South African Skeptics

Hey South African Skeptics!

Hey skeptics

The "skeptics in the pub" is a gathering which is growing in popularity in skeptical communities in the UK and USA.

I was thinking of starting a similar get-together for South African skeptics. I'd like to do our first Skeptics in the pub in a few weeks. There is a lekker pub in Randburg called "Tony's". It has a great atmosphere with pool tables, dart board and, most importantly, cheap drinks.

Every Monday they do a stand up comedy evening which starts at 20h30. I'd like to propose that we meet on Monday the 10th of November at 18h30. We can get to know each other and anyone who feels like it can stay for the comedy afterwards.

Tony's is at the Malanshof Shopping centre, Cnr Hans Schoeman & Phillip le Roux, Malanshof, Randburg.

Who's interested?

That sounds great, count me in.  :)

I'm writing an exam the next morning (coincidentally it will be less than 1km away from Tony's) so I don't think I'll stay late but I definitely will be there for a couple of hours.

James

Awesome! I think it'll be great to meet you James, so I know who keeps giving me skeptical smack-downs :)

I'll be keen to get involved once back in SA (next year).  One possible area of recruitment is Mensa (I reckon there would be a lot of overlap here).  They have SIGs (special interest groups) and perhaps combining this meeting with a sceptic SIG would be a good idea.

Approaching Mensa might be an option but my own experiences with SA’s Mensa chapter have been uniformly less than encouraging, comprising such things as free energy machines, the nutritional woo-woo of a prominent but self-styled SA “expert,” Feng Shui and several other fanciful subjects.  While these things can readily be dismissed as “discussion of interesting topics,” it is simply alarming how many Mensans are at least equally prone to woo-woo as the average Jane and Joe.  The essential problem, I think, is that Mensans are hard to disabuse of their ill-founded notions because they are on average more able and inventive when deploying quasi-defences of nonsense, and compounding such ability with more-than-occasional “Oh, I’m so very clever” puffery.  Members tend to drown out criticism with sheer weight of intellect.

Sadly, the ISPE (http://www.thethousand.com) (formerly “SPE”), which accepts as members only the top 0.1% (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Society_for_Philosophical_Enquiry) in terms of cognitive ability as opposed to Mensa’s 2%, is insufficiently represented in SA.

'Luthon64

Hey Angela, you must be psychic and read my mind! We had discussed getting together previously here (http://forum.skeptic.za.org/introduce-yourself/so-there-is-hope-for-south-african-skeptics-)/) but nothing was done about it. Just this week I was thinking of continuing the conversation and seeing where it went. Well done. I am doing magic lessons on Mondays for the next couple of weeks, but will try to make a plan to come and meet everyone for a drink! Steve

It would rock if I was actually psychic, I could win the million dollar prize.
Well, I think it's a good idea for us to meet our fellow sceptical crusaders :)

Oh boy.  Sounds like I have a little pain coming my way - please be gentle.  Actually, I find it odd that you think that I have been dishing-out smack-downs, ??? I by no means have any sceptical authority from which to do so, so I would prefer being called on that than for you to be silently offended.  I really think I need to look at the language of my posts more closely - I really don't want to offend anyone - well, unless you're an unreasonable believer.

James
(still attending, just bringing my suit of armour in case)

Dang, I'm not in Joburg.  Anyone keen to do a Cape Town version?

I'm keen, unfortunately it seems that we aren't that well represented in the Cape... I'm in Stellenbosch.

Me too, makes it easier.

Not at all James! I'm sorry if my comment came across like that. What I meant is that your Sword of Skepticality is a +4 where mine is only base power. You are a level 14 Skeptic, I am a level 3. Basically - you are much better at this than I am and it will be an honor to learn from you :)

I am a level "imaginary number" skeptic.

That's my Dungeons & Dragons background sneaking in - guess I'm just a massive geek at heart
 ;D

Thanks for organising the event this past Monday.  I thoroughly enjoyed the stimulating conversation.  I'll keep an eye out for the next event.

