This one goes to eleven

One of the coolest experiments of modern physics is rapidly approaching: an actual test of some underlying assumptions of string theory. Note that everything stated as 'fact' about string theory (usually by new age types who've only heard vague descriptions of one of the theories and don't even understand that) has been at least wildly inaccurate.

There's nothing wrong with speculation in cutting edge science. In fact it's critical. But actual scientists are careful to state their ideas about it as a theory and don't use it to 'prove' their beliefs about past lives or any such thing.

Note also that this won't prove string theory is absolutely correct, or even close to complete, but it can demonstrate that it is either on the right path or it is not.

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When did you decide that sleep could save your life

Knowing the sleep situation ahead of time makes bringing a new child home a lot easier. Until their older sibling gets horribly ill and keeps you awake during those precious few hours you have available for sleep. This is not permanent. It will improve.

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I said some Mumbo Jumbos

Claims made by psychics (including some of the 'top' 'pyschics'* in the world) about Shawn Hornbeck pretty much all said "He's dead". Note early on the statement from his father: "I don't have any faith in psychics, but we don't have any leads to go on. The information from different psychics doesn't match up." Apparently they nevertheless spent $40,000 on psychics. All of whom were wrong. Thanks to jayrey for reminding me of all this. I was surprised that I only was able to track down 3 distinct 'psychics' in the media coverage, but I'll keep digging.

I have never seen a case where a 'psychic' actually made a positive difference in a case. If you have credible documentation of such please let me know as I'd be interested in the details. "I know this lady who once read in the local paper about..." is not credible evidence.

He was hit by a car and buried by the motorist on the day he disappeared (unnamed psychic)

Killed by a railcar company worker in a freight car construction facility (Van Praagh)

Unspecified vague statements (Browne)

Killed and abandoned in a woody part of the county 20 miles south of Richwoods near two large jagged boulders that appeared to be out of place in that area. The man was dark skinned, possibly mexican, with dreadlocks. (Browne, a few days later)

*for psychics, in particular psychic detectives, pleases see skepdic.

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Nothing on my mind

Friday shuffle. Because I'm to preoccupied to say much else. Except that when people accuse skeptics of taking all the magic and wonder out of life, I respond: Quite the opposite. Far more stunning than dreams of telepathy or extraterrestrial life is the reality of quantum mechanics, the aurora borealis, and the amazing and stunning variety of life here on earth.

Race (Tokyo Rehearsal) - Prince
Page 3 (2001-9-6 SF, CA) - Fantomas
Roses in the Hospital (2005-4-15) - Manic Street Preachers
Rule the World With Love - Barenaked Ladies
We Care A Lot (1990-7-30) - Faith No More
Whorehoppin (demo) - Eagles of Death Metal
B-Boy Bouillabaisse - Beastie Boys
Most Precarious - Blues Traveler
Junior Mintz Boogie - Frank Zappa
Inevitable Return of the Great White Dope - Bloodhound Gang
Dance on a Volcano (1976-4-13) - Genesis
Stateside (radio session) - Tin Machine
You Can't Unring a Bell - Tom Waits
Worst Hangover Ever - Offspring
Revol (US Mix) - Manic Street Preachers
First Republic - Manic Street Preachers
I Don't Live Today - Jimi Hendrix
5150 (Live Without a Net) - Van Halen
Hard Day's Night - Beatles
Bliss (Remix, from Piano Collection) - Tori Amos

Prince live is just stunning. I have a few hundred of his concerts. Amazing live performer. If you think the albums are great music, they pale in comparison. I hope in a few years Mae and I can take a vacation without the kids and go to Vegas and see him.

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Weird Science

While it was solidly established years ago that the Wakefield research on linking vaccines and autism was just plain wrong, it's now come out that he was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to create that research by lawyers hoping to strike it rich suing the vaccine manufacturers. The only thing more disgusting than the perversion of scientific research is the blase manipulation of the hopes and fears the millions of families with autistic children. Amazing what greed will do to people.

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