Weekly Media Roundup, November 18, 2011

McGill Daily, November 7, 2011
The bullshit detector
The tradition of magicians using their experience in trickery to expose duplicitous frauds continues to this day, most notably with James Randi. ...The JREF puts its money where its mouth is, and offers a million U.S. dollars for any claim that holds up under double-blind testing. The foundation takes every claim at face value, and asks the question: “If this is true, then how can we prove it?”

Doubtful News | Skeptic Magazine, November 13, 2011
The JREF awards grants to two educators to address popular pseudoscientific beliefs
I love that both of these projects DIRECTLY address paranormal/supernatural claims. This is important because it keeps kids engaged and helps them see clearly, not generally, the way these ideas fall apart under a critical eye and how science works to get closer to the truth.

Bad Astronomy | Discover Magazine, November 9, 2011
On the birthday of Carl Sagan
... James Randi eloquently and emotionally talks about his friendship with Carl ....

JREF Swift Blog