Edited to add: The comments to this post have been amazing incredible. My sincerest thanks to all of you; knowing that everyone has my back makes this a lot easier.
I have a big announcement to make:
James Randi has offered me the position of President of the James Randi Educational Foundation. I am extraordinarily honored, and I have accepted this duty.
Wow. Just writing that seems incredible to me.
If you want the official news, you can read our press release. That tells you the facts. It gives you a taste of all this, but I want you to get the flavor.
You see, James "The Amazing" Randi has always been a hero of mine.
I’m not alone there, of course. At every one of Randi’s conferences, I see people approach him rather sheepishly, or in awe, or just, well, amazed. And they say these great things: Randi changed their lives. Randi taught them how to think. Randi showed them what the world is really like.
I feel the same way. I’ve told this story a million times: when I was in high school, I had a little portable black and white TV that sat on the corner of my desk. I’d stay up late watching Carson (Johnny, not Daly). One night, Carson had this guy on, a little dude with a fantastic white beard, and he got a volunteer from the audience to lie down on a table. Then, explaining the whole time that it’s a fake, he starts pulling tissue out of this guy "psychically" just using sleight of hand (you can watch a piece of the clip on YouTube).
I was in hysterics, laughing my butt off. But at that time in my life, I was prey to a lot of pseudoscience: UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, all sorts of garbage. Watching Randi on The Tonight Show showed me that this stuff can be easily faked, or people easily mislead (willfully or not). I started being more skeptical, and became more of a critical thinker as time went on. It was already inside me to be this way, but it was Randi who showed it to me.
In 1996, Randi started the JREF, a foundation to help him help others like the teenaged me. He has been working tirelessly for years to promote critical thinking and skepticism, and to de-fraud the fraudulent. He’s been an inspiration.
In 2002 I sent him a copy of my first book, asking him to write a "blurb" for the back cover. He did (it was great!), and shortly thereafter asked me if I would come talk at the first skeptical conference the JREF was holding in Florida. I agreed, and gave my Planet X talk — just a few hours after Columbia disintegrated over Texas.
That was a hard talk to give, to be cheerful and support NASA against slander from conspiracy theorists just a short time after losing those astronauts. But I muddled through, and Randi was very supportive, saying I would be a regular at those meetings.
He was right. I was very proud to give him an award of sorts at the most recent meeting in June, a cup filled with hundreds of notes from audience members, each saying how Randi has changed their lives for the better.
So we go back a bit, he and I. But it was still a shock when he pulled me aside not too long ago and asked if I would like to carry on with his work. What can you say to that? He’s Randi. There’s only one answer.
I accepted. There is no way I can replace Randi, or fill his shoes, or even be moderately Amazing. I won’t even try. Happily, I don’t need to: he will continue to work with the JREF, guiding the Foundation as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. There is a lot of Randi in the JREF, and of the JREF in Randi, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So what I will do is try to continue on with the JREF’s mission: educate the public. Take on the psychics, the antiscientists, those who would do harm to our collective intellect. Promote real science. That I can do, that I will do, and that is a promise. I also promise to continue this blog. As much as Randi and the JREF are intertwined, so am I with speaking my mind here on the blog. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’m not about to stop now.
I want to thank everyone who supported me in this journey, and warn them that we’ve only just started. There is a very long road ahead, and I’m grateful that Randi was and still is there to break the trail.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Wow! Congratulations, Phil, this sounds phantastic! I’m sure those shoes will fit you pretty nicely.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Whoops, wrong username, that was me
August 4th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Congrats Phil! I know you’ll do a great job (because I’m psychic! lol)
August 4th, 2008 at 8:07 am
SWEET! Rock on, BA! Don’t worry about filling his shoes — just bring your own shoes along. You’ll lead the JREF in your own way, fighting ignorance in the best possible way — with education. Congratulations and good luck!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Congrats Phil, I know you will do a wonderful job.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Phil, this is awesome news! Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Congrats man! That’s quite the honor no matter what PZ says.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Congratulations, Phil! I wouldn’t be able to put one of those notes in that cup you gave to Randi. But I could put one in for you. I can’t think of anybody else who’d do a better job.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Wow! Even I realize this is big news, and I’ve only followed the blog for a few months. Many congratulations!
Of course, he realizes, like many of us, that you’re practically made for the position.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Big congratulations Phil!
I was there at your talk at the first TAM, and you did an *amazing* job after the Columbia tragedy. I’ve been a big fan of yours at TAM and on C2C.
