News
 
 
 
La Trobe University is now my second home. the School of Communications, Arts and Critical Enquiry I am incredibly impressed that the English Program recognised science writing as 'creative' and have awarded me a full time doctoral scholarship to work on my next book. My research into primary orality and archaeology absorbs most waking moments - lots more about that under Research.
 
Presenting about Stonehenge
 
One aspect of that research has led to a new theory about the purpose of Stonehenge.  I’ll be offering my ideas up to the most skeptical of audiences, The Victorian Skeptics, on September 20:
 
Victorian Skeptics Event - A Skeptic Tackles Stonehenge - information available here.
 
A course on Cold Reading
 
I have been invited by Universal Matirx Events manager, Adam Matthews, to present an introductory course on Cold Reading. The tricks of the psychic trade was the topic which fascinated me most in writing The Skeptic’s Guide to the Paranormal. More on the Cold Reading page.
 
Cold Reading with Universal Matrix Events - more information here.
 
Spiders, beloved Spiders
 
I continue to adore my spiders, going out every night with a torch to check on the regulars.
 
Spiderbloggers is my blog site, with some fantastic photographs of spider observations from Australia and America. I am looking forward to that expanding. Thanks, in particular, to Nikki, from Indiana, for adding so much fantastic and authoritive material on her spiders - which makes a terrific comparison for those from Australia. The overlap in families and behaviour is amazing.
 
Magic Magic - the conjuring type - has been an interest of mine since I first watched my father doing tricks at the kitchen table. Most of all - I have always loved the feel of a deck of cards. I collect interesting packs. Right: Initiation into the Australian Society of Magicians, with President, Charles Gauci.
 
 
 
 
 
 
My dear friend, Ian Rowland, continues to inspire, advise and support my magical endeavours.
 
Magical gatherings have included a few sessions with the incredible Michael Vincent. Watching from less than a metre away, I can assure you what that guy does with a pack of cards is impossible.
In Australia, although often in the US performing at the Magic Castle,  Simon Coronel is a good friend and advisor, and the best close-up magician in the country (an unbiased opinion).

Some of my most precious memories are of evenings spent at the home of Lewis Jones and his wife, Susheela Devi, working on magic routines. My copies of Lewis' books, Seventh Heaven, Encyclopaedia of Impromptu Card Forces, Ahead of the Pack and The Magic Gourmet will be treasured for ever - and are used constantly.