I wanted to give James Randi's annual conference in August in Florida a boost by letting you know about the details. It is sponsored by the James Randi Educational Foundation and, of course, our leader and hero will be running the show.
THIS WILL BE A DIFFERENT CONFERENCE THAN WHAT HE IS PUTTING ON FOR US AT CALTECH IN MAY, SO IF YOU ARE INCLINED TO GO TO BOTH YOU SHOULD.
Randi's Announcement:
Sunny Fort Lauderdale beckons....
REMEMBER, AUGUST IS HOT!
What do SKEPTIC publisher Dr. Michael Shermer, science fiction writers Ben Bova and Frederik Pohl, stargazer Jack Horkheimer, futurist Marvin Minsky, and James Randi all have in common?
They're going to be speakers at the upcoming James Randi Educational Foundation's August conference on MEDIA, MYTH, AND MAGIC.
Join us for an exciting discussion of how the media handle both scientific and pseudoscientific claims. In Part I, Michael Shermer, Jack Horkheimer, and James Randi, will deal with myths that have already been dispelled yet continue to be promoted in various forms of media. In Part II, with former OMNI magazine editor Ben Bova and Nebula and Hugo award-winning author Fred Pohl, we'll cover cutting-edge technologies that appear to be paranormal on the surface, yet can be sounder than they seem. Such ideas as nanotechnology and artificial intelligence are actually within our grasp, and we can examine their potential.
More guests to be announced ...
This promises to be an exciting, thought-provoking discussion that will demonstrate the need for critical thinking and how it can be used to encourage progress. And, you'll personally meet and chat with these stimulating personalities.
When: August 6-9, 1998
What: Thursday night reception: James Randi welcomes you
Friday discussion: The Media and the Paranormal
Saturday discussion: Defining the Cutting Edge
Saturday night: Banquet
Sunday morning: James Randi puts it all in perspective
Also, surprise guests, panel discussions, and assorted special events... Martin Gardner, who is one of our heroes, has announced that he'll make every effort to attend.
Where: Embassy Suites Hotel, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Conference registration is $199 per person
Call 1-888-USA-JREF (toll-free) to register
Hotel rooms are $89 per night (plus taxes) and include:
Spacious two-room suites with coffee-maker, microwave, refrigerator, and queen-size sofa sleeper.
Complimentary full cooked-to-order American breakfast
Complimentary cocktail reception every evening
Complimentary 24-hour airport transportation
Outdoor swimming pool, tropical waterfall, steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi
Located within walking distance of several restaurants:
Outback Steakhouse, Wendy's, Bobby Rubino's, Papa John's Pizza, Sagami (Japanese), etc., as well as the Embassy Suites excellent in-house facilities.