The Skeptic: Blog

The Secular Coalition for America’s Briefing with the Obama Administration

This week, in the first formal meeting of its kind, members of the Secular Coalition for America met with White House officials to discuss religious exemptions for child abuse, military proselytisation, and faith-based discrimination. An agreement was made to keep the officials’ responses private.

Hemant Mehta, author of the blog Friendly Atheist and who was present at the meeting, expressed cautious optimism towards its outcomes. He writes that “[The officials] are better educated about [the issues concerning us] and they can represent us a little better than before”, but adds that “On the flip side, they’re not the policy makers. They can only take what we say and make recommendations to the relevant personnel.”

Some right wing theists were not happy about the meeting. Bill Donohue for example, expressed disgust towards what he described as the Obama administration’s willingness to meet with “some of the biggest anti-religious zealots in the nation.”

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:13:47 +0000

It’s been an exciting week for the UK: A government committee is in the process of deciding the future relationship between homeopathy and the NHS; Simon Singh appeared in the Court of Appeal; and it was discovered that Noah’s ark was in fact, round.

MPs call to cease homeopathy funding

A lot of attention has been brought to the subject of homeopathy recently. This week, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee publicly stated that there was no justification for spending public money on this bogus treatment (although they didn’t use the word bogus – we all know where that can lead).

Watch Chris French’s appearance on BBC News, where he debated very articulately — even through his understandably clenched jaw — the use of homeopathic remedies, here.

You can also read the BBC’s news coverage of the story here.

Indian State Confiscates ‘Blasphemous’ Jesus Textbooks

The Indian state of Meghalaya is contemplating legal action against the publishers of ‘blasphemous’ textbooks. The books, which picture Jesus with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, are used in the classrooms of a private school in an area where over 70% of the population are Christian. I’m not sure what the publisher’s intended angle was, but I would have thought they should be thanked by sandal-makers and Christians alike, for finally making Jesus cool.

Read the BBC’s news coverage here.

Simon Singh v BCA in the Court of Appeal

This week saw the much anticipated appearance of Simon Singh in the Court of Appeal. It will be impossible for me to summarise the proceedings in the short paragraph that it is customary for me to write here, and at any rate, I could not do it justice even given ample space. For a decent review of the day’s events I recommend reading Jack of Kent’s latest post. Suffice to say that the reaction from the Singh supporters present was positive, but also that his battle is not yet won.

Sign the Libel Reform campaign here.

Atheist Bus Ads Rejected in New Zealand

The now infamous atheist bus adverts, originated in the UK but spread worldwide, have been rejected by a New Zealand bus company on the grounds of poor taste. This follows an unexpectedly high support for the campaign, demonstrated through its public funding. One Atheist organisation sees this as a case of discrimination, and a spokesperson for the group pointed out that “In a way, the rejection by NZ Bus has shown why this campaign is needed in the first place.”

Relic Reveals Noah’s Ark Was Circular

You may assume from the title that this is going to be a fluff piece, and it is. The amazing thing is that the original article with this title was not. What’s more, this is not a headline from The Onion or some nutcase website: It is a piece that was featured this week in the Guardian.

The article describes, without a trace of doubt or irony, that according to an ancient Babylonian tablet, our usual depictions of Noah’s ark are inaccurate. It was in fact, round. The author then goes on to explain how much more feasible this version of events is than our previous, embarrassingly naive, notion that the ark was like all other boats.

(Image courtesy of ant.photos)

Ian Rowland: Cold Reader Extraordinaire

Mentalist Ian Rowland is heralded as the world’s leading authority on cold reading. In this week’s Point of Enquiry podcast Rowland identifies uses for this powerful technique outside of professing psychic abilities, and explains why he thinks the skeptic community at large is doing a bad job of promoting its message beyond the converted. He suggests that we take a leaf out of the advertising industry’s book; a view that I am very much in agreement with.

[Via The Skepbitch]

Iraq Still Embracing the Magic

You may remember the recent coverage of the “dowsing rod” bomb detectors being used by the Iraqi armed forces. After their effectiveness has been demonstrated to be non-existent, their manufacturer has been arrested under suspicion of fraud, and all this has been widely covered by the media, the Iraqi Prime Minister is still insisting on their life-threatening use. It just goes to show you that you can dowse an Iraqi Prime Minister to water, but you can’t make him think (Leave me alone, it sort of works.)

*************************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:29:55 +0000

Discover the true meaning of Valentine’s Day, the latest initiatives of the JREF and Bill O’reilly’s skeptical side in this week’s roundup.

From Pagan Rituals to E-cards

Unlike Mother’s and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day is not one of those holidays cooked up by card companies out to make a buck, even if they have parasitically latched onto it. Most of us have probably heard of Saint Valentine, but what exactly did he do? Well, he performed secret marriages between young men and women after they had been forbidden by the Roman Emperor Claudius II in an effort to keep his army strong, the legend goes.

More interestingly, this day of celebration can be traced all the way back to an ancient Pagan ritual, which was later annexed by the Christian Church some centuries after its inception, and pegged onto Saint Valentine. Is there anything they haven’t plagiarised?

Little Atoms with Stuart Clark (+guest host Marcus Chown) — Friday 19th February 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:08:36 +0000

On this week’s show, Neil Denny and special guest presenter Marcus Chown talk to Stuart Clark.

Stuart Clark is one of the UK’s most widely read astronomy journalists. A former editor of Astronomy Now, He has a PhD in astrophysics and until 2001 was director of public astronomy education at the University of Hertfordshire. In 2001 the Independent ranked him alongside Stephen Hawking and Sir Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, as one of the ‘stars’ of British astrophysics teaching. A regular contributor to such magazines as New Scientist and BBC Focus, he is the author of several books, the most recent of which is Galaxy. But it was his first work of narrative nonfiction, The Sun Kings, that established him as a popular science writer par excellence.

Marcus Chown’s first book, Afterglow of Creation, has just been re-published in paperback by Faber & Faber.

Join us on Friday evening, 19th February at 19.00 to 19.30 on Resonance 104.4FM in London or via the live feed worldwide.

Video tour of the James Randi Educational Foundation.

Mark — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:31:17 +0000

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Videos courtesy of YouTube user ‘SETIat1420MHz’.

Think Week: humanism, faith, religion, science and politics from 22nd to 28th Feb.

Mark — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:23:34 +0000

Think Week is a week-long series of free events from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th February, exploring humanism, faith, religion, science and politics. Organised jointly by the Oxford Atheist Society, Oxford Secular Society, Oxford Humanists, Oxford Sea of Faith and Oxford Skeptics in the Pub, the aim of the week is to expose the type of discussion and debate that these societies offer to a wider audience and to make people think about issues they probably haven’t thought about before. Refreshments will be provided at all events. Attendees are welcome to bring food to lunch time events.

We are also intending to post a daily summary of the events on The Skeptic Blog, contributed by the organisers of Think Week.

Monday 22nd — Think About Belief
20:00 Committee Panel — “What are Atheism, Secularism, Humanism and Skepticism?” — Lincoln College, Oakeshott Room
21:00 Interfaith/Interthought Panel — “Can Different Faiths and Worldviews Work Together for a Common Good?” — Lincoln College, Oakeshott Room

Tuesday 23rd — Think About the Universe
13:00 Dr Stephen Law — “What’s It All About Then? Life, the Universe, and Everything” — Venue TBC
20:00 Professor Peter Atkins — “Science is King” — Lincoln College, Oakeshott Room

Wednesday 24th — Think About Politics
13:00 Paul Pettinger, BHA and Allan Hayes, SoF — Faith Schools — Lincoln College, Oakeshott Room
20:00 Andrew Copson, BHA — “Humanism and Campaigning” — Lincoln College, Oakeshott Room

Thursday 25th — Think About Freedom
13:00 Marayam Namazie — “One Law for All” — Lincoln College, Lower Lecture Room
19:30 Dr Julian Baggini — “Freedom, Respect and Religion” — Wadham College, Moser Theatre

Friday 26th — Think About Culture
13:00 Poetry Workshop — Lincoln College, Lower Lecture Room
20:00 Samantha Stein — “Public Perceptions of Atheism” — Wadham College, Moser Theatre
21:30 Iszi Lawrence — Stand-Up Comedian — Bar Copa Function Room

Saturday 27th
12:00 Atheist, Humanist and Secular Societies Fair — Meet the National Organisations — Linacre College, Hall
18:00 BHA Choir performance with readings — Linacre College, Hall

Sunday 28th
13:00 Ken Smith — “The Paradox of Religious Atheism” — Lincoln College, Oakeshott Room
19:30 Dr Evan Harris MP — Skepticism and Secularism — Bar Copa Function Room

For full details and to check for any changes to the schedule, see the Think Week website.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:05:03 +0000

This week we shine the spotlight on Prince Charles, Cherie Blair and Fred Flintstone (the only one who doesn’t believe in fiction). As an encore I’ll throw in the Westborough Baptist Church and a few other bits and pieces to get you going.

We Might Err, But Science is Self-Correcting

It was pleasing this week to stumble across an article in the Times, which not only made the defence of science its sole purpose, but repeatedly and explicitly made connections between the scientific method and the notion of scepticism. Challenging the media phrase ‘climate sceptics’ and addressing the rocky relationship between science and politics, John Krebs makes a first class defence of the principles we hold dear.

Prince Charles Declares War on… The Enlightenment

But one man remains unconvinced. In a recent article in the Times, the Prince of Woo was reported to have remarked, “I was accused once of being the enemy of the Enlightenment. I felt proud of that.” He went on to hypothesise that “The Enlightenment started over 200 years ago. It might be time to think again.” Presumably Charlie would see our return to the dark ages, during which time the medicines he champions may have seemed semi-plausible.

[Via DC’s Improbable Science]

Herbal Spot Treatment Gave Woman Cancer

Here’s an example of what can go wrong (as if you needed one) when you adopt the thinking of some uneducated charlatan who spent his days knee deep in excrement. A woman suffered a heart attack, kidney failure and has been diagnosed with cancer, after following a lengthy course of herbal spot treatment medicine, a court heard this week. The pills were found to contain the banned substance aristolochic acid.

In 2011, new EU laws will require that only regulated drugs be administered. Under current UK law herbal and other alternative medicines do not fall into this category. The UK government is to decide later this year whether or not this will remain the case.

