Skeptics in the Pub

"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.

Charlies is so cool like...

Submitted by Gold on Wed, 2011-10-12 08:14

Science is cool. It's a fact. Just accept it.

I just found this via Fraser Cain and have to say, if you've got kids you have to show them this. Also, if you believe that humanity has any special place in the 'verse you need to see this.

Click through for the video...

organic food?

Submitted by senator_b on Tue, 2011-10-11 21:23

General Discussion

my question is about organic food versus the food in general supermarkets/shops.

(forenote: I have only been to 2 skeptics in wgtn meetups in last year/s due to my difficult situation/condition.)

in the last skeptics meetup i went to (the planning activism one) i remember someone mentioning organic food as one of their skeptical "woos".

years and years ago i was skeptical of organic food considering it grown in body waste products.

UK Alt-Med Practitioners Are Feeling The Pain....

Submitted by Michelle on Mon, 2011-10-10 10:34

Via JREF, it seems that the Nightingale Collaboration is having an effect.

"Evidence emerged this week that alternative medicine practitioners in England are feeling considerable pain caused by the ongoing work of skeptical activists.

Meetup and outside events

Submitted by Gold on Mon, 2011-10-03 12:24

General Discussion

Hey all,

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on posting events on Meetup to other organisations events?

Nerdnite here in Welly gets a good turnout and I'm just about to post one for the Humanist Society. Thought this would be a good time to gauge peoples thoughts on this.

Au.

1 comment

Humanists Society in Wellington

Submitted by Gold on Mon, 2011-10-03 12:21

Wellington

Hey all,

I'm heading along to this tonight in case anyone else was interested...

5 comments

First Hamilton Meetup: Theme

Submitted by Gold on Wed, 2011-09-28 09:33

Hamilton

Do we want to have a theme for the first meetup? This could influence other aspects of the gathering. Speaker, quiz etc.

Au.

5 comments

First Hamilton Meetup: Date

Submitted by Gold on Wed, 2011-09-28 09:32

Hamilton

Hey guys,

Just looking at the calendar, could I suggest a Friday meetup for the first event? The trip there and back is quite a way so managing one during the week would be impractical for me.

Au.