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As you read this I will be somewhere between Boulder and Atlanta (inclusive), attending Dragon*Con, one of my favorite weeks of the year. D*C is a huge (45,000+attendees) convention about scifi, science, fantasy, comics, and also skepticism. Like last year, the JREF has a big presence at the con, and Derek Colanduno from Skepticality, who runs the Skeptic Track, has lots of critical thinking stuff planned.
Below is my schedule, and as you can see it’ll keep me hopping. I’ll barely have time to go dancing again with Felicia Day and hang with Patrick Stewart and William Shatner! I need to pencil them in…
THURSDAY
Star Party in memory of Jeff Medkeff
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Bradley Observatory at Agnes Scott College
FRIDAY
Title: Who Are The Skeptics?
Time: 01:00 pm
Location: 207 / 206 / 205 – Hilton
Description: An introduction to a few of the well known Skeptics and what their passions are.
SATURDAY
Title: What Do We Do Now?
Time: 10:00 am
Location: 207 / 206 / 205 – Hilton
Description: Skeptics we are faced with an overwhelming feeling that there is so much out there which needs attention. The annual Jeff Medkeff memorial panel.
Title: The Astronomer, the Alien Hunter, and a UFO Skeptic
Time: 07:00 pm
Location: Crystal Ballroom – Hilton
Description: Three Four of the world’s leading researchers, and skeptics (Pamela Gay, Seth Shostak, Joe Nickell, and me) discuss the state of UFO and Alien paranoia here and around the world.
Title: Myths In the Movies: How NOT to do Space Exploration
Time: 10:00 pm
Location: Crystal Ballroom – Hilton
Description: Don’t miss these kindred scientists (Kevin Grazier, Jaime Paglia (producer of Eureka) and me) rip apart the biggest myths & fallacies in Sci-Fi TV & movies. Better than a comedy show; guaranteed laughs!
SUNDAY
Title: Are We Alone: A Discussion
Time: 10:00 am
Location: 207 / 206 / 205 – Hilton
Description: Seth Shostak, Pamela Gay and I discuss the current public outreach goals of SETI, and how using the skeptical mindset relates to the work at SETI as a whole.
Title: Stealth Science and Skeptical Thought, aka How to Teach Critical Thinking Skills
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Centennial II – III – Hyatt
Moderator / MC for panel
Description: As skepticism becomes more mainstream, My Close Personal Friend Adam Savage™, Scott Sigler, Rebecca Watson, and Melissa Kaertcher discuss the non-traditional ways they promote science and skeptical thinking. I’m moderating this panel.
Title: JREF Presents: How You Can Combat Woo
Time: 02:30 pm
Location: Crystal Ballroom – Hilton
Description: We live in troubled times, but we can make a bit impact on the world at large. Learn how you can be a major player in shaping the world of tomorrow. Jeff Wagg, Maria Walters, Naomi Baker, D. J. Grothe, and me.
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Title: Dragon*Reading: Phil Plait
Time: 04:00 pm
Location: Marietta – Hyatt
I’ll be doing a dramatic reading from my book, Death from the Skies! Interpretive dance? Maybe.
MONDAY
Title: Dragon*Autograph
Time: Mon 10:00 am
Location: M301 – M304 – Marriott
I’m signing books! Buy two!
So as you can see I’ll be busy. I’ll also be seen at the JREF and IYA tables in the hallway, too, so drop by and say hi!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
What?! You wrote a book?
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
IVAN: I understand he even READ a couple!
J/P=?
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
When I was a kid, we played Dungeons and DRAGONS. None of this “Dungeons and DALEKS” nonsense. Kids these days …
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Kids these days …
When I was a kid…
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
It is bad that I recognize a Dalek prop and actually know what it is? Should I call for help or is it too late?
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
4. Greg Fish Says:
It is bad that I recognize a Dalek prop and actually know what it is? Should I call for help or is it too late?
No, when you’re looking in your tool chest for your Sonic Screwdriver, it’s too late.
J/P=?
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I’m really going to have to find a way to go to D*C next year. I hope you all do the star party again, too. Sounds fun
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I’m still debating with myself whether or not to go. I’ll be paying at the door (which is expensive), and I’m torn between going and using the money to buy a bicycle. I have until tomorrow to decide.
I’ve already missed the star party because my computer had a brain fart and I had no way of knowing/remembering when it was.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Please for the love of FSM, get me a Caprica Six! Just a pic of Tricia Helfer would do, Phil. You don’t have to have your arm around her… actually that would be preferred! LOL Love you Phil!
Oh God… Love you but not in THAT way… in a sciency way…. But I may develop a man crush on you if you get a pic of ANY BSG cast members!
September 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Phil, you clearly have a busy schedule, but you should try to make it to the Sheraton to see a FULL-SCALE REPLICA OF THE TARDIS. It was build by Tara Wheeler and her husband. http://twitter.com/tardis_tara
She’s very cool and I’m sure she’ll let you take a picture from inside it. It’s in front of Grand Ballroom A on the 3rd floor of the Sheraton.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Remember to wear a kilt.
September 6th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
That’s a heck of a lot of skeptics to listen to in so short space of time. I’m not sure my brain could handle it, I think skeptisism is almost a religion in its own right.