As president and janitor of Balls Out Entertainment (and creator of the world’s first satirical board game of religious warfare, Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination), I’m pleased to announce a special, limited-time promotion to help in Haiti’s disaster relief. Millions have been raised, but the country is in shambles and much more help is needed.
From now through February 15, 2010, all of the profits from sales of Playing Gods games and merchandise will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, via the Secular Humanist Aid and Relief Effort (S.H.A.R.E.). That’s right, 100% — none of this “30% goes to expenses” crap. Every cent of profit from game sales (minus Paypal and postage fees) will be donated to one of the world’s most respected relief organizations.
Payments will be calculated and donated to S.H.A.R.E. by February 20, and a copy of the check posted on the Playing Gods Web site. Just in case you need some encouragement, I will happily autograph each board game as well, and throw in a free Expansion Pack ($5 value).
Does the creator of this blasphemous indie board game need your money? Of course I do. But the people in Haiti need it more. I’m happy breaking even on the deal.
I don’t see heartless pikers at Milton Bradley, Hasbro, or Parker Bros. donating jack squat!
What do you say? If you donate money, I’ll donate my games and time. You get an autographed Playing Gods game and Haitians get desperately-needed money via a skeptic / humanist charity. Everybody wins.
You can order at http://www.playinggods.com. You don’t need any special code: all profits from anything you buy between now and Feb. 20 will be donated. If you’d like to inquire about bulk orders, you can contact me at balls@playinggods.com.
If you’re not interested in this awesome offer, please pass it along to someone who might be.
Thanks!
Ben Radford
NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR GODLESS PEOPLE – A RATIONAL CELEBRATION FOR CHRISTMAS
The HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London 20th December
An Extra Date Added due to Popular Demand
Tickets are available for the return of 2008’s sold out show of science, song and some interpretative dance.
This is not an attack on religion, but a family friendly celebration of science and the rational world.
Last year saw Jarvis Cocker singing I Believe in Father Christmas with a 25 piece orchestra before Richard Dawkins took to the stage to talk of cobwebs followed by a Top of the Pops dance to Harry Nilsson’s Can’t Live if Living is Without You.
This year promises to be even more eclectic. It will see Mock the Week host Dara O’Briain, Al Murray The Pub Landlord breaking into song, Prof Richard Dawkins reading out his hate mail, Mark Steel being shouty and left-wing, physicist and code breaker Simon Singh, Bad Science author Ben Goldacre, CERN scientist and former popstar Prof Brian Cox, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue Legend Barry Cryer with Ronnie Golden, acclaimed singer songwriter Robyn Hitchcock, multi award winning comedians Josie Long and Richard Herring, Thick of It star Chris Addison, and Martin White’s Mini Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra along with some very special guests.
Tickets available here — http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Nine-Lessons-and-Carols-for-Godless-People-tickets/
Tags: al murray, Barry Cryer, Ben Goldacre, Chris Addison, Dara O'Briain, Josie Long, nine lessons and carols for godless people, Richard Dawkins, Richard Herring, Robin Ince, Robyn Hitchcock, school for gifted children, simon singh
Skeptic News | 
Comments (2)
See Robin Ince’s School for Gifted Children on Tour this autumn instead!
Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People will only be in London this year.
However, something just as good has turned up instead– New Humanist has teamed up with Robin as media partners for a tour of his School for Gifted Children comedy and science shows, which is what Nine Lessons and Carols started from in the first place. The show is travelling to six venues around England through October, November and December, so those of you unable to make it to London for Nine Lessons may like to consider getting hold of some tickets.
It’s hosted by Robin, with Josie Long, Simon Singh and Gavin Osborn appearing at all the dates. There’ll be various special guests too, including Ben Goldacre and Richard Wiseman. Here’s a list of the dates, along with links to the venues which you can follow to buy tickets:
23 October: Cambridge Junction
25 October: Bath Komedia
29 October: Brighton Komedia
7 November: Folkestone Literary Festival
19 November: Norwich Arts Centre
9 December: Lowry, Salford
Hello,
A few of you on the Wellcome behind-the-scenes tour showed some interest in a follow-up and references for your records.
Ross MacFarlane has kindly sent me the details of the books and other historic manuscripts he displayed on the tour, which can be requested through the Wellcome Library to members. We thank The Wellcome Trust for their time and effort in organising a great event for the TAM London Fringe.
Malleus Maleficarum
The most influential book in whipping up the European Witch Craze.
Discovery of Witchcraft
Arguments against supernatural belief, including section showing how healers performed ‘magical’ acts (akin to what Randi’s being doing for the last few decades).
Saducismus Triumphatus
Arguments in favour of the supernatural belief.
Numerous cases of surgical operations without pain in the mesmeric state
Reports on successful 19thC surgery, where the patients were unconscious through mesmerism.
Secret Remedies: what they cost and what they contain
BMA gives the details on some “quack” remedies. Like an Edwardian Ben Goldacre…
De la Warr Laboratories (PP/RRM/A.15)
Mysterious ‘Black Box’ which can cure by remote control…
Oh, and the details for:
Wellcome Images: http://images.wellcome.ac.uk
Wellcome Film: http://library.wellcome.ac.uk/wellcomefilm.htm
and
YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/WellcomeFilm
Sid | Thursday, 4 February, 2010