…and this is a 
Just to clarify the ScienceBlogs 1,000,000 Comments contest: the millionth commenter didn't win anything. Everybody who makes a comment on Scienceblogs up to 30 September is automatically entered in a drawing to win a fabulous trip for two to New York. If you slept through the moment when the millionth comment was entered, you didn't miss anything and you didn't lose, necessarily.
So keep on talking. But shhhhh, don't tell anyone: you only need to make one comment to be entered, and more comments don't increase your odds.
Comments
Posted by: TheWireMonkey | September 16, 2008 3:47 PM
So, what if I already live in New York? Can I win a fabulous trip for two to Minnesota? Seriously. I love to go there!
Posted by: scooter | September 16, 2008 3:51 PM
It's hard to comment when you ain't got no internets, or electricity, damn we got the shit kicked out of us.
I'll post pix from the hood if anybody ever shows up with a line truck and starts working on this mess.
-houston
Posted by: CadicusTheDamned | September 16, 2008 3:51 PM
I second #1's idea. I have a sister in Minneapolis and only an ex-girlfriend in NYC that hates me. Plus, I'd love to drink a few stouts with the infamous professor.
Posted by: zer0 | September 16, 2008 3:52 PM
Posted by: Nick | September 16, 2008 3:53 PM
Commenting on ScienceBlogs is like eating your veggies. It's good for you, it makes you feel better, and occasionally it flings you across the continent and expands your mind.
Posted by: zer0 | September 16, 2008 3:54 PM
Odd, I tried to say "heart" PZ by doing the ol' less-than-3 trick, but I guess it thought it was a broken html tag... oopsies!
Posted by: Trish | September 16, 2008 3:55 PM
I think that my going to New York would promote world peace and feed all the hungry kids in China my Mom always told me about when I didn't want to eat my veggies.
Thank you. Crown please?
Posted by: mhogan | September 16, 2008 3:56 PM
It'd be great to win a trip to New York. I'd love to visit the Hayden Planetarium at the Natural History Museum (even if it's sans Pluto).
Posted by: Marc | September 16, 2008 3:57 PM
Oh, really? I only have to comment ONCE? Good to know.
Now, how do I go about putting this new bit of information to good use?
:)
Posted by: Christopher | September 16, 2008 3:57 PM
Comment. Comment comment comment.
Insightful comment. Explanation of insightful comment.
Commentary comment. Reinforcement of commentary comment.
Conclusive comment.
Posted by: Longtime Lurker | September 16, 2008 3:59 PM
You mean there's a chance that Peter Rooke will win a trip up here to my neck of the woods?
Gotta stock up on milk before the sicko gets here!
Posted by: Peter Jan Haas | September 16, 2008 3:59 PM
All right then, I'd love to visit New York. Actually, I'd love to visit the USA.. fingers crossed!
Posted by: Alcari | September 16, 2008 4:00 PM
I wanted to post something sarcastic, but it might win, and I don't to win with a non-post.
I just can't think of anything usefull to say.
Posted by: Spiv | September 16, 2008 4:03 PM
I could use a vacation to new york. But alas, I am a lonely crump- two tickets is redundant. Unless of course I can get them on staggered flight times to go twice? That would be sweet.
Posted by: Ichthyic | September 16, 2008 4:04 PM
wait.
more...
comments...
don't...
increase...
your...
chances?
then...
I'm...
wasting...
my...
time.
thanks.
(pretend there was a separate entry for each of those lines - I'm far too lazy to actually do it).
Posted by: Elvish Pirate Monarch | September 16, 2008 4:06 PM
The secret of this contest adds to my comprehension of the mysteries of the univers...awww enlightenment
Posted by: lollipop | September 16, 2008 4:07 PM
A trip to NY? I'm in - I've only been there once.
I wish I had more to say, but my brain is fried..
Posted by: Bruce Breece FCD | September 16, 2008 4:07 PM
A visit to New York City would be nice.
Posted by: David | September 16, 2008 4:07 PM
I win.
Posted by: Jim | September 16, 2008 4:08 PM
oh good, so like I've entered
Posted by: J Daley | September 16, 2008 4:08 PM
I'd like to visit New York.
Posted by: mark | September 16, 2008 4:09 PM
Cool
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 4:10 PM
Scooter!! Huzzah! Thanks for checking in, I was worried about you, you ol' knucklehead. ;o)
Posted by: Dave H | September 16, 2008 4:11 PM
Anyone else think it'd be funny if one of PZ's haters won the prize?
Posted by: Freddie | September 16, 2008 4:11 PM
A free lottery for a trip to NYC? count me in!
Posted by: Lurky | September 16, 2008 4:12 PM
A free trip to NY? Sure, I'll jump to it!
Posted by: khops | September 16, 2008 4:12 PM
i would love a trip home out of this redneck hell of nc i have found myself in.
Posted by: Anthony | September 16, 2008 4:13 PM
Leave it to PZ to give us the low down on how to win this contest.
Posted by: Bryan | September 16, 2008 4:13 PM
Sorry guys, no need to enter. Logic proves I win!
1. The odds of life are soooooo rare(like 1 in a BILLION MILLION DILLION!)
2. Life exists (aka "I win" (the game of life)).
Therefore 3. There is a God.
4. The odds of this contest are sooooo rare (like 1 in a THOUSAND THOUSAND and change)
5. There is a God (see 3)
Therefore 6. I win (the game of SB)
SUCKERS!
Posted by: Paul The Burptist | September 16, 2008 4:13 PM
Thanks for the clarification, I was under that misapprehension myself.
Posted by: Martin | September 16, 2008 4:13 PM
I'm sure I'd be able to win even though I'm from Norway. Right? I mean, it hardly costs anything to fly over the pond these days. Barely.
Posted by: Cuttlefish, OM | September 16, 2008 4:13 PM
I suppose that my comments won't cease
But an answer could give me some peace
Could a "trip for two" be
One who's local (that's me)
And the other a beauty from Greece?
Posted by: Sara | September 16, 2008 4:14 PM
I've always wanted to go to the American Museum of Natural History!
Posted by: Rick | September 16, 2008 4:15 PM
I hope I win!
Posted by: pdiff | September 16, 2008 4:16 PM
I'd like to comment on that, but you covered all quite clearly!
Pdiff
Posted by: Cuttlefish, OM | September 16, 2008 4:17 PM
Or another, for what it is worth
From the opposite side of the earth--
I don't mean to be rude
But the prize could include,
Say, a sweetie who lives down in Perth?
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 4:17 PM
What, I should enter for a $12 train ticket?
Posted by: Helge | September 16, 2008 4:17 PM
seems like the right thread to post to, if you don't really have anything to say but still want to go to NY
Posted by: Boomer | September 16, 2008 4:18 PM
Well I just went to New York City this summer, but it was only for long enough to realize that I need more time there to see and do everything I want to. So I'd be glad to go back!
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp, KoT | September 16, 2008 4:18 PM
Good to see scooter is alive.
Hopefully everyone is ok Scooter and your abode isn't wrecked.
Posted by: Shane Killian | September 16, 2008 4:19 PM
Okay, then; I'm entered. ;^)
Posted by: Cuttlefish, OM | September 16, 2008 4:19 PM
And I don't mean to cause you more strife
But one question, as sharp as a knife:
Would you mind, if I won,
If I have me some fun--
Or does "trip for two" mean it's my wife?
Posted by: Santoki | September 16, 2008 4:20 PM
Thanks for endlessly entertaining us, PZ. :)
Posted by: Lluraa | September 16, 2008 4:20 PM
Can I use the ticket from Salt Lake City to Sin City (New York)?
Posted by: ryanm | September 16, 2008 4:20 PM
Is it true that if I win I get to pick my favorite science blogger to meet up with me in NY for dinner? P.Z., I reckon you have a pretty good chance of being summoned to N.Y. yourself, if that be the case...
Posted by: Kimbo Jones | September 16, 2008 4:21 PM
Starting from when? I commented a long time ag-- ohh look at that I just commented.
Posted by: Elliott | September 16, 2008 4:21 PM
Are trolls eligibe? The idea of a troll winning seems rather distasteful.
Posted by: LisaJ | September 16, 2008 4:21 PM
Oh, but it was so fun competing for the 1,000,000th comment. I still wanna know who it was... any idea?
Posted by: Tony Sidaway | September 16, 2008 4:22 PM
Okay, we've filled Scienceblogs up. Do we move on and infest another blog site, or what?
