I'm quoted in a recent piece on AmericanLiveWire discussing moon myths and superstitions: Benjamin Radford, Bad Science columnist, elaborates: “If police and doctors are expecting that full moon nights will be more hectic, they may interpret an ordinary night’s...
Psychology
Plane Stowaway Case Details Kept Secret Over Copycat Fears
The recent story of a California teenager who flew to Hawaii stowed away in an airplane wheel well made international news. But you only heard part of the story. HERE's why.
The Blood Moon: Moon Folklore and Superstitions
Lunar eclipses are always interesting, though the “blood moon” is a much rarer event. Instead of a total eclipse, the moon is bathed in a red-orange hue of refracted light coming from around Earth. You can read more about it HERE.
Can Thieves Rob People Using Hypnosis?
A woman in Germany claims she was hypnotized outside of a supermarket, put into a trance, and later woke up at home having been robbed. There’s a certain creepy Gothic allure to the idea that a mesmerizing stranger can ask you to stare deeply into his eyes, or ask you...
A Look at the Psychology of Astral Projection
I recently got the following email with the subject line, "Question of Astral Projection of Non-Believer." Due to my workload and the volume of e-mails I get I often can't address everyone who contacts me, but when possible I try to give a personal response,...
Should Organ Sales Be Legal?
In some countries selling one's organs is perfectly legal. In the United States, it is against the law, although many people have suggested that legalizing the trade would save lives and offer real social benefits. Others find it an ethically dubious proposition. You...
Synchronicity and “Meaningful Coincidences”
For those who didn't see it, my new column on synchronicity and finding hidden meanings in coincidence, is now up! And it's my first published use of the phrase "avian banshee"! You can read it HERE.
Elves (Yes, Elves) Part of Road-Building Protest in Iceland
Over the past few months, dozens of environmentalists in Iceland have staged a high-profile protest against a road scheduled to cut through an area of volcanic rock on the Álftanes peninsula, not far from the capital of Reykjavik. It is only one of countless...
What is Stigmata? A Closer Look
People who have stigmata exhibit wounds that duplicate or represent those that Jesus is said to have endured during his crucifixion. The wounds typically appear on the stigmatic's hands and feet (as from crucifixion spikes) and also sometimes on the side (as from a...
Crying wolf: Lies and made-up police sketches of attackers
Interesting, short piece on Doubtful News about false reports of crimes, including abductions and assaults. It's amazing what people will lie about... You can read it HERE.