SGU Episode 201

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

Whooping Cough on the Rise

 * http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-26-whooping-cough_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Scientology On Trial

 * http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/scientologists-in-france-go-on-trial-for-fraud-1690579.html

RNA World

 * http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=541

Rook Tool Use

 * http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6360754.ece

NECSS

 * NECSS (nexus) - Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism Date: September 12, 2009 Time: 10AM-6PM Location: New York City Featured Speakers: - James Randi - Carl Zimmer - John Rennie - Paul Offit - Massimo Pigliucci - George Hrab - Kaja Perina - Howard Schneider - John Snyder - Michael DeDora - Jamy Ian Swiss (MC)

Question # 1 - Polonium Halos
"As a former creationist, one of the most persuasive arguments that I remember is that of polonium halos in granite. Dr. Robert Gentry claims to have discovered proof of an instantaneous creation of earth in the form of the halos of radioactive polonium in undisturbed granite. He challenges mainstream science to reproduce such an artifact in the laboratory or explain how such a thing could happen naturally. What do you think about this guy, and are his claims at all weighty? Thanks for the great show, guys. I regularly listen to about ten podcasts, and I've got to say that yours is the one I most eagerly wait for every week. P.S. I recently listened to your 2008 year-in-review episode again and had an idea. I've purchased all of the bonus content of the show and loved it, and I would unhesitatingly pay twice as much for an uncensored clip of the show in which Jay's cat barfed on his keyboard. What do you say, Skeptics? Please? Trinity Melvin Valparaiso, Florida"

Interview with Phil Plait

 * http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/ www.randi.org

Science or Fiction
Item # 1: Epidemiologists warn of a surge in the incidence of leprosy in India and other parts of Asia, which they fear may return to epidemic proportions. Item # 2: Researchers find that in the last 18 years the percentage of Americans following basic healthy lifestyle recommendations has declined. Item # 3: A cancer patient was detained at customs for several hours because the chemotherapy he was on caused him to lose his finger prints.

Who's That Noisy

 * Atlantic Croaker Fish

Quote of the Week
"“I have adequately answered all your inquiries. I ask you to quietly rephrase these inquiries to yourself until they match my replies.” - Elbot (a chatterbot created by Fred Roberts)"