The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe

 

Skepticast #44: May 24th, 2006

 

Topics:

Segment #1. News Items: Chimps and Humans living together, Chinese mirage

Segment #2. Interview with James Randi

 

 

Segment #1. News Items

 

News Item #1 – New DNA analysis of the human and chimpanzee genomes indicate the two evolutionary lineages shared genes for 4 million years after speciation from a common ancestor.

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060517_hybridfrm.htm

 

News Item #2 – Rare mirage in China

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-05/07/content_583576.htm

http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/811/2006/05/07/421@85556.htm

 

 

Segment #2. Interview with James Randi

 

James Randi is a renowned skeptical investigator and educator. He began his career as a professional magician, performing under the name The Amazing Randi. He now runs the James Randi Educational Foundation - JREF  (http://www.randi.org/). The JREF administers the famous million dollar psychic challenge.

 

Randi is the scourge of huxsters, con-artists, charlatans, and quacks everywhere. He has made a successful career of exposing their lies and deceptions. He lectures extensively on critical thinking, skepticism, and exposing fraud. He is the author of numerous books, including The Faith Healers, The Mask of Nostradamus, and Flim Flam.