Scheduled for January 30th 2010, the first event will involve fellow EAB members Dr Simon Singh and Andy Lewis, joining Prof. John Garrow in a critical discussion of alternative medicine. The second event, scheduled for 6th March 2010 returns to the theme of the unexplained, with former Ministry of Defence project head Nick Pope speaking about UFOs, Adrian Shine speaking about the Loch Ness monster, and Paul Vella speaking about his work as Britain’s leading expert on Sasquatch.

Full details are available from the CFI UK website (http://www.cfiuk.org) and from The Skeptic Magazine’s events pages (http://skeptic.org.uk/events)

CFI UK has also kindly extended free invitations for both events to Skeptic Magazine (UK) and New Humanist subscribers, Friends of CFI UK, GHLA, SPES, and BHA members. Booking in advance is recommended, however.

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Today saw the March edition of Leeds Skeptics in the Pub. Norm had decided to pull out last week so Daryl bravely stepped up at the last minute to present his talk. There were quite a few new faces down there which was good to see, hopefully the word is starting to spread.

Daryl’s talk was amazing, it was about the power of exponentials and the technological singularity which obviously was of great interest to me as a computer scientist. It was interesting because we also carried out usual hat of skeptism but nobody could really pick any major wholes in the latest thoughts outlined by Ray Kurzweil in his book “the singularity is near.”

In the book he outlines that the technological singularity is both achievable and near given that technological growth is exponential. It really is a facinating area and one that I will be keeping a much closer eye on in future.

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Weird Science Day: A CFI London event (in conjunction with South Place Ethical Society)

Saturday, 17th January 2009. 10.45am-4pm

Venue:
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square
London
WC1R 4RL

11am-12am
Prof. RICHARD WISEMAN
Investigating the impossible: A skeptical approach

For over 20 years, psychologist Richard Wiseman has delved deep into  the mysterious world of the paranormal, carrying out high profile,  and often controversial, investigations into the impossible. In this  talk, Wiseman describes some of his more colourful adventures,  presenting a scientific look at a range of seemingly paranormal  phenomenon, including fire-walking, ghostly encounters, and ESP.  Discover whether such phenomena really exist, what the future holds  for parapsychology, and why we are all attracted by the lure of  strange stuff. Free packet of peanuts for the best question.

Psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman started  his working life as a professional magician and currently holds  Britain’s only Professorship in the Public Understanding of  Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He frequently appears  on the media, and has written over 60 academic articles and several  books, including The Luck Factor and Quirkology.

12am-1pm
Prof. CHRIS FRENCH
Eight Years of Weird Science at Goldsmiths

The Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit (APRU) was set up by  Professor Chris French in 2000 in the Department of Psychology at  Goldsmiths (for full details, visit www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/apru).  Anomalistic psychology may be defined as the study of extraordinary  phenomena of behaviour and experience, including (but not restricted  to) those that are often labeled “paranormal”. Over the last eight  years, members of the APRU have investigated a wide range of weird  and wonderful topics, including alien contact experiences, sleep  paralysis, haunted houses, dowsing, and telepathy. Many paranormal  claims have been scientifically tested under properly controlled  conditions along the way. This overview will present the results of  such investigations – and also reveal why Uri Geller cannot stand  Richard Wiseman!

Chris French is a Professor of Psychology and  Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Psychology  Department at Goldsmiths. He has published over 100 articles and  chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main  current area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and  anomalous experiences. He frequently appears on radio and television  casting a sceptical eye over paranormal claims. He is the editor of  The Skeptic magazine (UK version; www.skeptic.org.uk).

2pm-3pm
Dr STEPHEN LAW
Is creationism scientific?

Polls consistently indicate about 100 million Americans believe the  entire universe is six thousand years old and that all species were  created as described by Genesis. Even more amazingly, many of these  people also believe that this theory is consistent with the  scientific evidence. Indeed, there are multi-million dollar research  centres in the U.S., run by PhD-qualified staff, that aim to defend  young-Earth creationism. How have so many people become so deluded  about what is, and isn’t, good science? What are the basic  confusions? Stephen Law illustrates with his own pet theory – that  dogs are spies from the planet Venus.

Stephen Law is senior lecturer in philosophy at  Heythrop College, University of London, editor of THINK: Philosophy  for Everyone (Royal Institute of Philosophy), and Provost of CFI  London. He is the author of many philosophy books, including The  Philosophy Files (for children 12+) and The Philosophy Gym (which  contains such dialogues as “The Strange Case of The Rational  Dentist” and “What’s Wrong With Gay Sex?”)

3pm-4pm
Dr BEN GOLDACRE
Listen up flakes: science is seriously so much more interesting than  anything you can make up with your woolly new age claptrap.

