SGU Episode 270

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

Modern Geocentrism

 * http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/09/14/geocentrism-seriously/

Irish Minister of Science Backs Pseudoscience

 * http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=2313

Robot Skin

 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11265415

No Link between Thimerosal and Autism

 * http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=2294

Canadian Government Muzzles Scientists

 * http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Tightened+muzzle+scientists+Orwellian/3515345/story.html

Crop Circle Sting

 * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocf5mc69W-c&feature=player_embedded

Who's That Noisy

 * Answer to last week: laughing hyenas

Interview with Ben Radford, Joe Nickell and Karen Stollznow

 * http://www.csicop.org/author/benradford http://www.joenickell.com/ParanormalInvestigator/paranormalinvestigator1.html http://skepbitch.wordpress.com/about/

Science or Fiction
Item #1: After studying material, self-testing is more effective at enhancing learning than repeated studying. Item #2: It is best to study in a consistent and uncluttered environment. Item #3: A recent review concludes that there is no evidence to support the notion that different people benefit from different learning styles, such as visual vs auditory. Item #4: It is better to study a topic spaced out and mixed with other topics, than all at once.

Quote of the Week
"Before we work on artificial intelligence why don't we do something about natural stupidity? -- Steve Polyak"