What does a bitcoin, a uniquely 21st century electronic currency, have to do with tulips in 1630s Holland? What, exactly, happened? Find out in my Discovery News piece HERE!
Psychology
My Article on Conspiracy Theories Featured on Space.com
My article on conspiracy theories was referenced in a recent Space.com piece; you can read it HERE. All sorts of conspiracy stuff out there!
How Belief in Magic Spreads HIV in Africa
In many countries throughout the world belief in witches is common, and black magic is considered part of everyday life. A 2010 poll of 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa found that over half of the population believe in magic. Witch doctors are consulted not only for...
The Reality of Demonic Possession and Exorcism
The belief that demons exist and can possess people is of course the stuff of fiction and horror films — but it is also one of the most widely-held religious beliefs in the world. Most religions claim that humans can be possessed by demonic spirits (the Bible, for...
Is Recent Obesity Study Sexist?
A boring new study published in PLoS-ONE has riled critics who read sexism into it where none exists. Blame poor journalism and ill-informed, knee-jerk reactions by people attacking things they never bothered to read. You can read my piece on Discovery News.
Experienced Hunter, ‘Sure’ He Sighted a Bear, Kills Man
Eyewitness reliability story: Hunter with 60 years of experience "was sure he was shooting a bear" when he killed a man. Bigfoot, ghost, & UFO witnesses tell me all the time they are "absolutely sure" of what they saw... I discuss similar tragic incidents in my...
False Sightings of Fugitive Chris Dorner Raise Issues of Eyewitness Reliability
Last week the manhunt for accused serial killer Chris Dorner ended in a fiery mountain cabin. But during the manhunt for the ex-cop, police received dozens of false eyewitness reports of the ex-cop in dozens of places around Southern California; read more about it in...
Guest Appearance on Project: Archivist
I was recently interviewed by the great guys at the Project: Archivist podcast, talking about cults in general and doomsday cults specifically. I'll post a link once the show's out!
My Article Harm in Myths & Urban Legends on Yahoo News
My article on the harm in medical myths & urban legends was recently on Yahoo News, including polio workers being killed, suspected of evil deeds. You can read it HERE.
Gallup Poll Debunks Weight Myths
A new Gallup poll has found that as our waistlines increase, so does our perceptions of our ideal weight. And it also found that despite two-thirds of Americans being overweight or obese, the majority of us say their weight is 'about right." Read the whole story...