Exploring the fringes of science and history. Caveat lector!

News Briefs 04-04-2012

Posted by Rick MG at 12:36, 04 Apr 2012

Something goes here, but I can't remember what.

The field of parapsychology turns 130 this month.
Pulitzer Prize-winning science journo Deborah Blum talks about the taboo of paranormal science writing (Amazon US, UK).
From the Grail archives, Greg's excellent interview with Blum.
Dr Bruce Greyson brilliantly explains why science should take NDEs seriously.
Disgruntled skeptic protests another skeptic's balanced, positive review of Leslie Kean's UFO book (Amazon US, Kindle, UK).
Uber-skeptic James Oberg also misses the point of Kean's book.
NASA UFO files revealed on Science Channel special. Cue skeptics complaining it belongs on the ~~History~~ Pseudoscience Channel...
Gelflings in the 4th dimension: physicists play with time crystals.
Could ancient aliens live on Methuselah planets?
The Milky Way Galaxy has billions of potentially habitable planets.
The Thirteen Towers of Chankillo, Peru's ancient solar observatory.
Giant prehistoric animal-shaped mounds found in Peru. Gallery.
In the shadow of Machu Picchu: the history & sights of Cuzco.
Tierra Vida, An Ayahuasca Journey: terrific documentary about the sacred vine.
Shaman Dr Steven Farmer on animal spirit guides (Amazon US, Kindle, UK).
Accessing the Mystic: Rupert Sheldrake & Matthew Fox on science & the sacred.
Animated movie aspires to be The Hobbit on LSD written by Borges.
MK ULTRA: when the CIA dosed San Francisco citizens with LSD.

Quote of the Day:

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Leslie Kean

#1

Member since:
21 January 2005

Last activity:
2 hours 24 min

Posted by jupiter.enteract on 04 Apr 2012 at about 14:01.

Delighted to see Leslie Kean's piece. It's mystifying how many of the the reviews criticizing her book have focused entirely on human fallibility while consistently ignoring the radar data (among other things). One has to wonder, are skeptics like Oberg simply sloppy readers, or genuinely dishonest?

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Dishonest skeptics

#2

Member since:
2 May 2004

Last activity:
1 day 5 hours

Posted by Rick MG on 04 Apr 2012 at about 14:12.

It really is a case of, "Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is already made up." The worst thing about Oberg and Sheaffer's attacks on Leslie Kean's book is that they continually ignore the fact most of it isn't written by Kean -- it's testimony by generals, pilots, and government officials, rational sober men. But the most convenient tactic of pseudoskeptics is to attack the person to debunk their evidence. It really is dishonest, and definitely not true skepticism.

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