As you said; as long as there are at least two sceptics it will always be "Sceptics in the pub"  ;D

I must say that it really was a bit out of control.  I had to leave early but by then you were already ordering the second bottle of tequila, I can't imagine where it went from there!  ;)

For those who don't know; Skeptic Detective is having a lot of trouble gaining access to the internet at the moment, so don't expect her to come rush to her defence any time soon.  I'm so naughty  :D.

James
First Johannesburg Sceptics in the Pub (http://acinonyxscepticus.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/first-johannesburg-sceptics-in-the-pub/)

Well done James, I am reall sorry to have missed it. No more magic lessons this year, so hopefully will be able to make it to the next one.

Steve

It's great to hear that you are interested in joining us.  We haven't set a firm date for the next meeting yet (and the venue is up for discussion if it is inconvenient for anyine) but we thought that once a month would be a good start.

See you soon.

James

Sounds like I'm missing out ;)
Anyone left in Stellenbosch over the next few weeks, give me shout!

James! I thought you weren't going to tell anyone about the tequila. Oh well, then I might as well mention the body shots you were enjoying off that hot waitress, hey?

Seriously though, it was great to meet you and with any luck we will have more participation next time around.

If anyone is available on the 15th of December I'd like to have Skeptics in the pub 2.0.

Well, I still don't have my ADSL router back so I have to log off now before I finish the cap on the office 3G card!

See you soon.

I'm a member of the local Mensa. While there's certainly a woo component among them (even at least one young Earth creationist), there's also a strong sceptical focus, particularly among the members who participate in the email forum. They do invite woo speakers from time to time, but this is largely for the entertainment value, and less for the intellectual value of the speaker's content.

There's currently no Sceptical SIG that I know of, but I'm fairly confident that quite a few Joburg Mensans would be interested in a Sceptics in the Pub event. When the plans firm up for the next one, I'll gladly send an invitation to the Mensa email forum, and see what transpires.

Wow, the month has flown-by.  I'm still definitely keen on attending on Monday.  Same pub is absolutely fine with me.

I know many people are away on holiday so I don't expect a huge turn-out.  Show of hands?

Also, looking to the next one, we also have a query from a visiting Sceptic from Durban (who will be here in the first two weeks of January) whether our January meeting will be during that timespan.  We can discuss it, a month is a long time. :P

James

Sorry for calling this off so late (and even though one of my favourite things is drinking alone ;)) but SD can't make it tonight and there doesn't appear to be enough interest to go ahead with the Jo'burg Sceptics in the Pub tonight.

We will have to plan for January instead because most people will be away for December.  Are there interested parties for the 5th of January?  Michael Meadon (http://ionian-enchantment.blogspot.com/) will be up from KZN that week and I might have mentioned that we'd try to have a meeting that week.  Michael is the brains behind the drive for more South African Science and Scepticism blogs (http://forum.skeptic.za.org/general-skepticism/south-african-skepticscience-bloggers-unite/) so join us for a chat about this and all other sceptical goodies on the 5th.

James

Hey there Skeptics!

Yes, it's me! the SD is finally back online and ready to rock the sceptical community! Or any community for that matter, I just wanna rock!

James, the 5th of Jan is good for me. Where shall we meet?

I'm keen to come, what are the details? (I'm not on Facebook anymore -- long story).

Thanks...

Oh yeah. More details ...

5 Jan 2008 from 18h30 at Tony's Bar in Randburg. The shopping centre is called Malanshof shopping centre and it's at the corner of Hans Strydom street and Philip Le Roux avenue. Pop on to Brabys Maps (http://maps.brabys.com/bmaps/map.asp?x=27.977261&y=-26.092211&z=0.005&title=Malanshof, Randburg, Gauteng) to get directions (click on the "Directions" title near the top).

James

Hey there, so Monday was a real blast! check out my blog for a few pics.
www.skepticdetective.wordpress.com

Stay tuned for details of the next meeting.

SD

Well done guys, great achievement! I really hope I can make it to the next one!

Can't believe I am offline for a while and miss getting to meet you guys.
Probably won't make the next one either as I am going back to the US at the end of the month.
Have one for me...

