Month: October 2021

New puzzles for November 2021 are now at the top of the  PUZZLES PAGE. They include the usual Picture Puzzles, Mixed Bag set (Trivia / General Knowledge), themed Crossword and Logic & Maths set.

In addition there are some extra “Lockdown” sets (Picture Puzzles, Crossword Clues to test your vocabulary; and Logic & Maths sets).

Our Crossword Puzzle this month returns to the theme of Conspiracy Theories, concentrating on the weird and wonderful notions that have arisen in the last two years.

Previous puzzles may be accessed by scrolling down through the puzzles page. Earlier puzzles are available from the archives links at the bottom of the Puzzles page.

Enjoy!

Sad news from Australian Skeptics Inc. Martin was a good friend to, and helpful supporter of Australian Skeptics (Victorian Branch).

“It is our sad duty to report the death of Martin Hadley, former president of Australian Skeptics and a stalwart of the skeptical movement.

Martin was a barrister, dealing mainly in commercial disputes. He joined the committee of Australian Skeptics Inc in NSW in 2000, and was president from 2005-2008, after which he became treasurer, a position he held until his death.

He made himself available to offer legal advice on skeptical issues to both ASI and other state committees, as well as on matters impacting on members of the broader skeptical community. As treasurer, he was instrumental in maintaining the funds held by the Australian Skeptics Science and Education Foundation, which was established in the mid-90s following a sizable bequest and which offers financial support and grants to worthy causes.

His approach ranged from stern advice to sly humour, mixed with an interest in languages, religion, wine, and sailing (in particular, the restoration of the 19th century tall ship, the James Craig).

He died of a heart attack on October 18. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

He will be greatly missed.”

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November.

Tickets are now available.

It has been decided to run Skepticon 2021 as an exclusively on-line event. Skepticon will continue to be a collaboration between Australian Skeptics Inc, operating from Sydney, and NZ Skeptics in Wellington.

Each $40 ticket buys you access for the weekend via one device.

by Ken Greatorex

You’d probably answer “QUACK!“

And indeed, you’d be right some of the time. Some ducks quack. Most don’t. Because I’m a Skeptic in insufferably pedantic mode, I just thought I’d point that out before proceeding.

If you’d like to hear a range of sounds made by different duck species, (including quacks), go here: https://www.soundboard.com/sb/Duck_Sounds_audio

Skeptics use the word “quack” to define a particular kind of person:

“a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill” or “a person who pretends, professionally or publicly, to have skill, knowledge, qualification or credentials they do not possess; a charlatan or snake oil salesman” – Dictionary.com

View More What Sound DOES a Duck Make?