The Sunday Sermon 5
When?
Sunday, March 7 at 2:00PM
Where?
Who?
Sean McHugh
What's the talk about?
Sean will explain features of Hinduism and Indian thought, and go through some arguments for a transcendent plane that eliminates the distinction between an atheistic and theistic realities by including both.
He will then go on to discuss personal gods and fundamental non-rational meaning as issuing from the interface between the relative world and the transcendent or absolute.
We welcome him to the SITP stage.
When?
Thursday, February 18 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Dr. Charles Paxton
What's the talk about?
More information to follow.
The Sunday Sermon 4
When?
Sunday, February 7 at 2:00PM
Where?
Who?
Cameron Pirie
What's the talk about?
As a result of the present economic crisis that grips the world, Maitreya the World Teacher, now stands posied to emerge into full public work. The appearance of an unusual and bright star, now visible and seen by many throughout the world is a sign of His open emergence. This thought-provoking lecture presents an overview of this truly momentous event: the return to the everyday world of Maitreya in July 1977 and his plans, priorities and recommendations for the immediate future. They cover the essential needs of every man, woman and child: an adequate supply of food; housing for all; health care and education as universal rights. Other top priorities include the restoration of the environment and the establishment of world peace.
The key to achieving these goals is a more equitable sharing of the world’s food and resources. According to Maitreya: "Without sharing there can be no justice; without justice there can be no peace; without peace, there can be no future."
When?
Saturday, January 30 at 11:15AM
Where?
Who?
Various
What's the talk about?
It is now fairly common knowledge that at 10:23 on the morning of Saturday 30th January 2010 there will be a mass overdoes of homeopathic remedies in various cities around the UK. We in Edinbugrh will of course be playing our part- and those of you taking involved will know of the location shortly.
After the "overdose" has taken place and we've done a bit of flyering there will be a special Skeptics in the Pub talk and small press conference held at The Newsroom along with talks from several speakers.
The post overdose talk will begin at 11:15 and run through until about 2pm. There will be the usual buffet and a panel discussion taking place. So if you aren't able to come along for the overdose, then join us for a very special Skeptics in the Pub lecture event shortly after- and of course, as its before 5pm under 18s are most welcome.
When?
Thursday, January 21 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Daniela Rudloff
What's the talk about?
Daniela Rudloff has always had a profound interest in critical thinking, leading her to join the German Skeptics in 1994. In 2006 she commenced a PhD in Psychology to find out what keeps Joe Bloggs from being a rational, reasonable and skeptical person.
She’ll give an introduction to the everyday mental shortcuts and biases we all employ, arguing that even though they’re often misleading, they’re also necessary – and almost impossible to avoid.
The Sunday Sermon 3
When?
Sunday, January 3 at 2:00PM
Where?
Who?
Alex Pryce
What's the talk about?
Throughout history there have been many fraudsters making a living from the paranormal. From the Fox Sisters who kickstarted the spiritualist craze through to modern psychics and mediums who have been shown up for using trickery in their performance, the lure of the paranormal con is easy to understand.
People want to believe, and the desperate are easy to exploit for gain.
We look back at 150 years of supernatural shenanigans and address some of the modern day claims in this interactive and fun talk.
Alex Pryce is the founder of Edinburgh Skeptics and runs the group along with Alex Buque, Keir Lidde and Terry Rodgers. He also runs Ghosts Busted, a ghost tour with a skeptical twist and Chimaera Productions, an award winning performing arts company.
When?
Thursday, December 17 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Jack Daniels
What's the talk about?
Its the festive season. To celebrate the season of good will we'll be having a Christmas party at the Newsrooms. There will be food and fun as well as suitable skeptical films and christmassy shows projected and music playing.
Come along and have a skeptical christmas party with us.
(Free entry of course! We couldn't think of charging for this once in a lifetime- well once in a year- party)
The Sunday Sermon 2
When?
Sunday, December 6 at 2:00PM
Where?
Who?
Professor Richard Wiseman
What's the talk about?
