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Category: Latest JREF News
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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 in medicine.

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Original Alpha Kid, Michael Edwards pays a visit to the foundation and recalls some of the behind the scenes tricks that he and Steve Shaw (Banachek) did during the MacLab test.

Project Alpha was an elaborate hoax orchestrated by the stage magician and skeptic James Randi. It involved planting two fake psychics, Steve Shaw (now better known as Banachek) and Michael Edwards, into a paranormal research project. During the initial stages of the investigation, the researchers came to believe that the pair's psychic powers were real. However, more formal experiments, as well as criticism from both the parapsychology community and Mr. Randi himself, led them to dismiss their initial trust.[1] The hoax was later revealed publicly.

The success of Project Alpha led Randi to use variations of the technique on several other occasions.

Great info on the Project Alpha Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Alpha

 

Watch part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMj38lF2U5k

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granitcon_logoThanks to Travis Roy, president of the Granite State Skeptics, a panel on skepticism was part of this year’s Granite State Comicon. The annual convention, held this past weekend in Manchester, New Hampshire, is in its 7th year and one of the best attended in the region. This was the first time that a panel focusing on skepticism has been part of the lineup. The panel featured four members of the Granite State Skeptics (Travis Roy, Dale Roy, Jan Stephan Lundquist, and Kitty Mervine) and myself, representing the James Randi Educational Foundation. Topics discussed included general skepticism, ghosts, critical thinking in education, cryptozoology, and creationism. The subject of alien abduction claims received the most attention. Panelist Kitty Mervine had some interesting insights on the history of and possible explanations for such claims. She also offered advice on responsible and effective communication with those who believe they have been victims of abduction. Mervine is the creator of the Bad Alien website. The panel will return in 2011.

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grassrootsGrassroots Skeptics is pleased to announce that we’re partnering with the James Randi Educational Foundation to present a workshop on grassroots skeptical organizing at The Amazing Meeting 8. We’re assembling a fantastic group of skeptical organizers and activists, who will share their experiences, and offer lots of practical tips. If you’re looking for advice about starting a local skeptics group, how to grow the membership of your existing group, or ideas for events you can plan to help spread critical thinking in your community, then we’ll have something for you.

The workshop is scheduled for Sunday, July 11th at 2 pm. Stay tuned here for more information, as we confirm the roster of presenters and hammer out the specifics of the program. You can visit randi.org to check out the entire TAM schedule and sign up for the workshop. You can also register for the All Workshop Pass, which will grant you access to all the workshops happening that weekend.

The JREF is devoting an unprecedented amount of time at this year’s TAM to promoting the efforts of grassroots skeptical groups, and we’re excited to be a part of it. We hope to see you there!

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Category: Newsflash
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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 in medicine.

  1. For Those Who Have Inquired...
  2. MY WORLD IS A LITTLE DARKER…
  3. ANOTHER LOSS
  4. For Good Reason: Paul Provenza - Satiristas