Skepticism and the Paranormal: Recent News
Wondering about what has been going on in the world when it comes to skepticism and claims of the paranormal? It seems like there is always something new going on - crop circles, bigfoot, psychics, astrologers, faith healing, etc. Staying current on what is happening isn't easy, but here you have a handy index about all sorts of news stories dealing with paranormal claims and general skepticism. Included as well are reviews of recent books on these issues.
What's Uri Geller Up To These Days?
Uri Geller was a big name in the 1970s and 1980s. He dazzled people with his amazing psychic abilities %u2014 or alleged abilities, as he only seemed to be able to dazzle those who didn't understand how easy it is to fake the things he did. After a while, he faded from view - but he didn't disappear entirely. He's still trying to keep his name in the spotlight as long as possible.
Uri Geller was a big name in the 1970s and 1980s. He dazzled people with his amazing psychic abilities %u2014 or alleged abilities, as he only seemed to be able to dazzle those who didn't understand how easy it is to fake the things he did. After a while, he faded from view - but he didn't disappear entirely. He's still trying to keep his name in the spotlight as long as possible.
Robert A. Baker, Hypnosis, and Paranormal Phenomena
Most people probably haven't heard of Robert A. Baker, which is unfortunate. Baker had been one of the world's preeminent skeptical investigators of ghosts, alien abductions, apparitions, and other paranormal phenomena. He died in August, 2005.
Most people probably haven't heard of Robert A. Baker, which is unfortunate. Baker had been one of the world's preeminent skeptical investigators of ghosts, alien abductions, apparitions, and other paranormal phenomena. He died in August, 2005.
McMartin Preschool: Lies and the Satanic Panic
The case of the McMartin preschool ritual abuse accusations stands as one of the most infamous cases of how so-called recovered memories and satanic abuse allegations can destroy lives for no good reason. The six-year trial cost USD $15 million and resulted in no convictions - but it did ruin people.
The case of the McMartin preschool ritual abuse accusations stands as one of the most infamous cases of how so-called recovered memories and satanic abuse allegations can destroy lives for no good reason. The six-year trial cost USD $15 million and resulted in no convictions - but it did ruin people.
Homeopathy in Italy: Homeopaths File Charges
It's not just in America that people get upset when favored beliefs are subjected to critical scrutiny. In Italy, recently, the Catania-based Italian Association of Medical Homeopathy brought a lawsuit against the creators of Superquark, a science program which criticized homeopathy as unscientific. They lost - and badly.
It's not just in America that people get upset when favored beliefs are subjected to critical scrutiny. In Italy, recently, the Catania-based Italian Association of Medical Homeopathy brought a lawsuit against the creators of Superquark, a science program which criticized homeopathy as unscientific. They lost - and badly.
What the #$! Do They Know?
You may have heard or read about the recent movie 'What the #$! Do They Know?,' a cinematic apology for goofy religious beliefs about reality and the misuse of quantum physics. To understand just how bad the film is, one needs merely examine how the reviews of critics are misrepresented.
You may have heard or read about the recent movie 'What the #$! Do They Know?,' a cinematic apology for goofy religious beliefs about reality and the misuse of quantum physics. To understand just how bad the film is, one needs merely examine how the reviews of critics are misrepresented.
Questioning Michael Persinger's Research
Many non-believers cite the very interesting work of Michael Persinger on how electromagnetic fields can influence or cause paranormal, spiritual, or religious experiences. Some of his works appears very promising, but questions are being raised about the validity of it.
Many non-believers cite the very interesting work of Michael Persinger on how electromagnetic fields can influence or cause paranormal, spiritual, or religious experiences. Some of his works appears very promising, but questions are being raised about the validity of it.
Keith Windschuttle Goes Off the Deep End
The Killing of History: How Literary Critics and Social Theorists are Murdering Our Past is an excellent analysis of how sloppy, politically-motivated thinking can lead to disengagement from reality and facts. I'm happy that Keith Windschuttle wrote it, but am disturbed that he appears to be succumbing to just that sort of thinking himself now.
