Welcome to a very special Christmas edition of the weekly roundup, catering to all of your sceptical Christmas needs. I’ve kept it short and sweet this week, as I am juggling between writing for you good people and cooking for some others.
The Santa Situation
Christmas can be a confusing time for some sceptic parents. While some are happy to participate with the festivities, others are understandably reluctant. The latest Skepticality podcast addresses ‘the Santa situation’. Should parents tell their kids the truth or is that robbing them of the magic? Hear what a seven-year-old sceptic and his mother have to say on the matter.
[Via Skeptic]
The Ladybird Book of Chiropractic Treatment and English Libel Law
The Simon Singh/British Chiropractic Association case is the hot topic of the moment, but for those of you who might have missed out on its unfolding development, Crispian Jago has created a wonderful summary that is suitable for all ages.
[Via Science, Reason and Critical Thinking]
War on Christmas, Continued
It never gets old. The war on Christmas is of course, back, and once again Bill O’reilly is angry and unafraid to show it. This year he is not alone in publicly expressing his disgust for those with no religious inclination. Illinois comptroller candidate William Kelly took it upon himself to vandalise an Atheist sign that stated that “Religion is but myth and superstition”. Fortunately his ‘what would Jesus do?’ shirt was in the wash that day.
[Via Friendly Atheist]
Pope Knocked Down by Woman at Christmas Mass
A woman, described as “mentally unstable”, this morning knocked over Pope Benedict on his way to Christmas mass at the Vatican. The Pope is reported to be unharmed, if a little shaken. The woman, who attempted a similar stunt last year, was detained by security staff and later arrested.
Read the BBC’s coverage of the story here.
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I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got for you this week. I’m sure there’s something more important going on today. So what are you still doing here? Go and spend time with your loved ones.
Merry Christmas!
If you come across something that you think our readers would enjoy, send a tip my way at will [at] skeptic [dot] org [dot] uk.