Sheep, Shills and Freedom of Speech in the Conspiracy Community

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Jamie Stanton

Today I commented on “The Sovereign Independent”‘s rant about the Irish Independents’ piece on conspiracy theories. As I was quoted by Ed in the article on behalf of Skeptic Ireland, the Sovereign really let rip and told me I was a New World Order shill. Despite the furious tone of the Sovereign article and ominous threats that I would be “held accountable” for my “inaction”, I wanted to respond to the author Neil and engage in debate. Sadly, the entire comment thread was deleted, so I’m going to post my comments here instead.

Initial Comment

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Poking the bear

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Rebecca

It’s funny how one little quote can inspire such vitriol and anger.

When I was emailed by Ed Power about his impending article for the Irish Independent I immediately thought of one of our skeptics, Jamie. He is much more interested in the “conspiracy theory” end of skepticism and also runs a really interesting group called the Longnow Foundation for Dublin.

So this one little quote, mentioning this website brought down a small (okay, tiny) hail of brimstone down on myself today. I suppose this what happens when you put an email address out there – eventually someone will email you who doesn’t exactly agree with you world view.

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What is going on in the skeptical world?

Posted on May 13, 2011 by smiles302

Homoeopaths consider playing the race card: http://skepchick.org/2011/05/homeopaths-we-can-play-the-race-card/

Will they ever officially admit that they are making it up as they are going along?

We’re told sitting can kill you?: http://imgur.com/eH22I

Are the devil pictures a nice touch?

For some nerdy astrophysics-y fun, there’s a new game out: http://universesandbox.com/

Gravity is all the more fun when crash into each other in fiery explosions.

Particle physicists have again not found the Higgs: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/life-and-physics/2011/may/11/1

They’re just teasing at this stage.

#SuperInjuction : http://www.skeptical-science.com/humor/superinjunction/

How much would you pay so your wife wouldn’t find out about the other woman?

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Richard Wiseman – May 5th Skeptics in the Exchange

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Rebecca

Once again we are lucky enough to bag ourselves an amazing guest through luck and serendipity.

Richard Wiseman has very kindly offered to give us a talk call “Researching the Impossible” at 9pm, Thursday May 5th in Exchange Dublin.

As always in the Exchange we can bring along our own cake, snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Have a look at some of the pictures from the George Hrab gig to see some of delicious treats we enjoyed! Also there is a kettle and mugs, so you can even have a cuppa and enjoy a world-class talk.

See you then!

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Dublin Skeptics in the Pub March 12th

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Rebecca

Our next SITP will take place at 6:30pm til late on Saturday 12th March 2011 in the Lord Edward, Dame Street Dublin.

Some of things that will be discussed: The new government, 1023 Campaign and QED, the upcoming Atheist Conference in Dublin this summer, possibilities of further talks/events, what kind of events would you guys be interested in, and anything else that is weighing on your mind.

Hope to see you there for a drink and a plate of chips!

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My list of thank-yous

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Rebecca

I just wanted to give another big thank you to everyone that helped with the George Hrab gig last month.
It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without Geo wanting to come to Ireland. The fact that he did and was the nicest person you could ever hope to meet just was amazing. But as regards the Irish thanks yous, here goes:

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Sorry, no aliens today

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Nodis

A NASA scientist claims to have identified signs of extraterrestrial bacteria in meteorites…

Look familiar ? Yeah, it’s been all over the interwebs for the last two days.
The only proper comment on it you can read here, on PZ Meyers’ blog

Nuff said.

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Lets just slip those news in there…

Posted on March 3, 2011 by Nodis

Spotted in this mornings’ Metro, page 11, in a small corner box:

TAKING ibuprofen could cut the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by a third, according to new research. Taking the over-the-counter drug two or three times a week may reduce inflammation in the brain that contributes to Parkinson’s, scientists from Harvard School of Public Health said.

That’s the entire text – no further refernce provided and actually a bit misleading as crammed into the middle of another health related post.

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Anonymous vs the Westboro Baptist Church vs the Media

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Stephen

Note: this is a disorganised rant written in the wee small hours of the morning. I take no responsibility for grammar, swearing, or whether or not there’s a point to any of this.

Oh media, when will you learn…

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1023 Campaign Overdose hits Dublin (Airport)

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Rebecca

Fresh off the plane from Manchester, having spent a hectic fun-filled weekend at the QED Conference, some Irish Skeptics did us proud and overdosed on homeopathic Belladonna in Dublin Airport:

For more info on the 1023 Campaign, visit here.

Homeopathy – There’s Nothing In It

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