Ben Goldacre is a writer, broadcaster and medical  doctor from the UK who is best known for his ‘Bad Science’ column in  The Guardian newspaper, examining the claims of scaremongering  journalists, quack health products, pseudoscientific cosmetics  adverts, and evil multinational pharmaceutical corporations, as well  as wider themes such as the medicalisation of everyday life and the  psychology of irrational beliefs. He has a background in medicine and  academia, trained in Oxford and London, works full time for the NHS,  appears regularly on radio and TV, and has written for publications  as diverse as Time Out, the British Medical Journal, New Statesman  and The Lancet, as well as writing and presenting ‘The Rise Of The  Lifestyle Nutritionists’ and ‘The Power of Placebo’ in 2008 on BBC  Radio 4.

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To book tickets call on 020 7387 5706.

The Albany 240 Great Portland Street W1 5QU (Great Portland St tube)

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Tickets Go On Sale on Monday 13th October @ 9am

Buy from Ticket Zone

Buy from Ticketmaster

Doors – 6:30 PM

Tickets – £25-£30

Last year, Robin Ince made the mistake of appearing on ITV’s London Talking to debate “Is Britain becoming more secular?” By the time he got to the studio, the subject had changed to “Who is taking the Christ out of Christmas?”
Suffice to say, he got quite cross during the barrage of lies from radio shock jocks and misinformed fundamentalists. Robin tried to make it clear that, as an atheist, he wasn’t against Christmas as a time for gluttony and reflection; he was just against the journalists and manipulated fundamentalists shouting about winterval and other myths. This was beyond Stephen Green of Christian Voice’s comprehension, so he kept muttering, “I don’t think he does want Christmas blah blah blah”.

Well, to prove that he does enjoy this season of laziness, alcoholism and regret, he is presenting a rational celebration of the Christmas season in the guise of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People. Rather than talking of Jesus’s birth, acclaimed science author Simon Singh will talk about the birth of the universe. Instead of talking about Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, Bad Science Columnist Ben Goldacre will talk of alternative medicine and charlatans, while Josie Long will talk about the wonder of the stars.

So far the confirmed speakers are Stewart Lee, Mark Thomas, Ricky Gervais, Dara O’ Briain, Tim Minchin, Justin Edwards, Chris Addison, Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Josie Long, Jo Neary and Richard Dawkins.

Music will be provided by the fabulous Martin White Orchestra (22 piece), Malcolm Middleton (ex of Arab Strap and creator of 4 remarkable LPs or albums if you wish), Jarvis Cocker, Luke Haines, Gavin Osborn, Phil Jeays, Mark Thomas may well be bringing his harmonium, Darren Hayman.

The evening will also include projections of classic archive footage of Carl Sagan and Richard Feynman.

Robin Ince will host the night.

It’s not just for agnostics and atheists, hopefully it will be a night celebrating the wonder of the universe so as long as you’re not a crazed fundamentalist you can enjoy it. If you are a crazed fundamentalist, then please come and hold a placard up outside and shout like a halfwit.

Please check the New Humanist website on the 24th October for more details of confirmed acts.

More info nicked from here: http://www.rickygervais.com/thissideofthetruth.php

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I have already told you about an event coming up at the Dana Centre on November 25 considering the nature of out-of-body experiences. The chair for the evening will be Narender Ramnani and the speakers will be as follows:

Chris French: Introduction to OBEs
Henrik Ehrsson: OBE, Illusions of Body Ownership and the Brain
Ray Tallis: Philisophy, Implications and Interpretations

The organisers are keen, however, to hear from someone who has actually had a vivid OBE and would be willing to stand up in the audience and give a brief description of what it felt like. If you would be willing to do so, please let me know (c.french[at]gold.ac.uk). They only want one person to do this (although others are free to talk about their own experiences if asking a question, of course), so I’ll put the first person who fits the bill in touch with the organisers.

Also, I want to thank all those people who got in touch to tell me about their sleep paralysis experiences. I will reply to you all individually once things calm down a bit but term has just started and things are a bit hectic!

Best wishes,

Chris French

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“Ever find that your life seems to mirror perfectly the geopolitical zeitgeist? Caught between Christian friends and her Muslim family, Iszi Lawrence shows how a die hard sceptic can still join in. Living with creationists, arguing over teddy bears and confused by anything supernatural, Matter of Tact is packed with silly stories and theories, trying to make sense of an age old problem.”

- Comedy Pick London Lite
- Time Out Recommended

For only £10 (£8.50 for members) you not only get a sceptical giggle with iszi but also support from the infamous Tom Greeves.

Tom Greeves is one of Oxford’s finest comedians and also was Boris Johnson’s speech writer during the recent election. Tom Greeves combines serial killer good looks with an extraordinary mind, which delights and occasionally disturbs audiences. Alas, he wont be doing a Tory speech but you’re guaranteed to laugh anyway.

Get tickets here:
http://www.etceteratheatre.com/

At the Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street (above the Oxford Arms) on Sunday Oct 5th.
By Phone
Box Office: 020 7482 4857

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Standing tickets available. Call 020 7388 8822 to book.

