Convergence is an annual science fiction and fantasy convention that is held over July 4th weekend in Minneapolis. The Skepchicks organize a “track” at Convergence called SkepchiCON, which is a series of discussions about skepticism and stuff. At the risk of getting into all sorts of trouble, I’m going to be on some of the panels in this track, and I’m planning to attend a few events that I’m not empaneled for. And, just so I’ll know where to find it later when I need it, I thought I’d blog my tentative schedule.
(Please note: The price to register for the CON goes way up on May 15th, so if you are going, register now!!!)
Thursday, July 1
5:00pm – 6:00pm
The Skepchicks are back!
Meet the blogging ladies from www.skepchick.org. With Amy Davis Roth, Bug Girl, Carrie Iwan, Maria Walters
8:30pm – 9:30pm
Skepticism 101
With Steve Thoms, Pamela Gay, Lois Schadewald, Greg Laden
Friday, July 2
9:30am – 10:30am
Science and the Internet
Exploring the sources for scientific information online. Where can you find real scientific information and where will you find bad research, bad data and bad findings? With Greg Laden, PZ Myers, G. David Nordley, Stephanie Zvan
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Stephanie Zvan Reading
Stephanie, author of “The End of Eternity” and “Among the Trees” reads from her work.
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Bulls**t Detection Kit: Why Pseudo-Science Doesn’t Deliver Exploring pseudo science and why it is highly Improbable. It is called pseudo science for a reason. With Ted Meissner, David Walbridge, Greg Laden, Steve Thoms, Bug Girl, Stephanie Zvan, Lois Schadewald
8:30pm – 9:30pm
Physics or Fantasy?
Perpetual motion machines, cold fusion, free energy and other fake science stories. Where do they come from and what does physics really allow? With Jennifer Ouellette, Pamela Gay, Stephanie Zvan, Lois Schadewald
11:00pm – 12:30am
Vilification Tennis
The show that violated fire codes in Harmonic CONvergence is back and they brought their interpreters with them! Enjoy their offensive insults in fabulous sign-o-rama (TM) and learn why they should never, ever, be given microphones. With Tim Wick
Saturday, July 3
11:00am – 12:00pm
Do Ghosts Really Exist?
The science of paranormal investigation. Is it possible that ghosts really exist and how can we prove it? With Stephan Stomberg, Dave Schrader, Rich Shepardson
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Science and the Media
Ways in which scientific findings are reported and distorted by the media. With Bridget Landry, Rachel Maccabee, Stephanie Zvan, Greg Laden
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Women as Skeptical Activists
With Maria Walters, Carrie Iwan, Pamela Gay, Jennifer Newport, Debbie Goddard
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Evolution Mythbusters
We’ll take a look at the common misconceptions of evolutionary theory. The panel will discuss why those misconceptions are wrong and how you can prove it. With Ted Meissner, Greg Laden, PZ Myers, Bug Girl, Lois Schadewald
Sunday, July 4
11:00am – 12:00pm
New Discoveries in Evolution
Our panel will discuss the latest exciting discoveries in the field of biology and what those discoveries are telling us about Evolution. With PZ Myers, Greg Laden
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Smart vs. Intelligent
You don’t have to be a genius to think critically. With Ted Meissner, Maria Walters, Stephanie Zvan, Amy Davis Roth, Debbie Goddard, Pamela Gay
Have you read the breakthrough novel of the year? When you are done with that, try:
or Paperback
*Please note:
Links to books and other items on this page and elsewhere on Greg Ladens' blog may send you to Amazon, where I am a registered affiliate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps to fund this site.