Well, I guess it is time to start planning for the February installment of Gauteng Sceptics in the Pub. As we have a strong Pretoria contingent I have been advised not to call it "Jo'burg" sceptics anymore (thanks Mike). Furthermore, we will also be holding the meetings a little further north. Midrand was suggested as the gathering point.

I do not know Midrand very well anymore (having moved out of the town about 3 years ago), if you do know of a pleasant meeting place in Midrand, please do suggest it.

I suggest that we hold the get together on the 2nd of February at 18h30 as usual.

Also, don't forget that February is bring-a-friend month, so please lure an unsuspecting acquaintance with promises of cookies  ;D

SD

One possibility is Ogilvy’s (http://maps.brabys.com/bmaps/map.asp?x=28.125&y=-25.996667&z=0.0025).  It’s spacious and has a garden but can get quite loud.

It’s located on Tonnetti St, just up from where it T-junctions with De Winnaar, behind The Boulders shopping mall.  From both Jhb and Pta, it’s better to take the New Rd off-ramp rather than Allandale Rd, which should be avoided.

'Luthon64

Oh, yes. I have been to Ogilvy's once. It's ok if you don't mind stuffed animals....

Actually, Ogilvy’s was subject to a major overhaul not that long ago.  They’ve dumped the rustic, colonial manor house feel in favour of a lively beer garden/sports bar atmosphere.

'Luthon64

Thank goodness!
That does not sound too bad.

Ok, we have a small problem. I've gone ahead and posted two different dates for the next SITP, I have used the 2nd and the 9th in two different venues.

I'd like to make it the 2nd (that's tomorrow!) - is everyone ok with that?

Another month, another meeting coming-up.  ;D

2 March 2009 from 18h30-ish.
Ogilvy's in Midrand (map location (http://maps.brabys.com/bmaps/map.asp?x=28.125&y=-25.996667&z=0.0025) - refer to 'Luthon's earlier post for directions).

There is a facebook event doing the rounds; if you'd like to RSVP on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=65070408011&ref=mf) then you'll have a reminder on your facebook page a few days before the event (it's worth going to the facebook page just to see the poster Angela selected for the event).

See you there.

James

No, No, not Ogilvy's!

So is there any interest in another of these? I'd like to meet the people :P

I'm interrested, never been.  ;D

I'm glad that there's new interest in these meetings.  Unfortunately the May meeting was accidentally forgotten (that's what you get for leaving the organisation up to two Star Trek fans in the month of The Movie's release :P) but we're right on track for June.

There will be a Facebook event added within the next couple of days, all members of the South African Skeptics (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25920789463) group on Facebook will receive the invitation immediately.  I will publish the details here too.  It is an open meeting, so bring as many friends and guests as you'd like to.

It will probably be Monday the 8th of June from 18h30.  The venue is up for discussion, but it depends on where the various Gauteng sceptics will be coming from.  If you have any suggestions, let's hear them.  We might only decide where we meet after seeing who responds to the event.

James

Pity one can't be an anonymous member of a fb group.

Hey guys

Is there any chance that we can do a Skeptics in the Pub on Monday the 1st of June? I will be in town that weekend so it would be great to join you all :)

I'll post the details on FB tomorrow morning - no access at work :(

Angela

Yes, the 1^st of June can work for me.  I might be late (I will tell you on the day if I am late) depending on what happens at work, but I would really like to see the Durban sceptics again. :)

James

Yeah could work.

Hi all.  Raise one for me, I'm still in the wrong hemisphere to make it  :(

Well, it will only be me because Michael isn't coming up this time. But I'm keen to see all you folks...
I'm setting up the Facebook invite now.

Where is it being held? Or is that still under discussion?

James will set the venue within the next day or so. Hang on in there :)

Pray silence as "The James" prepares decree the location of the next meeting ... :P

I have no idea.  I have been offline since Thursday.  Does anyone have suggestions?  I am checking who's RSVP'd on FB ... it all depends on who's where and how far they have to travel - I don't like spamming everyone but I'm going to ask the confirmed attendees to make suggestions.  And here at the forum too, for those not on facebook, please make some suggestions and we'll see where it goes from there.

