Saturday 27 November 2010

Quote of the Week

I maintain there is much more wonder in science than in pseudoscience. And in addition, to whatever measure this term has any meaning, science has the additional virtue, and it is not an inconsiderable one, of being true.

- Carl Sagan

Monday 22 November 2010

Shameless Post Promotion

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy and Current Practice

Hi all. This is a little niche but as it has a skeptical bent I hope it may interest some of you.

As this website is a resource for all SYSS participants if you have a blog or essay you feel would be of interest please get in touch and we'll throw it up here.

Kind Regards,

Tim

Sunday 21 November 2010

How Do I Know If I Might Be Psychic?


Before I complete my write up about Manchester Mind Body Spirit festival I will share some information the The Institute of Psychic Development gave to me at the fair yesterday (I'm sure they won't mind too much).

Their leaflet is entitled, "How Do I Know If I Might Be Psychic?" and lists a number of signs potential psychics should be on the look out for.

These include;

'Common co-incidences occurring in your life'

Yes, plenty of co-incidences in my life.

'Seeing things out of the corner of your eye'

Yes, I have fairly good vision, the corners of my eyes work fairly well.

'Feeling a 'breeze'...'

Ok, this is getting a bit spooky now.

'Strong fascination for psychic or spiritual knowledge'

Wow, I think this would apply to a lot of skeptics, perhaps we are all psychic?

Now I've confirmed I might be psychic, what do the Institute of Psychic Development recommend I do now?

'Home Study, Online & Attended Psychic Development Courses.'

Ah, I see, some cash required... not really too much of a surprise! I don't think it is a coincidence that this list applies to all 6.8 billion people alive today, I struggle to comprehend how anyone wouldn't see right through this list of 'psychic traits' and tell that this group are simply attempting to sell their courses to as many people as possible.

I wonder if Randi would accept items on this list as evidence for claiming the million dollar prize... I think not.

Saturday 20 November 2010

Quote of the Week


There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.
- Enrico Fermi (1901-1954)

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Tumbleweed

Well, it's been a bit quite here for a while hasn't it?

I'm ashamed to say we (Tim & myself) have been neglecting SYSS a bit due to other commitments. Tim's have been a bit more important than mine (his being a new baby).

Hopefully we'll be able to post more soon (I admit I'm a poor blogger) and get some real activism going in the region. God willing. Hopefully.