The Killing of History: How Literary Critics and Social Theorists are Murdering Our Past is an excellent analysis of how sloppy, politically-motivated thinking can lead to disengagement from reality and facts. I'm happy that Keith Windschuttle wrote it, but am disturbed that he appears to be succumbing to just that sort of thinking himself now.
Minnesota: University Ends Faith Healing Course
After the filing of a lawsuit by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the University of Minnesota has dropped plans to sponsor a faith/health program. This program would have trained students how to integrate religious faith and medical practice in a manner that would have violated the separation of church and state.
After the filing of a lawsuit by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the University of Minnesota has dropped plans to sponsor a faith/health program. This program would have trained students how to integrate religious faith and medical practice in a manner that would have violated the separation of church and state.
Genealogy, Tribalism, and Privacy
Increasing numbers of people are paying money to have private companies test their DNA in order to tell them what 'branches' of humanity they are connected to. Is this wise? Why are they doing it and what do they hope to gain by it?
Increasing numbers of people are paying money to have private companies test their DNA in order to tell them what 'branches' of humanity they are connected to. Is this wise? Why are they doing it and what do they hope to gain by it?
The New Age, Evil, and Selfishness
"The appeal of pop New Age is clear: the promise of enlightenment, the painless realization of all your spiritual and material aspirations, redemption without repentance. All that is required, it seems, is a pair of magnets or a spiritual guide imbued with the wisdom of the ancients who will lead you out of the time dimension..."
"The appeal of pop New Age is clear: the promise of enlightenment, the painless realization of all your spiritual and material aspirations, redemption without repentance. All that is required, it seems, is a pair of magnets or a spiritual guide imbued with the wisdom of the ancients who will lead you out of the time dimension..."
Fifteenth Skeptics' Circle
Welcome to the 15th edition of the Skeptics' Circle. This week we have an interesting selection of posts, ranging from Intelligent Design to Out-of-Body Experiences, Autism to Veganism, and Darwin to Gender Confusion. There are some really interesting posts, so without further delay let's move right along to the Skeptics' Circle.
Welcome to the 15th edition of the Skeptics' Circle. This week we have an interesting selection of posts, ranging from Intelligent Design to Out-of-Body Experiences, Autism to Veganism, and Darwin to Gender Confusion. There are some really interesting posts, so without further delay let's move right along to the Skeptics' Circle.
Mismeasure of Man: Rorschach Inkblot Tests
The Rorschach Inkblot Test has been used by psychologist for more than half a century. Some regard it as one of their most important diagnostic tools; the truth is that there isn't even a hint of genuine scientific validity to them. Yes, even people trained in science can be fooled.
The Rorschach Inkblot Test has been used by psychologist for more than half a century. Some regard it as one of their most important diagnostic tools; the truth is that there isn't even a hint of genuine scientific validity to them. Yes, even people trained in science can be fooled.
14th Skeptics' Circle
You can find the 14th Skeptics' Circle today at Be Lambic or Be Green. This one was held at Hogwarts and features contributions from Brent Rasmussen, Rockstar, Red State Rabble, and many more. It looks like a good time was had by all...
You can find the 14th Skeptics' Circle today at Be Lambic or Be Green. This one was held at Hogwarts and features contributions from Brent Rasmussen, Rockstar, Red State Rabble, and many more. It looks like a good time was had by all...
Robert Schaeffer on UFOs and Conspiracy Theories
Getting into the paranoid spirit, I decided to attend dressed as a Man In Black: black shirt, pants, socks, and shoes, a black necktie, and a big black Western hat. When I first appeared I drew more amazed, wide-eyed stares than I'd ever seen before in my life.
Getting into the paranoid spirit, I decided to attend dressed as a Man In Black: black shirt, pants, socks, and shoes, a black necktie, and a big black Western hat. When I first appeared I drew more amazed, wide-eyed stares than I'd ever seen before in my life.
Homeopathy is not Real Medicine
Many people use homeopathy and believe that it works; in reality, it can only work if much of what we understand about chemistry and physics is wrong. That's the case with most of what falls under the label "alternative" medicine.
