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The Michael Shermer Show # 166
Michael Heller & James Salzman — Mine! How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives

A hidden set of rules governs who owns what — explaining everything from whether you can recline your airplane seat to why HBO lets you borrow a password illegally. In episode 166 of The Michael Shermer Show, Dr. Shermer speaks with two acclaimed law professors — Michael Heller & James Salzman — who reveal how things become “mine.” Surprisingly, there are just six simple stories that everyone uses to claim everything…

eSkeptic for March 20, 2021

A hidden set of rules governs who owns what — explaining everything from whether you can recline your airplane seat to why HBO lets you borrow a password illegally. In episode 166 of The Michael Shermer Show, Dr. Shermer speaks with two acclaimed law professors — Michael Heller & James Salzman — who reveal how things become “mine.” Surprisingly, there are just six simple stories that everyone uses to claim everything… PLUS: In the ninth CUPES report, we investigated the extent to which peoples’ time spent with family and friends changed during the period leading up to the 2020 Presidential election amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Retrospective

Skeptic cover art by Pat Linse

Art of the Skeptic

In celebration of Skeptic magazine’s 100th issue, we present sage graphic art advice for skeptical groups and a gallery of art reflecting more than 47 years of skeptical activism from Skeptic’s long time Art Director, Pat Linse

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    aliens atheism belief climate change consciousness conspiracy theories creationism critical thinking Darwin evolution evolution and/or creationism free will God human nature Intelligent Design morality mythology neuroscience politics pseudoscience psychology religion review science Science Salon skepticism The Michael Shermer Show UFOs universe violence

    • Detecting Baloney

    Baloney Detection Kit Sandwich (Infographic) by Deanna and Skylar (High Tech High Media Arts, San Diego, CA)

    The Baloney Detection Kit Sandwich (Infographic)

    For a class project, a pair of 11th grade physics students created the infographic shown below, inspired by Michael Shermer’s Baloney Detection Kit: a 16-page booklet designed to hone your critical thinking skills.

    FREE PDF Download

    Wisdom of Harriet Hall

    Top 10 Things to Know About Alternative Medicine

    Harriet Hall M.D. discusses: alternative versus conventional medicine, flu fear mongering, chiropractic, vaccines and autism, placebo effect, diet, homeopathy, acupuncture, “natural remedies,” and detoxification.

    FREE Video Series

    Science Based Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine

    Science Based Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine

    Understanding the difference could save your life! In this superb 10-part video lecture series, Harriet Hall M.D., contrasts science-based medicine with so-called “complementary and alternative” methods.

    FREE PDF Download

    Top 10 Myths of Terrorism

    Is Terrorism an Existential Threat?

    This free booklet reveals 10 myths that explain why terrorism is not a threat to our way of life or our survival.

    FREE PDF Download

    The Top 10 Weirdest Things

    The Top Ten Strangest Beliefs

    Michael Shermer has compiled a list of the top 10 strangest beliefs that he has encountered in his quarter century as a professional skeptic.

    FREE PDF Download

    Reality Check: How Science Deniers Threaten Our Future (paperback cover)

    Who believes them? Why? How can you tell if they’re true?

    What is a conspiracy theory, why do people believe in them, and can you tell the difference between a true conspiracy and a false one?

    FREE PDF Download

    The Science Behind Why People See Ghosts

    The Science Behind Why People See Ghosts

    Mind altering experiences are one of the foundations of widespread belief in the paranormal. But as skeptics are well aware, accepting them as reality can be dangerous…

    FREE PDF Download

    Top 10 Myths About Evolution

    Top 10 Myths About Evolution (and how we know it really happened)

    If humans came from apes, why aren’t apes evolving into humans? Find out in this pamphlet!

    FREE PDF Download

    Learn to be a Psychic in 10 Easy Lessons

    Learn to do Psychic “Cold Reading” in 10
    Easy Lessons

    Psychic readings and fortunetelling are an ancient art — a combination of acting and psychological manipulation.

    FREE PDF Download

    The Yeti or Abominable Snowman

    5 Cryptid Cards

    Download and print 5 Cryptid Cards created by Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton. Creatures include: The Yeti, Griffin, Sasquatch/Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and the Cadborosaurus.

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