For several years now I have been a fan of a podcast called "The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe" (SGU), the podcast of the New England Skeptical Society. I've listened to it every week, religiously (so to speak), and it's been a powerful force in shaping my ideas and critical thinking skills. One member of the weekly panel was Perry DeAngelis, a loud mouthed, brash man who never hesitated to name bullshit for what it is. He was a balancing force against the intellectualism of the show's host Stephen Novella and his brothers Bob and Jay and fellow panelist Evan Bernstein, as well as the liberalism of another panel member, Rebecca Watson, with whom Perry often sparred over issues of vegetarianism, women's issues, and more. Beneath all of that, however,it was obvious he had a big heart and a genuine love for what he was doing. And he could always be counted on for a laugh.
On August 19th Perry passed away after spending several weeks in the hospital. He'd been fighting several chronic conditions for some time, and they finally won out. This week's episode of the SGU featured a brief but wonderful lecture he'd given some years ago called "The Psychology of Belief", and then a collections of signature Perry moments from the first 100 episodes of the SGU. Give it a listen, it's as close to "Perry 101" as you'll find.I'm shocked and saddened by this news. The SGU has been such an important part of my life in recent years, a guiding light of sorts, and though it will go on (as I can only imagine Perry would have wanted), it won't be the same without him. I never met the man in person, but after hearing his voice every week for so long I almost feel as if I knew him. It's as if a friend has died. Not a close friend, maybe someone I knew long ago and haven't seen for ages, but someone whose absence makes the world a slightly less interesting place.
Paul Smith in a post on "Paul Smith's Blog" posted what I think is the best possible tribute to Perry and his life long quest to further skeptical thought:
So long Perry. You lived in such a time where science and technology had advanced far enough that your opinions and thoughts can be recorded, stored and distributed not only throughout the world, but down through time as well, you pushed our science and understanding forward in your own way to help make this possible. As a result people shall be reading what you have written, and listening to what you have said, throughout the history to come. In this sense it is science and technology that has unlocked the ability for people to hear you, no matter where you were or when you were. It is science that allows you to speak from beyond the grave.
Science 1 – Mystics 0.
Other rememberances can be found on Stephen Novella's "NeuroLogica Blog" (he's a neurologist at Yale), and Rebecca Watson's "Memoirs of a Skepchick", as well as the SGU home page.
As a related thought, Rebecca Watson is currently in the 4th round in NPR's "Public Radio Talent Quest" to find a new radio show host (she talks about both this and Perry in this post on her blog). The idea of a skeptical/science show on NPR is an exciting one, and I've been doing my part by voting my approval every step of the way. The more support she gets, the more likely this is to happen. Perry was exited about the possibility and supported Rebecca's efforts despite their personal differences. Also related, SGUFans.net has set up a memorial fund in Perry's name to fund skeptical events. Reason and critical thinking are as worthy a cause as any.
Finally, from SGUFans.net: A collection of Perry quotes, and a collection of his writings. And here's a link to the SGU on iTunes so you can subscribe and listen for yourself.
Read up, listen up, and join the good fight.
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