tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59442957219902914042024-03-13T23:40:06.287-07:00Monterey County Skepticssgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-90130356922706821592017-04-09T19:44:00.000-07:002017-05-03T10:19:13.567-07:00Anatomy of a Reading - Details of reading<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These are the detailed notes mentioned in the article <a href="http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/anatomy_of_a_reading" target="_blank">"Anatomy of a Reading"</a> published by Skeptical Inquirer May 3, 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRfLCXuYuk8" target="_blank">(Tyler Henry Reads Winner of Facebook Giveaway Video)</a><br />
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Follow along and if you spot something I didn't please let me know in the comment section.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iT5OzKkJTVw/WOrd-fbP0MI/AAAAAAAB8Yg/jyt9dFuAbnMw8nT1mIeZCKXPHTorSPnVgCLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iT5OzKkJTVw/WOrd-fbP0MI/AAAAAAAB8Yg/jyt9dFuAbnMw8nT1mIeZCKXPHTorSPnVgCLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>First impressions</b></span><br />
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Let's start off by saying that I think Tyler Henry knows nothing about the person he is about to read. I see zero evidence of any kind throughout that raises a red flag that it might be a hot-read. Lets just look at what Henry does know. Keep in mind that we are watching a video and she hands him three objects that we never do get a good look at. Also we can't see the detail that he does with her jewelry, tan lines, hands, smell and many other details that may tell us information about a person without knowing anything beforehand.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6UwN7kKF6k/WOreIbrwm_I/AAAAAAAB8Yo/2TlB85afA2Q1sVm_i6r3bXdrtSjBtS5aQCLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6UwN7kKF6k/WOreIbrwm_I/AAAAAAAB8Yo/2TlB85afA2Q1sVm_i6r3bXdrtSjBtS5aQCLcB/s400/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B003.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>We know that she is a fan -</b> This is big, this means that she is going to probably help him along with feedback with smiles, nods and facial expressions. She WANTS him to be in contact with her family. Fans will really work to make the connection, and as you will see she has to do just that in this reading.<br />
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<b>She is in her mid 50's born probably 1955-1965 -</b> This means that if he mentions names that might belong to her siblings and her husband we would use one of these charts <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1950s.html" target="_blank">Top Names of 1950's,</a> <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1960s.html" target="_blank">Top Names of 1960's</a>. Her parents and aunts and uncles would be on the list of Top Names of the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1930s.html" target="_blank">1930's</a> - <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1940s.html" target="_blank">1940'</a>s. We can go back further if we want to reach her grandparents. Tyler plays it safe as you will see and hits on all the top names and Horn links them up to her family. Don't be fooled into thinking that cold-reading mediums in this industry are not fully aware of the Social Security Database. Of course they are.<br />
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<b>She is White, American, no obvious accent</b> (<a href="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/columns/straight-dope/article/13047690/why-do-newscasters-all-talk-the-same-what-would-happen" target="_blank">Nebraska</a>?). I'm not even close to being an expert on accents but I didn't pick up anything that made her sound like she was from the East, West or South. Turns out she was raised in Idaho which is a couple states over from Nebraska, but still in that general region of the United States.<br />
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<b>Married</b> - wearing a wedding ring with a nice sized stone. If she had no ring but a white ban on the finger or a bit of a dent, then it would probably mean she was divorced.<br />
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<b>Other generalities</b> - from her jewelry she looks like she has some money, very friendly, tanned legs (leisure? beach? vacations?) Great teeth and nails, again points to someone with money and medical insurance, time to get nails done, healthy lifestyle, no smoking, He would have been able to look at her hands to tell many things about her lifestyle. Is one arm tanner than the other? That could mean she drives a lot. We can deduce a lot but not everything, we can't clearly see from the video. Absent of "tells" can suggest to the medium other things. IF he had smelled cigarette smoke on her or saw the marks on her hands from being a smoker, then possibly the spirit would start talking about how worried they are about her health. Jewelry she wore could have told the medium about her also, charms on a bracelet, initials on a necklace and more.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8l6xg_adCkM/WOreGO0m1uI/AAAAAAAB8Yk/sT2m_Rdq11cVxP602QHik8L3xWwuUJCAACLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8l6xg_adCkM/WOreGO0m1uI/AAAAAAAB8Yk/sT2m_Rdq11cVxP602QHik8L3xWwuUJCAACLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B002.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sets up the Reading Parameters</span></b><br />
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Henry explains that he thinks a lot of people want to come through. He says it might get confusing. Really interesting statement. I wonder if this is normally how he starts his readings? Setting it up in such a way that if he gets things wrong or if it feels confusing then it is the spirit's fault for all wanting to talk at once and push themselves forward.<br />
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The next thing Henry tells the sitter is this, "The way this generally goes is 80% will hopefully make sense to you. There might be a 20% portion that you might have to ask (family about later)." Well that adds up to 100%. Henry must be really feeling strongly about this reading. Psychic expert Mark Edward would say that what Henry is doing here is telling the sitter that if she does not understand what the spirits are saying, then it is her fault. We have heard this many times from grief vampires like John Edward and Chip Coffey who tell people to bring their family trees printed out to the reading as you never know who might come through. Coffey often says "Who are you going to believe, your family or me? I'm the psychic." Henry is still very sweet and gentle with his sitters, its not yet known if he will develop the acetic callous tone of mediums like Sylvia Browne.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVFbZUlGUzM/WOreT8F1AKI/AAAAAAAB8Y8/55Z6nxtDcMonpKcrSdMiCFIFet-FYUTuwCLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVFbZUlGUzM/WOreT8F1AKI/AAAAAAAB8Y8/55Z6nxtDcMonpKcrSdMiCFIFet-FYUTuwCLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horn, what makes you think Henry isn't getting a lot of publicity out of your reading?</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here we go... </span></b><br />
Henry tells the sitter that five people are going to come through. Two talkative woman and an older man. You can see from the video that when the talkative women are mentioned she gets a slight smile on her face, but when the man is mentioned she nods and has a giant smile on her face. At this point Henry sees from her body language that the older man is clearly the one Horn wants to hear from. And that is where he goes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two talkative women want to come through</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An older man wants to come through</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The older man</b></span><br />
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We know he has a sense of humor and is a sweet guy. He does not tell big funny stories but little funny ones. He likes to have fun and is not crotchety or unhappy. He focuses on the moment. He did not want the family to focus on his health issues.<br />
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At this time she tears up and acknowledges all this is true. Henry asks "What were the circumstances behind that?" She gives him a bunch of details about the death. Interestingly Henry does not say "What were the circumstances of your father's death?" Nor does he mention that he is her father at all. The older man could have been a grandfather, uncle, close family friend or even Horn's husband or first boyfriend who died when they were teenagers. Until she "claims" this person, Henry could have gone in any direction.<br />
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No names, no mention of what year this happened, or others that were in the room when he died or his own name. Really odd when you think about all the omissions and lack of detail. Very vague and general statements about this man's personality. If the description of this man were written on a card and handed to a room of 100 people I'm pretty confident that all 100 people would identify him as someone in their life. Even if Horn had felt that her father did not fit all these, maybe he had a horrible sense of humor? Henry could move on to another spirit trying to come through, or say "well he really admired people with a sense of humor" or "when he was a teenager he had a strong sense of humor" or "now that he is in spirit, he has developed a sense of humor." There is always an out for Henry.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bob, Bobby or Robert? </span></b><br />
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The video skips at this point as something is left out. Keep in mind that the editors of this video have every incentive to show the best hits. If it is left out of the video then that is because it wasn't much to watch.<br />
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So apparently Horn's father wants to acknowledge a "Bob, Bobby or Robert." She says "My husband's name is Robert!" Her father wants to wave "hi" to Robert. Now that Henry knows that this is the son-in-law he says "it's coming through as a man would come through to a son... did not get to know Robert as well as he did you... he is watching over Robert as he would over you... he understands Robert more than he did before."<br />
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Okay, so a lot happening there. I'm sure Horn remembers this differently from what is on the video she said in a YouTube comment that her husband "was a nonbeliever, and now totally believes!" She would probably say that her dad came through and wanted to talk to her husband. Really that's not what happened at all. Firstly Henry didn't mention that the older man was her father until Horn claimed it was her father, he only said it was an "older man." Henry only said "Bob, Bobby or Robert." Horn said "My husband's name is Robert." Once it was determined that Robert was her LIVING husband, it became all platitudes and male bonding. Nothing substantial mentioned at all. <br />
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Think about this for a minute. Why was there no mention of anything specific happening in their relationship? Did they fish together, play pool, poker... anything? Did they even live in the same state? Does the father have any career advice for Robert? What about Robert's parents, are they in spirit with the father? Wouldn't you think Robert would like to hear from his parents, grandparents or someone? Also not mentioned are the grandchildren? Later we learn that there are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, why does he not say something like "Robert Junior is growing up so strong, looking more like his father everyday, I love to watch him play soccer and in the school band." The best the father-in-law can say is "Hi Robert" and somehow that is "amazing!" and turned a skeptic into a believer? Also interesting is that he does not know his son-in-laws name, is it Bob? Bobby? or Robert?<br />
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One more thing before we leave this part of the reading. What about these names? How likely is it that Horn would know someone named Bob, Bobby or Robert? It was likely that Robert would have been her father's name. It could be someone who is living or dead, a human or a pet. It could have been a nickname, middle name or a surname. Roberts, Robinson, Robbins all common enough last names. Could be someone Horn knew or maybe someone from the father's past. Bobby is also a nickname for a woman. Or it could be part of the 20% that Horn would have to ask family about after the reading. If for some odd reason Horn knew no one with those names, Henry would just skip to something else, he does not have to continue until he finds a match.<br />
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How common is a name like Robert anyway? According to the Social Security records (linked above) In the 1930's Robert was the number one male name, Bobby was #27 and Bobby #85. In the 1940's Robert was the second most popular male name. Bob was ranked #114 and Bobby #48. In the 1950's Robert moved to #3 and Bobby to #75. In the 1960's Robert went down to #5, Bobby to #81. With all the available possibilities of getting a hit with Bob, Bobby or Robert, I think Henry was pretty safe throwing this out there. I wonder if Horn's husband would feel so special after learning all this?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mining</span></b><br />
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Here is one of those general statements that sound so specific if it gets a hit. Throw out a lot, hopefully something will stick. The sitter is most likely to remember the hits and forget the misses. Henry starts talking about mining shafts. ... Someone living in a mining town... old wood not in use anymore... somebody lived near an abandoned mining shaft... or abandoned well... something in the dirt or the ground.<br />
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Horn tries really hard to make sense of all this. She states that she is from Idaho and a town nearby called Idaho City has a lot of old mines in it. Henry acts as if he got a hit from this and then gently moves to another statement.<br />
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But before we move on, let's look at what Henry said. Old wood? Dirt? Mining shafts or abandoned wells? This could be almost anywhere. It isn't clear what person from the other side is talking about, is this her father again? Could they have visited a ghost town when she was a child? Watched old westerns together? Old wood can mean just about anything, maybe someone liked to do woodworking? An old fence was falling down on someone's property? Someone fell in a well? Maybe it was Timmy from the old Lassie movies? It is so general that it is almost silly and can fit just about anything. In time Horn would have come up with a better connection than a town nearby that has some old mines in it. But Henry didn't get the reaction that he expected so he moved on.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Child</b></span><br />
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This next one is terrific and I think Horn really felt like Henry got something really specific. But pay close attention and see if you can spot it. Remember that all through this Henry is watching Horn for any reaction.<br />
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The father wants to acknowledge "the children" he has a child with him on the "other side"... "a child passed away that did not get a full life" ... "doesn't look like the kind of situation where the child is kind of really born in the traditional sense and this is the kind of loss that would have been traumatic to a woman. If someone suffered a miscarriage, a stillborn or had a child that was birthed and died shortly after... He is giving me the sign for SIDS." Immediate reaction from Horn.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_eXAnBpUVU/WOhjqLL2pUI/AAAAAAAB8Ok/CNpVm2HV3u4qufrqDOlKF2EJ_1w1IoKGwCK4B/s1600/10%2B56%2BChild%2Bpasses%2Bfrom%2BSIDS.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_eXAnBpUVU/WOhjqLL2pUI/AAAAAAAB8Ok/CNpVm2HV3u4qufrqDOlKF2EJ_1w1IoKGwCK4B/s400/10%2B56%2BChild%2Bpasses%2Bfrom%2BSIDS.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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She tells Henry that her father had a son die from SIDS from his first marriage, which she had forgotten about until right then. WOW a major hit, right? Wrong. Sorry.<br />
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Again we need to unpack this exchange. You can't blame Horn, all this is coming at her fast and furious, she is trying really hard to connect to everything Henry is telling her. Eventually Henry is going to say something that Horn is going to acknowledge with her body language or a "Yes!"<br />
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First the father wants to acknowledge "the children" what children? His grandchildren that are living? The children that lived next door? Maybe when he was a child he had friends that died of typhoid? The children that are eventually going to be born? Then Henry says there is a child "with him on the other side." Again, that means nothing more than a child died. And what child dies that did not live a full life? Isn't that kind of the point when a child dies that it does not live a full life?<br />
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Then this list is rattled off until Henry gets a reaction from Horn... a miscarriage, a stillborn, a born child that died soon, a child from SIDS... Ding Ding Ding. Henry can now stop and learn that Horn's father had a "first marriage" and a child that died from SIDS. What was the child's name? How old was it? What happened to the first marriage, did that wife die? Funny that no specifics are given, a child died and is "with him on the other side" and that's the best he can come up with?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Younger Female in the Family</b></span><br />
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The father is doing a lot of acknowledging, guess the two chatty women mentioned early on have moved on to some other medium by now. "He is having me bring up the younger female in the family... I do not know the exact relationship to her... someone living... who is going through a time of transition... he is watching over her." Then Henry gives a list of things for Horn to try to hit on, watching her body language she is struggling to make sense of it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpgh2Fjq0jk/WOhvJitVXrI/AAAAAAAB8O0/ou5z9jcDBLkOM4bjl6WDxxHproYWTneNwCK4B/s1600/13%2B17%2BStruggling%2Bto%2Bfigure%2Bout%2Bwho%2Bthe%2Byounger%2Btroubled%2Bfemale%2Bis.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpgh2Fjq0jk/WOhvJitVXrI/AAAAAAAB8O0/ou5z9jcDBLkOM4bjl6WDxxHproYWTneNwCK4B/s400/13%2B17%2BStruggling%2Bto%2Bfigure%2Bout%2Bwho%2Bthe%2Byounger%2Btroubled%2Bfemale%2Bis.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Going to college, moving, big shift in their personal life, time of transition, he has concern for her, struggling emotionally, going through a rough patch. And "he can not establish the age range of this person." Henry finally asks Horn "Who is this person or anyone you can fitting this description? ... Someone like a daughter or granddaughter?"<br />
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Horn finally answers "my niece, Nicki... possibly" Henry asks how old is Nicki. She replies "35, but she has a daughter that is 21 who is going to college." So this would be his great-granddaughter. Her mother would have been about 14 when the child was born, so keep that in mind with these next statements from Henry. Great-Grandpa was a father figure to this female who is independant and needs help from the family, she is not getting the help she needs, he asks "Is the father involved in this girl's life?" Horn replies "not really."<br />
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Now that Henry is on surer ground with this storyline he says that great-great-grandpa acknowledged that the girl's father isn't in her life. The girl (still unnamed) is going through academic as well as a residential shift... she will go to school with one major and then shift it... it will happen, it may have already happened... Great-Grandpa is joking about her love life, telling her to not to get to serious with anyone.<br />
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So this younger female is independent and not independent at the same time. She is in college and experiencing an academic shift. She is going to change her major or maybe already has. Her father isn't a part of her life. Remember her mother was about 14 when the child was born so maybe not a strong relationship with her father? How vague is all this? Why doesn't Great-Grandpa give this child some real advice, maybe tell her what major she should go for? What career is she going to have later on? Why doesn't he know her name? Tell her the name of the person she will fall in love with? Steer her away from bad decisions, bad people.. didn't he say he was watching over her? That isn't creepy at all is it?<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Horses</span></b><br />
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"He is having me bring up the horses." No reaction from Horn, so Henry says it was from the past. Still no reaction from Horn. A woman in the past was "bucked off a horse or kicked off a horse... a childhood incident... I'm seeing Idaho... or something...." Still no reaction from Horn so Henry moves on.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSsYBAhpmAg/WOh-7XNuCJI/AAAAAAAB8PM/mkhU2s-HDFU3BOqnG2s48597ajUJNqLGgCK4B/s1600/15%2B56%2BHe%2Bis%2Bhaving%2Bme%2Bbring%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bhorses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSsYBAhpmAg/WOh-7XNuCJI/AAAAAAAB8PM/mkhU2s-HDFU3BOqnG2s48597ajUJNqLGgCK4B/s400/15%2B56%2BHe%2Bis%2Bhaving%2Bme%2Bbring%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bhorses.JPG" width="400" /></a>So possibly Horn is going to ask her family and maybe there will be a story of someone falling off a horse somewhere.<br />
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Horn is from Idaho near a town with mining so maybe they would have had horses. Or someone in the past had horses or at least rode a horse. Before we all had cars, if you wanted to go anywhere we went on horses, so very likely that Horn was told a story of the family having a horse. Then again Henry's first statement just mentioned "the horses" which if Horn reacted to could have meant just about anything. Someone loved horses or collected horse toys or watched horse TV shows or or or. He mentions Idaho as if she didn't already mention that she was from there. As she didn't react, he goes to something different.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5U1rGto6oI/WOh_ISGz8jI/AAAAAAAB8PU/GQDY3XQt_NoOy8LVF8Tu6h0FPokbPRD4ACK4B/s1600/16%2B20%2BSitter%2Bhas%2Bno%2Bidea%2Bwhat%2Bhe%2Bis%2Btalking%2Babout%2Bwith%2Ba%2Bfemale%2Bfalling%2Boff%2Ba%2Bhorse%2Bso%2BTyler%2Bmoves%2Bon%2Bto%2Bsomething%2Belse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5U1rGto6oI/WOh_ISGz8jI/AAAAAAAB8PU/GQDY3XQt_NoOy8LVF8Tu6h0FPokbPRD4ACK4B/s400/16%2B20%2BSitter%2Bhas%2Bno%2Bidea%2Bwhat%2Bhe%2Bis%2Btalking%2Babout%2Bwith%2Ba%2Bfemale%2Bfalling%2Boff%2Ba%2Bhorse%2Bso%2BTyler%2Bmoves%2Bon%2Bto%2Bsomething%2Belse.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lynn</span></b><br />
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"Do you know anyone with a Lynn connection?" Horn replies "I know someone with a middle name Lynn." Henry says as if he knew all along "Cause I got Jamie, then I was hearing Lynn... "<br />
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This really didn't go anywhere and she hands him something that we can't really see. And he says "an older female and a younger female coming through together." I don't know why no one seems to remember their name?<br />
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I wondered about the popularity of the name Lynn as a middle name. I knew many people who had that middle name when I was growing up. So I looked and between 1950 and 1989, Lynn was the third most popular female middle name in America. In the 1990's it was #4. 2000-2009 it was #5 and 2010 - 2015 it was #8. So the likelihood of it being a middle name (even for Jamie herself) was really high. And he does not state it was a middle name, just like with Bob, Bobbie or Robert, Lynn could refer to many different things. I've spelled it as Lynn here, but it could be Len short for Leonard. Checking on the Social Security database for the popularity of the name Leonard we find it #52 in the 1930's and slowly becoming less popular, in the 1960's it is at its lowest at #122. If we are trying to find a connection, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn" target="_blank">possibly it is a place?</a> Wikipedia lists 27 places with Lynn in the name. Lynn, Nebraska, Lynn, Indiana, Lynn, Utah and more. Maybe it was Leningrad or Berlin? Both could be a possible hit if Horn had reacted quickly, if she said "My father was born in Berlin" then Henry could quickly say, "Yes, that is what I'm hearing... Lynn... Len... Berlin... yeah that is what he is telling me."<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Female Based Cancer</span></b><br />
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Henry is now getting a older woman that passed away from female based cancer... Pat or Patricia. He keeps trying when Horn does not react. "Keep in mind breast or suitability to breast cancer or female cancers... Pat, Patty, Patricia?" She says "My aunt?" "What side of the family?" he asks. "My Mom's side." He responds "um... yeah I'm going to your Mom's side." She does not hook strongly onto this so he moves on. Why does he need to ask what side of the family? Doesn't Pat know how she is related to Horn?<br />
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Do I really need to mention the popularity of a name like Pat or Patricia? A "older woman" could be nearly anyone in Horn's history. A family member, a friend, the mother of one of her friends or someone that she does not remember but passed away before she was born. Too many to list. Looking at our name popularity list, Patricia was #5 to #3 between the 1930's to the 1960's. The names Pat and Patty are also in the top 100 names during those years.<br />
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Henry is still holding onto a small object that Horn gave him earlier, he has not acknowledged it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jewelry</span></b><br />
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Older lady wants to talk about rings "they usually don't bring up jewelry cause it is not important... Someone took jewelry and altered it into a different piece of jewelry.... on Mom's side?" No reaction from Horn so Henry moves on.<br />
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I find this really odd as jewelry is a very common thing in the medium world. They are always bringing it up. It's also interesting because he asks people to bring an item or two to the reading, usually that is jewelry related. Here he is telling <a href="http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/tip_the_canoe_of_tyler_too" target="_blank">comedian Margaret Cho about jewelry in a sock</a>. <a href="http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/return_of_the_grief_vampire_tyler_henry" target="_blank">And here to </a><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/return_of_the_grief_vampire_tyler_henry" target="_blank">Carole Radziwill</a>, who is a dear friend of Carolyn Kennedy who died in a plane crash with her husband John Kennedy Jr. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Woman with mental decline</span></b><br />
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Woman coming through with mental decline, very strong, very independent. Hated that she lost her mental abilities near the end which led to personality changes. It is not Alzheimer's or dementia. Her medication changed her personality? She kept forgetting... Horn does not react so Henry moves on.<br />
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The woman does not say how she knows Horn, she does not say her name or give any information at all. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2mOMZQS4kU/WOkgTwYHbEI/AAAAAAAB8Pw/PvAwfXQvN_MGVSCgesyQxPBSL6aj4-8GACK4B/s1600/19%2B38%2BWoman%2Bcomes%2Bthrough%2Bthat%2Bis%2Bupset%2Babout%2Bher%2Bloss%2Bof%2Bmental%2Babilities%2B-%2Bsitter%2Breacts%2Bfavorably%2Bto%2Bthis%2Bstatement.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2mOMZQS4kU/WOkgTwYHbEI/AAAAAAAB8Pw/PvAwfXQvN_MGVSCgesyQxPBSL6aj4-8GACK4B/s320/19%2B38%2BWoman%2Bcomes%2Bthrough%2Bthat%2Bis%2Bupset%2Babout%2Bher%2Bloss%2Bof%2Bmental%2Babilities%2B-%2Bsitter%2Breacts%2Bfavorably%2Bto%2Bthis%2Bstatement.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stroke?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"Who had the stroke and survived?" Look at the expression on Horn's face as she struggles to figure out who that might be. She responds "could be my grandfather?" She is very unsure so Henry moves on. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eh01Rhuvwlc/WOkgVZcLVlI/AAAAAAAB8P4/PAjbKB4sT_8xiS1M_UKuU5TgpP1R4ULEwCK4B/s1600/21%2B11%2BWho%2Bhad%2Bthe%2Bstoke%2Band%2Bsurvived%2BSitter%2Btrying%2Bto%2Bthink%2Bwho%2Bthat%2Bcould%2Bbe..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eh01Rhuvwlc/WOkgVZcLVlI/AAAAAAAB8P4/PAjbKB4sT_8xiS1M_UKuU5TgpP1R4ULEwCK4B/s320/21%2B11%2BWho%2Bhad%2Bthe%2Bstoke%2Band%2Bsurvived%2BSitter%2Btrying%2Bto%2Bthink%2Bwho%2Bthat%2Bcould%2Bbe..JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
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"Who is Ellen or Hellen?" No response from Horn. "Getting a very strong E sounding female name" ... pause ... " unless I have the sides switched?" ... pause ... "or Elaine?" Still no reaction from Horn so he moves on.<br />