Keep in mind there are some "tentative" RSVPs from Pretoria.  They have to drive a lot further, so Alberton and Vereeniging will be out of the question (sorry ladies ;)).  If all else fails it's back to Ogilvy's.  Let's see where the suggestions lead.

James

Well, I'm happy with (almost) anywhere. I will be coming from Alberton and spending the night in Midrand so anywhere around Midders is good for me. Here is a list of pubs that won't kill you;
http://www.midrand.net/entertainment.html#pubs
Of those I'd say that the Baron & Farrier is the easiest to find.

Yeah I'm a Pretoria ouk, so I'd prefer not going to the south of Joburg. But I can't suggest any pubs in Joburg, only been to a couple of clubs.

I'm in Randburg so whatever you guys do, I'm sure it's fine with me.

Okay, by the end of today we need to decide the location.  So far the suggestions are:

• Tony's Pub, Malanshof, Randburg (it's near to the big Virgin Active fitness centre in Randburg)
• Ogilvy's Pub, Midrand (it's between the Boulders Shopping centre and the N1 highway)
• Baron & Farrier Pub, Corporate Park Centre, Midrand

There was a request on FB to have the event near Pretoria, but there was no suggestion with that so perhaps Midrand will be okay for the P'towners.

Add a specific suggestion and then everyone who plans to attend, let us know which you prefer.  Thanks.

James

I'm going to say Tony's because it's closest to me.  ;D

Either Ogilvy's or B&F, but Tony's is fine with me as well. Just a bit more distance.

Just a heads up, Baron and Farrier has closed down, now a spot called Dukes.... is ok, but don't know if they are open on Monday nights.

Thanks for the info MaximusOdi (and welcome to the forum), I was going to pick the Farrier because it'd be nice to try a new place to see if it's worth becoming a regular location.  I'm not that sure it's a good idea if nobody recommends it.  When we meet it may be easier to discuss alternatives.  I do think, though, that it should be in Midrand because we've had three specific requests for Midrand and only a couple of Jo'burgers wanted Randburg.

Sorry for us Jo'burgers that we have to go North on the N1 a little after rush hour, but we've survived previously.  :)

So, Ogilvy's (again) from 19h00.  Directions to Ogilvy's are available a few posts earlier in this thread, and on Facebook there's a google map location and GPS coordinates for those of you who have a fear of paper. ;)

James

Thanks for sorting that out James - Ill see you guys there on Monday night. And don't feel too bad about driving through after rush hour; I'll be coming from Alberton :S

Thanks for the sit down guys, was fun.

Thanks for joining-in, the chat was awesome fun!

James

The next event is up: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=92012918511&ref=nf (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=92012918511&ref=nf)

Let me know if you need any more details!

The August FB event ;)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109573927615

going in circle's I am.  ;)

facebook is blocked at work so I'll have a look at home. I have a feeling this is for blokes from a different Provence though...

Gauteng region.

Mintaka

  :-\   :'(

Time for the Sceptics in the Pub - Gauteng - September 2009 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/event.php?eid=127051916197) meeting.

Last month we tried a new venue; The Dros in Cresta (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Weltevreden+Road%2C+Randburg%2C+South+Africa).  There were no loud complaints or suggestions of an alternative venue so we'll stick with it this month too.

7 September 2009 at 19h00.  That's just a couple of days before 09/09/09!  And just weeks before the real end of the world; 20h09 on 20/09/2009.  That's 200920092009!!  Oh noes!!!  It's the last one so take this opportunity.

James

:o We’re doomed.  We’re all doomed. :o

'Luthon64

Haha, we had 123456789 the other day as well, 12:34:56 07/08/09. The numerelogists must be having a really bad year, what with nothing happening when it should.

I'm gonna sing the doom song now!

Gir - The Doom Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqcn_TPu4qQ#noexternalembed-normal)

Do we have any Durban Skeptics?

Will definitely be there, but why a Monday?

