IIG Public Update #18
February 2009
The 200th Anniversary of Darwin has come and passed, this time it was a state holiday, and it was recognized by a U.S. President, so maybe we're making progress. Even arch-creationist website Answers in Genesis refuses to completely dismiss him. Like we said . . . progress.
CALIFORNIA NURSES
On April 5th a very interesting group known as The California Institute for Institutional Care (CFI Care) will be presenting a class at the IIG's home at the Steve Allen Theatre.
Apparently CFI Care has been certified by the State of California to teach nurses. Nothing strange there, except that they have been certified to teach Feng Shui! That's right, their first class is "Feng Shui for Home Care Providers." Not only that, but a closer look at their application reveals that they are also accredited to teach "anthropomancy" (the divination of the future through human sacrifice), the use of (literally) snake oil, and the promotion of apophenia (illusions). If this seems crazy, don't forget, they really are state sanctioned.
It turns out that CFI Care was formed to address the promotion of pseudo-science by the State Board. Currently, several groups are sanctioned to teach "therapeutic touch" or variations, and CFI Care set out to publicize the Board's bad decision making. The presentation will be both hilarious and informative, and yes, licensed nurses are invited, they will get in for free, and they will receive class credit which counts towards their nursing license.
How did the IIG find out about CFI Care? Let's just say we're close.
TENNESSEE TELEPATH
Raymond P. from the Volunteer State is scheduled to take our preliminary test for the $50,000 paranormal challenge on June 29th. More info to come.
VISION FROM FEELING
Anita Ikonen has been in negotiations with us for a psychic test protocol for over a year. We have had great difficulty in nailing down specific enough claims from Ms. Ikonen. Now she is in discussions with North Carolina's own skeptical group FACT to produce a study of her abilities. She plans to continue negotiations with us, as soon as the study is done.
FALCON'S REQUEST
A man or woman known only as the Falcon has sent us this claim: "I seem to have some minor psychic ability . . . I seem to be able to sense things about people and their past, can find missing items . . . There have been a few times that I was able to predict future events, but it is not something that happens often."
We have contacted the Falcon with further instructions.
THAT'S ALL
Enjoy Dr. Seuss's birthday, National Woman's Month, Albert Einstein's birthday, St. Patrick's Day, Harry Houdini's birthday, and of course, get your eggs ready for the Vernal Equinox.
- IIG
