Category: Skeptical Article

Commenced in 2010 with an enthusuiastic following. Regular events are planned. Contact Ron on 0424376153 or at Saleskepticsinthepub@hotmail.com

http://www.federationsquare.com.au/index.cfm?pageID=92

http://www.scienceweek.gov.au/YourState/VIC/Pages/default.aspx

Vic Skeptics and Young Australian Skeptics will be appearing at Hypothesis at BMW Edge on Friday Evening 14 August 2009, and at Scienceworks Spotswood on Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd August 2009. We will be joined by talented illusionists Alex de la Rambelje at BMW Edge, and Simon Taylor at Scienceworks on the Sunday afternoon.

Australian Skeptics (Victorian Branch)

(As of September 2008)

• President
  • Terry Kelly
• Vice President
  • Peter Hogan
• Secretary
  • Ken Greatorex
• Treasurer and Public Officer
  • Roy Arnott
• Challenge co-ordinator
  • Charles Tivendale
• Other Committee members:
  • Dahli Briedis
  • Chris Guest
  • Don Hyatt
  • Malcolm Vickers
  • Alastair Tait

Monday 18 2009 witnessed the most competitive VSATE yet, with only six points separating the two teams that tied for first position and the two teams that tied for last position. Three more of the eight competing tables were within a point of the dais. For the record, Christopher Short’s ILLUMINATI eclipsed Terry Kelly’s DARK MATTER only after the tie-breaker was invoked. Terry was heard to comment (a) “We Wuz Robbed” and (b) “Where’s Tom Hanks when you need him?“

It should be noted that an exit poll supported the proposition that the wrong team had won.

During the course of the evening, we successfully map-dowsed to locate Area 51; we determined The Best Psychic in the Room ; we actually found a good use for a Tarot Pack; and we evaluated an online Psychic Reading site and a Reiki Training Weekend

Your interlocutor, Ken Greatorex & the Microphone from Hell .

Some of THE McSKEPTICS who finished 1 point off the pace.

A few of the DARK MATTER team. We’re number 2. We try harder .

THE UNIONISTS. Highlighted is William, The Best Psychic In the Room.

THE ILLUMINATI

THE MORMONS

• The organisers wish to acknowledge Mr Darwin K. Bear for his invaluable input. Mr Bear is pictured here after the rigours of the evening replenishing his psychic reserves with a spot of tantric flying.

Monday May 18 2009 witnessed the most competitive ASVTE yet, with a spread of only six points between the two teams that tied for first position and the two teams that tied for last position. For the Record, the winning team was Christopher Short’s ILLUMINATI in a tie breaker over DARK MATTER. (Where’s Tom Hanks when you need him?) However , it should be noted that an exit poll supported the view that the wrong team had won.

During the course of the evening, a Tarot deck was put to good use; we located Area 51 by a map-dowsing procedure; we determined The Best Psychic in the Room; and we evaluated an on-line Psychic Reading service and a Reiki Masters clinic. The organisers would like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Mr Darwin K. Bear.

Take Your Partners for the Fifth Annual Vic Skeptics Trivia Extravaganza

La Notte Restaurant

140 Lygon Street Carlton

Monday 18th May 2009

at the special time of 7.30 pm .

or join us for the traditional Third Monday meal at 6pm.

Lotsa individual and team prizes!

A donation is requested from each participant.

Victorian Skeptics are hosting our 5th Annual Trivia Night at La Notte Restaurant on Monday May 18th 2009.

The Trivia starts at 7.30 pm.

• NOTE: the earlier than usual start.

As usual, we’ll start gathering for a meal from about 6pm (or earlier!)

Previous Trivia Nights have been among our most popular events; – this year, get your team organised early , and if you’re having a meal at the restaurant before the Trivia, please arrive and order early.

If you can’t come equipped with a ready-made team, don’t stay home and mope! We can organise consortia of suitable intellects on the evening.

As we are offering a number of valuable prizes, your monetary donation will be gratefully received!

Dr Krissy Wilson has just emigrated from the UK and taken up a position as lecturer in psychology at University of Tasmania.
She completed her PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Her main areas of interest are the psychology of belief, the unreliable nature of eyewitness testimony, false memories and the impact of belief.
She has recently published articles in Personality and Individual Differences, The European Journal of Parapsychology and The British Journal of Psychology.
She has also written a recent review of the medium Sharon O’Neill for the Skeptic (UK).
Krissy regularly appears on TV and on radio discussing a variety of paranormal subjects and has recently co-presented �Believe it or not’ for ITV West Country (UK), and hopes to do much of the same here.

Public Debate

Sponsored by the Philosophy Department, University of Melbourne in association with the Rationalist Society of Australia and Creation Research

Date: Thursday August 2

Time: 7:00 pm

Topic: That the universe was created by an intelligent designer.

Venue: Public Lecture Theatre, Old Arts Building, University of Melbourne.

Chair: Prof Graham Priest

Speakers For: John Mackay, Craig Hawkins Speakers Against: Ian Robinson, John Perkins

Format: Speaker 1 for 15 mins Speaker 1 against 15 mins Speaker 2 for 15 mins Speaker 2 against 15 mins Questions from floor 30 mins Speaker against sums up 10 mins (no new material) Speaker for sums up 10 mins (no new material)

Admission Free Parking is available in the underground car park for $5 (coins only) Enter from Grattan Street