I'm glad to hear that you'll be joining us.  To answer the question; it was the most popular option in a recent poll of attendees (http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dDRJYThORGtZeXNHdlhldHo4a3NQRnc6MA..).  The poll is closed again, but we will reopen it before next month's meeting.  There might also be a better way to find dates more suitable to everyone with a weighted metric applied to first choice, second choice, etcetera.

A portion of the poll results are shown in the attached picture (for the questions shown all answers are included, but the rest of the questions are hidden for privacy).

James

Thanks, nice graph!

Just cracked open a beer, so I'm getting even more excited now. I usually try to curb my alcohol intake after the weekend, that's why I was curious about the popularity of Monday night, but dealing with the resulting hangover on Tuesday will be a small price to pay for the pleasure of interacting with like-minded individuals.

That you guys seem like even worse alcoholics than me only adds to the appeal. ;D

Thanks again to everyone who came through last night. Good to see some new faces!

It was awesome! ;D

If you have been interested in attending a Gauteng meeting of Sceptics in the Pub but have found the date or location to be inconvenient, now is your chance to have your say on where and when future meetings should be held.

When selecting a day of the week, keep in mind that we aim to start at 7PM so select days which are convenient for that time. To date, all meetings have been held in the Johannesburg or Midrand area, but if you are from Pretoria and don’t want to travel to Johannesburg we would still recommend that you participate. If there is enough interest from Pretoria then we can start a Pretoria meeting which runs in addition to the Johannesburg meeting.

Click here to participate in the survey (http://bit.ly/43AVY4). The survey is open from now until Friday, 25 September 2009. I will compile the results on the 26th and notify all respondents of the results right here and on the Facebook group page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25920789463).

James

That's quite a nice survey page you have there - nice work!

Thank you, although all the hard work in designing a feedback form is done by Google Docs which means that I can't take a lot of credit.

On the other hand, I have compiled the results of the survey in a PDF document for which I can take full credit :). The results are now available here (http://j.mp/4rNqim) for all interested parties.

James

Good thing I checked the Facebook page, nearly missed it:

Sceptics in the Pub - Joburg
Location:Dros, Greenstone
Time:7:00PM Wednesday, November 4th

The Dros website doesn't list any "Greenstone" branch. Where is this?

It's the Dros Edenmeadows branch. On Van Riebeeck road, if you take the Modderfontein offramp on the N3

Excellent, thanks.

It has been an excellent month for Sceptics in the Pub.

This month we celebrated our 1 year anniversary of Sceptics in the Pub by ... uhhh ... drinking ... sceptically.  ;)

But the good news doesn't stop there, Angela has launched Sceptics in the Pub - Durban (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172535208717) and we have found there is enough interest to launch Sceptics in the Pub - Pretoria (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186064172224) in the same month.

So, go on; seek out your fellow sceptics in a city near you!

James

Just a quick announcement.  If, like me, you are interested in growing Sceptics in the Pub in your area (even if there isn't one, it's a good way to start one) or just want something clean to wear to the next meeting, I have uploaded a template for a Sceptics in the Pub T-Shirt that you can now buy online.

Sceptics in the Pub shop (http://www.cafepress.com/Scepticus) (payment in USD, sizing in inches).
Sceptics in the Pub shop (http://www.cafepress.co.uk/Scepticus) (payment in GBP, sizing in centimetres).

It's a "basic" shop at the moment, which means that I don't pay for the space, but I am limited to making only one design available on the shirts.  The tiny mark-up of a dollar is being used to fund the future expansion of the store - ultimately I don't want to make a profit from this, but it would be nice if it is a self-funding endeavour.  

If you are interested in design alternatives (the other spelling, for instance, or different text) then let me know and I can upgrade the shop to a premium shop (which will cost me about $5 a month) and that will allow me to upload more designs.

Obviously, the hope is that this gets picked-up around the world and shirts (not necessarily this exact design) are worn in more and more places which will get more people into the pubs or, at the very least, more people aware of the sceptical movement.  It's not my area of expertise but I imagine that university and college students might enjoy wearing a shirt that promotes going to the pub.  ;)

James

P.S. If you have the ability to make a shirt locally at a lower price and you would just like to steal the logo, you might be able to twist my arm.  ;)

The next two Sceptics in the Pub events are up on Facebook:

Joburg (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189001828837 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189001828837))
Pretoria (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197373980744 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197373980744))

Hope to see you there!

