Every year since I’ve become politically cognizant it seems I’ve had to endure people bickering about the ‘controversy’ over Christmas. Is it a war on Christmas, as the American right-wing TV and radio hosts purport? Is it offensive to say “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” as opposed to “Merry Christmas?” Is being inclusive and saying “Happy Hanukkah,” “Happy Kwanzaa,” etc. a slippery slope? Is it hypocritical at best, politically or ethically untenable at worst, for atheists to celebrate Christmas? Some non-theists don’t celebrate Christmas because of its religious connotations, and some theists think that non-Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas.
I’m dreaming of a secular Christmas
Natural Health Products Symposium protest
On Sunday, November 29, early in the morning, Dave Bailey and I stood outside of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto to hand out brochures about homeopathy and display some clever signs decrying the Natural Health Products Symposium taking place inside.
Local Matters
Skepticism has experienced unprecedented growth in size and influence in recent times due in large part to the Internet bringing together a geographically disparate group of like-minded people. Standout blogs, podcasts, forums, and wikis have helped equalize access to the skeptical community, promote our positions, and inform about/organize against pseudoscientists, charlatans, ideologues, and those who are just plain incorrect.
News, scams, and herbal supplements
Recently some vitamin supplement scams have been passed off as legitimate news articles from reputable-looking sites. Here are two examples:
Vaccines and autism: Is the message finally getting through?
Article by:
Dave Bailey @
8:14 pm |
Filed under: Antivaccination,Conspiracy Theories,Critical Thinking,Newsletter Articles,Skepticism
Filed under: Antivaccination,Conspiracy Theories,Critical Thinking,Newsletter Articles,Skepticism
Most skeptics will be familiar with the unfortunately popular notion that there is a link between vaccinations and autism. For the most part we see it as a manufactured controversy that has had only negative effects, such as decreased confidence in science-based medicine, increased and misplaced confidence in alternative medicine, and the suffering and death of children who have not received vaccinations or have not been protected by herd immunity.
Lies about Canadian health care
As a rational Canadian watching the completely irrational American ‘debate’ on health care these past few months, I find that it would almost be funny if it weren’t so infuriating. As a skeptic, I can’t understand why other skeptical organizations/blogs/podcasts are not debunking the outright lies being promoted by anti-reformers, especially given the number of doctors in the skeptical movement.
Open Your Mind to Skepticism
« Newer Posts — Older Posts » Many of you are probably aware of the seemingly prevailing attitude that skeptics are closed-minded cynics. Some of you have no doubt experienced this accusation first-hand. But is it true?