Derren Brown's Blog, page 78

Hero at 30,000 feet – Now on 4OD

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For the next 30 days the show will be available on 4oD:

Click Here

Hero at 30,000 Feet – Tonight at 10pm CH4

Hero at 30,000 Feet is on tonight at 10pm on Channel 4.

Those of you wanting to chat about the show during and after please use the following page: http://derrenbrown.co.uk/blog/tv-shows/hero-30000-feet/, where we will be trying to approve your comments as quickly as possible.

#DerrenBrownHero is being used for discussion on Twitter.

As Derren reports on Twitter he's now on location:

"Very excited. Am with the plane getting ready for live links."

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Enjoy the show!

IQ2 Interview: Ben Goldacre on science in the media

"Science is value free. So is a gun." Here, science writer Ben Goldacre describes the problems with science coverage in the mainstream media. Too often it's used towards political and social ends, exemplified most clearly in schizophrenic reporting of the cervical cancer vaccine. Ben Goldacre is interviewed by Jack Klaff for Intelligence Squared (IQ2). The full hour-long video is available on the IQ2 website at http://www.intelligencesquared.com/talks/ben-goldacre-on-science-in-the-media

Vending machines test mental agility

"Britvic has installed vending machines across the UK which dispenses free drinks to those who can prove their intelligence via a series of tests

The "smart" vending machines, which promote a brand of flavoured spring water called Juicy Drench, have touch-screens programmed with games that test mental agility. The idea is to reinforce the message that our brains perform best when they are hydrated.

Although presumably that means that you need to have drunk a Juicy Drench before playing in...

YouTube stars make big money — but why?

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"The top 10 YouTube stars have one thing in common. They're awful. Just really, really bad. What I mean to say is, they suck. So who the hell is watching them? According to analytics and advertising company TubeMogul, these guys — and one gal —brought in six figures over the last year.

The "how" is fairly obvious. The money comes from banner ads — the revolving advertisements for Tortino Pizza Rolls, "World of Warcraft," Vitamix blenders, etc., that reload every time you click a video. The...

Smoking two year old kicks 40-a-day cigarette habit after month-long spell in rehab

An update on a story we posted a while ago:

"He caused a storm around the world when filmed chain smoking cigarettes – aged just two years old. Now Indonesian toddler Ardi Rizal is centre of attention again after kicking his 40-a-day habit. The reformed smoker spent 30 days in rehab after his shocking behaviour was filmed by a TV crew at his home in Musi Banyuasin, in the South Sumatra province. When the two-year-old's smoking was first exposed, his parents said they were reluctant to stop...

Is science teaching undermined by religious instruction in faith schools?

"From time to time there are concerns raised that some state-funded religious schools teach creationism, or intelligent design, in their science lessons.

The last Labour government and the Conservatives in opposition have always denied this is a problem and have always said that they will not stand for the teaching of creationism in science lessons. Ministers always say that creationism can't be taught in science lessons

Whenever this issue cropped up in parliament I was always concerned that t...

Bringing tiger bones to life…

"We asked artist Mark Coreth – the man behind last winter's mesmerising Ice Bear event – to create a majestic 3.4-metre tiger sculpture on the banks of the Thames in London. And he wants you to lend him a hand…

If you're in central London from 4 September, come along and witness (and maybe even help sculpt) a stunning larger-than-life tigress next to the river Thames, near Bankside Pier.

Inspired by sculptor Mark Coreth's own encounters with endangered Bengal tigers, the Bringing the Bones to ...

Colombian declared world's shortest man

A 70cm (27-inch) tall Colombian has been named the world's shortest living man by Guinness World Records. Edward Nino Hernandez, 24, weighs only 10kg (22lbs). His mother said he had not grown since he was two years old. Mr Hernandez, who works part-time as a dancer, told the Associated Press: "I feel happy because I'm unique."

The previous record holder was He Pingping of China, who was 4cm (1.5 inches) taller and died in March – before Mr Hernandez was discovered. Mr Hernandez is not...

Derren Brown Special: Hero at 30,000 Feet

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Derren Brown, the acclaimed psychological illusionist, returns to Channel 4 for an amazing 70 minute special on Wednesday 8th September at 10pm.

Hero at 30,000 Feet takes an 'average Joe' on an extraordinary psychological journey which will culminate with him facing a life-changing decision of whether to take control of a Boeing 737 packed with passengers, which he believes is about to fall out of the sky.

Viewers will also witness the extraordinary personal challenges the subject has already ...