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Back to the Social Security Name Database. Helen in 1930 was #10 in popularity moved to #32 in the 1940's and #76 in the 1950's. Ellen started at #98 and moved to #64 and then to #80 in the 1950's. Henry throwing in any strong sounding E female name is just improving the chance of a hit.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Teacher thing? </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"Teacher thing." This is almost an under his breath comment, you can still hear him say it but as she did not react it went no where and he moved on to open up the item he has been holding for a few minutes.<br /><br />He is holding a small cloth bag that contains a small photo and some earrings. He said he would not look at the photo, but he does and hands it back to her. Then he settles on the earrings. We do not know who is in the photo or see it.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Woman died too soon</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is something that Henry stays on for a very long time. In her YouTube comments Horn says that this was really convincing as he heard from her sister and answered a lot of questions about her death. Pay really close attention to what Henry really says. I think when I break it down you will see that he says almost nothing about the questions of her death and didn't even know it was her sister until she tells him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"This woman died too soon." Horn smiles and said "yes." Henry says she did not die in her 80's or 90's. She is very unhappy because she thinks she died too soon. Henry thinks he is on the right track and Horn agrees. The earrings belong to a woman who thinks she died too soon. She was too young to die and she was not ready to go. Horn keeps agreeing with this. Henry says that this woman was looking forward to the upcoming year and to family. She had a career and things to look forward to. Horn says "You are right on."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Henry asks "Do you know if she was looking forward to anything specifically coming up you can recall?" Horn replies, "I'm not sure, but things were going really well for her." Henry says that he is seeing money signs like a promotion at work, Horn agrees. She felt secure in her life and that more security was coming, she did not want to go.<br /><br />"She was alone ... she just talked to someone just before she passed." All through this exchange Henry keeps repeating that she wasn't ready to die yet and that he keeps getting messages that are "so weird" and then Henry said that he is going "to get to the bottom of this." Horn keeps smiling and agreeing, she said that she wants to know what happened. Henry starts getting question marks as the dead woman does not know anything either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VZu_EnNeO4/WOreNA7-06I/AAAAAAAB8Yw/H0aC_QWEO7cLgiYUvz7qUE_mKarO1RGcACLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VZu_EnNeO4/WOreNA7-06I/AAAAAAAB8Yw/H0aC_QWEO7cLgiYUvz7qUE_mKarO1RGcACLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B005.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Then he starts saying again that she was alone, it was quick and she was at home. And then she apologizes for the discovery. Horn acknowledges again but Henry really does not know where to go with this so he changes tactics. He brings in two children, a boy and a girl. We do not know if this is the first time we are hearing about these children as there is 40-minutes missing from this reading and we are nearing the end, so possibly in the missing minutes he discovers that Horn has two children, a boy and girl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The woman who did not want to go yet, wants to acknowledge two kids that are not her kids but "like her kids" and then after Horn says "yes" Henry says these are nieces or nephews. And then there will be a third child. Horn looks really confused at this point, it seems that the two children are Horn's own kids and as she is in her 50's it is pretty unlikely that she is going to be having a third child. But she smiles and Henry moves on.<br /><br />The woman now says that she was not awake or aware when she passed. Then a house alarm is going off - "keep it in mind." No idea what that was about, but Horn laughs and agrees to keep it in mind. The woman "wants to acknowledge a female with a J name." Horn says "that is me."<br /><br />The woman keeps talking about being alone, being at home and wanting to stay at home. She was not conscious when she passed and did not know why she passed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_u5BXqAbLAY/WOrePMAC8dI/AAAAAAAB8Y0/GAw3YeWk2YMTzZzM9VaqFS8_djBXNDDNQCLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="539" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_u5BXqAbLAY/WOrePMAC8dI/AAAAAAAB8Y0/GAw3YeWk2YMTzZzM9VaqFS8_djBXNDDNQCLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B006.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Lets pause here for a minute before we continue with this woman who did not want to die yet. What do we know? Well it seems to be Horn's sister and that she died alone at home, in her sleep and does not know how she died, some kind of mystery, even Horn does not know what happened. Oddly her sister does not know her own name, or Jamie's name just that it starts with a J and does not know her niece or nephew's names. Not her city, year, street name, career or anything. Zilch. It's almost like he is just making this up. Sounds like a woman that died in her sleep and no one knows why. She talked to someone before she died, but what does that mean? A phone call, the doorman, a neighbor someone at work... and "before" means what? An hour? A day? It means whatever Horn wants it to mean. I've just relistened to this exchange again, he does NOT mention a phone call. He clearly says "She had just talked to someone right before she passed." Horn and the youtube commenters keep insinuating that Henry said she was talking to someone on the phone... nope!</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9xIettUz0Y/WOkgidQZt9I/AAAAAAAB8QI/BzxBJNOQr2gj4TfzYPdtCNix6G0_Ak3IwCK4B/s1600/22%2B45%2BEarings%2Bare%2Bfrom%2Ba%2Bwoman%2Bwho%2Bthinks%2Bshe%2Bdied%2Btoo%2Bsoon%2Breaction%2Bfrom%2Bsitter%2BYes.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9xIettUz0Y/WOkgidQZt9I/AAAAAAAB8QI/BzxBJNOQr2gj4TfzYPdtCNix6G0_Ak3IwCK4B/s320/22%2B45%2BEarings%2Bare%2Bfrom%2Ba%2Bwoman%2Bwho%2Bthinks%2Bshe%2Bdied%2Btoo%2Bsoon%2Breaction%2Bfrom%2Bsitter%2BYes.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Finally Henry gives up and asks Horn "where ultimately did she pass on?" (Which is a strange way to word that question) Horn explains that her sister left the house at 1am in the rain, wearing all black and walks about a mile from the house. Crosses the street and was hit and killed instantly by a car. The family does not know where she was going but the autopsy showed that she had been drinking. <br /><br />Henry agrees with all this, and said that it was not a suicide but he feels a lot of "emotional ups and downs." </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glm_dqV3Jws/WOreRpfwVpI/AAAAAAAB8Y4/2_ryi2uQOY8trPW1TLo2gtIJFrJwcqbDQCLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glm_dqV3Jws/WOreRpfwVpI/AAAAAAAB8Y4/2_ryi2uQOY8trPW1TLo2gtIJFrJwcqbDQCLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horn tells Henry that her sister was intoxicated - Henry did not get that during the reading</td></tr>
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He goes on to explain that this woman did not have a clear reason for walking at 1am, she was alone and walking and it was quick and she was drinking and wants to acknowledge the niece and nephew. Henry tells the story that there was some kind of dispute over a nail polish color and that it was very funny and lovely. Horn smiles and says "yes." He wraps this up by saying that she is at peace now and she wishes she had not gone yet.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bill connection? </span></b><br />
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"Who was Bill again?" This is somehow related to a part of the reading that was cut out, we don't know anything about this part. Horn replies "My uncle, Dad's brother" Keep in mind that Bill is short for William and that name was #4 in popularity in the 1940's which is probably close to when her father was born. Nothing comes from this and Henry moves on.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tom</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"There is an acknowledgement of a Tom." No reaction from Horn. "It is connected to Bill... maybe a middle name?" She does not react and Henry suggests she does some family research. Another really common name. And a name like William Thomas would be commonplace. I would not be surprised that she will find a William Thomas somewhere in her family when she asks both sides of the family. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Platitudes and wrap-up</span></b><br />
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This is the part where Henry offers her all the platitudes that he does in his show "Hollywood Medium." They usually play this really feel-good music in the background so you know you should be smiling and thinking how lovely this reading was. Her father talks about how when he was dying he did not want the tube and how happy he is for his daughter. He never worries about her and knows that she will be fine. He is at peace, he loves her and everything is fine.<br />
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I want to mention that Tyler Henry was going to become a hospice nurse before he got picked up by E! Network. He would know all about how people near the end of life have tubes in their noses and mouths and how uncomfortable it is. I remember him <a href="http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/tip_the_canoe_of_tyler_too" target="_blank">telling Jodie Sweetin</a> about how her grandmother hated the tubes also and wanted them removed. I wonder how common that is, but it sounds detailed to a sitter who is looking to believe in what is being said.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jE7YibXQVXI/WOreKa2ehdI/AAAAAAAB8Ys/tHPFTDtrYm0wBTqI0cZ2Ueg2SezoojppACLcB/s1600/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jE7YibXQVXI/WOreKa2ehdI/AAAAAAAB8Ys/tHPFTDtrYm0wBTqI0cZ2Ueg2SezoojppACLcB/s640/Jamie%2BHorn%2Bresponds%2Bon%2BYouTube%2B004.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-68707837687705153832015-05-07T15:51:00.001-07:002018-02-07T22:01:19.835-08:00Welcome to MCS - A few things you should know<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are constantly getting new members of Monterey County Skeptics that were unaware that skepticism is a "thing". I know it isn't really a thing, it is a method of thinking, not a conclusion of any kind. <br />
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We are generally all on a path to improving our epistemology, how do we know what we know. Some of us are willing to challenge everything and others are comfortable leaving a few sacred cows hanging out in our lives.<br />
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All this is totally fine with MCS. We welcome anyone on the spectrum of critical thinking. We just ask that you always remain respectful of other beliefs and ideas. Discussion and openness to having our minds changed is paramount to scientific skepticism.<br />
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I will warn you, that if you are making a testable claim of something that is outside the norm of scientific consent then you will probably be respectability challenged to support your opinion. We do not rely on faith, personal experiences or stories told to you by a friend of a friend. "Citation Needed" is our motto. <br />
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MCS is a social group, we have been in existence since 2007 started by Steve Wheeler and myself (Susan Gerbic) after meeting on the JREF forum.<br />
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We exist solely as a way for like-minded members to be able to meet and socialize with other like-minded members. That usually involves socializing over food. <br />
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We occasionally are involved in other projects, and sometimes travel together to conferences and lectures. MCS is looking into the possibility of hosting a monthly lecture series, if you are interested in helping with this please be in touch.<br />
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The first weekend of the year we reserve for our local SkeptiCamp. Our first event in 2015 was very successful and terrific outreach to the community. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo47WezQVTsYOLq8tzk5ApIYBNdo7mCRM" target="_blank">See our YouTube channel for videos</a> We have just finished our 4th SkeptiCamp.<br />
<br />
We meet once a month for dinner, the second Wednesday of the month at Lopez's Mexican Restaurant in Monterey at 7:00pm. Please RSVP to events so we can expect you and make sure we arrange for a large enough table to accommodate us all. As I said these events are social affairs, no formal topic and lots of discussion. Usually we end up in groups of 4-6 people talking about whatever is in the news, our pets, books, podcasts, scientific skepticism and for some reason usually North Korea sneaks in. Nothing formal, just good conversations with like-minded people. All age groups are welcome. Small children are not encouraged to attend as these are not child-friendly events. <br />
<br />
We do not collect dues, though if you would like to donate using meetup to help pay for the meetup group, it costs me about $180 a year. Any amount is appreciated.<br />
<br />
We have generally 6-20 people attend our meetups. There is usually a brand new person, sometimes several new people that attend each event.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for more involvement in MCS you might want to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MCSkeptics/" target="_blank">join us on Facebook</a> where discussions are more active outside our meetups. There are also nearby groups that you might also be interested in, <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Santa-Cruz-SWAC/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Skeptics</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/49659931348/" target="_blank">Bay Area Skeptics</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/northbayskeptics/" target="_blank">North Bay Skeptics</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/reason4reason/" target="_blank">Reason 4 Reason</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacskeptics/" target="_blank">Sacramento Skeptics</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChicoSkeptics/" target="_blank">Chico Skeptics</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SBHumanists/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara Humanists</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/humboldtskeptics/" target="_blank">Humboult Skeptics</a> and our own local Humanist group, <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Humanist-Association-of-the-Monterey-Bay-Area-Meetup/" target="_blank">HAMBA</a> that meets at the Monterey Library on (check their website)<br />
<br />
If you are interested in becoming more involved or more knowledgeable of the skeptic community outside MCS, there are many avenues for you to explore. I'm attaching a well-written article that explains scientific skepticism, some of the main people, organizations and conferences to get you started. This is not an complete list, just the beginning actually. But it will help you out and get you up-to-speed on a lot of the conversations happening at the meetups. <br />
<br />
For more information about me, email me at susangerbic@yahoo.com or visit the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Gerbic" target="_blank">Susan Gerbic Wikipedia page</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://doubtfulnews.com/media-guide-to-skepticism/" target="_blank">Media Guide to Scientific Skepticism</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Questions or concerns please email mcskeptics@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-59637542224337536572015-03-31T20:32:00.000-07:002015-03-31T20:32:49.152-07:00MCS Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you are reading this on April 1st I can assure you that this is one article you can read without worrying that you will be hoaxed. If you are skeptical then just set this aside and read it on April 2nd, nothing is time sensitive in this post. <br />
<br />
I just would like to check in from time to time to make sure everyone is updated on the latest with Monterey County Skeptics.<br />
<br />
Firstly we have just completed our 194th meetup. Yeah! We have existed since 2007 and have really grown. We are at 174 members, most from the Monterey County area, but a few have sadly moved out of the area or still live outside the area, but like to <strike>spy</strike> keep in touch with what we are doing. <br />
<br />
Monterey County Skeptics is a social group that occasionally works on community outreach projects as well as with projects that are considered more in the activism line. If all you are looking for is a place to meet other like-minded people, share a meal with and get involved in discussions about science, the paranormal and scientific skepticism then you are in the right place.<br />
<br />
I've heard from many of you that until you heard about MCS in the (insert how you heard about us) you didn't know that skepticism was a "thing". Yes, we are a large community that are loosely connected over many of the social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google + or other areas. I've been involved since 2002 and formed this group (with Steve) in 2007 after meeting each other on a forum. <br />
<br />
If you are interested in expanding your friendships beyond the MCS borders, there is a wealth of ways to do that. We have many podcasts, books, conferences, blogs, magazines, videos awaiting you. Come to the next meetup with pen and paper and we will fill that paper with things to look up.<br />
<br />
This link is great for new people to kinda dip your toe into if you want to know who is who. <a href="http://doubtfulnews.com/media-guide-to-skepticism/" target="_blank">Media Guide to Skepticism</a> I'm not 100% happy with all the names and links on this page as it is a bit of opinion, but I guess you need to start somewhere.<br />
<br />
I will add Wikipedia to this as it is a great resource as well. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_about_skepticism" target="_blank">Lists about Skepticism</a><br />
<br />
Conferences are another great resource to expanding your knowledge in the skeptic universe. We have just finished our first SkeptiCamp and have already scheduled the next one the first Saturday of 2016. <a href="http://www.skepticalcon.com/" target="_blank">SkeptiCal</a> is the next nearest conference which happens in Oakland on June 6th. <br />
<br />
If you are traveling for business or pleasure and think you would like to meet-up with other skeptics or attend conferences or their meetups please contact me and I'll do my best to put you in touch with like-minded people who would love to meet you as well. We are a very friendly community.<br />
<br />
We now have two dinner meetups running two weeks apart from each other. The second Wednesday of every month we meet at Lopez Mexican Cantina in Monterey. The fourth Tuesday we meet at Eagle Chinese Restaurant in Salinas. If you would like to suggest or host another meetup, please email me.<br />
<br />
I'm also thinking that the time has come that MCS should have a lecture series. We will need a location that will host us (free would be great) and I would like to find a way to pay an honorarium to who ever lectures to us. I think we will have no trouble finding people to speak to us, and we can open this up to the public which will help with outreach to the community. If this project is of interest to you please email me. <br />
<br />
I would like to remind you that we do have a discussion group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/MCSkeptics/" target="_blank">on Facebook</a>, with 71 members. This blog is also used occasionally for various posts, you might want to subscribe so you don't miss any of our posts. If you would like to write an article for the blog, please let me know.<br />
<br />
We also now have a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaP6DTuY0OZxwoMU-g12H5Q" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. We have 16 videos currently on the site, and are looking for others to subscribe our channel. <br />
<br />
Our new logo with its fresh look was brought to us by James Green. <br />
<br />
We are a community and are always looking for people that want to contribute. If there is something you would like to help us with, please let me know.<br />
<br />
Susan Gerbic<br />
susangerbic@yahoo.com<br />
susangerbic.com<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-32729854048014265102015-03-23T23:55:00.001-07:002015-03-23T23:55:31.921-07:00Going Clear - $cientology Links<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Going Clear will be airing this Sunday, March 29th. MCS will be gathering at Richard's house in Oak Hills. See meetup if interested. It will be potluck BTW <br />
<br />
Here are a few links you can use as background to get you caught up on the craziness that is $cientology. I have read this book, and from what I understand it uses a lot of the cult's own videos to tell the story. The focus is on the Hollywood angle as well. <br />
<br />
If you find that this is a subject you are very interested, I recommend Tony Ortega's daily blog. It is a little overwhelming for the first few weeks, after a while you will learn who is who and all the crazy lingo. The cult has its own language. <br />
<br />
Also check out the podcast "Surviving Scientology Radio" they only come out with a new interview every month or so, but they are always interesting and gripping. There are only 28 episodes at the time of this writing, you might just want to start at the beginning. <br />
<br />
And also you should subscribe to the YouTube channel for Surviving Scientology as well as Chis Shelton's critical thinking site. https://www.youtube.com/user/SurvivingScientology<br />
<br />
Here are the blog links that will get you on track for the movie release...<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/13/l-ron-hubbard-and-going-clear-a-reading-list-to-celebrate-scientologys-birthday-boy/<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/11/20889/<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/09/monday-2/<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/22/going-clear-subject-hana-eltringham-whitfield-fills-us-in-on-a-scientology-secret-or-two/<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/21/going-clear-subject-tom-devocht-reveals-new-info-about-tom-cruise-and-scientologys-leader/<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/20/going-clear-jason-beghe-the-actor-who-left-scientology-and-made-a-stink-about-it/<br />
<br />
http://tonyortega.org/2015/03/19/going-clear-fallout-imagining-the-fate-of-scientology-and-david-miscavige/</div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-35286265834208199162015-01-04T18:22:00.000-08:002015-01-04T18:22:35.283-08:00SkeptiCamp 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We just finished an amazing SkeptiCamp. We have been hearing quite a few positive comments about the event and are super excited that it went off as well as it did. <br />
<br />
Okay we needed to have a longer lunch, should have started at 10am and not 11am. But other than that it all came out well. We were worried we would have too many people show up (okay I was worried, Deborah and Kathy knew it would all be fine) I thought that the seating capacity was 35, turns out it was 57. And we just came in under that number with 50 attendees.<br />
<br />
I'm uploading the photos, videos and such to Lanyrd. People interested in what happened at our SkeptiCamp can "track" this site by simply opening up a Lanryd account and hitting the "track this event". You will receive an email whenever there is an update to the page.<br />
<br />
Also we are announcing the dates for SkeptiCamp 2016. Friday night January 1st and 10:00-5:00 on Saturday January 2nd. The location and speakers will be decided later. We will be posting a call for speakers as well, probably in Sept or October 2015, so stay informed. http://lanyrd.com/2016/mcsskepticamp/<br />
<br />
Inquires can be made to MCskeptics@gmail.com </div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-72340353638629940052014-09-28T19:30:00.001-07:002015-01-09T21:14:30.490-08:00Operation Bumblebee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>This will be a long blog about
Project Bumblebee. There will be some detail and a TLDR at the end
for those who are not interested in the reading the whole thing.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi5v_1ejtIU/VCi6T6jD4VI/AAAAAAABeNI/Z95Zd04WKVs/s1600/On%2Bthe%2Bway%2Bto%2Bsee%2BChip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi5v_1ejtIU/VCi6T6jD4VI/AAAAAAABeNI/Z95Zd04WKVs/s1600/On%2Bthe%2Bway%2Bto%2Bsee%2BChip.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those of you reading this that know me,
already know the disdain I have for grief vampires. Those that prey
on the grieving and the desperate. Saying they solve crimes for the
police (but of course the police won't share credit with the psychic)
saying that they can locate abducted children, find missing bodies
and tell you that your grandmother “loves you” and your uncle
“forgives you”. I'm not talking about the thousands of Mom &
Pop psychics that use Tarot and palm reading to tell you that you
probably should change careers. We have to pick our battles, and
educating the public and making it more difficult for them to find
shut-eyes as marks is what I'm all about.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The second purpose of this article is
to show skeptics that they can help even if they are living across
the other side of the world. I want to inspire other groups and
individuals to become involved. I'm going to give some detail of what
our team, Operation Bumblebee did right and what we did wrong this
week when we went head to head with psychic Chip Coffey. I'm going
to leave out some details for obvious reasons, we may be doing this
again. I can oversee another sting from the luxury of my laptop, we
just need money, dedicated people and time. I will be mentioning
first names and location of a few of the main people that helped with
this project, only Emery Emery, <a href="http://skepticsuccess.com/?p=163" target="_blank">Jim Preston</a> and <a href="http://www.sheldonhelms.com/skeptic-stuff/">Sheldon
Helms</a> will be mentioned by full name as they have already
identified themselves with their own blogs about their involvement.
And a few others who've given me permission to do so.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13jI3QsNUIQ/VCi6Fuf1OzI/AAAAAAABeMU/NIMgQRquQzM/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13jI3QsNUIQ/VCi6Fuf1OzI/AAAAAAABeMU/NIMgQRquQzM/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My inspiration for this was the story I
read about <a href="http://mylespower.co.uk/2014/05/18/a-rather-embarrassing-night-for-psychic-sally-in-middlesbrough/">Psychic
Sally that appeared in Middlesbrough, England in April 2014</a>. I
thought, why can't we make something like this happen using plants
and social media? Mark Edward and I had just come back from the
awesome <a href="https://qedcon.org/">QED skeptic's
conference</a> held in Manchester, England, in fact Mark had given a
magician lecture in Middlesbrough a few weeks before Sally appeared
and many people wrote to him asking if he had arranged Sally's
blunder. Alas he hadn't but they are right to ask, it is exactly
what he has been preaching to our community for years. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=601Pks-a1FI">At
that QED conference Mark had encouraged the audience to get out there
and take on the woo, to just try to DO SOMETHING</a>. The feedback on
that lecture was split between comments that he was “too forceful”,
“too confrontational”, “not nice” and the “we can't do that
here in England we might get sued” and the opposite comments “about
time someone tells us to get off their butts and start doing
something”, “I'm in Mark, lets do this”. The responses might
have been divided over his lecture, but it got people talking about
what's next in skeptical activism.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The final straw (or should I say straws
as there were several) were the constant posts on Facebook announcing
that Chip Coffey would be in Los Angeles and San Jose and maybe
“someone” should do “something”. The really really final
straw for me to sit down and organize this sting were the forever
drama blogs that seem to only want to divide our community further
and distract us from my goal of educating the public and training
more skeptical activists to <a href="http://www.skepticblog.org/2012/04/06/knock-chip-off-the-block/">actually
follow Mark's advice and get out there and DO SOMETHING</a>. That
was it for me. (details available to <b>known</b> skeptics that want
to become involved)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYtbLL94A3Y/VCi6RR1n2bI/AAAAAAABeM8/pUQEZ832pEE/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYtbLL94A3Y/VCi6RR1n2bI/AAAAAAABeM8/pUQEZ832pEE/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Money</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lets start off talking about the money.
There is no way this project could have happened without money, lots
more money than I have to spend on psychic readings. I put up a post
on my social media sites that I was looking for $800 for a psychic
sting I had planned, I wanted donations to my Paypal account and I
wasn't able to publicly tell what to do with that money. I didn't
want anyone to feel pressured to give or be “shunned” by publicly
showing everyone watching who gave what amount, like with many of
those “services” that take your money for a fee. Paypal allowed
for me to take in and disburse the money needed with no fees. I did
not want one person to donate all the money, I felt it needed to come
from all of us. I also didn't want an organization to fund the project, I wanted to be free to do this on my own without having to get
permission from a group. This was entirely my idea, my instructions
and my responsibility. If it failed, there was no one to blame but
me. And if it succeeded then it was because of the team I created.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJe_lFOF-zk/VCi6Mr0sIOI/AAAAAAABeMo/aGoLRUsJItQ/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJe_lFOF-zk/VCi6Mr0sIOI/AAAAAAABeMo/aGoLRUsJItQ/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Within 12 hours of my request we were
completely funded with promises from others that they would help if
more money was needed. Later we needed another $160 which when asked
came in within a few hours. Dan from Team LA and Jim from Team San
Jose attended and paid for their own tickets. I ended up funding $70
at the last minute so my son Stirling could attend. All the rest came from
the generous donors from inside this community. Over one thousand
dollars we gave Chip Coffey. Yep we did that. Psychics count on us
not wanting to give them money. I know of one failed sting that
happened a few years ago. The person in charge of getting the tickets
only purchased one cheap ticket and then forged several others to
allow people in the show. This caused the target's ataff to know right away that
something was wrong, and it was down-hill after that. In this case
we didn't purchase the cheap seats, we got the VIP ones, $160 each.
We were in the front rows and the VIP ticket allowed us to also get a
photo with Chip and see an extra ghost show. We purchased Visa gift
cards that would not show our names when we went online to get our
tickets.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Chip only managed to get about
100 people to each show, don't be fooled by that low attendance
number. Tickets (without the service fees) are $75-150 each. The advantages with more expense separates the tickets are where you get to sit, and you
can have your photo taken with Chip. Only the VIP people can stay
for an extra hour of the show when Chip tries to get in touch with
the ghosts that haunt at the venue location. If those 100 people on
average spent $110 each then he made about $11,000. The hotel was
beautiful, right in downtown San Jose. I'm sure that cost a few
thousand dollars in overhead. Chip was traveling with two other people and drove
from the San Diego to Los Angeles then on to the San Jose shows. So
there are costs involved to run this kind of operation. We can only
speculate that he might have only made a profit to himself of 3-5
thousand for this one show. Obviously it is in his best interests to
sell his book and swag and schedule private readings. <br />
<br />
Chip
did have a dollar a ticket raffle to win the scarf that Chip was
wearing that night. All proceeds went to a animal charity. From what
I could tell when looking in the bag, he might have raised $100.
While I love animals, I didn't contribute, was worried that I might
actually win the scarf and that would be just too much to handle.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnI3ed-EY5Y/VCi6QHm4BuI/AAAAAAABeMw/db23Anvjx_Y/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnI3ed-EY5Y/VCi6QHm4BuI/AAAAAAABeMw/db23Anvjx_Y/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The How</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We spent months testing the hypothesis
that Chip Coffey uses hot-reads to get his information. We used many methods to make us the perfect bait to
hook Chip. I'm not going to go into detail how we did that because
we can still use all those methods on future stings. In my opinion
Chip did not hot-read us, he didn't need to. We know that there are
psychics currently on TV and stage right now that have used hot reading, and we want
to keep that information close. I do want to thank many people who
spent months with me perfecting this part of the sting. Amy in New
York, Mike Jarsulic in Chicago, Emery Emery, Heather Henderson, John
Friedman and Linda all from the LA area , Amanda and Ross in
Australia, Ann in Florida, Rick from Virginia, Scott, Greg, Jay
Diamond and Sheldon Helms all near the San Jose area. I hope I'm
not missing somebody, you all were very important to this project,
and possibly all the months of work that you did will pay off with
further stings.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Team LA</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first group went to the Los Angeles
show on a Tuesday night. Dan Geduld, Linda, Heather Henderson and Emery
Emery were all VIP, with properly paid for tickets. They each had a
photo with them of someone they wanted to reach in spirit, and their
stories were ready. Every story was about a fictitious person or
someone that really existed but was still alive. They endured several
hours of Chip answering questions about his past TV shows, favorite
moments in his career and then it came to the readings. Not a single
one of these four were selected for a reading, though Heather did
get to ask a question during the Q&A segment. Dan did get Chip's
book autographed for Mark Edward which reads “Mark, Love, Chip”.
