The Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism ( NECSS , pronounced as "nexus") is a four-day conference focusing on science and skepticism founded in 2009 and held annually in New York City . NECSS is jointly run by the New York City Skeptics (NYCS) and the New England Skeptical Society (NESS). The Society for Science-Based Medicine joined as a full sponsor of the conference in 2015. As of 2016, attendance was estimated at approximately 500 people.
65-403: The New York City Skeptics wanted to have a skeptical conference and invited magician James Randi to speak at their one-year anniversary. After the lecture attracted over 400 attendees, the group determined that there would be enough interest to hold a scientific skepticism conference in the area. The NYCS and NESS organizations discussed combining to form NECSS. The conference started in 2009 as
130-440: A broad-based conference with room for everyone who is interested in skepticism, science and critical thought. And I think our content has reflected that. We have had content that is... science, "bigfoot skepticism", religion, women's issues... We have had a broad range of topics addressed and we are going to try to keep doing that. It's in our conference's name, 'science and skepticism'. So it is something we are very much aware of, it
195-468: A conversation about Roach's body of work, including her books Stiff , Spook , and Packing for Mars . Some of the talks dealt with social issues such as racial bias and atheism in the black community. Odaelys Walwyn's talk explored the lack of STEM career accessibility to the black community and Debbie Goddard spoke about reaching out to those in the black community who may be questioning their faith. The "Skeptical Extravaganza of Special Significance"
260-503: A lot of credit to our president, Michael Feldman. He's a fantastic organizer, and the kind of person who really makes sure things get done. We've also got a dedicated team of volunteers, the Gotham Skeptic blog, and of course our annual Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism (NECSS), which sold out two years in a row and drew people from all over the U.S. and several other countries." The special "Evening with James Randi" event at
325-430: A lucky opportunity. Moreover, lucky people are more likely to look on the bright side of 'bad' encounters. In a mental exercise describing being shot during a bank robbery, lucky people considered themselves lucky not to have been killed while unlucky people considered themselves unlucky to have been shot. Much of Wiseman's work tends to be oblique, as he prefers to make people go outside, discuss, research and think about
390-445: A message, how even scientists screw up and take missteps, how we can get better." Magician and author Richard Wiseman performing at the 2009 conference explained in answer to a question by an attendee, people believe in the paranormal for many reasons, they might need to believe and it's possible that they have had "personal experiences" that convinced them. '"It is not clear to me that by robbing people of their beliefs, we always make
455-607: A one-day event, with popular science writer Carl Zimmer as the keynote speaker. The conference expanded to include Skeptics in the Pub events, fundraising dinners, separately ticketed workshops and live-podcast recordings. According to Steven Novella and Evan Bernstein, the NESS was asked to speak for the New York City Skeptics, September 12, 2009. The resulting lecture was a tribute to colleague Perry DeAngelis (died 2007), held near
520-408: A real breakthrough in changing how we dream, and record and track those dreams." – Professor Richard Wiseman The app is also a social experiment: in the morning it presents users with a graph of their movement during the night, allows users to tag any friends who appeared in their dreams via Facebook and invites them to post a short description of their dreams to an experimental "Dream Bank", creating
585-633: A student-run event at the Missouri State University . Later became independent. 1,500 attendees (2012). Skeptics in the Pub (SitP) 1999 Various Various Organised by various local groups. Skeptics on the Fringe (SotF) 2010 Edinburgh , Scotland [REDACTED] United Kingdom Sponsored by the Edinburgh Skeptics . SkepTrack 2008 Atlanta [REDACTED] United States Part of