You earned it.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Phil,
You’ve already started a lot of people down the same path as Randi started you down, myself included. So, I’d say Randi couldn’t have chosen a better guy. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Congrats there! Hope you have a good time with your new position.
Still doing Dragoncon?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:18 am
This is great news, Phil. You won’t replace Randi, but you will add to his legacy in time, I know. Congratulations and always be yourself. I have been a fan of both of you for some time now, so this is the best news this year.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Congratulations, Phil!! I guess I’ll be able to say “I knew him when…”!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:19 am
BIG GRATS to you Phil! That’s great news.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Oh Boy! What great news!!! It’s amazing! (No pun intended
) Wow, just wow. Congratulations, I am sure you won’t have any problem filling Randi’s shoes… now, why don’t you ask him to teach you some of his tricks? By the way, does that means we must address you as Mr. President?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am
congrats phil, your readers know you will do a great job. when i read the title of this article i thought randi had past away. but then i read more. though everyday we have that bright man on earth is a great for reason and all mankind
August 4th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Congratulations Phil, that is great news! Randi’s been an inspiration to me for many years, since I first saw his program ‘James Randi: Psychic Investigator’. Up until then I was really a believer, but never stopped to wonder why I believed. The Amazing one opened my eyes as to the nature of extraordanary claims, and the need for hard verifiable evidence.
A remarkable legacy has been set, and I think the right person has been selected to continue it!
P.S. For Brit’s, don’t forget Dawkin’s new series on Darwin, C4, 8.00PM.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Congratulations Phil!
I almost fell off my chair, when I read the first lines.
This is amazing! And you will grow to be too.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Congratulations!!!11
August 4th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Congratulations, Phil…this is excellent news, and I can think of no one better suited mentally or emotionally to “carry on” the mission of the JREF.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Fantastic Phil! When it comes to Philing that post, your tops on everyone’s list and we’ll all be better for it. Grats!!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Hah! This is clearly just a ploy to distract people as PZ Myers initiates his secret plan to become P-Zed, evilutionary superscientist.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Oh-ho: a link to Pharyngula throws my comment into the moderation queue? I begin to see your game, Dr. Plait!
(-:
August 4th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Good for you Phil. I must say, you are “Amazing” in your own way, and indeed in the few short weeks since I have started following this blog, you have made me feel way more confident in my own critical thinking about reality. Amazing Randi may have had “Carson”, which was good for his time, but you got “BadAstronomy” to carry this forward. Although your humility may not let you, don’t short change yourself, you’re a great human.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Congratulations. I wasn’t expecting that, but based on your blog and the few other areas I’ve seen/read about your adventures, you seem to be a really good choice.
Hope it’s fun and rewarding as well as hard work
August 4th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Wonderful news! It’s great to know that someone with such a dedication and flair for education will have a major role in the JR Educational F. Hope that the outreach will continue to reach more and more people.
- Timothy from Boulder
August 4th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Sincere congratulations…a perfect choice to head up the Foundation!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Wooo! Congrats, Phil! I can’t think of anyone better suited for the job educating the public and promoting critical thinking.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Get to working on the facial hair, dude. Those are some big whiskers you’re going to have to try to fill.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Congratulations Phil!
It happened today of course because it is 080808, also saturn is probably rising and jupiter and it was the wishes of the dead houdini.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Congratulations Phil!!
Can you start lobbying about organizing a TAM in Europe?
RS
August 4th, 2008 at 8:34 am
CONGRATULATIONS Phil. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this AMAZING honour more than you. WTG!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Congratulations, it is well deserved. I’m currently reading your book on astronomical hoaxes. Thanks for finally telling me why the moon looks bigger on the horizon than it should — that one’s been bothering me for a long time.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Wow! This is awesome news. Couldn’t have picked a better person to replace Randi, if such a thing could be done.
I can’t possibly express my congratulations in word, but congrats anyway.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:38 am
congrats Phil congrats at the new job.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Excellent news Phil! Congratulations!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:41 am
[…] Randi is stepping down as the President of the James Randi Educational Foundation, and has asked Phil “Bad Astronomy” Plait to take his place. Please, please, please head on over to BA and congratulate Phil on this enormous […]
August 4th, 2008 at 8:42 am
HOLY HALEAKELA! This is fantastic news! My heart is literally beating faster at the announcement!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:43 am
There’s essentially no end to how awesome this is.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Huge congratulations, Phil, from Geologic HQ. This is exciting in the extreme! I know you’ll do great things and wish you the very best.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Congratulations on the well-deserved honor.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Whoa….Congratulations, Phil.