Apparently Chip's spirits were not telling him that we were all
fakes. Each one of them was able to have their photo taken with
Chip, again the spirits were quiet about him posing with skeptics who
were there to expose him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While we were not able to hook Chip at
this event, we were able to gather a lot of information. How many
attended, how many in each section? Of the people Chip gave readings
too what % were in the VIP area and so on. We learned that Team San
Jose needed to show up even earlier to get seats within the first 3
rows, wear bright colors, sit on the aisle. Chip told the LA people
that he has bad vision, so maybe the smaller photos weren't a good
hook, we needed bigger photos. We also thought that sitting together
and talking about who we wanted to reach would be helpful.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm going to link to Emery Emery's
account of the LA show here (link will be active by Oct. 1<sup>st</sup>).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Team San Jose</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm going to tell you that I was pretty
anxious when it came to our Thursday night show. I had just spent
over a thousand dollars on a psychic, all money from the skeptic
community that trusted me enough to send the money without knowing
what it was for. Not only that, but we had spent months on this
project and hundreds of hours. About 50 people have been advising
us over the last few weeks, including Mark Edward who of course has
done many of these events, including one that resulted in getting
thrown out by Chip's security a few years ago, which is why he could
not attend. So I knew I needed to turn on the personality and make
this happen.
</div>
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Jan, Stirling
and I arrived really early. We pretended we didn't know Stirling who sat in the back of
the room with a cheap seat of $70. Jan wore bright colors with cats
all over her outfit, complete with a cat purse and earrings. I wore
bright red with a very shaggy long sweater that Stirling hates but
really makes me look eccentric. We greeted Sheldon Helms who had
saved us seats in the third row aisle (the first two rows were full
with Chip's fans). Sheldon had on a lime green dress shirt and is
most attractive and tall which makes him stand out even more.</div>
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We “friended"anyone that looked at
us, lots of smiles and we exchanged stories with anyone that would
listen. On my frequent visits to the bathroom I tried to engage
anyone that wanted to talk to me. I didn't know who was on staff and
who wasn't, so I was always “in character”.
</div>
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On one of my wanderings I approached
the man at the door who turned out to be Chip's right hand person. I
was very friendly and a bit scattered (which is just me normal as you
all well know) I explained that I was really excited to be here, that
I knew I was in the right place because my son Matthew has been
appearing to me in dreams the last week or so and so I know he wants
to get in touch with me. I asked about private readings and how far
out Chip is scheduled (till Christmas was the response) and said that
I was worried that Chip would not be able to get a hold of my son
Matthew as he was just barely speaking and I don't know if Chip can
reach someone that young. (I was assured that Chip has reached
stillborn babies). I clearly explained that IF Chip can reach my son
Matthew then I will book a private reading so I can get more detail, then again explained that I was really nervous and excited and then
sat down with Sheldon and Jan to see that they were having
conversations with the people around them.</div>
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The first part of Chip's show is a Q&A
I guess this is where the event gets the name “Coffey Talk”.
There are about 60 people in the first 5 rows with a long aisle
running in between them. These people are mostly women, and judging
from the questions they asked and the laughter, they have been
following Chip on social media, and were very familiar with the shows
Chip has been on, Paranormal State and Psychic Kids. They also were
familiar with reality TV celebrities in general and I totally lost
whom he was talking about just smiled and laughed when everyone else
laughed.
</div>
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One time during the Q&A Chip
mentioned 9/11. I gave out a loud "Ahhh" and hugged Jan on my left
side. One woman in front of us we had been sharing with looked around
at us and told everyone in our rows “She lost her sister in the
World Trade Center”. Jan looked like she would cry and about 10
people looked at us and gave Jan a very sympathetic look. Chip could
easily have heard all that.
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There was a short break where I walked
around again smiling at people and trying to engage them in
conversation. We sat back down and it was time to see if we were
going to catch Chip or not, we were pretty nervous, but I was
positive that there was nothing left undone. I pulled out 5x7 photos
of “Matthew” and held them in my left hand to my chest facing
Chip who was sitting on a small stage very near. He instructed us to
keep quiet, not stand up, not wave your hand around and only quietly
raise your hand if you wanted to ask a question. He explained that
he only wants three things in order to get a hold of the
specific spirit you are trying to reach. The name of the person you
want to reach, how are they related to you and how long it has been
since they passed. I think he said that without this information it's
too confusing with all the spirits that are trying to speak to him at
once. He said that sometimes the spirits come up with some obscure "random shit," why, he does not know as he is just the messenger, we
would just have to wait to see what happens.
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He first went to a woman wearing a
turban who clearly was into doing her own readings. She said she
wanted to get in touch with her father. Chip gave her a reading and
said “He can be a tough son-of-a-bitch” and that he “loves
her”. Her father was easy to “love” but not easy to “like”.
She needs to believe more in herself and that her father is proud of
her. Then he tells her that the spirits are telling her to start
bathing in sea salt. And then he shows her how to wave her arms to
get extra energy away from her. He finished up by telling her that
her father was a tough guy and he has mellowed on the other side, he
doesn't have anything major to tell her except to be herself.
</div>
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Next up is Judy. Chip wants to know
“who is the person who has a drug addiction?” Judy volunteers that
her son who is still living does. Chip asks if it is alcohol or drugs
or both. She answers both and he goes on to ask who is the other
person on the other side that medicated themselves with alcohol?
Then he asks her if she (Judy) medicates herself with alcohol. She
replies “no” Chip says that her son is trying to cover up some
shit. The spirits are telling her to “trust herself, believe in
yourself”</div>
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Next he says that he is going to do a
“hop, skip and a jump” and waves his hand over the area we three
are sitting in, he says that there is a “older woman that is trying
to bring through a child” My heart leapt as he called on Sheldon and
asked, “Is there someone with a child?” Well duh, I'm only holding
up a 5x7 photo of a child. Chip asks, “What's this about a child,
an older woman that is trying to bring through a child that is
reluctant to come through?” Sheldon volunteers that he wants to ask
about his mother, and Jan says she has an older sister. Then Chip
asks a woman behind us if she is looking for an older woman? She
responds “I'm looking for a 30 year old man” Chip asks if it had
something to do with a murder, accident or suicide (which almost
covers everything but illness) Jan jumps in again mentioning that she
has a sister that died in 9-11. Chip says he has something for all
of us.
</div>
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I'm going to let you read Sheldon's
account of what happened to him at <a href="http://www.sheldonhelms.com/skeptic-stuff/">this
link</a>. We are all thrilled and hugging onto each other, eagerly
nodding our heads and dabbing at our eyes.
</div>
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Chip moves on to me, he asks me my name
and I tell him Susanna, my son is named Matthew and he has been gone
20 years. Chip connects with Matthew right away and tells me that it
was really quick and apparently it didn't hurt. Chip wants to know
about “feet always moving, what does that mean?” I responded
almost in tears that was because Matthew ran in front of a car. The
audience ahhhhhh's appropriately at this news. He tells me that "your kid is fine" and that I have a little shrine to which I reply “I
have photos”. Then he asks me if I have restless leg syndrome and
I laugh and say “yes”. He used an offhand comment throughout the
whole show that always guaranteed him a laugh: “I'm psychic and
shit." He ends with telling me that Matthew is okay and that he
has a plan to see me again someday, even though he was a little boy
he has an old soul. <br />
<br />
Here is one more unusual statement he
makes before he is done with me. He says “you are scared that he
won't be there when you get there... you said that right? That you
won't be able to connect with him in spirit?” The only person I
said anything like this to was Chip's right-hand-man at the door
about 30 minutes prior. I had been asking about getting a private
reading, that I was worried that Matthew was too young to come
through to Chip. Very interesting.
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Now we are on to Jan and her sister
Linda. Chip tells her “quick, I'm gone. Fuck this. Did it hurt? A
little bit, but you know what? I'm okay!” He asked if it was a man
she was looking for, Jan tells him that it's her older sister. Chip
explains that the sister came through with a man, he thinks about it
a bit and says that he connected with a man named Aaron years ago and
that is the man that “came through with Linda”. That's an
interesting coincidence. The two dead people he has connected with
that died in the towers just so happen to have “come through
together”. Hummm.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXJNmUw8t_Q/VCi6nT3HbVI/AAAAAAABeNQ/Ey6EMdE2IJU/s1600/Susanna%2Band%2BChip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXJNmUw8t_Q/VCi6nT3HbVI/AAAAAAABeNQ/Ey6EMdE2IJU/s1600/Susanna%2Band%2BChip.JPG" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please read Sheldon's blog about what
else happened with “Linda” as well as how Chip deals with the
young woman whose boyfriend died in a car accident 5 days ago.
Sheldon is spot on with his analysis IMO. “Live Fast, Die Young
and leave a beautiful corpse” Disgusting. The only thing I want to
add that is missing from Sheldon's narrative was that Chip told her
that any time she gets any kind of wonky electrical interference that
is from her boyfriend that “loved her very much”. Gee I'm sure
she isn't going to have any problem moving on with her life thinking
that her dead BF is hanging around watching her and making her cell
phone act funny.
</div>
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Next Chip moves on to read for a man.
The man wants to get ahold of his father who passed over 4 years
ago. Chip said that it's a woman that says “Jesus Christ” all the
time who wants to come through, “who is that?” The man says it
is his mom's mother. He points to his mom who is sitting a couple
seats away, so Chip makes her stand up. He asks her her mother's
name (Lola) and asks why she is holding up a bottle of Vicks Vapor
Rub? He asked who has arthritis? The woman said she herself has some
arthritis in part of her hand, and maybe she used Vicks Vapor Rub
when they were children? Then she busts out crying. (I know I would
be crying also if I just paid $160 to talk to my mom and all she
wants to do is tell me to rub some vapor rub on my arthritis) Now
that I think about it, my mother (who was born in the 1920s) used
Vicks Vapor Rub all the time, maybe Chip was getting a hold of my
mom? Or maybe he was contacting most of the mothers and grandmothers
of everyone in the room as I'm sure Vicks Vapor Rub was commonly used
by people of a certain era? Anyway he goes on about how Lola keeps
saying “my baby” it turns out that the woman is the oldest of 3
sisters and does not know why the mother is referring to her as a
baby. Chip explains that by saying that the other younger sisters
are not at the event right then so they don't count.
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Now Chip moved back to the original
person who wanted to know about his father (Larry). Chip asks the
man “why do you have regrets? There is no reason to have regrets”.
The man said that he feels horrible that he was the one that made
the final decision, I'm assuming that this means that he had to tell
the doctors to pull the plug on his father. I would not be surprised
if Chip does not get this all the time, I'm sure lots of people are
guilt-ridden to be responsible for that decision. Chip informs him
that his father is not mad at him, that there was nothing else to do.
And that he is happy and loves him, this man is red-faced and openly
crying, I'm embarrassed to even look at the man. (For entertainment
only is what is written on Chip's website and I'm cringing thinking
about that, I'm sure the entire room was “entertained” maybe it
means for Chip's entertainment only?) Chip tells him “when they
pulled the plug or turned off the machine or whatever they did... “
Doesn't Chip know?
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He finishes off with this man asking
“is he the one with change in his pocket?” We all know someone
that puts their hand in their pocket and jiggles change right? Well
this man gets really excited and says that was my father's twin
brother! I felt sure that this man would go home remembering that
Chip got his uncle as well as his father and grandmother. But he
didn't, he just threw some common statement out there and HE made the
connection to a family member something that will surely be garbled
as if in a game of telephone once this story gets repeated.
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And that was about it with the readings
from dead people. The rest were questions about having more
children, am I in the right occupation and questions like that.
Sheldon has already told you about the woman whose husband needed a
liver transplant. She asked if she should take him out of California
or not. Chip asked her where she wanted to take him? She replied
“Texas” Chip got really excited and said, “That's exactly what
I was going to say”. Really? Then why didn't you say it? She said
she would make the arrangements right away because Chip said so.
This is the same woman who was going to see Chip a couple days from
this event in Sacramento. She said she is a major fan and will
probably again sit in the front rows with her VIP pass. No idea if
Chip will read her again or not? Maybe he will remember her story? I
don't know, I'm not psychic.
</div>
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So here we come to the end of a VERY
long recounting of our project and our adventure at Coffey Talk.
Trust me, it was very difficult to sit through all this taking
copious notes. We had others in the audience doing the same, it was
grueling and we were so excited when he called on us, the tears I
sprouted were real. It also meant that would be able to leave after
taking our photo with Chip and did not have to stay for the ghost
hunting part. Wonderful.
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Q&A session the first hour was
excruciating, he says he believes in shadow-people, reincarnation,
aliens, ghosts, demons, angels, alternative universes and anything
else people would come up with. Do I think he actually believes any
of this. In my opinion I don't think so. But his audience does, they
were falling over themselves dripping in woo, it was frankly not
entertainment for me. It was beyond difficult to sit there nodding my
head.
</div>
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So here is my report, enjoy it if you
can, write to me if you want to continue what we have already done,
I'll gladly offer my methods for SERIOUS inquirers, and only to
KNOWN skeptics. I'm just a bit paranoid, but then again “I'm not
psychic and shit”.
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TLDR: We did a sting on Chip Coffey last week in two locations, Los Angeles and San Jose, CA. The story above is more detail of why we did it, how we did it and what happened. </div>
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For the curious where Chip will be next, here is his <a href="http://www.donotlink.com/btrn" target="_blank">tour schedule</a>.<br />
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For those who can't get enough of this story I will be adding links to where you can learn more here...<br />
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<a href="http://skepticzone.libsyn.com/webpage/2014/09" target="_blank">Skeptic Zone podcast</a> - Sept 28, 2014 (listen at 33:00) <br />
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<a href="http://skepticallychallenged.org/main/skeptically-challenged-20141003-susan-gerbic/" target="_blank">Skeptically Challenged </a>podcast - Oct 2, 2014<br />
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<a href="http://www.skepreview.com/2014/10/skeptically-challenged-on-bumblebee.html" target="_blank">Skeptical Review blog</a> reviews the podcast above (and I comment)</div>
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<a href="http://reapsowradiocom1.ipage.com/radio/reapsowradio-chip-coffey-gets-burned/" target="_blank">Sheldon Helms interviewed on the Reap Sow podcast</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.skeptic.com/insight/challenging-psychics-is-deadly-serious-business/" target="_blank">Tim Farley Insight Blog</a> about Psychic Awareness Month<br />
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<a href="http://www.skepticality.com/sting-like/" target="_blank">Skepticality Podcast</a> - Susan at 8:55 and Sheldon's long interview at 29:38</div>
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edited Jan 9, 2014 - Video explaining even more<br />
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-37834833559154316152014-07-20T23:00:00.002-07:002014-07-24T16:45:32.491-07:00What you can do to fight the Woo - Slides and Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THIS is a Work in PRogress - Check back for updates</div>
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These are the slides I used for my TAM 2014 presentation "What you can do to Fight the Woo"</div>
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I'm embellishing the slides with my comments as well as the contact info for each idea.</div>
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The video of the conference lecture is here as well, but because of limited time (and my brain being fuzzy after so many days of TAM) it might be clearer to just read what I wrote. </div>
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I had to leave a lot out of the lecture, but because this is my blog and space isn't an problem I have added a lot of other ideas and links below.</div>
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This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of things. Some are projects others have already started, some are abandoned and others are just ideas I would love to see become yours. Some are crowd-sourced like GSoW and Skeptic Action. Others are single person (or just a few people) projects</div>
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One more thing, these ideas are just that, ideas. I'm hoping that maybe throwing out a long list like this will get the gears turning in your brain and maybe one of these will make you think of something else and who knows, you might just come up with an amazing plan and we can (dare I say it) Change the World (insert Bill Nye's evil laugh here)</div>
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As usual if you have any questions, or would like feedback on your idea(s) please write to me at susangerbic@yahoo.com or comment here for all to see. </div>
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I would strongly suggest that anyone interested in skeptical activism they should subscribe to Tim Farley's blog. He has all the tools that you need to make your project a success. http://skeptools.com/<br />
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Obviously I'm going to tell you that the single best investment of your time to educate the world is to join GSoW. We are rewriting the 6th (some say 5th biggest resource) in the World and we badly need editors. But this isn't a project for everyone, you would be joining a strong team of like-minded people all focused on this task, you would also be joining a private forum, be given training and projects to complete. For some people learning how to edit may be a high learning curve. This is not the project for people who have trouble finishing projects, or taking direction. At the bottom of this blog I will have other ways to help out GSoW without becoming a member.</div>
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http://skepticaction.blogspot.com/</div>
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This project based on feedback from TAM will be going through a re-vamp. I am always looking for persons to help me with this project. Already I have two people (thanks Amanda & Steve) that look for daily targets for me. But we are going to expand it even further once I get a little more help.</div>
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I am also looking for someone to run this project in other languages. That person might be you. Please get in touch. </div>
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From what I understand this is a UK invention that is rarely used. The owner grew frustrated with us not using it and I think it is still usable but not publicized. It took me about 30 minutes to set up all the templates for myself, but once those are set up it is easy to use. In a nutshell what Fishbarrel does is for when you find a website that is making medical claims, you copy paste bits of the website into a form document and hit send. This will go to the FDA (if you are in the US) and other places if you are not. They have to act on the information from what I understand. </div>
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I wanted to run this along with the Skeptic Action project but have not given it the attention it deserves. I would love to have someone take this on so we can use it to its full potential. </div>
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https://skeptools.wordpress.com/tag/fishbarrel/</div>
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Kitty Mervine is one of my favorite people. She started this website BadAliens.org a few years ago and I believe the site has become dormant. I would love to see this started up again (hopefully with the over site of Kitty) It is badly needed. Kitty is very kind and reminds us that we skeptics should not make fun of people who believe they are abducted by space aliens (as opposed to being abducted by Canadians or something I guess) To most of these people, it is a very frightening experience, and very real. Kitty engages them and tries to get them to seek out medical attention (real medical attention). In several cases people have told Kitty what medications they are using and Kitty was able to kindly suggest that some of these medications might be the source of the "visitations" and to please discuss this with their doctors. She has had several people write to her, thanking her for her kindness and in fact it was conflicts between meds that were the problem. </div>
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Anyway, I would love to see this site going again. But only with kindness and caution. </div>
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<a href="http://doubtfulnews.com/2014/04/when-is-a-support-group-not-a-good-thing-when-it-reinforces-a-dangerous-belief/" target="_blank">Doubtful News article "When is a support group not a good thing... ?</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1000-skepticism-at-the-granite-state-comic-con.html?fontstyle=f-default" target="_blank">Swift Blog "Skepticism at the Granite State Comic Con</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Tales-Fairly-Barbara-Mervine-ebook/dp/B00A9YQU7O" target="_blank">Another creative project by Kitty Mervine</a>. She found this very talented artist <a href="http://www.noahwhippie.com/" target="_blank">Noah Whippie</a> who has helped her put a spin on some old fables. </div>
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One more thing. If you have read this book and enjoyed it, please review it on Amazon and other book review places. We need to support our people and our projects. Today would be terrific. </div>
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This is a fun new direction for skepticism. Jeff Wagg wants to focus on getting people curious about science and I think he might be on to something, I'm very curious what he will do with this project. It might be a backdoor approach to getting people away from the negativity associated with skepticism and onto the joys of scientific discovery. I'm sure Jeff can use some support and volunteers as he continues to grow this project. <a href="http://collegeofcuriosity.com/" target="_blank">Write to him care of the website.</a> One more thing, Jeff Wagg is an expert tour guide, if you can manage to find the time and money to go on one of his cruises, you will have a blast. Trust me on this. </div>
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I love love love this project. Started by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merseyside_Skeptics_Society" target="_blank">Merseyside Skeptics</a> it was a terrific fun event that had wonderful potential to appeal beyond the choir. I know many skeptics who had almost no knowledge of homeopathy before hearing about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10:23" target="_blank">10:23 campaign</a>. </div>
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I have talked to the Merseyside Skeptics about continuing this campaign and they have decided that it has run its course and they are moving on to other things. I politely disagree and think that there is more potential if the right person(s) got behind it and gave it a fresh start. Are you possibly the one who can take this on and get it on the nightly news? CNN maybe? </div>
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The photo above was one I took at SkeptiCal in 2011, the largest mass overdose every done. Remember that not all homeopathic products are all water, use caution when overdosing. In the above case, the organizers Jerry Schwarz, Leonard Tramiel & Jay Diamond worked up their own batch of homeopathy. </div>
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This was an idea Bob Blaskiewicz mentioned. Kinda of like Robert Lancaster's Stop Kaz or Stop Sylvia sites. Something with well researched articles, maybe written by a medical student? </div>
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<a href="http://www.bustle.com/articles/31639-regulate-dr-oz-says-med-student-benjamin-mazer-and-hes-got-a-point" target="_blank">Then a couple days ago I ran across this article. </a> Looks like someone is taking a new approach and maybe just needs some focus on how to implement this.</div>
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Love Lanryd! Tim Farley is the one that turned me on to this, GSoW uses this site all the time. You don't have to own the content to add it to this site. This makes it so much easier to follow conferences. Also nice if you know people are taking photos at events and you don't know where to find the photos later, just check this one stop site.</div>
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You know how at the end of podcasts they ask you to review them on iTunes? Well it turns out they mean it. We can really get beyond the choir when we build up the reviews and shares of a podcast. GSoW has a podcast project where we are using podcast interviews for citations on Wikipedia. In this way we are improving WP and also giving publicity to the podcast. </div>
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I would love to see a project that somehow gets our community to mass rate podcasts. Maybe twice a year (when the clocks change) someone could come up with a social media campaign to encourage rating favorite podcasts. I'd really get behind this. </div>
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<a href="http://cosmoquest.org/" target="_blank">Pamela Gay's project</a>. This isn't about skepticism, but about getting people excited about doing science. But I'm all for that as well. Nathan Miller from GSoW has done his magic by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamela_Gay" target="_blank">creating a WP page for Gay</a>, he also got it featured on the front page of WP for 8 hours, <a href="http://stats.grok.se/en/201402/Pamela%20L.%20Gay" target="_blank">increasing her traffic</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.penny4nasa.org/" target="_blank">What a terrific idea, lets double NASA's budget</a>. Neil deGrasse Tyson thinks so, and I agree with whatever Tyson thinks. This project has a take action area and I'm sure they will keep you plenty busy if you are interested. GSoW has also done with it can to help publicize this project, GSoW team leader Nathan Miller added a mention onto Tyson's WP page, and then just in time for the release of Cosmos, Nathan launched a brand new WP page for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny4NASA" target="_blank">Penny4NASA</a>. That page <a href="http://stats.grok.se/en/201403/Penny4NASA" target="_blank">was receiving over 1,000 views a month</a> when Cosmos was on the air. </div>
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From my friend Shane Trimmer <a href="http://franklins-list.org/" target="_blank">I bring you Franklin's List.</a> Something I really wish I had the money to back. But it isn't only about the money, I'm sure they can use volunteers and of course people willing to run for office. I've heard that one of the most important election you should pay attention to is your local school board. </div>
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<a href="http://www.theoddsmustbecrazy.com/" target="_blank">This is a most amazing project</a> hurled from the loins of Wendy Hughes and Jarrett Kaufman as a Independent Investigation Group project. They created it as a back door to talk about science, statistics and skepticism in a fun general way. I love the stories and their podlet on Skepticality. Jarrett has since left the project and has been replaced by John Rael from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/skepticallypwnd" target="_blank">Skeptically Pwnd</a>. </div>
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This is a great site to share with your friends, family and co-workers. Especially those people you really want to have that difficult conversation with but you don't know how to go about challenging their odd beliefs. Start with this site and the conversations will evolve around solid scientific claims for evidence, and move to the topic you really wanted to discuss. </div>
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Anyway, this project needs to move out of our choir and into the bigger world. If you have a way to make that happen, please get in touch with TOMBC people. They are also always looking for more stories, so please submit via their website or twitter.</div>
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I recently met Brad Levin at the QED conference this last April. He impressed me with his knowledge and passion for these Woodstock like events. He has run several in the past and thinks its time to organize one for Freethinkers. He is looking to have this one in England, summer 2015. He is in need of volunteers to help out. If this is your thing, please <a href="http://skeptival.com/wp/" target="_blank">get in contact with him via their website</a>. </div>
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What a great idea, and a great way to get beyond the choir. Possibly Sharon Hill needs your help, maybe not. But I'm mentioning this project here on this blog because I think that her site can be inspirational for ideas of things that need to be done. Subscribe for a daily dose of rationality and maybe the next great activism project will come to you. <a href="http://doubtfulnews.com/" target="_blank">Doubtful News </a></div>
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<a href="http://doubtfulnews.com/2014/07/doubtful-news-is-changing/" target="_blank">In fact just this morning Sharon Hill released this bit of news</a>, real life has hit and she is going to be cutting back on the site unless volunteers step up, is that you?</div>
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Here is an idea by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Skeptics" target="_blank">Edinburgh Skeptic</a>'s Ash Pryce. A lot of historic towns have ghost tours. Maybe your skeptic group can run a ghost busted tour which gives the REAL history of the town? Wouldn't that be nice for a change. BTW the Edinburgh Skeptic Wikipedia page was written by Julie from GSoW last year. </div>
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So this might not be the thing for everyone, but obviously it is the thing for some people. Stirling got me to do one of these protests on his birthday a few years ago. It was a lot of fun and I got some great photos (I didn't take this one though) For news on Scientology you need to subscribe to <a href="http://tonyortega.org/2014/07/03/german-media-scientology-is-essentially-dead-in-berlin/" target="_blank">Tony Ortega's daily blog.</a> I look forward to it every morning. Occasionally there are activism ideas as well as the history and stories about Scientology. I believe Ortega's readers and Anonymous were able to shut down a eager Scientologist that was leaving ads all over Craig's list. Plus there is some terrific HoneyBadger undercover work going on behind the scenes that can be used in other areas. Psychics and medical quacks beware. </div>
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Everyone loves this project every time I link to it. My friend Truckee Lynch has been working on this card deck for a couple years and every time I talk to him he seems to be almost done. I'm super excited for this to come out, the art is fun and useful. I don't think Truckee needs volunteers for this project, but I mention it here as it is a great way to bring art and skepticism together and possibly reach outside our community. This might just inspire you to think of another avenue of activism. <a href="http://www.logicalfallacytarot.com/" target="_blank">Logical Fallacy Tarot website </a></div>
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Monterey County Skeptics Glenn and Kathy are working on a program for school children to visit Glenn's family Christmas Tree Farm. They will focus on ecology and of course, evolution. You might not have access to a Christmas tree farm, but maybe you have other skills and/or access to places that children might visit where you can introduce science topics? Farms, gardens, fishing businesses... do you work for the mosquito abatement department in your town? Mosquitos would be an excellent way to talk about evolution and resistance to pesticides, you get the idea I hope. </div>
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Science Festivals happen in lots of cities or universities. Why not add on the Skeptic lectures? Edinburgh Skeptics added on several skeptic lectures to the city-wide science festival held every April, I know because I attended one when I was there a few months ago. They also have a skeptic "track" for the month long Edinburgh Arts festival. They set up a skeptic lecture every night for the whole month. That is fantastic and a great way to piggy-back on the excitement the city is already pushing. <a href="https://www.edfringe.com/" target="_blank">Here is the website for the Arts festival.</a></div>