Posted by: SteveM | September 16, 2008 4:23 PM
You mean like this: I <3 NY
Posted by: Lance Kidwell | September 16, 2008 4:23 PM
So this comment, about commenting, counts.
Posted by: JoshH | September 16, 2008 4:24 PM
Here's to being selfish and hoping I win something!
Posted by: Mercurious | September 16, 2008 4:24 PM
Hey Cuttlefish... maybe "trip for two" means your wife and your girlfriend will go together.......
Posted by: SC | September 16, 2008 4:25 PM
If you go to the Sb home page there's a link to a schedule of the celebrations going on this month in the US and beyond.
Rev. - Just emailed you. Let me know if you don't get it.
scooter - Glad to hear you're intact. My mother was just deployed there by the Red Cross and is on her way down.
Posted by: John Frum | September 16, 2008 4:25 PM
I can't pass up a chance to win fabulous prizes and endless fortune.
Posted by: faouloki | September 16, 2008 4:27 PM
I was going to comment under the guise of praising the triple delight from Cuttlefish but that would be too transparent.
Posted by: Dustin | September 16, 2008 4:27 PM
One ticket for the gravy train, please.
Posted by: Dairen | September 16, 2008 4:27 PM
What contest?
Posted by: Hans | September 16, 2008 4:28 PM
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 4:28 PM
Who knew Cuttlefish is so slutty! ;o)
Posted by: Oskar | September 16, 2008 4:28 PM
OK
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 4:31 PM
With the "I" next to it, it looks completely other.
Posted by: ppb | September 16, 2008 4:31 PM
OK, add my name to the list. I love going to NYC.
Posted by: Gishin | September 16, 2008 4:31 PM
So I should probably post then. Does it matter if I am stationed in England?
Posted by: Hank | September 16, 2008 4:32 PM
I wouldn't feel right winning on a superfluous comment that added nothing to the site's discussions, so let me tell you why I think Christianity is clearly wrong.
Most Christians readily cite the Bible passage John 3:16 as the core of their faith. In a nutshell, it means that God sacrificed his own son for our sins, and concurrently, that Jesus sacrificed his life for us.
The Great Sacrifice.
Let's look at this while staying consistent to mainstream Christian beliefs.
In the Trinity, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one.
God, and therefore, Jesus too, has always existed, since the beginning of eternity.
Jesus, in human form, knew that he was going to be killed, and he knew that he would rise from the dead in three days:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (2 John 2:19)
Jesus also knew that he would then ascend into heaven to live for all eternity at the right hand of God. That was the deal: Exist for eternity in paradise, go to Earth for 33 years, teach a bit, return to paradise. The time since then has been spent waiting for the other shoe to drop; that is, for Christ to return to Earth.
So then, where is the sacrifice?
I mean, "to sacrifice" means to give up something you need without expecting to get it back. Certainly, if God told Jesus that the only way to save mankind was to leave heaven permanently, ie. sacrifice his spot, then I would recognize the great gift. But he didn't. He sent him to visit and come home.
It's no different than me putting a slug nickel in a gumball machine, yanking it back out, and proclaiming that you should really thank me for that gumball you're enjoying because I sacrificed my own nickel for it ESPECIALLY FOR YOU. It's silly to claim I sacrificed a nickel when I clearly got it right back. Why is it different to say God sacrificed his son when he clearly did not?
The crucifixion itself was not the sacrifice either; Jesus the man giving up his life. The sacrifice of a life is a purely human construction. It is the ultimate gift a human can do precisely because we only get the one life. Death is scary, because neither you, nor I, know what comes afterward. Maybe nothing comes afterward, thus the correct use of the words "human sacrifice."
Gods have no fear of death, even in human form, because they not only already know what is on the other side, but that death simply means they get to go home, where it's much nicer.
So what?
So we are faced with a choice: Either God is playing us for suckers, talking about a sacrifice that clearly is not, or, drum roll....someone made the whole thing up and forgot to wrap up the logical contradictions.
Hmmm.
This is carefully weighed evidence directly from Christian Holy Scriptures, and theists can not satisfactorily dispute it. The best they've done is to say that Jesus had to suffer so we couldn't say something like "You don't know how it feels to be human."
However, an omnipotent god wouldn't need to do that.
No, to call Jesus divine is to admit that there was no sacrifice. Conversely, to say that Jesus sacrificed his life, you can no longer call him divine. The best you can do is to say a divine Jesus pulled a fast one on us because human sacrifices were all the rage in the Bronze Age, and faking one was the best way to get our attention.
And insisting that Jesus really sacrificed his life for us means nothing less than he was fully human--with no link to the divine. A true sacrifice. Dead and gone forever.
Thus, the "Mystery of Faith." So it goes with all of religion: When things go our way, then God is responsible. When things go badly for us, or we're faced with an irreconcilable contradiction in dogma, well then, God works in mysterious ways.
Posted by: Dave UH | September 16, 2008 4:33 PM
I want to see what the 1x10^6 comment was.
Posted by: Charles Velasco | September 16, 2008 4:34 PM
damn..new york
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp, KoT | September 16, 2008 4:34 PM
Yeah i got it. I thought I replied though I was running out the door nearly the same time.
let me know.
Posted by: Kristine | September 16, 2008 4:34 PM
*cough cough cough* *sneeze!*
~hoarse voice
"Comment!"
~/hoarse voice
*Blows nose*
NYC here I come! *croak*
Posted by: Beth | September 16, 2008 4:35 PM
Hey PZ,
If you're searching for a new Friday Cephalopod, my friend Jessica (a biology PhD student working on bacterial cytoskeleton proteins) crochets a mean one or two here at her Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13135805
Posted by: The Swiss | September 16, 2008 4:36 PM
cool, two tickets to The city! (Never been to the US yet...)
There are still some deeply mysterious aspects to this contest though. My fiancée is in Bali for the rest of the year. Do we we get two tickets to fly separately to NY? or do I have to find a new girl here in Switzerland?
Posted by: DocBot | September 16, 2008 4:37 PM
Wohoo! An entry qualification I can match (and just did) :D
Posted by: Kobra | September 16, 2008 4:37 PM
Man, it would put me in a tough spot if I won. Who would I take to New York?
Posted by: BionicHips | September 16, 2008 4:40 PM
We are in NJ with family in Minneapolis. NY -> Minneapolis is better than the other way.
Posted by: Kristine | September 16, 2008 4:40 PM
Are trolls eligibe? The idea of a troll winning seems rather distasteful.
Trolls can win a prize to be sneezed on by me. Maybe then I'll get my voice back and change back into human form.
Posted by: MrHomer | September 16, 2008 4:40 PM
Long time listener, first time caller here signing in to party in NYC ;)
Posted by: Jordan | September 16, 2008 4:41 PM
Oh boy, I hope I win ;)
(Obviously posted just to add a chance to win)
Posted by: Lluraa | September 16, 2008 4:41 PM
Hank,
Permit me to share with you what many in my faith community beleive and feel. We beleive that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ and He taught us how to relate to God and to one another.
Humankind though the years have done a heck of a job in messing up following in the name of Jesus but some day, we might get it right.
I beleive that the more science discovers the more we see the glory of God's creation.
Posted by: Hena | September 16, 2008 4:42 PM
Im commenting, im commenting, Im commenting.. here I come New York!
Posted by: sjburnt | September 16, 2008 4:42 PM
Jees! For those first few callers, the distance between Moorhead and Minneapolis is about five hours. (That's Minnesootan distance, ya know.
Do you suppose I could win a trip from Minneapolis out to Moorhead?
Posted by: majkia | September 16, 2008 4:43 PM
cool puppies.. er squid
Posted by: Patrick | September 16, 2008 4:45 PM
Sweet!
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 4:45 PM
As a resident of another state that measures distance in minutes, I can tell you the time it takes to get somewhere around here is only very loosely related to how far away it is.
Posted by: Trevor | September 16, 2008 4:47 PM
Oh, well in that case!
Posted by: Resa | September 16, 2008 4:47 PM
PZ is awesome?
Posted by: Bunk | September 16, 2008 4:48 PM
There's no way you can trick me into posting just for a chance to win a fabulous trip for two to New York. No way at all.
Posted by: Matt | September 16, 2008 4:48 PM
Good to know. When I find the time I will have to post.
Posted by: mn_monkey | September 16, 2008 4:49 PM
So this is good enough?