650-816: A truly great headline act * Skeptics Conference". The Press . Fairfax Media . ^ "About NECSS" . NECSS website . NECSS . Retrieved 11 March 2015 . ^ "Save the date for NECSS 2015" . NECSS website . NECSS. 28 November 2014 . Retrieved 11 March 2015 . ^ Korteweg, Leon (2 December 2016). "QED 2016 – verslag van een lang weekend tussen skeptici" . Skepter (in Dutch). 29 (4). Stichting Skepsis : 45–46 . Retrieved 21 October 2017 . ^ "SkepchickCON 2009 Announcement" . skepchick.org . Retrieved 14 May 2015 . ^ GWUP conferences have been held in various cities in Germany (Berlin/Cologne/Frankfurt/Hamburg), except
715-947: A vat Dream argument Evil genius Five-minute hypothesis Münchhausen trilemma Problem of the criterion Problem of induction Simulation hypothesis Wax argument Responses Here is one hand Semantic externalism Process reliabilism Epistemic closure Contextualism Relativism Lists List of books about skepticism List of scientific skeptics List of skeptical conferences List of skeptical magazines List of skeptical organizations List of skeptical podcasts Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_skeptical_conferences&oldid=1201470358 " Categories : Skepticism-related lists Skeptic conferences Hidden categories: CS1 Dutch-language sources (nl) Articles with German-language sources (de) Articles with short description Short description
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#1732851113833780-580: Is a list of notable conferences that promote or practice scientific skepticism . Event Established City Country Notes Apostacon 2009 Various [REDACTED] United States 450+ attendees (2014). Australian Skeptics National Convention 1985 Various [REDACTED] Australia Organised by the Australian Skeptics . 320 attendees (2012). CSICon / CFI Summit 1983 Various [REDACTED] United States Sponsored by
845-688: Is a fellow for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a patron of Humanists UK . Wiseman is also the creator of the YouTube channels Quirkology and In59Seconds. Wiseman was born and raised in Luton . His mother a seamstress and his father an engineer, he learned his trade as a teenage magician working the crowds in Covent Garden. At 18 he continued as a street performer and went to University College London to study psychology , partly because it "was right around
910-453: Is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). His research has been published in numerous academic journals, reported at various conferences, and featured on television. In 2004, he took part in a preliminary test of Natasha Demkina , a young Russian woman who claims to have a special vision that allows her to see inside of people's bodies and diagnose illnesses. The test, whose validity has been disputed by Demkina's supporters,
975-512: Is a more convenient location. She also wishes that there were more quiet areas to allow for more socializing with old and new friends. In 2009 when Hill was attending the very first NECSS she mentions that the theme of the conference was very relative to her own current college degree work in Science & the Public. She says "the overarching theme was science portrayed to the public – how the media delivers
1040-497: Is a skeptic who does not believe in extrasensory perception or prayer and who, as a former magician, rejects the purported supernatural experiences reported in seances conducted in darkened rooms where every kind of trickery is available. Wiseman's research has been featured on over 150 television programmes, including Horizon , Equinox and World in Action . He is regularly heard on BBC Radio 4 , including appearances on Start
1105-560: Is a skeptics' conference, but it is very much also a science conference. According to co-organizer Michael Feldman, the conference regularly attracts about 400 attendees. They want to continue to grow, but not to sacrifice quality with the conference experience. Feldman stated that about half of the conference attendees are from the tri-state area, (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) and the remaining 40–50% come from farther afield. The 2016 conference attracted people from ten countries and thirty states. The 2015 conference organizing committee
1170-409: Is also a Distinguished Supporter of Humanist Society Scotland . In 2017 Wiseman interviewed Richard Dawkins at CSIcon Las Vegas 2017 covering topics on evolution , extra terrestrials and god. The Edinburgh Secret Society organises events for those of a curious disposition. These include verbal, theatrical and experimental presentations intended to inform, entertain and bewilder. This group, as