How To Respond To The Westborough Baptist Church

I suspect that most of you are familiar with the Phelps family, aka the most hated family in America. They’re the ones who picket soldiers’ funerals with signs expressing what seems suspiciously to be their only concern, and that is “God Hates Fags”. Come out already Gramps, we won’t make fun. Anyway, if you’re wondering what you can do to combat these hatemongers then look no further. The protesters have cracked it. Problem over.

If you haven’t seen it already, I highly recommend Louis Theroux’s documentary in which he spends three weeks living with the Phelps family. In fact, I highly recommend all of his documentaries.

Church of England Concerned by ‘Religious TV Cuts’

The synod this week expressed disappointment at the lack of religious programs available on all UK television networks. Perhaps more disappointing is that Channel 4 felt the need to defend itself by claiming that religious programs were “at the heart of its schedule”. Fortunately this is clearly not the case.

Jurassic Park Meets the Flintstones

According to Discover Magazine the prospect of being able to clone Neanderthals is not too far from us. Aside from the ethical dilemma attached, which is addressed in detail in their own article on the subject, this might open doors to help us to answer some fascinating and important questions, not least of which I imagine is ‘did you guys really mix cement in pelicans’ beaks?’

When Atheism Goes Mainstream

I remember the first time I watched the video titled ‘The Four Horsemen’, in which Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris and Dennett discuss Atheism, and most interestingly their visions for the future and practical ways of getting there, at length. It was the first time that I realised that I agreed with some of them (Dawkins and Harris, since you ask) much more than others (Hitchens. I have never really explored Dennett’s work). To me, Hitchens’ most striking remark was that he would not like to see a world without religion, essentially because that would leave him with no one to argue with.

Well it appears that Hitchens is not alone in this respect. In an article titled ‘When Atheism Goes Mainstream’, Hemant Mehta takes a similar stance, but adds to this several other things he’ll miss if and when Atheism becomes the norm. I’m very confused by all this. It reminds me of a hardcore Nirvana fan who one day decides that he only likes the ‘old stuff’, because Nevermind is too mainstream. For the most part, when a band or anything else becomes ‘mainstream’, it is because it’s gained recognition because it was good, and atheism certainly is that.

Disclaimer: Friendly Atheist is an excellent blog, and in all fairness to him Hemant’s article is not about how he hopes that atheism never prevails.

A Religious, but not Righteous Judge: Cherie Blair

Sorry, that last one turned into a bit of a rant. I’ll keep this one short and sweet.

Judge Cherie Blair gave an “expressly lenient” sentence to a man found guilty of assault, because he was religious. She made no attempt to disguise the fact. It’s a clear cut case. Read the story for yourself. You be the judge.

Christ, I’m not really going to end on that am I?

******************************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk

Little Atoms with Dr Karen James — Friday 12 February 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:01:55 +0000

On this week’s show, Neil Denny and Rebecca Watson talk to Dr Karen James.

Dr Karen James is a postdoctoral research assistant in the Department of Botany of the Natural History Museum, working on the development of a DNA-based identification system for plant species. She also coordinated the museum’s Darwin bicentenary science campaign including a survey of the museum’s Darwin specimens and a Galapagos mockingbird conservation genetics project. She is the director of science for The HMS Beagle Trust which aims to build a modern seagoing version of HMS Beagle for scientific research, public engagement and learning.

Join us on Friday evening, 12th February at 19.00 to 19.30 on Resonance 104.4FM in London or via the live feed worldwide.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:59:07 +0000

If you’re easily offended by extreme stupidity then this week’s roundup is not for you. You’re not? How about homophobia? Thought so. Find out what you might be paying for the Pope to preach, as well as the latest on Andrew Wakefield, Jodie Kidd’s insight into alternative therapies and more.

Pope Benedict Attacks Government Over Equality Bill

The British taxpayer is to fork out an estimated £20m for this year’s upcoming visit from Pope Benedict, during which time he has indicated that he will be spewing anti-homosexual ramblings. In fear that a *gasp* gay person or *holy trans-phobia Batman* transsexual might one day take a high position within the catholic church, the Pope has recently attacked the UK’s Equality Bill, stating that it “violates the natural law upon which the equality of all human beings is grounded.” Huh?

Vegetarianism is not for Sissies

It turns out that philosophy isn’t just for pretentious, pipe smoking students, who host dinner parties only to discuss whether or not the table they are sat at is really there. This week I stumbled across a discussion between Richard Dawkins and professional philosopher Peter Singer, who between them lay out the highly logical argument that if you ‘believe’ in the Theory of Evolution it is immoral for you to eat meat. Admittedly this is not a new interview, but if I who thought I had seen every online clip of Professor Dawkins had not seen it, I can only assume that neither have many others. It is well worth watching and highly thought provoking.

I Believe in Miracles

This week BBC3 brought us another uncompromising work of journalistic scrutiny, this time on the subject of alternative therapies and presented by the former model Jodie Kidd. In it, Jodie guides us through the world of woo, all the while relating back to her own positive experiences with crystal therapy. One of my personal favourite arguments spouted in the program is from a “NASA scientist and shaman” who explains that “everything is made of atoms, atoms are made of energy and energy is consciousness.” Sold! To that man in the tinfoil hat!

Watch the full program here. Unfortunately, this video is available to UK residents only.

Ask Oscar

I hope that title means something to someone out there. It was the name of a great children’s trilogy on water, light and air that I watched when I was a kid, and I’ve just found out that the scientist mole’s voice was in fact that of Bill Oddie.

But the Oscar who hit the headlines this week is no mole. He is in fact, a cat. A death detecting cat to be precise. Oscar has reportedly sniffed out 50 patients in their dying hours, and otherwise spends his time in solitude. The talented tortoiseshell has now become the subject of a new book by David Dosa, who in it claims that Oscar can smell ketones in the same way that dogs have reportedly been able to detect cancer. Dosa has also published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, although it reads more like a short story than a scientific study.

Full Judgement on the GMC on Wakefield

Following the recent ethics investigation into MMR scaredoctor Andrew Wakefield, in which the panel concluded that he acted “dishonestly and irresponsibly” in his research, the medical journal the Lancet this week fully retracted his 1998 paper, ridding the published record of this false evidence. However, the question does remain, why did it take twelve years for this move when the scientific community had been in agreement over the issue for so long? An article posted this week by Science-Based Medicine critiques the peer review system and offers some answers to this question.

[Via Science-Based Medicine]

Voices in Your Head

Just when you thought FOX News couldn’t get any stupider, Father Jonathon Morris manages to give five laugh-out-loud answers all within seven minutes. The question’s he’s answering, by the way, are asked by robots. Don’t ask. They include ‘how do you know whether the voices in your head are God?’ and ‘is God rooting for the New Orleans Saints?’

Watch the clip here.

Why We’re Losing the News

As an aspiring journalist concerned about the frequently poor standard of science reporting, an article from Discover Blogs addressing this issue particularly resonated with me. The argument for why this is the case is lifted from Alex Jones’s book (not that Alex Jones!) and goes something like this: Proper reporting is costly, involving travel expenses, libel insurance and research budgets, and it is partially for this reason that the main bulk of many newspapers is taken up by opinion columns and fluff stories. The cause of the reported decline in the ‘real stuff’, is that newspaper budgets are necessarily being cut as the increasing availability of new media leads to the depletion of their profits, and let’s face it, who would bother reading The Times when you’ve got The Skeptic’s weekly roundup to keep you informed. That last bit was mine.

Streaming .TV shows by Ustream

**************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Autism, MMR and the consequences of misguided science.

wendyg — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:13:34 +0000

The news this week that The Lancet has retracted Andrew Wakefield’s 1998 paper claiming to have found a link between autism and the MMR vaccine is satisfying in the sense that the mills of science may grind exceeding slow but they grind exceeding small. Science – the process of peer review, of establishing the truth by attempting to replicate results independently – works.

The Lancet‘s withdrawal has come after Britain’s General Medical Council ruled (PDF) at the end of January that Wakefield had dishonestly misled The Lancet and its readers about the nature of the research and the criteria for the selection of subjects. It called Wakefield “callous”. In the meantime, Times journalist Brian Deer, besides mounting a campaign to discredit the paper, discovered a patent application with Wakefield’s name on it (PDF) for an alternative vaccine claimed to treat autism.

Discovering that your child has an autism spectrum disorder is a frightful experience; it happened to one of my oldest friends. First you’re happily and optimistically watching your child develop like any other excited parent – and then you’re watching your child regress and the gap between him and normal kids his age inexorably widen. You wonder what’s going on inside his mind; you worry about his care should something happen to you; and as he gets older you worry about how people will react to him when he passes puberty and non-standard behaviour becomes more scary than cute. With the number of diagnoses growing – the US Centers for Disease Control puts the rate at about 1 in 150 children; the advocacy organisation Autism Speaks says 1 in 110 – small wonder that terrified parents grasp at anything that looks like it might be a cure or a preventive measure. The coincidence of timing – MMR is administered at roughly the same age at which children begin displaying the symptoms of autism disorder – means that vaccines seem an entirely plausible cause.

Wakefield’s paper, which studied a sample of only 12 children, provided a plausible and simple answer: vaccines. That was helpful for Wakefield, who had a second career as a plaintiff’s expert in autism litigation. You can see the temptation: vaccines, unlike genetics, have manufacturers who can be sued. as Forbes has a nice piece on this type of conflict of interest, and proposes that academic journals should include opposition-side expert witnesses in the peer review panel for any author who has acted as an expert witness in litigation.

In the more than ten years since its publication, Wakefield’s paper has spawned an entire movement of anti-vaccinists. Utterly predictably, once-vanishing “childhood” diseases are on the rise, bringing back all the dangerous complications doctors invented vaccines to eradicate in the first place. There are the inevitable celebrities, most notably Jenny McCarthy. And, since everyone loves a good conspiracy theory, the sad thing is that retracting the paper merely fuels the martyred conviction of anti-vaccine groups that Big Pharma has won again.

In this situation, no one has won. The Lancet’s reputation is damaged. Wakefield is likely to lose his licence to practise medicine. Children have died of diseases like whooping cough that were so long gone doctors don’t even recognise the symptoms. Despite lowered vaccination rates the number of autism cases continues to rise. And parents of autistic children are still desperate and frightened.