Cool.
Posted by: Spion | September 16, 2008 4:50 PM
New York, here I come!
(haha)
Posted by: Doug | September 16, 2008 4:50 PM
Ditto on the trip to Minnesota (although I don't already live in New York).
Posted by: Victor | September 16, 2008 4:50 PM
So PZ Myers is going to personally reward me with a trip to New York City from his proceeds off this popular science blog website?!?! Amazing, simply amazing.
Posted by: Emerson Ross | September 16, 2008 4:50 PM
Here's my first comment on Pharyngula...although I've been a devoted reader for a good year!
Posted by: Pierce R. Butler | September 16, 2008 4:50 PM
Somebody's got to say it: New York - ehh.
If I win, can I swap the tickets etc for something useful?
Posted by: G | September 16, 2008 4:51 PM
Well then, I'd better comment, hadn't I...
...Oh, wait.
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 4:51 PM
Posted by: connecticut man1 | September 16, 2008 4:51 PM
I am just curious what the odds are of me winning with this one important comment? Just seeing if the science guy is s statistics guru too... :)
Posted by: JStein | September 16, 2008 4:51 PM
I want a trip to NYC!
If I just want to go by myself, can I go twice?
Posted by: Jon Garvin | September 16, 2008 4:51 PM
As organizer of the Missoula Area Secular Society (M.A.S.S.) and recently appointed "Vice President of Secular Affairs" for the Missoula Skeptics... I would LOVE a trip to NY to meet some of the NY Skeptics and maybe do some other cool stuff too. So, here's my entry for the contest. I'll keep my fingers crossed (no, really, it totally works!!)
Posted by: Ted Powell | September 16, 2008 4:52 PM
Walt Disney Presents: The Sarah Palin Story
Enjoy... maybe that's not the right word...Beauty and the Veep
Posted by: Jeff | September 16, 2008 4:54 PM
comment
Posted by: Andrew | September 16, 2008 4:55 PM
Post.
Heh.
Yeah. umm Hi?
Posted by: Captain Mike | September 16, 2008 4:56 PM
What do you want to bet that Woot (of (.)(.) fame) wins?
Posted by: Andre Vienne | September 16, 2008 4:57 PM
Interesting.
Posted by: Rey Fox | September 16, 2008 4:58 PM
My foot hurts.
Posted by: Dr. Pablito | September 16, 2008 4:59 PM
This is not a comment.
Posted by: Wavefunction | September 16, 2008 5:00 PM
That's a nifty way to get people to comment PZ. Not that they need an incentive in your case.
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 5:00 PM
Do questions count?
Posted by: mocular | September 16, 2008 5:00 PM
This is a comment.
Posted by: Espen | September 16, 2008 5:00 PM
A trip to New York...hmmm...it would be nice to see the U.S. while they still allow atheists to enter. They do still allow atheists to enter...right?
Anyways, keep up the good work Professor :)
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead | September 16, 2008 5:01 PM
I would much prefer something useful like a new iMac. But the Redhead would probably demand the NY trip.
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 5:02 PM
This space intentionally left blank.
Posted by: Bruce Gardner | September 16, 2008 5:02 PM
Timmah
Posted by: Bonzai | September 16, 2008 5:03 PM
I am a banana.
Posted by: astroande | September 16, 2008 5:03 PM
Aww, that's no fun. I already live in New York.
Posted by: afterthought | September 16, 2008 5:04 PM
A comment on Scienceblogs: Better than a root canal, and costs less too!
Posted by: Bad Albert | September 16, 2008 5:04 PM
I've already been to Minnesota. I drove through a couple of months ago so I would rather go to New York. I've wanted to see the World Trade Center ever since they did that remake of King Kong. I guess it's too late for that now.
Posted by: Fred Mounts | September 16, 2008 5:04 PM
Bonzai fits perfectly in Ray Comforts hand.
Posted by: Antero | September 16, 2008 5:04 PM
Can't think of anything, sorry.
Posted by: sara | September 16, 2008 5:05 PM
You mean that the sycophant posse and the pro-creationists baited here have equal chance to win? How could any god allow it?
Posted by: Fred Mounts | September 16, 2008 5:06 PM
@117 - Er, Comfort's, with apologies to KoT.
Posted by: Eamon Knight | September 16, 2008 5:08 PM
I'll add to the folks wondering what happens if one of the well-known kooks and trolls wins -- mroberts? JAD?
I've been to NY once: spent one day at the AMNH, and the other on the lower Manhattan bsu tour. If we went back? AMNH again, and maybe have a look at that vacant lot across the street if the weather is decent (but it sounds like Seed has a programme of cool sci-stuff for the lucky winners to see).
My choice of SciBlogger to have dinner with? Wilkins. I'm seeing PZ in TO next month anyways.
Posted by: Quiet_Desperation | September 16, 2008 5:10 PM
First post!
Huh. A little late, I guess.
Posted by: Overstroming | September 16, 2008 5:10 PM
I would like to be molested by the TSA, so count me in!
Posted by: g2 | September 16, 2008 5:10 PM
How is the fishing in NYC?
Posted by: jj | September 16, 2008 5:11 PM
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move."
- Douglas Adams
Posted by: Taxorgian | September 16, 2008 5:11 PM
I would comment more often, but sadly I've not much to say. I would like the trip, of course!
Posted by: Chris Swanson | September 16, 2008 5:13 PM
Does this count as a comment? :D
Posted by: Azdak | September 16, 2008 5:14 PM
A winning comment
requires some attitude.
Science works, bitches!
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 5:14 PM
Last Post!
Posted by: Rebecca Watson | September 16, 2008 5:16 PM
Wait. So I didn't need to subscribe to Good Housekeeping to win the sweeps?
SHIT.
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 5:16 PM
Llurra - Explain the magical under pants, please. That's what all the truly inquiring minds want to know about.
Posted by: Mark | September 16, 2008 5:16 PM
@129 -- not quite...
Posted by: Quiet_Desperation | September 16, 2008 5:17 PM
I would like to be molested by the TSA, so count me in!
Wait. What? There's molestation to be had? Will the TSA agent be Condoleezza Rice in that gestappo-ish outfit she wore a few years back? I am *so* there.
Oh deary deary me, I'm going to get in trouble here again. :-(
Posted by: Dreamstone | September 16, 2008 5:17 PM
I'm a lurker, I wanna go too!
Posted by: Ted Powell | September 16, 2008 5:17 PM
Palin rally vs anti-Palin rally, brought to you by:
Mudflats
Tiptoeing Through the Muck of Alaskan Politics
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/rally-vs-rally-do-the-math/
"Anti" ahead in attendance by as much as three to one. An earlier article has more pictures and video.
Posted by: Matt Dillahunty | September 16, 2008 5:17 PM
I hope we're both around for the 10,000,000th comment.
Posted by: Quiet_Desperation | September 16, 2008 5:19 PM
What do you want to bet that Woot (of (.)(.) fame) wins?
Anyone know what the deal with Woot is?
Sometimes I totally agree with him. Or her. It?
Posted by: tsg | September 16, 2008 5:19 PM
It was when I made it.
Posted by: The Cheerful Nihilist | September 16, 2008 5:20 PM
I posted this morning at about 999,997 (Science Blog Time). When I hit the refresh button, the counter was at 1,000,001.
That was pretty cool. Then I went to work. That was not.
Posted by: Jewel | September 16, 2008 5:21 PM
New York.... Yeah, ok, that would be great!
Posted by: Rob | September 16, 2008 5:21 PM
New York, you say?
Posted by: UrCardiac | September 16, 2008 5:22 PM
A trip to NYC would be most excellent.
Posted by: Matt | September 16, 2008 5:22 PM
Good news! So this will mark my offical entry.
Posted by: Barry | September 16, 2008 5:22 PM
Sign me up!
Posted by: Ag | September 16, 2008 5:22 PM
You know, I kind of felt like a squid at work today (if squids worked in corporations, that is). I was threatened with work, so I wrote down a thousand and seven questions for my manager (creating an inky whirlpool of confusion)chucked the files on her desk, and jetted myself out of there...backwards!
I got some really strange looks for that.
Posted by: Raynfala | September 16, 2008 5:23 PM
Well, if you say so...
Posted by: Veronica | September 16, 2008 5:24 PM
wow!! NYC??? I'd love that!! Count me in!