1235-514: Is best known for his "Bets You Will Always Win" series, which has amassed over 60 million views throughout 10 videos. On 7 January 2014, Wiseman uploaded a video to a new channel called "59 Seconds" in promotion of his book of the same name. Wiseman is a patron of Humanists UK and appeared in the Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People Christmas stage show organised by the New Humanist . He
1300-527: Is different from Wikidata Commons category link is on Wikidata Richard Wiseman Richard J. Wiseman (born 17 September 1966 ) is a professor of the public understanding of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has written several psychology books. He has given keynote addresses to The Royal Society , The Swiss Economic Forum, Google and Amazon . He
1365-649: Is room for a range of reasonable opinions on these issues and our conversation will reflect that diversity." Dawkins was unable to accept the re-invitation, as he had suffered a stroke in the interim. At NECSS 2016 a panel was designed to address what had happened with Dawkins. This panel was moderated by Jennifer Lopez from the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space . Also on the panel were Heather Berlin, Will Creele, Julia Galef, John McWhorter and Yvette d'Entremont . The panel
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#17328511138331430-461: Is the way the world will end" with Plait speaking statistics about the likelihood of various astronomical deaths, such as meteors, super-novas and solar flairs. Doubtful News creator Sharon Hill compared the 2009 conference to the 2011 one. She felt that things were improving, great speakers and wonderful meeting new people. She bemoans that it would cost less for the attendees if held outside New York City, but understands that for many people, this
1495-466: The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquiry . European Skeptics Congress (ESC) 1989 Various [REDACTED] Europe Sponsored by the European Council of Skeptical Organisations (ECSO) since 1994. Freethought Festival 2012 Madison, Wisconsin [REDACTED] United States Organized by Atheists, Humanists, & Agnostics at
1560-794: The Fox sisters and séances . In 2022 the series was nominated for "Best Limited Series" at the Eisner Awards . The series was collected into a single volume and published by Vanishing Inc in January 2023. Wiseman launched the Dream: ON App at the Edinburgh International Science Festival 2012. It is developed and maintained by YUZA, a mobile experience team based in London. The app is powered by an engine which constantly monitors and adjusts
1625-636: The Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften . Skepsis Congres 1987 Utrecht [REDACTED] Netherlands Sponsored by Stichting Skepsis . 400 attendees (2011). Skeptic's Toolbox 1992 Eugene, Oregon [REDACTED] United States Founded by Ray Hyman , sponsored by the Center for Inquiry . SkeptiCamp 2007 Various Various Organised by various local groups. Skepticon 2008 Springfield, Missouri [REDACTED] United States Founded as
1690-515: The Good Thinking Society that helped (almost completely) eliminate public medical funding for homeopathy in the United Kingdom. "With a blending of new paths, old traditions, and new traditions, NECSS has taken its first steps in blazing a different trail in the future of skepticism". The eleventh NECSS in 2019 featured keynote speaker Carl Zimmer with a talk called "Heredity: Its Powers, Perversions, and Potential", in which he spoke about
1755-735: The Merseyside Skeptics Society and the Greater Manchester Skeptics Society. 650 attendees (2016). SkepchickCON 2009 Bloomington , Minnesota [REDACTED] United States The scientific skepticism track at CONvergence , a 4-day science fiction and fantasy conference held annually in Bloomington Minnesota on the first full weekend in July. SkepKon (GWUP-Konferenz) 1987 Various [REDACTED] Germany Organised by
1820-1110: The 2011 conference in Vienna, Austria. ^ (in German) SkepKon website ^ (in German) Konferenzen Übersicht ^ The Skepsis Congres was held in Amersfoort in the years 1987–2001, in Amsterdam in 2002, and has been held in Utrecht ever since 2003. ^ H.S. Verbrugh e.a. (1989). "Alternatieve Geneeskunde, geen kunst?" . Vereniging tegen de Kwakzalverij website (in Dutch). Stichting Skepsis . Retrieved 19 August 2014 . ^ Sam de Voogt (10 December 2011). "Complotgoeroe trekt weer volle RAI". Het Parool (in Dutch). p. 25. ^ Katie Hartman (8 May 2012). "Press Release: Kitten Billboard" . Skepticon website . Skepticon . Retrieved 25 August 2014 . ^ "About Skeptics on