Tony Blair’s government must take some of the blame. The UK has sometimes backed invasive and expensive legislation on the basis that “If it saves the life of just one child…” But in this particular case, despite public loss of confidence after BSE, Blair basically told parents with concerns to shove it, take the vaccine, and shut up. He was, we now know, scientifically right, but he was culturally wrong. A more painstaking approach might have meant less rejection of the government’s backing of the MMR vaccine.

When I started The Skeptic the big topics we were concerned about tended to be psychic fraud. That stuff is small fry. It may be annoying that people believe in astrology or believe in the physical effects created by the occasional washed-up stage magician, but you don’t die of that kind of gullibility. The big stuff is science fraud, especially because while the scientific process can undo the damage and rebuild the truth, the consequences for innocent bystanders often can’t be undone.

Wendy M. Grossman, http://www.pelicancrossing.net

Little Atoms with Christopher Hird — Friday 5th February 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:23:42 +0000

On this week’s show, Neil Denny and Padraig Reidy talk to Christopher Hird.

Christopher Hird is a leading figure in UK independent documentary making. He is chair of the Channel Four Britdoc Foundation; a trustee of the Grierson Trust, the Wincott Foundation and Index on Censorship. In January 2008 Christopher Hird started Dartmouth Films, and has produced such films as Cameron’s Money Men, Inside the Saudi Kingdom, Black Gold, and most recently, The End of The Line.

A former journalist working on The Economist, the New Statesman (of which he was deputy editor) and the Sunday Times, where he was editor of the investigative section, Insight. A casualty of the Murdoch regime, he moved into television starting as a reporter on Channel Four’s current affairs programme before co-founding Fulcrum TV, of which he was joint managing director for more than 20 years before it closed in 2007.

Join us at the usual time, 19.00 on Friday 5th February on Resonance 104.4FM in London or via the Resonance live web feed worldwide.

Autographed Playing Gods Board Game Sale to Benefit Haiti

Sid — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:49:09 +0000

As president and janitor of Balls Out Entertainment (and creator of the world’s first satirical board game of religious warfare, Playing Gods: The Board Game of Divine Domination), I’m pleased to announce a special, limited-time promotion to help in Haiti’s disaster relief. Millions have been raised, but the country is in shambles and much more help is needed.
From now through February 15, 2010, all of the profits from sales of Playing Gods games and merchandise will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, via the Secular Humanist Aid and Relief Effort (S.H.A.R.E.). That’s right, 100%—none of this “30% goes to expenses” crap. Every cent of profit from game sales (minus Paypal and postage fees) will be donated to one of the world’s most respected relief organizations.

Payments will be calculated and donated to S.H.A.R.E. by February 20, and a copy of the check posted on the Playing Gods Web site. Just in case you need some encouragement, I will happily autograph each board game as well, and throw in a free Expansion Pack ($5 value).

Does the creator of this blasphemous indie board game need your money? Of course I do. But the people in Haiti need it more. I’m happy breaking even on the deal.

I don’t see heartless pikers at Milton Bradley, Hasbro, or Parker Bros. donating jack squat!

What do you say? If you donate money, I’ll donate my games and time. You get an autographed Playing Gods game and Haitians get desperately-needed money via a skeptic / humanist charity. Everybody wins.

You can order at http://www.playinggods.com. You don’t need any special code: all profits from anything you buy between now and Feb. 20 will be donated. If you’d like to inquire about bulk orders, you can contact me at balls@playinggods.com.

If you’re not interested in this awesome offer, please pass it along to someone who might be.

Thanks!

Ben Radford

Andy Lewis & Simon Singh discuss homeopathy & #ten23

Mark — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:49:18 +0000

Simon Singh (author of ‘Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial’) and Andy Lewis discuss the homeopathy and the overdose event organised by the 10:23 campaign, on 30th January 2010 in Red Lion Square, Holborn, London.

Thanks to Dr Stephen Law of CFI UK for the footage

CFI also have an event on Saturday 6th March titled “Monsters vs Aliens”, featuring three experts on UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster and Sasquatch.

10:23 London & CFI UK events today (#ten23)

Mark — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:45:59 +0000

We are hoping to broadcast the 10:23 campaign event from London live, below. The stream will be somewhat experimental so please bear with us if it all goes horribly wrong and doesn’t start or fails part way. A video of the London event should be made available afterwards in any case.

UPDATE: 1:12pm: Andy Lewis wrapping up and taking questions.
–
UPDATE: 12:37pm: Andy Lewis on stage. Live streaming audio. Apologies for the slight distortion, it’s not possible to rectify while Andy is talking.
–
UPDATE: 11.48am: Singh continuing to fight libel case because:
“I think I am right.
It is important (child health)
It is doubly impoitant (free speech).
I might win?!“
–
Also thankful for the support shown.
UPDATE: 11:43am: When the BCA filed suit against Singh, the Guardian was also apparently being sued by Matthias Rath, Tesco & Elton John. Guardian also apparently still £175,000 out-of-pocket from Rath case, despite Goldacre winning.
–
UPDATE: 11:32am: Discussing chiropractic, and Daniel Palmer.
–
UPDATE: 11.29am: Singh talking about a systematic review of acupuncture.
–
UPDATE: 11:27am: Placebos in acupuncture — needles in wrong locations, needles not inserted deeply enough, even retracting needles which deceptively appear to penetrate the skin.
–
UPDATE: 11:23am: Singh moving on to James Lind’s clinical trials on scurvy and controlled testing.
–
UPDATE: 11:18am: Simon Singh currently on stage talking about acupuncture and its representation in the media.
–
UPDATE: 10:54am: We have permission to stream Andy Lewis’ talk. Currently it looks to be audio only but I’ll try to find a way to stream video too. Andy is scheduled to talk at 12pm. The stream will be below.
–
UPDATE: 10:44am: Unfortunately we couldn’t find a stable internet connection through which we could stream the 10:23 event, though the event itself went smoothly (excepting a lone protest from a black car sporting large flags and loud music).

A lot of people were filming the event, so expect clips to hit YouTube soon. There were also a couple of broadcast cameras present — anyone who knows where that footage will air, please leave a comment.

We are instead hoping to potentially stream talks from CFI UK’s alternative medicine event today, again below. Announcements will be made here and via our Twitter account if we can gain the appropriate permission.

This article will be posted online automatically at 9:45am on Saturday 30th while we are trying to engineer the feed. If successful, the video will go live at 10:23am when the event starts. If not, here’s a low-quality copy of a lecture given by Prof. Chris French on the myths and methodology of the placebo effect instead.

The conduct, content, opinions and ideas provided in broadcast events neither represent nor are endorsed by The Skeptic Magazine, Skeptics in the Pub, or its affiliates.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:02:37 +0000

Hello again and welcome back to the weekly roundup, this week featuring dowsing rod style bomb detectors, David Cameron on Faith schools and Danny Dyer’s divviest dunces.

Danny, Watch the Stars!

Danny Dyer, the pride of England, is best known for his hardman film characters and such ‘documentaries’ as ‘Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men’. Having strayed from Bravo to the BBC, Danny is now seeking danger on the next level in his latest work ‘I Believe in UFOs’. In a shamefully biased investigation into claims of alien encounters, some of the only sane words come from our very own Chris French, who makes a brief appearance. If you however, like me, enjoy a cocktail of hilarity and fist biting rage, then this is the program for you.

Watch the full video here. Unfortunately, this video is available to UK viewers only.

Next week, the Jackson sisters present ‘I Believe in Miracles’, a study of alternative therapies. I can’t wait.

Dowsing Rod Bomb Detector

A hand-held ‘bomb detector’, until recently used by the armed forces of Iraq, has been banned after the recent finding that it simply does not work. The TNT detection chip inside is no more than an anti-theft tag of the kind that is used to prevent robbery from clothing stores, and costs around three pence. The inventor, Jim McCormick, who has now been arrested on suspicion of fraud, explained that “the theory behind dowsing and the theory behind how we actually detect explosives is very similar”. McCormick sold $85,000,000 worth of these life-threatening devices to the Iraqi government.

Watch and read the BBC coverage here.

The Journalist, the Tourist, the Claim and Their Lawyers: Libel Reform — Part 1

For a while now, I have been urging you to sign up to the Libel Reform Campaign. I still do. However, the first part of another excellent article from Lucifee has caused me to pause and give further consideration to the issue. In it she examines some of the claims made in the report “Freedom of Speech is Not for Sale” by English PEN and the Index on Censorship, revealing it to be perhaps a little oversimplified and demonising of our current laws.

[Via Jack of Kent]

Why David Cameron Wants a Boom in Faith Schools

David Cameron this week announced himself to be a supporter of faith based schools, both “politcally and personally”. The Tories reportedly advocate the “biggest expansion of church schools since the establishment of thousands of ‘national’ schools almost 200 years ago”.

For more on the debate, you can watch Richard Dawkins and others’ discussion of faith schools from 2008 here.

MMR Scaremongerer ‘Acted Unethically’, Panel Finds

MMR Scaremongerer Dr. Andrew Wakefield is responsible for the misconception that the MMR vaccine leads to autism in children, the following significant reduction in the uptake of the vaccine and the correlating increase in the number of cases of measles. Now, at last, justice is being done. The General Medical Council have ruled that he acted “dishonestly and irresponsibly” in his research. Wakefield remains adamant of his claims and reassured parents that “the science will continue in earnest”

Read the BBC News coverage here.

Charles Darwin: The Movie

Based on Randal Keynes’ biography of his great-great-grandfather, Creation: The True Story of Charles Darwin secured itself a position in US theatres this week, after having initially being deemed “too controversial for religious America” in the view of the film’s Oscar-winning producer.

The film focuses chiefly on the period between Darwin’s marriage to Emma and the publication of his seminal work On the Origin of Species, through which time it deals with Darwin’s personal struggle with his faith in the light of his findings and the death of his daughter.

Reviews seem overwhelmingly positive, excluding those of creationists.

[Via Skepticblog]

Islam is Bullshit

For those of you who may not have read the preceding story, some Google user or other discovered that if you type into its search engine “Christianity is”, the suggested searches include “bullshit”, “a lie”, “fake” and more along this line. The same is true of all religions from Hinduism to Paganism, with one exception: Until recently, if you were to type in “Islam is” you would suspiciously receive zero suggestions. This has now been redeemed.

