SGU Episode 147

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

Einstein and God

 * http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1951333/Einstein-thought-religions-were-'childish'.html

Two UFO Stories

 * http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7398784.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7399661.stm http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-c012.html

China Quake Superstitions

 * http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3925096.ece

NASA's Big Announcement

 * http://www.nasa.gov/news/media/newsaudio/index.html

Attack on Evolution in Maine

 * http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5020017.html Ben Stein on TBN interview: http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php?p=294

Follow up on Wizardry
"Hello, I am a big fan of the show, and have been for about a year now. Last week you discussed the substitute who was fired for 'wizardry.' I live near Land O'Lakes and have talked to people who were involved in the case. Steve said that it wasn't that big a deal for letting students use un-authorized computers, which as it is stated isn't, but according to teachers, he would simply let students play online games rather then following the lesson plan for the day, which could be costly considering the school's funding is based off the standardized test scores, which are prepared for more then actual learning. As for the wizardry, it seems that came from one off hand remark from the supervisor and was blown out of proportion by the substitute and the local media. Keep up the good work, Jake Hall Florida, US"

Interview with Martin Rundkvist

 * http://scienceblogs.com/aardvarchaeology/ http://www.vof.se/ Martin is a skeptical archaeologist who discusses with the SGU skepticism and pseudoscience in Sweden, as well as archaeological woo.

Science or Fiction
Question #1: Researchers have developed a video game that is actually a research tool - gamers will learn how to fold proteins and may help advance medical research. Question #2: Researchers have developed a novel drug-delivery system: genetically altered skin flaps surgically implanted over tumors to deliver cancer-fighting proteins. Question #3: New research shows that natural selection favors parasites that actually make their hosts more fit.

Quote of the Week
"'I love agitation and investigation and glory in defending unpopular truth against popular error.' - James Garfield"

== References ==