Posted by: Ag | September 16, 2008 5:25 PM
You know, I kind of felt like a squid at work today (if squids worked in corporations, that is). I was threatened with work, so I wrote down a thousand and seven questions for my manager (creating an inky whirlpool of confusion)chucked the files on her desk, and jetted myself out of there...backwards!
I got some really strange looks for that.
Posted by: sjm | September 16, 2008 5:25 PM
Nothing like the prospect of a free trip to New York to get people to de-lurk. :)
Posted by: Scote | September 16, 2008 5:25 PM
"So keep on talking. But shhhhh, don't tell anyone: you only need to make one comment to be entered, and more comments don't increase your odds."
Well, thank goodness. I'd hate to think that trolls had better odds of winning, or those annoying people who try and post "First!" with nothing to say about the actual topic at hand.
Posted by: gruggach | September 16, 2008 5:26 PM
I'd love to visit New York. I've never been.
If aliens were to study our TV broadcasts to learn about us they'd think we all lived in New York or LA.
Or Cincinnati if they lucked out and caught old WKRP re-runs.
Posted by: Adam | September 16, 2008 5:26 PM
Nothing to see here. Just a typical lurker to the blog.
Hiding, just waiting to pounce. for a trip to NY.
*meooow*
Damn, need bigger cats....
Posted by: E.V. | September 16, 2008 5:27 PM
Last I heard, Lluridd, Las Vegas is Sin City and NYC is The Big Apple.
I wouldn't bet on the Jesus myth stuff, it seems to fall apart under the scrutiny of logic. Oh BTW, it's i before e except after c believe it or not.
Posted by: Hooloovoo | September 16, 2008 5:28 PM
I love New York!
Posted by: Clintsc9 | September 16, 2008 5:28 PM
So where is the comment supposed to be put?
I'd love a trip to New York but don't know where to comment.
Somebody help.
Posted by: rob | September 16, 2008 5:32 PM
i'll comment to that!
Posted by: Lluraa | September 16, 2008 5:33 PM
Llurra - Explain the magical under pants, please. That's what all the truly inquiring minds want to know about.
Pat, there are many garments that various religions wear, for example Jewish men wear yamukles, and prayer shaws, some Christians wear special garments for their liturgical celebrations, monks and nuns in both the Christian and Buddhist communities wear special clothes, and Mormons have special undergarments that are particularly meaningful for them. Truly inquiring minds may want to google it or go to a library for a better and deeper explaination. But surely as a good scientist you know this.
Posted by: Richard | September 16, 2008 5:33 PM
New Yawk, here I come!
Posted by: E.V. | September 16, 2008 5:36 PM
Who'd a thunk Cuttlefish had a girl in every port? I thought his poetry was for posterity and erudition and he's just using it to score some chicks. Who needs a sports car when you have his talent.
He does raise an important concern though; do you both have to leave from the same port of call? Just wondering.
"I'm in a New York state of mind..."
Posted by: Barry | September 16, 2008 5:36 PM
Sign me up!
Posted by: HP | September 16, 2008 5:39 PM
Actually, I'm really hoping that the prize goes to a creationist, or an anti-vaxxer, or a global warming denialist. I think it would make for fantastic theater.
Posted by: E.V. | September 16, 2008 5:41 PM
LLuraa,
We know about the garment. The point is that no garment, prayer shawl, penis sheath, etc. is actually magical and that a belief that it is anything other than purely ceremonial is ludicrous.
So do you believe the Mormon garments have mystical properties?
Posted by: Jonny_eh | September 16, 2008 5:42 PM
I hate New York, I hope I don't win ;)
Posted by: Mark (Monty) Montague | September 16, 2008 5:43 PM
does that mean this is the place to post if you haven't been inspired to post anything else recently?
Hey, maybe I should bring out the old "face it, a lot of Junk DNA isn't junk, but creationists can still go screw" argument. See
Nature 454, 1042-1045 (2008) | doi:10.1038/4541042a
at http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080827/full/4541042a.html
and compare and contrast to PZ's http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/06/its_junk_get_over_it.php
There, that's sorta on topic, and maybe I'll WIN THE BIG PRIZE!!1!!1!
Posted by: Yaroslav Naumenko | September 16, 2008 5:43 PM
You know, considering that I only live 2 hours from NY, it will be very silly for me to win...
Posted by: Michael | September 16, 2008 5:43 PM
Well, if you put it that way, I may as well comment once!
Posted by: Scott | September 16, 2008 5:44 PM
Sounds like a fabulous idea for a contest... I'll take it!
Posted by: Michael | September 16, 2008 5:45 PM
I'd love a trip to New York... I've never been.
Posted by: Chris R. | September 16, 2008 5:46 PM
I am single-handedly, with this comment, attempting to increase the odds that the winning comment will be from this thread. Please do not make my effort be made in vain, Scienceblog gods of chance ;)
Posted by: Bjørn Østman | September 16, 2008 5:46 PM
I want to become a veterinarian who saves the environment.
Posted by: A Listener in Berlin | September 16, 2008 5:48 PM
Does this count as a comment?
Posted by: Paul Burnett | September 16, 2008 5:50 PM
"I'd love a trip to New York... I've never been. - Michael, #168
I double dated with my wife to the New York World's Fair in 1964. Haven't been back since. I hear it's changed.
Posted by: Whitney | September 16, 2008 5:50 PM
The urge to comment after reading that was just... irresistible
Posted by: Geral | September 16, 2008 5:50 PM
I don't like the odds of this one, but I'll post for the chance of winning.
Posted by: Pixelfish | September 16, 2008 5:55 PM
The odds may be against me but on the off-chance, I really wouldn't mind a trip to New York. I missed it when I actually lived only a few hours away. Slothful me.
Posted by: Skwee | September 16, 2008 5:56 PM
Crescimento e Desenvolvimento do liberalism in various arbitrary harmful difamação.
(What happened when I ran this blog' s slogan through all the languages of Google Translate.)
Posted by: Dveduu | September 16, 2008 5:56 PM
so just one comment eh
Posted by: Peter | September 16, 2008 5:57 PM
NYC is ok but if I had the option, I'd choose Morris (except in winter).
Posted by: Paul Burnett | September 16, 2008 5:57 PM
"I'd hate to think that trolls had better odds of winning, or those annoying people who try and post "First!" with nothing to say about the actual topic at hand." - Scote, #150
Watch Woot win it. (.)(.)
Or Woot's mom. ( . )( . )
Posted by: Lucas | September 16, 2008 5:59 PM
I see what you're saying ... you're saying there's still a chance!
Posted by: Rodibidably | September 16, 2008 6:00 PM
I agree with the others, Id rather head to Minn, as NYC is just a drive, while Minn is a place I've never been.
Posted by: JJR | September 16, 2008 6:05 PM
Feeling glad not to be working in either Galveston or Houston (where I have worked in recent years, 2005-2007) right now. Ike just gave us in Denton, TX some light rain and cooler Fall-like temperatures in its wake.
My folks down in Sugar Land, TX had to sit around without electricity or AC for 42 hours, but now they're back on the grid. Big tree lost some big limbs, but it stayed up and didn't crash into the house. Mom says it was worse than Alicia with regards to the wind, but not as bad as regarded the flooding, which in Alicia got up into our back yard and ruined the downstairs carpeting.
It got up pretty far into the front yard, too, with big ol' brownish whirlpools around the street drains.
I still remember that, all the way back to 1983.
From late 2005 to early 2006, I lived/worked in Galveston, in some apartments right on Seawall Blvd. I always felt nervous the whole time I was there, particularly since Galveston had just dodged the Rita bullet right before I moved down there. I will miss the Balinese Room, though they always were playing Russian roulette with that structure, and finally lost. I count myself lucky that my position with TAMUG didn't work out after all; If I'd stayed, I'd be out of a job. Plus, I used to work for AIG in Houston and their stock just tanked, plus their Houston operations have been temporarily relocated to Austin, TX.
Me, I enjoyed walking to work this morning with the temp a cool 50 F. Guilty pleasure for this former greater Houston-Galveston area resident.
Posted by: windy, OM | September 16, 2008 6:05 PM
How much is "a lot"? If those "2,000 long non-coding RNAs" are functional, that would still not make most of the genome non-junk. If you are going to argue that the 80% of the human genome that's transcribed is probably functional (and not just in the general sense that transcription itself may be useful for something), fine, but then we need to explain how humans manage the genetic load of maintaining all that by selection.