Dare I say you have had a meteoric rise?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I feel certain some sleight of hand is going on …
August 4th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Congratulation!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Congratulations, man, that is truly awesome news, both for you and for the foundation.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Congratulations Phil. There is no one better suited then you for this position.
Dr. President Plait. That’s got to look cool on a resume.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Does that give you the authority to stop the survey popups on this site?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Wait, does this mean we have to start calling you ‘Phil “The Amazing” Plait’ now?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Congratulations Phil. You really do deserve the position.
Now, will there be cake and whiskey?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:52 am
WOW! Congratulations, Phil! Good luck and keep up the good work of both the BABlog and the JREF and we’ll all be happy!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Holy smokes!!! Congratulations, Phil. You totally deserve that and I just know you’ll do an awesome job!
It’s weird… Cuz it’s through you and this website that I learned about Randi’s existence. Aha…
August 4th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Hearty congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
WOW! Congratulations Phil! May your presidency be long and prosperous, and quite frankly and honestly, I cannot think of a better person for the job after Randi himself. Even now, I’m racking my brains trying to think of anyone else who could do this job better. The only other name that pops up is that of the late Carl Sagan.
I hope you’re up to the job of filling Randi’s shoes. Good luck!
(I really hope you can take the title of the Amazing Phil, but I think you would have to perform some underwater escapes first.)
Oh, and can you grow abundant facial hair?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Oh, but wait… the beard is way too small, and the wrong colour, too.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Congratulations Phil!
So does this make you a star in the skeptic community?
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Conratumalation are in order I see! That is fantastic news, I have every confidence you will be as awesome as you always are!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
At the risk of sounding pompous, I’m sure all your other loyal fans are just as proud of you right now as I am, Phil. I can’t think of a better choice.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
So, what do you guys actually DO with that money while you wait (forever) for some psychic or whatever to show up?
Congratulations by the way! This is a big news day for sure.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I guess those “Phil Plait for President” bumper stickers worked!
- Timothy from Boulder
August 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Holy crap, Phil, that’s amazing! Um… literally!
Perhaps you can just be “Bad Randi,” if you feel yourself encroaching on his territory too much.
Try not to let it feed your already OBVIOUSLY monstrous ego. (I’d make fun of PZ at the very least, though.)
August 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Congratulations Phil, this is great news \o/
August 4th, 2008 at 8:57 am
That’s incredible news, Phil. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Congrats
August 4th, 2008 at 9:01 am
That’s amazing news, Phil! Mega congrats! I know you’ll do a great job.
Now I need to go see why this hasn’t appeared in my RSS feed…
August 4th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Wow. Congrats, that’s ama… Hm, what adjective do I use here?
August 4th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Congratulations Phil, that’s wonderful news!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:06 am
:_)
August 4th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Congrats Phil. Its great news. Thats some big shoes to fill in but I am sure you will do an ‘amazing’ job at it. Go get them.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Awesome awesome news. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the position.
This is kinda like that movie ‘Rockstar’….
August 4th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Hmmmm, Phil, the Amazing Skeptic? Cool!
A non hirsute friend once told me, “We(males) all start out with the same amount of testosterone. Some just waste theirs growing hair,,,”. As an evolutionary holdover, head hair is SO last millennium. Which, I guess, says that bald is evidence we’re still evolving???
Keep evolving. It’s good for Ya.
Gary 7
August 4th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Congrats Phil. There are a lot of people who have faith in you. Faith that is based on experience and reason.
best,
August 4th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Very VERY cool, Phil!
I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Wow - that’s awesome. I’d like to share my path to Randi. I was raised by a fallen Catholic and a UU (so pretty much an Atheist upbringing). When I was an early teen I was into UFO’s and bigfoot and all that. However, I saw Penn & Teller on Letterman several times in the 80’s and was thrilled by their sincerity. Not only admitting that everything was a trick, but even explaining the tricks quite often. I went into engineering and soon realized that the universe makes sense, and saying “God did it” just has no place in a rational mind. I discovered Penn’s radio show about halfway through its run and through that found Phil and Randi. I don’t know how I made it 35 without knowing about Randi (except to say that studying and parenting takes up a lot of time). Phil, you have a big job ahead of you. I’d like to say that Randi has done the hard work and you just have to carry on, but I fear that woo-woo is still as strong now as it was when Randy got started. But I really think you will do a great job Phil, Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:16 am
WOW! This is incredible! All congratulations Phil! That is an incredible honor. Those are extremely big shoes to fill, but I know you are up to the job. I can’t imagine anyone else who is better suited for the job than you. You are the one who originally introduced my to skepticism, so it is great to see Randi respects you as much as I do.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:17 am
CONGRATULATIONS, Phil. This is great news! You will absolutely rock in this role (haha, see what I did there?)