1885-644: The August anniversary of his birth and death. NECSS organizers moved the conference to April and the SGU cast continued the tradition of celebrating DeAngelis's life each year at NECSS. New York City Skeptic's co-founder Jamy Ian Swiss wrote that the conference was created to address a need for a regional skeptic conference in the Northeast. The first evening in 2009 sold out with 400 attendees, with Swiss stating that organizers turned people away. We have always conceived of NECSS as
1950-596: The Edinburgh Secret Society Wiseman has found a new following, hosting evenings of irreverent talks and entertainment on topics including self-help and dying. In February 2011 they staged 'An Evening of Death' in A Victorian Anatomy Theatre at the University of Edinburgh , an event that sold out its 250 tickets within minutes. Wiseman is a professor in "public psychology" at the University of Hertfordshire who divides his time between London and Edinburgh. He
2015-667: The Fringe" . Edinburgh Skeptics website . Edinburgh Skeptics Society. 2014 . Retrieved 18 July 2014 . ^ Skeptrack on Lanyrd ^ "The Amaz!ng Meeting 2014" . TAM website . JREF. 2014 . Retrieved 25 August 2014 . External links [ edit ] [REDACTED] Wikimedia Commons has media related to Skeptic conventions . v t e Skeptical conferences Conferences CSICon European Skeptics Congress Het Denkgelag NECSS QED: Question, Explore, Discover Skepsis Congres Skeptic's Toolbox SkeptiCamp Skepticon Skeptics in
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2080-981: The Leon De Meyer auditorium (1000 seats) of the Universitair Forum (UFO) , was completely sold out. Fabrice Luyckx (18 October 2013). "Het Denkgelag: The Limits of Science" . Schamper (in Dutch). Ghent University . Retrieved 9 September 2014 . ^ The event "A Passion for Science and Reason" in the Stadsdschouwburg Antwerpen (2,000 seats) was completely sold out. Isaac Demey (29 January 2015). " 'Ik wil niemand bekeren'. Populaire evolutiebioloog Richard Dawkins houdt halt in Antwerpen" . De Standaard (in Dutch) . Retrieved 29 January 2015 . ^ "New Zealand Skeptics Conference" . Lanyrd . Retrieved 13 September 2014 . ^ John Hartevelt (24 September 2007). "Magician
2145-751: The President" (PDF) . The Skeptic . 13 (2). Australian Skeptics: 3 . Retrieved 13 September 2014 . ^ "Sydney to host 30th Skeptics convention in 2014" . Australian Skeptics website . Australian Skeptics. 27 November 2013 . Retrieved 13 September 2014 . ^ Lachlan Hastings (21 November 2012). "Skeptics to woo you". mX . News Corp Australia . ^ "CSICon – The Conference Dedicated To Scientific Inquiry And Critical Thinking" . Point of Inquiry website . CFI. 5 October 2011 . Retrieved 19 August 2014 . ^ "The Conference Dedicated to Science and Skeptical Inquiry" . CSI Conference website . CSI / CFI. Archived from
2210-808: The Pub Skeptics on The Fringe SkepTrack at Dragon Con The Amazing Meeting v t e Skepticism Types of skepticism Philosophical Radical Local Moral Scientific Religious Skeptical philosophies Academic Skepticism Ajñana Cartesian Charvaka Humeanism Pyrrhonism Solipsism Skeptical philosophers Pyrrho Timon Arcesilaus Lacydes Carneades Clitomachus Philo of Larissa Cicero Aenesidemus Agrippa Sextus Empiricus Montaigne René Descartes David Hume Skeptical scenarios Acatalepsy Brain in
2275-512: The SGU team and Bill Nye against each other with mock debates over "the Millennium Falcon vs the starship Enterprise ... and the American system of units ... [vs] the metric system. Hrab also managed to add in "rounds of Pictionary about Area 51 and water fluoridation ." "Stimulus/Response" conceived by George Hrab and Brian Wecht was a three-act performance held on Friday night, and
2340-834: The University of Wisconsin-Madison. Het Denkgelag 2012 Ghent / Antwerp , Flanders [REDACTED] Belgium Independent. 1,000 attendees (Ghent 2013), 2,000 attendees (Antwerp 2015). New Zealand Skeptics Conference 1986 Various [REDACTED] New Zealand Organised by the New Zealand Skeptics . 120 attendees (2007). Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism (NECSS) 2009 New York City [REDACTED] United States Organised by New York City Skeptics, New England Skeptical Society & Society for Science-Based Medicine. 400 attendees. QED: Question, Explore, Discover 2011 Manchester , England [REDACTED] United Kingdom Organised by
2405-726: The Week , Midweek and the Today programme . Wiseman also makes numerous appearances on some British television shows; in The Real Hustle he explains the psychology behind many of the scams and confidence tricks ; in Mind Games he's a regular team captain of a panel game of puzzles, anagrams and conundrums; and in People Watchers, a hidden-camera show examining human behaviour. Besides being interviewed in several of these television programmes, he
