Science Journalism
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- Written by Dr. Steven Novella
- Category: Swift
- Hits: 11577
There are likely a few causes of the poor quality of science reporting. Primarily, in my opinion, there is simply a disconnect between two specialized areas - knowledge of science and communication skills. Journalists are trained to communicate to the public in an accessible and interesting way, but their knowledge of science is highly variable. Even a generally scientifically literate journalist will likely still lack in depth knowledge concerning the topic of his article, whether a new bit of research or a scientific controversy.
Skeptic History: Armageddon!
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- Written by Tim Farley
- Category: Swift
- Hits: 10798
The world did not end last Sunday, May 27th. Once again, this comes as no surprise. 
Last year around this same time, one practically could not avoid news coverage of Harold Camping's prediction of Judgment Day for May 21, 2011. Driven by the Christian minister's broadcasts on his Family Radio Network and billboards around the country, many of his followers sold their belongings and traveled around to spread the word of a looming disaster that ultimately never came. Camping had previously botched predictions for May 21, 1988 and September 6, 1994.
The prediction this year for May 27th came from a Church of God pastor named Ronald Weinland (born May 30, 1949) who has been promoting a pair of free e-books about how the world will end. I'm sure he is quite disappointed his prediction did not come true, not the least because it would have prevented the start of his trial for federal tax evasion, which is currently scheduled to begin Monday, June 4.
Hoaxes In The Classroom
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- Written by Bob Blaskiewicz
- Category: Swift
- Hits: 12444
The JREF is proud to announce a new series on randi.org featuring articles by skeptical teachers exploring critical thinking in the classroom, using the investigation of the paranormal, fringe science, and pseudoscience to teach methods of science and reason. We welcome feedback, discussion, and further suggestions from educators and parents in the comments section. If you would like to be involved in this project, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In my career teaching writing to incoming college students, I am lucky to have spent three years at Georgia Tech, where innovation in the classroom is valued. But even in this environment, I’m still a bit of an evil imp. When one professor had students reconstruct the Thoreau's cabin from Walden, I tried to think of a way that students could recreate a historical event for a final project in a rock n’ roll class I was considering. When I took the project to my boss, recreating the Beatles’ final concert on the roof of Apple Records, substituting “Apple Records” with “Humanities Building,” she balked. (Don’t mock the idea...too much. Hardcore research skills, which are taught in the writing classroom, go into good historical recreations. I think the fact that there is not enough insurance in the world to convince the Dean that it should ever be done killed the project.)
See James Randi in Washington, D.C.!
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- Written by JREF Staff
- Category: Latest JREF News
- Hits: 5733
This Saturday, June 2, James Randi will be delivering one of his entertaining and informative lectures on pseudoscience, the paranormal, and honing your skeptical senses in Washington, D.C. This talk is being hosted by the Center for Inquiry-D.C.
Those of us who have had the pleasure of seeing Randi perform in the past know what a singular experience it can be, so be sure to register now while tickets are still available.
And click here to join the event's Facebook page.
CFI members are also invited to join in a pre-show luncheon with Randi at the wonderful Kellari Taverna restaurant.
Click here to register for the luncheon+lecture combo and here to join the luncheon's Facebook page.
We hope to see you there!
This Week In Doubtful News
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- Written by Sharon Hill
- Category: Latest JREF News
- Hits: 5376
Here is a rundown of the top stories in pseudoscience, paranormal and anomaly news from the past week courtesy of Doubtful News.
Psychic animals predicting sports events is a “thing” that is not going away. Frankly, I miss the octopus.
The psychic industry experienced a boost due to the bad economy as people searched for ANY way to feel in control of a scary situation.
A psychic family in severe legal trouble appealed to celebrities on social media this week for their legal defense fund. They were shut down. So much for the stars being in your favor.
What happened to all the people who counted on the Apocalypse this past May and October? They were left quite confused. This may be a guide to what might come this December.
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