(RSVP to see Paranormal Investigator Ben Radford here!)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Paranormal Investigator Benjamin Radford to Speak In Alberta

9/23/2010: The Center for Inquiry, CFI Calgary and the Greater Edmonton Skeptics are pleased to announce three appearances by writer and scientific paranormal investigator Benjamin Radford. Radford is one of only a few investigators in the world who approaches paranormal claims from a skeptical, scientific perspective.

On Thursday, October 21st, Radford will present “Reflections on a Decade of Paranormal Investigation” at the University of Calgary. Radford will draw from dozens of case studies over a decade of personal investigations as he discusses the nature of “unexplained mysteries” such as ghosts, Bigfoot, crop circles, and psychic powers. What does science say about the evidence for these topics? What is the nature of the “unexplained?” Why is there still debate about these issues?

The presentation will take place at 7:30 pm in room CHC 119 on the University of Calgary campus. Skeptics and believers alike will enjoy this interesting and informative talk, which features plenty of time for audience questions.

Radford will reprise his presentation in Edmonton on Friday, October 22nd, at 7 pm in room CAB 243 on the campus of the University of Alberta. Admission for either session is $7.00 for the public and $4.00 for students. Friends of the Center can attend at no cost.

On Saturday, October 23rd, Radford returns to the University of Calgary for “The Real X-Files: a Scientific Paranormal Investigations Workshop.” In the movies and on television, investigating a haunted house, a Bigfoot sighting, or a crop circle looks easy. How do real-life paranormal investigators go about separating
truth from myth?

In this unique, intensive workshop, Radford will explain the step-by-step process he has employed in over a decade of investigations, including thinking critically, evaluating unusual claims, interviewing eyewitnesses, and conducting field experiments. Rather than attempting to prove or disprove the existence of these phenomena, attendees will learn Radford’s methods for understand and explaining these mysteries using science and evidence.

The workshop will be held at 3:30 pm in room ICT 114 on the University campus. The class size is limited, and you must register to guarantee a space. Admission is $25 for the public, $20 for students, and $10 for Friends of the Center.

Benjamin Radford is the managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer science magazine, columnist for LiveScience.com, and author of five books and hundreds of articles on science literacy, investigation, and the paranormal.

The Center for Inquiry is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity in the United States. The mission of the Center for Inquiry is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Learn more at http://www.centerforinquiry.net/

Contact:
Calgary: Nathan Phelps, Executive Director, CFI Calgary
403-808-5781 or nphelps@cficanada.ca
Edmonton: Desiree Schell, Greater Edmonton Skeptics Press Secretary
780-318-3363 or desiree@skepticallyspeaking.com