2470-420: The behaviour of Dream: ON; optimising the experience for the user. When the user enters the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep where dreaming is most common, the app delivers unique audio soundscapes which the subconscious is shown to respond to. "We have created a new way of carrying out mass participation experiments. We still know relatively little about the science of dreaming and this app may provide
2535-553: The corner". He shared accommodation as a student with Adrian Owen , later also to become a psychologist. In his years as a street performer he learned how to adapt or get out of what you are doing because "Sometimes you would start your act and after five minutes there was no audience." He moved to Edinburgh where he obtained his PhD in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh for research supervised by Robert L. Morris . After completing his PhD he became Britain's first professor in
2600-472: The decision, stating "We believe strongly in freedom of speech and freedom to express unpopular, and even offensive, views. However, unnecessarily divisive, counterproductive, and even hateful speech runs contrary to our mission and the environment we wish to foster at NECSS." After much criticism, the NECSS apologized to Dawkins, admitted their dis-invitation was "not professional" and re-invited him, stating, "There
2665-429: The first guest curator at Edinburgh's International Science Festival. He participated in the festival with "Richard Wiseman's Beginners Guide to... Climate Change". In 2014 he does a repeat of his 'Beginners Guide to' but this time with 3 different talks: Wiseman has also become a content creator on YouTube after uploading a video of the colour changing card trick in 2007 that has 6. 5 million views as of April 2020. He
Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism - Misplaced Pages Continue
2730-579: The implications of his work rather than trying to convey his points in a 45-minute talk. So instead of talking directly about eyewitness testimony in law he would set something up that looked like it, something like the colour changing card trick. In this mind set he has presented keynote addresses to organisations around the world and in well known forums and congresses like the Swiss Economic Forum and ESOMAR Congress. Much of this work has involved helping organisation become more successful by embracing
2795-464: The lucky mind-set. In 2001 Wiseman led LaughLab , an international experiment to find the world's funniest joke . The winning joke described a caller to emergency services who shoots his friend who has collapsed to comply with the instruction "First, let's make sure he's dead". The experiment also explored regional and cultural variations in humour. These public psychology experiments – such as enlisting people to name, and rate, their favourite gags in
2860-536: The name states, tends to be low key and has appeared in very few news outlets. The Society motto is 'The king cannot be saved, the king cannot make custard', which is one of many things the group won't openly say the meaning of. It is run by Peter Lamont , friend and colleague, and Richard Wiseman having events involving The Filmhouse, the British Science Association , Edinburgh's World of Illusions, and The Edinburgh International Science Festival . Through
2925-548: The ninth annual NECSS in 2017 was open to the public and is estimated to have drawn a crowd of over 600. Randi performed an escape and took an "overdose" of a Homeopathic remedy to demonstrate that it had no actual effect. The focus of his talk was on educating the younger generation. The first day of the 2017 conference had to be relocated at the last minute due to an earlier fire at the Fashion Institute of Technology . Cohost of Star Talk podcast, Leighann Lord emceed. 2018
2990-475: The original on 24 March 2013 . Retrieved 19 August 2014 . ^ Bob Smietana (26 October 2012). "Skeptics, atheists share their doubts at conference". The Tennessean . Gannett Company . ^ "Earlier European skeptic events" . Hungarian Skeptic Society website . Retrieved 24 May 2014 . ^ "Atheists, Humanists, & Agnostics (AHA!)" . www.ahauwmadison.org . Retrieved 2017-03-03 . ^ Originally, Het Denkgelag
3055-567: The potential consequences of home genetic tests without guidance from medical professionals. Brian Wecht , Jay Novella, and Steven Novella explored how skeptical and scientific characters are portrayed in media in an interactive workshop called "How Science and Skepticism are Portrayed in Pop Culture". Other workshops include "Psychology of Magic" with mentalist Eric Walton and "Shaping Your Child's Behavior with Science" with Jocelyn Novella and Liz Gaston. Cara Santa Maria and Mary Roach sat down for