Wouldn't miss it.

i'm a newbie to this community, and find myself wondering if i'm mentally adept enought to join the discussion at the pub.  nothing sucks more than thinking you know stuff, and then you actually dont.
earlier in this post there was referred to pulling mensa into this, and my brain flinched, cause i am by not stretch of anybody's imagination, smarter than the regular joe soap. i dont think my self-esteem cant ake being made to look like a total douche in the company is really smart people.  you know, those with the spectacles and the high foreheads.  that wear the check shirts that have ink stains on the shirt pockets.
is this for seriously brainy people, or can the regular garden variety sceptic join in with their arb ramblings.

Oh please, we sit around and talk a lot of shit generally. I'm sure you'd cope just fine.

cool, cause im one of those strange people with the weird hair and tattoos and piercings, and people generally avoid me, or not take me seriously.
i will try my damnedest to be there 2 dec.

It's really nothing to worry about. At the SiTP's in Joburg so far, it's been consistently a very informal affair, and there are a wide range of perspectives represented: from hard-core academic types, to new sceptics and even the occasional believer. There's room for everyone, and the discussion is almost always light and jovial... no intense debates or anything like that.

(In fact we often spend more time talking about things like music, movies and sports than sceptical things. Okay, I lied about the sports part.)

One of the nice things about SiTP is that there's always someone there who knows more than you do about a given subject... there's plenty to learn, and everyone has something to offer to the discussion.


I wouldn't worry too much about Mensa either... I often say they're the dumbest bunch of smart people I've ever met :) (I'm a former Mensan myself, so I include myself in that category) The idea to invite them came only from the fact that some Mensans I know are sceptics too, and may well enjoy hanging out in a pub talking about sceptical things. As far as I know, I don't think we've had more than 2 Mensans at any given SiTP so far.

We'd love for you to come and join us. And if you've got any sceptical friends, bring them along!

LOL. Just FYI, my avatar pic is an actual photo of me in my Starfleet uniform. Weird is normal for us :)

Another skepchick. Yay! ;D

Sceptics in the Pub, Durban!

Tuesday, 15 December at Beavers.

More details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189635548468 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189635548468)

Woohoo!

I <3 beavers

How was SiTP JHB last night?
Did you guys get drunk and disorderly?
Sacrifice animals to your heathen gods of logic, money and science?
or just chill and chat?

Beavers or Badgers ;)

Dammit... I knew it was something smallish, hairy and started with a 'B'.  :-[

 

Bwarr-har-harrr!
 ;D
Mintaka

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you have all had (or are having) a nice year-end break.

It's time for the January SITP meeting in Johannesburg (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=232387701812), delayed by a week to allow those on holiday a chance to get back in time for the first meeting.

Back to Dros Randburg this time.  (Hmmmm, remind me to investigate if someone involved in the decision making process has shares in Dros). There are some who aren't able go to Greenstone and others who aren't able to go to Cresta, so we might try alternating between months for a while to satisfy some of the people all of the time.  :-\

13 January 2009 from 19h00.
Dros, Cresta
Near Arbor Road, Northcliff (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Arbor+Road%2C+Northcliff%2C+South+Africa)
Johannesburg

Looking forward to seeing you there!

James

JHB SITP for February: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=273058664823 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=273058664823)

And there's a SITP in Pretoria this month too (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=308378985364 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=308378985364)). It's usually one week after Johannesburg, this time on the 17th of February in Menlyn.

Yeah, I wasn't sure when to make it. Last month Jhb one was a week later, so I made it again the same week.

Joburg SiTP for March 2010 is lined up: http://goo.gl/UcjG (http://goo.gl/UcjG)

See you there!

Um. That link is for Alpha Team: Medical Relief Mission ;)
SITP event is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=324686139035 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=324686139035)

*sigh* Thanks Bluegray. Organising two events at once will do that to you :)

I soooo badly want to be there but it's a Wednesday so I'm gigging.