Many people use homeopathy and believe that it works; in reality, it can only work if much of what we understand about chemistry and physics is wrong. That's the case with most of what falls under the label "alternative" medicine.
Fake Acupuncture as Good as 'Real' Acupuncture
This will come as no surprise to skeptics, but believers may have a problem with it: a study of more than 300 patients in Britain reveals that people receiving acupuncture for headaches did no better than patients receiving fake acupuncture.
This will come as no surprise to skeptics, but believers may have a problem with it: a study of more than 300 patients in Britain reveals that people receiving acupuncture for headaches did no better than patients receiving fake acupuncture.
The Maury Povich Show & Lie Detectors
Because I work more from home these days, I've caught a greater share of daytime television - and not always for the better. One, the Maury Povich Show, seems to rely heavily on episodes where guests are subjected to lie detector tests. Given the fact that there is no science or reliability behind them, why is the show treating viewers like idiots in this manner?
Because I work more from home these days, I've caught a greater share of daytime television - and not always for the better. One, the Maury Povich Show, seems to rely heavily on episodes where guests are subjected to lie detector tests. Given the fact that there is no science or reliability behind them, why is the show treating viewers like idiots in this manner?
Godel and Relativism
Many people cite the work of logician Kurt Godel as support for their own brand of relativism. They claim, for example, that Godel proved that there exist true statements which cannot be proved from within any logical system. The problem is, they actually just end up misrepresenting and misunderstanding Godel's work.
Many people cite the work of logician Kurt Godel as support for their own brand of relativism. They claim, for example, that Godel proved that there exist true statements which cannot be proved from within any logical system. The problem is, they actually just end up misrepresenting and misunderstanding Godel's work.
FSU Chiropractic School Dead?
Earlier I wrote about Florida State University's plans to open a school of chiropractic medicine. Many professors protested and threatened to resign if the plans went forward, a tactic that may have helped because the plans are now on hold. The Board of Governors voted to kill it and not many want to try to revive it.
Earlier I wrote about Florida State University's plans to open a school of chiropractic medicine. Many professors protested and threatened to resign if the plans went forward, a tactic that may have helped because the plans are now on hold. The Board of Governors voted to kill it and not many want to try to revive it.
Chiropractic School Draws Protests
Florida State University plans on opening a school of chiropractic medicine, but many professors on campus are hoping to stop it before it happens and are threatening to resign if the plans go forward. People object to the fact that there is so little in the way of science in the field and say that it just doesn't belong on campus.
Florida State University plans on opening a school of chiropractic medicine, but many professors on campus are hoping to stop it before it happens and are threatening to resign if the plans go forward. People object to the fact that there is so little in the way of science in the field and say that it just doesn't belong on campus.
Link Between Prayer, Fertility Being Questioned
In 2001, the Journal of Reproductive Medicine published a study that purported to demonstrate the power of prayer to help women conceive children. It was a bombshell that made the rounds in all media outlets. It may also have been a fraud - the results have never been replicated and problems abound in the study itself.
In 2001, the Journal of Reproductive Medicine published a study that purported to demonstrate the power of prayer to help women conceive children. It was a bombshell that made the rounds in all media outlets. It may also have been a fraud - the results have never been replicated and problems abound in the study itself.
Blood Type Diets
My wife recently purchased some vitamins at a General Nutrition Centers (GNC) store. While there, she overheard one of the employees explaining to a customer that she needed to adjust her diet based upon her blood type. Have you ever experienced such nonsense while shopping there?
My wife recently purchased some vitamins at a General Nutrition Centers (GNC) store. While there, she overheard one of the employees explaining to a customer that she needed to adjust her diet based upon her blood type. Have you ever experienced such nonsense while shopping there?
Australia: Patients Abandoning Medical Science?
For some reason, Australians are turning away from scientific medicine and towards unproven, even nonsensical, new age medical treatments. In 10 years, "alternative" treatments could overtake science.
For some reason, Australians are turning away from scientific medicine and towards unproven, even nonsensical, new age medical treatments. In 10 years, "alternative" treatments could overtake science.
