A skeptic encounters psychics, astrologers, and other strange creatures and discovers firsthand how they react to science and reason. Included: a fable about testing the Tooth Fairy. A couple of years ago, I saw an announcement for an astrology presentation to a local discussion group called Mingling of the Minds.… read more "Teaching Pigs to Sing: An Experiment in Bringing Critical Thinking to the Masses"
My Response to An Alt-Muddled Friend
I’ve been discussing “alternative medicine” with a friend who is very intelligent but has no training in science. She uses chiropractic, magnets, vitamins, and acupuncture, and she says she doesn’t care what science says because science can be wrong, she trusts her personal experience more, and if something “works” for… read more "My Response to An Alt-Muddled Friend"
Blind Spots, Brain Maps, and Backaches: A New Chiropractic Delusion
My trip down the rabbit hole started when an ad in the newspaper caught my eye: “Do you have a good brain or a bad brain? One simple test may tell you… call today for a free brain exam.” I started to worry. I had always thought I had a… read more "Blind Spots, Brain Maps, and Backaches: A New Chiropractic Delusion"
Wired to the Kitchen Sink: Studying Weird Claims for Fun and Profit
After reading some particularly egregious nonsense, you have probably asked yourself; “How could anyone in his right mind believe that?” There is an answer to your question. In. fact, the person who believes the nonsense will usually provide the answer himself if you give him half a chance. Go to… read more "Wired to the Kitchen Sink: Studying Weird Claims for Fun and Profit"