Posted by: Randomfactor | September 16, 2008 6:05 PM
What about those of us who are agnostic and don't believe there *IS* a New York?
Posted by: Carlie | September 16, 2008 6:07 PM
Mememememememe!!! I'll take it.
Posted by: Chris Leithiser | September 16, 2008 6:08 PM
Of course, those of us with multiple e-mail addresses would never dream of commenting under more than one name; that would be wrong.
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 6:09 PM
Llurra - I'm not even remotely a scientist. I'm a farmer, herb & egg peddler, and a strumpet. Late at night I morph into an ignorant slut.
So please do tell about the 'garments', you have everyone's attention!
Posted by: Kellen | September 16, 2008 6:10 PM
I'll give this contest a try, why not?
Posted by: benjdm | September 16, 2008 6:11 PM
Just one comment, eh?
Posted by: Sven DiMilo | September 16, 2008 6:12 PM
Just took a trip to NYC yesterday...my last-ever trip to Shea Stadium, in fact (last time I was there? 1971!)
Mets were up by 2 until Atlanta scored 5 in the top of the ninth.
Anybody got a decent relief pitcher for sale?
Posted by: Adrian Hayter | September 16, 2008 6:13 PM
Dinner with my favourite science blogger? That's certainly worth this comment :D.
Posted by: Rene Malenfant | September 16, 2008 6:14 PM
What a ridiculous way to run a contest.
Posted by: Rivka | September 16, 2008 6:14 PM
I suppose this is a good enough reason for this lurker to post something.
Posted by: Sven DiMilo | September 16, 2008 6:15 PM
...or was that Sunday? Sunday, right.
The hell happened to Monday????
Posted by: kyle | September 16, 2008 6:15 PM
"consider me entered," said the lurker.
Posted by: hyperdeath | September 16, 2008 6:16 PM
Will SQL injections improve my chances ?
'); UPDATE CompetitionEntrants SET Winner=TRUE WHERE UserName = 'hyperdeath'; --
Posted by: Justin Higinbotham | September 16, 2008 6:17 PM
Hah, I love your work PZ and can't resist a shot at winning a sweet trip out to NY. Keep up the good work.
Justin
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp, KoT | September 16, 2008 6:18 PM
Now please explain to us how native Americans are the descendants of the Israelites. And I don't want to google it I want you to explain it because you came her blabbering on about Mormonism in too many threads to remember.
Now please. Go right ahead.
Posted by: Kougaro | September 16, 2008 6:20 PM
Well, since i got to put something in this comment : PZ, your blog is very good, I really love it, please continue posting lots of godless thoughts and commentaries.
Posted by: The Young Linguist | September 16, 2008 6:20 PM
What's this about a contest?
Posted by: Reinis | September 16, 2008 6:21 PM
To contribute to the spam...
I've been reading this blog since long before it had thousand-comment-posts, and I haven't been commenting very much, because other people always seem to be doing much better than I could hope for. I was just wondering if Seed would follow up with sending me from my Eastern Europe location to New York if I won.
In any case, sincere thanks for being a candle in the dark, PZ.
Posted by: Ohika | September 16, 2008 6:23 PM
Daily lurker here. I can't resist entering contests for fabulous prizes despite the long odds...
Posted by: Kel | September 16, 2008 6:25 PM
Only need one comment for the one in a million chance? Let me win so I can sing "I've got a golden ticket"
Posted by: E.V. | September 16, 2008 6:26 PM
Rev BDC:
re:#198
Amen.
Posted by: justin | September 16, 2008 6:29 PM
Daily reader, I rarely comment.
Can I goes to New York now?
Posted by: MikeM | September 16, 2008 6:29 PM
I am concerned about concern trolls. It's not that it's not your right to express these opinions, it's that something bad may happen if you do.
I'm so concerned. Concerned, concerned, concerned.
Autumn in New York.
Why does it seem so inviting?
Posted by: sid Schwab | September 16, 2008 6:31 PM
Good to know.
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp, KoT | September 16, 2008 6:32 PM
It spells the thrill of first-nighting, duh
Posted by: Lynnai | September 16, 2008 6:33 PM
Nifty.
Posted by: Timcol | September 16, 2008 6:35 PM
New York, New York. What a wonderful town!
Posted by: Robert J. Grieve | September 16, 2008 6:35 PM
So here is my comment: Coney Island Hot Dogs, Real Kosher Delis on Flatbush Ave, a Tongue Sandwich on pumpernickel with mustard and horseradish, China Town, Little Italy, Arthur Avenue, Brighton Beach, Katz's Deli, and so much more. NY NY. Bring it on.
Posted by: SC | September 16, 2008 6:36 PM
I can't believe how many lurkers there are! It's so easy sometimes to slip into thinking you're having a more "private" conversation, and there are probably a few hundred people reading. Yikes! :)
Rev. - Got it.
Posted by: Sven DiMilo | September 16, 2008 6:36 PM
Ll(a)uraa's Poeing that is my OPINOIN
Posted by: Brian English | September 16, 2008 6:36 PM
(comment goes here)
Posted by: blorf | September 16, 2008 6:37 PM
@ 137
A while back Dr Myers made a comment along the lines of 'I don't care if all you do is post links to boobies' and w00t crawled out of the woodwork. I am a big fan of boobies, and envy the professor for getting to go to the galopagos and see them live.
Posted by: Eisnel | September 16, 2008 6:38 PM
This lurker wants a prize.
Posted by: Pete Rooke | September 16, 2008 6:43 PM
Ah, how sweet it would be should I win. If only God concerned himself with such things. Question: If I do win is the sci.blogger obligated to meet me even against their will? I would very much like to meet Dr. Myers.
Posted by: Venger | September 16, 2008 6:44 PM
May as well get my one comment in. Haven't been particularly loquacious this month.
Posted by: Matt Stocum | September 16, 2008 6:46 PM
Well then...
Posted by: SC | September 16, 2008 6:47 PM
If that doesn't send shivers down your spine, nothing will.
Posted by: «bønez_brigade» | September 16, 2008 6:47 PM
#1,000,543, huzzah!
Posted by: Steve4056 | September 16, 2008 6:48 PM
Heads up to those in earshot of QR77 in Calgary. Ken Miller is on somewhere between 18:30 to 21:00 Mountain Time Sept 16. Can't find the exact segment he'll be on. Others can download from the AudioVault
http://www.qr77.com/StationShared/AudioVault.aspx
after a quick free signup.
Posted by: Rev. BigDumbChimp, KoT | September 16, 2008 6:49 PM
Yeah it's a tough call. you'd think someone that amazingly annoying and obtuse would have to be trying at it.
Posted by: echidna | September 16, 2008 6:49 PM
NYC. Cool.
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 6:50 PM
Orly?
Posted by: Duke York | September 16, 2008 6:50 PM
Only one comment to enter the contest? Scandalous!
This is my first comment in the time frame ^_^.
Posted by: JohnnyPotamus | September 16, 2008 6:52 PM
Well, thanks for the update.
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 6:53 PM
Sven, I think you're right.
SC, No kidding, who knew there are so many of the Ilk! Wow, and look how pretty they are. Like a whole school of bright silvery flashes. *tears up* HI!!!
Posted by: William | September 16, 2008 6:55 PM
I have no comment on this issue...
Posted by: Pete Rooke | September 16, 2008 6:56 PM
@ Patricia/SC
I like the idea of unknown people being exposed to diff. opinions and arguments. It give my analogies/various philosophies more relevance.
Posted by: Andrew Hay | September 16, 2008 6:57 PM
An excellent excuse to stop lurking and contribute.
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 6:58 PM
PZ, If Pete Rooke wins, and you have to meet him, I can FedX you out my 10 tined manure fork. You're gonna need it.
Posted by: Ssrah | September 16, 2008 6:59 PM
Mmmm... Comments
Posted by: sara | September 16, 2008 7:03 PM
To Lluraa et al.
Since we are on the off-topic topic of religious costumes, I will contribute a second-order off-topic comment/question:
There was at least one report that the success of Hoopoe being elected as the national bird of Israel could be attributed to the resemblance of the crest to Jewish costume headdress. What could it be? Shtraml?
[Source: http://www.7kanal.com/news.php3?id=247389]
Posted by: Wowbagger | September 16, 2008 7:04 PM
#211 - makes me think of this:
Statue of Liberty, Staten Island Ferry;
Co-op city, Katz's and Tiffanys;
Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge;
The Empire State where Dylan lived;
Coney Island and Times Square;
Rockefeller Centre, wish I was there...