Government Funding Studies on Healing Power of Prayer
Many people believe that prayers can have a positive impact on health - and a few have managed to get the federal government to fund studies on the matter. This fits in well with President Bush's faith-based philosophy of government, science, and medicine, even though he isn't the one responsible for starting this nonsense.
Many people believe that prayers can have a positive impact on health - and a few have managed to get the federal government to fund studies on the matter. This fits in well with President Bush's faith-based philosophy of government, science, and medicine, even though he isn't the one responsible for starting this nonsense.
John Mack, Alien Abduction "Scholar," Dies
John E. Mack was the Harvard Medical School professor who became famous in popular American culture for his unscientific promotion of the idea that people are abducted by aliens for weird medical experiments. I say "was" because he was killed in a car accident in London.
John E. Mack was the Harvard Medical School professor who became famous in popular American culture for his unscientific promotion of the idea that people are abducted by aliens for weird medical experiments. I say "was" because he was killed in a car accident in London.
Noah's Ark Quest on Ice
Earlier this year I wrote about a expedition being planned to search for Noah's Ark. Well, the plans have been put on ice for now - and it's possible that the organizer never really intended to go in the first place.
Earlier this year I wrote about a expedition being planned to search for Noah's Ark. Well, the plans have been put on ice for now - and it's possible that the organizer never really intended to go in the first place.
Sweatshop Psychics in Washington
You might make occasional jokes about those hotline psychics, but maybe we should have more sympathy rather then derision: they're being exploited! Yes, indeed, these poor psychics work in veritable sweatshops, almost as if they were chained to a phone while a hooded man keeps cracking his whip to make sure that they don't slack off.
You might make occasional jokes about those hotline psychics, but maybe we should have more sympathy rather then derision: they're being exploited! Yes, indeed, these poor psychics work in veritable sweatshops, almost as if they were chained to a phone while a hooded man keeps cracking his whip to make sure that they don't slack off.
Sweatshop Psychics in Washington
You might make occasional jokes about those hotline psychics, but maybe we should have more sympathy rather then derision: they're being exploited! Yes, indeed, these poor psychics work in veritable sweatshops, almost as if they were chained to a phone while a hooded man keeps cracking his whip to make sure that they don't slack off.
You might make occasional jokes about those hotline psychics, but maybe we should have more sympathy rather then derision: they're being exploited! Yes, indeed, these poor psychics work in veritable sweatshops, almost as if they were chained to a phone while a hooded man keeps cracking his whip to make sure that they don't slack off.
"Medical" Journal Silent on Critics of Prayer Study
A couple of years a study appeared in an obscure journal purporting to show that prayer improved the likelihood that women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments would conceive. Today, the journal refuses to answer questions about it or print criticisms of the study. Why?
A couple of years a study appeared in an obscure journal purporting to show that prayer improved the likelihood that women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments would conceive. Today, the journal refuses to answer questions about it or print criticisms of the study. Why?
Miracles Follow the Law of Large Numbers
Both religious and paranormal beliefs are consistently defended by references to so-called "miracles" - events which are so improbable that they simply must have been causes by supernatural or paranormal forces. The problem is, these "miracles" are often not so improbable after all. To understand why, we just need to know a little math and statistics.
Both religious and paranormal beliefs are consistently defended by references to so-called "miracles" - events which are so improbable that they simply must have been causes by supernatural or paranormal forces. The problem is, these "miracles" are often not so improbable after all. To understand why, we just need to know a little math and statistics.
Psychology of Doubt
Most people seem to have difficulty with doubting - they much prefer certainty over skepticism and uncertainty. Why is this? I'm not exactly sure but you can see it in operation in religion, paranormal beliefs, and even politics on a very consistent basis.
Most people seem to have difficulty with doubting - they much prefer certainty over skepticism and uncertainty. Why is this? I'm not exactly sure but you can see it in operation in religion, paranormal beliefs, and even politics on a very consistent basis.
Prince Charles Rebuked over Alternative Medicine Claims
Prince Charles, heir to the English throne, has long been a big supporter of alternative medicines and other non-scientific medical treatments. Now, however, a leading breast cancer surgeon is taking him to task for abusing the authority of his station by spreading hope over pseudoscience.
