Another Dragon*Con is finished, and we at the JREF are sad to see it go. As always, we had an amazing time here in Atlanta with all of our friends at the Skeptrack. There are few things better than spending time with those who want to protect the world from pseudoscience, false claims, and unreason. The environment this weekend was energizing. New and old friends hatched exciting skeptical projects for the days, weeks, and months ahead, and all of us were reminded just how important it is to fight for a more rational world.
Here are two videos from the convention floor to give you an idea of the fun and frenetic atmosphere of Dragon*Con, and we would like to acknowledge some of the people with whom we were fortunate enough to experience it.
Our special thanks goes out to everyone who stopped by the JREF table. We heard so many stories about how James Randi changed people's lives for the better by exposing charlatans. The education and outreach we do here at the JREF makes a real positive difference in people's lives, and it is overwhelmingly gratifying to hear that in person.
We also welcomed several new JREF members who chose to support science and skepticism by committing their valuable financial resources to us. All of them have our deepest thanks and most heartfelt commitment to expanding the reach of science and skepticism.
Thank you to Derek Colanduno as well for organizing and executing what may have been the best Skeptrack ever. Whether JREF president D.J. Grothe was discussing skeptical activism, our education director Michael Blanford was sharing ideas about bringing critical thinking to the classroom, or I was hosting a raucous quiz show with some of the brightest and wittiest skeptics around, every event ran as smoothly and professionally as possible. This is all thanks to Derek and his incredible staff of volunteers.
There are many more folks who made our trip to Atlanta such a joy this year, but it's time for this post to come to an end. We can't wait for next year.
Field coordinator Brian Thompson hosts a quiz show with Phil Plait, Rebecca Watson, George Hrab, and Doctor Atlantis.