Vatican Bank Facing Money Laundering Investigation

The Vatican bank is under investigation for the alleged money laundering of €180million (£160million) through the accounts of the bank UniCredit. Movements of money being untraceable within the bank, it is reportedly the 8^th most popular destination in the world for laundered cash. In December 2009, The Telegraph reported that “Vatican lawyers are understood to be considering whether to argue that the bank is outside Italian legal jurisdiction”.

*********************************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Little Atoms with Stewart Brand — Friday 29th January 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:06:11 +0000

On this week’s show, Neil Denny and guest host Becky Hogge talk to Stewart Brand.

Stewart Brand trained originally as an ecologist. His legendary Whole Earth Catalogue (1968–1985) won the US National Book Award in 1972. Brand, whose previous books include The Media Lab, How Buildings Learn, and The Clock of the Long Now, is president and co-founder of the Long Now Foundation and co-founder of the Global Business Network. Stewart’s Latest book is Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto, Published in January 2010 by Atlantic Books.

The first of our monthly guest hosts is Becky Hogge. Becky Hogge is a freelance writer and researcher. Formerly executive director of the Open Rights Group, and a former technology director of openDemocracy, she is currently a board member of the Open Knowledge Foundation. Becky writes and broadcasts on technology, civil rights and intellectual property in the digital age for publications such as the New Statesman, The Guardian and Index on Censorship. Read Becky’s New Statesman review of Whole Earth Discipline.

9 Lessons & Carols for Godless people (2009) video.

Mark — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:16:30 +0000

The BBC 4 programme from Robin Ince’s (@robinince) 2009 Godless event has been brought to my attention here. It is available until 10:59pm on Saturday January 30th, the same day as the 10:23 campaign and CFI UK’s alternative medicine event.

If you like the 2009 event, you may also like the DVD from the 2008 event, preview below.

Let’s Get Creative

Will — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:00:11 +0000

The skeptics among us appreciate the dangers that can result from a non-evidence based framework for thinking. From the attacks of 9/11 to the denial of funding for stem-cell research, the consequences of such a mindset can be horrific. This provides us with the very real need to supply others with the tools to think skeptically, in order to ensure that well informed decisions can be reached by all.

A word of warning: this article does encroach on my first post, which was lifted in part from this one so as to deal more specifically with one small point made here. Any comments regarding the Facebook quiz idea that I propose here would probably be better directed towards that post. Apologies for the repetition.

Preaching to the choir

As it stands, the Skeptic Movement is at risk of simply preaching to the choir. Excellent material is available, but will usually be found by those who actively search for it. These tend not to be the sorts of people in need of persuasion. This is not to say that their involvement is not needed. On the contrary, it is vital that such individuals are aware that there exists a community of like-minded people, who too are tired of the destructive power that pseudo-science and scientific illiteracy hold over so many. Only as a movement, rather than a group of individuals, can Skepticism develop and win its battles. It is for this reason also, that separatist branches of the Skeptic Movement, who for the most part will never have considered themselves in such terms, must come together as one voice. Such branches include the scientific community and perhaps most importantly, the Atheist Movement.

For those of us who not only wish to base our own understanding of the universe on rationality and evidence, but who wish to spread this way of thinking throughout the world, there is a need for a new, detailed plan of attack. Of course, this is not a new idea. Most, if not all, organisations dedicated to the cause have some guidelines regarding their own methodologies. The problem as it stands is that most of these fall somewhere along the wishy-washy lines of ‘We must strive to increase public awareness and understanding of such-and-such issues’. Now we skeptics are not fans of wishy-washy. What we need to address with no vagueness whatsoever is the ‘how?’ part of such objectives.

The overlying objective: recruitment

The most overlying objective of the Skeptic Movement must be to increase its arsenal by recruiting members, particularly those in positions of power. The most obvious way to accomplish this is to reach a wider audience, as is being continually and increasingly achieved most notably by the Atheist Movement. Fantastic and daring authors including Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris have accelerated this movement drastically, not least by successfully marketing bestselling books concerning a controversial subject. The all-encompassing issue of Skepticism however, unfortunately does not hold the controversial status that Atheism does. It is for this reason that fantastic books such as Ben Goldacre’s ‘Bad Science’, while reaching and affecting many, cannot hope to reach the sheer volume of potential Skeptics that Dawkins’ ‘The God Delusion’ managed through extensive news coverage. We must therefore find new ways in which to extend our reach. One useful act would be to more formally align ourselves with such movements as the Atheist Movement, perhaps through conversations with Professor Dawkins, who is not only an Atheist activist but a true Skeptic activist in every sense of the term, but at present does not use such semantics. Were he to commonly refer to himself publicly as a ‘Skeptic’, the number of Google searches for the term and the overall awareness of the cause would expand drastically overnight.

The hook

The first step in recruiting Skeptics must be a hook: an enticing glimpse of our stance that leads people to look further into our work. The hook must be positioned such that anybody might be caught by it, Skeptic or not. We must take full advantage of the far-reaching mediums available to us in the 21^st Century. The internet is a potential goldmine, but if we are to draw in members of the general public to our websites and literature we must take a leaf out of the advertising industry’s book and first entice them through the virtual areas that are common to all. Such areas include Wikipedia, YouTube and Facebook. It is of course recognised that because of its general non-profit nature, the Skeptic Movement does not have the available funding to throw money at advertising, which is why we must get creative. It should be noted that at no point does there arise a need to involve ‘dirty tactics’.

How naive are you?

To take Facebook as our first example, there are several ways in which we might go about casting our line. Spamming, although potentially far reaching, would be counterproductive, giving newcomers a reason to instantly associate the notion of Skepticism with annoyance. It is of the utmost importance that being termed a ‘Skeptic’ becomes a favourable label (an issue which, I fear, already lands the word on dangerous territory because of its connections in common parlance with the negatively charged word ‘cynic’). A more productive use of Facebook might be to create an application in which the user answers a series of questions regarding their beliefs in such phenomenon as the tooth fairy and homeopathy. At the end of the questionnaire the user is presented with their results in the form of a position along a sliding scale with ‘dangerously naive’ at one end and ‘well-informed Skeptic’ at the other. Below the result is a link to a Skeptic website where the user can ‘find out more’ about the answers they got wrong. This example has the added benefit of particularly attracting those who scored lowest on the test.

Hitchens, Randi and ‘pop’

My second example is concerning YouTube, which is already overflowing with entertaining and informative videos on the subject of Skepticism. Again though, the problem with the current situation is that it is only those who were previously aware of the issues who tend to find these videos. Ensuring that Skeptic videos are found in the ‘related videos’ section adjacent to widely viewed clips could lead millions to stumble upon our message. The kinds of videos needed in such positions are those which possess what the creators of the World Wrestling Federation refer to as ‘pop’. These are those videos that give the viewer a buzz as though their football team had just scored the winning goal in the ninetieth minute. Such videos are already in existence and the magnitude of their effect is outstanding. Perhaps the two leading examples of videos that fall into this category are Christopher Hitchens’ debates with his religious proponents and James Randi’s scientific testing (he dislikes the term ‘debunking’) of supposedly supernatural claims. In both instances the ‘pop’ is provided by the annialation of the proponent. We might term such an approach the ‘Hitchens attack’. Such clips will reel in those who were Skeptics all along, but had never really given it much thought. As in the Facebook example, across the bottom of the video can read the web address of a Skeptic site to which the viewer is directed for further information.

[Citation needed]

The last example for increasing public awareness of our cause that shall be given here is regarding Wikipedia. Wikipedia is an incredible phenomenon and is, for the most part, a surprisingly good source of information. The US Skeptic magazine (not directly related to this organisation) suggests on its website that members of the public relentlessly edit pages on topics of pseudoscience in order to increase their accuracy. While this is a good suggestion, I would advocate taking it one step further and inserting relevant references that lead to Skeptic websites. The Wikipedia article on any subject is usually the most viewed and most easily found webpage regarding that topic.

To reiterate, it is these practical, creative and most importantly specific methods of approach that require our attention. Not only can such techniques be used to increase our numbers, but also to address the specific issues that are of greatest concern.

The Dawkins approach

The aim of the Hitchens attack is to lead the public to the meat of the argument, or what we might term the ‘Dawkins approach’. For the most part, our Dawkins approach material is already out there in our websites and our literature. It should consist of concise, rational and impenetrable arguments detailing our position. Intertwined with this we must continue to place emphasis on the reasons for believing Skepticism to be a cause worthy of fighting for, as well as simply illustrating it to be a mindset that is suited to the individual. The arguments for this are numerous and convincing, and having read the Dawkins approach material many will agree. The next, perhaps the most important, stage is to give people a way in which they can be helpful.

The issues arm

Although I have stated that the overlying aim of the Skeptic movement must be to recruit more members, this is only useful as a means to accomplishing more specific goals. We might think of our approach as being divided into two main arms: the ‘feedback loop arm’, which aims to recruit members as discussed, and the ‘issues arm’, which aims to tackle the very issues that create a need for Skepticism. Such issues include the Libel Reform Campaign, which incidentally is a fantastic initiative not only because it addresses an issue which has been seen especially recently to be pressing, but because absolutely anyone can get involved. A quick glance at the list of signatories reveals that it is not only professional scientists, but people from all walks of life who are concerned.

While I whole-heartedly back the Libel Reform Campaign, one positive that has arisen from Simon Singh’s struggle, which played a hugely catalectic role, is the media coverage that must inevitably address the question of ‘were Singh’s statements verified?’ The issues that are worthy of our attention are forever changing and so it will be difficult to give specific plans for tackling them here. One thing is universal however, and that is that if we can continue to get publicity by making challenging conflicts with pseudoscience and then proving legally that our claims were completely substantiated, more and more people will come to recognise that fact. An example shall be given here with reference to homeopathy, but could be tweaked to incorporate any issue imaginable: If ‘Yes Men’ style actors could infiltrate news stations posing as leading experts on (and advocates for) homeopathy, and could be heard to make such (shocking but accurate) statements as “it’s almost certainly nothing but water, just with a highly elevated price”, then this scandal would get major network coverage and again, the facts would have to be examined in the public sphere.