Prince Charles, heir to the English throne, has long been a big supporter of alternative medicines and other non-scientific medical treatments. Now, however, a leading breast cancer surgeon is taking him to task for abusing the authority of his station by spreading hope over pseudoscience.
Shroud of Turin Must Be a Hoax
People continue to believe that the Shroud of Turin is genuine - that is to say, that it's really the burial cloth of the Jesus Christ instead of a medieval forgery. Why? There's no good evidence for its authenticity while there is all sorts of evidence for it being a fake.
People continue to believe that the Shroud of Turin is genuine - that is to say, that it's really the burial cloth of the Jesus Christ instead of a medieval forgery. Why? There's no good evidence for its authenticity while there is all sorts of evidence for it being a fake.
New Age vs. Skepticism: Clash of Cultures
One of the problems many skeptics seem to have is that those who are "true believers"? have difficulty simply understanding what it means to be skeptical in the first place. They don't seem to recognize the importance of apply basic standards of reason and logic to beliefs they hold dear. How, then, can the two groups communicate?
One of the problems many skeptics seem to have is that those who are "true believers"? have difficulty simply understanding what it means to be skeptical in the first place. They don't seem to recognize the importance of apply basic standards of reason and logic to beliefs they hold dear. How, then, can the two groups communicate?
Bible-Based Diets Becoming Popular
There are plenty of examples of religions dictating what people should eat - Jewish dietary laws are well-known. Recently, though, a number of authors in America have been promoting 'biblical'? diets which they say offer a godly way to lose weight and stay healthy.
There are plenty of examples of religions dictating what people should eat - Jewish dietary laws are well-known. Recently, though, a number of authors in America have been promoting 'biblical'? diets which they say offer a godly way to lose weight and stay healthy.
Atlantis Found?
The hunt for the fabled city of Atlantis has occupied treasure hunters and historians for centuries. The story of the city has been imbued with all sorts of myths and legends, but genuine science may have hit upon a city in southern Spain that might, just might, fit Plato's original description of Atlantis.
The hunt for the fabled city of Atlantis has occupied treasure hunters and historians for centuries. The story of the city has been imbued with all sorts of myths and legends, but genuine science may have hit upon a city in southern Spain that might, just might, fit Plato's original description of Atlantis.
Libertarian Party or Looney Party?
Quite a few people distrust the Libertarian Party, considering their views too extreme. They may stand in support of liberty and freedom, but even those principle can be defending in unreasonable ways. Even some libertarians can find other libertarians to be a bit extreme.
Quite a few people distrust the Libertarian Party, considering their views too extreme. They may stand in support of liberty and freedom, but even those principle can be defending in unreasonable ways. Even some libertarians can find other libertarians to be a bit extreme.
Peer Pressure: 7 People Can Make you Change Your Mind
Do you believe what you see? Probably, at least in most cases, but peer pressure on you can be stronger than you think. Just seven other people can get most individuals to deny what they see and agree with the crowd - even if the crowd is obviously wrong.
Do you believe what you see? Probably, at least in most cases, but peer pressure on you can be stronger than you think. Just seven other people can get most individuals to deny what they see and agree with the crowd - even if the crowd is obviously wrong.
When Pseudoscience Kills
Quite a few people take comfort in various pseudoscientific beliefs; in fact, one of the defenses of pseudoscience is that it is comforting and doesn't do any real harm. That, however, is a serious error - pseudoscience isn't merely harmful but can, in fact, kill people who accept it uncritically.
Quite a few people take comfort in various pseudoscientific beliefs; in fact, one of the defenses of pseudoscience is that it is comforting and doesn't do any real harm. That, however, is a serious error - pseudoscience isn't merely harmful but can, in fact, kill people who accept it uncritically.
Prayer Study Flawed and Fraud
There have been a number of studies which purport to demonstrate the effectiveness of prayer in healing people. One popular one, though, was created by people who have been in trouble with the law. How much can they really be trusted?
There have been a number of studies which purport to demonstrate the effectiveness of prayer in healing people. One popular one, though, was created by people who have been in trouble with the law. How much can they really be trusted?
