Skeptical Briefs
The Skeptical Briefs newsletter is only available to Associate Members of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. It is published four times per year (in March, June, September, and December), and includes articles; news from skeptical groups across the country and around the world; and regular columnists Joe Nickell ("Investigative Files"), Lewis Jones ("Inklings"), Victor Stenger ("Reality Check"), Henry Huber ("Group News"); and Benjamin Radford ("Briefs Briefs"). It also includes a Hidden Messages puzzle in each issue by New Mexico physicist and skeptic David E. Thomas.
You Don’t Have to Cheat to Get It Wrong!
by Bob Steiner
Volume 9.2, June 1999
When skeptics speak, especially from a stage or the front of a crowded room, we find that our views are frequently challenged.
Sima Nan: Fighting Qigong Pseudoscience in China
by Donald Mainfort
Volume 9.1, March 1999
For speaking the truth about qigong, Sima Nan has been detained, tortured and accused of betraying his culture.
The Gypsies’ ‘Great Trick’
by Joe Nickell
Volume 9.1, March 1999
Investigative Files
Everyone knows what fortunetelling is supposed to be, but sometimes it is best defined as "the art of absconding with fortunes."
Peddling Snake Oil
by Joe Nickell
Volume 8.4, December 1998
Investigative Files
Questions about the origins of the term provide the basis for an interesting investigation.
Scooby-Doo, How Could You?
by Tim Madigan
Volume 8.4, December 1998
Way back when, I argued that the popular Hanna Barbara talking dog should be the official mascot of Skeptical Briefs.
Spoilsports?
by Lewis Jones
Volume 8.3, September 1998
Inklings
Recently the BBC put out a series of television programs titled “The Human Body.”
Investigating Spirit Communications
by Joe Nickell
Volume 8.3, September 1998
Investigative Files
Thanks to modern mass media, old-fashioned spiritualism is undergoing something of a revival.
Italy’s Graveyard “Ghost” Photo
by Joe Nickell
Volume 8.2, June 1998
Investigative Files
On January 24, 1998, CSICOP received an e-mail letter and scanned photograph from Dave Esch...
The Energy Fields of Life
by Victor Stenger
Volume 8.2, June 1998
Reality Check
The principle behind almost all of alternative medicine is that some ëlan vital infuses organisms with life.
Peddling the Paranormal: Late-Night Radio’s Art Bell
by Thomas G. Genoni Jr.
Volume 8.1, March 1998
Tom Genoni interviewed Art Bell late last year. This article is based on that interview.
