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Meeting Program

1997-1998 Season

See the main meeting page for location and time.

	Roswell Revisited, Or, Just Say No...! Lance Moody ART member	13 Sept 1997
News flash! Most players (skeptics, & believers alike) are ready to put this 50-year-old tale to bed. Freshly back from a big UFO conference, our own in-house expert will update us on what has led to this recent consensus.

	Skepticism in School CPS teachers, Jacobs Center Cincinnati Academy of Math & Science	11 Oct 1997
The Dean & two teachers from this magnet school will present a brief summary of factors affecting curriculum-writing in Cincinnati Public Schools. In exchange, we'll provide an overview of skepticism and its importance in analytical thinking. Then, we'll brainstorm what collaborations we might pursue. Should be fun!

	Human Thinking Ann Pratt, PhD Professor Emerita, Psychology, Capital University	08 Nov 1997
Psychologist James Alcock (York University; CSICOP) writes in the area of human thinking, skepticism and belief in psi. Ann, a founder of the new skeptics organization in Columbus, OH, will explore the implications of this work, including musings on good news and bad.

	Near Death Experiences Richard McGrath, STD Professor of Theology, Thomas More College	13 Dec 1997
Now here's a subject that not only refuses to die, but continues to evolve -- most notably in the arena of TV talk-shows. By popular demand, Dick will revive (should that be resurrect?) his informative and entertaining presentation on this topic.

	Fairy Rings & Crop Circles Joe Boggs, PhD; Jim Beuerlein, PhD OSU Extension Agents	10 Jan 1998
In 1995, local TV stations aired claims that UFOs caused brown spots in a Northen Kentucky pasture. In 1996, the appearance of a crop circle in Paulding County, Ohio generated AP wire stories for weeks. Joe and Jim will recount their roles in unearthing the truth. Joe will then share more reasons for horticultural skepticism.

	It's a Mystery Steve Horstmeyer Meteorologist WKRC-TV, editor Weatherwise	14 Feb 1998
The opportunities for a skeptical program based on meteorology range from a review of persistent bits of weatherlore to a discussion of new science or even junk science in the field. Watch our newsletter, Cincinnati Skeptic, for a specific program topic. (This web page will be updated as well.) (Actually, it remained a mystery until the meeting. Steve used meteorology and El Niño as a springboard to talk about science and the scientific method, as well as discussing a few of his pet peeves about science reporting in the mass media.)

	Conjuring in the Classroom Artie Kidwell and Teacher(s) The Magic Shop & Turkeyfoot Middle School	14 March 1998
Conjuring performances can be used as a launching point to teach many principles of science and math. Artie and his cohorts will demonstrate how this approach can be used at the middle and high school levels. Update Artie has graciously delayed his presentation until next year to allow Marc Abrahams to speak. Follow the link for more details.

	Healthy Skepticism Richard Bozian, MD Prof. Emeritus, UC College of Medicine	11 April 1998
Inoculate yourself against outrageous health claims -- acquire a healthy skepticism! Join us as Richard shares practice tips anyone can use to develop their own Bull-O-Meter to sort the credible from the incredi-bull.

	The Power of Placebos Ken Skau, PhD Prof. of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati	9 May 1998
News coverage of health and medical claims often fails to recognize the power of placebos. A grasp of this concept is key to developing a skeptical outlook on heath reports. Of interest to skeptics (as it should be to the media) is the emerging term "nocebo." Join us and be the first on your block to know the difference!

	Scientologists Edna Rawlings, PhD Prof. of Psychology, University of Cincinnati	13 June 1998
Disclosures from a number of "lapsed" members have brought Scientologists and their activities under some scrutiny. Join us as Edna, who has a special interest in the psychology of trauma, examines the implications of what's been revealed.

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