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Reserve your local library and show a science movie. Maybe not Cosmos as it is copyrighted, but how about this one? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=752V173e31o" target="_blank">Here be Dragons</a> - by Brian Dunning or any of his other awesome <a href="http://infactvideo.com/" target="_blank">In Fact videos</a>. Maybe a whole series of homeopathy (or other topic) videos shown at your public library. Why not, you might get some interest, you might get some homeopaths, you might even find like-minded skeptics that you can hang out with. </div>
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Call or visit your local schools and see if there is any need for volunteers for science clubs, they may need mentors, or someone who will come in once a month and set up experiments. Or maybe they want judges for the local science fair. Possibly they would want someone to help with a class that is trying to get things ready for science camp. I've met a ton of you people that are reading this blog right now. You all are a very talented bunch of people. Some of you are very hands-on and would be terrific working with children, inspiring them to achieve and love science. Sometimes all a child needs is a mentor, I sure as heck didn't have one growing up and it would have made a world of difference to me. </div>
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Call the local vaccine clinic in your area. Same with the American Red Cross. They may have handouts or flyers that you can give out at your workplace, or to your local skeptic's group. Maybe your skeptic's group could sponsor a blood drive in your area? Ask them what their needs are and see if your group can help them out. </div>
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Do you have a telescope and know how to use it? You don't have to have anything fancy but if you can volunteer to set it up after some parent/student function that happens at night and just let the kids take a good look at the moon, that would be another avenue to bringing a love of science to people. And it will make you feel great. </div>
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Do you have extra money? Even a few dollars a month can really help out. That is when you and you and you and you all donate. Face it, we skeptics don't really like to donate money, it reminds us of church tithing. But it is really important to keep organizations, podcasts, videos and all kinds of projects functioning. (not GSoW or Skeptic Action, we might be the only group out there that does not need money)</div>
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Micro payments really help out, I am now giving to 4 of my favorite skeptic projects. It is just a little but it sure adds up when combined with others. </div>
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Frequent Flyer Miles - some of you out there have a ton of them. Why not sponsor a speaker you would like to see at your local conference? Or use them as a scholarship for people trying to get to a conference? I would love to see someone figure out a way to get frequent flyer miles all gathered together for one use. I have some that are with an airline that I will probably never fly again, my friend Nix told me he has bits all over the place and they are always expiring. Can someone figure out how to make sure these don't get lost? Call the project Skeptic Miles. </div>
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As I mentioned above, there are a lot of talented people in this community. Lots of audio, web, graphic arts, music and everything in between skills just waiting for people to ask for their help. Maybe someone can come up with a kind of repository of emails of people with skills that are willing to help out on a project? I know that Kyle Saunders from <a href="http://carbon-comic.com/" target="_blank">Carbon Dating</a> drew me a awesome piece of art for the GSoW project. (See above) <a href="http://saramayhew.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Mayhew </a>has often used her artistic skills to help fund-raise for conference scholarships. She has given artwork to one of my favorite podcasts, <a href="http://virtualskeptics.com/" target="_blank">Virtual Skeptics</a>. (BTW GSoW wrote the WP page for Sarah Mayhew)</div>
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Music talent in this community is also awesome. <a href="http://mrdeity.com/" target="_blank">Brian Keith Dalton </a>has helped out several podcasts with original music, The Odds Must be Crazy and Oh No Ross and Carrie come to mind. Greg Perrine from the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/skepticwire" target="_blank">Skeptic Wire podcast</a> has some charming songs here. Make sure you ask him when he is going to record my favorite song he does about bigfoot. We can't make the above do all the work, maybe someone can gather up names for music and art and put it together in a usable way for all of us non-artists to use.</div>
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Note: Here is <a href="http://prettylightsmusic.com/" target="_blank">another suggestion for free music </a>(if you ask permission that is)<br />
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This is an action that one of my friends Gary Goldberg took when he saw his newspaper include a Red Plum advertisement for a homeopathic flu vaccine called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscillococcinum" target="_blank">oscillococcinum</a>. Gary wrote to the advertisers who actually wrote back. They thanked him and said they would talk to someone else and it has been 6 months and Gary said they haven't advertised again. Sometimes it is just that simple folks. </div>
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Gary also saw this advert in his newspaper and contacted Washington Post and made them aware of this ad. The Post has since run a "correction" stating that the doctors mentioned in the lower part of the ad will not actually be present. </div>
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Not all of us have the skill or the nerve to be Mark Edward. Here he is with Theresa Caputo who didn't know that Mark is a upper case SKEPTIC nor that the picture he is wearing on his shirt is not of his dead son, but of his very living son. She told Mark, that his son was a special soul. Just this photo of her with Mark is very telling... </div>
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But if you hate the grief vampires as much as Mark and I do and want to get involved, here are a few ideas from Mark's brain. </div>
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Your going to love this story that Mark wrote up for his blog. <a href="http://www.skepticblog.org/2010/05/22/network-exploiting-the-dead-for-cash/" target="_blank">ABC has a medium on staff</a>. And <a href="http://www.skepticblog.org/2010/06/19/one-down-thousands-to-go/" target="_blank">the follow-up piece </a>you are just going to love. Thank you Ramon Volz for stepping up and "getting it". I could re-read Ramon's letter every day for a year and still smile. </div>
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Mark has some advise for all over us. Psychics on stage are PERFORMERS. Shake then up a bit and it will completely change their performance. How can you do this without getting thrown out? Laugh. Laugh long and loud every time there is a mistake or something obvious is said by the performer. Go with a group of skeptics and sit mixed up in the audience so that the laughter is coming from all over the place. They can't throw you out for laughing. But it might keep the grief vampire from visiting your city again.</div>
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Are you local? If you are, please help out those that will be visiting your local skeptic conference. Where to eat, what the weather is really like, places to see outside of the conference hours. You don't have to act as a tour guide (unless you want to) but getting more information out there is very welcome to new conference attendees. TAM might be the exception but CFI has recently held conferences in New Orleans, Nashville and Tacoma. I just got back from QED in Manchester, England and welcomed all the advice that was given to me about bus schedules, money exchanging and all sorts of things. A couple of you even stepped up and acted as a tour guide around Scotland, thank you so much for making the conference all that much more. Now we need others to do the same. </div>
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Here is a little fun project that I would love to see happen. I'm sure there are travelers out there reading this. I know there are books about finding odd places, road side attractions I think they are called. But I'm thinking more of someone taking Tim Farley's "this day in skeptic history" posts and mapping them out. And I mean just that. Adding skeptic history and odd bits of places skeptics should visit to a interactive Google (or like) map. This would probably need to be a project started by one person with some great web skills and then crowd-sourced to many people who can help add content. I would love to see this, and know lots others that would love it as well. </div>
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Where I live in Monterey County, I didn't know that in the next county over, Santa Cruz there is a Mystery Spot and down the street from that a Bigfoot Museum. Both places a skeptic should be checking out. Can you say Road Trip!</div>
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This next suggestion is a bit more select. In the above case, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Flynn_(author)" target="_blank">Tom Flynn</a> (another GSoW page rewrite) just so happens to live near the Ingersoll Birthplace, and Ingersoll just so happens to be a hero to Flynn. But if you are in the right place with the right history, you might be the perfect person to fight to save that history. Tom is doing just that and what an effort it has been to keep that building in shape. That area of New York isn't known for having mild weather. Here is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Ingersoll_Birthplace" target="_blank">birthplace museum Wikipedia page</a> (yep another GSoW rewrite)</div>
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The lower home photo is preserved because of the care of the <a href="http://www.o4sr.org/" target="_blank">Oregonians for Science and Reason</a> group. This is the Castle of Chaos home of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Andrus" target="_blank">Jerry Andrus</a>. (and yet another WP page rewrite by GSoW)</div>
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Here is another great project idea by GSoW team leader Nathan Miller. You know how various skeptic groups have that "donate" button on their website? Some link to Amazon. All you have to do when you are purchasing something (anything) from Amazon is to first click on that donate button and it will take you directly to Amazon where you can sign in and make your purchase. Everything you buy will give a percent to the website you entered through. It isn't a lot of money, but it is money. What Nathan is trying to do is to make it possible for you to download a plugin so that whenever you go to Amazon it will go through one of these sites (of your choosing) even when you forget to click on the donate link. </div>
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He was trying to set it up so that you could pick a few different groups, even rotate the groups, or randomize them. There were a lot of technical problems he came up against, but I think they were all workable, he just got busy with other projects. I love this idea, I think we are leaving a lot of money to waste by not remembering to first go to the donate page. It is only a couple clicks more and you could be helping out a group or podcast or organization by completing your purchase on Amazon. If you would like to know more or help Nathan out, please contact us at GSoWteam@gmail.com</div>
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I've been involved in this awesome CFI sponsored group for about 5 years now. I could talk for hours about all the things they have done and are doing to fight the woo. But this blog is long enough as it is. Visit their website for more information. And remember that this group does what projects its members want to focus on. So if you have a pet project or are maybe inspired by something here on this blog but don't want to do it alone, you might try your <a href="http://iigwest.org/" target="_blank">local IIG</a> for assistance. </div>
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For the crafty ones among us. There are many fundraising avenues just waiting to be organized. The JREF forum all through the year auctions items off for scholarships to TAM. I'm sure other organizations can start their own fundraisers. We seem to have a very talented group of knitters in our community. Maybe we can take that talent and use it for donations or fundraising? Here is <a href="http://twodifferentgirls.com/2014/02/02/knitting-for-africa-a-family-project/" target="_blank">yet another idea</a> from my friend Kitty Mervine, it isn't fighting the woo, but it does fight the cold. <a href="http://yankeeskeptic.com/2013/03/22/friday-fun-flick-alien-hat-fun/" target="_blank">Here is a article about her alien hats</a>. Kitty knitted me a Flying Spaghetti Monster hat many years ago that I just love. These might be a blast for fundraising. </div>
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Don't forget that your local skeptic's group might want to bring awareness to your group by sponsoring a team in your cities Run or Walk-a-Thons.</div>
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Being sued by Woo - Here is a website just for you. What to do, who to contact and how to get money to help you out. Where is the link to this amazing idea? Sorry, it has not been started yet, just waiting for the right person to get the ball rolling.</div>
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As the JREF and CFI roll out the teaching guides, we need someone to coordinate to make sure to reach out to all the schools. </div>
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To bring up conference attendance I think it would be a great idea if one person would coordinate an outreach effort to all schools and science clubs within a hours drive of the conference. Educate them about the conference, try to run scholarships for attendees. Possibly encourage one or more of the speakers to arrive a day early (or stay a day longer) and speak at the school or club. Talk to the professors and teachers in the science areas and make sure they know about the conference. Get that person a ticket (if only a day pass) and hopefully we can get them as partners the following year. Offer extra credit to the students if they attend. Some of our conferences are held in the summer months, but not all of them are. This is a win win for our community and for those that should be attending, it is just waiting for someone to coordinate and make it happen. Is that you? </div>
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Don't recycle those old skeptic/science magazines. Take them to work and leave them in the break room. Leave them at your automotive waiting room. Your doctors office as well. Just get them into the hands of other people who might never run across them. Monterey County Skeptics has a book trading party every few months. Nothing formal, just people bring their old magazines and books and others borrow them. </div>
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Let me take a few minutes and talk about Skeptic Love. This is a small project that I think we should keep in mind as we navigate in our community. We need to remember that we are all about the people. People want to be thanked, they want to be appreciated and they want to meet like-minded others. Skeptic's in the Pub events are an amazing place to network and socialize with other skeptics. Monterey County skeptics is purely a social group with the main goal to bond with and provide support to others in our community, and I mean everyone, no exclusions. </div>
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If there aren't skeptic's in the pub events in your area, then consider starting one. You might be the only person to attend, but then maybe not. Meet-up, Facebook, Twitter, local newspapers, Yahoo Groups all exist for the sole purpose to help you find people that will attend your SitP event. (trust me, I know this)</div>
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If there is a event in your area. Attend it. RSVP's are wonderful and courteous. Please thank your organizer, buy them a drink or help pay for his/her meal once in awhile. These people aren't doing this for the fame or the money, if you enjoyed yourself make sure they know this. </div>
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We have a few great places that already review our books. Skeptic Magazine and Skeptical Inquirer (the JREF forum as well) offer scholarly reviews. But what about getting to the general public, you know move beyond the choir. If you have read a book by one of our spokespeople and have something to say about it, please review it on Amazon (or whatever review site you use). This means a lot to our authors, and it really does help spread our books out into the world. By all means share that review in your social circle, a couple clicks on Amazon should allow you to do that. Our authors aren't getting rich from these books, and helping out with sales keeps them researching and writing more. </div>
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I would love for someone to find a way to make this kind of thing more commonly done. Some kind of reminder to always take the time to write a review. A media campaign that focuses on our community? Maybe like the "rate a podcast on iTunes" project I mentioned earlier? Lots of our podcasts interview authors all the time, can we add these interviews to places where other people will see them? Like maybe on a reviewing site like Amazon? I don't think they allow URL's but there are ways to get around that, we are clever people. GSoW already has several podcast spreadsheets with every episode listed. We use this for backwards edit training. Every podcast that has an interview segment will get gleaned for quotes to use on that interviewee's Wikipedia page. We have already done hundreds of these backwards edits. Thousands remain to be done.</div>
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At the CFI Summit I attended Oct 2013 this kept coming up. Make sure you pay attention to who is running for your school board. Your vote will have a much bigger impact than your vote on a presidential election. School boards can create a lot of craziness when the wrong people get elected. So pay attention, vote and possibly maybe run for office yourself. </div>
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Here's a great idea. Become an expert on something. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_S._Lancaster" target="_blank">Robert Lancaster</a> started out with StopKaz.com he didn't know who this woman was, just someone that came to his mom's church and made some really odd claims. He became an expert on her. Next up Sylvia Browne, he was kind and detailed. No ad hominen attacks, just straight up articles. </div>
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Ron Tebo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1s-tptH6tc</div>
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-82532060944929394442014-06-28T20:50:00.000-07:002014-06-28T20:50:29.483-07:00TAM for Beginners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be Stirling and my 9th TAM so new TAMers listen up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First thing to know. You know that saying ... What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. That is a lie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm including a list of my tips from the past years, it is very long and maybe others will share more in the comments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also including the links to past events at Lanyrd. Everything related to TAM (including this blog) needs to be put on Lanyrd. That is the best crowd-sourced way for things to be viewed and shared on the Internet. You do not have to be the owner of the link to add it to Lanyrd. </span><br />
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<a href="http://lanyrd.com/series/tam/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The list for all the TAM events </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v44dFGUewY&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">This is the Top 10 tips from John Rael and friends.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my list...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$4:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">1- if you are flying to Vegas, call the hotel shuttle days in advance and set up your reservation for the bus. It is free but seating is limited. Arrange for the trip home on the bus also.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$5:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$7:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$8:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">2- Don't go outside EVER it is insane hot and will melt your eyeballs</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$9:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$11:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$12:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">3-Take a light jacket as the hotel thinks the heat is inside and they over air condition the building.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$13:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$15:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$16:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">4-Take hand sanitizer as you don't want to get sick from all us humans being together.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$17:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$19:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$20:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">5- When you check in they give you a booklet. NEVER tear out the coupon, it has to be intact when you use it at the buffet.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$21:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$23:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$24:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">6-Plan when to best use your buffet coupon. Prices change there and best to use the coupon when you are saving the most money.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$25:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$27:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$28:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">7-Take eye drops if you have contacts and carry them around with you. People smoke in all the non-Con areas and it is miserable on your eyes.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$29:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$31:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$32:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">8- Do not hang around in a clique with each other. You see each other all the time. When you can mix it up, mix it up. You can thank me later on this one. People attend TAM for the lectures but leave the conference remembering all the people you met.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$33:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$35:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$36:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">9-Wear your name tag all the time and approach people. Do not be shy. You will also need your elevator speech ready for what the Con is all about. Usually there is a BMX group there at the same time as us, and you will be dodging kids all the time on the elevators. People are going to want to know what the conference is all about. You are our representative so don't blow it.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$37:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$39:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$40:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">10-No wifi except next to the lobby at the hotel and in the hotel rooms.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$41:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$43:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$44:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">11-Make sure everyone approaches me to learn about Skeptic Action and GSoW. Very important! </span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$45:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$47:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$48:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">12-Take a ton of photos and video. Upload it and share it on Lanyrd so that everyone can see it.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$49:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$51:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$52:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">13-There is a giant cowboy that sits on a horse (bronze) at the bottom of our conference. We all call that the "horse's ass" it is a meeting place for most people. </span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$53:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$55:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$56:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">14-There is a white board for people at the top of the escalator for everyone to use. Generally you will pick up your First TAM button near there.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$57:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$59:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$60:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">15-Save room in your luggage for all the books you will bring home. Also look over your bookshelves for books that need to be signed. Take them and get them signed, next year might be too late. You might want to pick up some books have them signed and use them for prizes for future local skeptic events.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$61:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$63:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$64:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">16-There is a whole group of people who try to outdo each other on the nerdest t-shirts each year. I always photograph those shirts so be ready.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$65:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$67:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$68:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">17-Everyone goes to the Del Mar bar when the con is not in session. Most people do not smoke but if you do please be kind. Also this is not a convention to see how wasted you can get and make a fool out of yourself. This is not a frat party so act appropriately. If you act up, someone will get a video of it and it will follow you forever so drink responsibility. </span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$69:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$71:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$72:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">18-Take the stairs and not the escalator, you are going to over-eat at this conference so you will need to balance it somehow. Take the elevator and get off one or two floors before your stop. And walk the rest of the way.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$73:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$75:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$76:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">19-When you go to your room at night you have to have a keycard to get to the elevator. So keep it handy and with you.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$77:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$79:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$80:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">20-A small note book with pen is a good idea to carry around, you are going to learn a lot and it won't only be during the lectures. You will also collect a lot of business cards and swag. Consider just photographing cards and things so you can keep your pockets free. </span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$81:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$83:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$84:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">21- If you are thinking you will meet with someone during down-time or "later" it probably won't happen and it is best to just do it now. There is little down-time. You will have little sleep, so keep that in mind.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$85:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$87:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$88:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">22-There is a coffee shop and a sandwich and pizza shop near the Del Mar.</span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$89:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$91:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$92:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">23-There is a cheap hotdog stand near the Del Mar that only is there for limited hours during the day (I don't eat them so don't remember the hours) but it is really cheap and people said they were really good. I guess they keep it there so that the gamblers will continue gambling and not go to restaurants. </span><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$93:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><br data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$95:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;" /><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">24-Skeptics rarely gamble, we understand math.</span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.$author" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_186" class="UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=641898134&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.$author.0" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/adevaus?fref=ufi" id="js_187" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" wotsearchprocessed="true">Amanda Devaus</a></span><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Secret rule 25. Come to the Australian skeptics and try our musk sticks. It is the law.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>Brian Hart</b> says ... </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;">Sleep is something you kind-of remember, but it doesn't seem possible or necessary during TAM.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424817754463108:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><a href="http://montereycountyskeptics.blogspot.com/2013/07/tam-2013-my-favorite-photos-and-why.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TAM 2013 - Favorite photo blog</span></a></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_spjYn7AI_g" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TAM 2012 photo video</span></a></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koMNQ956KM8" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TAM 9 Photo video</span></a></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQsRzhqQwXU" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TAM 8 Random photo video</span></a></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-reactid=".ys.1:3:1:$comment1421436171467933_1424813511130199:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$96:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 15.359999656677246px;"><br /></span></span></div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-24087305435379329222013-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:002013-12-20T20:30:07.589-08:00Susan and Iggy the Honeybadger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Want to introduce everyone to my new friend Iggy. Came home from a very busy day at work to find a box waiting for me. No idea what is inside, didn't order anything from Amazon, can't imagine. So Stirling opens it up for me (let him take the hit, hes young and healthy) and inside is Iggy the Honeybadger. Took me a bit to figure all this out and who sent it. (I was busy looking for anthrax spores at first) </div>
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Found this message... "From all of us at the IIG, we wish you god(less) speed to perfect health!" </div>
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WOW - They got someone at build a bear to type that and attach it to my gift? What is really cool. </div>
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If you don't know the significance of honeybadger <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg" target="_blank">then watch this video</a>. And the military outfit Iggy has on is because of my Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia project. And the name Iggy is from the IIG (Independent Investigation Group) from LA. </div>
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I really feel loved guys, I laughed a lot once I figured it out. So totally cute and meaningful. So I wanted to tell people and show you how Iggy and I are going to start hanging out when I'm in my activism mode. </div>
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This is Susan and Iggy working on a blog for GSoW</div>
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Here we have on our headphones and are recording a podcast.</div>
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This is one of our deep meaningful conversations. </div>
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I think he had just asked my opinion on Duck Dynasty.</div>
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Here I'm giving Iggy a piggyback ride.</div>
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Here we are jumping for joy because I just got a new editor for Wikipedia!</div>
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Now we are sharing High-Fives because Iggy came up with the most awesome idea for my next blog.</div>
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Here is a close-up of Iggy just in case you wanted to see his little outfit. He wears dog tags too. But it says Build-A-Bear, So I'm going to have to get him some tags that are more fitting. </div>
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THANK YOU ALL IIG! I feel very loved! And very guilty as I haven't updated First Responders or Interskept in months. But I've saved everything and hopefully will get it done by the first of the year. I'll see you all in January as the chemo is all done and almost out of my system. Just the 5 weeks of radiation (20 treatments) to go, which will be a walk in the park in comparison to chemo. </div>
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-21923883736635186142013-11-01T22:17:00.001-07:002013-11-06T21:31:55.569-08:00CFI Summit in Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo by Jeff Taylor-Kantz)</td></tr>
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Fresh back from the CFI Summit. I will share some of my observations as well as some of my favorite photos. This
is my first CFI event of this type, I've attended other functions by
CFI in the past including the Student Leadership Conference in August
2013 as well as the Skeptic's Toolbox (4 times) held in Eugene, OR
every August.
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Let me first mention that this blog
will say very little about the lectures, I attended very few full
lectures. My purpose for this conference was to spend as much time
networking and recruiting as possible. The staff set me up with a
table with power, and the hotel provided me with wifi. This allowed
me to be set up right next to the food/drinks area and lure people
over to sit and work with me. I was able to pull up Wikipedia pages
and train as well as explain exactly what WoT is, how to download it
and how to use it. This was a blast, and several people took the
time to spend time with me getting all kinds of questions answered as
well as real-life training.
