Skeptics' Circle

The 123rd Congregation of the Skeptics' Circle

Thu, 11/05/2009 - 14:46

The latest Skeptics' Circle is finally here, written by yours truly! By way of a teaser, I'll relay the first few words. *Hypnotic voice* As you read them you can feel the need to find out more rise up within you...breathe deeply...relax...and follow the link.

Academician: Welcome, one and all, to the 123rd meeting of the Skeptics’ Circle. Hat tip to one of the most important men ever to stand up and say ‘Er…hang on’ for tonight’s theme...

Carnival! Carnival! Submissions to the 123rd Skeptics' Circle

Sat, 10/31/2009 - 16:45

Ladies and Gentlemen! Carnival Season is upon us, or rather: carnival season is upon Blue-Genes.net. For the uninitiated: the Skeptics' Circle is an ancient (by intertube standards) rite where the cleverest clogs in the world get together fortnightly to share their thoughts on many issues that have become clouded by poor logic, bias, and silliness.

When Skeptics Go Bad: From Climate Skeptics to 9/11 Truthers

Wed, 12/17/2008 - 13:17

Skepticism is generally considered to be a Good Thing, especially in the science blogosphere, but taking it too far can be detrimental, and lead to a position indistinguishable from denialism. So just for a change, I thought I'd turn the spotlight on skeptics. For those of you for whom every numbered list needs to have a cute and catchy name, here are the "Eight Signs of Bad Skepticism". Just for laughs, I'll relate these to so-called "Climate Skeptics" and "9/11 Truthers" because... well just because... and it's good for the hit counts.

Excessive/Narrow Pedantry:

The 92nd Skeptics' Circle

Thu, 07/31/2008 - 11:04

The crowded press-room at the rear of Team Skeptic's state-of-the-art Olympic training facility hustles and bustles with the shifting movements of almost three journalists literally climbing over each other to get the clearest view of the buffet table. Nervously I shuffle my papers. This is it. This is what I've been training for. Is that air I can feel through my trouser-zip?

Call for Posts: 92nd Skeptics' Circle (July 31st)

Thu, 07/17/2008 - 16:21

I'm going to be hosting the 92nd edition of The Skeptics' Circle here at TLS in about, ooh, 2 weeks time. Get your skeptical entries to me at a date <= July 30th for best results.

You can see the guidelines for submissions at the website, here. When you've polished off your masterpieces, send them to me at editor@layscience.net.

Latest Carnivals

Thu, 07/03/2008 - 17:30

The 90th Skeptics' Circle is up at The Millenium Project. You can learn about how unicorns really exist, and the Obama conspiracy.

The 68th Carnival of the Liberals is up at Globally Rational.GR has to be the most stylish blog I've seen for a while, but don't let that put you off.

89th Skeptics' Circle Up

Fri, 06/20/2008 - 00:57

Ionian Enchantment is hosting the first ever edition of the Skeptics' Circle to be hosted in Africa! Head on over and show some skeptical support. After that we'll be visiting The Mileni... Milenni... Millenium Project on July 3rd.

I'm also very excited to announce that I'll be hosting the 92nd Circle - a special Olympic Edition - on July 31st, so I'll be asking for entries in a month's time.