January 2016 Skeptical Crossword – Solution
April 2016 Picture Puzzles – Answers
1. The beginning of the end
2. Beneficial
3. Comeuppance
4. Scarface
5. Buccaneer
6. It’s up to you
7. Monkey on your back
March 2016 Picture Puzzles – Answers
1. Nose around
2. Double take
3. Making a bee line
4. One foot in the grave
5. See eye to eye
6. Hand in hand
7. Mixing business with pleasure
February 2016 Picture Puzzles – Answers
1. (Your) days are numbered
2. Fat chance
3. Improvise
4. To come full circle
5. Pass the hat
6. Impend
7. Putting two and two together
January 2016 Picture Puzzles – Answers
1. Original sin
2. Railroaded
3. Low down double crosser
4. Venezuela
5. High praise indeed
6. Inescapable
7. Straw that broke the camel’s back
THe Australian Skeptic’s Guide to Cold Reading
This article first appeared as a Vic Skeptics discussion pamphlet, and was previously posted on this site in 2010.
The full range of our discussion pamphlets can be downloaded here: http://www.skeptics.com.au/resources/educational/
or by clicking on the “Useful Info” link at the top of this page.
Have you ever bought something that you didn’t really want, because the salesperson was so nice, so persuasive, so helpful? Chances are that the salesperson (whether they knew it or not) was using some of the techniques of a skilled Cold Reader.
“Cold Reading” is a term invented by stage magicians. It refers to psychological techniques used by certain people to influence the beliefs and behaviour of other people. View More THe Australian Skeptic’s Guide to Cold Reading
Special Event – Dinner with Ross Balch
Ross Balch BAppSc(MedSc) BAppSc(Microbiol) is a medical researcher, currently studying genetic diversity in dengue virus.
A skeptical activist, Ross is President of the Brisbane Skeptic Society. He is also a Science Populariser, Podcaster, Musician and Photographer.
Vic Skeptics will host Ross at a Dinner where he will speak and perform. His topic will be Emerging Viruses.
“Emerging viruses continue to be a significant challenge for health authorities around the world. In this presentation I examine 3 case studies of emerging viruses; Ebola, Dengue and SARS. I will describe the circumstances that contribute to the spread of each virus, what we can do to limit future out break and what features make a virus more likely to be emergent than others. If you would like some more skepticism I can also discuss some of the pseudoscience that has followed these outbreaks.”
Monday 14th December
La Notte Restaurant, 140 Lygon Street Carlton,
The Club Room, 6:30 for 7:00 pm
$10 entry at the door then meal and drinks at normal prices.
You can see and hear Ross at https://www.youtube.com/user/rossbalch
December Puzzles
The
DECEMBER 2015 SKEPTICAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE
has CHARLES DARWIN as its theme, and is an early reminder of the celebrations that usually occur on and around February 12 each year.
Click here for
DECEMBER 2015 LOGIC & MATHS PROBLEMS
with more PICTURE PUZZLES and MIXED BAG (trivia) QUESTIONS at the top of the PUZZLES PAGE
Enjoy!
Science Drama Awards 2015
Among many educational initiatives supported by Australian Skeptics is the annual Science Drama Awards.
[slideshow]
Audience members at 2015’s Finals evening commented:
“The Science Drama Awards are a wonderful night and great credit must go to all participants. For me, the standout was the Nanneella Primary School. They had such infectious enthusiasm and their costumes were absolutely spectacular.”
and
“It was a great night with some outstanding ideas by both primary and secondary schools. It was fascinating and rewarding to see students display their grasp of various scientific ideas and present them in an entertaining way. Hopefully, some will continue to help spread science in interesting ways that help capture the public’s interest.”