Scientific Proof for Astrology?
People are always looking for proof for their favorite beliefs, and a very popular topic for this sort of thing is astrology. Because it involves the planets, I guess, there are people who think that scientific proof of astrology must exist somewhere, even though continual efforts to find it never come up with anything.
People are always looking for proof for their favorite beliefs, and a very popular topic for this sort of thing is astrology. Because it involves the planets, I guess, there are people who think that scientific proof of astrology must exist somewhere, even though continual efforts to find it never come up with anything.
Wacky Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are popular in a certain segment of the population. Buffeted by forces they don't understand and can't control, there is something comforting in imagining that dark forces are in control - and, of course, that they are part of a unique group who know what is really going on and are combatting the evil. Why, though, do so many conspiracy theories involve Hillary Clinton?
Conspiracy theories are popular in a certain segment of the population. Buffeted by forces they don't understand and can't control, there is something comforting in imagining that dark forces are in control - and, of course, that they are part of a unique group who know what is really going on and are combatting the evil. Why, though, do so many conspiracy theories involve Hillary Clinton?
Prayers Don't Help Neglected Boy
In Kenya a 15-year-old boy died because his parents refused to take him to a hospital. Instead, they thought it was better to lock him up in the house for several weeks and pray to God for him to be healed. For some strange reason, God had better things to do.
In Kenya a 15-year-old boy died because his parents refused to take him to a hospital. Instead, they thought it was better to lock him up in the house for several weeks and pray to God for him to be healed. For some strange reason, God had better things to do.
Do You Really See what you See?
Most people tend to trust their visual perception. After all, if you can't trust your own eyes, what can you trust? Well, maybe you can't trust anything unquestionably because you can't trust your eyes as much as you might think - or at least you can't trust your brain to actually process all of the information that your eyes transmit.
Most people tend to trust their visual perception. After all, if you can't trust your own eyes, what can you trust? Well, maybe you can't trust anything unquestionably because you can't trust your eyes as much as you might think - or at least you can't trust your brain to actually process all of the information that your eyes transmit.
Aborigines Curse Prime Minister
Some people just aren't happy without a good curse. Most ancient religions include some provisions for curses and for cursing enemies, although one rarely hears about it anymore. Sometimes they do come up, though.
Some people just aren't happy without a good curse. Most ancient religions include some provisions for curses and for cursing enemies, although one rarely hears about it anymore. Sometimes they do come up, though.
Expedition to Search for Noah's Ark
Every once in a while yet another group or person decides to expend great amounts of time and money in a search for Noah's Ark. The latest in this parade is Daniel P. McGivern, president of Shamrock--The Trinity Corporation of Honolulu, Hawaii. McGivern will be sending a team of 10 explorers up Turkey's tallest mountain, Mount Ararat, assuming the Turkish government approves.
Every once in a while yet another group or person decides to expend great amounts of time and money in a search for Noah's Ark. The latest in this parade is Daniel P. McGivern, president of Shamrock--The Trinity Corporation of Honolulu, Hawaii. McGivern will be sending a team of 10 explorers up Turkey's tallest mountain, Mount Ararat, assuming the Turkish government approves.
Altering Polygraphs at the LAPD?
Polygraphs ("Lie Detectors") are unreliable - they aren't a scientific measuring device in any sense of the word. That doesn't stop the government from using them, however - and if the government can use something so unscientific, what is to stop them from altering the results to suit their needs?
Polygraphs ("Lie Detectors") are unreliable - they aren't a scientific measuring device in any sense of the word. That doesn't stop the government from using them, however - and if the government can use something so unscientific, what is to stop them from altering the results to suit their needs?
Misrepresenting Skepticism
Conservative evangelicals are caught in a dilemma: their religion is based upon faith and religious experiences, but they live in a culture that (ostensibly, at least) values rationality, science, and reason. What can be done? Generally speaking, they seek to rationalize their beliefs by framing their faith in "reasonable" language. They fail.
