http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ A Sanctuary to discuss freethought! en Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:35:42 +0000 http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1448 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:40:43 +0000 admin 1448@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>had such a great time :) </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=246#post-1447 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:24:52 +0000 Chris Higgins 1447@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>...and because I'm such a sweetheart.</p> <p>Adelaide to Sydney - $79 each way</p> <p>Brisbane to Sydney - $69 each way</p> <p>Perth to Sydney - $199 each way</p> <p>Hobart to Sydney - $79 - $99 each way</p> <p>The dates I put in were heading to Sydney on Thursday the 25th of November, and heading home on Monday the 29th of November. The availability on these flights is significantly less than the Melbourne to Sydney ones, so I'd suggest you get in quick if you're happy with the price and are keen to go. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=246#post-1446 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:16:00 +0000 Chris Higgins 1446@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Just booked my flights to Sydney from Melbourne. Virgin have got flights for the weekend of the conference for $65 each way, which is a pretty good price. If you're thinking about going, I'd be jumping on this deal. Sure it might only save you $70 or so, but when you convert that to beer dollars... ;-)</p> <p>See you all there?</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>Chris </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=245#post-1445 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:41:19 +0000 DeTrange 1445@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Everyone keeping up-to-date with the various side-events for the convention? I have here a small, handy list from a gentleman named Andrew, on Facebook. I would be cheerful to be notified of any other events.</p> <p>Thursday, 11th March 2010<br /> Welcome to Melbourne<br /> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=359508393144" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=359508393144</a></p> <p>Friday, 12th March 2010<br /> Post-Opening Food, Drinks &#38; Chat<br /> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=369109758071" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=369109758071</a></p> <p>Saturday, 13th March 2010<br /> The other Saturday Evening Dinner<br /> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=354015462471" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=354015462471</a></p> <p>Sunday, 14th March 2010<br /> Post-Convention Gathering<br /> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=376051426310" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=376051426310</a></p> <p>Monday, 15th March 2010<br /> Victorian Skeptics' Cafe: 'Recent Slowing in Atmospheric CO2 Growth'<br /> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=318086713167" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=318086713167</a></p> <p>Tuesday, 16th March 2010<br /> The Inaugural Mordi Skeptics in the Pub<br /> No facebook event yet - see:<br /> - <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/calendar/12762447/" rel="nofollow">http://www.meetup.com/Mordi-Skeptics-in-the-Pub/calendar/12762447/</a></p> <p>--</p> <p>As an aside; Anyone else staying at the Urban Central backpackers' for the convention? </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=244#post-1444 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:47:10 +0000 hasty 1444@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>here is a link on for Richard Dawkins on Q &#38; A if you missed it</p> <p><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?WT.mc_id=CORP_srch_iview&#38;gclid=CIXd1Neyr6ACFYMvpAodLlkutA#/view/526169" rel="nofollow">http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?WT.mc_id=CORP_srch_iview&#38;gclid=CIXd1Neyr6ACFYMvpAodLlkutA#/view/526169</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=32#post-1443 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:20:40 +0000 Cerca Trova 1443@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>David, fossils are few and far between. The fact that we have so many is rather fortunate in itself. That said, there are numerous notable transitional fossils - check out the following examples;</p> <p>&gt; Archaeopteryx<br /> &gt; Sinosauropteryx prima<br /> &gt; Caudipteryx zoui<br /> &gt; Haasiophis terrasanctus<br /> &gt; Basilosaurus isis<br /> &gt; Ambulocetus natans<br /> &gt; Microraptor gui </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=32#post-1442 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:24 +0000 David Alexander 1442@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Langers, I have two questions for you, and for anyone else who would care to answer:</p> <p>1. if you could identify what, for you is the SINGLE MOST COMPELLING piece of scientific evidence that the universe is NOT the result of an intelligent creator, what would it be?</p> <p>2. If life on earth is the result of an evolutionary process, why is the earth's crust not full of the fossils of the millions of transitional life forms that are supposed to have bridged the gap between the species we have now? </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=243#post-1441 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:37:09 +0000 Dan Buzzard 1441@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>EDIT: I can't figure out how to embed images into posts, even though I've do it before.<br /> My photo is at <a href="http://www.danbuzzard.net/storage/MelbourneGhostOriginal.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.danbuzzard.net/storage/MelbourneGhostOriginal.jpg</a> (1.4MB)</p> <p>I'm here in Melbourne and I decided to take a photograph of the city skyline only to discover a ghostly hand appearing in my photograph. What other possible explanation could there be other than the existence of a Ghost? </p> <p>Of course it can't be a reflection of my hand, that's too sensible it has to be a Ghost :D </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1438 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:26:39 +0000 Dan Buzzard 1438@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Don't wear a crucifix. I think that covers it. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=28&page=4#post-1437 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:47:23 +0000 cpolsonb 1437@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Hi everyone,</p> <p>My name is Christian Polson-Brown and I'm currently in my third year studying Conservation Biology at Edith Cowan University in Perth Western Australia. I am 23 and have had a rabid interest in science and skepticism for many years. I am an avid podcast listener, blog-reader and book lover and spend the majority of my spare time pursuing such things. I blog over at <a href="http://www.friendofreason.