SGU Episode 107

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

Largest Planet Discovered

 * www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/08/07/883737-scientists-discover-largest-known-planet

New Da Vinci Code Conspiracy

 * www.skepchick.org/blog/?p=639 www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/07/30/wvinci130.xml

Korean Stem Cell Follow up

 * www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/02/news/stem.php

UFO Followup Mystery Solved

 * www.watfordobserver.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1582237.mostviewed.ufo_mystery_solved.php

Using Unproven Therapies
"Skeptical rogues and roguette- My question is this: might it not be reasonable for a skeptical, rational-thinking individual to turn to an herbal remedy or other medication which has not made it through this rigorous vetting process, and which has only anecdotal or preliminary evidence supporting its use, if they are desperate for some treatment (any treatment), and if evidence-based medicine has nothing to offer them? David USA  Dr. Novellas Blog entry on this topic: www.theness.com/neurologicablog/default.asp?Display=150"

CO2 from walking vs driving
"I ran across this interesting article from the UK, where it's suggested that walking to the store is worse for the environment than driving; www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article2195538.ece Jaan  Rebecca's Blog on the topic skepchick.org/skepticsguide/viewtopic.php?t=4238"

AI Sense of Humor
"As always thanks for providing an excellent podcast to start my week off just right. However last week I did find one thing to gripe about a bit. One of my favorite segments is the science or fiction portion and while I am definately not always right I generally understand the correct answer. However last week even after learning the true stories I did not feel that the AI with a sense of humor should be classified as science. To me 'sense of humor' describes something more than just the way something is delivered. If I am understanding correctly this program detects variations in the voice that are commonly associated with telling a joke, much the same way a lie-detector tries to determine truth through bio patterns. Perhaps a 'joke-detecting' AI was made, but just as sweaty palms don't constitute a lie, the right inflections in the voice don't always make humor. Unfortunately I think we still only have 'Data'; able to understand that a joke has been told, yet unable to find the humor in it. Hence, in my view, Data had no sense of humor. Maybe I'm way off base here, but I'm sure you'll let me know if I am! Anyways keep the great work coming! Kyle Cook Bowling Green"

Name That Logical Fallacy
"'Say I am arguing against someone about fossil fuel usage. I state that the average American should drive a fuel efficient vehicle to lower the amount of fuel that is used. The person that I am arguing against then tells me that since I drive a car that is not fuel efficient I cannot expect and tell others to drive different vehicles.' skepchick.org/skepticsguide/viewtopic.php?t=4255"
 * Logical Fallacies

Randi Speaks

 * The Uncompromising Observations of a Veteran Skeptic James Randi returns to give his skeptical commentary in his own unique style.  This week's topic: Acupuncture

Science or Fiction
Question #1: New study shows that drinking milk after weight lifting led to more fat loss and greater muscle gain that drinking soy or a carbohydrate drink. Question #2: New study suggests that the elderly should be eating more vegetables and less meat in order to maintain their muscle mass. Question #3: A new animal study suggests that low calorie or diet foods and drinks may lead to obesity.

Skeptical Puzzle
"This Week's Puzzle: I sure hate this delusional person Though hate may be a word too strong As I learn more, my opinion does worsen Perhaps I won't re-write this song Micro set scams were just some of his wares He claims he is spiritual at heart A dozen or so of these blessings are shared Jesus could only hope to Master their art  From his website I read, as they humbly plead That they can lay hands and cure you of ills Just join them and pray, for you will see one day You've found their holy mountains and hills  For it was their king, that taught them these things They are simply swine to this pearl thrower A doctor, a reverend, and a knight, so he sings But it was yoga that made him a knower  Name the person.   Last Week's puzzle:   What do you call a snake handler who appears between a stinger and a shooter?  Answer: Ophiucus Winner: Cap Sponge"

Quote of the Week
"'To believe with certainty we must begin with doubting.'- Stanislaus I (1677-1766) a Polish king 'of some note.'"

== References ==