James Randi's Blog, page 23

Paul Provenza - Satiristas | For Good Reason

Paul Provenza - Satiristas | For Good Reason


Paul Provenza, the celebrated comic and critic, talks about his book Satiristas, which focuses on rationalist issues through the lens of transgressive and subversive comedy. He explores the social criticism of the biggest names in comedy, and whether their intelligence should instead be focused on public service. He describes why his background in comedy allowed the celebrities featured in his book to be so open and transparent with him. He relates the impact the interviews had on him personally. He talks about the nihilism of some of the leading comedians and satirists in America today, and shares his personal views about the ultimate meaning of life in a godless, naturalistic universe. He talks about the motivation of leading comedians, and whether or not they intend to impact society with their comedic art. He talks about comedians who preach ideology, and great comedic artists like Tim Minchin who advance a particular point of view in entertaining ways. He argues that the leading comedians in the United States are like the spiritual descendants of the revolutionary Founding Fathers. He talks about Jay Leno and why he avoids controversial social issues in his comedy. He explores how aware the famous social critic comedians interviewed in his book, such as George Carlin and Craig Ferguson, are of their role in society. He explores the impact of Bill Maher, Janeane Garofalo, and Penn Jillette on American public policy. He also explores to what extent being "preachy <b>...</b>
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Time:
48:40
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Deirdre Barrett - Supernormal Stimuli | For Good Reason

Deirdre Barrett - Supernormal Stimuli | For Good Reason


Deirdre Barrett talks about supernormal stimuli, which are exaggerated versions of natural stimuli to which there are existing instinctual responses. She discusses how our evolved instincts are overwhelmed by technological advances and other facets of modern society. She explores how pornography, unhealthy diets, and even the quest for nuclear energy as opposed to wind or solar energy are supernormal stimuli. And she explains how undue credulity in the supernatural and the paranormal may be a function of our natural instincts to believe becoming overrun by supernormal stimuli. Also, in this week's edition of the Honest Liar, we consider the similarities between a streetside scam artist and a billion dollar Ponzi schemer.
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77

9
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Time:
41:18
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Victor Stenger - The Search for Cosmic Consciousness | For Good Reason

Victor Stenger - The Search for Cosmic Consciousness | For Good Reason


Vic Stenger talks about the limits of science, and whether scientists should be critical of religion and the paranormal, or if such sorts of claims are out of the bounds of science, and therefore beyond criticism. He discusses the academic and spiritual career of Fritjof Capra, and his book The Tao of Physics and how it misused quantum physics to promote New Age mysticism. He explores the implications of Deepak Chopra's work, which argues that quantum physics proves that "we make our own reality," and discusses the movies The Secret and What the Bleep Do We Know? and how they get quantum physics wrong. He explains wave-particle duality, and the reductionistic Standard Model in particle physics, and why this contradicts the claims of the "quantum spiritualists." And he talks about the future of New Age mysticism and quantum spirituality. In this weeks Honest Liar commentary, Jamy Ian Swiss revisits what happened in last week's episode to victims of the ancient con of the Three Card Monte.
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141

21
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Time:
40:12
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Simon Singh - The Case for Libel Reform | For Good Reason

Simon Singh - The Case for Libel Reform | For Good Reason


Simon Singh details recent news regarding the libel case brought against him by the British Chiropractic Association for an article he wrote in the Guardian criticizing chiropractic. He talks about English libel laws, and explains why he says they are the worst in the Western world. He details how the recent appeals court decision in his case could have a positive effect on the scientific community. He describes the difference between "honest opinion" and facts as they are viewed both in libel cases and in science. And he reveals how the skeptical community in Britain organized a coordinated campaign against chiropractic, leading to investigation of one in four chiropractors there. In this week's installment of the Honest Liar, Jamy Ian Swiss allows us to witness a street-side scam in the heart of Times Square.
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303

15
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Time:
37:12
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Adam Savage at The Amazing Meeting 7

Adam Savage at The Amazing Meeting 7


Long-time friend of the JREF Adam Savage has had a very successful career as a special effects and props designer for major motion pictures and as one of the stars of the very successful TV series Mythbusters. In this talk from TAM7, he focuses more on his failures and why they made him who he is.
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314

106
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Time:
44:45
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James Randi at the Magic Castle: In Conversation with Max Maven

James Randi at the Magic Castle: In Conversation with Max Maven


On September 14, 2010 in Hollywood, California, James Randi had an on-stage conversation with Max Maven at the World Famous Magic Castle, in front of a standing-room-only audience. This is a recording of that event.
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306

57
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Time:
01:48:10
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Steven Novella, MD at The Amaz!ng Meeting 6

Steven Novella, MD at The Amaz!ng Meeting 6


Steven Novella, MD (now a Senior Fellow with the JREF) talks about neuroscience and the nature of consciousness at The Amaz!ng Meeting 6.
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671

118
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33:11
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Derek and Swoopy - Five Years of Skepticality | For Good Reason

Derek and Swoopy - Five Years of Skepticality | For Good Reason


Derek and Swoopy discuss the growth of skeptical podcasting in the five years since they founded the influential podcast Skepticality. They talk about how hosting their show opened new opportunities for them.They explore the extent to which skeptical podcasts foster insularity within the skeptical movement, or succeed as outreach tools reaching new audiences for science and critical thinking, and the influence of such podcasts on the growth of local skeptics community groups. And they talk about the future of skepticism and skeptical digital outreach. In this week's installment of the Honest Liar, Jamy Ian Swiss poses the question: What's the harm?
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49

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Time:
52:39
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Bruce M. Hood - Why We Believe in the Unbelievable | For Good Reason

Bruce M. Hood - Why We Believe in the Unbelievable | For Good Reason


Bruce M. Hood discusses why so many people believe in the supernatural despite the lack of evidence, explaining that it may have something to do with how our brains are wired. He draws a distinction between religious supernatural beliefs, which are culturally determined, and more universal secular supernatural beliefs such as mind-body dualism and causality. He explains how such magical thinking may be socially advantageous and how even skeptics engage in supersense thinking. He also warns against the unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of what is a natural disposition in the majority of people. In this week's Honest Liar segment, Jamy Ian Swiss explains what he learned at the 1964 World's Fair.
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Views:
140

8
ratings
Time:
52:25
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James Randi - A Skeptic Comes Out at 81 | For Good Reason

James Randi - A Skeptic Comes Out at 81 | For Good Reason


James Randi comes out as gay. He discusses his life as a closeted gay man, and why he is now at age 81 coming out, and why he hasn't been publicly open about his sexuality sooner. He describes the possible impact his coming out may have on his tireless work advancing skepticism and critical thinking. He discusses his atheism, and whether it, or his sexual orientation, influences the mission of the James Randi Educational Foundation. He talks about gay rights issues such as marriage equality. He discusses his detractors and what they might make of the news of his homosexuality. And he explores the relevance of gay rights to the skeptical movement.
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Views:
289

31
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Time:
22:25
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