3120-468: The principles of good and bad luck , publishing the results in the self-help book The Luck Factor . He showed that both good and bad luck result from measurable habits; for example, lucky people, by expecting good luck, might expend more effort in their endeavours, resulting in more success, reinforcing their belief in good luck. Lucky people are outgoing and observant and therefore have many more chance encounters than unlucky people, each of which could bring
3185-490: The public understanding of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire . In his early years at the University of Hertfordshire, Wiseman partnered with Simon Singh on a BBC segment about lying for the National Science Week . The segment spanned TV, radio and print and featured a "politician making a statement, and letting the public vote on whether they thought this figure was telling the truth in each medium." It
3250-1073: The science fiction / fantasy conference Dragon Con. SSAcon 2000 Columbus, Ohio [REDACTED] United States The annual student conference of the Secular Student Alliance . The Amaz!ng Meeting (TAM) 2003 Las Vegas , Nevada [REDACTED] United States Sponsored by the James Randi Educational Foundation . 1,000+ attendees (2014). See also [ edit ] Humanism Lists of skepticism topics List of books about skepticism List of skeptical magazines List of skeptical organizations List of skeptical podcasts List of notable skeptics Rationalism References [ edit ] ^ Michael O'Connor (September 18, 2014). "Omaha atheists strive to be more active in community, change perceptions" . Omaha World-Herald . Retrieved August 14, 2015 . ^ Williams, Barry (1993). "From
3315-415: The search for the world's funniest jokes – have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants and plenty of press. In 2011, Wiseman wrote the first section of a collaborative story at Libboo in an attempt to produce a full-length novel in two months. The final result of this experiment, was a novel called, Paradox: The Curious Life, and Mysterious Death, of Mr Joseph Wheeler . In 2013 Richard Wiseman became
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#17328511138333380-489: The subject that I find very difficult to address, an example of the faith-healers' perfidy and cruelty that I'd previously only mentioned in the introduction to The Faith Healers." When interviewed about the New York City Skeptics, Julia Galef responded, "I think a lot of people felt the same way as you did, Karl – there seemed to be a lot of pent-up demand for an organization devoted specifically to science and reason, not just secularism. In terms of our success, I have to give
3445-523: The success of Singh's book, Fermat's Last Theorem , Singh introduced Wiseman to his agent and encouraged him to write a similar book in the psychology arena, which led to The Luck Factor . Wiseman critically examines and frequent debunks unusual phenomena, including reports of paranormal phenomena . He is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). His research has been published in numerous academic journals, reported at various conferences, and featured on television. Wiseman has studied
3510-510: The world a better place."' According to James Randi , "I recently appeared at the annual NECSS – Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism – in New York (think of it as a superb mini-version of our annual The Amaz!ng Meeting in Las Vegas), and was asked to speak on the faith-healing racket. As I walked on stage, I switched from my original intention, and decided to handle a specific example of
3575-436: The world's largest dream experiment. In collaboration with the Good Thinking Society , Wiseman set up The Good Magic Awards. These awards recognize and reward performers that use magic tricks to improve the lives of people in disadvantaged groups, charities, community groups, hospital patients, and others struggling with physical and psychological challenges. The awards were announced on March 17, 2020, and were awarded for
3640-522: Was a creative consultant in an episode of Your Bleeped Up Brain and a researcher of the documentary Unlawful Killing. Feature articles about his work have regularly appeared in The Times , The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian . Wiseman's 2011 book, Paranormality : Why We See What Isn't There was electronically self-published in the United States, as Wiseman was told by American publishers there
