Author Archives: Sid

The Rise of the Conspiracy Theory

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The Rise of the Conspiracy Theory

In association with TAM London 2010

Wednesday 20th October 2010, 19.00 – 21.00 @ The Horse Hospital.

Central to the ideologies of the totalitarian regimes and authoritarian governments of the 20th century, conspiracy theories were commonly used against groups; socialists, anarchists, the Kulaks, the Jews. Then something changed, and conspiracy theories became in the popular imagination something that was committed by the government. From Pearl Harbour to JFK, from the Moon landings to Princess Diana time and again the government, the establishment or “Military-Industrial complex” is seen to act against the people’s interests. By the time we get to 9/11, it seems that people are willing to believe governments capable of anything. How did this change in emphasis arise? Is it justified? Joining Neil Denny, presenter of the Little Atoms Radio Show to discuss the rise of the conspiracy theory are;

David Aaronovitch – Writer, broadcaster and commentator, Times Columnist and author of Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History.

James McConnachie – Author of The Book of Love: In Search of the Kamasutra, The Rough Guide to Sex, and co-author ofThe Rough Guide to Conspiracy Theories.

Jon Ronson – An acclaimed filmmaker and broadcaster, who made the 5 part series Secret Rulers of the World and the award winning Tottenham Ayatollah for Channel 4, and author of Them: Adventures with Extremists and The Men Who Stare at Goats.

Francis Wheen – Deputy editor of Private Eye, and a News Quiz regular. Author of How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered the World: A Short History of Modern Delusions and Strange Days Indeed.

This event is ticketed. Tickets cost £4 each and can be purchased via Paypal below.

http://www.littleatoms.com/liveatoms.htm

    Autographed Playing Gods Board Game Sale to Benefit Haiti

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    As president and janitor of Balls Out Entertainment (and creator of the world’s first satirical board game of religious warfare, Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination), I’m pleased to announce a special, limited-time promotion to help in Haiti’s disaster relief. Millions have been raised, but the country is in shambles and much more help is needed.
    From now through February 15, 2010, all of the profits from sales of Playing Gods games and merchandise will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, via the Secular Humanist Aid and Relief Effort (S.H.A.R.E.). That’s right, 100%—none of this “30% goes to expenses” crap. Every cent of profit from game sales (minus Paypal and postage fees) will be donated to one of the world’s most respected relief organizations.

    Payments will be calculated and donated to S.H.A.R.E. by February 20, and a copy of the check posted on the Playing Gods Web site. Just in case you need some encouragement, I will happily autograph each board game as well, and throw in a free Expansion Pack ($5 value).

    Does the creator of this blasphemous indie board game need your money? Of course I do. But the people in Haiti need it more. I’m happy breaking even on the deal.

    I don’t see heartless pikers at Milton Bradley, Hasbro, or Parker Bros. donating jack squat!

    What do you say? If you donate money, I’ll donate my games and time. You get an autographed Playing Gods game and Haitians get desperately-needed money via a skeptic / humanist charity. Everybody wins.

    You can order at http://www.playinggods.com. You don’t need any special code: all profits from anything you buy between now and Feb. 20 will be donated. If you’d like to inquire about bulk orders, you can contact me at balls@playinggods.com.

    If you’re not interested in this awesome offer, please pass it along to someone who might be.

    Thanks!

    Ben Radford

      Charitable booksale for Emitos Girls Humanist FC, Uganda – Wednesday 9th Dec, London

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      There is a charitable booksale being hosted by the Central London Humanist Group on Wed 9th Dec, 4-9pm at Amnesty’s Human Rights Action Centre in Shoreditch (near Old St tube).

      As well as many excellent second hand books (from Darwin’s Origin of Species to the Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to Dawkins’ God Delusion to Obama’s The Audacity of Hope), the CLHG will also be selling several signed copies of new books including The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas by Ariane Sherine, Against the Faith: Some Deists, Sceptics and Atheists by Jim Herrick and On Humanism by Richard Norman. These have been kindly donated by their authors.

        NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR GODLESS PEOPLE – Extra Date Added 20th December 2009

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        NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR GODLESS PEOPLE – A RATIONAL CELEBRATION FOR CHRISTMAS

        The HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London   20th December

        An Extra Date Added due to Popular Demand

        Tickets are available for the return of 2008’s sold out show of science, song and some interpretative dance.

        This is not an attack on religion, but a family friendly celebration of science and the rational world.

        Last year saw Jarvis Cocker singing I Believe in Father Christmas with a 25 piece orchestra before Richard Dawkins took to the stage to talk of cobwebs followed by a Top of the Pops dance to Harry Nilsson’s Can’t Live if Living is Without You.

        This year promises to be even more eclectic. It will see Mock the Week host Dara O’Briain,  Al Murray The Pub Landlord breaking into song,  Prof Richard Dawkins reading out his hate mail, Mark Steel being shouty and left-wing, physicist and code breaker Simon Singh, Bad Science author Ben Goldacre, CERN scientist and former popstar Prof Brian Cox, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue Legend Barry Cryer with Ronnie Golden, acclaimed singer songwriter Robyn Hitchcock, multi award winning comedians Josie Long and Richard Herring, Thick of It star Chris Addison, and Martin White’s Mini Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra along with some very special guests.

        Tickets available here – http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Nine-Lessons-and-Carols-for-Godless-People-tickets/

          You can’t get to a Skeptics in the Pub? Try the next best thing!

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          See Robin Ince’s School for Gifted Children on Tour this autumn instead!

          Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People will only be in London this year.

          However, something just as good  has turned up instead– New Humanist has teamed up with Robin as media partners for a tour of his School for Gifted Children comedy and science shows, which is what Nine Lessons and Carols started from in the first place. The show is travelling to six venues around England through October, November and December, so those of you unable to make it to London for Nine Lessons may like to consider getting hold of some tickets.

          It’s hosted by Robin, with Josie Long, Simon Singh and Gavin Osborn appearing at all the dates. There’ll be various special guests too, including Ben Goldacre and Richard Wiseman. Here’s a list of the dates, along with links to the venues which you can follow to buy tickets:

          23 October: Cambridge Junction
          25 October: Bath Komedia
          29 October: Brighton Komedia
          7 November: Folkestone Literary Festival
          19 November: Norwich Arts Centre
          9 December: Lowry, Salford