfrog, posted 08-03-2010 6:29 PM crashfrog has not replied

Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


Message 72 of 140 (578106)
08-31-2010 6:41 PM


5000 Posts -
I have just realised that I have eceeded 5,000 EvC posts.
Bloody hell!!!
I remember when I first signed up here seeing the likes of Iano, Holmes, Crashfrog and Jar with their post counts in the thousands. I remember thinking "Jeez these guys must either have too much time on their hands or be practically full-time professional debators or something".
As it turns out EvC should come with a mental health warning. It's like intellectual crack.
(**Straggler wanders off looking a bit bemused and shaky like an addict in search of his next hit**)

Replies to this message:
 Message 73 by bluegenes, posted 08-31-2010 6:53 PM Straggler has replied
 Message 110 by Blue Jay, posted 09-02-2010 12:36 AM Straggler has not replied

bluegenes
Member (Idle past 2467 days)
Posts: 3119
From: U.K.
Joined: 01-24-2007


Message 73 of 140 (578107)
08-31-2010 6:53 PM
Reply to: Message 72 by Straggler
08-31-2010 6:41 PM


Re: 5000 Posts -
Shall we start betting on who's going win the race to 20,000 first?
Will it be Jar or Crashfrog? I see that they've both been suspended together today, so Admin's keeping the race fair.
They've both had a couple of years off, as well, yet they're still leading the field even with that handicap!
Jar has the edge at the moment, but Crash is young and lively, and may not yet have reached his full potential. It's a close call.

This message is a reply to:
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Replies to this message:
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nator
Member (Idle past 2160 days)
Posts: 12961
From: Ann Arbor
Joined: 12-09-2001


Message 74 of 140 (578115)
08-31-2010 7:56 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-09-2009 8:30 PM


Re: Yesterday All My Troubles Seemed So far Away
This is my first EvC message, all the way back in 2001!!!
EvC Forum: 5 Questions...
I'm pretty happy with it. I've become a bit more concise and interesting as a writer, but basically am still saying the same things to Creationists a decade later.

'Explanations like "God won't be tested by scientific studies" but local yokels can figure it out just by staying aware of what's going on have no rational basis whatsoever.' -Percy
"What we need is not the will to believe but the will to find out." - Bertrand Russell
"Man's greatest asset is the unsettled mind." - Isaac Asimov
"We not only believe what we see, to some extent we see what we believe
...The implications of our beliefs are frightening." - Richard Gregory

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 10-09-2009 8:30 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 88 by Straggler, posted 09-01-2010 2:36 PM nator has replied

Theodoric
Member
Posts: 9053
From: Northwest, WI, USA
Joined: 08-15-2005
Member Rating: 3.4


Message 75 of 140 (578127)
08-31-2010 8:15 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
10-09-2009 8:30 PM


First post
Message 23
One interpretation of the Job story is that it was original meant as a parody. I havent read the book but have read a couple reviews. I think it is an interesting take on the issue.
"Zuckerman argues that the book of Job was intended as a parody protesting the stereotype of the traditional righteous sufferer as patient and silent."
Job the Silent
A Study in Historical Counterpoint
Bruce Zuckerman
At least now I know how to format a post and use quote boxes. As I remember it took me while to get the hang of that. I am not sure if I have changed at all. I don't seem to get into fights with creos that gets me suspended anymore. So maybe as I close in on 50, I am mellowing a little.

Facts don't lie or have an agenda. Facts are just facts

This message is a reply to:
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