Deborah Hyde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Deborah Hyde
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Deborah Hyde presenting at CSICon 2018
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| Born | 1965 (age 59–60) London, England
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| Occupation | Film-industry makeup effects coordinator Managing editor of The Skeptic |
Deborah Hyde (born 1965) is a British expert who studies old stories and beliefs. She is also a cultural anthropologist, which means she studies human societies and cultures. She is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the main editor of The Skeptic magazine.
Deborah writes and gives talks about things like superstition (beliefs not based on science), cryptozoology (the study of hidden animals like Bigfoot), and paranormal beliefs (things beyond normal science). She looks at the folklore (traditional stories), psychology (how the mind works), and sociology (how people live in groups) behind these ideas. She is often called a "vampire expert." Deborah has also worked in the movie industry.
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Early Life and Interests
Deborah Hyde's interest in mysterious topics started when she was a child. She says it came from spending time with family members who told interesting stories. While some kids might be interested in fairies, Deborah was always drawn to "darker" subjects.
At first, she believed in these things. But then she read a book called The Black Arts by Richard Cavendish. This book helped her start thinking more carefully and scientifically about these mysterious phenomena.
Working in the Movie Industry
For many years, Deborah worked in the business of selling collectible items. She even lived in New York City for a few years during this time.
In the 1990s, she started working as a coordinator and manager in the movie industry. She helped with things like special creature effects, makeup, and building movie sets.
Movie Contributions
Deborah Hyde helped make several movies. She worked in the makeup department, creating special effects like prosthetics (fake body parts) and creature designs. Some of the horror movies she worked on include Doghouse and 1408. She also helped with creature effects for the movie On a Clear Day.
Deborah even appeared in some movies herself! She played the barmaid in Doghouse and the Corpse Queen in The Brothers Grimm. She also helped create the magical Devil's Snare plant in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
In 2013, Deborah produced a short film called "Wisdom" and voiced one of the characters. In 2018, she was a co-executive producer for another short film, September Man.
Career as a Skeptic
Deborah Hyde began researching and writing about supernatural beliefs in the 1990s. She first wrote online using the name "Jourdemayne." This name came from a woman from the 1400s who was known for her knowledge of mysterious things. Deborah chose this name because the woman was sought after for her understanding of "dark matters."
Deborah's current website, deborahhyde.com, has blog posts and videos. On her site, she uses a scientific approach to explore how old stories, belief systems, and fears about unknown natural events are connected.
In her talks and writings, she has covered many supernatural topics, including:
Speaking Across the UK
Deborah Hyde has been invited to speak at many events across the UK. These include "Skeptics in the Pub" gatherings in cities like Winchester, Liverpool, and Manchester. She is also a regular speaker at the big international skeptics convention called "QED – Question, Explore, Discover" in Manchester.
She has given two popular talks at "Skeptics on the Fringe" in Edinburgh. These talks were titled "Interview With a Vampire Expert" and "The Natural History of the European Werewolf".
International Talks
Deborah has also given talks outside the UK, mostly in the US. She spoke about "The Natural History of the European Werewolf" for the New York City Skeptics and at Skepticon-5 in Springfield. In 2013, she was invited to the Ratio Forum for Popular Science in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she talked about Vampires.
In 2017, Deborah gave a presentation about The Restless Ghost of Wrocław at the 17th European Skeptics Congress in Wrocław, Poland. In 2018, she spoke at CSICon in Las Vegas, Nevada, about the history of vampire stories in Eastern Europe.
The Enfield Poltergeist Case
In 2011, Deborah Hyde was asked to be an expert on a TV show called This Morning on ITV1. She shared a scientific view on the Enfield Poltergeist case from 1977. This case involved strange events that some believed were caused by a ghost.
A woman named Janet Hodgson, who was a child during the original events, was also on the show. Deborah's scientific comments led her to write more about the case. She explained why people might create stories about scary figures.
Editor of The Skeptic Magazine
In 2011, Deborah Hyde became the managing editor of The Skeptic magazine. This UK magazine promotes science and critical thinking. She took over from previous editors, including the magazine's founder, Wendy M. Grossman. Her first issue as editor was Volume 23 Issue 2 in 2011.
As editor-in-chief, Deborah works with a team of international experts. These experts come from many different fields and include well-known scientists and science fans. Some of these people are Susan Blackmore, Stephen Fry, Derren Brown, Brian Cox, Richard Dawkins, and James Randi.
The Ockham and Rusty Razor Awards
In 2012, Deborah had an idea for an award to recognize people who do great work in promoting science and skepticism. Since then, the Ockham Awards Ceremony has been held every year at the "QED – Question, Explore, Discover" event.
The Skeptic magazine officially gives out these awards in several categories. A committee of skeptics, including Chris French and Simon Singh, decides on the winners. In 2017, a new award was added called the "Rusty Razor" Award. This award is given to recognize "bad thinking" or ideas that are not well-supported by evidence.
Other Skeptical Activities
Deborah Hyde was also a co-organizer for Westminster Skeptics. She helps connect speakers for the Soho Skeptics, a group that organizes talks and discussions in London to promote science and critical thinking.
Upcoming Book
In a 2018 interview, Deborah Hyde shared that she is writing a book called Unnatural Predators. This book will explore common themes in human folklore throughout history. She uses history, psychology, and anthropology to understand these stories.
Awards and Honors
In 2017, Deborah Hyde was chosen as a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. This honor recognized her important work in skeptical media and events.
Personal Life
Deborah Hyde lives in West London, in the United Kingdom.
Images for kids
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Deborah Hyde, editor of The Skeptic magazine with Jelena Levin, a group member at the 16th European Skeptics Congress.
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Deborah Hyde, editor of The Skeptic, standing behind the magazine's booth, talking to attendees of the 16th European Skeptics Congress in London.
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Deborah Hyde speaking at QEDcon on 13 April 2014 at The Palace Hotel, Manchester.
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QEDCon 2014 Magic and Skepticism Panel: Richard Wiseman, Deborah Hyde (chair), Mark Edward and Paul Zenon sharing a joke before the panel started.
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Joe Nickell, Hayley Stevens and Deborah Hyde on the Paranormal Investigations Panel at QED Con 2012.