Posted by: Patricia | September 16, 2008 7:05 PM
Pete, If you want to play rough let's go back to the other thread. Be sure to bring your invisible friend.
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead | September 16, 2008 7:06 PM
I see Pete is off his meds again.
Posted by: Steve | September 16, 2008 7:07 PM
I like Pharyngula!
Posted by: amphiox | September 16, 2008 7:11 PM
Whether Lluraa and others are Poes does not matter that much to me. I would still respond the same.
If it was supposed to be satire, then let my response be part of the satire. Happy to oblige.
Posted by: pcarini | September 16, 2008 7:12 PM
This is definite proof that Llaura isn't of the Morg and is just fucking with us. The Mormons don't believe that Jesus IS God, they believe that Jesus is his "only begotten son". i.e. he's the only one that God created by an actual act of fucking. They believe that the rest of humanity are his "spirit children", but not his actual offspring.
Posted by: MikeM | September 16, 2008 7:13 PM
My toenails blush just thinking about it.
Posted by: Pete Rooke | September 16, 2008 7:16 PM
@ Nerd of the Redhead
Please maintain a respectful tone.
Posted by: pcarini | September 16, 2008 7:16 PM
@Pete Rooke: Fuck you, tool.
Posted by: Dave | September 16, 2008 7:18 PM
Pharyngula rocks
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead | September 16, 2008 7:18 PM
Peter Rooke, I will maintain a respectful tone as soon as you do something worthy of respect. That sir, is you leaving this sit never to return.
Posted by: Yuri Vishnevsky | September 16, 2008 7:18 PM
I think I've commented before, but just to be sure - here I am!
Posted by: Thanny | September 16, 2008 7:21 PM
Well, I'm 10 minutes from NY state, and about an hour and a half from the city, so that's not much of a trip to win.
Posted by: Malimar | September 16, 2008 7:24 PM
I've never actually been to NYC, despite living in WNY and occasionally driving to Massachusetts and Maine. Strange.
Posted by: Paul Lundgren | September 16, 2008 7:24 PM
Now for the next contest: who's going to have one million comments all on their own? My vote goes to Glenn Davidson.
Posted by: Rick Lumb | September 16, 2008 7:27 PM
To NY from anywhere?
That's a generous prize for us Transatlantic Old-worlders!
Posted by: Agersomnia | September 16, 2008 7:27 PM
Can I go to NYC even from outside of the USA?
Sounds great!
I'm in.
Posted by: Cliff Hendroval | September 16, 2008 7:28 PM
#235: Quoting Cub FTW!
Yeah, NYC is a $12 train ticket for me, too, but if they put me up in a fancy hotel that'll be nice.
Posted by: Rob J | September 16, 2008 7:31 PM
So, why didn't the millionth win anything?
Posted by: Rob the Lurker FCD BMWCCA | September 16, 2008 7:34 PM
I can't remember whether or not I've commented recently, so I guess this is my entry.
Posted by: LadyH | September 16, 2008 7:35 PM
Never been to NY, and I'm about as far as you can get from it. Worth it for me :)
Posted by: Ross Nixon | September 16, 2008 7:42 PM
Yeah? I'm pretty far away too. My place in New Zealand to NYC = 14,400 km; as calculated using www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distance.html
Posted by: Gobaskof | September 16, 2008 7:42 PM
I should probably comment then. I normaly just read.
Posted by: BMS | September 16, 2008 7:45 PM
I'd love to go back to New York. Haven't been since the early '90s. I needs me some Junior's Cheesecake (fresh, not frozen and shipped).
Posted by: E.V. | September 16, 2008 7:46 PM
Glad to see that I'm not the only one here to challenge Rev BDC for his title of KoT.
Posted by: Christopher Petroni | September 16, 2008 7:57 PM
Can we post anywhere on Science Blogs to enter? Am I entered by typing this? Should I stop typing now?
Posted by: Mozglubov | September 16, 2008 7:58 PM
I am also normally just a lurker, but at least this isn't my first ever comment... anyway, now my name is in the pot.
Posted by: name that tune | September 16, 2008 8:04 PM
please god, let me win.
Posted by: SweetKevin | September 16, 2008 8:08 PM
I probably don't even have enough time to go to New York, but I'll try anyway.
Posted by: Craig Messerman | September 16, 2008 8:13 PM
I don't really want to go to New York, so I'm not going to po....eh, hem.
Posted by: Mike F | September 16, 2008 8:18 PM
Very cool. Love your blog!
Posted by: Robert | September 16, 2008 8:25 PM
Well, too bad I have nothing good to say. I doubt very much that a trip would inspire me... so there.
Posted by: Caryn | September 16, 2008 8:26 PM
In!
Posted by: Hank Fox | September 16, 2008 8:33 PM
Dear Scienceblogs:
Yes, I want to enter your contest for a Fabulous Trip for Two to New York City! Pick me!
(Besides, I already live in New York state, so I'll be a cheap winner.
But if you have money left over and can score me a couple of tickets to The Daily Show or The Colbert Report, that would be cool too.)
Posted by: eiaboca | September 16, 2008 8:34 PM
I live in New York! What do I get instead?
Posted by: eiaboca | September 16, 2008 8:36 PM
Plus, commenter, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report tickets are free. You need to get them pretty far in advance, though. You can do it by calling them or emailing them...the stuff is on their website.
Posted by: Wiggy | September 16, 2008 8:37 PM
OK, I'll bite.
Posted by: Scrapefoot | September 16, 2008 8:41 PM
All this talk of winning made me lose The Game.
Posted by: Buzz Buzz | September 16, 2008 8:46 PM
I found this blog post to be very humorous/informative. Thank you [blog author name here].
Posted by: sil-chan | September 16, 2008 8:47 PM
I already won The Game. If you think up up down down left right left right A B select start you enable the invincibility mode and hence cannot lose.
(Apparently the game was made by Konami)
Posted by: Miss Infidel | September 16, 2008 8:50 PM
I hope there are some nice Creation Museums in New York!
Posted by: LM Wanderer | September 16, 2008 8:50 PM
New York would be nice.
LM Wanderer
Posted by: Not a maverick | September 16, 2008 8:52 PM
Ok, I am here. No need to keep the competition going just hand me those tickets.
Posted by: JHAT | September 16, 2008 8:54 PM
I'm in, even though I live in NY state and visit NYC frequently.
As others have suggested, I wouldn't mind visiting Minnesota. It's my native state and I haven't been there in years.
Posted by: o|o | September 16, 2008 8:55 PM
!
Posted by: JoJo | September 16, 2008 8:59 PM
I've been to New York City and to Minnesota. However, I've never been to Petrograd or Kuala Lumpur.
Posted by: MrSquid | September 16, 2008 9:03 PM
Well, even without the carrot - er, apple - being dangled, I enjoy posting the occasional comment to converse with other educated folks about issues that concern me. But I like prizes...
Posted by: Matt Gerber | September 16, 2008 9:09 PM
Well I like New York. Now I won't be able to say I didn't try.
Posted by: Doug Stone | September 16, 2008 9:13 PM
Commenting.
Posted by: bernard quatermass | September 16, 2008 9:14 PM
I lived in NY from 1999-2008. My best friend is still there, so going there would be fun. But I go there anyway.
Posted by: Troy | September 16, 2008 9:18 PM
I guess than I should use this opportunity to comment, because I would love to see the museums in NYC (not to mention there is at least one Minnesotan science blogger I would like to meet).
Posted by: Mlyze | September 16, 2008 9:20 PM
Guess what? We've already won!
Wait, sorry. Wrong game.
Posted by: Ronald Brak | September 16, 2008 9:26 PM
Well this is going to be a sensible comment. Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be if the winning comment had been something really stupid like the word, "Blurrrbbbbgrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh?"
Posted by: featheredfrog | September 16, 2008 9:26 PM
I, too would prefer a trip to Minnesota - doesn't even need to be for two.
Oh, by the way: <3 yields
Posted by: AdamNelson | September 16, 2008 9:26 PM
Can Canadians enter? We Canucks are NEVER eligible winners in American contests!!
Posted by: Jonathan | September 16, 2008 9:29 PM
Comment!
