Are We Alone? SETI Institute Science Radio August 30, 2006: Skeptical Sunday: Curses!
Are We Alone? SETI Institute Science Radio
Hosted by Dr. Seth Shostak
August 30, 2006 (available for download August 31, 2006) Skeptical Sunday: Curses!
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can also hurt you – especially if those nasty utterances are curses. Ancient shamans relied on curses to keep people in line and to maintain control. But do we still believe in the power of curses? You’ll be spellbound as we explore the origin and persuasive power of these mean-spirited phrases. Find out why curses sometimes work and what you can do to undo the voodoo that they do.
Also, the power of numbers: Our Hollywood skeptic investigates why 6-6-6 is so beastly. And an Egyptologist lifts the veil on the curse of the mummy.
Listen to the show … or else!
Guests:
- Phil Stevens – anthropologist at the State University of New York in Buffalo;
- Jeffrey Rudski – psychologist at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania;
- Kathlyn Cooney – Egyptologist at Stanford University;
- Phil Plait – astronomer and author of the book and website www.badastronomy.com;
- Jim Underdown – Center for Inquiry – West and member of CSICOP
