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Michael with Randi at TAM 7We are here to add to the sum of human goodness. To prove the thing exists. And  however finite each individual act of courage or generosity, self-sacrifice or grace – it still proves the thing exists. Each act adds to the fund. It needs replenishment. – Josephine Hart

I have occasionally seen people lament (or brag, depending which side of the aisle they're on) that one of the advantages a faith-based organization has over other types is its ability to raise funds for charities with relative ease. There is no doubt that these groups, from the local soup kitchen to the Salvation Army, do a tremendous amount of good. But that doesn't mean you can count out an outfit like the good ol' JREF.  So gather around children, because I have a story to tell.

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While there has been much buzz about the Amaz!ng Meetings that have recently occurred and are in the works, For Good Reason with D.J. Grothe has had some stellar speakers that deserve mention.

First, there was Ray Hyman in a two-part episode wherein he dicusses his life as an "Expert Skeptic." Then the perennial Ben Radford joined D.J. to discuss scientific paranormal investigation. And finally, Massimo Pigliucci discusses his new book, Nonsense on Stilts, which discusses how to tell science from bunk.

All this, and the weekly ponderings of Jamy Ian Swiss make for listening not be missed. Click here to see all recent episodes of For Good Reason.

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Back in 1883, all of the USA went a bit crazy over the so-called Magnetic Lady, a Miss Lulu Hurst of Georgia, whose success on the vaudeville circuit was phenomenal. She soon also had a few imitators who had solved the tricks she used, but they had relatively minor success with the act. The public couldn't figure out how she could match the strength of even the strongest men to appear onstage with her, and in default of a better explanation, her wonderful powers were put down to electricity. The reasoning was somewhat like this: Electricity is a mysterious agent, therefore all that is mysterious is electric. And who thought of logic when they saw three men tugging furiously at a broomstick or billiard-cue, and being vanquished by a tiny and fragile-looking lady.

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

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Chicago_Regional_WorkshopThere is still time to register for The James Randi Educational Foundation’s regional workshop in Chicago.  The workshop, Divination with Pendulums and Dowsing Rods, is being offered Saturday July 31st and is free to all members of the JREF.  Non-members can register for $45 or may purchase a $50 basic membership and attend for free. This event is being held in conjunction with the Chicago Skeptics at The Black Rock Pub & Kitchen at 1:00 p.m.

Think dowsing is a thing of the past? The recent scandal over the ADE 651 "bomb detector" used in Iraq that was nothing more than a swirling antenna on a box that sold for $16-$65 thousand dollars, demonstrates how dowsing fakery can still be a big business for hucksters and con artists. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/world/middleeast/04sensors.html)

The workshop is a comprehensive 3-hour, hands-on program covering the history, current application, and construction of divination devices, presented from a skeptical perspective, and featuring the research of James Randi on the topic. The workshop will emphasize how paranormal beliefs like dowsing are not trivial, and have real-world implications. Participants will make both pendulums and dowsing rods, and devise randomized, double-blinded trials to test their effectiveness. All tools, materials, and handouts are included in registration fee.

  1. What Now?
  2. Magic and Skepticism Panel from TAM7
  3. Preschool Skepticism
  4. TAM8, FULL SPEED AHEAD!