Posted by: featheredfrog | September 16, 2008 9:31 PM
ooh, double-secret meta html
I can't even figure it out. it worked in preview.... :(
&
Posted by: Jeff Campbell | September 16, 2008 9:46 PM
Nice! A trip to New York :)
Posted by: Grimalkin | September 16, 2008 9:47 PM
AdamNelson - It's because we haven't quite figured out how to get our dog-sleighs airborne long enough to get to the States to pick up our prizes. It's our own darn fault!
Posted by: Ray | September 16, 2008 9:47 PM
A comment for the sake of winning? OK. Not that I want to go to New York (been there done that what the heck?) but winning would be cool. Can I send someone else? Can I trade for cash? ...
Posted by: Dee | September 16, 2008 9:52 PM
I'm in too!
(Love this thread; you guys are cute.)
Posted by: Brad | September 16, 2008 9:57 PM
Fantastic news!
Posted by: Mitchbert | September 16, 2008 9:59 PM
Mitch chimes in.
Posted by: Benjamin Franklin | September 16, 2008 10:04 PM
A Fabulous trip to NYC, and a catered lunch at St Patricks Cathedral with Bill Donohue!
Posted by: Moody834 | September 16, 2008 10:11 PM
Cool beans. I love Pharyngula.
Posted by: AaronSTL | September 16, 2008 10:14 PM
I
Posted by: Paula Helm Murray | September 16, 2008 10:16 PM
so i'm commenting. PZM, keep up the good work. Evolution rocks!
Posted by: Fergy | September 16, 2008 10:18 PM
It's just a frackin' contest!
Posted by: spurge | September 16, 2008 10:24 PM
Too
Posted by: TorontoGuy | September 16, 2008 10:24 PM
Hey wow, a contest! I like contests. Especially ones where all I have to do is make one comment, like this one, in order to enter. Yay Pharyngula! Yay Scienceblogs!
Posted by: S.Scott | September 16, 2008 10:25 PM
... I want to wake up in the city that doesn't sleep! ;-)
Stacy
Posted by: andre | September 16, 2008 10:28 PM
go creationism! ID 4 life!
(does my stupidity disqualify me?)
Posted by: sorenPDX | September 16, 2008 10:30 PM
My first comment.................................................................................................................................................................................................Wow, I'm boring. You all are soooooooooo smart. Sooooooooooooo interesting. BAH! I'M AN ATHEIST WITHOUT A BAND!
-OregonKill
Posted by: Uncephalized | September 16, 2008 10:30 PM
Cool! +1 Comment and an entry for me! :)
Posted by: Biocide | September 16, 2008 10:37 PM
Testing!!
Is this comment working?
Hello?
Testing!!!
Posted by: SteveM | September 16, 2008 10:38 PM
You mean like this: I "I have boobies for New York"?
How about this: I ♥ NY
Posted by: Kevin Hardisty | September 16, 2008 10:40 PM
I'd love to go on that trip.
Posted by: Capital Dan | September 16, 2008 10:48 PM
Fine. I'll comment.
SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RULES!
Posted by: Double_Helical | September 16, 2008 10:52 PM
PZ! YOU ROCK! first time posting on your site. If Richard Dawkins is a 6, and you are a 7, then I am an 8....
Posted by: Cathy | September 16, 2008 11:00 PM
Excellent blog & great contest! Even better if PZM is there too.
Posted by: veryunseemly | September 16, 2008 11:01 PM
Neat.
Posted by: Kristin Miers | September 16, 2008 11:04 PM
.
Posted by: Nerd of Redhead | September 16, 2008 11:06 PM
Kristin, that comment was certainly to the point. :-)
Posted by: Aaron | September 16, 2008 11:08 PM
Hey how do I en---
nevermind.
Posted by: Stephen | September 16, 2008 11:18 PM
Well, that's certainly good news, and now count me in.
/ 100% content-free post
Posted by: Ryan Jensen | September 16, 2008 11:21 PM
What's all this then?
Posted by: Yoshitigger | September 16, 2008 11:23 PM
I know this contest is futile because by the time a winner is announced, we'll be on the event horizon of a black hole created by the LHC.
My socks told me so.
Posted by: tguy | September 16, 2008 11:32 PM
What if you submit a comment that's held for moderation or even rejected? Because the blog I just commented on has rejected my innocent little missives before, I'm going to exploit PZ's hospitality and cross-post here.
The subject is the curious incuriousness of many prominent Republicans when it comes to comptuers and the internet. I think I've hit upon why they lag behind their peers in computer savvy.
Posted by: Bumper | September 16, 2008 11:52 PM
Here's my comment.
Posted by: GWD | September 16, 2008 11:57 PM
I didn't even hear about this contest. Now I can't remember if I've posted a comment within the contest's window.
Problem solved, I suppose.
Posted by: Ferrous Patella | September 17, 2008 12:17 AM
Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!
Posted by: Mr. 10 seconds Ago | September 17, 2008 12:21 AM
Ooh. Did you say something... ?
Posted by: Dustin | September 17, 2008 12:27 AM
New York smells like piss and exhaust and the people are assholes.
Posted by: Dustin | September 17, 2008 12:35 AM
Sweet! There's an opt-out. Now I can comment with confidence, and dance in a club in my black turtleneck with my arms above my head.
Posted by: Brian G | September 17, 2008 12:44 AM
Here's my obligatory comment so I can win.
Posted by: Josh | September 17, 2008 12:56 AM
Oh, please do pick me! Pleeeeease!
Posted by: rob | September 17, 2008 1:36 AM
I love your blog and I love New York. It just makes sense.
Posted by: ali | September 17, 2008 1:38 AM
#327
I guess I will feel at home there.
Posted by: Psi Wavefunction | September 17, 2008 1:43 AM
Posting to test the Canuck Eligibility Hypothesis (hereafter refered to as CEH)
Might need a few extra replicates though...
(although due to my wave-particle duality nature, ain't I already in New York as well as Vancouver, and say, Kuala Limpur?)
Posted by: Gameon | September 17, 2008 1:49 AM
Well I guess I'm gonna have to comment then... just once though.
Posted by: Matt | September 17, 2008 1:50 AM
Insert pithy remark here.
Posted by: MB | September 17, 2008 2:42 AM
# 336
Posted by: Porridge Bird | September 17, 2008 2:50 AM
Me not very edumacated. Me usually only lurk, afraid to open mouth and "remove all doubt" as to level of intellect. Today me get pumped, post bold comment and wave to smart, savvy, sophisticated Pharygulites, if only for a chance to win shiny bird-thingy trip to Noo Yawk.
Me also wave to silly, timewasting xtian trolls.
Posted by: MPG | September 17, 2008 2:55 AM
I presume it's open to anyone no matter what country they live in, correct? The rules don't mention only entrants in the USA are eligible. Well, I'm entering anyway.
Posted by: AndrewG | September 17, 2008 3:08 AM
Just the one comment, you say... hmmm, now to think of something intelligent to write...
Posted by: Tucker | September 17, 2008 3:45 AM
"you only need to make one comment to be entered, and more comments don't increase your odds."
Interesting...
Posted by: Brad | September 17, 2008 3:53 AM
I Love this site! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Bob F. | September 17, 2008 3:55 AM
Where there are no winners, there are no losers.
:|
Okay, I'm a loser.
Posted by: Alan Kellogg | September 17, 2008 3:59 AM
New York trip? No thanks, I live in New York's cross country suburb, San Diego.
Posted by: G.L. | September 17, 2008 4:02 AM
Wow, that sounds like a great prize! :) Just so this wouldn't seem like a waste of cyber-space - keep up the good work, PZ, and keep blogging. :D
Posted by: Michael X | September 17, 2008 4:07 AM
If nothing else, this thread informs us of just how many lurkers are around most days. And not only that, but lurkers that are willing to post.
Posted by: Callandor | September 17, 2008 4:16 AM
Well, that's a relief. I can still win!
Posted by: BigBob | September 17, 2008 4:19 AM
I'm in!
Posted by: Derek | September 17, 2008 4:24 AM
What do I get to do in New York (assuming I win, of course)?
If I get to desecrate a host in Times Square on live TV... then sign me up.
Posted by: Gard | September 17, 2008 4:35 AM
I have the same problem AndrewG.
Words seems to escape me at the moment...
Posted by: Alicestronaut | September 17, 2008 5:11 AM
"If nothing else, this thread informs us of just how many lurkers are around most days. And not only that, but lurkers that are willing to post."
