SKEPTICISM

Billy Bellew is currently a senior enrolled in a Bachelor's of Psychology Program at Hawai'i Pacific University planning on attending graduate school for social psychology. He spends much of his free time honing a variety of skills both mental and physical. He reads regularly on topics related to psychology such as philosophy, critical thinking, and skepticism. He also participates in various skill hobbies such as juggling, slacklining, and sleight of hand magic. He has worked as a street performer entertaining crowds of tourists on the sidewalks of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as performing for various events on Oahu.

A lifelong sports fanatic and political skeptic, Jim O'Rourke sees things a little different than everyone else. With a healthy dose of skepticism on a wide range of issues, Jim will have you thinking "outside the box" and questioning your own views on athletes, politics, religion and really, really stupid people.

I'm a nerd for all seasons. I co-hosted Cinema Diabolica podcast and appeared on numerous friend podcasts to boot. I love film, tabletop games, horror, outsider art, graffiti, economics, science, skepticism, manga, anime... Geez how much more geek-cred do I have to establish.

Nick Vellis is a retired police Captain living in Gainesville, Florida. Nick started his law enforcement career in 1976 with the Deland Police Department in Deland, Fl. He moved to Gainesville, Fl and joined the University of Florida Police Department in 1979 promoting from Patrolman to Investigator and through the ranks to Captain working in a variety of jobs, roles and on several well known criminal cases. In 2005, Nick retired from law enforcement and moved into technology sales successfully pitching data analysis software to law enforcement agencies nationwide until 2009. Since retiring a second time Nick has been exploring and developing a unique writing style in topics and genres that interest him, short stories, history, historical fiction, mystery and thrillers. The only son and eldest of two children, he was born in Pittsburgh, PA. His father was a real estate agent and developer but died when Nick was six years old. His mother was a public school teacher, teaching elementary school, English and later English as a Second Language. Nick was raised in Pompano Beach, Fl in a modest home where his mother stressed the importance strength, self reliance and a healthy dose of skepticism, themes he frequently weaves into his writings. It was his mother who developed his love of reading and encouraged him to read from a wide variety of authors. including Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Jules Vern, O. Henry, Tim O'Brien, Dr Seuss, C. S Lewis, Stephen King and Jack London. Later, the works of Robert Ludlum, Vince Flynn, Ian Fleming, Brad Thor, Alistair MacLean, Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett intrigued him and helped define the type of writing he wished to pursue. The convergent plots of thrillers fascinated him and when he combined his police procedural background and love of a good story his first book, Dig Two Graves was born. Nick’s varied careers in law enforcement and the cut throat world of sales have exposed uni

I'm usually a very observant person and am quick to catch onto things. I suppose it's just my suspicious nature, yet for some damn reason or another despite my skepticism, I still manage to fall hook, line and sinker at times.

I'm curious by nature. I studied physics and mathematics in my undergraduate career, and later theology in graduate school. I've worked for several nonprofit organizations (focused on civil/human rights and public policy) as well as several physics labs. The past year I have been recovering from medical malpractice issues. At this point in my life, I would say I match my curiosity with skepticism.

I grew up on the East Coast and do have street smarts, but I fortunately have a lot more self control than Tony Soprano. I'm not a fan of bureaucracy, committees or groupthink. Teams that succeed elicit outstanding contributions from all members and are led by an individual capable of making decisions and executing plans. I solve my clients' problems with direct, incisive analysis, out-of-the-box thinking, and skepticism of so-called "conventional wisdom" and time-consuming, bureaucratically-based approaches. My interests include literature, poetry, history, psychology, philosophy, religion, music, cosmology, mathematics, medicine, law, economics, sports, orthography (a fancy word that essentially means "spelling"), financial instruments such as futures and options, marketing, biotechnology & genetics, negotiation, software, branding, nutrition and various and sundry other subjects worthy of rumination, cogitation, expostulation and contemplation. I've also taught university-level courses in computer science, financial mathematics, C programming, and English grammar.

I am a Biology and German double-major at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I have played the piano since I was six and saxophone for over a decade, and have been giving private instruction for several years. In addition to teaching I play in an alternative rock band and am involved in the CSU music program. I am an avid reader and follow politics closely. A notorious cynic, I view the world very objectively and with a great deal of skepticism.