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So first off, why Tacoma, WA?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from plane on way to Tacoma, WA</td></tr>
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As it was explained to me, CFI had already selected the Pacific Northwest as the region for the next conference because of the demographics associated to secular thinking. Center for Inquiry is the “mother” organization, and Center for Skeptical Inquiry CSI (further known in this blog as the skeptics) and the Humanist group are under the umbrella of CFI. This is the first time that a conference was organized to include the two organizations. To be clearer, the skeptic group focuses more on the scientific aspects (things that can be tested) of CFI. The Humanist group on religion, legalization and secular values (social issues). There were two 3-hour panels that split off into opposite rooms in which the attendees where forced to choose which to attend. (on Thursday that was an extra price from the normal conference admission)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Engler from GSoW was a MAJOR help. He was everywhere taking images for the GSoW project,<br />
I was able to relax and concentrate on finding editors and working one-on-one with them.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This conference's theme questioned if CFI should combine their conferences in the future to save money, and draw bigger crowds. After all, attendees for the most part are interested in the same themes and have the same world view, we also usually use the scientific method as our guide. This question was hotly debated all the days I was there, sometimes one-on-one with people at lunch or during a formal lecture.</span><br />
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What the skeptics told me at the beginning - Overwhelmingly the discussion turned to people saying that the Humanists (most of the time called Atheists) were not good skeptics, it was felt that they were more interested in “bashing religion” than combating medical quacks and doing research/investigations. There was some “hurt” that the skeptics felt they were not treated equally to the humanists because the lectures and speakers were slanted towards the humanist agenda. The general opinions I heard were that we should stay separate if we are not going to be treated equally, but on the other hand maybe we should combine in order to “teach these humanists to be better skeptics” so opposite opinions.</div>
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What I generally heard from the Humanist side (remember I am very social, and as I was not attending the lectures I was in a position to listen, and people were very open to ask me questions and give me their opinions) Lots of people referred to the conference as a “Atheist conference” I heard this from young and old, but mostly from first time attendees. These attendees were extremely knowledgeable about religion, they quoted Bible verses as well as knew a lot of history and were really well-versed in the subjects. In the entire time I was at the conference I never once heard someone from the humanist side say anything that I would consider pro-pseudoscience. But the opinion from the skeptics was that the humanists were not interested in what the skeptics had to talk about, personally I think that was not true.</div>
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I also asked people if they had attended other conferences in the past, to a lot of people, this was their first-ever event of this kind and were motivated to attend more in the future. They were really excited that this was happening in their “backyard”, but had such a great time they might be lured to events in farther locations.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part of attending conferences is sitting down with old friends and total strangers. <br />
Conversations are always interesting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved meeting Ian Harris - His gig was really great, he has done his research when it comes to skepticism.<br />
Us bald people have to stick together after-all</td></tr>
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Personally my thoughts taking all the feedback into consideration were that skeptics were very interested in most of the lectures except when the lecturer seemed "angry". When the lectures dealt with humanism, science, investigation and legalization they were very enjoyed. Even when the topics were anti-religion they were enjoyed, it seems that it was any appearance of “ranting” was the problem. People who came for more of the atheist agenda seemed to love the talks concerning science, investigation and so on. So for the most part, I heard from all sides that they enjoyed lectures that they might not have attended been exposed to.</div>
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My opinion is that I'm sure that the biggest donors are from the Humanist side of the organization, if that is true then of course CFI is going to probably lean more towards conferences that focus on that agenda. They need butts in seats after-all, and I can't say I blame them.</div>
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Overwhelmingly though with that said, everyone seemed to be interested in both “sides” once they heard the presentation. There was a lot of common ground, but it was not discovered unless they were “forced” to watch the lecture. When I say forced I mean that there was not a competing lecture running at the same time. </div>
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I had a different agenda, I want to appeal to all "sides". I want all people to hear the message of crowd sourced activism. My message is fitting to everyone at this conference, activism is activism whether it is claims of the paranormal or convincing the public that atheists aren't baby-eaters. Editing Wikipedia is still the best way to spread our message, and GSoW has written (or rewritten badly written) pages for people on many sides of the community. My Skeptic Action project is clearly only aimed at claims of the paranormal, we do not venture into pages that are religious only in nature. But exorcisms and creationism are free game. </div>
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So I decided that because I would be attending the conference bald, I would take full advantage of it. Everyday was Halloween for me. Working in the retail world this is a busy time for me, I normally tell myself I'm too busy to dress up, every year I say "next year". Well having cancer has really made me stop and re-assess my life. Next year is never here, so I decided that this year was going to be different and go all out on Halloween. I knew there would be a contest, but decided not to wait for that night. I was apprehensive about my reception. As I speaker I thought maybe I should reflect a more professional attitude, at least for my personal lecture. That didn't end up happening.</div>
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I wanted to attract people over to my table to talk to me. I'm friendly, but really don't want to approach people unless they are comfortable being approached. The general attendees and most people loved the outfits. I changed clothes/hats half-way during the day, and people came over all day to thank me for wearing the outfits and tell me they were curious what I would wear next. It was a lot of fun, got my photo taken a lot, and generally won over people to come sit with me, ask me questions and tell me what they thought of the conference.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Lindsay welcomes us to conference on Thursday night</td></tr>
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The first workshops were on Thursday and required a special ticket, I attended the skeptic one with Ray Hyman, Harriett Hall and Loren Pankratz. It truly was a mini-Toolbox (held in Eugene, OR every August) the three speakers each took 20 minutes talking about investigation. Then Hyman told the audience to break into groups of 3 and come up with a list of things that every skeptic should have in their "Toolbox". The audience was a bit confused that they were asked to actually mingle with strangers and answer such a open-ended question. But Ray knows what he is doing, the attendees moved their chairs around and formed groups and assigned a leader that had to report back in front of the entire group what their findings were. As usual (I've been to a few Toolboxes) the audience rose to the occasion and came up with some great ideas. This activity on the first day was a wonderful way for people to break the ice with each other. After-all they said they came to hear the lectures, but really they came to interact with like-minded people. There was a lot of laughter and socializing through-out this and afterwards. We need more of this at the beginning of our conferences in the future. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0cWA6iyUvY/UnAF_HuN-2I/AAAAAAABSFM/4epQ4Q-gE-Y/s1600/IMG_6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0cWA6iyUvY/UnAF_HuN-2I/AAAAAAABSFM/4epQ4Q-gE-Y/s320/IMG_6877.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Underdown was a fantastic Master of Ceremonies</td></tr>
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The majority of the time we met in the bigger conference room where the audience was addressed by panels and lecturers. It would have been nice to have a second large screen for the presentations (this is what I heard from people who did not get seats close enough to see the screen well). As you can see from the images, in this main room everyone had a large table to sit at, this was really awesome as I saw a lot of people taking notes, and again it made it easier to socialize with people at your table. So a major PLUS that probably no one noticed (but would have if the tables were missing). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main room where most lectures were held. Notice the tables</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZRe3iiZffQ/UnAGvGRpTDI/AAAAAAABSFc/FAqXfRjX7rQ/s1600/IMG_6888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZRe3iiZffQ/UnAGvGRpTDI/AAAAAAABSFc/FAqXfRjX7rQ/s320/IMG_6888.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="entity _586o" data-fulltext="Wesley Da'Nomad" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Wesley Da'Nomad" data-type="ent:user" data-uid="100000961117748" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.59375px; text-align: left; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;">Wesley Da'Nomad</span><span data-si="true" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.59375px; text-align: left; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;"> from the Atheist Nomads Podcast who have </span><br />
<span data-si="true" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.59375px; text-align: left; text-indent: 2px; white-space: nowrap;">interviewed me about GSoW. <br />Photo-bomb by Ben Radford.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxFH5gtR-qk/UnAHj0aLugI/AAAAAAABSFw/e9BebbH-TvI/s1600/IMG_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxFH5gtR-qk/UnAHj0aLugI/AAAAAAABSFw/e9BebbH-TvI/s320/IMG_6889.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lectures video-tapped so I felt confidence that I could miss them and watch them when they come out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rSAwjiQZQI/UnAIGw6IADI/AAAAAAABSF4/mtmraV6AIeo/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rSAwjiQZQI/UnAIGw6IADI/AAAAAAABSF4/mtmraV6AIeo/s320/IMG_6893.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Binga and Tom Flynn turned to stone when I approached dressed as Medusa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kldOexpN1Dg/UnAIsR_qhUI/AAAAAAABSGI/1woleazbSHw/s1600/IMG_6905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kldOexpN1Dg/UnAIsR_qhUI/AAAAAAABSGI/1woleazbSHw/s320/IMG_6905.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Skeptical Investigation and Activism" breakout audience. They are lining up to ask us questions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHveajJGdXg/UnAImybbsZI/AAAAAAABSGA/OcRTqizj-ec/s1600/IMG_6906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHveajJGdXg/UnAImybbsZI/AAAAAAABSGA/OcRTqizj-ec/s320/IMG_6906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I got up last to do my 20 minutes I took the fortune from the cookies we had had at lunch and read it aloud, I said "My fortune says that I should beware of men with 3 letters in their name. So Ken, Joe, Jim and Ben keep your eye out for me" Yep, the panel consisted of Joe Nickell, Ben Radford, Jim Underdown and me - moderated by Ken Frazier. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRIQwznGLP8/UnAJIudEoQI/AAAAAAABSGQ/pw2AThUAWBA/s1600/IMG_6910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRIQwznGLP8/UnAJIudEoQI/AAAAAAABSGQ/pw2AThUAWBA/s320/IMG_6910.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several people had tables set up to promote their groups</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNuPSUEps_w/UnAJhC_OWsI/AAAAAAABSGY/MeJnp_hZxTM/s1600/IMG_6915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNuPSUEps_w/UnAJhC_OWsI/AAAAAAABSGY/MeJnp_hZxTM/s320/IMG_6915.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great food every day.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxMNo-GqmWQ/UnAJiEyuwCI/AAAAAAABSGg/6hyBbWGo3p0/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxMNo-GqmWQ/UnAJiEyuwCI/AAAAAAABSGg/6hyBbWGo3p0/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banquet Reception</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsEu8GTYkMc/UnAKDZnbHKI/AAAAAAABSGo/8cYYnGvG_64/s1600/IMG_6953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsEu8GTYkMc/UnAKDZnbHKI/AAAAAAABSGo/8cYYnGvG_64/s320/IMG_6953.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Nye giving it his all to inspire</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bC-LvLTA4LU/UnAKXjWgm3I/AAAAAAABSGw/pl2AwUBgnd4/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bC-LvLTA4LU/UnAKXjWgm3I/AAAAAAABSGw/pl2AwUBgnd4/s320/IMG_6962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Bill taking a photo of the standing ovation he received after his lecture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2C3uZmnAhM/UnAKacehuyI/AAAAAAABSG4/GxYoUcgS8hc/s1600/IMG_6963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2C3uZmnAhM/UnAKacehuyI/AAAAAAABSG4/GxYoUcgS8hc/s320/IMG_6963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man drove over 20 hours to be here. He (and others) thanked Bill for the reason why they have a love of science. It was very moving and tear-jerking all the love aimed at Bill Nye that night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jyaFOWl9rI/UnAK8ARCJTI/AAAAAAABSHE/15CRF-hq2_M/s1600/IMG_6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jyaFOWl9rI/UnAK8ARCJTI/AAAAAAABSHE/15CRF-hq2_M/s320/IMG_6970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of my costumes. This is Suzy Beyerstein whom joined the GSoW team. Great spending quality time with her, I've met her at the Skeptic's Toolboxes before, but didn't get to spend a lot of time with her like I did this week end.<br />
(photo by Jim Underdown)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ErK_T5ANcs/UnALGguWtLI/AAAAAAABSHM/y28Z9qfhM_0/s1600/IMG_6972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ErK_T5ANcs/UnALGguWtLI/AAAAAAABSHM/y28Z9qfhM_0/s320/IMG_6972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff and Jon (brothers) as well as Suzi joined GSoW. <br />
Ray Hyman is just hanging out looking at crazy Susan.<br />
(photo by Jim Underdown)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-em6ubdIug34/UnALK8Y-vJI/AAAAAAABSHU/jnJy4-QFhAM/s1600/IMG_6992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-em6ubdIug34/UnALK8Y-vJI/AAAAAAABSHU/jnJy4-QFhAM/s320/IMG_6992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another new GSoW recruit - I got to spend really quality time with him sitting beside me also.<br />
This kind of one-on-one makes it possible to train and show them real pages in real time.<br />
We were able to make edits and look over the forum,<br />
when I was all done, he was totally sold on the project and ready to start training.<br />
(photo by Jim Underdown)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49KOl2Vd_p8/UnALZbra6QI/AAAAAAABSHc/vyP9hmU0ho0/s1600/IMG_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49KOl2Vd_p8/UnALZbra6QI/AAAAAAABSHc/vyP9hmU0ho0/s320/IMG_6998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonard Tramiel looking all spiffy. No snakes on his head.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTVPIqsX280/UnAMDWc38II/AAAAAAABSHs/0shPS_7OOMQ/s1600/IMG_7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTVPIqsX280/UnAMDWc38II/AAAAAAABSHs/0shPS_7OOMQ/s320/IMG_7006.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan and Ian Harris</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEj6Qpegi-8/UnALg5aLA-I/AAAAAAABSHk/sSN1cX3YEgo/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEj6Qpegi-8/UnALg5aLA-I/AAAAAAABSHk/sSN1cX3YEgo/s320/IMG_7015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bald and Proud! Ian Harris, Susan Gerbic and Ben Radford</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7Xjd6ONGwg/UnAMYkmUSTI/AAAAAAABSH0/q3JgrOVywh0/s1600/IMG_7018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7Xjd6ONGwg/UnAMYkmUSTI/AAAAAAABSH0/q3JgrOVywh0/s320/IMG_7018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point of Inquiry finally back to recording with a whole new crew. This was the first interview. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfYLhLIJ3j4/UnAMe5Lk4SI/AAAAAAABSH8/9YnQCkytMvw/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfYLhLIJ3j4/UnAMe5Lk4SI/AAAAAAABSH8/9YnQCkytMvw/s320/IMG_7020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with some of my Skeptic Toolbox friends. The food was good, but the noise level was too much for great conversation. We are such nerds that one of us even had a way to measure the noise from their phone app. This is Jeanine DeNorma, Richard Wackrow and Herb Masters. Richard gave me a copy of his book "Who's Winning the War on Terror" which I planned to read while waiting for the plane, but I was with Leonard and we talked the whole time. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2CfP5AO-4c/UnAM0vPx9HI/AAAAAAABSIE/bkni3TlZ67Q/s1600/IMG_7041-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2CfP5AO-4c/UnAM0vPx9HI/AAAAAAABSIE/bkni3TlZ67Q/s320/IMG_7041-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo of head painting by Herb Masters)</td></tr>
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My Halloween contest outfit was kept a big surprise. People were expecting me to wear some kind of fancy outfit and hat (think skeptical Lady GaGa) but I went totally in black and brought eyeliner and a list of phrenology terms so I could become a phrenology dummy for the contest. Jeanine and Suzi were very generous with their time and skill to make this happen. One of the funnest parts of the whole Summit was this hour we took to put the words on my head. They started off really serious, looking at diagrams that we found on-line. They were being careful for the first 20 minutes, then after awhile could not stop laughing. We went with traditional sayings, and then got really silly with things like... "42", "Press Here", "666", "this space for rent", "post no bills" and so on. I have no idea how they managed to get so much writing on my head, I kept thinking they were all done, but Suzi and Jeanine kept saying "what do we want to put in this spot, and what about this one?"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMKQ1TVuV_w/UnAQc8NKpKI/AAAAAAABSJg/SST_lGnhNzw/s1600/IMG_7130-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMKQ1TVuV_w/UnAQc8NKpKI/AAAAAAABSJg/SST_lGnhNzw/s320/IMG_7130-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get my first look at what they have done to me. Wow!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6V0Sg7ni4g/UnHvP5_hybI/AAAAAAABTG0/rVJP1a4Ucqc/s1600/IMG_7136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6V0Sg7ni4g/UnHvP5_hybI/AAAAAAABTG0/rVJP1a4Ucqc/s320/IMG_7136.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff is a homeopathic doctor, he said it took him a whole week to earn his degree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgamXd0jioo/UnHvPYSYdnI/AAAAAAABTGs/vi3GbpJc97c/s1600/IMG_7137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgamXd0jioo/UnHvPYSYdnI/AAAAAAABTGs/vi3GbpJc97c/s320/IMG_7137.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A black hole (from the neck up she tells us) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VV6yOpdRU4w/UnHvPStp1_I/AAAAAAABTGw/tljTtGHEen4/s1600/IMG_7138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VV6yOpdRU4w/UnHvPStp1_I/AAAAAAABTGw/tljTtGHEen4/s320/IMG_7138.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harriet is a quack, she had all kinds of toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZM4j7_ZPHw/UnHvTD0EhMI/AAAAAAABTHE/hMNKxArJ2Jo/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZM4j7_ZPHw/UnHvTD0EhMI/AAAAAAABTHE/hMNKxArJ2Jo/s320/IMG_7141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon is a knight that says "Neh!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVkkdKhZRl0/UnHvTKg8x9I/AAAAAAABTHI/3X5TF87pvfQ/s1600/IMG_7151-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVkkdKhZRl0/UnHvTKg8x9I/AAAAAAABTHI/3X5TF87pvfQ/s320/IMG_7151-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great fun with these boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-he9uL3XBoZw/UnHvdxYkRII/AAAAAAABTIQ/LIVRmyrFdSs/s1600/IMG_7232-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-he9uL3XBoZw/UnHvdxYkRII/AAAAAAABTIQ/LIVRmyrFdSs/s320/IMG_7232-001.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Heathen's band was a blast, everyone kept telling me afterwards that the bass<br />
and guitar players were great to talk to, sadly I didn't get a chance to talk to them. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eDwGC_lPpc/UnHvUEA2mEI/AAAAAAABTHQ/syreeqcEr7Q/s1600/IMG_7153-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eDwGC_lPpc/UnHvUEA2mEI/AAAAAAABTHQ/syreeqcEr7Q/s320/IMG_7153-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Father and Daughter team were Mormons from the "Book of Mormon" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWELv-axeQc/UnHvXGdf0wI/AAAAAAABTHg/-k-izYrvhVY/s1600/IMG_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWELv-axeQc/UnHvXGdf0wI/AAAAAAABTHg/-k-izYrvhVY/s320/IMG_7155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home made outfit, Marvin the Martian won first prize. <br />
He told me that he got the ray-gun from ACME </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qctISBBXRhQ/UnHvWE8KjZI/AAAAAAABTHc/kWbd1pAp7yA/s1600/IMG_7159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qctISBBXRhQ/UnHvWE8KjZI/AAAAAAABTHc/kWbd1pAp7yA/s320/IMG_7159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this photo - Joe says "Susan I always said someone needed to examine your head"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOy5XlbrZYQ/UnHvhVNCXyI/AAAAAAABTIk/Ktm_t5LIyVs/s1600/IMG_7283-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOy5XlbrZYQ/UnHvhVNCXyI/AAAAAAABTIk/Ktm_t5LIyVs/s320/IMG_7283-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff lends a hand with Ray's part of the Houdini Seance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIV-lH-tXr8/UnHvXre0ddI/AAAAAAABTHo/pHvskoBAaq0/s1600/IMG_7164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIV-lH-tXr8/UnHvXre0ddI/AAAAAAABTHo/pHvskoBAaq0/s320/IMG_7164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Underdown is super talented, here he appears as The Pope.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OGMPoQFD20/UnHvZoYsohI/AAAAAAABTH0/hzCVq8bEYoo/s1600/IMG_7196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OGMPoQFD20/UnHvZoYsohI/AAAAAAABTH0/hzCVq8bEYoo/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Heathens were a lot of fun, wish they could have played longer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6lS2zclH90/UnHvaYRGB7I/AAAAAAABTH4/vlxqXqGdnKI/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6lS2zclH90/UnHvaYRGB7I/AAAAAAABTH4/vlxqXqGdnKI/s320/IMG_7198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other great costumes, lots of dancing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuK2Qp3Bg2M/UnHvgcp7B6I/AAAAAAABTIc/G5Ul6UQDb64/s1600/IMG_7234-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuK2Qp3Bg2M/UnHvgcp7B6I/AAAAAAABTIc/G5Ul6UQDb64/s320/IMG_7234-001.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua is a PastaFarian.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fF8HREDLOs/UnHvb33jnJI/AAAAAAABTIE/whAfplkzY1o/s1600/IMG_7208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fF8HREDLOs/UnHvb33jnJI/AAAAAAABTIE/whAfplkzY1o/s320/IMG_7208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of The Heathens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AppdlTBw4AA/UnHvg-d1TPI/AAAAAAABTIg/4LmL4BtreuY/s1600/IMG_7261-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AppdlTBw4AA/UnHvg-d1TPI/AAAAAAABTIg/4LmL4BtreuY/s320/IMG_7261-001.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Richard Dawkins - He even did a great job on the accent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iUBjTvXSqg/UnHvdZTu42I/AAAAAAABTIM/FKDmXKRlVj8/s1600/IMG_7226-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iUBjTvXSqg/UnHvdZTu42I/AAAAAAABTIM/FKDmXKRlVj8/s320/IMG_7226-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi-talented Jim Underdown and friend </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCGf7ZPczf0/UnHvkXFqYUI/AAAAAAABTI4/zs8a2UDnUzY/s1600/IMG_7286-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCGf7ZPczf0/UnHvkXFqYUI/AAAAAAABTI4/zs8a2UDnUzY/s320/IMG_7286-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Nickell ends the Houdini seance, Harry was a no-show again this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QnX3q-Gt2I/UnHvlCvzonI/AAAAAAABTI8/YQamhSAV6x4/s1600/IMG_7302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QnX3q-Gt2I/UnHvlCvzonI/AAAAAAABTI8/YQamhSAV6x4/s320/IMG_7302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Hyman in a quiet moment at our hotel </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uw_WKx4zp2w/UnHvogW9IvI/AAAAAAABTJU/GM49APOnRVE/s1600/IMG_7303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uw_WKx4zp2w/UnHvogW9IvI/AAAAAAABTJU/GM49APOnRVE/s320/IMG_7303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out for a walk to the Glass Museum. Mike, Herb Masters and John DeNorma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOaTnAqPtX8/UnHvoSCciiI/AAAAAAABTJQ/9VDGIQXX6PU/s1600/IMG_7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOaTnAqPtX8/UnHvoSCciiI/AAAAAAABTJQ/9VDGIQXX6PU/s320/IMG_7308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass bridge a couple blocks from the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndpVhxvkolM/UnHvzgMAf1I/AAAAAAABTKc/TParVvd1h38/s1600/IMG_7383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndpVhxvkolM/UnHvzgMAf1I/AAAAAAABTKc/TParVvd1h38/s320/IMG_7383.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See I did bring normal clothes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAmRpumzoG4/UnHvrVKPBAI/AAAAAAABTJk/hhTiAfz1VsA/s1600/IMG_7321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAmRpumzoG4/UnHvrVKPBAI/AAAAAAABTJk/hhTiAfz1VsA/s320/IMG_7321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass bridge a couple blocks from the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riL1JwJEdxA/UnHvnyHuVKI/AAAAAAABTJM/NMwObdiqXR4/s1600/IMG_7311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riL1JwJEdxA/UnHvnyHuVKI/AAAAAAABTJM/NMwObdiqXR4/s320/IMG_7311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass bridge a couple blocks from the hotel</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApxWclWZxOE/UnHvrZRl4YI/AAAAAAABTJs/vvmRMgJbcfA/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApxWclWZxOE/UnHvrZRl4YI/AAAAAAABTJs/vvmRMgJbcfA/s320/IMG_7312.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass bridge a couple blocks from the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HgKiV9iNvI/UnHvrrFtyiI/AAAAAAABTJo/d5-WHAnewuw/s1600/IMG_7323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HgKiV9iNvI/UnHvrrFtyiI/AAAAAAABTJo/d5-WHAnewuw/s320/IMG_7323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glass bridge a couple blocks from the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MvNIAff7lo/UnHvvQMuoBI/AAAAAAABTKE/dj43_9MJ3Nw/s1600/IMG_7338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MvNIAff7lo/UnHvvQMuoBI/AAAAAAABTKE/dj43_9MJ3Nw/s320/IMG_7338.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the lecture hall as well as where the glass artists have their kilns</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rPgtp24Ku8/UnHvvOVdtHI/AAAAAAABTJ8/yfoDoSW5BKs/s1600/IMG_7330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rPgtp24Ku8/UnHvvOVdtHI/AAAAAAABTJ8/yfoDoSW5BKs/s320/IMG_7330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the glass museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhCbFsUvCeA/UnHvvB4eE0I/AAAAAAABTKA/5UL0rApdlyk/s1600/IMG_7357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhCbFsUvCeA/UnHvvB4eE0I/AAAAAAABTKA/5UL0rApdlyk/s320/IMG_7357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite piece from the entire museum. This piece is from Tom Moore from Australia</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZBvwrggKlM/UnHvzFEsfbI/AAAAAAABTKU/QV6ERKkOTHk/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZBvwrggKlM/UnHvzFEsfbI/AAAAAAABTKU/QV6ERKkOTHk/s320/IMG_7380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This hotel was amazing (Hotel Murano) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hESFDZsj-Xw/UnHv3BJbXVI/AAAAAAABTKs/iHGnR3oZXqk/s1600/IMG_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hESFDZsj-Xw/UnHv3BJbXVI/AAAAAAABTKs/iHGnR3oZXqk/s320/IMG_7397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved these lamps</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upjH11y4gpI/UnHvzO6nHyI/AAAAAAABTKY/FbE1KdqYjmM/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upjH11y4gpI/UnHvzO6nHyI/AAAAAAABTKY/FbE1KdqYjmM/s320/IMG_7393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">One of many areas to hang out at the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9q2qZaWOQI/UnHv3u5R_sI/AAAAAAABTKw/1tRAdAmxOfA/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9q2qZaWOQI/UnHv3u5R_sI/AAAAAAABTKw/1tRAdAmxOfA/s320/IMG_7404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was glass art everywhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc_qn90ISbY/UnHv4agv8uI/AAAAAAABTK4/QMtv8Zf4nNg/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc_qn90ISbY/UnHv4agv8uI/AAAAAAABTK4/QMtv8Zf4nNg/s320/IMG_7405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic chandelier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjdAXG0hjuU/UnHv7agjdxI/AAAAAAABTLE/rbX8T1-nxvg/s1600/IMG_7407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjdAXG0hjuU/UnHv7agjdxI/AAAAAAABTLE/rbX8T1-nxvg/s320/IMG_7407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canoes </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_HIHEmytAE/UnHv7jOrnpI/AAAAAAABTLI/WSNbdPCfvfQ/s1600/IMG_7410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_HIHEmytAE/UnHv7jOrnpI/AAAAAAABTLI/WSNbdPCfvfQ/s320/IMG_7410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view of the front desk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Op6k_0rPkUY/UnHv8D05ZfI/AAAAAAABTLM/V3_wVQj8V_Q/s1600/IMG_7421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Op6k_0rPkUY/UnHv8D05ZfI/AAAAAAABTLM/V3_wVQj8V_Q/s320/IMG_7421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonard and Joshua - bearded men flaunting off all their hair to us bald people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlCBNyj-kVc/UnHv-6VP2jI/AAAAAAABTLg/Zt0O8GTL4zQ/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlCBNyj-kVc/UnHv-6VP2jI/AAAAAAABTLg/Zt0O8GTL4zQ/s320/IMG_7426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter and Father, they go to a lot of science events, this was their first CFI event.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MP4PhCXl8KQ/UnHv-xRkjAI/AAAAAAABTLc/Z21I4zw_UxM/s1600/IMG_7432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MP4PhCXl8KQ/UnHv-xRkjAI/AAAAAAABTLc/Z21I4zw_UxM/s320/IMG_7432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day here, Mount Rainier is above Brian Engler's head but I didn't have the exposure correct.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_79uxwk9o84/UnHv_eSY31I/AAAAAAABTLk/h8o3DEwqb7w/s1600/IMG_7437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_79uxwk9o84/UnHv_eSY31I/AAAAAAABTLk/h8o3DEwqb7w/s320/IMG_7437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herb Masters is getting very friendly with my head. Note the bruising on my fingers from the chemo. Interesting! </td></tr>
