Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 8902

This last Sunday, I appeared on Skeptically Yours, a relatively new show hosted by Emery Emery and Heather Henderson. My fellow guests were podcaster Ross Blocher and comedian and YouTuber John Rael.

The freewheeling discussion was fun, and explored the proper scope of skepticism, and recent debates online on the topic between JREF Senior Fellow Steven Novella and atheist blogger PZ Myers. We discussed why JREF is not an atheist organization, even though many of us who work and volunteer here just happen to be atheists. We talked about whether skepticism “majors in the minors,” as opposed to focusing on more important issues than just “Bigfoot skepticism.” We explored the best ways to engage those who hold unwarranted beliefs. We distinguished between the method of skepticism and the conclusions of atheism, and how atheism is not necessarily continuous with skepticism. We talked a lot about celebrating religious, political and ideological diversity, as well as other important kinds of diversity, within skepticism. And we explored whether or not scientific skepticism is overtly hostile to atheism or social justice issues.

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 9377

The following is a contribution to the JREF’s ongoing blog series on skepticism and education. If you are an educator and would like to contribute to this series, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In a recent article for Skeptical Inquirer, I wrote about the ways some Young Earth Creationists distort, misinterpret and mistranslate Beowulf and use it to support their discredited worldview. Briefly, the argument is as follows: Beowulf is a true story; all the monsters in the poem are really dinosaurs or similar reptiles; since the story is true and features dinosaurs, dinosaurs and men must have co-existed relatively recently; therefore, the theory of evolution is wrong. At the end of the article, I noted that this idiosyncratic interpretation of Beowulf has found its way into works intended for homeschooled children. In this post, I want to elaborate on the ways Christian homeschooling families approach Beowulf and English literature more generally.

Details
Category: Latest JREF News
Hits: 6786

swissLOS ANGELES—The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) has appointed renowned magician and skeptic Jamy Ian Swiss as Senior Fellow.

Swiss is a professional magician, author, corporate speaker, and longtime skeptic activist. He has performed magic throughout the United States for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to the Smithsonian Institution and made numerous television appearances in the United States, Europe and Japan, including U.S. appearances on CBS 48 Hours, PBS Nova and the PBS documentary The Art of Magic, and repeat appearances on both The Today Show and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. His work with the JREF will include helping educate the public about the intersection of skepticism and magic, and writing articles and producing educational videos on critical thinking.

"Jamy is a leading voice for scientific skepticism," JREF President D. J. Grothe said. "Not only does he have decades of experience in organized skepticism, through helping found New York City Skeptics and National Capital Area Skeptics, but he is a longtime friend and colleague of Randi’s and the JREF. We are fortunate to be able to feature his important work advancing skepticism about pseudoscience and the paranormal. His Honest Liar features on For Good Reason have been a valuable addition to our educational efforts, and I’m excited to see that role expanded. "

JREF Founder James Randi added, "Jamy is a long-time friend of mine and of the JREF. His services at our Amaz!ng Meetings in Las Vegas have always been well-received and appreciated by us all, and by involving him more in our work in this way, our Foundation will be even more effective in advancing scientific skepticism for the interested public. There are very few such experts on the relationship of magic and skepticism, and we're excited about this new association."

About the new role Jamy said, "I am truly honored by the opportunity to expand my longtime association with my friend and mentor, James Randi, and with the JREF. Deception is the weapon of choice for con artists and hustlers – from psychics and TV mediums to alternative medicine pitchmen – and I hope to help disarm that weapon in the constant and necessary battle against irrationality and anti-science propagandists.”

Swiss began his new role at the JREF on February 1, 2013.

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 8463

Here is a rundown of the top stories in pseudoscience, monkeys, hoaxes and the paranormal from the past week courtesy of Doubtful News.

Two monkey stories. A monkey on the loose was reported running down the road in Meadowood, British Columbia. That's ridiculous. Everyone knows it was a baby Sasquatch! 

Iran gets the hairy eyeball for their space monkey mess up. 

Indigo Mom and anti-vaxxer celeb, Jenny McCarthy, thought she had a gig lined up to speak at a health event in Ottawa. Alas, pro science folks didn't take to kindly to that. She's out. 

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 6632

Here is a recap of the stories that appeared last week at Science-Based Medicine, a multi-author skeptical blog that separates the science from the woo-woo in medicine.  

Is acupuncture as effective as antidepressants? Part 2. Blinding readers who try to get an answer (James Coyne) http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/is-acupuncture-as-effective-as-antidepressants-part-2-blinding-readers-who-try-to-get-an-answer/ This continues the discussion of the flaws in a study comparing acupuncture to antidepressants. The study is junk science; it lacks transparency and its methodology violates the standards of meta-analysis. PLOS journals are perpetrating misleading mischief and propaganda.  

  1. Witchcraft and African Football
  2. The “Dancing Lights” of Silver Cliff Cemetery
  3. The Snake and The Preacher: Skepticism on Primetime TV
  4. More Than A Decade Ago...