In this NPR piece from a few years ago I was interviewed about the accuracy of the Farmer's Almanac (spoiler: I'm skeptical). An interesting look at "folk" predictions can be found HERE: Ben Radford, deputy editor of the science magazineSkeptical Inquirer, says...
Folklore
Circling the Pendulum: Conversations with a Dowser
Benjamin Radford Skeptics often encounter—or are cornered by—people making all sorts of claims. Most of them, such as those tested by me, Jim Underdown of CFI-West, the JREF, and others, are sincere people. They are very rarely hoaxers or liars but instead...
Is the Ye Olde Farmer’s Almanac Reliable? My Commentary on NPR
In this NPR piece from a few years ago I was interviewed about the accuracy of the Farmer's Almanac (spoiler: I'm skeptical). An interesting look at "folk" predictions can be found HERE: Ben Radford, deputy editor of the science magazineSkeptical Inquirer, says...
Creepy Clown Sightings Reported in Chicago
A creepy clown was sighted recently in a Chicago cemetery late at night... My look at weird clown reports can be found HERE.
Review of ‘Myths and Mysteries of New Mexico’
My new CFI blog is a review of a book on New Mexico mysteries. I tried to be kind... You can find it HERE.
Florida Police Accuse Witches (or Satanists) of Triple Murder
Police in Florida suggest that a triple murder in Pensacola late last month is connected to witches, Wiccans, and/or Satanists. My new article on why that's almost certainly false, with a discussion of previous crimes police wrongly attributed to Satanists or witches,...
A History of Anti-Vaccination Fears
My recent Discovery News article examines the history of anti-vaccination campaigns and explains some reasons why they're still with us, and probably always will be; you can find it HERE.
The Myth of the Joker-Inspired Theater Shooter
When James Holmes shot and killed dozens at a Colorado movie theater in 2012, many people claimed he was inspired by a Batman villain. I was skeptical at the time, and as far as I know I'm the only journalist who closely examined the news media's claims about it. His...
Issues in Self-Identifying as a Vampire
A new study finds that self-described vampires are, not surprisingly, reluctant to disclose their sanguine ways to mental health professionals. My closer look at people who claim to be (and sometimes believe themselves to be) real-life vampires can be found HERE.
Guest on ‘Paratruth Radio’ Discussing Chupacabra Research
I was recently a guest on the ParaTruth Radio show discussing several of my investigations including my chupacabra research... you can find it HERE.