Author Archives: Chris French

Why Statues Weep: The Best of the Skeptic

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We are in the final stages of producing a “Best of the Skeptic” volume by the title of “Why Statues Weep”. The Skeptic magazine is the UK’s longest running publication devoted to examining science, secularism, psychology, critical thinking and claims of the paranormal. This collection covers a wide range of topics such as popular myths, UFOs, psychic fraudsters, claims of psychic healing and alien abduction, near-death experiences, false memories, and much, much more. The book includes contributions from Susan Blackmore, John Diamond, Edzard Ernst, Ray Hyman, Richard Wiseman, and many other leading sceptical commentators, as well as interviews with Stephen Fry, Paul Daniels, and Joe Nickell.

Advance orders are now be taken for delivery for Xmas 2009 at the special price of £9.99 within the UK and £11.99 elsewhere  (post free in both instances). The RRP for the book will be £11.99. Register with no commitment by calling 020 7841 1959 or by emailing matthew@philosophersnet.com

Wendy M Grossman, Chris French & Simon Hoggart (eds.). (2009). Why Statues Weep: The Best of the Skeptic. London: Philosophy Press.

The perfect Xmas present?

    Muncaster Castle Conference and Dublin Paracon 2010

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    Just a quickie to let you know about one conference that’s just gone and another that’s coming up.

    The conference at Muncaster Castle over the weekend was absolutely fab. The programme was interesting and varied, the venue was magical, and the hospitality unbeatable. I suspect that some people may have been put off attending because the venue is a bit hard to get to but it really was well worth the effort. If they hold another paranormal conference there (which seems pretty likely), I would strongly urge you to go. Thanks to UK Skeptics and Muncaster Castle for organizing such a great event.

    Another interesting event on the horizon, this one in Dublin’s fair city. The Dublin Paranormal Convention is Ireland’s largest event for those interested in ghosts, hauntings, ufology, unexplained phenomenon, spirituality, mediumship, cryptozoology,
    paranormal investigation and much much more! Come talk to groups and individuals who spend their time researching paranormal activity, share your experiences with like minded people and listen to some of the best known names from around Ireland and the UK incl:

    Ciaran O’Keeffe (Most Haunted), Steve Parsons (ParaScience), Richards Jones (Author) and Barry FitzGerald (Sci-Fi Channel’s GHI).

    Event: Dublin Paranormal Convention
    Date: Saturday 7th November 2009
    Venue: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8
    Doors Open: 11.00am – 7.30pm
    Tickets: €15 (Children under 12 go FREE)

    Tickets available from: http://www.dublinparacon.com/tickets.html

      OBEs on Radio 5 Live tonight

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      Sorry for the short notice but it looks like there will be a discussion of out-of-body experiences on Radio 5 Live tonight. They’re going to be giving me a ring around 11:15 to do a brief telephone interview from home. (Bear in mind that these timings are always very approximate and they sometimes pull an item at the last minute!).

      It strikes me that these kind of last-minute alerts are probably what Twitter was made for. So, if you’re interested, I’ve just opened a new Twitter account for personal tweets under the name “chriscfrench“. This is in addition to the one we have for the Skeptic mag (“theskepticmag“). Feel free to follow one or other, both, or neither!