Conclusion: Let’s get creative

The opportunities for advancing the Skeptic Movement and making real headway are endless. What is important is that we do not simply preach to the choir and pat ourselves on the back at lectures, meeting only to confirm that we all agree. From a one on one debate at the pub to a worldwide scheme, every contribution helps. What is being advocated here is creativity, not for its own sake, but to raise the possibility of opening unexplored pathways. The days in which advertisers sold products on the basis of their efficiency are long gone and the reason is obvious: there are more intelligent methods of approach. It is time that we Skeptics used our slice of the pie to advance our worthy cause, the only difference being that we don’t have to lie.

*********************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Alternatively, you can drop me an email at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:07 +0000

If you’re looking for the latest on the BCA v Singh case, the craziest religious responses to the most devastating earthquake in decades (as well as a better way to make your donations) and plenty more, you’ve come to the right place. It’s all here in this latest roundup of the week’s sceptical blogging and news.

Secular Help for Haiti

The devastating earthquake suffered by the people of Haiti last week, has been described as the worst in decades. In response, the James Randi Educational Foundation and the Richard Dawkins Foundation, along with other skeptic and secular organisations, have teamed up to create a portal through which you can donate money to relief organisations with no religious angle. The two that have been selected in this case are International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders (Médecins sans Frontières). 100% of the money you donate will be given to these organisations as Dawkins will personally donate the money to cover the PayPal fees.

Click here to donate.

Earthquake Survivors Get Solar Powered Bibles

In case you are unconvinced of the virtues of separating relief work with religious affiliation, here is an example of the uselessness that can arise at the crazy end of the spectrum: Earthquake survivors in Haiti are being donated solar powered, audio-Bibles. According to the donating group, Faith Comes By Healing’s website, the devices are “self-powered and can play the Bible in the Jungle, desert or … even the moon!” I’m not sure how well the audio works there though.

Funniest Clips from Atheist Stand-Up Comedians

Wind down your week with some religion-mocking clips from some fine, and some not-so-fine, stand-up comedians. Needless to say, Ricky Gervais’ clip is the best, and the one that you should both start and end with.

[Via Common Sense Atheism]

BBC2 Horizon, ‘Pill Poppers’ (and the Medicalisation of Sex)

According to the program’s website, “over a person’s lifetime they are likely to be prescribed more than 14 000 pills”. The premise of this week’s Horizon was to ask how much we really know about the drugs that we consume. The program goes on to illustrate how “drug discovery often owes as much to serendipity [Ricky Gervais’ least favorite word] as to science”. Although it does suffer the same pitfalls as so many programs like it — dumbing-down the material and laboring the point — the program still manages to present the viewer with an interesting window into the pharmaceutical industry and features a short word from the excellent blogger Dr Petra Boyton.

Watch the full video here (Unfortunately this video is available to UK residents only).

[Via Dr Petra Boynton]

In Defence of Mr Justice Eady

Those who have been following the BCA v Singh case will be aware that Mr Justice Eady, the case’s ruling judge, has recently come under fire for his decision that Singh’s use of the word ‘bogus’ implied that the BCA knowingly promotes bogus treatments. Singh has been allowed to appeal, but if this decision sticks it will dramatically reduce the likelihood of his being found innocent of libel.

In an excellent article that manages to remain readable and enjoyable to the layperson despite its legal content, Lucifee defends Eady and concludes that the tabloids’ attack on him is rarely a result of their allegence with Singh, but rather their own agenda to be allowed to publish “any slimy little story they want”.

[Via Jack of Kent]

Hate to iBurst Your Bubble but…

Residents of Craigavon have recently been fighting a battle against iBurst, demanding that they remove a monsterous [sic] mobile tower whose evil microwaves have been afflicting them with conditions including rashes, headaches and disrupted sleeping patterns. The protesters were sure of the causality, because some had claimed that upon leaving the area their ailments were quickly relieved, only to return as soon as they arrived back in town. What they didn’t know however, was that the tower had been switched off six weeks before the meeting at which they confirmed their continued ailments. Oops.

Also worth checking out is this pretty amazing case of a builder who experienced tremendous physical pain for purely psychological reasons. A builder!

U.S. Military Rifle Scopes Inscribed With Bible Verses

Despite the US’s intention and obligation to ensure that the military’s efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan are not perceived to be religious wars, it has been revealed that some gun sights supplied to the US army are inscribed, by the manufacturer Trijicon, with references to Bible passages. This irresponsibility has justifiably led soldiers to worry that their perceived proselytising will ignite hostility among the Muslims with whom they work as well as those they are fighting against.

Watch the MSNBC coverage of the story here.

I had originally included the following links because early reports of this story claimed that the inscriptions were cryptically coded. Now that it has been revealed that, for example, JN8:12 = John 8:12 (not too difficult to decipher if you ask me), they hardly seem relevant, but what the hell, they’re interesting in their own right.

Watch Michael Shermer debunk the supposedly coded predictions wrapped up in the text of the Bible here, and if you find that interesting you can read Ben Goldacre’s post on a similar subject here.

Twitter Terrorist

The other day a friend of mine was questioned under suspicion of intentions to commit terrorism, for joking within earshot of a member of airport staff who had just finished searching him, “Good thing he didn’t check down the back of my leg.” Not the brightest of my friends I hasten to add. I would not think someone stupid however, for twittering amidst his concerns of the snow “Robin Hood airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your shit together, otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!!” But that is exactly what one twitterer did, and it resulted in his arrest and seven hours of police questioning. I’ve heard of the YouTube spelling police, but that is ridiculous.

God is an Advert

Presumably as a rebuttal to the Atheist subway ads in New York and the Atheist bus campaign, the Times Square Church have branded around 1000 subway cars with the advert you see below. Let the battle commence.

********************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Little Atoms with Graham Farmelo — Friday 22nd January 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:03:18 +0000

On this week’s show, Neil Denny and Padraig Reidy will be talking to Graham Farmelo. Graham Farmelo is Senior Research Fellow at the Science Museum, London, and Adjunct Professor of Physics at Northeastern University, Boston, USA. Formerly a theoretical physicist, he is now an international consultant in science communication. He edited the best-selling It Must be Beautiful: Great Equations of Modern Science in 2002. Graham’s latest book is The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Quantum Genius.

Sceptical suicide attempt, nationwide: Updated

Mark — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:05:02 +0000

At 10:23am on Saturday 30th January, over 300 individuals from branches of Skeptics in the Pub will simultaneously consume an overdose of commercially available homeopathic medicines. The nationwide protest, organised by the 10:23 campaign from Merseyside Skeptics, will either unfold as one of the largest mass suicides since Jonestown, or will yet again confirm that science, evidence and rational thought actually do work.

The confirmed locations of the overdoses are as follows:

Birmingham: High Street

Edinburgh: Secret Location

Glasgow: Tie Rack in Central Station

London: Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn

Leeds: Leeds Mainline Rail Station, main entrance at 9.30–10 am

Australia

Sydney: Queen Victoria Building, York and Druitt Street

USA

Portland, Orgeon

Immediately after the protest, Dr Simon Singh, Prof. John Garrow and Andy Lewis will take to the stage of London’s Conway Hall for Trick or Treatment: Alternative Medicine on Trial, the first event in 2010 from CFI UK.

The protest, comes after a Boots representative, Paul Bennett, attracted ridicule from the national press after admitting to a parliamentary select committee last month that Boots knowingly sells homeopathic remedies to the public for which it has no evidence of effectiveness. The Science and Technology Select Committee are due to release their report on homeopathy around the time of the protest, at the end of January.

While dispensing sugar pills may seem harmless, in reality the endorsement of homeopathic potions by leading health providers can have grave consequences. As well as potentially undermining trust in medicine and medical advice, customers may be misled into believing that they are treating their illness – for example a Panorama investigation famously revealed that homeopaths were advising customers to take ineffective pills in place of Malaria prophylactics on holiday. In extreme cases, such as the ‘healing therapist’ Russell Jenkins, deaths may occur.

The 10:23 Campaign, so named in recognition of Avogadro’s Constant (the limit of dilution which is exceeded by homeopathic preparations) aims to raise awareness of homeopathy and its basis within long-discredited 18th century pseudoscience, selling remedies to the public which have no scientific basis and no credible evidence for its efficacy beyond the placebo effect.

As ever, this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate JREF’s Law (namely “there is no topic of parapsychological discussion upon which James Randi has failed to comment”) by directing attention to Randi’s lecture at Princeton in 2001, which contained the following segment on homeopathy. Randi’s commentary in 2002 for the BBC is worth reading also.

Ricky Gervais on religion.

Mark — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:44:27 +0000

Videos courtesy of BigThink.com, where Gervais also discusses animal rights (as below), politics, comedy, science and history, and the death of print newspapers.

Psychology blog and newsletter from the British Psychological Society.

Mark — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:48:30 +0000

Those of you interested in psychology and the latest peer-reviewed research may wish to look at the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest blog, currently the highest ranked psychology blog in the world. You can also subscribe for free to the fortnightly Research Digest email newsletter and pdf, via their blog. The newsletter contains some of the most recent and exciting developments within psychology, selected by staff from The Psychologist journal.

Also, for handy links to upcoming psychology-related radio shows, TV, and public lectures, the Research Digest publishes Twitter updates from @researchdigest.

Introducing ‘A Battle Plan For The Skeptic Movement’: The Word ‘Skeptic’

Will — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:27:05 +0000

Welcome to my blog. I’d like to start by introducing myself. My name is Will and although I’ve been deeply concerned with all manner of woo-woo for some time now, it is only recently that I have stumbled across the notion of ‘Skepticism’. Thanks for having me.

I deliberated over what should be the umbrella topic for this blog for some time; familiarising myself with many of the fantastic existing Skeptic blogs in the process; I concluded that the main gap in the regular discussion is an area that I think should be a primary focus of Skeptics everywhere: methods for advancing the Skeptic Movement.

This blog will not attempt to map out a definitive blueprint for this advance, but rather, I will be addressing what I consider to be the obstacles that we face, as well as offering my own ideas for overcoming them and inviting you to share yours with the Skeptic community.

As this is the blog’s first post, where better to start than the fundamentals? Since having become aware of the term ‘Skeptic’ as it is used on this website and others like it, I have been slightly concerned with the word itself. Although technically fit for purpose, I worry that in common parlance it has negative connotations. In everyday conversation it seems that the word ‘sceptic’ is strongly tied to or even synonymous with the word ‘cynic’.