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Another really amazing moment that I have no photos from, was the drive to the airport in a van shuttle. Joe Nickell, Richard, Leonard and I got in the van with 3 strangers and the driver. They mixed us up depending on what order we would be getting out. So we were talking across several rows in the van. We talked about the conference and mentioned Tyson several times. One woman finally said "Are you talking about Neil deGrauss Tyson?" To which we said, "yes, we know him" She was stunned. Then we were talking about some of Joe's investigations, he said he interviewed a woman who reported that monsters lived in the water near her home, she knew this because of the small black creatures she sees in the lake, they make a slapping sound on the water, apparently exactly like raccoons. She thought that they had learned to imitate the raccoon in order to hide. The stranger next to me bust up laughing, and he started telling us bigfoot stories. <br />
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Then we talked about UFO's and other investigations, then right next to us on the freeway was a city bus that CFI had paid for with Bill Nye's face and advertisement for the Summit. Leonard noticed it first and man were the people on the van impressed. We said "this is the conference we just finished attending" The woman asked if she could start hanging out with us, so I gave her my card. </div>
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When we got to the airport to drop everyone off, that same woman said she was a little concerned when we first got on the van as she thought we might be kooks. She was so excited to hear our conversation. The driver said that he really enjoyed us and "way better than the rug people I picked up first". The other two people told us they had a great time also. It was a blast to meet average people who are excited about these kind of skeptic things we are so interested in. I felt it just showed that we are making a difference. It was a blast!</div>
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So to sum up the entire conference - I had a blast also. Everyone I talked to and all the CFI staff were wonderful. The conversations were great, and people loved my outfits and hats. I was able to recruit and train 5 people. That's a lot, so very exciting. I got a bunch of people who joined Skeptic Action (maybe at least 15) Trained several people how to use a QR code and that made them very happy. </div>
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I think I'm going to have to fall into the camp of blending conferences in the future. But only if skepticism is given equal time. I really don't like us splitting off into different rooms so that people have to choose. I understand that it is one way to get more speakers/workshops. But I think we really need to hear each other's message, its how we are going to learn to grow and work together. I think we discovered by the end of the conference that we have more in common than we thought. Sure we focus on different areas of CFI's big umbrella but we can come together and learn a lot from each other's approaches. </div>
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At the final Q&A I stood up and made a statement to the panel of CFI staff. I said that I understand that these conferences lose money overall. But it is important to remember that they not focus on the monetary only. There is no price tag they can put on the value of meeting people face to face, bonding with them over a drink or dinner, and learning from each other. As I said, I go to these things to network and gain editors. Everyone wanted to meet each other and form friendships. People like Harriet Hall and myself came from the Skeptic's Toolbox (CFI event) and Debbie Goddard (who has the patience of Job) gave a lecture this summer that listed all the people that have come from CFI leadership training that have gone on to become the workhorses of the movement. We have to keep our focus on training up new leaders and organizers. <br />
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One more thing, we need a lot more activism. Overwhelmingly at the end of each lecture someone asked "what can we do?" Of course donating money to the mission of CFI is always a great idea, but people still wanted to know what more they can do. My projects Skeptic Action and GSoW are terrific ways to change the Internet as well as educating millions. One idea that was discussed a lot was making sure you vote whenever there is a local election, especially school boards. We talked about getting libraries subscriptions and also just leaving older magazines in any place that has a waiting room. <br />
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So more activism, less "angry/ranting" lectures. A big YES on having tables in the lecture area and probably we need to keep these conferences together (though I still could be convinced otherwise).<br />
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BTW here is the album with all the CFI Summit photos in one place <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/106728757238417452001/albums/5938570764477787489?banner=pwa">https://plus.google.com/photos/106728757238417452001/albums/5938570764477787489?banner=pwa</a></div>
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-76214848428225199992013-07-18T07:34:00.000-07:002013-07-18T07:34:09.080-07:00TAM 2013 - My Favorite Photos (and why)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My favorite photos from TAM 2013 from my camera.<br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/106728757238417452001/albums/5899627790546620593?banner=pwa" target="_blank">Here is the album</a> that contains all the images from my camera in case your interested.<br />
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As usual TAM was a blast, this was my 8th and it gets better all the time. It took awhile to "find my feet" at the first few TAM's, even though I'm very friendly and sociable. I discovered that you don't have to be witty, funny, beautiful or popular, just be there. I've also learned it takes all kinds to make this community strong, we have work to do. Keep pushing forward!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KnatyKVwrE/UeYhy61J9NI/AAAAAAABOfM/w1A9SpFw96o/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KnatyKVwrE/UeYhy61J9NI/AAAAAAABOfM/w1A9SpFw96o/s400/IMG_4392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Farley who as usual has great ideas. This one was to photograph people with the Wikipedia page that the GSoW team worked on. This was harder to do than it looks, firstly because I don't have a tablet, and secondly my camera wanted to underexpose the shot because of the brightness of the tablet. Anyway, I just love his expression.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qz7tsUg0YtI/UeYiHy3CwbI/AAAAAAABOfU/CppZlnzYips/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qz7tsUg0YtI/UeYiHy3CwbI/AAAAAAABOfU/CppZlnzYips/s400/IMG_4519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan Blackmore and Susan Gerbic. <br />
WOW She came to both of my workshops and had questions in each. If you don't know who Susan Blackmore is, then you need to brush up on your modern scientific skepticism history. Check out her Wikipedia page. We are standing in the "SuperWoman" stance that Shane Greenup talked about during his lecture. It is supposed to give you confidence. I sure felt confident standing next to her! I think Susan gave one of the first few lectures I ever attended in the skeptic universe, it was at CalTech for one of Michael Shermer's events, probably back in 2001? This TAM I purchased Blackmore's book, and chased her down to get it autographed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9id9KYQfvE/UeYid9YWtjI/AAAAAAABOfc/SxutCtt9IBk/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9id9KYQfvE/UeYid9YWtjI/AAAAAAABOfc/SxutCtt9IBk/s400/IMG_4659.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brain Hart (middle) is one of the funniest men I know. He is such a ham, I'm always photographing him. First he was photobombing this image, and in this image he is "all ears" to what Jim Underdown (left) and DJ Grothe are saying. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harriet Hall and Pigasus. <br />
Stirling wasn't going to bring Pig to TAM this year, when Harriet found out she was really disappointed. As long as Harriet is going to TAM then Pigasus is also going. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane Greenup (standing) from Rbutr and Tim Farley (sitting) in the Speaker's lounge. This photo reminds me of how cool it is to work with these quality people. Very cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would say that Jay Diamond is one of my favorite people, but then I would feel bad because I have a lot of favorite people. Jay is just... gosh... one of my favorite people. Don't know how to explain it. Anyway this is the expression he gave when I told him that my oncologist wanted to give me acupuncture to treat pain in my underarm. The oncologist's reasoning that it works was "Insurance companies wouldn't pay for treatment if it didn't work" Ouch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Dunning and Richard Saunders (Saunders is closest to the camera) These two friends (one in Australia the other in California) haven't seen each other in months, these months have seen some very stressful times. The affection and love between these two is so evident, I'm glad I was able to capture this shot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay Diamond (middle) created this awesome Woo Fighter shirt just for TAM. He surprised me with my own name and photo as a counter-part of Sylvia Browne, He made me cry when he gave me the shirt. Only 4 of these shirts exist. Stirling (left), myself, Jay and Brian Hart own them. Thank you Jay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bHJp2k-Qfg/UeYjWUBM9SI/AAAAAAABOgE/a5aI_PMvEV8/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bHJp2k-Qfg/UeYjWUBM9SI/AAAAAAABOgE/a5aI_PMvEV8/s400/IMG_4931.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Valek, Spencer Marks and Ross Blocher at the buffet. <br />
The captions we could write under this photo are endless. These 3 are all IIG members from Los Angles. This TAM I noticed that I have a lot of photos of them together at meals, always together, no one ever sits in-between them. Makes you wonder.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3fQNt1UWp8/UeYji7VESAI/AAAAAAABOgM/5M9HEkAw-Rs/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3fQNt1UWp8/UeYji7VESAI/AAAAAAABOgM/5M9HEkAw-Rs/s400/IMG_4986.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay Diamond and Mark Edward.<br />
Mark had just arrived to TAM after we all had been there a few days, so this was a friendly hug at the Del Mar late Friday night. Love Mark's expression.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-padk4sM12gE/UeYjnVlc_6I/AAAAAAABOgU/26zkRZW0mYY/s1600/IMG_4992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-padk4sM12gE/UeYjnVlc_6I/AAAAAAABOgU/26zkRZW0mYY/s400/IMG_4992.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Dunning being Brian Dunning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEQvO1rzfsE/UeYjvEi6qsI/AAAAAAABOgc/SgjpwEPWTlA/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEQvO1rzfsE/UeYjvEi6qsI/AAAAAAABOgc/SgjpwEPWTlA/s400/IMG_5020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis Roy and myself<br />
Love this picture because... well I look great in it. Who cares who I'm sitting next to. <br />
Actually Travis is the kind of person you just get along with (or don't, I suppose). He is such a blast to be around and I love this image.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My GSoW team. I think Brian and Greg are trying to come up with the new Wikipedia hand signal. Photo taken by professional photographer Ingrid Laars. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACu6bJHGs8U/UeYkB0Th_-I/AAAAAAABOgk/fCwNu0lmB7I/s1600/IMG_5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACu6bJHGs8U/UeYkB0Th_-I/AAAAAAABOgk/fCwNu0lmB7I/s400/IMG_5140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross Blocher, Charles Valek, Ross Blocher, Stirling Gerbic-Forsyth and Dave Richards<br />
Dinner at the Coronodo Cafe. (see how Ross, Charles and Spencer are sitting together again!) I believe Brian Hart took this photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpkN7iPTBbg/UeYkJyBWoXI/AAAAAAABOgs/LWctKb_IKuo/s1600/IMG_5166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpkN7iPTBbg/UeYkJyBWoXI/AAAAAAABOgs/LWctKb_IKuo/s400/IMG_5166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Edward and Ray Hyman at breakfast<br />
Ray had already eaten, and was walking out to pay when he saw us. He meant to stay for a couple minutes and it turned into 90 of them. Mark and Ray traded magic stories, what a blast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5trg5nVU4to/UeYkOgi_EJI/AAAAAAABOg0/4wq3yV0dEHA/s1600/IMG_5178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5trg5nVU4to/UeYkOgi_EJI/AAAAAAABOg0/4wq3yV0dEHA/s400/IMG_5178.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark, Susan and Stirlng<br />
We wen't tired... okay we were. But I sat down to read aloud a email from Ben Radford about a psychic investigation he had just written for CFI. I believe Matt Madson is taking this photo. Right after he took it several other people came and sat with us while I continued to read the story. I think they just wanted a reason to sit down. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1HBMkuMn3g/UeYkht4kPKI/AAAAAAABOg8/p88MFhDLkQw/s1600/IMG_5223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1HBMkuMn3g/UeYkht4kPKI/AAAAAAABOg8/p88MFhDLkQw/s400/IMG_5223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many photos I took of people rushing over to talk to Mark Edward after the Magician vs Psychic panel on Sunday night. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1e1ECbCndk/UeYk1rGKHbI/AAAAAAABOhE/-_leV4gW-Dk/s1600/IMG_5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1e1ECbCndk/UeYk1rGKHbI/AAAAAAABOhE/-_leV4gW-Dk/s400/IMG_5278.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Randi and myself. Backstage after winning the "James Randi Award for Skepticism in the Public Interest" award.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPGzqTE2yEg/UeYk-wXHQqI/AAAAAAABOhM/vl9EO77ovno/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPGzqTE2yEg/UeYk-wXHQqI/AAAAAAABOhM/vl9EO77ovno/s400/IMG_5300.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark and I are a team.<br />
Who else would be okay with wearing a dinosaur hat with me in public? Stirling and Ross are photobombing the shot, love it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnNKL4INu8U/UeYlL71PTwI/AAAAAAABOhU/E6m9o42qOZs/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnNKL4INu8U/UeYlL71PTwI/AAAAAAABOhU/E6m9o42qOZs/s400/IMG_5307.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recording an episode of Virtual Skeptics. Tim Farley (barely see on left) and Bob Blaskiewicz. I'm trilled to a part of their world! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8ELabVXf4s/UeYldqhmuOI/AAAAAAABOho/bKvpreaqpWs/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8ELabVXf4s/UeYldqhmuOI/AAAAAAABOho/bKvpreaqpWs/s320/IMG_5365.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Del Mar on Sunday night. Stirling and I were exhausted by this time. My eyes were killing me from all the AC and smoke (and little sleep) which is why I'm wearing glasses. I love this photo because Stirling picked up the camera and started snapping photos in a circle and I popped into the frame. I think I like this shot a lot because it just shows the fun Stirling and I have together. We get on each others nerves all the time, but still we hang out all the time. I would have NEVER wanted to be around my parents like this, we have developed a deep friendship and it is obvious how much he means to me. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dg6ia3KxKyo/UeYldyDsADI/AAAAAAABOhk/cbilwo_-r0Y/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dg6ia3KxKyo/UeYldyDsADI/AAAAAAABOhk/cbilwo_-r0Y/s400/IMG_5370.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last shot at TAM, even though we are really tired, we are still having fun. <br />
Stirling is running towards me as I walk toward our room. The colors of South Point. </td></tr>
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-40583892318283511022013-03-30T07:42:00.000-07:002013-03-30T07:42:23.764-07:00Lets start a Love campagin!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Would love to see an official Love your Skeptic Group day, maybe twice a year when we change the clocks back. But something fun where everyone could change their avitar to their favorite skeptic logo for the day as a way to remind others to reach out and support their favorite groups.<br />
<br />
There are many ways we can support our groups, many I have <a href="http://montereycountyskeptics.blogspot.com/2012/10/support-your-local-and-not-so-local.html" target="_blank">mentioned here</a> before. The benefits are great, and it isn't hard.<br />
<br />
Review your favorite podcasts on iTunes (or the equivalent), review a book on Amazon (or where ever) and please please comment on blogs and let them know your thoughts. Set up a small regular donation, they really mean a lot. <br />
<br />
When we build each other up, we are doing outreach. This lets the mainstream media know that we want more science, more skepticism and less nonsense on our airways. We need to send them a message. We are such a small community, we need to be there for each other. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://montereycountyskeptics.blogspot.com/2012/10/2012-podcast-stitcher-awards-vote-today.html" target="_blank">My blog on voting for podcasts on Stitcher </a><br />
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-7442251514013213932012-10-24T21:12:00.000-07:002012-10-24T21:12:14.002-07:00Project Jason and Dr. Phil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Came across this woman's post on the
JREF forum, always a great source for discussion. You should all
know by now that I'm really bothered by the grief vampires that prey
on vulnerable people and this post epitomizes all that, and from the
front lines too. I won't need to add much to her comments, except to
encourage others to write to the Dr. Phil Show and let them know your
opinion on this matter. I don't need yet another project but maybe
there is one of you waiting your turn to step forward and take on
some of the work needed to be done. Personally I think something
needs to be done about the Dr. Phil show.</div>
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I'm copying this text here with the
knowledge that she wants this out as far and wide as possible.</div>
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======================================================</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />Some of you here may remember me. I
run a nonprofit which assists family members of missing persons in
the US, Project Jason. I also authored the blog series, "Psychics
and Missing Persons" and was a speaker at TAM some years back.
<br /><br />I used to be a fairly frequent poster, but my workload
doesn't allow for that. <br /><br />Today, I received a disturbing email
from an Associate Producer at the Dr. Phil Show. <br /><br />She asked me
this question: <br /><br /><i>"We are doing a very interesting show
on Oct. 15, 2012. We will be having a few psychics on the show and we
are looking to speak with a few family members of person who have
gone missing or vanished. If you could please contact me if you have
any people in mind that maybe interested that would be great!"
</i><br /><br />To which I replied: <br /><br />"Hello Alonna,<br /><br />I
know and work with hundreds of families of missing persons, however,
I would NEVER recommend for them to have anything to do with a show
that further exploits these suffering families by exposing them to
the harm caused by "psychics", who are predators. <br /><br />I
would venture to guess that you didn't research our organization at
all, because if you had, you would know that we would be the last
organization who would participate in an activity which only causes
hurt to the families and wastes police time and efforts.<br /><br />Popular
media continues to promote such nonsense, and of course, the public,
who apparently lacks in the ability to think for themselves and
research, takes in all the lies and exaggerations these people make.
<br /><br />Why don't you instead, produce a show in which you showcase
all the valid, scientific means to find missing persons? Why don't
you feature a story about our retreat, the only one like it in the
world, in which we teach families of the missing coping skills and
how they can go on in the face of such a tragedy? <br /><br />I would
invite you to read more about why we take such a strong stance on
this here:
<br /><br /><a href="http://projectjason.org/education-training/psychics-missing-people.html" target="_blank">http://projectjason.org/education-tr...ng-people.html</a><br /><br />Also,
read just this one 3-part story about psychic
predators:<br /><br /><a href="http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com/2006/04/42706-pmp-bitter-end-part-i.html" target="_blank">http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com...nd-part-i.html</a><br /><br />Furthermore,
I will alert all of my associates, families of the missing, and
thousands of supporters about this, and ask them to write in to the
show and express their dismay at the subject matter and
decision-making process behind it.<br /><br />I realize the tone of this
message seems quite harsh, but I would venture to guess that you and
the staff who were involved in this show do not have a missing loved
one in their life, nor have done research into the lack of proof of
these claims. You would have no knowledge of how this affects these
families, but if you read all of my material above, you might start
to gain an understanding and hopefully never produce a show in which
you give these predators a platform to peddle their faulty
wares.<br /><br />The only thing I can thank you for is an opportunity to
educate. I truly hope you will take some time to consider our
viewpoint, which is the truth of the matter. <br /><br />With hope for
real solutions to find missing persons,<br /><br />Kelly Jolkowski,
Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski<br />President and Founder,<br />Project
Jason<br />www.projectjason.org"<br /><br />She then replied: <br /><br /><i>"I
apologize if I offend you as that wasn’t my intend.<br /><br />Have a
great day!"</i><br /><br />And I stated: <br /><br />"I wouldn't
say I am offended. I would say that I am very disappointed in the
show.<br /><br />I really, really want you and your staff to consider the
truth of this matter and the harm caused by airing this
show."<br /><br />Naturally, there is no response to this. I feel
confident my email was trashed and she did nor will read anything
beyond the original response. <br /><br />I ask my JREF friends to take a
few minutes and let the show know how they feel about this episode. I
doubt it will change the planned course, but I am hoping that it may
make them think twice before doing it again. <br /><br />Here is a link
to the Dr. Phil contact form:
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.drphil.com/plugger/respond/?plugID=9164" target="_blank">http://www.drphil.com/plugger/respond/?plugID=9164</a><br /><br />Thank
you. <br /><br />Kelly
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I'm sure Kelly is correct, Alonna never
wanted to see her mistake see the light of day. I'm sure her job
depends on keeping her insensitivity secret.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I would like to add that several JREF
posters did write a response to the Dr. Phil show, but probably not
enough of us. I don't know if the show taped with out Kelly's help.
I'm sure they managed to find some families that in their desperation
will go on the show to get more media attention to finding their
loved one. I can say that in the same situation I would probably do
the same. Listen to the grief vampire rattle off their nonsense, then
punch them in the face. That ought to get the media's attention.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One more thing, I often read uninformed
opinions that psychics are all fun and cause no harm. If your
talking about the variety that tells fortunes at the Haunted Hayride
(which is where I'm writing this from, while watching Mark Edward
read tarot cards) then you are correct. But if you are talking about
the psychic detectives and those that say they are communicating with
dead family members, there is plenty of harm. And would love to see
you explain to me where the fun is when a child is missing.<br /><br />Here
is a link from the Klaas Kids foundation I often link to. Its
bookmarked on my computer for easy access, I suggest you do the same.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://klaaskids.org/pg-mc-hazards.htm">http://klaaskids.org/pg-mc-hazards.htm</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-45863774888846171732012-10-20T11:49:00.000-07:002012-10-20T13:22:14.224-07:00Support your local (and not so local) skeptic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So you want to encourage skepticism.
And not necessarily financially? Guess what, its really easy to do.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is a big world, and we are only a
small part of it. Inside that group is an even smaller group,
those of us that are out there producing the videos, podcasts, blogs,
books and articles we are reading and listening to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trust me when I tell you that you can
make a difference, not necessarily just you. But You and You and You
and You. Crowd sourcing as Tim Farley keeps telling us can be very
powerful. Remember the movie “A Bugs Life”? Remember the part
where the main grasshopper is telling the other grasshoppers that it
is important to keep the ants thinking that they are weak, because
when they realize that together they can overpower the grasshoppers,
that will be a very powerful moment. Okay the illustration isn't
perfect, but I hope you get my meaning. When there are a lot of
people focused on one goal, things get done.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not going to talk about my
project Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia here, but it is an
excellent example of crowd sourcing. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our bloggers, podcasters and authors
need our help. If you appreciate their efforts let them know. Leave
a review on Amazon, a comment on their blog and a review on iTunes.
Don't just comment on a social network thread, that comment is
quickly gone, make it more public and permanent. Also when you add
your voice where others can read it, you are influencing others
outside our community.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trust me this kind of activity means so
much to them, we can see counts showing that you are at least
accessing our media, we might even know how long you spent on the
page, we even know what Internet browser your using and what country
you are reading it from. That's about it. We want to know your out
there.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But please also share us on social
networks, it builds our reader/listener base and that is very
important also.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And lastly, if you can afford it,
please consider supporting these people with subscriptions, donations
and also purchasing items from Amazon through the links from their
websites. I can ask you to do this because as an editor of
Wikipedia, I can not accept donations. I have no books out, nor host
a podcast.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not just advocating this in a blog
for you to read, I'm practicing what I preach. I made a conscience
effort in 2012 to take a few minutes each week and leave comments,
write reviews and share links, I also provide a monthly subscription
to two skeptic projects.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One more thing, If you haven't heard
about Tim Farley's promotion of WOT, look up his blog Skeptical
Software Tools when you get a chance. If you are one of the
thousands that have the WOT plug-in, go to these websites and see
what we little ants have done when we all make a teeny tiny effort.
