Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
The List: The 7 Greatest Fictional Skeptics
Most of us interested in science or skepticism are also huge pop culture nerds. In the vast murky stew of our cultural landscape there are quite a few excellent skeptical archetypes.
7. Adrian Monk - Monk
Adrian Monk solves crimes not with gun play, but with a rational and methodical attention to detail. Despite his many quirks, and full blown obsessive compulsive disorder, Monk is able solve crimes his more credulous and careless peers.
He is also terrified of milk.
6. Velma Dace Dinkley - Scooby Doo
Despite the fact that her foes were usually in costumes, and no one seemed to notice the talking dog, Velma would never jump to any conclusions paranormal conclusions.
Sadly Velma was fired for fashioning Scrappy Doo's skin into a new ascot for Fred.
5. Encyclopedia Brown - Encyclopedia Brown Series
A boy genius who solves mysteries with his considerable intellect and ability to see through con games. Donald J. Sobol's creation taught children to think critically, instead of glorifying martial heroics.
4. William of Baskerville - The Name of the Rose
Umberto Eco's meticulous Franciscan friar is a man out of time. Searching for empirical evidence in an era reliant upon faith and portents William epitomizes Occam's Razor.
3. Hercule Poirot - Agatha Christie's Poirot Series
The great Belgian former police detective Hercule Poirot uses his "little grey cells" to suss out tiny clues to seemingly impossible situations. Blunt and crafty, but always a gentleman, Poirot was possibly the first psychological profiler.
He also sported a superb mustache in his David Suchet incarnation.
2. Cadfael ap Meilyr ap Dafydd - Cadfael
Yet another monk who challenges the conventions of his day. Cadfael is shrewd and intelligence with no lack of street smarts. Sir Derek Jacobi's portrayal of Cadfael with a myriad of facets, portrayed a rare rational mind in 12th century England.
Later, Cadfael regenerated into Sam Tyler.
1. Lisa Simpson - The Simpsons
I think most of us can empathize with Lisa. It can be very hard to be one of the lone voices of dissent in a sea of fools. Intelligent, talented, and sarcastic, Lisa Simpson is someone all of us want to emulate.
More>>
Texas ID Proponents Defeated in Court
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Randi and Specialized Vocabulary
James Randi shows how susceptible we are to the wording used by certain groups to push their agenda's.
Newspeak anyone?
I would also like to claim the $1,000,000 challenge by showcasing my vast psychic powers. During final Jeopardy last night, the topic was plays from the 1980's. I blurted out Glengarry Glen Ross right before the screen faded to the commercial break. When we came back to Alex and Co. the answer made me laugh like a maniac.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play was inspired by the writer's own experiences selling real estate in Chicago.
The question, of course, was Glengarry Glen Ross. I have now made more accurate and detailed predictions than Sylvia and Rosemary combined.
My wife didn't act impressed, and I don't think she was paying attention when I blurted out the title. She said she did, but I suspect that I was being humored. She doubts my all seeing powers! More>>
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I'm Looking for a Few Good Heathens
I need help.
Specifically, I need your help.
I would like to spend much more time on this blog, but real life has a way of limiting my output. So, I'm looking for some Heathen contributors to flesh out the ISOC. This would increase the content of the site and add some more voices to this godless skeptical community.
I want you to email me stating why you would be a boon to ISOH, with possibly a sample article or at least an idea for one.
Throw in your hat by dropping me a line at:
round.eyed.dog@societyofheathens.com More>>
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