Activism
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Ask Surly Amy and Dr. Gorski: In the Workplace Skeptical Activism
Greetings Amy! I am an underling at a large, academic hospital, in an oncology unit. Recently, our hospital added a department of “Integrative Medicine.” Space, already at a premium, is being taken up in our department by a pair of acupuncturists. I have been forced to help handle their patients, including asking them for payment for services rendered. I know…
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Times Square’s 5000 Sq Ft Anti-Vaccine Party Extravaganza!
Remember when the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) tried to kill you on Delta flights by telling everyone that the flu is no big deal and that if you just wash your hands you won’t get sick from the guy next to you smearing boogers all over your arm rest? That was pretty great. Especially now that a swine flu…
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In Case You Missed It: November 27-December 3 on the Skepchick Network
Happy Monday, nerds! Unlike me, I bet you have a life outside the Internet. But never fear! I’ve compiled some Skepchick-y highlights for your enjoyment. Have fun! Mad Art Lab Sunspotting Steve D looks at sunspots with a homemade device. Protecting U.S. from Ourselves Are Americans being coddled by new magazines? Smashley investigates. Amuse-Bouche: Preservation + Duck Confit Anne S…
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Update: Delta still running anti-vax ads in-flight
Over the last week and a half, Delta has received over 3000 complaints about them running in-flight PSA’s for the dubiously-named anti-vaccine organization, the National Vaccine Information Center. The ad features a dismissal of the seriousness and pervasiveness of the flu virus, followed by advice to wash your hands and exercise and take your vitamins and then advice to maybe consider…
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Michigan Protects Theists’ Right to Bully Gays
Michigan has finally passed anti-bullying legislation called Matt’s Safe School Law, named for a boy who committed suicide after anti-gay hazing. So why does the boy’s father, Kevin Epling, not support the legislation? Simple: Republicans introduced a provision that allows bullying in the case of religious or moral viewpoints. It also doesn’t mention anything about bullying for sexual orientation or…
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Bugs and Critical Thinking
I’m often asked why I consider my bugology writing to be skeptical. The connection between skepticism and entomology isn’t always immediately apparent, I guess, but it seems quite logical to me. There are many, many bogus devices that claim to repel insects, and I think it’s important to name names. There are far too few convictions for fraud in the insect repellent business. I’ve called…
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I Flu Delta: An Action Alert
The National Vaccine Information Center, an organization ironically misinformed about vaccines, is running an ad on Delta Airlines flights through the entire month of November. The video is not embed-able, so you’ll have watch it on YouTube or Facebook. Update: The ad is back on YouTube, new link. You may remember the NVIC from their previous work… like running an anti-vax ad…
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Zombies to James Van Praagh: Talk to Us!
The James Randi Educational Foundation has repeatedly offered “psychic” James Van Praagh a million dollars if he can demonstrate under scientific controls that he has the ability to speak to the dead. They have been ignored. Repeatedly. So, they tried something new: I had the chance to ask Sadie Crabtree, JREF’s Communications Director, a few questions about the stunt: You’ve…
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