If we ever have an SITP on a Tuesday I will be there like a shot (no gigs on Tuesdays).

Next one lined up for Joburg - we're back in the East again this time:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104635729570312 (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=104635729570312)
Google Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=X2Nrb2owZDFtNmNxamVjaHA2a3JqMGNwaDY5MDZjb2IzY2xoNnVycmI1cGhtdXI4IG93ZW4uc3dhcnRAbQ&tmsrc=owen.swart%40gmail.com (https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=X2Nrb2owZDFtNmNxamVjaHA2a3JqMGNwaDY5MDZjb2IzY2xoNnVycmI1cGhtdXI4IG93ZW4uc3dhcnRAbQ&tmsrc=owen.swart%40gmail.com)

I will be there if there is no gig on for me that night. I went to the Pretoria one last night and there was nobody there - I even had the quiz-guy announce my presence and ask for the SkepticsZA people on the microphone - friggen NOBODY. Let's hope the Jo'burg crowd are easier to find (I would like someone's phone number who will definitely be there please, in case the place is packed and I can't find our table).

That sucks... I know Jaco (the organiser dude) is overseas for a while, but I thought there were gonna be a few others there at least.

One of these days I hope to make it to a PTA one myself.

Hmmm, I'm tempted, but lemme check with the significant other whether he's in a social mood or not. I'm blocked from facebook at work, someone pm me the details please?

Yeah, a situation which seems all too common these days.  I've resorted to using Facebook on my cellphone which limits what I can do and takes forever to type responses.

Anyway ...

Date: Wednesday, 07 April 2010
Time: 19:00 - 23:00
Location: Dros, Edenmeadow
Street: Cnr Van Riebeeck and Modderfontein Roads
Town: Edenvale, South Africa

Here's a map to Dros Edenmeadow (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=&vps=3&jsv=221a&sll=-26.121198,28.139119&sspn=0.006618,0.011255&ie=UTF8&geocode=FQtxcf4dsFqtAQ) (please note that the venue is The Dros which is not in the Greenstone centre, it is across the street at the Edenmeadow centre - just left of the middle on the linked map)

I will PM my contact details to Steve.  If anyone else is looking for a contact, let me know.

James

Received loud and clear - thanks James. Miraculously (hehe) I still have not been able to replace my Wednesday gig, so I will see you all on Wednesday - can't wait to meet you all (crazy bunch of nutters like me).

Will try to be there this time as well. Greenstone is quite close to where I'm staying.

Hey guys,
The next edition of the Durban SITP will be held on 22 April at Pizetta in Davenport Road. We start at 18:30 and if anyone would like to attend, please feel free to check out the Facebook group or contact me for more info.

So I'm stuck in Saudi Arabia until the end of May, so I won't be able to arrange any of the Pretoria meetings. Or rather, I can, but I wouldn't want a repeat of last months meeting.

Yes, I'm back for my monthly visit to the forum :P

Time for the Joburg SITP for May (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116698438357848&index=1).

Please join us at the Dros in Cresta on Wednesday, 5 May 2010 from 19h00. 

If you've not met any of us before, look for the guy wearing this (http://www.cafepress.co.uk/scepticus).  ;)  In the unlikely event that the weather improves we'll be outside, otherwise look for us in the smokers' area.

Hope to see you all there.

Nice t-shirts but expensive - eish. I don't think I'm gonna make it though.

Thanks for arranging this Scepticat, it was good fun!

Mintaka

I want to create a event for June. I was thinking the second week, Wednesday the 9th. Anyone have any objections?

So tomorrow is the Pretoria one. Hope to see you guys there.
Date:    Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Time:    7:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: News Cafe Menlyn

Will do my very best, but Wednesdays are generally quite difficult for me.  :'(

My agent tells me I have a gig tonight. He may be lying, I will only know closer to tonight. If there is no gig I will be there.

Damn. Gig came through. Good for the income but not good for SITP tonight. Sorry guys - gotta earn a living.