3705-414: Was also a feature of NECSS 2019. In early 2016, the NECSS dis-invited the prominent evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins from speaking due to a tweet Dawkins had made in the weeks prior which drew parallels between extremist Islamists and extremist feminists . Many free speech advocates such as Sam Harris criticised the NECSS decision, labelling them "fools". In a press release, the NECSS defended
3770-941: Was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary, The Girl with X-Ray Eyes . Wiseman has published studies on anomalistic psychology and the psychology of paranormal belief . He is the author of the book titled Paranormality: Why We See What Isn't There (2011) which takes a psychological approach to paranormal phenomena. The book offers its readers tools to investigate paranormal claims using QR Codes , which Wiseman saw as "exciting use of new media" to allow people to see footage and make up their minds themselves. In 2020, Wiseman, illustrator Jordan Collver and writer Rik Worth created Hocus Pocus , an interactive comic-book series that "promotes skepticism and critical thinking". The first issue focuses on Victorian performer and mind reader Washington Irving Bishop and pioneer of parapsychology Joseph Banks Rhine . The second issue features
3835-527: Was made up of Steven Novella, Jay Novella, Michael Feldman, Jamy Ian Swiss, Benny Pollak, Spiro Condos, Mark Crislip , Heather Berlin , Deborah Berebichez and Brian Wecht . Others that have become involved in the conference are Massimo Pigliucci and Julia Galef . Emcee musician George Hrab outdrew the science-based medicine seminar in April 2015 with almost 500 attendees. His "hybrid musical act/quiz show, A Skeptical Extravaganza of Special Significance " pitted
3900-429: Was no interest in scepticism . In 2011, the first section of a collaborative story at Libboo in an attempt to produce a full-length novel in two months. The final result of this experiment, was a novel called, Paradox: The Curious Life, and Mysterious Death, of Mr Joseph Wheeler . Wiseman is known for his critical examination and frequent debunking of unusual phenomena, including reports of paranormal phenomena . He
3965-400: Was organised and sponsored by SKEPP , but it has become an independent association without lucrative purpose . Dries Van Giel (25 October 2012). "Het Denkgelag" . SKEPP website (in Dutch). SKEPP . Retrieved 9 September 2014 . ^ "Over Het Denkgelag" . Het Denkgelag website (in Dutch). Het Denkgelag. 2013 . Retrieved 9 September 2014 . ^ The event, held in
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#17328511138334030-502: Was separately ticketed from the conference. It was a night of discussion, performances and an improv comedy group. This group roasted Jay Novella in 2013, brother Steve wrote "it was hilarious" so in 2014 Jay made sure that Steve was next. Bad Astronomer Phil Plait and musician George Hrab performed a song Hrab wrote called Death From the Skies based on Plaits book by the same name. This performance has Harb playing guitar and signing "This
4095-443: Was the first time that Wiseman and Singh met. From the beginning, the two got along well and on Singh's idea, ended up creating a show together called Theatre of Science. The show aimed to deliver science to the audience in an entertaining manner. Wiseman describes how one stunt involved standing in a cage between two Tesla coils while lightning struck the cage. Wiseman ended up writing The Luck Factor in part due to Singh as well. With
4160-552: Was the tenth year. The keynote speaker was Jennifer Ouellette . Katie Mack and Raychelle Burks were part of a NECSS 2018 speakers explored the topic of sexual misconduct in the skeptics community in a panel named "SciComm Meets 'Me Too'". There was a full day of Science-Based Medicine . Talks included David Gorski on the hype of stem cell treatments, Harriet Hall on the dangers of cancer vaccine "manufactroversies", Clay Jones and Grant Ritchey on quack Tourette syndrome remedies, and Michael Marshall discussing his strategies with
4225-410: Was titled "Free Speech, Social Justice, and Political Correctness." According to journalist Russ Dobler, the panel came to "common ground" by agreeing that unless the person you are talking to is "completely unreasonable, we should seek out and talk to the people we disagree with most." Skeptical conference (Redirected from Skeptical conference ) This
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