Conservative evangelicals are caught in a dilemma: their religion is based upon faith and religious experiences, but they live in a culture that (ostensibly, at least) values rationality, science, and reason. What can be done? Generally speaking, they seek to rationalize their beliefs by framing their faith in "reasonable" language. They fail.
Two Kinds of Rationality?
What does it mean to be "rational"? Sometimes when we say that a person "is rational" because their beliefs are well-justified in terms of evidence, reason, and logic. Other times, though, we mean that a person's actions are appropriate given their goals. Not only are these two senses of "is rational" very different, but they can even conflict with one another. Why is that?
What does it mean to be "rational"? Sometimes when we say that a person "is rational" because their beliefs are well-justified in terms of evidence, reason, and logic. Other times, though, we mean that a person's actions are appropriate given their goals. Not only are these two senses of "is rational" very different, but they can even conflict with one another. Why is that?
The Hunger Project: Going After Critics
If you look at their web site, you'll find that The Hunger Project describes itself as a "a strategic organization and global movement committed to the sustainable end of world hunger" which emphasizes "the empowerment of women" in various regions. That sounds noble. What you won't find, however, is a description of their past connection with Werner Erhard and his est organization.
If you look at their web site, you'll find that The Hunger Project describes itself as a "a strategic organization and global movement committed to the sustainable end of world hunger" which emphasizes "the empowerment of women" in various regions. That sounds noble. What you won't find, however, is a description of their past connection with Werner Erhard and his est organization.
Ban on Televised Miracles
Religious television shows which depict "miracles" - such as miraculous healings - are rather common in America. There are plenty of Christian preachers who are willing to go on the air and pretend to heal people - but in Nigeria, that may not be allowed anymore because a new law that comes into effect on April 30 would ban such things.
Religious television shows which depict "miracles" - such as miraculous healings - are rather common in America. There are plenty of Christian preachers who are willing to go on the air and pretend to heal people - but in Nigeria, that may not be allowed anymore because a new law that comes into effect on April 30 would ban such things.
Atkins Diet: Dangerous Pseudoscience?
Some studies have suggested that the Atkins diet may be helpful, but Dr. Susan Jebb, of the Medical Research Council's Human Nutrition Research Centre in Cambridge, argues the opposite. According to her, those studies were too limited to provide much meaningful data.
Some studies have suggested that the Atkins diet may be helpful, but Dr. Susan Jebb, of the Medical Research Council's Human Nutrition Research Centre in Cambridge, argues the opposite. According to her, those studies were too limited to provide much meaningful data.
Hospital Bans Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet has been hugely popular in recent years and many people swear that it is effective. Some scientific studies suggest that it may be helpful in losing weight but others are much less positive. Medical professional are not entirely happy with it - and in one British hospital, no patients will be served any meals that are designed around the Atkins Diet.
The Atkins diet has been hugely popular in recent years and many people swear that it is effective. Some scientific studies suggest that it may be helpful in losing weight but others are much less positive. Medical professional are not entirely happy with it - and in one British hospital, no patients will be served any meals that are designed around the Atkins Diet.
Nazi Aliens in Germany
Believer insist that crop circles made in farmers' fields must come from aliens who are trying to communicate with us. If that is the case, then I guess that Nazi aliens have arrived in Germany are trying to tell people to adopt National Socialism because a giant swastika has been found in cornfield near Berlin .
Believer insist that crop circles made in farmers' fields must come from aliens who are trying to communicate with us. If that is the case, then I guess that Nazi aliens have arrived in Germany are trying to tell people to adopt National Socialism because a giant swastika has been found in cornfield near Berlin .
Skepticism and Critical Thinking: Older News
Wondering about what has been going on in the world when it comes to skepticism and claims of the paranormal? It seems like there is always something new going on - staying current on what is happening isn't easy, but here you have a handy index about all sorts of news stories dealing with paranormal claims and general skepticism. Included as well are reviews of recent books on these issues.
Wondering about what has been going on in the world when it comes to skepticism and claims of the paranormal? It seems like there is always something new going on - staying current on what is happening isn't easy, but here you have a handy index about all sorts of news stories dealing with paranormal claims and general skepticism. Included as well are reviews of recent books on these issues.