Tag: Australian Skeptics

June 26, 2009

Abstract for Dr Prentice's Talk

On July 20th 1969, at 20 h 17 m GMT, the lunar module ‘Eagle” of the NASA Apollo 11 space mission touched down at the edge of the Sea of Tranquillity on the Moon. And about 6 and a half hour later, Neil Armstrong descended the ladder from the module and became the first person ever to set foot on the grey-powdery lunar surface.
We all remember Neil’s famous first words as he took that first step: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind“. It is extraordinary that after a lapse of 40 years, since the last manned lunar landing, by Apollo 17 in December 1972, that no one else has been back to the Moon. Was it all just a hoax? Definitely not! The speaker has made 20 visits to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena CA, and got to meet several of the scientists and View More Abstract for Dr Prentice's Talk

June 23, 2009

Committee

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
June 8, 2009

Melbourne's Mind Body Wallet Festival, June 2009

It was Queen’s Birthday Weekend in Melbourne.  Several Vic Skeptics took the opportunity to check out the Mind, Body Spirit Festival (aka MB$) being celebrated in the edifice affectionately known as Jeff’s Shed.  Here are some reports.

Having never been to the Mind Body Wallet, sorry Spirit – Festival before, I was curious about what it might be like, the lone Skeptic in a sea of belief.  Not quite; I had my 12 year old daughter with me and would be meeting fellow Skeptics – on the inside.
Realistically, the possibility of changing any one’s mind-set at such an event was very low. I’d just take in the sights and ask a few polite questions; that’s all. In any case, if I got into too long a conversation with anyone, no doubt my daughter would quickly let me know she was bored and drag me away in a half-nelson hold.
The “Good Food and Wine” show was on next door. It was very tempting View More Melbourne's Mind Body Wallet Festival, June 2009

May 21, 2009

Fifth Annual Skeptics Trivia Extravaganza

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

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1158.jpg Your interlocutor, Ken Greatorex & the Microphone from Hell .

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1154.jpg Some of THE McSKEPTICS who finished 1 point off the pace.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1155.jpg A few of the DARK MATTER team. We’re number 2. We try harder .

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1156.jpg THE UNIONISTS. Highlighted is William, The Best Psychic In the Room.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1159.jpg THE ILLUMINATI

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1160.jpg 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.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~kengreatorex/mypic1157.jpg

May 20, 2009

A Report on the 5th Annual Skeptics Trivia Extravaganza

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.

March 13, 2009

Ian Robinson

A Short Biography

Ian Robinson


Ian Robinson is President of the Rationalist Society of Australia and for a number of years edited the Australian Rationalist. He worked for more than twenty years as a senior curriculum officer, researcher and professional development officer with the Victorian Education Department and wrote their basic curriculum document, The Primary School Curriculum: A Guide for Victoria Schools (1979). Before that he was a Tutor in Philosophy at the University of Melbourne and then Lecturer in Education at Coburg Teachers’ College. He has a long list of educational publications. He was Buckley in the cabaret group “Buckley, Hope and Nun” performing at the Flying Trapeze Cafe and elsewhere. He has acted in and directed a number of plays including at La Mama and the Pram Factory. His one-act play “The Fountain of Love” won the 2006 National Playwright Competition; his fantasy story “The Crypt of Fleeting Hope” was published by Penguin; and he wrote the chapter on Bruce Doull in Footy’s Greatest Players. He is married to Logie-winning actress and artist Maggie Millar. He currently teaches Story Structure, Scriptwriting and Myths & Symbols at Chisholm Institute.
March, 2009

March 13, 2009

Rudolf Steiner and the Anthroposophy Cult

“Rudolf Steiner and the Anthroposophy Cult”
a talk by Ian Robinson to the Victorian Skeptics Monday 20 April, 2009 Summary:
First I will give a brief outline of Steiner’s life from his early infatuation with Goethe and German nature mysticism, through his involvement with Theosophy, to his final break with the latter and his establishment of the Anthroposophy cult and the inauguration of its exclusivist esoteric and secretive inner-circle know as “First Class“.
Then I will outline his eccentric and implausible Manichean world view, based on his own idiosyncratic mystical revelations, with its racist overtone.
I will show that, despite the protests to the contrary by its supporters, there is absolutely no doubt that Anthroposophy is to all intents and purposes a religion.
Finally, I will examine the two main areas where anthroposophy has insinuated itself into secular life in Australia: the “educational philosophy” known as the Waldorf school movement; and the allegedly planet-friendly system of cultivation known as biodynamic agriculture. I will conclude by making some suggestions for action that needs to be taken.

February 14, 2009

Illusination

MEDIA RELEASE
Simon Taylor’s ILLUSINATION
The Stage Show, When Magic Meets Psychology
Simon Taylor defines the difference between sleight of hand and sleight of mind magic. Through studies in psychology, practice of hypnosis and experience in the performing arts, he is able to blend a range of skills into an unforgettable presentation of illusion. Simon’s personable demeanour and energetic performance style allows him to deliver high powered entertainment with intellectually captivating content. Whether it’s magic, mind reading, or hypnosis, Simon is a pioneer in presenting entertainment for the mind, about the mind.
As a psychology student, Simon has always derived immense enjoyment from sharing the things that excite him about his studies. Now with his stage show, Illusination, Simon is able to present incredible magic entertainment blended with some of the most intriguing psychological principles.
The performance is divided into two acts, the first focuses View More Illusination