SGU Episode 383

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SGU Episode 383
17th Nov 2012
(brief caption for the episode icon)
SGU 382                      SGU 384
Skeptical Rogues
S: Steven Novella
B: Bob Novella
R: Rebecca Watson
J: Jay Novella
E: Evan Bernstein
Guest
BH: Bruce Hood
Quote of the Week
I'm a scientist and I know what constitutes proof. But the reason I call myself by my childhood name is to remind myself that a scientist must also be absolutely like a child. If he sees a thing, he must say that he sees it, whether it was what he thought he was going to see or not. See first, think later, then test. But always see first. Otherwise you will only see what you were expecting. Most scientists forget that.
Wonko the Sane from Douglas Adams's So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish
Links
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Forum Discussion

Introduction

You're listening to the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, your escape to reality.

S: Hello, and welcome to the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe. Today is Wednesday, November 14, 2012, and this is your host, Steven Novella. Joining me this week are Bob Novella –

B: Hey everybody.

S: – Rebecca Watson –

R: Hello, everyone.

S: – Jay Novella –

J: Hey guys.

S: – and Evan Bernstein.

E: Hey, boys and girls. How's everyone?

S: Good. How are you, Evan?

B: Pretty good.

E: Very fine, thank you.

This Day in Skepticism ()

• November 18, 1978: Jonestown massacre

News Items

Denver UFO ()

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/bugged-by-ufos/

Math Hurts ()

http://bodyodd.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/05/14947181-fear-of-math-makes-your-brain-hurt-study-confirms?lite

Communicating with the Vegetative ()

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/communicating-with-the-vegetative/

Nearby Rogue Planet ()

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20309762

Twisted Light ()

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20217938

Who's That Noisy? ()

Answer to last week: Argon gas in the microwave

Questions and Emails ()

Question 1: Bicycle Physics ()

Follow up from last week regarding the physics of bicycles

Science or Fiction ()

Item #1: While corn is native to the Americas, the innovation of heating corn until it pops was introduced by the English colonists in the 17th century.

Item #2: The modern celebration of Thanksgiving in America began 200 years after the Plymouth celebration, when a letter that had been lost, by the Plymouth colony leader describing the event was rediscovered and publicized.

Item #3: Wild turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour and fly up to 55 miles per hour.

Skeptical Quote of the Week ()

I'm a scientist and I know what constitutes proof. But the reason I call myself by my childhood name is to remind myself that a scientist must also be absolutely like a child. If he sees a thing, he must say that he sees it, whether it was what he thought he was going to see or not. See first, think later, then test. But always see first. Otherwise you will only see what you were expecting. Most scientists forget that.

Wonko the Sane from Douglas Adams's So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish

References