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Finally the FDA cracked down on a worthless homeopathic medicine, HCG - homeopathic, sold over the counter. The FDA stated that such drops could not make the claims it was making. 

There are a lot of “fad” diets out there- and the HCG diet has been resurrected more times than most. But last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued letters to companies warning them that selling “homeopathic” HCG weight-loss drugs was not FDA approved and that there was no evidence of the weight loss claims, thus violating FTC rules.

     

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Minneapolis Star Tribune, December 16, 2011
Christopher Hitchens - an atheist's tribute
I had a chance to talk to him in person about five years ago, just before the release of God Is Not Great, when he showed up to a hotel room party at the Amazing Meeting 5, a celebration of skepticism.

International Business Times, December 9, 2011
Missing Baby Lisa Irwin Update: Are Psychics To Be Trusted?
Psychics have failed to find a number of missing persons and the Challenge is meant to find scientific prove proving or denying the existence of "psychic powers.

Skeptic.com, December 9. 2011
Baby Lisa psychic Stephanie Almaguer agrees to JREF Million Dollar Challenge
In an effort to defend her self-proclaimed skills, Almaguer has agreed to participate in the “Million Dollar Psychic Challenge” run by The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF).

Memphis Flyer, December 7, 2011
The Help: Schools Have Lots of It These Days
Professional skeptic James Randi has collected several of them on his website.

Gather.com, December 9, 2011
Lisa Irwin Psychic Comments Attract Attention
"Fine. I'm submitting for that challenge. That being said, win or lose, I don't think anyone - even the greatest, would ever win, and not because they have no ability, but for different reasons - which I will just keep to myself.

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I'm very, very, saddened as I learned that Christopher Hitchens has left us after only 62 years of a brilliant, dedicated life.

Before I type one more word, I'll point out that those angry, frustrated, hateful, frightened, detractors were simply wrong when they predicted that he would turn to some deity or other before he died; that would not have been the Christopher that I knew, the brave warrior who wielded his pen as a sword and thereby cut such a shining path before him. I'm certain that as he closed his eyes he was aware that he'd done an excellent job, he'd said his piece, he'd reached so many people around the world who needed to know that they were not under the command of any jealous, vengeful, insecure, capricious, cruel, god who created them and then played with them like helpless toys to satisfy divine whims.  Christopher was one of my giants...

I'll miss him, but I'll try to carry his message to others who've not yet heard it, though my words will not read as well, nor will my phrasing of them approach Christopher's standards.  However, I choose to respect him by always referring to him as "Christopher," since he seriously disliked "Chris."  Please join me in that nicety.

Yes, it could be said that Hitchens was unwise about his heavy smoking and drinking, which may have brought about his too-early demise, but he was a fully mature adult who made those decisions for himself.  I have inveighed in the past against those unwise practices because they have cost me other good friends and family, and I myself am certainly not free enough of “sin” to cast any stone in his direction.

As I write this, I'm told that The New York Times has stopped the presses to include Christopher's obituary on their front page, and I swear that I could hear him guffawing at that. We so much enjoyed his wit and wise words at the The Amaz!ng Meetings he graced with his presence, and we will feel this loss every time we stand before a TAM audience.

Goodbye, Christopher.  These tears in my eyes are of pure joy at having known you.

James Randi.

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One of the best ways to get people to think more critically is to give them hints and nudges and help them to find their own way. Since its the holiday season we thought we’d come up with a list of gifts that help you do just that. We’ve tried to include items that people are likely to enjoy anyway but will also sow the seeds for skepticism, critical thinking and an appreciation for science and the scientific process. Also be sure to check out our other article: Top Ten Gifts for the Proud Skeptic for some great gift ideas for those who already identify themselves as skeptics. 

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Last week, James Randi delivered one of his amazing lectures on critical thinking at the University of Colorado BoulderUniversity of Colorado group, and none of us at the JREF could be happier with the result. Hundreds of students, faculty, and community members packed into the Duane Physics Building for Randi's contribution to the university's colloquium series, filling the room to capacity and delivering a standing ovation at the end. This came after a day Randi spent visiting with local skeptics, touring the university's impressive science facilities, and meeting with professors to discuss the cutting edge of physics research. I know I speak for Randi when I say it was well worth braving the frigid temperatures to see all these fine folks in Boulder.

Special thanks to Professor Leo Radzihovsky for coordinating the event and to Professor Paul Beale, the Physics Department chair, for being such a gracious and generous host.

 

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