Event Review: David Aaronovich at Merseyside Skeptics in the Pub
July 16th, 2010 | Author: Tom
Every month, the Merseyside Skeptics Society holds a lecture in the grandiose setting of the Vines. Thursday night’s guest was none other than David Aaronovitch, acclaimed journalist and author of Voodoo Histories.
The MSS are a highly socialable, friendly bunch, and I was lucky enough to sit right next to David Aaronovich before his talk, where he was kind enough to share a few anecdotes with us over a beer. When the event itself started, MSS President Mike Hall gave Mr Aaronovich a warm humorous welcome, although he seamed more concerned about the welfare of David’s brother Ben Aaronovich, a scriptwriter for Dr Who!
David’s talk was engaging and passionate, as he effortlessly explored the conspiracy theories in his book Voodoo Histories, including the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the death of Princess Diana, and of course 9/11. Each one was skillfully demolished in turn, and it was a joy to hear his thoughts on the mindset of people who cling to such ludicrous beliefs such as “9/11 truth”. I could have listened for hours, but sadly due to time constraints host of InKredulous Andy Wilson had the unenviable job of cutting him off!
Copies of Voodoo Histories were available at a discount (bargain!) during the interval. I bought a copy, and David was kind enough to sign mine “To Dr Tom!”. Fortunately, someone was around to capture the meeting on camera.
Myself and David Aaronovich (photo from Andy Wilson)
The second half was a Q and A, although each question seemed like a valid excuse to hear more of David’s entertaining thoughts on conspiracy theories. I asked a question on the irreversible mindsets of conspiracy theorists and skeptics, but before I was handed the microphone Mike Hall was kind enough to congratulate me on my PhD graduation! I was touched! Dr Who?
To conclude the evening, and in keeping with the jovial atmosphere, Mike Hall got David to sign one of his brother Ben’s Dr Who books, which was a lovely little moment. After much more chatting and a few drinks, the night was over, everyone I met went home very chuffed. It felt like another step forward for the skeptic cause on Merseyside.
Forthcoming talks look very promising, with August seeing MSS President Mike Hall giving a talk on God, before Dr Evan Harris turns up in September. These events (and the skeptic socials in Dr Duncan’s) are always great fun, and it feels like there is a real skeptic community in Liverpool now. If you see me there, be sure to say hello!
David Aaronovitch signs Mike Hall's Dr Who book (photo from Andy Wilson)
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