Science Cafe Wales: The Science of Hypnosis
Is there any better venue for the incisive exploration of the big questions then The Gate? A well appointed ex-church just off Albany Road, The Gate seems to manage that tricky balance of providing salubrious surroundings without making you feel they rather you wern't there grubbing up their pristine surroundings. Welcoming is the word i'm looking for. The proper glasses for the interesting beers helps 'nall.
As for the filler for this lovely sandwich you can't go far wrong with the Science Cafe Wales, supported and abetted by Techniquest. How any vaguely intellectually curious person can allow themselves to remain ignorant of whats happening in the world of science is beyond me. The Science Cafe allows no excuse; encased as it is in the welcoming auspices of articulate, open and generous speakers such as Dr Peter Naish who spoke on the science of hypnosis last night.
The relationship between science and hypnosis is an interesting one. Scepticism of the claims of hypnosis provided not dismissal but an opportunity to explore deeper and more effectively the complex reality of the mind. It was science that proved by demanding hard evidence that hypnosis is something that genuinely happens. Brain scans of people under hypnosis discovered brain activity equal to an 'awake' subect. Dr Naish's talk explored this and other issues including the range of relationships between the workings of hypnosis and the difficult aspects of Parkinsons and schizophrenia. This includes distortion of the sense of time.
The talk finished with a group hypnosis session. My gonzo journalist sense failed and i didnt participate. I can report that everyone seemed very relaxed with very little strange behaviour.
The best part of the science cafe is the company of a curious and attentive audience sharing a desire to explore and understand the world around us. My only word of warning is beware the hypnotic eyes of various committee members of Science Cafe Wales. One rather fine Leffe beer and you'll find yourself volunteering for onerous 'responsibilities'. Dear Reader: I volunteered for those responsibilities. www.sciencecafewales http://www.sciencecafewales.org/ Jeff Baxter
September 2007
Cardiff Review is created, designed edited and published by Jeff Baxter. Please e-mail cardiffreview@yahoo.co.uk for submissions,criticisms, ideas and general abuse.
Hard work and biscuits
South Wales is regularly invaded by a shadowy bunch of people heavily armed with a variety of tools and heavy handled weapons built for destruction and chaos. They are called: the Cardiff Conservation Volunteers. The victims are the plants, weeds and various animals (please note no animals are ever attacked, maimed and inconvenienced - its a joke) of the rural and urban jungle.
More seriously the CCV provides many hardy volunteers dedicated to helping to maintain and protect the countryside and yes lot of times this does mean 'removing' plants in the wrong place at the wrong time. The CCV have been running for nearly 30 years and in that time have cleared weeds and plants, built and maintained paths, fences and dry stone walls as well as provided the opportunity for their volunteers to visit some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales.
Sessions take place every Sunday (as well as the occasional weekend away) and are led by experienced and trained volunteers who provide a safe and focussed environment for complete beginners as well as the regulars. All is required is warm clothing, waterproofs, sturdy boots (preferably steel toe capped) and enthusiasm. The biscuits, I am glad to report, are free.To get involved contact Bob Hall (029) 2075 6203 http://www.cardiffconservation.org.uk/ Jeff Baxter
September 2007