[ Try Another...Nine Lessons and Carols @ Hammersmith Apollo]

Another...Nine Lessons and Carols...

A Rational Celebration of Christmas
18th December, 2008 at The Bloomsbury theatre

Due to extraordinary demand, a second Godless Christmas show has been added.

So far the acts who are currently confirmed are Richard Dawkins, Josie Long, Richard Herring, Ben Goldacre, Natalie Haynes, Stewart Lee, Simon Singh, Jo Neary, Darren Hayman, Ricky Gervais, Colin Watson (aka Waen Shepherd), the Martin White mini fax machine orchestra, Tim Minchin, Peter Buckley Hill, Luke Haines and more TBC

Robin Ince will host the night.

It’s not just for agnostics and atheists, hopefully it will be a night celebrating the wonder of the universe so as long as you’re not a crazed fundamentalist you can enjoy it. If you are a crazed fundamentalist, then please come and hold a placard up outside and shout like a halfwit.

Bloomsbury Theatre
18th December
Doors 7pm/show7.30pm

All profits to The Mustard Seed School in Uganda, a secular school.

Produced in association with The Rationalist Association (publishers of New Humanist)

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Orbital Manga – 4c Orion House, Upper St Martins Lane,
London WC2H 9NY
Website: www.orbitalcomics.com

Jason has been entertaining HEROES fans from his initial
ground-breaking Sylar comic, “Road Kill” to the
season finale, “The Death of Hana Gitelman”. His
work has continued through season 2 and he currently works
with the writers to set the ground work for season 3 with
the online webcomics at www.nbc.com/Heroes/novels.

At 12pm he will be talking about what it takes to be a
HEROES graphic novel artist and doing portfolio reviews.

At 12.30pm he will be signing the HEROES hardcover,
sketchbooks and doing sketches.

One lucky attendee will be drawn into an upcoming HEROES
comic in a raffle drawn at 2pm.

You can see more of Jason’s work at
jasonbadower.blogspot.com

SIGNING @ Orbital Comics: American Artist CHET ZAR , 14th June 2008, 3-5pm

Orbital Comics: 148 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0LB
Website: www.orbitalcomics.com

This will be a rare chance to meet makeup effects artist, sculptor, painter, digital effects artist and creature designer in the niche field of Special Makeup Effects Chet Zar in London, at Orbital Comics.

He’ll be signing and giving away a limited number of
Catalogues, and there will also be a limited edition
catalogue for sale on the day which features 13 all new
pieces of art as well as a few older pieces and includes a
forward written by Adam Jones. Bring down your portfolio
and he’ll give you advice on starting a career in art and
design.

Chet Zar is most widely known for his work with Tool’s
music and live videos but he has also applied his talent
for creating monsters, and other characters, to a career in
movie special effects, creating sculptural prosthetic make
up and effects for films like
FANTASTIC 4 – sculpting and painting for ‘The
Thing’
HELLBOY- Hellboy arm design, sculpture and painting
PLANET OF THE APES – ape design, sculpture and painting.
X Men 3 – creature design.

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Join Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Tony Law, Dan Antopolski + tbc for an afternoon of top stand-up, proceeds to the best radio station in the world.

Sunday 18 May at 2.00pm, Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB
£10. Box office: 0844 847 1608. Book online here

2) Resonance Benefit Concert

In the evening after the stand-up benefit for the station, we present a night of live music with superlative songwriter Robyn Hitchcock (joined by Terry Edwards, ; Kiss Akabusi, masters of deconstructed avant-hip-hop; antique sound-effects from sound artist Aleks Kolkowski; plus special guests – from Australia, Nick Cave’s favourite
songsmith Dave Graney; and from Quebec, the duo Mankind, who come to us recommended by American poet Bob Holman ( two hilarious French Canadian supervixen poet rockstars with dark techno deep beat¦ the best poetry act out of North America since – duh, David Thomas? Patti Smith ).
DJ is Jonny Trunk.

Sunday 18 May at 7.30pm, Arts Theatre, 6 – 7 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB. £10 (£5 concs). Box office: 0844 847 1608. Book online here

http://www.resonancefm.com

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Hi all,

There are a couple of articles in today’s Observer which may be of interest to you if you’re thinking of coming to the talk. (Sorry if you received a similar message from me already, but I am having [Facebook] problems…)

On the impending repeal of the Fraudulent Mediums Act see:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/apr/06/eu

This article gets the law generally(-ish) correct and it appears the journalist had help on this. The anonymous lawyer quoted at the end has got it about right: mediums charging for their services will now be treated like any other (dodgy) tradesperson.

On blasphemy, see:
http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2271373,00.html .

The Wingrove case ended up with the European Court of Human Rights holding (astonishingly) that blashpemy was a legitmate exception to the right of free expression.

I will be discussing both these developments at the talk.

Give me a shout with any comments.

Best wishes,

David Allen Green

http://www.skeptic.org.uk/pub

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