Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 7827

Skeptic History iconThe time around Halloween often inspires hoaxes in the media, which should remind viewers of the importance of skepticism.  

Of course, Orson Welles’ radio broadcast of H.G. Wells “The War of the Worlds” in the form of a realistic sounding newscast on October 30, 1938 is probably the most famous.  The number of people who took this program seriously has been exaggerated over the years.  But despite the fame of Welles’ broadcast, similar broadcasts in Chile on November 12, 1944, in Ecuador in February 1949 and in Buffalo, NY on Halloween 1968 also succeeded in panicking some listeners.

Across the pond, the BBC pulled a similar stunt with a television program called “Ghostwatch” on October 31, 1992.  This prerecorded and scripted program was presented as if it were a live broadcast of a poltergeist investigation in London.  The broadcast sparked some controversy and has never been repeated.

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 5601

Last weekend, I was honored to present an educational workshop called "The Truth About ESP" to the Atlanta Skeptics in (whereBrian Thompson at ESP class in Atlanta else?) Atlanta, Georgia.  Our ESP workshop is just one of several interactive workshops the JREF offers on a variety of skeptical topics.  Nearly 50 attendees packed into Manuel's Tavern to learn about the history of ESP investigation, the scientific explanations for apparent extra-sensory powers, and how self-professed "psychics" claim to use their own abilities.  They even tested their own psychic potential through Zener card experiments and by following the established protocols of remote viewing.  Unfortunately, no one was able to demonstrate any paranormal ability beyond random chance.  But there's always next time.

Special thanks to Christian Walters of the Atlanta Skeptics for hosting the event and to Mark Ditsler of Abrupt Media for his expert A/V services.

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 8013

We live in interesting times for skepticism. There is a large amount of skeptic-relevant news happening constantly. But it can be difficult to keep up. The news stories of relevance to skepticism are often spread across many different newspapers or magazines. Who has time to read them all?

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 5061

[Editor’s Note: “Your Skeptic Stories” is an ongoing series written by readers like you, people who have, through one means or another, discovered skepticism and critical thinking. These stories remind us that we all started somewhere and some of us are still finding our way as skeptics. Please send your story of around 1000 words, along with a 2-3 line bio, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


Today’s story is a follow-up from Jan]

Details
Category: Swift
Hits: 5111
This week: Major media coverage of our zombie horde confronting James Van Praagh; Halloween challenge to Psychic Sally; and science/tech blogs report on "Our Future In Space" panel from TAM 2011.
  1. Flu Vaccine Safety and Efficacy
  2. The "Dracula's Bride" Panic
  3. The JREF's Zombie Horde: More Photos and Media Coverage
  4. Tempests In Skeptical Teapots