This has been demonstrated recently in light of the Climate Gate ‘scandal’, where media outlets uniformly refer to those who doubt that Climate Change is significantly influenced by mankind as ‘Climate Change sceptics’. In actual fact, it is those who form the vast majority of scientists that makes up the general consensus regarding Climate Change who are most likely to be the sceptics. Surely the term ‘Climate Change deniers’ would be more fitting to the fringe group. I do not believe, as many I have spoken to do, that this is an unimportant case of mere semantics.

Richard Dawkins has expressed similar concerns with regards to the term ‘Atheist’; worrying that preconceived, negative notions may be partially responsible for some people’s unwillingness to identify themselves as such, even where technically the term is perfectly fitting to the individual. In Dawkins’ own words, “You can do two things: one is to try to rehabilitate the word ‘Atheist’… [The other is] to do some pneumatic engineering”. Dawkins empathises with some people’s concern that to attempt the former is to fight a losing battle, which influenced him to back the unveiling of a new noun: ‘bright’, to replace ‘Atheist’. Although this has been likened to the engineering of ‘gay’ as a noun to replace ‘homosexual’, it is clear that ‘bright’, first coined in 2006, has not caught on and is unlikely to. To coin a term that will be accepted by all is, in my mind, a far more difficult task than to rehabilitate a term that is at least already accepted by those within the community in question.

‘How best to achieve this?’ is a difficult question. One thing is for certain: We cannot be lazy and simply leave the goal at “we must strive to rehabilitate the term ‘Skeptic’ so that it becomes more favourably perceived”. This is a good umbrella goal, but it is important that specific sub-goals are devised to address the ‘how?’ part of the umbrella goal.

One central theme that I will advocate repeatedly is the use of creative solutions. I believe that it will often be useful to take a leaf out of the advertising industry’s book and think outside the box, not for its own sake, but so that we can explore avenues that would otherwise be left un-trodden. I will give one such suggestion here, and I invite you to leave your own in the comments section below, no matter how mundane or off-the-wall they might at first seem.

We create a Facebook application titled ‘How naive are you?’ in which the user answers questions regarding their beliefs in a range of supernatural phenomenon. An example question might be ‘Does the Loch Ness monster exist?’ At the end of the quiz the user is given a score that is shown along a sliding scale that reads ‘Dangerously naive’ at one end, and ‘Well-informed Skeptic’ at the other.

This application could reach and influence the perceptions of many. A link to ‘further information’ regarding the questions answered incorrectly will help to introduce newcomers (particularly those who scored worst) to our websites. I must admit that I do not know about the feasibility of this suggestion logistically.

This could clearly only ever be one weapon in an arsenal of steps that must be taken to address the issue, but I strongly believe that it is solutions like this, particularly those that utilise the virtual spaces capable of reaching a wide audience, that can help us to take progressive steps forward.

****************************************

I am hoping, I’m sure naively optimistically, that this blog can become a hotbed of useful discussion. I therefore encourage you to share your thoughts. Maybe you disagree that this is even a problem, or maybe you disagree with my suggestions for tackling it. Maybe you have suggestions of your own, or maybe you have expertise in a potentially useful area and would like to offer your assistance. Whatever your contribution to the discussion, I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:23:19 +0000

This week, as ever, I’ve cooked up a few articles for you to sink your teeth into, as well as a few nibbles to get you started. Actually, it’s all straight out of the packet, but I can take credit for the first entry of my new blog, which I will shamelessly promote here. This roundup’s delicacies include the banning of a radical Muslim group and the court case against California’s ban on gay marriage. Don’t fill up on the ghosts.

Radical Islam Group Banned… Again

Islam4UK, a radical Islamic group that promotes the implementation of Sharia Law in Britain, has been formally banned in the UK. Leading figure of the organisation Anjem Choudary, who sponges £25,000 annually off the state with which he is so opposed, appeared yesterday on The Daily Politics.

Watch the video here. Unfortunately this video is only available for UK viewers.

Footballer Claims He Was Chased By Ghost

A Peruvian footballer, when found running naked through the streets, defended his actions by claiming to have been being chased by a ghost. When questioned, Carlos Flores explained ‘I didn’t want my wife to be suspicious about ladies, so I just told her it was a ghost. She failed to believe me.’

Jack of Kent and Podcasting

Allen Greene, also known as Jack of Kent, is one blogger who never fails to deliver the goods. Now he has appeared on his first podcast panel discussion, which is also well worth tuning in to. Topics discussed include the powers of the UK police force, the banning of Muslim extremist group Islam4UK and the resignation of Liberal Democrat PPC Greg Stone.

[Via Jack of Kent]

Groundbreaking Gay Marriage Trial Starts In California

Around 100 campaigners gathered this week to protest against the proposition approved in 2008, which bans same-sex marriage in the state of California. Several states have seen the legalisation of gay marriage in recent years, and this week a trial challenging the proposition opened and is expected to go all the way to the Supreme Court.

Pat Robertson and the Haitian Earthquake Crisis

In the most recent instance of religious nutcases attributing everything under the sun to their God, Evangelist Pat Robertson stated on his CBN newscast that it was Haiti’s ‘pact with the Devil’ that caused the recent disaster, which Robertson described as ‘a blessing in disguise’.

Watch the video here.

******************************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Ipso Factoid: Daily Mail in Mildly Educational Shocker

Paul — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:26:55 +0000

The Daily Mail recently produced a list of questions commonly asked of parents by their naturally curious children about science and the world around them. Rather unsettlingly, the answers provided weren’t completely terrible. The questions ranged from the impressively complex: “What is a prime number?”, “What is infinity?” and “What is time?” (do children really wonder about these things?); to the classics: “How do planes fly in the sky” and “Where does the wind come from?”. I must say I was shocked to learn that wind was not caused by trees sneezing.

WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?

A black hole is a region of space from which nothing, including light, can escape.
It is all due to gravity — the force which pulls objects towards each other. It keeps the Earth moving around the Sun, instead of flying off into space, and holds us all down on the surface of the Earth.

A black hole’s gravity is so strong that not even light can escape its pull. Because the light is dragged towards a black hole, it cannot shine and so looks completely black.

Dr Marek Kukula, Royal Observatory

WHERE DOES WATER COME FROM?

Most scientists think the Earth’s water came from water-rich asteroids (really tiny planets) and comets raining down on the planet when it was young.

Others think the oceans were home-grown — they may have formed because the young Earth had a thick blanket of a gas called hydrogen, which reacted with chemicals in the Earth’s surface to form lakes and seas.

Roger Highfield, Editor, New Scientist

It does get a bit shaky when The Daily Mail tries to answer some of the trickier questions. The Mail’s own advise columnist Bel Mooney has a crack at dealing with the existential angst of “What happens when we die?”. Apparently it’s all about plants melting, and living on in each others memories, or some such. And I must admit her description of sex (in response to the question “Where do babies come from?”) has left me wondering if I’ve been doing it wrong. “They give each other a massive cuddle because they love each other so much, and that amazing big hug is like two pieces of a jigsaw fitting together, or two bits of Lego”. Hmmm…

So, all-in-all not a bad effort from the Mail, particularly considering some of the stuff they churn out. Well done them. Maybe their journalist should continue writing articles pitched at a 6 year old level, they seem to be good at it.

See, we can be nice to the media sometimes…

New Year events for Center for Inquiry UK: alternative medicine, aliens & more

Mark — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:47:50 +0000

Dr Stephen Law, CFI provost and Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) member for The Skeptic Magazine (UK) has announced the first two London events for CFI UK’s New Year programme.

Scheduled for January 30th 2010, the first event will involve fellow EAB members Dr Simon Singh and Andy Lewis, joining Prof. John Garrow in a critical discussion of alternative medicine. The second event, scheduled for 6th March 2010 returns to the theme of the unexplained, with former Ministry of Defence project head Nick Pope speaking about UFOs, Adrian Shine speaking about the Loch Ness monster, and Paul Vella speaking about his work as Britain’s leading expert on Sasquatch.

Full details are available from the CFI UK website (http://www.cfiuk.org) and from The Skeptic Magazine’s events pages (http://skeptic.org.uk/events)

CFI UK has also kindly extended free invitations for both events to Skeptic Magazine (UK) and New Humanist subscribers, Friends of CFI UK, GHLA, SPES, and BHA members. Booking in advance is recommended, however.

Evolution is nonsense.

Mark — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:12:49 +0000

Argumental, Series 2, Episode 4. BBC 2, 10/01/2010.

Ipso Factoid: insert gratuitous sexual pun here

Paul — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:30:35 +0000

In a wonderful opportunity (duly ignored) to prove our maturity as a society, both the Times and Daily Mail had headlines declaring “What an anti-climax” in relation to a study about the apparent non-existence of the female G-spot. The Register website settled for the far more restrained “In-depth probe fails to hit the G-spot”. As with any article relating to (whisper it) sex, this gave both journalists and commentators alike the perfect opportunity to wheel out every joke they could remember about vagina’s, orgasms, and men being crap in bed.

The article these wonderfully witty headlines refer to appears in the Journal of Sexual Health. The study asked 1,804 female twins (both identical and non-identical) aged between 22 and 83 to fill in a questionnaire reporting whether they had a G-spot or not. Both the Mail and the Times claim that if the G-spot actually exists, one would expect there to be a correspondence between identical twins reporting they had one. The papers report that no such pattern was shown.

It will come as no surprise to regular readers of Ipso Factoid that in fact this study does not prove that the G-spot does not exist. The results are, in my humble opinion, far more interesting than the media would make out. The Times mentions some criticism of the results, quoting Prof. Emily Whipple, a rather big name in the world of female sexuality, as saying that “The biggest problem with their findings is that twins don’t generally have the same sexual partner”. In other words, just because a women hasn’t reported having a G-spot, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Lead author of the paper, Andrea Burri of King’s College London is happy to admit that this may in fact be correct, and that maybe “partner differences do play a role”. The subtlety the media failed to pick up on, however, is that “that is exactly what we [the research team] are saying, basically that the G-Spot is almost entirely due to unique environmental influences, so partner differences or performance is taken into account”. Importantly “That still doesn’t mean that it is an anatomical phenomenon, it could be an entirely subjective thing”.

The article never claims to prove the non-existence of the G-spot, it simply shows the lack of heritability of the self-report of a G-spot. The authors go on to postulate that this may prove the G-spot is a social rather than a physiological construct, but they are clear that more research is much needed (Ms Burri herself said she found it fascinating that the existence of the G-spot was widely accepted based on a handful of very small studies). The BBC website gets closest to covering this study properly, but they still missed the subtleties.

