The Science of Happiness

Saturday 11th June 2.00pm Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth, BH9 1TW

Update 12th June: Discuss this talk over at HASSNERS forum. What makes some people happier than others?

Is it possible to attain greater happiness in life, and sustain it, without dramatically changing our personal circumstances?

Studies by experimental psychologists show around half of your happiness level is genetically fixed and a surprisingly small 10% reflects your life circumstances. The great news is that 40% of your happiness level can be directly affected by simple daily activities and the conscious choices you make. In this interactive presentation, David Warden explores many of these scientifically tested ideas and techniques. Come along and find out how you can live a happier life!

Everyone welcome – Free entry

{If you can help promote Dorset Humanists by displaying an A4 poster for this event, please email Dave at: DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF copy}

Keeping creationism out of science, and your MP's voting record

(Please note I've realised that the EDMs mentioned in the original version of this post have already passed, so it is too late to act. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by my earlier call to action).

Only Annette Brooke and Robert Walter of Dorset's eight MPs signed EDMs endorsing the view that creationism should be kept out of science education, and Tobias Ellwood said he is unable to sign EDMs because he is a Parliamentary Private Secretary.

The skeptical voter site provides further information on how individual MPs have voted on various issues relevant to a humanist worldview, including climate change, abortion, gay rights, faith schools etc.

http://skeptical-voter.org/wiki/index.php?title=David_Cameron

(Simply enter your own MPs name in the search box to retrieve their details)

Other useful pages for finding out how your MP has voted on key policies are:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
http://www.publicwhip.com

Building An Eco-home From Scratch

Tuesday 24th May 2011

Bournemouth Natural Science Society

39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. BH1 3NS

In 2004 Dorset Humanist Geoff Jones and his wife embarked on their lifetime ambition to build their own home. Although they had previously undertaken house renovations, they had no experience of building from scratch. With the help of friendly builders they set about designing and building their own eco-friendly house. Two years later the project was finished and included the use of geo-thermal energy for under-floor heating, water harvesting, central vacuuming, air vacuuming, a heat exchange ventilation system, and photovoltaic cells to produce free electricity.

In this illustrated presentation, Geoff explains how to build an eco-home from scratch, and how you can help the environment and reduce your bills – saving yourself money on water, using less electricity and living in a house that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while drastically reducing your environmental impact.

Free Event – Everyone Welcome!

The Big Green Fortnight: 20th May to 5th June 2011
The aim of the Bournemouth and Poole Big Green Fortnight is to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage businesses, community groups and individuals to adopt more sustainable ways of living.
More info at www.bournemouth2026.org.uk/bgf

Hosted by Bournemouth Natural Science Society and Dorset Humanists

Recommended Books by Dorset Humanists

What books about Humanism (or related to Humanism) do you recommend? I want to hear YOUR suggestions by replying below. For example, South West London Humanists book list.  I'll pull together a list and will add your name against your recommended book (if you DON'T want your name included in the list let me know WHEN you make your recommendation).  The book list will be updated regularly on this website: I'll link the books to Amazon.co.uk - Dorset Humanists will receive a small commission on each book sold.