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.sylviabrowne.com/" target="_blank">Sylvia Browne</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/" target="_blank">Burzynski Clinic </a><br />
<br />
You don't have to click through the warning message. No harm will come to your computer if you choose to do though.<br />
<br /></div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-82194689339878071482012-10-13T22:34:00.001-07:002012-10-13T22:34:29.928-07:00Susan on Skepticism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Being involved in the running of a social skeptic meetup, I
occasionally run across people who are not familiar with skepticism, but
identify as atheists, freethinkers or humanists. I've been playing
around with the easiest way to explain what skepticism is to these
people, and have been looking for a good analogy.<br />
<br />
Here's what I've come up with so far.<br />
<br />
Imagine you are in a giant warehouse full of books. Rows and rows of neatly stacked books all sorted into categories. <br />
<br />
One row is book after book on UFO's.<br />
<br />
Another, Cryptozoology<br />
<br />
And another, conspiracy theories. <br />
<br />
If
you were to go into those rows and look closer at the books, you will
notice that even in a section on cryptozoology there are separate
sections on the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and Chupracabras. <br />
<br />
The conspiracy theory row is broken into areas for JFK assassination, 9/11, the moon hoax and Abe Lincoln's assassination. <br />
<br />
And
then you notice there is a section for Atheism, Freethinkers and
Humanists. That's where you will find Dawkins, Harris and Hitchens.<br />
<br />
The warehouse IS skepticism. It isn't a row all by itself, it's the entire building. Skepticism isn't a belief, it's a method.<br />
<br />
Some of us are comfortable in different rows, and some don't have a clue what's in the next row over.<br />
<br />
Atheism is just a row in a large warehouse called skepticism. <br />
<br />
That's
how I think about it at least. When Monterey County Skeptics meets for
dinner, the conversations are lively and varied. We don't only discuss
religion, but also medical claims, psychics and sometimes just a great
movie we just saw. We are just regular people after all. <br />
<br /></div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-48276379457084407552012-10-04T10:11:00.001-07:002012-10-07T19:59:16.702-07:002012 Podcast Stitcher Awards - VOTE TODAY!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So we have another chance to bring skepticism to the attention of the rest of the world. This is crowd-sourcing and activism that can be done from your armchair (as long as you have a Internet connection in front of you) and only takes a few minutes.<br />
<br />
If you are a podcast listener please take a minute to vote on your favorite podcast for the <a href="http://stitcher.promotw.com/index/SR-07340eedb3c086f025399f9e887d5bdf.html" target="_blank">2012 Stitcher Awards</a>.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that this might seem to be a competition between our favorite skeptic podcasts, but in reality we are competing with the rest of the world of podcasts, so make your vote count. <br />
<br />
I'm advocating for Skeptoid as best overall podcast. I'm biased and readily admit it. I LOVE Skeptoid. It just celebrated its 6th anniversary with over 300 episodes. Each episode is transcribed for easy access to all. I don't think he has ever missed a week even when he's sick. While there are many podcasts I think are great, I think Skeptoid has the best chance to win the award in the real world. I know your thinking, no way its a skeptic podcast, it even has a skeptic name. But he is releasing episodes that are really broad, I dare someone to look through his 300+ list of topics and not find many that they just had to read. <br />
<br />
So please consider voting today and every day until October 19, 2012. If you go to this link <span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><a href="http://stitcher.promotw.com/">http://stitcher.promotw.com</a> Brian will send you a email every day reminding you to vote. And before you get all huffy about that, remember we are trying to spread the skeptical message BEYOND our little world, if Brian figured this out before all the other podcasts, then he deserves our vote even more. Get over it and vote. <br /><br />My choices for the other categories.</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Science - Skeptoid</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Overall Show - Skeptoid</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Original Jouralism - Skeptoid</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Educational and Learning - Skeptoid </span><br />
<br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Social Commentary - Skepticality</span><br />
<br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Music - Geologic</span><br />
<br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best New Show - Consequence</span><br />
<br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Entertainment - Oh No Ross and Carrie!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Episode - Skepticality for "<a href="http://www.skepticality.com/drop-penny-gate/" target="_blank">Drop a Penny on the Gate</a>" this is the interview Derek does with the sister whose brother died in Heaven's Gate. </span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Tech - ?</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best TV and Film - Yeah right, TV what's that?</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Sports Commentary - LOL almost as funny as the TV category </span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Health and Lifestyle - again I don't know</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Business and Finance - ?</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Food and Cooking - LOL</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Album Art - What on a podcast?</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1">Best Games and Hobbies - ?</span><br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<span class="" id="lw_1349367916_1"><br /></span>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_5_1349367920653577" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
</div>
sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-69804324973357309292012-09-14T22:29:00.000-07:002012-09-14T23:21:21.343-07:00Dragon*Con - 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My first Dragon*Con. Wow that was something else. First I suppose I should tell you what Dragon*Con is, and then I'll tell you about the skeptic track and my experiences. And I know you will find this surprising... I have pictures and videos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpo2Uquqfg0/UEdh2aTb9KI/AAAAAAABECg/YHaU-XhomTM/s1600/IMG_8524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpo2Uquqfg0/UEdh2aTb9KI/AAAAAAABECg/YHaU-XhomTM/s320/IMG_8524.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The easiest way to describe Dragon*Con is to say "it is a lot like ComicCon, but not in San Diego. D*C is held in Atlanta, GA every Labor Day weekend, I think they are on 20+ years now. From what I understand ComicCon is held in one conference center in San Diego, usually in July (this year it conflicted with TAM) and more people show up 50,000 or so. I've been told that it is nearly impossible to walk through the convention area as it is crazy crowded. They also do not have a skeptic track. <br />
<br />
D*C is a science fiction fan fest. Nearly everyone is in some kind of costume (as you can see from my pictures), SciFi is not the only theme, steampunk, silly and serious and then sometimes wearing nearly nothing IS the costume. One young woman I noticed was wearing jeans and no shirt. Large stickers were covering up her nipples. It all looked pretty commonplace to everyone around. (and no, I did not get a picture of that)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFk80T0EIhI/UEf7YlYm6XI/AAAAAAABEEM/iOiZWD7mMqE/s1600/IMG_8530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFk80T0EIhI/UEf7YlYm6XI/AAAAAAABEEM/iOiZWD7mMqE/s320/IMG_8530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you resist chickens! So cute!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106728757238417452001/DragonCon2012" target="_blank">Here is a link to my images from that week</a> (part in LA and the rest in Atlanta)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-db5XCOMCW00/UEf74m6RawI/AAAAAAABEFI/AE2aOnVVZOo/s1600/IMG_8539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-db5XCOMCW00/UEf74m6RawI/AAAAAAABEFI/AE2aOnVVZOo/s320/IMG_8539.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably my favorite costume</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The way D*C works is the entire downtown Atlanta is taken over by attendees. All the businesses are ready for a crazy weekend, lots of police (hard to tell them from people dressing up like police) and people directing traffic and people standing around hoping to answer questions. There are 5 main hotels, and they are always sold out. These aren't Super8 motels, but the Double Tree, Marriott, Sheridon and such, $300 per night rooms on average, probably a lot more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCF7geQDfk/UEd2Gt_Nu8I/AAAAAAABEDE/mfLhJwoqFCM/s1600/IMG_8527.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCF7geQDfk/UEd2Gt_Nu8I/AAAAAAABEDE/mfLhJwoqFCM/s320/IMG_8527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of one of the hotels. They were massive.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Con has many "tracks" running simultaneously, here are a few...<br />
Alternate History, Costuming, Puppetry, Science, Star Wars, Writers, Wheldon, Trek Track, Podcasting, Robotics, StarGate, Tolkien's Middle Earth, Brit, and Filk. So you have to plan pretty carefully what lectures you want to attend, because the Roboic lecture might be in the Marriott, and the next one, Star Trek is in the Sharidon. The hotels are right next to each other, but the crowds on the Saturday especially were insane. Most people in costume, unable to move quickly, and sometimes taking up way too much space. Riding elevators was never a good idea if you wanted to get somewhere quickly. When you left your room in the morning, you made sure you brought everything you needed,<br />
<br />
If you were interested in a specific track then generally the lectures/shows were held in the same area or rooms. That was really helpful when you only have 30 minutes to get to the next lecture and there might even be a long line to get in. <br />
<br />
So the Science and the Skeptic tracks were held next to each other, I didn't get to attend anything in the science track but I heard they were well attended. Each track has a "Director" in charge. Our Director is Derek Colanduno (from Skepticality podcast and IIG Atlanta). Derek is the "inventor" of Skeptic Track and knows what he is doing. Our main room seated 400+ people, Derek told me that is very unusual for the Con, most rooms seat 100 and are rarely filled. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DlqXI5fR1w/UEf9BbLaR4I/AAAAAAABEHk/GoNASs1eyIQ/s1600/IMG_8559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DlqXI5fR1w/UEf9BbLaR4I/AAAAAAABEHk/GoNASs1eyIQ/s320/IMG_8559.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Skeptic Track room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Within the Skeptic Track there were many lectures on many topics. Again I didn't get to attend most, but the few I went to were great. Everyone wears a large badge, so you don't need a ticket to attend lectures. There are a few workshops you can attend if you pay extra, and if you want autographs of the hundreds of "celeb" you have to pay for a 8x10 picture, then wait in line and get it signed. The price ranges depending on the celeb, I think Gillian Anderson (x-Files) was selling hers for $90 each, Alice Cooper $40.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfmVNJ_JRbA/UEg67dQlBZI/AAAAAAABEVE/1jpt0LfjVtg/s1600/IMG_8680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfmVNJ_JRbA/UEg67dQlBZI/AAAAAAABEVE/1jpt0LfjVtg/s320/IMG_8680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Skeptic Track room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were two or three showrooms full of everything, great stuff. Costumes, posters, steampunk guns, light sabers, pins and t-shirts. Lots and lots of stuff.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlFepjzzP3Q/UEg7IEvivSI/AAAAAAABEVg/uYjfIH2zmLQ/s1600/IMG_8686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlFepjzzP3Q/UEg7IEvivSI/AAAAAAABEVg/uYjfIH2zmLQ/s320/IMG_8686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many elevator rides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every night there would be at least one Ball or Event held. They each have a theme, one Mark and I stumbled upon was the zombie ball (get it stumbled... zombies) That was a blast. I think that Dish Network hired a group to promote "A. Zombie for President" and they had this man dressed as a zombie who drug his feet and went everywhere with his blond attractive wife who was wearing this brilliant red dress. She sorta held him up, and she would wave at the crowds by holding up her husband's hand and waving it, it was too funny. They also had secret service and campaigners always near. Then the D*C who were dressed as zombies would follow along behind, I don't think I have ever seen that much blood splatter anywhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y6kUX0SMfE/UEg-I31YQhI/AAAAAAABEbI/8b-JmiUg3l8/s1600/IMG_8753-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y6kUX0SMfE/UEg-I31YQhI/AAAAAAABEbI/8b-JmiUg3l8/s320/IMG_8753-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Another night it was Villains and Heros as the theme. We didn't get to that sadly. There was so much to see that wherever you were at that moment it was so interesting you didn't want to go to the place you had planned on going to. I really wish I had made it to the Klingon Karaoke event, that would have made a great video. <br />
I did get a few videos, they are completely random for the most part, so enjoy the noise and wildness of the event. I didn't want them to be planned or perfect. It might make you a bit seasick, but I want to show what it was really like, you are forever jostled, and everywhere you look there is something to see. I like the way the videos came out because you never know what is going to walk across the screen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jGyWATUHVw/UEhBUdGau9I/AAAAAAABEho/3tCui8AGV10/s1600/IMG_8818-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jGyWATUHVw/UEhBUdGau9I/AAAAAAABEho/3tCui8AGV10/s320/IMG_8818-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmj0Cj5KpPw" target="_blank">Dragon*Con Crowd - Part 1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5aXN0D7Qks" target="_blank">Dragon*Con Crowd - Part 2</a><br />
<br />
There is also a parade on Saturday afternoon in downtown Atlanta. What a mess of a crowd, it was super hot and humid, and very difficult to see much. I went with Mark Edward, Dustin Phillips and Ben Radford, it was fun hanging out with them, but I doubt I will do that again. (Unless I'm IN the parade). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Downey" target="_blank">Margaret Downey</a> arranged everything and is a major help raising funds for the Skeptic Track. What I didn't realize is that the whole town comes out for this parade, and they know all the good places to be. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0a5_3cnqTY/UEhE7gwDXzI/AAAAAAABEqw/qMLZpkUXtgQ/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0a5_3cnqTY/UEhE7gwDXzI/AAAAAAABEqw/qMLZpkUXtgQ/s320/IMG_8950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5aXN0D7Qks" target="_blank">Dragon*Con parade - Part 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k7YOnL4brY" target="_blank">Dragon*Con parade - Part 2</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP7SmEgTADs/UEhFaKoj19I/AAAAAAABEsM/j9lA2Jpp7y8/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP7SmEgTADs/UEhFaKoj19I/AAAAAAABEsM/j9lA2Jpp7y8/s640/IMG_8971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Randi and the Skeptic Track made it in the parade (the first time ever) thanks to Margaret Downey</td></tr>
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As I said, the town is prepared for this invasion. Everyone is very nice. All the hotel staff do all they can to make your stay pleasant, they seem to love the costumes also. And the people are all so nice too. As I said the costumes can be quite elaborate, so you don't know if you are going to poked in the eye with a feather or some kind of tentacle. But no matter where you are, if you are bumped by someone they always say "so sorry". I thought that would wear off by the last days, but it didn't. No matter how inconvenient it was to be in an elevator with a dragon or the Flying Spaghetti Monster, everyone is polite about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97mg_CJwt4g/UEhHZZk6OWI/AAAAAAABExI/pP00lxmUnaw/s1600/IMG_9056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97mg_CJwt4g/UEhHZZk6OWI/AAAAAAABExI/pP00lxmUnaw/s320/IMG_9056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try getting in an elevator with this group.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The one thing that drove me crazy (besides the crowds) was the condition of the downtown. The people were awesome, but the sidewalks were in very bad condition. Lots of trash and only barely handicapped ready. You would think that with all the money brought in this weekend the city would take better care to make sure these vision impaired (I'm talking about the people wearing costumes) attendees were safer. Atlanta is on a hill and I guess it must be difficult to keep sidewalks in shape, but I didn't think they did a very good job even trying. There were many people in motorized wheelchairs (I assume they were needed, and not a part of a costume) and almost nowhere it was a good place to be if you had problems getting around. Children in strollers, very dangerous getting around the crowds.<br />
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If you are going to attend in the future, here are a few tips. Carry a backpack, stuff it with everything you will need. Take snacks (food lines are long) and bring your own water bottle. Also wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer. Don't expect to find fast wifi anywhere you want it, and the hotel charges a lot. Whenever you see an outlet, charge you stuff. You don't know when you will find an empty outlet again. And yes, take your charger with you in the morning.<br />
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One more quick tip. If you manage to get in an elevator, even if it is going the wrong direction. Get in it. Eventually you will go the direction you want. Take the stairs as much as possible. Trust me, with all the food and drink you will intake, you will need to work it off somehow. Otherwise your costume won't fit. <br />
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It seems that there was a lot I wanted to tell you about Dragon*Con and didn't really get to discuss anything about the lectures I saw, or much about the Skeptic Track at all. And believe me there is a lot to tell. <br />
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I'm hoping that the Skeptic Track will be coming out with the videos of the lectures soon. When they do I will write a blog giving you the inside scoop about the paranormal track (yep there is one) vs the skeptic track.<br />
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I'll leave you with this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW8n3u29ySg" target="_blank">one minute video of Megan Jean and the Klay Family Band</a>. I loved them, I meant to go back, but remember. Everywhere you are is interesting. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/meganjeanandthekfb" target="_blank">Here is their FB page</a>.<br />
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sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-25232125236887051442012-08-03T22:29:00.000-07:002012-08-04T20:29:18.387-07:00MCS, TAM 2012 & Sylvia Browne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
What a blast TAM 2012 was. The people as usual were amazing, but what I want to tell you about was a smallish event Mark Edward organized almost at the last minute, a field trip to protest Sylvia Browne in Vegas.<br />
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I'm going to recount the chain of events in the hope that others can see how little preparation it takes to do something like this.<br />
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So my friend Paula announced to many of us in the IIG that Sylvia Browne would be preforming at a downtown casino during TAM. I started a secret Facebook group and we had some conversations with people, but nothing came of it. Mark printed a bunch of cold-reading flyers and then he printed a list of Sylvia's most egregious failures (4 on a sheet) for people to Google. He made about 100 copies of each and brought them to TAM, just in case.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9OgATZ0tuA/UByi1q3mOtI/AAAAAAABDBQ/WtlH4VkBxUQ/s1600/IMG_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9OgATZ0tuA/UByi1q3mOtI/AAAAAAABDBQ/WtlH4VkBxUQ/s640/IMG_6854.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Steve Wheeler, Stirling Gerbic-Forsyth, Charles Valek, Horse's Ass, Jim Underdown, Mark Edward. </td></tr>
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So anyone who has been to TAM knows, everything is always happening all the time. There is no "down-time", no empty time that you are hoping to fill. You turn around in line at the buffet and there is someone wearing a TAM nametag and 30 seconds later you find you're in deep conversation and fast friends. That's the nature of being in a skeptic's conference. <br />
<br />
Mark is a doer. He also has a degree in art, which included studies in performance and conceptual art. He grew up in the 60's, and he assures me that people took to the street and got in people's faces when there were problems. So Mark just announced, Friday at 6:00 we are going to stand outside Sylvia's show and see what trouble we can get into. Mark printed flyers and we were ready to hand them out. We posted on the TAM whiteboard an announcement for people to meet us at the horses's ass (at the large bronze cowboy statue near the meeting rooms) at 5:45pm on Friday, to visit Sylvia. That was it, all the planning we needed.<br />
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What happened to improve that was when we remembered that Brad Lutts (from Reno Skeptics) was hand delivering the Convicted Felon Banner to Ben Radford. I texted Brad and asked if he would bring the banner to the IIG table. He went up to his room and brought down 2 banners. I want to mention at this point that the IIG is in possession of these banners and you can contact us at info@iigwest.org if you want to use them. Ben designed for these to follow Sylvia where ever she tours. No cost, other than shipping is needed. Plus we want to see the pictures!<br />
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The IIG table put up one of the banners to gain attention and also a sign with the date and time. Several of us tweeted to #TAM 2012 our intention to meet. During Friday lunch I texted every person in my phone contacts that I knew was attending TAM. We even had an announcement from the stage. Later we heard from many people how much they would have loved to have gone if only they had known about it. Don't know how much more we could have done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Underdown, Brian Hart & Charles Valek at the IIG table</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
5:45 arrives and only about 5 people have gathered at the horse's ass. We are starting to get a bit nervous, we knew that there was a thunderstorm alert for Vegas at about that time. People started showing up one at a time. We took a small group picture with the banner.<br />
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A few more people arrived, and amazingly Randi walked by. I didn't want to missing that, we took a group shot with Randi, the banner and the horse's ass. Most of the people in the picture left after that shot and didn't attend with us. We knew we needed to leave the protest at 7:00 which is when Sylvia's show started, no sense continuing when everyone was inside.<br />
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Sheldon Helms was just walking by and wondered what the commotion was all about. We encouraged him to come with us to protest Sylvia at a nearby casino and he said, "lets go." Most people didn't even know each other. We were not affiliated with any group, just skeptics attending TAM.<br />
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These were the attendees ...<br />
<br />
Ben Radford <br />
Bob Blaskiewicz <br />
Charles Valek<br />
Jay Diamond <br />
Linda Lawrence<br />
Mark Edward<br />
Ross Blocher <br />
Sheldon Helms<br />
Steve Muscarella <br />
Steve Wheeler<br />
Stirling Gerbic-Forsyth<br />
Susan Gerbic<br />
Tamara Pawulk<br />
<br />
We had 3 cars that we filled up, and one group shared a cab. We got to the casino, it had just rained so the heat level was low for Vegas in July. We had no idea where Sylvia's event was, but finally found the correct place. The walkway was enclosed under construction, which turned out to be a benefit because it was the most direct route to her venue. We couldn't hang up the banners because that would have been illegal, so we were forced to hold the banners. Mark led us in some of the craziest banter that would make side show people smile. He is truly a showman and in his element with something like this. <br />
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The video tells the story much better than I can. We had such a blast. Getting back to the casino we broke up and most went to eat somewhere. Some of us met up later in Room 666 (I kid you not) and watched Ross do some amazing things to the best house's ass picture.<br />
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Then he put together all the video I shot on my little flip camera into the amazing video you now see. He took out a bunch as you can expect. We had a few encounters, maybe I should say, I had a few encounters. I really went after a woman from Sylvia's camp and that just didn't fit with the tone of the video we wanted to portray. Another woman had just seen the Sylvia show the night before and said that Sylvia knew how her husband had died. Tamara talked to her, and seemed to be making sense but the woman's friend was upset and drug her friend away from us, with a last "if gives her comfort, leave her alone" comment.<br />
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We left room 666 at midnight, but Ross came back after the bacon and doughnut party and worked on the video till 4am. The next morning Ross appeared looking his normal Mormon self, cheerful and peppy, with the video on his laptop. We changed a few other things and the next thing you know it was arranged that Ross and I would be on stage after Lawrence Krauss ended his lecture, and right before Penn & Teller did the keynote address. It was a prime time moment.<br />
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Ross went on first and announced me, we talked about how easy it was to get this together and a bit about the banners and I said "do something, do something, do something" until they turned my mike off.<br />
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I took that same flip camera on the stage so below is some video of the audience reaction from the stage. Jay Diamond recorded some of the audience close-up watching the video.<br />
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In the end we learned that sometimes the simplest plans are the best. We also learned that most people don't know who Sylvia Browne is. That was a win by itself. Our sampling was not scientific, and yes, a lot of the people walking by had been consuming quite a bit of alcohol, and were happy to take our fliers into the casino for us. Several hundred were left in the bathrooms, bar and areas near Sylvia's venue. <br />
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If you are planning on doing something similar, Mark suggests that you form teams. One to protest. Another to be part of Sylvia's crowd. And both groups shouldn't act like they know each other. You will have much better results and you probably can infiltrate her venue and maybe even get to punk Sylvia to her face like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BradlE-Uloc" target="_blank">Mark did in 2009. </a><br />
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DO SOMETHING DO SOMETHING DO SOMETHING DO SOMETHING DO SOMETHING<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3YC0U2ZRWQ" target="_blank">The main video</a> - Ross Blocher & Susan Gerbic<br />
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<a href="http://www.skepticblog.org/2012/07/17/how-i-spent-my-weekend/" target="_blank">Mark Edward's Skepticblog</a> on the protest<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwbtUA-AO7U" target="_blank">Ross editing the horse's ass photo</a>- Susan Gerbic<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TZ9lPy5-dY" target="_blank">From TAM 2012 audience reaction from the stage</a> - Susan Gerbic<br />
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TAM 2012 audience reaction - video by Jay Diamond (must find where I put the URL)</div>sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-8571816365799299582012-07-12T11:49:00.001-07:002012-07-12T11:49:46.890-07:00This One's for Opal Jo!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anyone who knows me, knows that within the first 5 minutes of conversation I'm trying to find out enough about your personality to see where I can talk you into helping out the skeptical movement. (at least this is what Stirling thinks I do)<br />
<br />
When we talk about "getting" a psychic and start thinking about all the ways of doing so, we usually end up thinking that with enough logic we should be able to convince followers that the psychic they have just paid to see is a fraud, a cold-reader and a grief vampire. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Tavris" target="_blank">Carol Tavris</a> in her awesome book "Mistakes Were Made: But Not by Me" explains that this is very unlikely to happen. These people have invested time, money and their reputation, supporting their favorite psychic, they aren't going to change their minds easily. <br />
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I love the idea of <a href="http://www.skepticblog.org/2011/06/23/edward-to-edward/" target="_blank">handing out BINGO cards</a> while people are waiting in line to enter an event. I love the idea of banners <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BradlE-Uloc" target="_blank">and punking</a>. But I think there is another approach we haven't tried yet.<br />
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The emotional one<br />
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I've been fascinated with the story of Opal Jo Jennings. This is a 6-year-old girl who was kidnapped in full view of her grandparents yard, with other children watching her being shoved in the chest and thrown in a car by an adult male. Horrible<br />
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The grandmother went onto the Montel Williams show to ask Sylvia Browne for help. (It is totally possible that she actually went to get attention to a stalled investigation) what happened in that one minute exchange with Sylvia/Montel and the Gma was amazing. No words are spoken by the grandmother, everything is said on her face. It is heart wrenching to see. How TV screens were not broken the day this aired is unknown to me. I know that these shows are heavily edited. Usually in favor of the psychic. (I take that back, always in favor of the psychic). So don't know why they left this all in, accept at the time they thought that Sylvia was correct. The applause at the end makes the exchange even more sickening.<br />
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She said that Opal Jo was alive and had been taken from her grandparents lawn in Texas to some unpronounced (I think Asian sounding made up word) place in Japan. There she was being raped over and over as a sex slave. Sylvia told this to the grandmothers face.<br />
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A few months later a registered child molester was arrested and later convicted of kidnapping and murder of Opal Jo. 4 years later in 2003 her body was found 13 miles from her grandparents home IN TEXAS. She had been killed within hours of being kidnapped. <br />
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I think that if Sylvia's fans were approached with this message I think we would have better change of pissing them off. Maybe they would just switch to another psychic? Maybe they would just say "she can't be right 100% of the time". (to which I say, "then she has no business telling them a load of crap like that")<br />
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When looking through YouTube videos about Opal Jo for this blog, I'm struck with how there are none that make the connection between Sylvia and Opal with the emotional element. Most videos are making fun of Sylvia, or how she is always wrong but all told from a "we told you so" point of view.<br />
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I think we should approach this differently. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR7dSYkc-0I" target="_blank">Here is a video of Opal Jo</a> that has only been viewed by 360 people. It is not the best quality but gets the point across. This was a little girl, taken by force from her grandparents front yard and murdered by a stranger. She had family and friends that I'm sure still miss her, the community named a park after her, she was real, she was alive and should be a young woman right now. She and her family do not deserve people like Sylvia disgracing her further. <br />
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Here <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fstopsylvia.com%2Farticles%2Faudio%2Fmontelresopnsetoopenletter_1.wav&h=oAQFA1iOMAQFB5AGW3KPyxAgg6v8DpiLVyz7Bi50SAVz7nw&enc=AZNcESC6XydQqyoT_pc7XhnS1WzTCZBoi3y8WA0M4u-cQ3bRzP1CfE64gNiTLHjMcDUXSKy0VC94uzHZsmbHFlME0o0cWqoYKDZcP8YN6HcBBQ" target="_blank">Montel tells a radio host</a> that he does not believe in psychics, and he thinks Sylvia is funny. Yeah right Montel, I'm sure Opal's family is still laughing. <br />
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Here is one more interview reporter <a href="http://www.religionnewsblog.com/19792/sylvia-browne" target="_blank">Jon Ronston asks Sylvia about Opal</a> ("find" to Opal) <br />
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Today, remember that there is real harm done by psychics. Remember Opal Jo.</div>sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-78207389374466511292012-07-08T23:03:00.001-07:002012-07-08T23:03:30.938-07:00Guerrilla Skepticism on Facebook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So a facebook friend of mine Saravanan Dhakshinamurthy posted a comment on how frustrated he was about seeing the Texas "Dr" Burzynski's movie "Cancer is Serious Business"<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> had high ratings on Netflix </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Normally, I see hundreds of these kinds of posts on Facebook and sometimes I follow the link, but most of the time I don't. The percentage of time I actually act on the post is usually pretty low. I think that is pretty common with most of us, we don't feel personally affected and what can we do about it anyway? Sometimes we "like" the post and maybe even share the link, passing it on to other like-minded FB friends. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">In the end, usually we move on to Onion stories and YouTube videos about cats. Right? </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">In this case I'm going to post some of the comments (yes I have permission) and what I did and how you can too. Tim Farley would call this crowd-sourcing. And Mark Edward would call this "Doing Something". <br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage uiStreamHeadline" data-ft="{"tn":":"}">
<div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2,"tn":":"}">
<span style="font-size: small;">Saravanan Dhakshinamurthy</span></div>
</h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am aghast at this misleading documentary which is highly rated in Netflix called, "Burzynski - Cancer is Serious Business". <br /><br />
Burzinkski is painted as the Biochemist cum Physician who found an
alternative way to treat cancer using "antineoplastons". As you guessed
it, it was Burzynski himself who invented the name for his ineffective
treatment that is not approved by FDA, American Cancer Society</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show">, National Cancer Institute and even covered by your insurance provider. <br /> <br />
The film criminally cherry picks and ignores criticism that no
randomized, controlled trials showing the effectiveness of
antineoplastons have been published in peer-reviewed scientific
journals. All that you get to hear, are testimonies and publications
from Burzynski Clinic, which are tangent to the Independent researches
who found no efficacy whatsoever. <br /> <br /> It is more of an infomercial
to rope in desperate gullible cancer patients who could go bankrupt
paying for this expensive quackery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"> ====</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">LT - Where did you see it?</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show">====</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Saravanan Dhakshinamurthy <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Netflix. It is 4 star rated and came up as top pick for me to watch.</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show">====</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Greg Dorais - Would it be appropriate for
us skeptics with NetFlix accounts to rate that movie as low as possible,
in the hopes of lowering its average score?</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">====</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">LT - Darn good idea</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">====</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Saravanan Dhakshinamurthy</span></span></h6>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I just did that, writing a
review and giving it 1 star. It is currently rated 4.3/5 and the review
section is filled with kin of deceased cancer patients who are visibly
angry that FDA, American Cancer Society, Texas Medical Board and all
others who have been blockading Burzynski from saving countless lives. <br /> <br /> The movie maker has done so much damage to the society </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">====</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;">Greg Dorais - This movie is also available on Amazon. That would be another good place to write a review. <br /><br />
A search for the title "Burzynski: Cancer Is Serious Business" brings
up 3 results for the same movie. 2 DVD's and 1 instant streaming video.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/186-5686134-3228256?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Burzynski+-+Cancer+is+Serious+Business" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.amazon.com/s/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ref=nb_sb_noss/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>186-5686134-3228256?url=sea</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>rch-alias%3Daps&field-keyw</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ords=Burzynski+-+Cancer+is</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>+Serious+Business</a></span> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;">====</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;">Susan Gerbic - <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">An excellent example of
Guerrilla Skepticism using crowd sourcing! Thank you for the great
ideas. Together we can make a difference. </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I don't have a netflix account. Can you list all the places we can review it? I'll do the Amazon one now. </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I also rated some of the
positive comments left as low. Don't want to just copy and paste my
comments on each Burzynski video/book, select one, otherwise it looks
like I have an agenda too. (which I do)<br /> <br /> just posted this. "I
think the most enlightening review I have read here on Amazon about
'Cancer is Serious Business' is this statement left after a positive
comment someone gave.<br /> <br /> "Disclosure: I received a review copy of this DVD from the publisher." <br /> <br /> Need I say more?<br /> <br />
If you still have questions about Burzynsk and his "treatments" maybe
wander over to the Wikipedia page and start reading the links to all the
well-written criticism from real scientists and critical thinking
advocates about the subject. "</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">====</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">LT - </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Bad Netfilx rating done (check)</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">==== </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Greg Dorais - Went looking online for
places to submit reviews on this film. A Google search for the text
"Burzynski - Cancer is Serious Business" yielded the following results
of sites that are either hosting the film for direct streaming, or
offering it for sale. Most of the reviews left so far are seem to be
overwhelmingly positive:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://vimeo.com/24821365" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/24821365</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://youtu.be/Be1ihuZNg84" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://youtu.be/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>Be1ihuZNg84</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://tv.naturalnews.com/v.asp?v=F5B32D25BDC2E1977584DF9A1DF9CC0D" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://tv.naturalnews.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>v.asp?v=F5B32D25BDC2E197758</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>4DF9A1DF9CC0D</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://mayaems.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/burzynski-cancer-is-serious-business/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>mayaems.wordpress.com/2012/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>02/14/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>burzynski-cancer-is-serious</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>-business/</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://www.dailypaul.com/167486/burzynski-cancer-is-serious-business" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.dailypaul.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>167486/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>burzynski-cancer-is-serious</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>-business</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://chrisbeatcancer.com/burzynski/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>chrisbeatcancer.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>burzynski/</a><div style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 16px; width: 16px;">
</div>
<br /> <br /> This was just a cursory search, so there may be other sites as well.</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Also found this page with a
listing of press reviews on the "Burzynski Movie" website. Commenting on
these reviews might be another worthwhile effort.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.burzynskimovie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.burzynskimovie.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>index.php?option=com_conten</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>t&view=article&id=79</a></span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;">There is also a Stanislaw Burzynski Wikipedia page. It, of course, mentions the film:<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislaw_Burzynski" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://en.wikipedia.org/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>wiki/Stanislaw_Burzynski</a></span> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">===== </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Susan Gerbic - </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">We had nothing but problems with getting that WP page to accept criticism. What do you think of the WP page overall?</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">====</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Greg Dorais - Gave the Wiki page a quick
read. Looks like it doesn't cut Burzynski any slack and mentions a lot
of the controversy surrounding his work. Seems pretty good the way it is
(unless I've missed something).<br /> <br /> A quote from the section on "Antineoplaston therapy":<br /> <br />
"Three prominent oncologists described Burzynski's research on
antineoplastons as being 'so flawed that it cannot be determined whether
it really works". One of them characterized the research as "scientific
nonsense'."<br /> <br /> And a quote from the section about the film:<br /> <br />
"The Village Voice commented that the movie 'violates every basic rule
of ethical filmmaking' and that by interviewing only Burzynski's
supporters, the film’s producer 'is either unusually credulous, or
doesn't understand the difference between a documentary and an
advertisement'."</span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">====</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Susan Gerbic - Love the guerrilla skepticism on Wikipedia project! http://guerrillaskepticismonwikipedia.blogspot.com/</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Here
is the stat page for how many people each month are looking at his WP
page. Good thing that we have criticism on the page. <a href="http://stats.grok.se/en/201206/Stanislaw%20Burzynski" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://stats.grok.se/en/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>201206/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>Stanislaw%20Burzynski</a></span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">=======================================</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">So what do you think? Can you carve a few minutes out of your day to help support critical thinking? Read the Wikipedia page for information about this man, comment someplace where fence-sitters and people who really don't know any better will see it. Remember this man preys on desperate families who will try anything to make the cancer go away. The last thing these people need is someone like Burzynski emptying their bank account. </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">If you think that maybe we are advocating ganging up on this clinic when we haven't read the book or seen the movie. Yep that's what I'm advocating. It has been done before for this clinic, we know that he has hired someone to "clean up his reputation on the Internet including Wikipedia" this hired gun threatened a young blogger for writing about Burzynski's clinic. All this is documented on the WP page.</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Tim Farley led a campaign to rate the clinic's website with major negative WOT alerts. Just checked and the link to the clinic still is giving visitors a red alert. <br /><br />Together we can make a difference. </span></span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ffa6ce86157b3529381358">
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"> </span> </div>
</span></h6>
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></div>sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-58354534580332170982012-05-21T09:50:00.001-07:002012-05-21T09:52:25.530-07:00Miss Manners on Atheists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Just can't resist - Miss Manner needs a response.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Rude beyond belief</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<b> <i>Dear Miss Manners:</i> </b> We have
a couple of very vocal families of atheists in our neighborhood. I
recognize that their personal beliefs are none of my business, and that
freedom of religion means freedom to choose nonbelief as well. I respect
their right to refuse donations to charities whose mission they do not
support, and so forth. <br />
The problem that I do have is in their response to people of faith. In our small city, religious organizations frequently host <br />
fundraisers
in support of their charitable endeavors. These include dinners,
carnivals and so forth, and church members can regularly be <br />
found handing out fliers in public areas of the city. <br />
Not
content to say, “No, thank you,” and move on, my well-educated adult
neighbors choose to express outrage at being approached and to mock the
intelligence and the beliefs of the volunteers. <br />
I see similar behavior from staunch members of either political party in our town. <br />
Is
there a polite way to intervene and protect the dignity of someone who
is simply trying to do what they believe is right, and that they have
the legal right to do? <br />
<b> <i>Gentle Reader:</i> </b> If only.
