Darwin Day 2015: Events, Resources and Information

Thursday February 12 is the 206th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin.

Darwin Day is celebrated around the world  by Skeptics and fellow free-thinkers. Here is an article by Rosslyn Ives which discusses Darwin’s life, work and continuing importance.

https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events/darwin-a-great-scientist/

In Melbourne this year you will have at least three opportunities to participate in Darwin Day-related  events.

On Tuesday February 10th there is a Darwin Day Barbecue & Lecture at the Unitarian Hall, 110 Grey Street East Melbourne VIC 3002; barbecue from 5pm, lecture 8pm.

On Thursday February 12th Skeptics, Humanists and Progressive Atheists invite you to a Darwin Day Barbecue in the Boat Shed area of Studley Park. Here is a poster for that event.  https://vicskeptics.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/melbddposter2015.jpg

On Saturday February 14th Melbourne Freethinkers have a Picnic in the Park from 12 pm. Fitzroy Gardens, 230-298 Wellington Parade Melbourne 3002

Most of our teacher friends will already be familiar with Vic Skeptics’ Darwin Day Suite of classroom exercises. There’s something useful here for every year level from Primary to VCE. https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/for-sale/stuff-for-teachers-education-resources/darwin-day-february-12-classroom-suite-of-exercises/

 

February Puzzles

The FEBRUARY 2015 SKEPTICAL CROSSWORD is our fourth crossword to take Logical Fallacies as its theme. Here are the earlier ones:

LOGICAL FALLACIES CROSSWORD 1

LOGICAL FALLACIES CROSSWORD 2

LOGICAL FALLACIES CROSSWORD 3

There’s a set of FEBRUARY 2015 LOGIC & MATHS PROBLEMS

 Fresh Picture Puzzles and Mixed Bag Questions have been posted to the top of the PUZZLES PAGE.

Enjoy!

 

January Puzzles

* Our January 2015 SKEPTICAL CROSSWORD is, as usual, available in both standard and cryptic versions and has Chiropractic as its theme;

* here are the JANUARY 2015 LOGIC & MATHS PROBLEMS ;

* and new sets of PICTURE PUZZLES  and  “MIXED BAG” (trivia type) QUESTIONS have been placed at the top of the PUZZLES PAGE

Enjoy!

Vale Steve Walker — magician and skeptic

(original article http://www.skeptics.com.au/latest/news/vale-steve-walker-magician-and-skeptic/ )

Australian Skeptics is greatly saddened to hear of the death of one of our staunchest supporters, Steve Walker, who died suddenly and far too early on Thursday, December 11.

Past Australian Skeptics president, Barry Williams, writes: “Steve was not only a talented magician, he was also one of those rare people who brightened up the lives of all those who came into contact with him. His use of humour was unsurpassed in making his performances a delight to all who witnessed them.

“The Skeptics owe him an incalculable debt, not only for the innumerable gigs he put on free of charge and which drew record crowds at our dinner functions – he performed at our very first convention in 1985 — but for all his many impromptu performances anywhere a few Skeptics were gathered together.

“Steve’s unfailing good humour did much to convince those who knew him that, despite the perception that some might have that Skeptics are a humourless crowd of despoilers of other peoples illusions, much enjoyment and fun can be gleaned from belonging to Australian Skeptics.

“We may never see Steve Walker’s like again, and we are much the poorer for his passing.”

Steve will also be missed in Victoria. He both presented and performed at the 2002 Melbourne Convention and was MC at the 2006 Melbourne Convention Dinner.

Photos from Auskeptcon14

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Recommended – see these photos full screen mode on Flickr.

The photos in the above slide show are from the recent Australian Skeptics National Convention 2014, held in Sydney. A huge thanks to the Sydney based organisers with ASI, they did a fantastic job. The convention featured the likes of, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Dick Smith, George Hrab, Peter Fitzsimons, Michael Marshall, Dr Rachael Dunlop, Peter Hadfield, Dr Amanda Bauer, the entire Skeptics Guide to the Universe crew and most of the team from ABC’s consumer protection program, The Checkout. A full list of speakers can be found here. Heck – even James Randi dropped in for a cameo!

The convention was held at an excellent venue in The Concourse, Chatswood where everything ran perfectly.  Well done to all involved for an entertaining and inspiring convention.  We look forward to Brisbane next year.

 

December Puzzles

New Picture Puzzles and “Mixed Bag” Questions are in their usual spot at the top of the PUZZLES PAGE
The December 2014 SKEPTICAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE has Famous Skeptics as its theme; and there are ten new LOGIC & MATHS PUZZLES
Enjoy!

The Vaccination Chronicles – If Only

This 27 minute video shares stories of people who saw firsthand the effects of vaccine preventable diseases.

 

Produced by Richard Saunders

– You are welcome to download and/or screen this video in public.