They are indeed huge shoes to fill and I can’t imagine anyone better suited.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:18 am
It is. indeed, a tremendous honor, and you totally deserve it. Congrats! That Randi, he knows w good fit when he sees one.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:19 am
No one deserves this more than you Phil. I owe you and Randi a huge debt, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it had not been for your work.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I can’t think of a better person. Congratulations!
I know you’re going to do great!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:23 am
So, when do you start growing the beard? LOL.
And Congrats.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Congratulations Phil!!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Congratulations! I am very excited for you.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Congrats Phil! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. I hope you’ll use your leadership to do something about the gender disparity at TAM and in skeptic circles in general; how nice it would be for teenage girls who were where you were back in the day watching Johnny to see role models who didn’t have beards (no offense!
)
August 4th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Way to go Phil, you will fill the big shoes nicely. Viva la JREF!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:27 am
A little cephalopod told me. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:29 am
And to think, I knew you ‘way back when…
Congratulations, Phil. I’m guessing you’re a bit nervous about having to fill those shoes (I sure would be!) but your many long-time readers and (yes) admirers will be behind you all the way.
I just have one question: will you be taking over the writing duties for the SWIFT column on the JREF site? Or will Randi continue to write it, or will it be shared among the two of you and/or others?
August 4th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Today the JREF tomorrow the white house.;-)
August 4th, 2008 at 9:30 am
CONGRATZ MAN!!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Congratulations, Phil. I have no doubt that you will be a great success!
Your videocasts are always sparkling with clarity and enthusiasm, and I predict that once the mainstream media find out about your on-screen charisma you will be a regular on discussion panels, spreading the Amazing Gospel.
By the way, where did you get that cool (har har) inflatable WMAP?
August 4th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Congratulations Phil! Of course, you know you’ll have to grow a big white beard now?
August 4th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Wow! You must be walking on the moon! (the fake one where they staged the missions… not the real one of course) ;0)
August 4th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Reading through all the comments is wonderful, and I concur with them all. Anything I want to say has been said already, and even though obsolete, I would like to say congratulations too!
Seems like such a good fit. Hope you have time to continue opening my eyes to so many cool things out there through your web site. The James Randi Educational Foundation will be lucky to have you. Heh, I might even join, if it’s open to regular folks like me….
August 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am
oh… and CONGRATS!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Wow, what an honor. Congrats, man. You honestly deserve it. Keep fighting the good fight and we’ll keep on supporting you. Best of luck.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Grats!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Wow! And I knew you when
Congratulations. Next meeting I see you, we will sit down in the bar and start working on your sleight of hand tricks!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I can has kritikal thawt now?
Congrats. I finer choice couldn’t have been made.
Matt A
August 4th, 2008 at 9:39 am
That’s amazing news! I give you a hearty congratulations.
Phil, you should know you are a personal hero of mine. I admire Randi and am a great fan of his work and I know that what you and many other great skeptics do is because of him, but in terms who I identify with enough to call a hero of mine it is your name on my list. Randi’s reputation is in good hands.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:39 am
” ‘A’ ” finer choice couldn’t have been made.
Ugh. Back to remedial English…
Matt A
August 4th, 2008 at 9:40 am
[…] Plait (aka The Bad Astronomer) is one of my favourite bloggers and a real gentleman (met him at TAM6). James Randi has just asked […]
August 4th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Congratulations! Maybe it’s time for Colbert vs Plait II
August 4th, 2008 at 9:41 am
There are few times in our lives when we can feel truly honored and humbled, all at the same time. I’m sure you feel exactly that way now, Phil.
Congratulations.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Wow. Good for you.
By the way, you speaking your mind on this blog has a lot to do with why I read this blog.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Very cool, Phil!
Does this mean that you’ll be moving to Florida?
J. D.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Well, I suppose this means that the next book is going to take longer…
Congratulations!
Dennis
August 4th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Wonderful news Phil!
Is Randy going to teach you some magic tricks now?
And are you going to start doing the SWIFT newsletter?
Lets hope he doesn’t turn everything over to you though. I’m sure you can live without the Geller lawsuits
Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Congratulations, Phil! That’s wonderful news. Sounds like a perfect position for you.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Congratulations, Phil! My hope, wishes and blessings are with you.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:52 am
What an honor! What a responsibility!
The former is well deserved. The latter is in excellent hands.