That'd be me then! I've never commented before but figured it's time to start..
Posted by: Tom K. | September 17, 2008 5:47 AM
If I win, the number of atheists in the United States would be increased by 2. The number of atheists in Belgium would be decreased by 2, however, although there is no shortage of us here at the moment. I am of the strong opinion that this should be taken under consideration when you are awarding the prize.
Highest regards
Tom K.
Posted by: Ben | September 17, 2008 6:13 AM
Great. Fingers crossed.
Posted by: Gustaf Sjöblom | September 17, 2008 7:50 AM
Does posting for a less than slim chance to win a trip make me a sell out?
Posted by: Amanda | September 17, 2008 7:55 AM
I could use a trip to NY. I'm in.
Posted by: Blenster | September 17, 2008 8:06 AM
I'll sign up for this... :-)
Love the blog... I lurk most often but that's because most of what I might say in a comment is already hit upon by others and I don't feel the need to be unnecessarily redundant, just to see my words on screen. Or I'm lazy. ;-)
Posted by: Stephen | September 17, 2008 8:47 AM
Yet another person commenting just to enter.
Posted by: Wesley R. Elsberry | September 17, 2008 9:23 AM
A free lottery? OK, here's my ticket.
Posted by: Johnathan Darby | September 17, 2008 9:30 AM
I'll join in the fun!
Posted by: CaptPetro | September 17, 2008 9:53 AM
Powers on, net is up, nature is awesome! I've noticed since Ike how many folks are thanking the sky fairy for their survival. Is this a similar syndrome to a battered spouse "sure he beats me, but he loves me so much..."?
Cheers from Katy Texas
Posted by: zeekster | September 17, 2008 9:55 AM
What makes this trip so fabulous?
Posted by: Jkessler | September 17, 2008 10:12 AM
Oh good, there was a fire alarm test in our building when the millionth comment was entered. Was soooo disappointed lol
Posted by: Yahknavo | September 17, 2008 10:16 AM
I'd love to go to New York.
Posted by: George P | September 17, 2008 10:24 AM
I don't think it's fair. I live in New York, so I want to win a trip to Seattle, San Fran, or MN.
Posted by: CrypticLife | September 17, 2008 10:24 AM
Oh, I've always wanted to go to England!
I work in NYC. I'd really rather be located elsewhere.
Posted by: Amanduh | September 17, 2008 10:36 AM
WIN
Posted by: Zetetic | September 17, 2008 10:43 AM
Cool.
Posted by: memyrald | September 17, 2008 10:47 AM
Delurking for my chance to win...:)
Posted by: Michael Gillard | September 17, 2008 11:16 AM
I'm in...
Posted by: Cava | September 17, 2008 11:23 AM
I'm commenting maybe for the third time on Scienceblog, it would be somehow unfair should I win...but I would take it ;)
Posted by: ctenotrish | September 17, 2008 11:41 AM
I sure don't want to miss a chance to win a trip!
Posted by: MOAB | September 17, 2008 11:49 AM
Hmm.. even more incentive to not lurk, I like it.
Posted by: anon | September 17, 2008 12:07 PM
But do make sure you post at least one comment with every lame email address you have ever used.
And make sure you remember to check your many inboxes at announcement time...
anon
Posted by: Stefan | September 17, 2008 12:10 PM
Holy cow! (Or should that be "secular cow"?) No lurking, a chance to stand up and be counted, and a possible trip to New York! Well, count me as a fan.
Posted by: Aaron | September 17, 2008 12:16 PM
Sweet, then I still have a chance!
Posted by: Red | September 17, 2008 12:25 PM
The chances of winning are extremely slim, but I'll try anyways.
Posted by: Sengkelat | September 17, 2008 12:27 PM
Only one comment? Sign me up!
Posted by: sc0tt | September 17, 2008 12:39 PM
I'll probably win fourth prize... a box of crackers.
Posted by: Kaethe | September 17, 2008 12:40 PM
Wow, 1,000,000 comments. Now, how many of those were at Pharyngula?
Posted by: Giles Varner | September 17, 2008 1:07 PM
This thread is way to long.
Posted by: kmarissa | September 17, 2008 1:13 PM
I suppose I'll comment despite my unjustified and bizarre dislike for New York.
Posted by: cleek | September 17, 2008 1:22 PM
comment contests are a tax on people who don't understand math
Posted by: Ticktockman | September 17, 2008 1:23 PM
I just know the winner will be one of the "PZ must die for murdering our holy cracker!" limpwits, but I'll throw my fedora in the ring anyway.
-TTm
Posted by: Blondin | September 17, 2008 1:36 PM
Although I've never won anything in my life and would dearly love to visit the Big Apple I know I'm not really likely to win this trip because, even though I'm not superstitious, I just seem to be jinxed and only bad stuff ever happens to me even though I try to be a good person and even if I do win I'll prob'ly (maybe) just give the prize to someone more deserving and needy than me because I get such joy out of giving joy to others unless the prize is not transferable in which case I'll just have to go to New York and do some kind thing for some needy person there in order to ease my guilty conscience.
Posted by: Zach Mayer | September 17, 2008 1:42 PM
what if I make a comment on antiscienceblogs.com?
does it negate this one?
Posted by: Cerebelle | September 17, 2008 1:44 PM
I wanna go to New York. For reading science!
Posted by: G Sundar | September 17, 2008 2:09 PM
Do I stand a chance?
Posted by: george | September 17, 2008 2:39 PM
Congrats on 1 Million comments!
Posted by: FrankM | September 17, 2008 3:26 PM
Read the blog daily, rarely ever comment. Hopefully this rare comment will land me a free trip. :-)
Posted by: Torbjörn Larsson, OM | September 17, 2008 3:36 PM
Well, just in case furrigners are admissible contestants.
Posted by: Brennon | September 17, 2008 4:03 PM
I'll do this just to be a jackass if I would happen to win...
*comment*
Posted by: nilky | September 17, 2008 4:49 PM
Yeah, I'd like to go to new york once in my life... it's on my bucket list.
Posted by: Joel | September 17, 2008 4:57 PM
Well hot damn. Seems like it's worthwhile to comment then.
Posted by: BeamStalk | September 17, 2008 5:02 PM
So just one comment, that is all it takes? I plan on going to NYC next year already.
Posted by: RachelAB | September 17, 2008 5:19 PM
Oh, this'll greatly reduce the quality of comments on this site... Although that's not that high sometimes anyways...
How about giving the price to the funniest, most insightful, most science-based, or something like that comment? Oh, well. I've always wanted to visit NYC.
Posted by: Brent Jernigan | September 17, 2008 5:19 PM
Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Smeg | September 17, 2008 5:44 PM
What person in their right mind would want to visit that cesspool?
I want to go to LA where the real fun happens...
Posted by: Gav | September 17, 2008 6:11 PM
New York yes
Posted by: Steve Reuland | September 17, 2008 8:02 PM
My comment is here. Give me trip.
Posted by: Annapolitan | September 17, 2008 8:02 PM
I can't remember if I've commented previously, so here's my entry.
Posted by: Richard Murray | September 17, 2008 8:43 PM
Millionth commenter gets nothing. I hear Nelson laughing...
Posted by: David C. | September 17, 2008 9:35 PM
I haven't been to N.Y.C.in many years.I think the last time was when that gorilla climbed to the top of the Empire State building.I guess he was too big to use the elevator.
Posted by: ajani57 | September 17, 2008 9:40 PM
New York? Just by making a comment? Pick me! Pick me! I just love pharyngula!
Posted by: Sven | September 17, 2008 10:45 PM
Everyone knows that one-in-a-million chances crop up nine times out of ten!
Posted by: Gary | September 18, 2008 12:08 AM
Usually by the time I get to read the blog, comments I would like to make have already been made. Not this time.
Posted by: Chris | September 18, 2008 12:54 AM
Here's my two cents. New York here I come.
In other news, long time reader, first time commenter.
Posted by: Charles Betz | September 18, 2008 7:48 AM
what about us poor suckers who only thrive on passive reading?
Posted by: JasonE | September 18, 2008 9:22 AM
I lurk because I generally favor listening to talking.
Posted by: Ian | September 18, 2008 5:28 PM
Does #408 win anything?
Posted by: me | September 18, 2008 7:26 PM
I have entered.
Give me my cheezeburger.
Posted by: Patrick | September 28, 2008 8:17 PM
I'm entering the contest.