I lamented how much I needed it, given the persistence of a couple of particularly annoying and obtuse antivaccinationist trolls over the last couple of weeks. Finally, it's here! We're talking the 94th Meeting of the Skeptics' Circle over at Reduce to Common Sense. It's just what I (and hopefully you) need: A dose of science, rationalism, and skepticism to combat the rampant credulity of the blogosphere. It's even based on an OIympic theme, complete with gold medals!
Next up two weeks hence, on September 11, is Skeptimedia. Uh-oh, I don't like the date it coincides with, but on the other hand perhaps we might have an appropriate theme and emphasize posts taking on the idiotic conspiracy-mongers known as 9/11 Truthers. Everyone, head over to Screw Loose Change for a primer! Actually, though, it's up to our host to decide.
In the meantime, if you have a blog and are interested in skepticism, science, and critical thinking, you really should think about hosting one of these puppies. If you're a new blogger, it's a great way to get exposure (and traffic). If you're an established blogger but have never hosted before, why not make a splash in the skeptical community? And if you've hosted before, don't you remember how much fun it was? Don't you think it's time to do it again? Whatever the case, head on over to the archive, schedule, and instructions to see what we're looking for, as well as the guidelines for hosts. If you're still interested, then drop me a line. I'll peruse your blog, just to make sure that you're not the secret love child of Deepak Chopra and Sylvia Browne seeking to subvert the Circle, and get you on the schedule.
Uh-oh, I don't like the date it coincides with, but on the other hand perhaps we might have an appropriate theme and emphasize posts taking on the idiotic conspiracy-mongers known as 9/11 Truthers.
Why, Orac! Superstition associated with the Skeptics' Circle? Whatever is this box of perfectly-logical blinking lights coming to?
;-)
I happened to be watching MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and during one segment they had a group of 9/11 Troofers in the background. One of them was shouting "9/11 was an inside job!" into the microphone of a bullhorn.
You could see Matthews Cringe. I think he actually wanted to turn around and tell them to shut the hell up.
I've been through the 9/11 conspiracy story before, and I've debunked all the myths with people, only to have them either accuse me of being "one of them" or call me a fool or a liar.
If you want to see some good writing on the subject, drop by Popular Mechanics' website and look there for it.
Also, the NIST report on the events of 9/11 are available online, a large PDF but worth reading.
I have relatives who are flying on the 11th. Apparently, there are a lot of cheap seats that day, as if there are less people flying then normal...