Here is a recap of the stories that appeared last week at Science-Based Medicine, a multi-author skeptical blog that separates the science from the woo in medicine.
Integrative Fire-Fighting (David Weinberg) http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/integrative-fire-fighting/ An April Fool’s Day article extends the concept behind “integrative medicine” to explore what it would mean to have “integrative fire-fighting.” It might involve homeopathy for fires and criticism of “Big Hydrant.”
Wired Science, March 23, 2012 Why Magicians Are a Scientist's Best Friend We can’t make magicians out of scientists — we wouldn’t want to — but we can help scientists “think in the groove” — think like a magician. And we should.
C21 Media, March 30, 2012 Liar wins Mipdoc pitch contest A US documentary about a magician who has spent decades debunking ‘fraudulent’ paranormal and psychic claims has won the Mipdoc International Pitch competition.
The Mandala, April 2, 2012 The Academy of Magical Arts Awards Results The Academy of Magical Arts Awards show took place last night at the Saban Theatre in Hollywood and hosted by Mac King and produced by our own Storytime columnist Max Maven.
Friendly Atheist, March 29, 2012 A Pseudoscience Fair with James Randi Instead of displays featuring volcanos and plants, participants will exhibit various forms of flim flam, explain why they are wrong, and show judges how to prevent getting scammed.
Northern News Services Online, March 28, 2012 Lackluster response to faith healing When asked if he would take famous American skeptic and television personality James Randi's challenge, offering $1 million for any proof of the supernatural, Vogelsberger said he was not aware of it.
Bad Astronomy, March 25, 2012 The Amaz!ng Meeting 10 TAM is, well, an amazing event, with lots of fun and learning to be had. But it is a skeptical conference, so don’t take my word for it.
Curiouser and Curiouser | CSI, March 21, 2012 James Randi: An Honest Liar It’s a funny thing that one of the most influential figures in skepticism has never had his life properly documented in a film. That is about to change.
Forbes, March 14, 2012 Vaccine Debate Acknowledged, Explained at Global Conference McCarthy has rallied and appeared on numerous talk shows to publicize her views, and in 2008 was awarded the James Randi Educational Foundation’s Pigasus Award, bestowed for contributions to pseudoscience.
The Skeptic Canary, March 12, 2012 A Brief Write Up of QEDCon 2012 After lunch JREF president DJ Grothe gave a very clever and introspective talk on skepticism which dismissed the myth that Americans don’t get irony!
It's been a busy week for JREF founder James Randi as he's traveled across the country and back. Last weekend, Randi traveled to Los Angeles, where he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts. The AMA is the most highly regarded social order for magicians and conjurers in the world, and they call L.A.'s famous Magic Castle home.
Penn & Teller appear via video to praise Randi's achievements at the AMA Awards.
Randi was personally awarded this high honor from his peers by AMA president Neil Patrick Harris "in recognition of a career devoted to virtually every facet of conjuring." In his fiery acceptance speech, Randi called on his fellow magicians to help pursue the mission of the James Randi Educational Foundation and put a stop to those who would use conjuring tricks to fake paranormal abilities and swindle the public.
Here is a recap of the stories that appeared last week at Science-Based Medicine, a multi-author skeptical blog that separates the science from the woo in medicine.
California Bill AB 2109: The Antivaccine Movement Attacks School Vaccine Mandates Again (David Gorski) http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/antivaccine-activists-attack-vaccine-mandates/ In response to a rising rate of personal belief exemptions for mandated vaccines, a proposed law in California would require proof that parents had been counseled on the risks and benefits by doctors and could give truly informed consent. Anti-vaccine advocates are protesting: they prefer mis-informed consent.
