Susan Blackmore – Genes, Memes, Tremes from Biology to AI
This is Professor Susan Blackmore speaking at the Royal Society of Victoria in October 2018
[youtube=https://youtu.be/b3uJ7AfOb0U]
Thanks to Adam Ford.
Category: Video – vic skeptics
A nostalgic look at The Bed of Nails
Here’s a look back at Vic Skeptics’ flirtation with the Bed of Nails.
Some enterprising Victorian Skeptics made a Bed of Nails and documented the process in the late 1990s. (See Ye Bed of Nails .pdf below)
The Vaccination Chronicles – If Only
This 27 minute video shares stories of people who saw firsthand the effects of vaccine preventable diseases.
Produced by Richard Saunders
– You are welcome to download and/or screen this video in public.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/mTprFOmIjIg]
Video – Simon Singh Interviews
A two-part interview of Simon Singh while in Melbourne earlier this year
[youtube=http://youtu.be/YEUNGoFNALM]
a) Trick or Treatment? Beware the Spinal Trap!
[youtube=http://youtu.be/NoWoV1-h_w8]
b) The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets
Many thanks to Adam Ford!
Video – Professor Peter Doherty
[youtube=http://youtu.be/eH50DFEVA5M]
The Vic Skeptics were honoured to have Professor Peter Doherty, scientist, author and Nobel prize winner deliver a talk at one of our regular ‘Third Monday’ events. Peter Doherty spoke on Skepticism, Denial and Ignorance: There is a Difference in March 2013. I should, of course, extend a kind thanks to Adam Ford for producing the video and allowing it to be posted here. View More Video – Professor Peter Doherty
More Critical Thinking Videos
In early 2012 a series of short videos on the topic of critical thinking was released.
The group that produced them have created more. I think these are videos are superb; short, to the point, quirky and ideal for anyone wanting to quickly understand the scientific method and critical thinking including fallacies. I’ve linked to all of them below.
The scriptwriter is science communicator and author Mike McRae, well known for his book Tribal Science.
Surprisingly, the videos were funded by the Australian Government. The narrator is James Hutson and they’re produced by Bridge8.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/W9IoN8Tb1wg]
More videos after the fold.
Two Skeptical Videos
Two Australian Skeptics were recently in the media. Loretta Marron (AKA Anne) appears in the first video and Victoria’s own Dr Mick Vagg features in the second. Here they are for your viewing pleasure…
[youtube=http://youtu.be/x6KeCJLcmEk]
Despite tough talk from politicians, it appears that Rev Trevor Robinson’s web site is back on-line, he’s still in business. I won’t link to him here, I’m sure readers know how to use Google. It’s a shameful example of the lack of effective health practitioner regulation.
Below the fold, a screen capture from Rev Trevor Robinson’s web site. View More Two Skeptical Videos
Convention 2012 – Promo Video
The new promotional video for the upcoming Australian Skeptics Convention 2012.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/bSZLW4lKiJU]
Convention details here.
James Randi returns to Australia in 2012
James “The Amazing” Randi is returning to Australia to speak at the National Convention. Most readers would be familiar with the life and activities of James Randi, arguably the world’s most prominent skeptic.
The Convention will be held in Melbourne starting on Friday the 30th of November.
The Convention’s organising committee represents several skeptical groups in Victoria. Collectively they are very grateful that Randi has agreed to visit Australia once again.
The most up to date information about the 2012 National Convention, can be found here.
Other news is that there is a project under way to make a documentary about Randi’s life, headed by the well regarded and experienced Justin Weinstein and Tyler Measom. The producers are asking for contributions to help get the project under way. Details can be found here.
The trailer for the documentary.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/36724471]
Critical Thinking Videos and Book
by Mal Vickers
Wasn’t it Paul Keating who used phrases like “the honourable members opposite squeal like stuck pigs”? Whilst the use of ad hominem attacks (name calling) and other logical fallacies abound in politics, has anyone noticed that the Federal Government this year has actually funded a project to help Australians become better critical thinkers?
On the 18th of January 2012 Professor Ian Chubb, Australia’s chief scientist, announced a competition.
“Australians of all ages are invited to create 3-5 minute videos presenting an argument on one of four topics”, Professor Chubb said. Details here. The competition ends on the 1st of May 2012.
Whilst those topics may not be of interest, ahead of the competition a production company called Bridge8 was funded by a government program called TechNyou to produced some primer videos about critical thinking to help inspire the competition.
Bridge8 have done an excellent job. I’m presenting all six videos for your enjoyment below.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/iSZ3BUru59A]
More videos after the fold.