Bad Astronomy » Skepticism

xkcd skepicizes the skeptics

Phil Plait — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:51:05 +0000

So, check out the latest xkcd web comic (or click the picture to see the rest). I have to admit, he’s got a good point. And it’s so crazy it just might work. Hardware stores near Michael Shermer’s house better start keeping track of who buys what.

And is the number of this particular comic coincidence? I have a hard time believing it is.

Take Off! To the skeptic north! It’s a beauty way to go.

Phil Plait — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:00:50 +0000

I’m a little late to the game here, but a new skeptic blog has started up called Skeptic North, chock full o’ Canadian rationality. It’s a group blog with skeptics participating from all over the Great White North.

They just posted a very good slamming of the nonsense that is naturopathy, and if they continue to post such thorough and straight-forward articles, they’ll be a great force for the side of good.

TAM London followup

Phil Plait — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:30:44 +0000

TAM London was last month, but has created a lasting impression: Skepchick Rebecca Watson and Neil Denny (from Little Atoms) interviewed a bunch of people at TAML, including speakers and audience members. It’s a fun listen.

Not only that, but there have been lots of followup posts and articles about it:

Skepchick’s Jon Ronson interview (NSFW language in the interview and on the page)

An article in Spanish that I hope is favorable

The blog called Using Me!

Hampshire Skeptics: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 (with an awesome pic you’ll know when you see it).

So, will there be a TAM London next year? We can’t say just yet, but we’re looking into it. Stay tuned!

With a rebel yell, they cried Maher, Maher, Maher

Phil Plait — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:00:06 +0000

Oh, that Bill Maher. It’s time to change his show’s name to "Antireality Time". Because when he talks vaccines, he wanders into major woowoo territory.

I don’t need to debunk his antivax nonsense, since actual doctors who have facts at their fingertips do it so well, like in this tirade from Orac and in Steve Novella’s more measured (but just as devastating) response.

But there is one thing I want to mention. My favorite part is when Maher says:

I agree with my critics who say there are far more qualified people than me — its [sic] just that mainstream media rarely interviews doctors and scientists who present an alternative point of view.

First off, that’s total baloney. Go watch the news and other talking head shows; they often have people talking up the "alternative" (that is to say, wrong) point of view when it comes to vaccines. And if these people aren’t certified physicians, what does that tell you? Maybe you’ll come to the correct conclusion that the overwhelming majority of physicians think antivaxxers are full of it.

And second, about talk shows not having "alternative" viewpoints — and this is critical — why should they? When the weatherman talks about lightning in your area, should he give equal time to the Zeus theory?

Feh. Maher digs himself deeper every time he talks about this. Some people hold him up as an icon of skepticism, but it’s simply not true. A lot of non-believers love his ideas and attitude when it comes to religion, which is fine, but it doesn’t translate to his other beliefs, especially when it comes to real medicine. What he does isn’t skepticism, it’s dogma, and just as dogmatic as the religions he mocks.

Hippo critic

Phil Plait — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:00:37 +0000

Will I be able to use this picture sometime in the future?

Yes. Yes, I think I will.

Tip o’ the lens cap to franki_.

Why we fight

Phil Plait — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:00:13 +0000

Lack of skepticism can kill.

[NSFW language and some effects.]

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Craig Ferguson takes on the Apollo deniers

Phil Plait — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:03 +0000

Last week I posted about Adam and Jamie on Craig Ferguson’s TV show. I also found this little gem, where he talks about Apollo deniers. The whole thing is funny, but the space stuff starts at 3:00.

I love that guy.