Annual SkeptiCamp Monterey set Jan. 5

SEASIDE, Calif. — Start your New Year in a skeptical way! SkeptiCamp Monterey 2019 is a day of free presentations on critical thinking, skepticism, science and related topics, and is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 5, 2018 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Co-hosted by Monterey County Skeptics and the Humanist Association of the Monterey Bay Area, SkeptiCamp Monterey will feature a variety of speakers who are active nationally or locally in the skeptic community.

Presentations will take a skeptical look at a variety of topics, ranging from wacky conspiracy theories to the pitfalls of miscommunication. Topics this year include:

  • “Learning: Can It Be As Good As Sex?” by CSU Monterey Bay adjunct professor Don Fischer
  • “So You Think You’ve Heard the Wackiest Conspiracy Theory? Hold My Beer” by Los Angeles skeptic Paula Lauterbach
  • “Questionable Quotations” by Monterey Peninsula writer Arlen Grossman
  • “Arthur J. Cramp: The Quackbuster Who Professionalized American Medicine” by Chicago skeptic Mike Jarsulic
  • “Wildfire Conspiracy Theories” by science writer/skeptical investigator Mick West
  • “It’s Only a Theory,” by Santa Cruz science educator Milos Radakovich

Magician/mentalist/author Mark Edward will also offer entertainment during the day, and “Skepardy!”, a skeptic’s twist on the game show “Jeopardy!” with William Patterson, will engage the audience.

The event begins with a casual get-together on Friday, Jan. 4, 6-9 p.m. at London Bridge Pub, 256 Figueroa St. #2, Monterey. This informal meet-and-greet is a chance to get to know other skeptics and learn what skepticism is all about.

The main event on Saturday, Jan. 5, features short presentations at Seaside Community Center, 220 Coe Ave., near Seaside High School from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Pizza and drinks will be available for a donation during the lunch break. Attendees may bring a bag lunch if they prefer.

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and RSVPs can be made through Eventbrite, http://www.eventbrite.com/e/skepticamp-monterey-2019-tickets-53799556923or by emailing MCSkeptics@gmail.com. Donations on the day of the event are appreciated.

Skepticism is a worldwide movement that promotes critical thinking and evaluation of pseudoscience and paranormal claims based on scientific evidence rather than faith. Celebrities such as James Randi, Richard Dawkins, and Penn & Teller work to promote skeptical thinking; on the grassroots level, local skeptics groups come together for the same purpose.

The Monterey County Skeptics meet monthly to discuss, debate and delve into these matters: www.meetup.com/monterey-county-skeptics.

VOMB

About VOMB

Voices of Monterey Bay is a nonprofit online news source serving California's Central Coast.