It's International Skeptics Day: Believe it or not!
Non-believers, conspiracy theorists and Doubting Thomases will get a kick out of today’s holiday. Then again, maybe they won’t. But believe it or not, October 13 is International Skeptics Day. Or is it? While there is not enough concrete evidence about how or when this annual “holiday” began, International Skeptics Day is also celebrated on January 13th and/or the first Friday in January.
Skeptics are folks who doubt the truth and question the validity or authenticity of something most believe to be factual. For instance, some skeptics question the validity of global warming despite claims made by experts in the scientific community. Other skeptics do not believe we ever landed on the moon and the famous images of the moon landings are fakes.
Some refuse to believe President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by lone gunman Lee Harvey Oswald while others believe the late Princess Diana was murdered. And some wonder if Elvis faked his own death? And some people believe the horrendous terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were part of a conspiracy. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, check out Area 51 and the controversial incident that took place in Roswell, New Mexico back in 1947.
So, is it wise to automatically believe everything we are told or is it better to question? What do you think?
Websites for Skeptics - Hoaxes, Conspiracy Theories & Urban Legends
Mythbusters – If you downed Diet Coke and Mentos, would your stomach explode? If you ate a few poppy seed muffins, would you test positive on a drug test? Watch popular mythbusters Jamie and Adam, prove or dispel popular myths in this Emmy-nominated television series on the Discovery Channel.
Comprised of scientists, scholars, historians, educators and investigative journalists,Skeptics provides “sound scientific viewpoint on claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, fringe groups, cults and claims between: science, pseudoscience, junk science, voodoo science, pathological science, bad science, non science and plain old nonsense.”
Snopes is the place to go for information on urban legends, myths, rumors and folklore.
David Emery is the About.com Guide to Urban Legends. He’ll share current hoaxes and legends and the classics too.
From historical “facts” and politics, to aliens, technology and celebs, Theories of Conspiracy runs the gamut when it comes to conspiracies.
With more than 244,000 members, Above Top Secret is the “largest and most popular discussion board” on a slew of topics including UFOs, paranormal, political scandals and more.
Created in 1994, the Skeptic’s Dictionary provides a look on a slew of topics including UFOs, paranormal, supernatural, alternative medicine and more. There is also a Skeptic’s Dictionary for Children too!
Infowars is a popular website from radio host, documentary maker and publisher, Alex Jones. You’ll find interviews, podcasts, forums, world news and special reports displayed like a traditional news site.
It is what it is. Or is it? Oct 13 is also Silly Sayings Day.