Saturday 6 June 2015 is the date for this immensely popular gathering of scientists, skeptoids, geeks, educators, and activists.
SkeptiCAL 2015 will be held at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center - close to BART, ethnic restaurants, open-air markets, and colorful pubs. Join the Bay Area Skeptics (or renew) to receive a $10 discount from the full registration fee. As per usual, we have a great lineup of speakers and workshops. As soon as the dust settles, you can find details at the SkeptiCal Conference website. |
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Greetings Science Supporters and Acceptors! Recently there has been a lot of discussion about whether “denier” is equal to “skeptic”. As many of you know, we include “skeptic” presentations in our listings. This is because they are based on science and consider the evidence. Consider this from 2013, Stop Giving Climate Deniers Equal Time, this from 2010, The danger of science denial (measles?), and this from 2006 Why people believe weird things. Here is are two excellent updates… Verbal Warming: Labels in the Climate Debate and Science Denialism Has Consequences. With all of this in mind, here is a request for a bit of activism from you, Please go to Climate deniers are not skeptics and sign the petition. It’s at this point that I get to announce that the website for SkeptiCal 2015 is up (and still being updated) in anticipation of this year’s conference in Oakland on June 6. The speakers are all getting ready and |
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Hey, all! The JREF announced yesterday the publication of a new critical thinking resource in the form of "Magic in the Classroom - Using Extraordinary Claims to Teach Critical Thinking," a FREE e-book. |
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Mark your calendars for Friday, April 3rd, 7pm! I'm pleased to announce that the Ohlone Psychology Club has arranged a screening of the award-winning documentary, "An Honest Liar" at Ohlone College on Friday, April 3rd, 7pm! |
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Here's a good piece on Bay Area vaccination statistics, from this morning's SF Chronicle. One of the few articles I've seen that explores the nuances of refusal -- it goes beyond "gee, unvaccinating parents are all ignorant/selfish/health nut/California hippies/[insert pejorative of choice here]". |
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One of the most annoying parts of the "world of woo" is people who claim to have psychic powers. Although none has ever actually shown evidence of this ability under strict observation, it's a multi-million dollar business, with some in the field becoming quite prominent. Chip Coffey may not be one of the biggest players, but he's had his 15 minutes of fame with A&E's "Psychic Kids" program and a few other television appearances. |
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I hope that each person reading this article can, someday, have a weekend like the one I just experienced. It was, as the kids say, epic. Earlier this month, I got a message from my friend, the filmmaker Tyler Meason, letting me know that he’d be in San Francisco on Sunday, June 15th for the screening of “An Honest Liar,” the documentary he co-created with Justin Weinstein that chronicles the life of world-renowned magician and skeptic, James “The Amazing” Randi. I purchased tickets and said that I would see him there. A few weeks passed, and I got another message from Tyler, this time letting me know that James Randi himself would be attending the screening, and suggesting that I look into asking him to make an appearance for the Bay Area Skeptics. |
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(Reprinted from the National Center for Science Education.) Acts & Here at NCSE, we maintain a subscription to Acts & Facts to remain informed of the ICR’s stance on various topics and as a reminder of what we face in defending science education. The May 2014 issue has an article by Dr. Jason Lisle—ICR's Director of Research—that is a case study in avoiding worry and shirking responsibility by donning blinders in adopting a human-centric view of the universe. |
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Are you all "wrapped up" over the stress of the holiday season? If so, it may help to turn to science to make your holiday experience a bit less stressful... |
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