"A skeptic is one who prefers beliefs and conclusions that are reliable and valid to ones that are comforting or convenient, and therefore rigorously and openly applies the methods of science and reason to all empirical claims, especially their own. A skeptic provisionally proportions acceptance of any claim to valid logic and a fair and thorough assessment of available evidence, and studies the pitfalls of human reason and the mechanisms of deception so as to avoid being deceived by others or themselves. Skepticism values method over any particular conclusion." - Dr. Steven Novella of The New England Skeptics and The Skeptics Guide to the Universe podcast.

effective re-touched the historical

Submitted by jimmy16 on Sat, 2012-02-04 15:31

he latest release of A-share strategy report that the index is in the box under the edge of the test process, the Government will Fake Red Bottom again put the elements of Christian louboutin platforms an economic a V-shaped reversal is very unlikely, we recommend investors focus in line with policy-oriented agriculture, water conservancy and environmental protection, while concerned about the high voltage power grid construction-related

PAlmerston North Skeptics in the Pub, 7pm, Thurs 2nd February at Rosie O'Grady's.

Submitted by mwilley on Mon, 2012-01-30 03:38

Skeptical discussion and an amount of liquid refreshment.
http://www.homeopathy.ac.nz/ "A homœopath does not promote a product because it has been in the news, or in a magazine article, but makes selections on serious scientific methods."

How to be skeptical without being a dick. Is it possible?

Point and laugh items. Bring in your own examples of critical thinking FAILs!

Do we need to consider alternate venues for SITP, considering that we now compete with a pub quiz? He has the upper hand since he has a microphone.

Thursday 26th January 7pm Gin Trap Ahuriri - Jan Meeting

Submitted by Steve D on Tue, 2012-01-10 18:45

Hi All

Welcome to the New Year. Hope you are all enjoying the break.
Just a quick reminder for the diary - Thursday 26th January 7pm Gin Trap Ahuriri - First Official Hawkes Bay Skeptics in the Pub. Feel free to invite people or forward me email addressing of people I should be inviting.
If you want to keep in touch through other media try
or Hawkes Bay Skeptics in the Pub
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HBSkeptics/

We are likely to discuss Fluoridation and Fire Walking amongst other things.
Look forward to seeing you there.

Best
Steve

Unsinkable rubber Wakefields

Submitted by Gold on Tue, 2012-01-10 08:21

It appears that the disgraced researcher, Andrew Wakefield, is at it again. This time he's suing the BMJ and Brian Deer in a Texas court. Why Texas? He's tried this before in the UK and failed. TheScientist magazine claim he said he'd be "vulnerable to being struck out as an abuse of process."

Perhaps there's a reason for that...

White wine in the sun

Submitted by Gold on Sun, 2011-12-25 09:53

Tim Minchin gave me back the joy for the season...

Nice one Bob Parker!!

Submitted by Rob Edward on Sat, 2011-12-24 14:52

Good to see this statement from Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker:

"GNS scientists have been telling us that there was a likelihood that we would have an aftershock of this magnitude," he said

"Thankfully there has been no loss of life or serious injury. This is not a miracle and today's events show that we have been right to be cautious. We have done so much work over the past 15 months to make our city safe."

The man has just shot up quite significantly in my estimation. Which is an oddly bittersweet thing to say as he is merely saying it how it is......

First meetup for 2012 - Jan 14, 2012 to be specific.

Submitted by misslilo on Tue, 2011-12-20 21:54

The end of the 5,125 year cycle of the Mayan Calender is approaching.

The idea that this heralds great change is a popular one among Conspiracy Theorists, New Agers and UFO believers, although what exactly this change will be is not certain.

Some claim it means the world will end, due to solar activity, or a planet crashing into the earth.

Some, that mankind will become more spiritually evolved.

Christopher Hitchens, 1949 - 2011

Submitted by Gold on Fri, 2011-12-16 18:13

Christopher Hitchens has just died.

The #RIPHitch and #hitch hashtags are going more than a little nuts right now, which is hardly surprising.

Call for Site moderators

Submitted by Gold on Thu, 2011-12-15 12:19

Hey all,

I'm about to disappear for a few months and was wondering if anyone would like to step up and assist with the moderation of this site while I'm gone.

There's not a lot to do given I have a don't delete anything policy.

We do get a few spammers a week though. When they appear I delete their account and all their content. The quickest way to spot this is to subscribe to all content and, when a dodgy one comes though, click through to the site, click the authors name, edit and delete. It's less than a minute in most cases.

So, any takers?

Second Hamilton Meetup

Submitted by misslilo on Mon, 2011-11-28 13:08

Our second meetup in scheduled for Saturday December 3rd, 2:30pm at The Bank on Victoria Street. We'll probably be sitting out the back.

For our second meetup we thought we'd try a loose theme, so we'll be peering into the misty realm of the future and the great beyond. Psychics and Clairvoyants of all shapes and sizes will be the topic of the day, please bring along any info or stories of personal experiences.

Hope to see you there!

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