Professor Wiseman returns to the group as part of the Sunday Sermon series. He also presents an entertaining and informative talk with lots of flair and entertainment- and the occassional magic trick too.
Professor Wiseman is theProfessor for the Public Understanding of Psychology at Hertfordshire, a passionate advocate for science, Prof Wiseman is well known for his media appearances, high-profile talks, live performances, and large-scale studies. Over 1 million people have taken part in his mass participation experiments, and his YouTube channel has received over 6 million views. Prof Wiseman also regularly acts as a creative consultant for print, broadcast and new media.
We welcome him back for his third stint on our Edinburgh Skeptics stage.
When?
Tuesday, November 24 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Documentary
What's the talk about?
To celebrate 150 years since the publication of "The Origin of Species" we'll be showing the recent dosumentary "The Genius of Charles Darwin". The three part documentary was shown on the BBC last year and presented by Richard Dawkins. The night will be free entry, that means no £2.50 donation as is usually the case.
When?
Thursday, November 19 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Stuart Ritchie and Dr. Marc Surtees
What's the talk about?
This year marks two very special Darwin occassions. The first is his 200th birthday in February, the second event is even greater- on November 24th we will celebrate 150 years since Darwin's book, "On the Origin of the Species" was published.This book revolutionised the world and sent the creationist groups (temporarily) running for cover.
To mark this great event, SitP will be holding a debate to discuss Evolution in the 21st Century as well as the other side.
Edinburgh University Humanist Stuart Ritchie will be defending Evolution. His opponent is zoologist Dr. Marc Surtees a member of the Edinburgh Creation Group.
The two met earlier in the year and a great debate it was too. We hope the rematch will be just as lively.
When?
Sunday, November 1 at 2:00PM
Where?
Who?
Alex Buque
What's the talk about?
Alex Buque is the longest standing member of Skeptics in the Pub and has been involved since the very beginning in March when the other Alex first founded the group.
Alex is a PhD student at Edinburgh University and desires to create a very strong and membership leadsociety. We welcome him to the stage for what should prove to be a great start to our Sunday Sermon series.
When?
Thursday, October 15 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Nick Pope
What's the talk about?
Nick will be a familiar name to all those of you interested in watching the skies. He is formerly of the Ministry of Defense where he ran the British Government's UFO project.
Initially skeptical towards UFOs, his research, and access to classified materials soon convinced him that the subject was worth further investigation.
He has also been approached by psychics offering their ability for Nick's use, but after some basic tests Nick failed to be impressed.
This is not conspiracy theory territory, these are the first hand accounts of a man described as the real life Fox Mulder.
The truth is out there....at The Newsrooms this October.
When?
Thursday, September 17 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
What's the talk about?
Caroline founded the Koestler Parapsychology Unit at Edinburgh University and has an active interest in the psychology of ESP experiences.
In 2001 she was part of the team that descended into the Mercat vaults in the South Bridge to investigate the paranormal goings on.
Tonight she will be discussing the origins of the KPU and her experience with paranormal investigation and parapsychology.
When?
Thursday, July 16 at 8:00PM
Where?
Who?
Professor Richard Wiseman
What's the talk about?
Professor Wiseman is no stranger to the Skeptics in the Pub meetings, having appeared at many down in England as well as being our second speaker here in Edinburgh.
Richard returns to Skeptics in the Pub Edinburgh to entertain us with some magical marvels and to shamelessly promote his brand new book "59 seconds".
Richard was part of a team, which included Caroline Watt (Edinburgh Uni) and Ciaran O'Keeffe (skilled parapsychologist and debunker of Derek Acorah), that in 2001 ventured into the legendary Underground City of Edinburgh to investigate the claimed paranormal activity. The results of the test can be viewed at his website.
An award winning magician before embarking on an academic career, he has been the star of many television programs as well as apearing at The Amazing Meeting in Las Vegas as well as presenting the London TAM later this year (We're very jealous!). We are very excited to have him back.
www.richardwiseman.com