SGU Episode 289

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

This Day in Skepticism

 * Karl Benz Applies for Patent: January 29, 1886, Karl Benz applied for a patent for his Benz Patent Motorwagen, a three-wheeler vehicle with a gasoline engine. This patent specification, DRP-37435, is recognized today as the birth certificate of the internal-combustion, gasoline-powered automobile. The two-stroke engine had four horizontally-opposed pistons. He had finished the work on the vehicle the previous month, 31 Jan 1885. Sales to the public began in July.

Jack LaLanne Dies at 96

 * http://www.jacklalanne.com/

Cold Fusion Again

 * http://theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=2745

Cochrane Reviews Statins

 * http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=10170

Astrologers Angered

 * http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/the-lay-scientist/2011/jan/24/1 also http://theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=2735

More on Science Education

 * http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2011/0125/Report-card-on-science-Most-US-students-aren-t-proficient

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: Steward Lee

Question #1 - Alien DNA
"Hey guys, I love the show. I came across this video from a friend who is convinced that 'they are here' Please help me convince him that he is out of his mind. Alien Abduction Sexual Assault Provided Biological Evidence Of Extraterrestrials http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfvjc5_my-mum-talks-to-aliens-3-3_tech#from=embed Greg Brewer Midland Ontario Canada"

Science or Fiction
Item #1: A recently published analysis concludes that 100% of the world's energy needs can be met with renewable sources (wind, solar, and water) using existing technology within 20-40 years. Item #2: Paleontologists have uncovered the first and only known single-fingered dinosaur. Item #3: A new study finds that, contrary to popular belief, staring at the horizon on a moving boat worsens motion sickness.

Quote of the Week
"'Anecdotal evidence leads us to conclusions that we wish to be true, not conclusions that actually are true.' - Barry Beyerstein"