Righteousness and rudeness are a popular combination these days, which
is odd because there is nothing right about rudeness. <br />
Whatever
the cause, rudeness puts its advocates in the wrong. It also damages any
cause. Miss Manners doubts that your neighbors want to plant the idea
that lack of respect for other human beings is a tenet—or an inevitable
result—of atheism. But that is what they are doing. <br />
Still, it
would be rude of you to chastise them. What you can do in defense of
those they embarrass is to say, “I believe that their religion would
require them to respect you and allow you to express your beliefs.”<br />
<br />
<br />
All the evidence we need to answer is stated in these letters. <br />
<br />
"In our small city" - evidently everyone knows that these are atheist families. Why are they continually approached?<br />
<br />
"their personal beliefs are none of my business" - Sounds like the writer thinks just the opposite. <br />
<br />
<br />
"protect the dignity of someone who
is simply trying to do what they believe is right, and that they have
the legal right to do?" - The writer does not seem willing to protect the dignity of her atheist neighbors.<br />
<br />
"I respect
their right to refuse donations to charities whose mission they do not
support, and so forth." - As long as they refuse politely and quietly?<br />
<br />
Miss Manners responds - "What you can do in defense of
those they embarrass is to say, 'I believe that their religion would
require them to respect you and allow you to express your beliefs.'"<br />
<br />
She doesn't mention how the writer is supposed to do this? Should they chase the proselytizer down the street after leaving the atheist's home or maybe a personalized note? Possibly the writer should stand at the window and watch for the proselytizer approaching the atheists home and warn them off? <br />
<br />
Rudeness is not only a raised voice or pointing a finger in someone's face. The moment the fist hits the door resulting in a knock, the proselytizer knows they are approaching someone for money (even an invite to their church is a hopeful call for money). The atheist by raising their voice and stating outrage by stating to "get off my lawn with your pressure for money for a cause that we find aberrant" is no more rude. <br />
<br />
These atheists living in a small town are probably sick and tired of the faithful taking turns trying to get them to see the light. With the pretense "we are telling them about God's love and trying to save their soul from Hell".<br />
<br />
Maybe these proselytizers would think differently if the atheist showed up on their door with a copy of Richard Dawkin's "The God Delusion" or San Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation" under their arm? Maybe distributing fliers asking for money for church state separation issues? <br />
<br />
Face it Miss Manners, you don't have a clue how it feels to be the minority in a small city. For some reason atheists are just supposed to "take it" and remain eternally polite to people who keep trying to shove religion down their throats.<br />
<br />
Maybe a better policy would be for the religious community to invite their atheist neighbors over for a bar-b-que one summer night. Talk about everything but politics and religion, get to know that atheists after all are just people too. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-67516146916172802532012-05-16T22:41:00.000-07:002012-05-16T22:41:05.198-07:00MCS visit NASA Ames<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What a thrill. I did a lot of smiling today. Thank you Howard Scherr for organizing the whole event. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xhZzXkx9Ec/T7R2p6CxwbI/AAAAAAAA9ts/8wdHbXwP3FQ/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xhZzXkx9Ec/T7R2p6CxwbI/AAAAAAAA9ts/8wdHbXwP3FQ/s320/IMG_5533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm not going to go into a lot of detail about the tour because I'm sure you can find all you want to know on Wikipedia or the Ames website. This is more my impressions of the day.<br />
<br />
The campus is really large with crazy roads all over the place. I looped around a few times when it was time to leave, I didn't even check-out and turn in my badge as I guess I was supposed to. The place is a little city with a post office, park, swimming pool and homes. Lots of bikes all over the place, the few people we saw were really healthy looking. The landscaping was very neglected, looks like they had nice plants and lawns but haven't been able to keep it up. Everything looked like it needed to be watered, mowed and weeded. But you could tell that at one time not too long ago the place must have looked very nice.<br />
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I guess my impression of the place and tour would be pride in all the awesome things that are done here. And sadness because they are completely unfunded. There were cars parked out side buildings, but once inside you saw only a person or two, lots of empty offices. Bimal who was our tour guide and the chief of the Simulation branch said that they had laid off a lot. Maybe half the staff that used to be there. <br /><br />He said that because NASA is not going back to the moon, even more funding was cut. But just like the landscaping around Moffett Field you could tell that not too long ago people cared about the history of the place. All along the hallways are posters with informative pictures and graphs showing the simulator's history. Bimal said that all the posters are outdated, the buildings are old but that really added to the charm of the place. <br />
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The following pictures are of the posters in one of the hallways. They show the history of the simulators. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This image from the 70's shows men painting the simulation on the wall. Now we use computers for everything we forget there was a time when everything was done much differently. </td></tr>
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<br /><br />A few highlights of the tour were of course the simulators. There were several scattered all over the building, Bimal said that there used to be a year wait for training, now they only do 4 or 5 a year. As I said, the interest and money seemed to have dried up. The R & D team now are focusing on air traffic control. The building was enormous. I was lost very quickly. <br />
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Had a great time. The simulators are very small as you can seen in the pictures. The tour was all over the place, lots of stairs too. Glad I wore my sneakers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of several rooms where you can monitor the simulations happening. Unlike North Korea these computers all work, and the cabinets are not empty.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuNLBc5AyLI/T7RywwRy0xI/AAAAAAAA9kg/QGe9FE21ErI/s1600/IMG_5456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuNLBc5AyLI/T7RywwRy0xI/AAAAAAAA9kg/QGe9FE21ErI/s320/IMG_5456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this picture of Howard and I. I'm flying a black hawk helicopter. The chair vibrates and makes a lot of noise to add to the simulation. I could barely reach the petals, but I think I got the hang of flying one of these puppies. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture of Mike Grattan shows the extra window that a helicopter has. On the far right you can see the ground through that window.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simulator Cabs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chief Bimal Aponso</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Loved this simulator. You have to step into a hole about 6 inches deep and lean back on these benches. This is the lunar landing simulator. There is no space for seats. Get it? No space... Anyway, this was really neat. Glenn and are are in side by side stations, and if this had been activated we would have a screen showing us outside. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glenn and Bimal had a lot in common. Both speak with their hands a lot. That's the kind of thing a photographer notices.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of the tour with Bimal Aponao and the model of the simulator.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit blurry. But it states "The information and the eequipment you take with you while traveling may be a Target of a Foreign Intelligence Service" I was really surprised that they allowed me to take all the pictures I wanted. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8jl3AlhspI&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_blank">Video here from the day</a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/106728757238417452001/NASAAmesTourWithMCS" target="_blank">Pictures from the day are here</a><br />
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<br /></div>sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-16902515421417351222012-05-09T16:20:00.002-07:002012-05-09T16:34:26.898-07:00The Psychic Fair, My bars are allinged!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The<a href="http://www.rotapsychicfair.com/"> Rota Psychic fair</a> made it's 27 appearance in Monterey last weekend. Zach, Matthew and I, after a hearty breakfast at the Breakfast Club, took our skeptical minds over for a workout. The Fair in the Monterey room at the Monterey Fair grounds. The room is about the size of a typical High School gym. Thirty or so booths lined the walls where individual vendors were sell everything from Crystals to Massages. In the center of the room was the main attraction. Tables where one could get a one on one reading from any of the 30 to 40 psychics. As tempting as it was twenty bucks is twenty bucks, we all declined. But there was plenty to see and fun to have at the booths.
Asking questions, engaging the vendors, makes the visit worth the $7.00 entrance fee. There were two groups of vendors at the fair, the readers, in the center and the healers in the booth.<br />
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Because I walk with a cane, the healers were very anxious to talk to me and well "heal me". From the very passive crystal healers who pointed out books they were selling which would lead me to the proper crystal, to the very aggressive Independent Wellness Consultant; who knew exactly what would cure me with out even know what it was I had. Everything at his booth was a cure, the cream, the magic water with the magic stone in it to the magnetic shoe inserts. Guaranteeing them by saying it was against the law for him to claim his nostrums worked if they did not. "Oh then you must have FDA approval for these things." I asked. For the first time in almost 10 minutes of constant chatter he said nothing. And as his lips stopped well I know that that point he was not lying.
There were two other "healers" I engaged with.<br />
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There were lots of fliers and signs about EFT. So When I came across the EFT booth I asked what it was all about. A very nicely dressed lady sitting at the booth, gave me the run down on EFT <a href="http://eftforwellbeing.com/">(Emotional Freedom Techniques)</a>. As she spoke I had a deep desire to ring a loud bell whenever she said a new age buzz word, like chi... mind body flow... emotional baggage... Cutting through all the chaff she was talking about cognitive behavior therapy. My Dr. recommend I try cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia. So I recognized it for what is was. Without anyone touching my mind-body energy my insomnia was cured. And I took a six week course offered free by my insurance company. Silly me I could have paid her $250.00 a session, I sleep well but bet my body is still imbalanced and my chi is still an absolute mess. The next one did me for free.<br />
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There was a big sign on a table which said "Ask Me". So I did. She told me about Access Consciousness. Which empowers people to know that they know. I still did not know so she offered to align my bars. For free even. Still not knowing I said, "sure why not". So she had me lay on my back on a massage table, there she put her fingers on my temples and hummed.
After a few minutes of this I asked her "What are you doing?"
"Aligning your Bars" she said in a sing song voice.
"What are my bars?" I asked.
"Blockages that keep you from being you"
"OKAY, than who am I?"
"You are not authentically you" she answered. "You are the you hampered and restricted by moral codes. You see when you bars are aligned you will act without regard to morality which does not apply the the authentic person, whatever you do is right."
"I see" I lied, not really getting a thing. "So if I beat you over the head with the cane, It is right because I do it".
"Yes, because you do it it is right".
"So you would feel it was right?"
"Yes" she said, "Although I would not like it".
Ten minutes latter my bars were aligned, I felt like I had just laid on a massage table without getting a massage and I had no clue what she was talking about.<br />
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There is of course a class http://www.thesheilashow.com/. Might have to leave my cane at home. Think I will pass. After all all the bars on Alvarado street are pretty much in alignment. Beer.
Cheers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-68355260543253466822012-01-19T12:18:00.000-08:002012-03-10T19:17:40.979-08:00Creation Museum Visit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of my goals for 2012 is to put more effort in understanding and empathizing with others, especially those I disagree with. When I told <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Sheaffer" target="_blank">Robert Sheaffer</a> that I needed a picture for his Wikipedia page, and was going to get it even if I had to drive to San Diego to take it myself, he told me that if I came down to visit he would take me to the nearby creationist museum, <a href="http://www.icr.org/" target="_blank">The Institute for Creation Research</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a fun-time road side attraction.</td></tr>
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Never heard of the place, I went to their website and enrolled in their scientific blog. I'm not a science major, I'm a photographer by trade and my college degrees are in social history. I'm a bit overwhelmed with understanding where the logic leaves their articles when I read them. But with Stirling around and also having such smart Facebook friends, I'm able to have other people look over their blog and help me understand the flaws.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We learned at
the National History Museum that we know that T-Rex did not drag his/her
tail on the ground when walking. We have footprints that do not show
tail marks. Scientists believe that the tail was held up and helped the
T-Rex balance.</td></tr>
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I told Robert that I thought I might be uncomfortable going to a creationist museum, giving them money and trying not to giggle throughout the exhibits. He explained that they are a free museum, and I could take all the pictures I wanted so I could hide my giggling behind my camera. When he told me they had a display of Noah's ark complete with a stegosaurus in a stall, I knew I had to go. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nko9EQEawdE/TxhqRUvsQMI/AAAAAAAAxys/AOi8sTFjVgA/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nko9EQEawdE/TxhqRUvsQMI/AAAAAAAAxys/AOi8sTFjVgA/s400/IMG_3141.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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So yesterday, Stirling and I drove the 2 1/2 hours to Santee, CA (which is very near San Diego) Mark was at work, so we had the day to ourselves. Robert was very interesting and I quickly managed to get the Wikipedia picture I wanted and he took us to lunch and then the museum. <br />
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The building is located right on the freeway, very clean and attractive looking with a large T-Rex in the front "smiling" at passing cars. (I parked my car past the museum as I have many Darwin related emblems on the back) As Robert said, they are a free museum and allowed me to take all the pictures I wanted. They have a pretty good sized bookstore full of tracks and books on creationism. I must also add they had a conference area and one of the nicest women's bathrooms I've seen in awhile.<br />
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It is a self guided tour where the days of creation pass quickly being only a few feet away from each other on the walls. We were just about the only people other than employees in the museum. Later we were joined by 3 teenagers who were rushing through the exhibits, the few comments we overheard were them talking about ancient civilizations. <br />
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The museum had videos and free pamphlets explaining their reasons why creationism is supported in the Bible throughout the exhibits. From what I could gather it looked like they found pretty much anything that vaguely sounded like science and used that as evidence. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this guy! 42 duh.</td></tr>
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We did listen to one short video about animals that disproved evolution. The giraffe. Now think about this for a minute before I give their reasoning. Apparently giraffes have very long necks that require a big heart to pump the blood into their heads. The giraffe's head will explode if it didn't have some kind of shut-off valve stopping the blood (maybe it was slowing the blood down?) They believe that the giraffe had to be created as it is now with the special valve intact, otherwise the earlier giraffe's would have just died out each time they bowed over to drink from a stream. I couldn't help visualizing a stream littered with dead giraffe bodies, and one smart giraffe with its head up drinking from rain that is falling.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI_vlX3Z86A/TxhqSgx38EI/AAAAAAAAxy0/zHo54dbacLU/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI_vlX3Z86A/TxhqSgx38EI/AAAAAAAAxy0/zHo54dbacLU/s400/IMG_3144.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Do you see why I have such a problem understanding their logic? They think that everything had to be created as-is otherwise the animal could not have survived to become modern animals. They completely ignore the stages in between a modern giraffe and a ancient one. What do they say about all the transition fossils? That there are still gaps?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOB_ycNKlzc/TxhqTvtAcXI/AAAAAAAAxy4/nT1E7VfK8Z4/s1600/IMG_3150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOB_ycNKlzc/TxhqTvtAcXI/AAAAAAAAxy4/nT1E7VfK8Z4/s640/IMG_3150.JPG" width="456" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real reason our pets don't live forever.</td></tr>
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We were fairly puzzled about a wing devoted to medical science. Very light exhibits (the creation area was very dark) explaining the kidney, heart, cells and that kind of thing. Wikipedia was on black-out that day so we couldn't check facts, but everything seemed to be correct. We weren't sure but think they might have been trying to show how complex the human body is and therefore could only be designed by God. It is also possible that the museum was trying to show itself as being scientific in more areas than just creation. There were videos running above these exhibits as well with 2 men talking, we didn't stay to listen but it is possible they were explaining anatomy from a creationist viewpoint.<br />
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We were there on a Wednesday afternoon and don't know how much busier it would have been on MLK day when were had visited the Natural History Museum in LA which was very crowded. But the donation box at ICR only had a couple dollars in it. There were a few people in the bookstore and sadly we saw a mom drive up with her two boy scouts going inside. Possibly exposing your children to the creation arguments might actually start thinking in the opposite direction? I don't know but would be an interesting discussion.<br />
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My thoughts after reading the ICR science blog, visiting their website and now their museum has really given me something to think about. If I were a Christian who didn't have an interest in science, nor friends/family that exposed me to good science, I think I could be easily swayed into thinking the ICR is doing real science. If you just gloss over the museum and Internet info it does look really scientific. They have pictures of children looking through microscopes on their website, and models of DNA all over the place. The blog writers and the authors of the books even have letters after their names, surely that means something to a person who doesn't know better. And I might add, doesn't care to try to learn more.<br />
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For someone who is just trying to do God's work, and raise obedient God fearing children, while eating dinner all together every night and watching them play soccer, defending creationism is the way to go. It is easy, brain numbing, lazy thinking. When science starts confusing things by changing its mind about how things happen, creationists don't have to think much about the answer. God Did It is always the correct answer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Human anatomy wing at ICR</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one of my biggest problems with the Bible as a teenager. How could humans threaten God by building a temple to the sky? How could God allow families be split apart by forcing them to speak different languages and making them move to other parts of the world? Couldn't they just learn the new language and stay with their family? Questions like these help understand the flaws in the stories. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkDRAiatqSE/Txhql0nj-TI/AAAAAAAAx0k/4_D3mcHaaPo/s1600/IMG_3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkDRAiatqSE/Txhql0nj-TI/AAAAAAAAx0k/4_D3mcHaaPo/s640/IMG_3211.JPG" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best proof they have is that there wasn't a body? Wait a minute, his enemies could not produce his body? Isn't that like trying to disprove a negative? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure why they had this display, guess they just wanted to address the controversy and provide balance in their museum? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This took me a few minutes to understand their point. I finally realized that they are saying that the phrase "men are created" means that the Founding Fathers believe men were "created" and not evolved. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Noah's ark this is what happened to Noah's sons. They changed color and features too which explains why people look different in these countries. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ice Age. Love that polar cap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stirling loved this one. Don't use science, only use the Bible.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were dinosaurs all over the museum. I thought maybe they were trying to be funny, then I realize they are serious. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuEarJS9KyI/Txhqh5H-LCI/AAAAAAAAx0M/yJ14esJTbaM/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuEarJS9KyI/Txhqh5H-LCI/AAAAAAAAx0M/yJ14esJTbaM/s400/IMG_3194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Stirling and Robert at the Grand Canyon. Created in days from the flood waters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the picture I went to the museum to take. Can you see the stegosaurus? Right next to the ostrich, would make sense if the ostrich had its head buried in a hole. I think there is a smiling bear next to them also. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stirling as made a friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ICR's Fossils </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural History Museum's fossils</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess they are trying to show the scale of the ark, not what Noah would drive if he lived today.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymgy-_aSDDA/TxhqYMkGE-I/AAAAAAAAxzU/4uKj4_b9-mc/s1600/IMG_3167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymgy-_aSDDA/TxhqYMkGE-I/AAAAAAAAxzU/4uKj4_b9-mc/s640/IMG_3167.JPG" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What? No worms? Guess they just floated in the water, cause I know I have them living in my compost piles at home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8txAioLxMdI/TxhqXUnmJjI/AAAAAAAAxzQ/a1PXfVnRmfk/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8txAioLxMdI/TxhqXUnmJjI/AAAAAAAAxzQ/a1PXfVnRmfk/s640/IMG_3165.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">600 years of his life? Stirling has a problem with this. I did when I was a teenager, I asked my mom and she explained that they kept track of time differently than we do now. The 6 days of creation was explained the same way. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8i66a7drjDg/TxhqWnw2y7I/AAAAAAAAxzM/BMpjV2YXKfU/s1600/IMG_3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8i66a7drjDg/TxhqWnw2y7I/AAAAAAAAxzM/BMpjV2YXKfU/s400/IMG_3164.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert pointing to the stegosaurus.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muCejJavdEs/TxhqWNyVxpI/AAAAAAAAxzI/96cAMr2inxk/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muCejJavdEs/TxhqWNyVxpI/AAAAAAAAxzI/96cAMr2inxk/s400/IMG_3161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would I be considered picky if I point out that no one proof read this sign before ordering it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk_0ZuEkqsg/TxhqVSmVZ7I/AAAAAAAAxzE/57PNtEvM4hk/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk_0ZuEkqsg/TxhqVSmVZ7I/AAAAAAAAxzE/57PNtEvM4hk/s640/IMG_3160.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock and Roll, maps of Europe, and pans cause Universal Disorder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsU-mw1rGos/TxhqooZGZ5I/AAAAAAAAx00/za2LtBHAQGU/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsU-mw1rGos/TxhqooZGZ5I/AAAAAAAAx00/za2LtBHAQGU/s640/IMG_3221.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A comforting picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like science is performed here. Natural History Museum of LA </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvQ_OXQitSI/TxhqNxXr6jI/AAAAAAAAxyY/ROS5B_DcEjo/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvQ_OXQitSI/TxhqNxXr6jI/AAAAAAAAxyY/ROS5B_DcEjo/s400/IMG_2930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of visitors here taking science seriously. </td></tr>
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<br /></div>sgerbichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14354138750695010886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944295721990291404.post-40889798508485695562012-01-18T13:50:00.001-08:002012-01-18T13:53:27.791-08:00SOPA even pisses off Hitler.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uvXo4sGB7zM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0