To be fair, it’s not necessarily immediately obvious. I’ll happily admit to being no expert when it comes to female genitalia. But in the space of about 20 minutes, spread over an afternoon exchanging e-mails with the extremely helpful Ms Burri, I was able to get even my feeble mind around the general idea. Would it be so much to ask the towering intellects of our media masters to invest similar time themselves? Ms Burri summed it up nicely when she said “Never trust the media. As soon as they start cutting information down the true message gets blurred”. Wise words indeed.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:33:28 +0000

Sorry to all for the late posting of this week’s roundup. I returned home late last night to find that we are behind on our bills and as a consequence we have been left with no internet connection (and only terrestrial TV!). Looks like I’ll be getting to know the staff at Starbucks over the next couple of days.

This week’s roundup includes, as ever, a diversity of article and media posts from throughout the blogosphere. Read up on MPs’ responses to the Libel Reform Campaign, a collection of essays by and about the late, great Carl Sagan, and the scientific discoveries and controversies of 2009. Also, as usual I have included a handful of pithier articles that took my interest this week, which I suppose I have no real reason for thinking will take yours, but here’s to hoping.

Libel Reform: Which MPs Are Doing Their Jobs?

2010 will see the formal appeal hearing of the Singh v BCA case, which as most of you will know has been a catalyst for the Libel Reform campaign, which I strongly urge you to sign up to if you have not done so already. Rebecca of Skepchick has been busy writing to MPs and urging them to do the same. You can read their responses and find out how each political party is shaping up on the issue overall, here.

[Via Skepchick]

Dolphins Proven to be Smarter Than Chimps and Second to Humans in Intelligence

Dolphins have reportedly been found to be more intelligent than chimpanzees. Not only this, but according to one teacher of ethics at Loyola Marymount University, the extent of their intelligence is such that it is morally wrong for us to kill or captivate them. I am unsure of how he has distinguished the level of intelligence at which to draw the moral line, but it does remind me of an interesting point made by Professor Richard Dawkins that was something along the lines of ‘the evolution of human ethics has led us to give our differences ever-less reverence. It is perhaps a natural progression that this may one day extend to all animals, as we are after all, all related.’

Can An Atheist Unity Convention Happen?

Activist Margaret Downey recently suggested (not for the first time) at an annual meeting of atheist group leaders, that an Atheist Unity Convention, to which representatives of all Atheist organisations would be invited to attend, would be an invaluable instrument for furthering the movement; an area that is of great importance to me and which does not, I feel, get enough mention. Is Downey’s dream doable? Perhaps not. Professor Richard Dawkins can often be heard to say that organising Atheists is comparable to herding cats, and this is why.

An Inspiring Collection of Carl Sagan Essays Now Online

The late, great Carl Sagan was and is an inspiration to so many. I was too young to watch ‘Cosmos’ when it was first aired, but although the special effects may be a little dated, the subject matter remains incredible. Now, an inspiring collection of articles by and about Sagan are available for all to read in one handy location.

[Via James Randi Educational Foundation]

I Feel Sorry For This Kid

Unfortunately not an altogether unusual occurrence; the other day a child was pulled out of a school trip to a museum at the request of his creationist parents, who also explained in their letter to the school that their child’s ‘Rock and Minerals’ essay would conform to the teachings of the Bible rather than his textbooks, and so may not [need to be] five pages long.

[Via Pharyngula]

The Year in Science

Last year would have been an unbearable one for creationist, television-watching UK residents. As 2009 marked the anniversaries of Charles Darwin’s birth and best known publication (separate anniversaries; he was clever but come on!), you could hardly channel surf without retaining information on the theory of evolution. But 2009 brought about its own scientific breakthroughs and controversies too. Listen here, to an hour long discussion between Chris Mooney and Lawrence Krauss on the scientific discoveries and science policy issues to arise from the past year.

********************************

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

God Damn Blasphemers

Paul — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:07:06 +0000

Having just been rocked by further revelations of abuse and cover-up rampant in the Catholic Church, the Irish State decided to kick off the new year by outlawing blasphemy. Somehow they feel that being mean to religious people deserves a fine. Specifically “A person who publishes or utters blasphemous matter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €25,000.” How wonderfully Dark Ages of them. I’m so proud to see my country embracing the new decade by outlawing freedom of speech, in particular speech directed at religion. If the world’s various gods are so all-knowing and powerful are they really going to find the rambled insults of us mere rational humans that upsetting?

Needless to say people haven’t let this lie and Atheist Ireland responded to the new laws by publishing 25 apparently blasphemous quotes (media coverage here and here). These are not just aimed at the Catholic Church either, they include quotes directed at Islam, and even Björk having a go at the Buddhists. There has yet to be any legal action taken against them.

In defense of the introduction of this law, the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said back in May that due to the fact blasphemy is an offence in the Irish Constitution (again highlighting the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church in the founding of the Republic of Ireland) he was obliged to include it in an update of the defamation laws. To remove blasphemy from the constitution would require a referendum of the people of Ireland, and Mr Ahern reckoned that the “current economic environment” was not conducive to this.

The law does include a fairly broad get-out-of-jail clause, specifying that “It shall be a defence to proceedings for an offence under this section for the defendant to prove that a reasonable person would find genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value in the matter to which the offence relates”. However one could argue that the number of “reasonable persons” in a world that outlaws blasphemy is questionable…

I personally found point 4 of this new law to be particularly interesting, where they attempt to distinguish between “religion” and mere “cults”.

“In this section “ religion ” does not include an organisation or cult—

the principal object of which is the making of profit, or

that employs oppressive psychological manipulation—

of its followers, or
for the purpose of gaining new followers.”

I assume telling people they are going to live an eternity of torment and pain for not following your god counts as oppressive psychological manipulation, no?

Little Atoms with Brian Cox — Friday 8th January 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:51:56 +0000

On the first edition of Little Atoms of 2010, Neil Denny and Rebecca Watson are joined by Physicist Brian Cox.

Professor Brian Cox is a particle physicist, a Royal Society research fellow, and a professor at the University of Manchester. He is a member of the High Energy Physics group at the University of Manchester, and works on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, CERN near Geneva, Switzerland. He is also working on the FP420 R&D project in an international collaboration to upgrade the ATLAS and the CMS experiment by installing additional, smaller detectors at a distance of 420 metres from the interaction points of the main experiments. He is best known to the public as the presenter of a number of science programmes for the BBC.

Join us on Friday 8th January at 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM in London or via the live feed worldwide.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:38:33 +0000

As we enter into 2010, this week’s post includes roundups of the past year and decade. We answer the question of how best to define the ‘noughties’, get you up to date on the 2009 Atheist Alliance International Conference and tell you how to most effectively shed your holiday weight.

The Noughties Are Defined By Fakery

There has always been fakery, but over the past decade the world has made every effort to do things bigger and better. In an article in the Guardian, Hadley Freeman, amidst a forgivable rant about Sarah Palin, argues that fakery, and particularly fake science, is what best defines the ‘noughties’. Perhaps we can push for a global New Year’s resolution. On the plus side, spell check still doesn’t recognise the word ‘noughties’.

You can also check out Ben Goldacre’s more detailed description of some of the year’s fake science here.

Atheist Alliance International 2009 Videos

This year’s Atheist Alliance International Conference reportedly hosted around 700 attendees, a marked increase from last year’s 450. The impressive line-up of speakers included Richard Dawkins, Dan Dennett, PZ Myers and Lawrence Krauss. The full length videos, listed in “descending order of awesomeness”, features Dawkins’ talk in fifth position out of a possible seven. Need I endorse the event any further?

[Via Common Sense Atheism]

“Dad Dancing” May Be The Result Of Evolution, Scientists Claim

Dr Peter Lovatt, a psychologist from the University of Hertfordshire, has concluded that cringeworthy “dad dancing” is an evolutionally created turnoff towards younger females, with the effect of making way for males who are in their sexual prime. Just the latest of a whole host of reasons for young lads to go out on the pull with their dads.

The Diet Delusion

Looking to shift a few of those extra pounds that you’ve put on over the Christmas holidays? According to David Colquhoun’s article, which is essentially a glowing book review of Gary Taube’s ‘The Diet Delusion’, Taube claims that there is more to dieting than all of that simple advice that you’ve known and ignored for as long as you can remember. But he is not pushing a line of scientific sounding pills or any other voodoo. Rather, Colquhoun reports that Taube is advocating the use of randomised trials to establish causality between diet, weight and biology, with some surprising conclusions.

[Via DC’s Improbable Science]

For those of you who are interested in the truth behind nutritionists and the pills and advice that they push, I highly recommend Ben Goldacre’s book, ‘Bad Science’, which also examines a range of interesting pseudoscientific topics, scientifically.

Gallup Poll: Americans Are Becoming Less Religious

As we leave behind the turn of the decade I can’t help that notice that we haven’t all got flying cars, everything isn’t dominated by Velcro and religion hasn’t been wiped out. We are making headway though. It has been the case for a while now that the number of those who do not identify with a religion is increasing in both the UK and the US. A recent poll showed that only half of Britons identify with Christianity, and recent polls conducted by Gallup conclude that Americans are cottoning on too.

[Via Friendly Atheist and Derren Brown Blog]

Interestingly, if somewhat predictably, the majority of believers, no matter the sample group in question, are women. Read about the theories currently offered as an explanation for this phenomenon here.

[Via 3quarksdaily]

Brand Skeptic

A recent article by Steve Cuno particularly resonated with me. The article addresses the negative connotations that are typically associated with the term ‘sceptic’ in common parlance. This was/is to be the subject of my first personal blog post (coming soon!). Cuno and I are in agreement that to abandon the term would be impractical, and so instead both of our articles suggest methods for rehabilitating the word. His however, focuses on what the individual can do to this end; while mine will discuss the steps that can be taken by the movement as a whole. Cuno’s suggestions are excellent, and seem to be perfectly fitted to become a personal list of New Year’s resolutions for any skeptic.