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.friendofreason.wordpress.com</a> I'm a dedicated blogger who gets at least one post out every two days. </p> <p>I am also a member of Perth Skeptics, found here at: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Perth-Skeptics/" rel="nofollow">http://www.meetup.com/Perth-Skeptics/</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1436 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:07:02 +0000 DeTrange 1436@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Starting to get pretty excited. Should be a great event.</p> <p>Is there a dress code for the convention? I seem to recall reading something about it, but I can't put my finger on where. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=241#post-1435 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:58:12 +0000 Fuller 1435@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/mar/01/simon-singh-libel-case-chiropractors" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/mar/01/simon-singh-libel-case-chiropractors</a></p> <p>Some days, the world doesn't seem so bad. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=178#post-1434 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:05:21 +0000 vale 1434@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>hy!!<br /> i send you this video!</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AmLcXvanyA" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AmLcXvanyA</a></p> <p>:-) thank's ! bye!<br /> vale </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1433 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:58:37 +0000 genedna 1433@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>PLEASE! Is there any spare tickets that I can buy???</p> <p>I flew all the way to L.A. for the atheist convention last year, can't believe I will miss the one in my home city.</p> <p>I appreciate any news of a spare ticket I can buy.</p> <p>THANK YOU,<br /> Vern </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1432 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:41:58 +0000 Dan Buzzard 1432@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>I forgot the link, the ad clicks through to this facebook group. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=435628195340" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=435628195340</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1431 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:37:01 +0000 Dan Buzzard 1431@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>You've seen my ad?<br /> <img src="http://www.danbuzzard.net/storage/homeopathy-ad.jpg" /> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=178#post-1430 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:49:24 +0000 Bastard Sheep 1430@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Uhm, what? Spam? </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=240#post-1428 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:36:38 +0000 Adrian Morgan 1428@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>What with it being festival season in Adelaide, I think it might be worth discussing, in one place, all those performances which are, for whatever reason, of particular interest to skeptics.</p> <p>For example, The Biscuit Readings <a href="http://thebiscuitreadings.com/" rel="nofollow">http://thebiscuitreadings.com/</a> are coming to Womadelaide this year (to which I'll be going on the Saturday evening). Sounds entertaining, but can any Victorians tell us what to expect from this?</p> <p>At the Fringe Festival, I'll be going with friends to see Dave Bloustein's stand-up comedy routine on the "Complete History of Modern Western Philosophy". Given that skepticism is an important part of philosophy (not to mention the fact that we all like a good joke), I'd say this too is of particular interest to skeptics.</p> <p>On top of that, there are various performances of magic at the Fringe, and probably other things could be added to the list, too. Does anything in particular come to mind? </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=214#post-1427 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:35:32 +0000 Adrian Morgan 1427@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>It's now two months later, apparently, and the quiz discussed above was used as intended at my Dad's party on 20 February 2010. I've also put it online, and you can test your own knowledge of the progress of science over the last sixty years by visiting this site.</p> <p><a href="http://quidjfravzgembtchowlkspynx.com/sciencequiz/start.php" rel="nofollow">http://quidjfravzgembtchowlkspynx.com/sciencequiz/start.php</a></p> <p>(BTW, I didn't end up using the synthetic virus thing.)</p> <p>I suspect there are a number of science geeks in these parts who would enjoy this. I would be interested to hear your scores, errata, opinions on the choice of questions, and any other comments you may have. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1426 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:57:35 +0000 enochthered 1426@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>That anti-homeopathy ad on facebook made my day :D </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=235#post-1425 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:07:42 +0000 mondo 1425@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Not the same person, just a local kook. I've been recording it all on my blog, including yet annother one, this time on water fluoridation. I can barely keep up! </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=239#post-1424 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:55:02 +0000 justy 1424@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Are you a skeptic from the 'gong?</p> <p>You might like to join us at 'Skeptics in the Library'. (Technically outside the library, close to coffee and food.)</p> <p><a href="http://www.meetup.com/Wollongong-Skeptics/calendar/12662186/?a=facebook" rel="nofollow">http://www.meetup.com/Wollongong-Skeptics/calendar/12662186/?a=facebook</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1423 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:38:30 +0000 Dan Buzzard 1423@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>I have an anti-Homeopathy ad that's pending approval to run on Facebook. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=238#post-1422 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:27:47 +0000 hasty 1422@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>I feel this post below on the ABC website is very damaging and poor medicine reporting. The reporter clearly hasn't done research into the placebo effect. And has just taken the researcher at face value with numerous quotes like "Researchers found that people given a placebo improved, sometimes dramatically." The report is also broad and makes it sound like it can be used to treat anything with is very Pseudo-medicine. This article is going to be used by all the pseudo-medicine practitioners </p> <p>The report fails to mention that pervious research has shown that placebos have been reported to improve subjective and objective outcomes in up to 30 to 40 percent (quote from <a href="http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/344/21/1594" rel="nofollow">http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/344/21/1594</a> ) but every ineffective against binary outcomes that can be measured. Which could be seen as confirmation bias or other errors that can occur due to subjective results. </p> <p>Both of the below comments seem to be contradictory. The wording plays up the placebo effect while down plays the trail which on the face would appear to be a good example of a double blind study as all research should be carried out. It also fails to mention if the drug was more effective then the placebo effect even when the patient didn’t know they where having it.