My new article for Discovery News on Brian Williams and the psychology of false memories is now out, check it out HERE.
Media Literacy
Mysterious ‘Human Finger’ Found on Aussie Beach
Last month what looked like a human finger was found on a beach in northern Australia; police were called but in the end scientists solved the mystery... you can read my article about this displaced digit HERE.
Why Terrorists Behead Their Victims
ISIS terrorists have apparently beheaded at least one of their two Japanese hostages taken weeks ago. Last year I wrote an article about why terror groups cut their victims' heads off. Gruesome but interesting, you can read it HERE.
Chilean Farmer Finds ‘Chupacabra’; Probably Cat Mummy
A Chilean farmer recently found a pair of partly mummified animals in a wine cellar. Of course the obvious explanation is "chupacabra," though as I explain it's almost certainly not... yes, the little vampire beastie just won't die. You can read the story HERE.
The ‘Boy Who Went to Heaven’ Didn’t- And Why Many Believed
You may have heard that a boy who wrote an inspiring "true story" best-seller about going to heaven has admitted he made it up. I wrote an article on it, and a analysis about why many people believed it, you can read it HERE.
Dr. Oz-Promoted “Magic Bean” Weight Loss Producer Fined $9 Million for Deception
Following consumer complaints and a June 2014 congressional hearing, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against the manufacturer of a green coffee bean extract heavily promoted by Dr. Oz on his popular television show. You can read more HERE.
ISIS Terrorists Demanding Ransom: Why It Failed
The terrorist group ISIS threatened to kill two Japanese citizens unless their government pays a huge ransom. They did not, and at least one was beheaded. Last year I wrote a piece for Discovery News about the politics of paying for hostages... you can read it HERE.
Viral Outrage: Did a School Really Digitally Slim a Girl’s Yearbook Photo?
A viral story about how a high school allegedly used Photoshop to change their students’ yearbook photos to make them thinner started on Reddit earlier this month and has appeared on Gawker, Jezebel, Gizmodo, PerezHilton, and elsewhere. As it turns out, the story...
Did Sony Really Try to Shelve ‘The Interview’ Over Terror Threats?
Censorship and free speech: Was Sony going to shelve The Interview last month because of terror threats? Most people think so. But a closer look suggests that might not be true; you can read it HERE.
Phone App Records Dreams–But Can It Test ESP?
My new article about the logic and claims that a dream-recording app might be able to prove precognitive psychic powers is now up at Discovery News, you can read it HERE.