We don't like science so the media don't talk about science which makes us not like science which makes the media not report on science which –
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- Written by Brandon K. Thorp & Penn Bullock
- Category: Swift
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Last week, we published a story at the Miami New Times linking Florida governor Charlie Crist to a father-son team of chemical castrators named Dr. Mark and David Geier. The Geiers are “anti-vax” autism researchers who believe rigorous chelation therapy, augmented with the castration drug Lupron, is an effective treatment for (some) autistic children. (That's the digest version, anyway. You may find some good background on the Geiers here, courtesy of Respectful Insolence, or you may view our own story here.) From all appearances, the governor's office is attempting to bend a reluctant Florida Department of Health to the Geiers' will, as the researchers seek access to the state's database of millions of confidential vaccination records. The governor's intercession comes at the request of one Dr. Gary Kompothecras; chiropractor, anti-vaxer, Geiers supporter, and – crucially – major Crist fundraiser, with a seat on the Governor's Autism Task Force.
This is reprehensible, but it's not the subject of this screed. In this screed, we'd like to share what we left out of the story: Our queasy suspicion that none of the cynical shennanigans described therein would have taken place if the governor believed his constituents understood science, or had any faith in his state's media to report factually on a science story.
Fact or Faked: Faked!
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- Written by Karen Stollznow
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From the Syfy network that inflicted us with Ghost Hunters, Mary Knows Best, Destination Truth and other unreality reality television, comes Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files.
Billed as the “Mythbusters of the Paranormal,” a title coveted but undeserved by every paranormal show in existence, Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files supposedly “revolutionizes paranormal programming by investigating the evidence witnesses post on the Internet every day. Have you ever seen a photo or video online and wondered, 'Is this real?' This is the show that will answer that question.”1
But does the show answer that question correctly, and truthfully? And is the very question honest?
The show examines paranormal claims found online, to determine whether the phenomenon captured is, well, “fact or faked.” As we will see, it seems the producers are the ones doing the faking.
Unbalancing The Power
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- Written by Richard Saunders
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Sometime in the 1970s I saw a TV report on how colors could change your strength and balance. It was just, to use the word without permission, "amazing." The subjects would have their strength tested by holding out their arms and resisting as best they could the downward pressure exerted by the color therapy "expert." When a blue colored card was placed in front of the subjects, it was found they could resist the pressure quite well. However when a pink colored card was used, their strength seemed to abandon them. The same effect was found when their balance was tested. It was all so convincing. But who was going to make money out of something anyone could make for themselves at home?
Fast-forward about thirty years or so and the color cards, as far as I know, are long gone. But the same tests are still being used, only now they are employed sell a vast panopoly of products that use E.U.T.S. (Energies Unknown to Science)
Homeopathy: Now Available at Your Local Wal-Mart
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- Written by Maria Myrback
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At TAM 8, one of the panelists, Dr. Ginger Campbell, mentioned that the mother of one of her patients had picked up a homeopathic remedy from Wal-Mart because the labeling was not obvious. Her child's earache, not surprisingly, continued to worsen. Because the mother was unable to tell that what she had gotten wasn't real medicine.
After doing some investigating, I found that the Wal-Mart online store sells two homeopathic "remedies". The first is Ring Relief. Its active ingredient, Benzalkonium Chloride, is, according to Drugs.Com is an antiseptic similar to that used at an ear-piercing kiosk for after an ear piercing has been done. It is generally used for treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
The Mayo Clinic states none of the possible causes of tinnitus are treatable with an antiseptic. While there IS a wide range of causes for the issue, not one is related to viral or bacterial infestation in the ear canal or inner ear. This so called remedy is useless for what it claims to do.
Credit Card Art Contest Extension!
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- Written by Bart Farkas
- Category: Latest JREF News
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The James Randi Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the extension of the JREF Credit Card Art Contest. The designs received so far have been so impressive that we are extending the contest. Back in November 2009 the JREF announced the release of the JREF Capital One Visa card, available to anyone interested in supporting the JREF through the use of a credit card.
The JREF Capital One Visa Card helps the JREF because the first purchase made on the card triggers a gift of $50 from Capital One to the JREF. And once the card is active, 1% of everything spent on the card goes to the JREF to help fund our valuable and much needed programs fighting woo-woo and helping to get critical thinking resources into the classroom. As an added bonus, 2% of groceries and gasoline purchases go to the JREF as well.
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| Two samples of the artwork submitted for the contest so far. |
The JREF Capital One Visa card currently has one design with an iconic picture of James Randi emblazoned on the card. However, variety is the spice of life and Capital One allows the JREF to have up to three card designs for this Visa card, so we are launching an art contest to allow our dedicated and very talented supporters to come up with two new designs for the card.
Submit your artwork for the JREF Capital One Visa Card before November 30, 2010. We are asking for contest submissions of artwork to adorn the JREF Capital One Visa card. This is your chance to have a lasting impact on the JREF by designing a new iconic image for the card!
The winning design will be chosen by James “The Amazing” Randi and the design finalists will be posted on the JREF website (www.randi.org) so that JREF members can vote on which design they think should adorn the second card. At the end of the contest we’ll have two brand new JREF Capital One Visa card designs to choose from giving JREF members and the public a pair of new reasons to order a JREF Capital One Visa Card.
The winners will be announced on December 10, 2010.
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