Committee for Skeptical Inquiry

[SkeptInq@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/14/00 8:44:35 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
marc@marcla.demon.co.uk writes:

This is your reminder about the 'Skeptics in the Pub' meeting for April:

 DATE - Thursday, April 20th
 TIME  - 19:30
 PLACE- Upstairs in the Florence Nightingale pub
 199 Westminster Bridge Road,
 London, SE1,
 Junction with York Road, on the roundabout, near Waterloo station.

 The talk for April is (somewhat provocatively!) entitled: "ARE RELIGIONS A
 VIRUS OF THE MIND?". The talk will be given by Nick Rose. Nick is a
 post-graduate research associate at the University of the West of England
 where he works with Dr Susan Blackmore (author of, among other books, 'The
 Meme Machine').

 Richard Dawkins invented the term 'meme' in the last chapter of 'The Selfish
 Gene', and suggested that memes were the replicator responsible for the
 evolution of culture. Nick will present the idea of memes and cultural
 evolution, and examine Dawkins's claim that religions spread from mind to
 mind much like viruses spread from body to body. The concept of memes is
 both a controversial and exciting one which should make for a fascinating
 talk.

 A welcome is extended to anyone interested in, or skeptical about,  the
 paranormal, alternative medicine, psychic powers, pseudo-science,
 UFOs, alien abductions, creationism, Fortean phenomena, cult religions,
 water-divining, lost civilisations, etc.

 The talk will be followed by informal discussion in a relaxed and friendly
 pub atmosphere. Real ales and food available. Non-skeptics are welcome and
 you can turn up at any time during the night.

 And a further reminder that the meetings for MAY and JUNE only will be held
 on the third WEDNESDAY,ie May 17 and June 21. Other meetings are planned for
 the third Thursday of the month as usual.

 Summary of planned meetings dates:

 Wednesday      17-May-00
 Wednesday      21-Jun-00
 Thursday          20-Jul-00
 Thursday          17-Aug-00
 Thursday          21-Sep-00
 Thursday          19-Oct-00
 Thursday          16-Nov-00
 Thursday          21-Dec-00 (tbc)



 Marc LaChapelle