Congratulations.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Congratulations, well deserved. Critical thinking seems to be a scarce commodity nowadays and I quite frankly can not think of a more adequate nomination.
(I know it’s an old joke but I can’t help it: the top seem OK, but the beard has a long way to go ..:)
August 4th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Wow, the board doesn’t have to vote or anything? I wanted a nice contentious, muck-raking, character assassinating election process.
Congrats, Phil! Now get on the Tonight Show!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Great news for lovers of rational thought! Congratulations, Phil, and best wishes.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Congratulations! It’s all for science!
And I’ll definitely get a copy of your upcoming book for sure!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Wow - and again I say unto you - WOW! What AMAZING news! I am especially encouraged by your stated goal of improving children’s education. Kids are born scientists, atheists and naturalists. My dear hubby and I have endeavoured to instill critical thinking and a naturalistic, humanistic philosophy into our two wonderful kids. We can use all the help we can get…
And I must say, I can’t think of anyone better suited to fill Randi’s shoes. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:00 am
This is absolutely awesome. Congratulations, and I believe (based on the evidence of your fight for rationality so far, of course) that you’ll do a great job with this vital work.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:01 am
CoooOOL! We’ll have to start calling you TABA (The Amazing Bad Astronomer).
Props to you, Phil. It’s great news.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:01 am
YEAAAAA PHIL!
Wow. This really is great. The best news I’ve heard in a year. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Congratulations, Phil! You’ll do a great job. Educate them peoples!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Congratulations Phil, may your good humor and friendly style continue to win over skeptical minds. Beware the low road - that ground is owned by the likes of PZ.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Congrats, Phil.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Phil, you need to start studying magic now. I am sure that you know how much Randi’s knowledge of that subject has helped him over the years.
Good luck, Phil, Randi may be a little guy, but, he has left you with some very big shoes to fill.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I remember Randi from his appearance on Australia’s Don Lane show (1980). I’ve never forgotten the name or the incident and I’d have to say he had quite some influence on my early skepticism, such as it was, though I never saw Don Lane the same way afterwards.
Congratulations Phil.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I didn’t the world could get any more amazing after Stephen Moffat was announced next head writer for Doctor Who…clearly I was mistaken :d
With the way things are going I’m expecting at any point for it to be announced I’ve won a eleventy billion dollars and the High Imperial Crown of the megaverse or something really interesting like that.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Haha! I knew this!
I read it on skepchik.org early this morning!!
Congratulations.
Oh, and… RAWR!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Congratulations Phil.
I’m very happy for you, and for all of us.
I can’t think of a more suitable person for the position.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:14 am
As you’re the most visible of the original Bad Science crew and one who is still actively promoting its ideals, this is clearly a torch you are well-suited to carry. Congratulations.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Congratulations! I remember when James Randi came on the Tonite show and exposed Peter Popoff for the lying fraud that he was/is.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Congrats, Phil and I was also wondering about that inflatable WMAP…
August 4th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Congratulations Phil! This is some mightily great news!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Awesome man! Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:22 am
WOW, you’re right– that’s HUGE. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Congrats!!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:22 am
A love of astronomy pointed me to your site and from there to PZ and Randi. Life-changing in terms of honing critical skills. Great stuff. Congrats.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Congratulations to you Phil, the choice is really obvious when you think about it in a logical and rational manner.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Looking at all these comments I would say that your “minions” are very pleased and very proud of you!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Congratulations, Phil! That’s so great! (I totally didn’t see this coming, but I think you’d make a wonderful president.)
August 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Congrats, Phil…
I wonder why Sylvia didn’t see this coming…
August 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Major congrats, Phil. I have been talking about getting into the JREF more actively lately, this seems like a good time.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
PZ is going to **** a brick!
Oh wait, that’s right, cephalopods don’t have an anus.
Congrats and good luck!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Congratulations Phil! Couldn’t think of anyone better for the job.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Congratulations, Phil! That’s awesome news!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Congrats, man! This is exciting news for all of us. I’m sure you will do a fantastic job!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Congratulations Phil! You must be feeling absolutely giddy. What an honor.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I’m speechless as I saw the light of epic awesomeness. Congratulations! I know for sure that you will do great. I am very happy for you, and I think I say that in behalf of everybody who reads Bad Astronomy.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Congrats Phil! They are some big shoes, but I’m sure you’ll do a great job.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:37 am
[…] Plait announced today that he is ascending the ranks of the skeptic community by accepting the Presidency of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF). But that’s not why I’m […]
August 4th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Congrats Phil. I hope you study his style, and maybe learn a few magic tricks yourself.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:38 am
[…] Follow the link to Phil Plait’s blog for the full Press Release, etc. […]
August 4th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Congratulations, Mr. President!
