SGU Episode 336

Introduction
You're listening to the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, your escape to reality.

In Memoriam
Christopher Hitchens http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/christopher-hitchens-1949-2011/

Mammoth Bone Homes

 * http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8963177/Neanderthals-built-homes-with-mammoth-bones.html

Trillion Frames per Second

 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16163931

Neti Pot Dangers

 * http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/fatal-infections-linked-neti-pots/story?id=15170230#.Tu91vFYfiSp

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Beethoven heard through a cochlear implant

Special Report

 * with George Hrab

Science or Fiction
Item #1: Scientists have discovered bacteria capable of living in the subsurface of Mars. Item #2: Research finds that thick hair protects against bed bug bites, but despite this hairy individuals are bitten as often as less hairy individuals. Item #3: A new study finds that UV light is 95% effective in reducing chicken pox severity and preventing its spread.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"“The only position that leaves me with no cognitive dissonance is atheism. It is not a creed. Death is certain, replacing both the siren-song of Paradise and the dread of Hell. Life on this earth, with all its mystery and beauty and pain, is then to be lived far more intensely: we stumble and get up, we are sad, confident, insecure, feel loneliness and joy and love. There is nothing more; but I want nothing more.” ― Christopher Hitchens, The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Non-believer"