SGU Episode 327

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * October 21, 1879: Using a filament of carbonized thread, Thomas Edison tests the first practical electric incandescent light bulb (it lasted 13½ hours before burning out).

Jay Report from Italy

 * Jay's Back from his Honeymoon to Italy

FTL Neutrinos

 * http://arxiv.org/abs/1110.2685

Reiki Doesn't Work

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/reiki-doesnt-work-either-2/

Ending Genital Cutting

 * http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/world/africa/movement-to-end-genital-cutting-spreads-in-senegal.html?_r=3&hp

Camping Prophesy Update

 * http://www.livescience.com/16561-mark-calendars-world-coming-oct-21-camping.html

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Wisteria Pods Popping

Interview with Richard Wiseman

 * http://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/

Science or Fiction
Item #1: Results of a new analysis of dwarf galaxies is incompatible with existing models of dark matter. Item #2: Researchers have demonstrated that they can use computerized word analysis to predict recidivism in criminals up for parole with a > 70% accuracy. Item #3: A UK study finds that one in six mobile phones is contaminated with fecal matter.

Skeptical Quote of the Week
"'How baffling it was that even the most cunning and clever people would frequently see only what they wanted to see, and would rarely look beyond the thinnest of facades. Or they would ignore reality, dismissing it as the facade. And then, when their whole world fell to pieces...they would tear their topknots or rend their clothes and bewail their karma, blaming gods or kami or luck or their lords or husbands or vassals--anything or anyone--but never themselves.' - James Clavell, 'SHOGUN' 'If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.' - Michelangelo"