Good luck in your new functions and finding free time for your other duties…
Seriously, the JREF will continue to be in good hands. Bravo!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Massive congratulations and respect for you, Phil.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Congratulations on the new shoes, Phil!
I was also very happy to hear that you, like I, *used to be* very taken with UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, etc. Just evidence of an intensely curious mind I think.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Oh my gosh… congrats!!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
[…] Read the rest of this at “Bad Astronomy”. […]
August 4th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Woot! Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I guess the real question is:
CAN YOU GROW A BIG WHITE BEARD?
August 4th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Congratulations, Phil! Keep up the good work.
(of course you’ll need to grow a proper beard)
August 4th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Phil, words fail me. Congratulations.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Holy cow! This is great news! I love James Randi, and I can think of no one better to fill his shoes. Congrat, Phil. You deserve it.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Er, Max Fagin, anuses are pretty standard equipment for most critters, including cephalopods.
http://universe-review.ca/I10-82-octopus.jpg
http://library.thinkquest.org/26153/marine/sketch/686.jpg
August 4th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I’m a bit skeptical about all this.
Congratulations Phil.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Wait, does this mean we have to start calling you ‘Phil “The Amazing” Plait’ now?
“Have to”? I don’t think he’ll be able to stop us.
Unless he prefers the term “The Amazingly Bad Astronomer” …
Phil, my humblest congratulations. What an honor!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Now you can use those shoes to kick some antiscience *ss!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Congrats Phil. You realize you need to start taking magic and slight-of-hand classes now. JREF needs magicians!
heh. I wonder if you get to change the name to JREPH?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Excellent news, congratulations!!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Conga rats, dear BA! JR knows something about quality.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:02 am
He man, gefeliciteerd!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Congrats Phil!!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:07 am
You must feel kinda like Willy Wonka just handed you the keys to the Chocolate Factory! Except you don’t get any little Oompa-Loompa minions to do your bidding.
Anyway, congratulations, Phil. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Holy crap, president of JREF? I don’t believe it, because that’s too awesome.
I can’t add anything to what everyone else has said, except to add another ‘congratulations!’ to the growing pile.
Well freakin’ done, Phil.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Very nice, congratulations! I’d also like to say that what Randi is to you, you (and the SGU people) are to me. So be prepared for me taking over your position in oh say 40 years
August 4th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Wow, Phil. I know a lot of people have said it already, but congratulations. That’s a prestigious position, indeed.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Where on earth are you going to find time to run the JREF with all that you already do for us?! Wait, what am I saying… you’re Phil Plait you can do (seemingly) anything.
PS Greatest headline!
Thanks and congratulations on this honor, most deserving one.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:14 am
CONGRATULATIONS! Give Mr. Randi our best. How is his health?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Congratulations, Phil, you’re going to do an amaz!ng job.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Joining in with everyone else to say congratulations! Given your consistent focus on educating others over the years, this sounds like the perfect choice to me.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Congrats Phil!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Wow! just wow! That is AWESOME! Congratulations Phil, I’m sure you’ll have fun and be a terrific president!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Congratulations Phil, a great choice.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Congratulations! This calls for a rocket launch!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Holy crap! I just gaped for several seconds.
Congratulations Phil!! (And to Mr. Randi for this awesome contribution to the JREF!)
August 4th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Congratulations, Phil! What an incredible honor!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Glad to see you were chosen and accepted it. You’ve got a great speaking style for the media circuit, non confrontational style that can help with fence sitters, and the right educational background to promote the E in JREF. Finding your blog a while back helped point me in the direction of the Foundation and improve my skeptical skills and knowledge base. I hope the added prominence of your new role will help more people like me improve their critical thinking abilities. Win for education, science and skepticism.
Congratulations Phil.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:27 am
[…] President of the James Randi Educational Foundation, that is. Phil Plait was asked by James Randi to be the new president, and he said yes. Really, how could anyone refuse such an offer? Read the official announcement here (pdf). […]
August 4th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Wooo yeah!! Just adding my voice to the many, many congratulations flowing forth. And don’t do yourself down; they may be some un-fillably large shoes, but I’m sure you’ll bring your own fair share of Amazing to the proceedings. Really looking forward to seeing what comes of this now. Best of luck!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Well, I guess that cinches it: we’ll be calling you The Phantastic Phil from now on …
-robin
August 4th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Congratulations just doesn’t seem to be enough to say, but sometimes the language just fails.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go re-calibrate the top end of my coolness scale. Again.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:30 am
And it’s great to see that everyone is happy for you.