</p> <p>"The new research shows that the placebo effect works, even if patients know they are getting a fake treatment.</p> <p>The authors use the example of a trial, where a drug was far less effective if patients didn't know they were getting the medication."</p> <p>Article<br /> <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/19/2824744.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/19/2824744.htm</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1421 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:07:23 +0000 justy 1421@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>OK, so this is preaching to the converted, but you might enjoy "The Skeptheist episode 2 - Homeopathy and Logical Fallacies".</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGDY_IihhSk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGDY_IihhSk</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=28&page=4#post-1420 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:57:01 +0000 justy 1420@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Hey there again, I'm Justy. I have a Masters of Philosophy from the University of Sydney. I'm also known as "The Skeptheist".</p> <p><a href="http://www.skeptheist.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.skeptheist.com</a></p> <p>The Skeptheist is a tubecast about concepts of skepticism and igtheism. The four eps so far are:</p> <p>1. Introduction to Skepticism and Igtheism<br /> 2. Homeopathy and Logical Fallacies<br /> 3. Perceptions of Skeptics<br /> 4. Quantum Nonsense</p> <p>I also run the Wollongong Skeptics Society mentioned by young Jarra above. Hey mate! :) ps check out Jarra's blog chaps and follow along. It's well written and deserves your attention.</p> <p><a href="http://www.meetup.com/Wollongong-Skeptics/" rel="nofollow">http://www.meetup.com/Wollongong-Skeptics/</a> </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1418 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:19:05 +0000 DeTrange 1418@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Yes please, Jason! I'd definitely be keen to be on a YAS table. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=235#post-1417 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:11:14 +0000 enochthered 1417@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Was the letter about "Flaws" in evolution written by the same person? </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1416 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:07:01 +0000 enochthered 1416@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Heh...</p> <p>I love aspirin and antibiotics... because they actually work.</p> <p>As for homeopathy, well, we need to come up with some other reason... </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1415 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:06:29 +0000 Jarrah 1415@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>My partner and I will be going, and would be up for joining others for the Saturday night dinner. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=181&page=2#post-1414 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:17:10 +0000 jbgoestocollege 1414@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Who else is keen to be on a YAS table for the Saturday Night Dinner? </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=28&page=4#post-1413 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:14:30 +0000 Jarrah 1413@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Hi everyone, Im Jarrah. Im 20 and studying Physics at Wollongong University. I've always been very scientifically minded but have only recently stumbled across this idea of skepticism (through the SGU like I'm sure many others). In the last year I have become very passionate about promoting critical and logical thinking. I regularly attend Sydney Skeptics in the Pub and am part of the newly formed Wollongong Skeptics (check us out if your from around Wollongong).</p> <p><a href="http://www.meetup.com/Wollongong-Skeptics/" rel="nofollow">http://www.meetup.com/Wollongong-Skeptics/</a></p> <p>I also have a skeptical blog at </p> <p><a href="http://www.skepticalsayhow.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.skepticalsayhow.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>It is great to be part of such an intellectual and fun group of people. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=28&page=4#post-1412 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:52:56 +0000 mondo 1412@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>G'day, my name is Des and I'm 35 from the Sunraysia region in NW Vic. </p> <p>I was brought up atheist, my mum was raised catholic (nothing creates atheists like catholic school). I grew up very skeptical and loved science. When I got married I took on my wife's family religion, and when we divorced I picked up pretty much where I left of but now with a huge arsenal against religion from years of learning comparative religion and bible study. </p> <p>SGU-&gt;Skeptics Guide-&gt;YAS. Great podcast keep up the good work ;) </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=235#post-1411 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:46:29 +0000 mondo 1411@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Thanks, that letter was from me. I won letter of the week for that. Prize was a Parker Pen and a Tatts Lotto package.......the irony I know!</p> <p>There was also another letter in the same paper titled "Flaws in Darwin's theory of evolution"!!!!</p> <p>What can I do to stop the woooooo!</p> <p>Actually I've started my own blog <a href="http://designatedthinkers.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://designatedthinkers.blogspot.com/</a> to try an tackle a lot of these cooky letters to the editor especially the form letters that get sent all over the country like the one from Ailsa Boyden. </p> http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/topic.php?id=237#post-1410 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:26:44 +0000 RainbowSnake 1410@http://www.youngausskeptics.com/bbpress/ <p>Ewww ... saw this ad on Facebook. It was promoting the Facebook fan-page for "Natural Therapy Pages".</p> <p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4358682405_92d66284e5_o.png" /></p> <p>Is it just me, or does it seem weird to get people to come up with reasons they "love" a particular kind of medicine? (bogus though it is)</p> <p>You wouldn't get people saying "I love asprin because ..." or "I love antibiotics because ..." </p>