SGU Episode 333

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * December 3, 1872: A translation from cuneiform tablets of the Chaldean account of the deluge was read by George Smith before the Society of Biblical Archaeology in London.

Detecting Digital Manipulation

 * http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=computer-model-spots-image-fraud

Curiosity Heads to Mars

 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15904408

Creationist Bill Defeated in NH

 * http://www.wmur.com/news/29889480/detail.html

Scorpios Need Not Apply

 * http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2011/11/25/Chinese-firm-doesnt-want-Scorpios-Virgos/UPI-26471322247607/

Jetpack Flies with Jets

 * http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57332154-76/man-with-jetpack-races-actual-jets-video/

Special Report

 * With Special Guest: Rhys Morgan http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/the-burzynski-clinic-another-crank-tries-to-intimidate-a-blogger/ https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BzijOpjuex1bMjE4N2JjOGItZGFlOS00NDE0LTk2YzktMThkYjFiOTU2YjNl&hl=en_US&pli=1

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Earth to Disc Project

Questions #1: Tomato Juice Color
"Since I was a child my family has canned organic tomato juice made by putting organic tomatoes (I don't care what you say, organic has better flavor than chemically fertilized tomatoes) through a hand cranked juicer, adding only salt, pouring the juice into clear glass jars, and then canning them in a water bath or pressure cooker. I have a jar in my cupboard right now that was canned in 2009 and it is still bright red. Could you clarify the statement that tomato juice is actually brown and is colored red? My actual experience with it contradicts what was said on the podcast. Thanks, Alan Evil Louisville, KY http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-new-brain/201104/why-we-prefer-certain-colors http://blog.foodessentials.com/uncategorized/the-10-best-tomato-juices/"

Interview with James Randi

 * Reason of Reason http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/1471

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A new study finds that endoscopic surgeons perform better when music is playing in the surgical suite. Item #2: New research finds that anti-atheist sentiment among believers is based largely on distrust, with atheists being considered among the most untrustworthy, comparable to rapists. Item #3: Psychological studies find that more creative people have an increased tendency to cheat.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"''In ancient days, men looked at stars and saw their heroes in the constellations. In modern times, we do much the same, but our heroes are epic men (and women) of flesh and blood.' - William Safire for Richard Nixon."