Hmmm, now that you’re president - are the right wing nutcases obliged to defend you, no matter what you do? Yay, no more stupid “stop blogging about stuff” trolls
August 4th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Lots of others already beat me to much of what I was going to say: the big white beard, the magic tricks, the Geller lawsuits. So, I’ll just leave it at congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Sorry to bring some rain to parade but it the Blue collar scientist passed on.
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/08/blue_collar_scientist_has_died.php
August 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Long time reader, first time poster. Major congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Congratulations!! You deserve it, and the Foundation remains in great hands with you as President and Randi as Chairman of the Board. Now, he does a lot of things, but can he sing as well as Sinatra . . .
August 4th, 2008 at 11:47 am
The first time I saw Randi was in the mid 60’s on a New York kids show called Wonderama. He was great.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Congrats, Phil! I’m sure you’ll do just fine in continuing to educate the public and shoot down pseudoscience nonsense in Randi’s tradition.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Congratulations!
I can tell this means a lot to you.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Congratulations Phil! You don’t have to be the next Randi to fill the role as the JREF’s Geek-In-Charge-Of-Stuff. I suspect he chose you with the knowledge that you’d just keep being yourself, but now with a greater audience and resources.
Did you have to make fun of his big feet though? Geez!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Congratulations, Phil!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Woo hoo! That is all kinds of awesome, and well-deserved. Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Omedeto Phil! Randi is a wise man
August 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
This is great news Phil! Congratulations.
I really want to come to the next Amazing Meeting.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
What are you NOT going to do? (aside of becoming a creationist
).
Phil, Congratulations from “over the pond” and Germany. I guess this gonna be a tough task, or maybe mission, and I wish you all the best! You are doing well and you will go on like this, just do it!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Congratulations, Phil! Couldn’t happen to a Badder astronomer. As a fellow (amateur) stargazer, I couldn’t be more proud.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I know my comment will get lost in the sea of congratulatory comments, but I want to say congratulations anyway in case you do actually read through them all one day. It is important to me to congratulate you, so I am, whether you see it or not.
I also know our paths will cross in the future and I’ll get the opportunity to see you in person and say it to you then. Congratulations!
I think you are a good fit for the JREF too. I agree that to a great extent the JREF IS James Randi. But I would like to see a JREF whether Randi is running it or not. And while Randi is mortal (so far as I know, though I secretly wish it weren’t so), it makes perfect sense to plan for the extended future. Putting you at the helm makes all the sense in the world to me. You don’t need to be James Randi. You are Phil Plait. You’ll bring your own (valued) perspective to the Foundation. It can be Phil Plait’s James Randi Educational Foundation. I like it.
Does this mean you’ll be moving here to Fort Lauderdale?
August 4th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
[…] August 4, 2008 by cubiksrube Bad Astronomer, awesome scientist, superior blogger and long-time skeptic of note Phil Plait has accepted the position of President of the James Randi Educational Foundation. […]
August 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
[…] Phil Plait, astronomer, author, skeptic and publisher of BadAstronomy.com (now a part of the Discover Magazine blogs), has accepted the position of President of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF). […]
August 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Wow, Phil! This is a huge honor and I congratulate you! I am very happy for you and cannot wait to see what good this brings.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Holy smoley! Congrats, Phil!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Congratz! This is awesome! You are the right man for the job.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
This is phenomenal, Phil; I can’t think of anyone better for the job. Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
WOW!
Congratulations Phil! The news blew me away!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
[…] Phil’s post […]
August 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Congratulations Phil! Really, I can’t think of a better person to continue Randi’s great work. Go kick some anti-science butt and help others (like me) escape the closed-mind world they live in.
-Thanks for your continued efforts
Andrew
August 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Hawesome!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Congratulations, really great news. Sounds like the perfect choice.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Congratulations, Phil! Well-earned.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Stunningly awesome Phil! Hawesome even
I found your site first and it was you that led me to the intelligent wit and rationality of Randi. He’s a smart cookie and can obviously see the enormous impact you yourself have had in bringing rationality into people’s lives while making it fun and relevant.
Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Phil, congratulation for the position.