[Via James Randi Educational Foundation]

Official Vatican Newspaper Under Fire For Endorsing ‘The Simpsons’

I wouldn’t be so cruel as to deprive you of your weekly fix of FOX now would I? What monumental feat of journalistic brilliance have they accomplished this week, I hear you ask. Well they’ve managed to dig up some baby-faced Pope wannabe to tell us that one of his guilty pleasures, ‘The Simpsons’, is essentially “not good for American culture”. I’d argue that it’s actually one of the best things that American culture has come up with so far.

Watch the video here.

*********************************

Well that’s the last Weekly Roundup of the decade. I hope you enjoyed it. Here’s wishing you a happy New Year from everyone at Skeptic. Don’t do anything Jesus wouldn’t do.

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Token Skeptic Podcast

Mark — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:14:43 +0000

Token Skeptic is a new podcast hosted and produced by Kylie Sturgess. The first episode, released on Christmas day, discussed belief in Santa and development. Handily (and quite uniquely), there is a transcript and reference list accompanying each episode. The episodes are apparently also on iTunes and further episodes will be released each Monday. Highly recommended.

Episode one:

Episode two:

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:36:35 +0000

Welcome to a very special Christmas edition of the weekly roundup, catering to all of your sceptical Christmas needs. I’ve kept it short and sweet this week, as I am juggling between writing for you good people and cooking for some others.

The Santa Situation

Christmas can be a confusing time for some sceptic parents. While some are happy to participate with the festivities, others are understandably reluctant. The latest Skepticality podcast addresses ‘the Santa situation’. Should parents tell their kids the truth or is that robbing them of the magic? Hear what a seven-year-old sceptic and his mother have to say on the matter.

[Via Skeptic]

The Ladybird Book of Chiropractic Treatment and English Libel Law

The Simon Singh/British Chiropractic Association case is the hot topic of the moment, but for those of you who might have missed out on its unfolding development, Crispian Jago has created a wonderful summary that is suitable for all ages.

[Via Science, Reason and Critical Thinking]

War on Christmas, Continued

It never gets old. The war on Christmas is of course, back, and once again Bill O’reilly is angry and unafraid to show it. This year he is not alone in publicly expressing his disgust for those with no religious inclination. Illinois comptroller candidate William Kelly took it upon himself to vandalise an Atheist sign that stated that “Religion is but myth and superstition”. Fortunately his ‘what would Jesus do?’ shirt was in the wash that day.

Pope Knocked Down by Woman at Christmas Mass

A woman, described as “mentally unstable”, this morning knocked over Pope Benedict on his way to Christmas mass at the Vatican. The Pope is reported to be unharmed, if a little shaken. The woman, who attempted a similar stunt last year, was detained by security staff and later arrested.

Read the BBC’s coverage of the story here.

**************************************

I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got for you this week. I’m sure there’s something more important going on today. So what are you still doing here? Go and spend time with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas!

If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:09:17 +0000

Welcome to the latest roundup of the skeptical blogging and news from throughout the week. In this edition I’ll be keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the Libel Reform Campaign, cancer research and even the laws of thermodynamics. We will of course be having a few laughs along the way; I couldn’t help but throw in a couple of fluff stories to get you in the Christmas mood.

Jesus Would Buy the Acer Notebook

Are you stuck for Christmas present ideas? Well you need look no further. Forget Jamie Oliver, Mr. T and all those other has-beens; the Acer Notebook comes with an extra special endorsement this Christmas.

BCA vs. Singh: Making Legal History

Last week saw the formal launch of the Libel Reform Campaign. Now the case of British Chiropractic Association against Simon Singh looks set to become a landmark case, with the panel confirmed to consist of England’s two most senior appeal judges. Jack of Kent explains that this development can give no indication of the eventual outcome, but will increase its historic significance. Why not pop to Ladbrookes now and then do your bit to sway the odds in your favour by signing up to the campaign?

[Via Jack of Kent]

Genetic Breakthrough Hails New Cancer Research Era

According to an article in the Telegraph, scientists from a world leading research centre in Cambridge are describing their latest findings as a “transforming moment” in the search for preventions, treatments and cures for lung and skin cancer. It is always difficult for the layperson to gauge the extent to which a story like this may have been overhyped, but one thing is for sure: this can only be good news.

Atheists Banned From Public Office in Seven State Constitutions

Would you Adam and Eve it? It is against the state constitutions of seven of the United States for a non-believer to hold public office. Fortunately, a little-known document called the US Constitution, clearly states that “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States. So there.” Still, Cecil Bothwell’s critics are targeting his Atheism in an attempt to remove him from his position as City Counsellor of Asheville, North Carolina.

Watch The Rachel Maddow Show’s coverage of the story here.

Say it ain’t so, Randi

It appears that even Gods are fallible. James Randi has recently written, rather uncharacteristically, that “the Petition Project [denying man-made climate change] may be valid.” It is not his conclusion that is disappointing, so much as his reasoning towards it. His view that “I believe we simply cannot formulate an equation into which we enter variables and come up with an answer,” seems to give credence to common sense above scientific evidence in a way that is analogous to the argument commonly spouted by creationists that “the human eye is so complicated that I just can’t believe that it happened by coincidence.” In all fairness to Randi, he was careful to express his limited understanding of the relevant scientific theory and has since written a follow-up blog article. Nonetheless, PZ Myers was not impressed. We still love you Randi.

[Via Pharyngula]

Pokémon Pastor

As the Harry Potter series has come to an end, one pastor has decided that he needs another irrelevant craze to frighten children out of. Try to keep a straight face when Jigglypuff makes an appearance.

Watch the video here.

Twiggy’s Olay Ad Banned Over Airbrushing

Over 700 complaints have been issued against an Olay advert that featured Twiggy alongside her testimonial “Olay is my secret for drop dead gorgeous eyes”, due to the allegation that the model’s image had been airbrushed. The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld the complaint, forcing Proctor & Gamble to replace the image with one that had not been doctored.

The Advertising Standards Authority examines every case for which even a single complaint is registered, so if you see a company making claims that you do not believe can be substantiated by evidence, let them know.

The Perpetual Motion Machine: Genuine or Hoax?

Hold the front page! Every construction project ever built is liable to collapse; every engine is at risk of explosion; and the very laws of thermodynamics are open to ridicule. Either that or some company you’ve never heard of has just unveiled its latest hoax. Steorn, the company in question, claims to have found a loophole in the way magnetic fields work, which they have used to make a machine that they claim produces more energy than it takes in. Were this to be the case it would violate the First Law of Thermodynamics and turn science on its head, which I’m sure is why you’re hearing about it here rather than on any of the major news channels. Clearly the government has been repressing this research and that of the car that can be powered by dreams, because they want your carbon taxes.

Watch the official promotional video here.

Uganda Bans Female Genital Mutilation

Ugandan politics has had a mixed bag recently. On the one hand, MPs have voted to outlaw female circumcision, with anyone found conducting such an atrocity to face a ten year, or life sentence, depending on whether or not the victim should die. On the other, the “Anti-Homosexuality Bill”, if passed, will imprison homosexuals for life and subject HIV positive homosexuals to the death penalty. It is difficult to ignore the role that religion has played in both instances.

The True Story of Christmas

No, it’s not all about Ruldoph’s ostracism and Santa’s chimney escapades. It turns out that Christmas has a far deeper story behind it, but you might find that your local church is only telling the abridged version. This website explains some of the fascinating origins of the rituals through which we now rejoice. Beware though; some of it is post watershed material.

*****************************************

Well that’s it for another week. Please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to reply as quickly as possible. Until next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

If you come across something through the week that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.

Little Atoms Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People Special — Friday 18th December 19.00 on Resonance 104.4FM

Neil — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:09:58 +0000

This week’s Little Atoms features a number of short interviews recorded backstage at Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People at the Bloomsbury Theatre on Wednesday 16th December 2009. The night was curated by comedian Robin Ince, and featured a huge roster of comedians, musicians, scientists and others in a festive celebration of science and rationalism. Interviews conducted by Neil Denny and Rebecca Watson.

There will be a normal length radio edit of the show broadcast on Resonance 104.4FM at 19.00 on Friday 18th December, and a much longer downloadable/podcast version to follow with added bad language and AGW denial.

Weekly News and Blog Roundup

Will — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:40:25 +0000

Welcome to the latest blog feature from The Skeptic. At the end of each week I will roundup some of the best skeptical blogs and news from the internet. Wading through the mountains of great skeptical blogs out there can be overwhelming for even the most dedicated skeptic, so let me do the hard work for you!

As it’s the opening week for this blog (sound the trumpets!), we’ll get the ball rolling with something a little light-hearted.

Michelle Malkin: Atheists Should Be Treated Like “Trolls”

If Atheists are the Ebenezer Scrooge of the holiday season, then who other than FOX News could fill the buckled boots of the fat, bearded old man. News reporter Michelle Malkin advocates that when it comes to dealing with Atheists, good citizens of America should “treat these people like trolls”. Happy holidays!

Watch the video here.

(Note: This video was from 2008, last Christmas)

Jesus On An Iron

Speaking of Jesus, who could ever grow tired of the endless sightings of the divine in such forms as the burned bits on a cheese toasty, the oily residue on a crisp, and now, in the charred stains on a household iron.

Watch the video here.

If you’re interested in the psychology behind our perceptions of such ambiguous images as these, Michael Shermer sheds light on the subject in a highly entertaining video that can be viewed here.

Sarah Palin Spins Out On “Climate Gate”

With the Climate Gate ‘scandal’ being so focused in the media’s headlights, there have inevitably been a wide range of interesting posts on the topic this week: An article in Discover, details the nonsensical ramblings of Sarah Palin, who has written that “the President’s decision to attend the international climate conference in Copenhagen needs to be reconsidered.” The article also includes a link to Adam Siegel’s thorough debunking of Palin’s latest scientific fail.

The Year’s Most Amazing Scientific Images

A brilliant slide show of 62 amazing images ranging from the volcanic lightning display of an explosion “1000 times as powerful as the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki” (pictured below), to the computer images of the Large Hadron Collider’s first collision. Each picture is accompanied by a description and many include links to further reading.

[Via Derren Brown]

Rift Flares After US Episcopal Church Elects Gay Bishop

Handbags and feather dusters lined the streets of America this past Sunday morning; the remnants left behind by Conservative Americans expressing their opposition to the election of the second openly gay bishop of the Anglican Church. One onlooker was reported to have mused, “We’re here, we’re queer,” and most poignantly, “get over it”. We couldn’t agree more.