From my resume, I look like everyone else, from graduating to my work history. What makes me unique is I have done all of the normal stuff despite my Cerebral Palsy. Some may think of my severe disability as a hindrance; however I think it has added to my character and my determination I have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of St. Thomas. During my college years I had a bi-weekly column in the school's newspaper, worked in the admissions office, and was elected to the student government. While working at Kaleidoscope Television Network, I produced several shows, promo clips and an infomercial. The series I was most passionate about was "Kaleidoscope Close-up." The 13 part series interviewed influential people trying to make a difference in the disability community. As a writer, my work can be found in New Mobility Magazine, The Houston Press, and The Houston Gazette. I also self published "My Walker and Other Glamorous Accessories." This book is a collection of short stories, exploring the humorous side of living with Cerebral Palsy. Our son Nicholas has always taken my disability in stride, and has a good sense of humor about his mommy. His positive outlook inspired my first self-published children's book, "Nicholas Gets Nervous." I am hoping this book will lead to opportunities to create a program for schools to teach children that no matter how we look on the outside, we all need acceptance and friendship. About three years ago I started a company called Disability Insights. I guess the bottom line is I can be viewed as an inspirational speaker who teaches disability etiquette classes, although my message is that I'm not inspirational. Its always interesting to watch the students expressions when we walk in. Most assume that my husband is the instructor and are surprise when I begin the class. And it is interesting to watch their expressions change from skepticism to better understanding by the end of the our lecture.

I am a 20 year old male entrepreneur of sorts. I have worked for a utility company, where I was working my way up through the ranks and making great money. I bought a house and new car when I was 19 years old. I was taking over the world one giant step at a time, and then I got laid off. The economy, the uncertainty, and the overall skepticism of living a traditional life has changed my outlook on life. Now I am a distributor for Monavie and trying to make money writing because I have always loved it.

Insatiable curiosity spearheads many endeavors, including occupational pursuits for Carol Gibson. She advocates for literacy by volunteering in a community, donation-based bookstore. Carol enjoys research and learning something new every day. Her motivation for writing and publishing on the internet is that of sharing the potpourri of random interests and insights, and hoping others find something of note that may be helpful. A special interest in moon sign astrology emerged after long term empirical observation approached with skepticism. Tested through gardening activities as a novice gardener, the success showed up by outproducing the more "experienced" gardeners. The moon sign gardening experience evolved into observation of the general emotional climate observed in daily life. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Carol believes that the best art is art that heals. Carl Jung's work with mandala symbolism is a very special interest that helps to integrate the many sides of her multifaceted life. Carol has a certification in electronics and robotics from the National Institute of Technology. .

Professional writer and amateur comic artist. I have experience with fiction, non-fiction, current events, and tutorial writing.

Gary C. Booker is an advocate of a more science-literate society. he has more than 10 years of experience in the sciences as an engineering technician, educator, technologist, and environmental hygienist. http://www.garybooker.com

I'm 22 years old and I attend American International College in Springfield, Ma. I am majoring in English. I plan to get my MFA in Journalism and maybe my PhD in Literature. I am the Editor-in-Chief of my school's newspaper, The Yellow Jacket.

I live in a wee apartment in a brownstone in shabby-historic Troy, NY. I have two cats, a mate who's part engineer, part theatre tech, and a sensei who suspiciously resembles Kenshin. I drink a lot of coffee, indulge in sarcasm, and my other vice doesn't bear mentioning.

My name is Amey. There's not a lot to me, to be honest. I'm in the midst of finding myself, and hope to pursue a career in Psychology.

I am Danny, as I'm sure my display name would state. I enjoy writing. This is meant to be as generic as possible.

Sarah Rigg wrote her memoirs, called "Pickle Pass," at age six, and hasn't slowed down since then. She has won awards for her fiction and non-fiction writing, both creative writing and journalism, and has years of experience editing and proofreading to boot.

I enjoy writing essays on various topics, especially if it helps people

Born: New York Spent lots of time in: Connecticut and Boston Age: 35

A Neophile to the core, S. Elizebeth Turnquist is interested in a wide range of subjects. "I'm just as likely to be listening to Britney Spears as I'm researching fat acceptance on wikipedia."

I am a film student at UNLV spewing out skewed reviews and news from the darker side of Las Vegas. The occasional recipe or something may pop up from time to time as well. I try and keep things fun, so try and stop by.

I frequently write on diverse and often obscure topics.