Randi has been an hero of mine for many years as well; plus as a member of the WMAP team I particularly proud that you are holding our CMB beach ball while one stage next to him.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
[…] 4, 2008 This is pretty big news! The Amazing Randi of the James Randi Foundation has decided to pass the position of President of the organization on to none other than the Bad Astronomer! This is a pretty huge honor and I can only imagine how Phil […]
August 4th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Congrats! Don’t let all this power go to your head, or else you’ll need a bigger hat.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I’m not surprised to see the comments are already flooded with congratulations, but I’m not going to let that stop me from joining in. Congratulations, Phil. I can honestly say that I can’t think of a more appropriate person to fill/Phil Randi’s big shoes.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Many congratulations Phil - you’ll do a wonderful job!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
So will you be changing the name of the organization to Bad Astronomer Randi Foundation? I don’t want to have to tell people I am a member of BARF.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
So, do you go from BA to ABA (Amazing Bad Astronomer), or PBA (President Bad Astronomer)?
Congratulations and well deserved!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Congrats, Phil!! What awesome news. Kick butt and take names!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Dude! Congrats!
!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Congratulations, Phil. I’ve been a Randi fan probably longer than you, and a Phil fan for about three years now. Excellent choice.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Congratulations from one more fan Phil. An excellent choice on the part of the JREF!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Congratulations. I am a big fan of both you and Randi and know you will do an excellent job.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Wow, BA, congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
As a reader of BA and a JREF member I’m very excited for you and the future of JREF! Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Way to go Phil! You and Randi are BOTH amazing in your ability to bring truth to the forefront and tell pseudoscience and psychic babble to get in the trunk where it belongs!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Wow. That’s awesome, Phil. May I ask what exactly the job of “President” is? I mean I assume that James Randi himself will still be involved in the foundation, but will he still be the official head?
Does this put you above Jeff Wagg? Can you give Jeff orders now? Like tell him to dance and stuff?
August 4th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Heartiest contratulations, Phil! You’ll be great as Randi’s successor at JREF.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Holy Hawsome Haleakala! Congratulations, Phil!
Great news! Time for some bubbly!
W00T!
Rich
August 4th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Congratulations, you certainly have some big shoes to fill. I would say that this comes as a surprise, but I know that my reptilian masters from Planet X have worked tirelessly among the Zionist Illuminati Masons to put people like Randi and you in place to lull those with critical minds into thinking that there is no shadow government made of physic reverse vampires.
Best wishes and keep up the good work of ‘disproving’ us!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Nice work Phil!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Wow. I can’t think of a better choice.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Congrats Phil! Couldn’t happen to a better skeptical person.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Randi, the JREF, and skepticism in general could have done much worse, yet hardly any better than you, Dr. Plait the Bad Astronomer.
I am greatly pleased and offer happy congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Big congrats phil. You definately deserve it.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
BA! Just adding my congratulations to the flood - I did an actual double-take when I read the news in the RandiGram. This was truly awesome news, I know you’ll be up to the task. You’ve already been such a big influence on my own sceptical outlook.
Good luck and all the best for the future. I can’t think of anyone better suited to the role.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I will just add…that with all the, “thou shall not have a political comment,” rhetoric that BA is faced when ever he pokes at it’s descrepencies…today, Phil Plait has been vindicated. One With Big Shoes would not hand them over to him so lightly otherwise. But hey…I also agree that’s not the only reason BA got The Plumb. Congrats.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Congratulations Phil!!! Everything witty and important has been said. Now we just need “Skeptologists” on prime time.
When is the world tour to begin?
August 4th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Sincere Congratulations Phil! I am so proud of you.. Gee, your life must seem like it’s some sort of dream.
Please, please don’t ever lose your sense of childlike wonder and enthusiasm. It’s what sets you apart.
Please come visit us here in the UK real soon again, ok?
August 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
[…] for the other bit of “bad” news. The Bad Astronomer is now the president of the JREF! James Randi has offered me the position of President of the James Randi Educational Foundation. I […]
August 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Congratulations, Phil, from the staff of the Skeptic Friends Network!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Huge congratulations!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Great choice by Randi.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
This is amazing! Congratulations.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Phil — so very, very glad to hear that in looking around for someone to carry on his legacy, Randi picked someone who looks vaguely like me.
Heartfelt congrats!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
There are VERY few names right behind Randi on the list of people who are uniquely qualified to hold this position. Congratulations are not nearly enough..we all know you will take care of everything Randi has created
A battle of wits between you and Adam Savage for the position would have been fun to watch thou
August 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Wonderful news! I’ve been an admirer of James Randi for many years now, and his tireless efforts to rout the lunatic fringe. I admit I had been wondering, in recent years, who might take up the mantle when he chose to step down– but little did I suspect I was already a reader of his successor. Congratulations, Phil, and keep the flame of truth lit!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Amazing, Mr. President
You’ve got a heck of a
beardset of shoes to ‘phil&