Bo Gardiner is an environmental analyst, naturalist, writer, and humanist/skeptic organizer. She's a former research hydrologist, EPA consultant, wildlife program director for a national NGO, and TV writer/producer. She holds a B.A. in communications and M.S. in environmental engineering sciences.
Bo writes on humanism, nature, science, skepticism and politics at her blog Under the Greenwood Tree. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter, and check out her videos on YouTube.
Sectarian strife within Islam is in the headlines every day. It’s more than enough to make you cry. At times, you just have to laugh. Take that phrase “sectarian strife,” for instance. What’s that really about, anyway? I stumbled upon one answer recently on YouTube, where I discovered that many Muslim clerics are posting passionate — and sometimes angry — videos fiercely debating one particularly weighty “Islamic Issue.” On how to advance Islamic nations toward greater peace? Or how to improve human rights? No. This is important! The imams are distressed by “wrong” Muslims who delight the devil by incorrectly moving their finger during prayer! Yes, it’s Islam’s Great Finger-Wiggling Schism! Read more
In Year Two of her ten-year terrifying captivity in the Cleveland home of Ariel Castro, 18-year-old Amanda Berry felt there was only one hope keeping her alive — knowing that her mother was fighting for her. Glued to news of the outside world on the small black-and-white TV she was allowed, she felt a rare surge of joy in November of 2004, hearing that her mother was to appear on The Montel Williams Show to consult with a psychic they both admired, Sylvia Browne. Berry revealed the details of that day in her new book, Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland, co-authored with her fellow captive Gina DeJesus. The Plain Dealer reported on Browne’s predictions: Read more
Retractions on Internet news sites have been quite the common sight for the last few days in the wake of a shocking admission of a hoax that’s shaken the alternative health community. Will the media finally start paying more attention to skeptics who saw this coming? Until last month, 23-year-old Australian Belle Gibson (above) was the world’s latest darling of wellness woo and holistic healing. Gibson was renowned for her claim that she was successfully treating her terminal brain cancer with veganism, yoga, and “detoxing,” after stopping chemotherapy in disgust. In just two years, she became an international media star and millionaire, thanks to Apple, who helped market her Whole Pantry app and nominated it for App of the Year; Penguin Books, who published The Whole Pantryl and a host of major media outlets. Read more
Eric Adams considers himself a “man of science,” but doesn’t want to be a dick about it to astrology believers. That alone isn’t a bad idea — it’s hard to change minds by insulting people. In a piece for Salon, he shared how how he’s learned to strike a balance… but it quickly took a strange direction: I have very few buttons people can press that will elicit any sort of knee-jerk reaction. Actually, I only have one: Astrology… The subject strikes a nerve because my main avocation happens to be astronomy. You know, the actual science. … When I thought about it, I quickly realized that similar low-level intolerance crops up other places in my life, as well… So where do I get off being such a dismissive shit? … It’s the equivalent of dismissing entire religions, which just isn’t like me. Let’s stop right there before he goes any further. Astrology’s fundamental principles tell you how you’re supposed to interact with others based on their star sign: You’re compatible with this person. You should avoid that person. In pretty much every other context where you treat people differently due to something beyond their control, we have a word for it. People deserve to be treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation, skin color, and when they were born. Read more
Sen. Ted Cruz leaves no doubt that his father, evangelical minister and wildly popular conservative Christian speaker Rafael Cruz, is his most important professional and personal mentor. Throughout his 2012 Senate campaign, the Texas Republican relied heavily on his father as both chief advisor and veritable stand-in for himself whenever needed. The senator opened both his March 23rd speech declaring his presidential candidacy and his first campaign ad with tales of his father’s inspiration and guidance. While it was questionable whether President Obama’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, was fair game for those seeking clues to Obama’s views and intentions, here there can be no question. Rafael Cruz is a wide-open window into Ted Cruz’s soul. And the view isn’t pretty. Rafael Cruz is a Dominionist, a believer in Christian theocratic world rule. After his son’s 2012 Senate victory, Pastor Cruz participated in a bizarre “anointing” of Christian “kings” at a Texas megachurch. As Cruz stood by with hand raised in acceptance, Pastor Larry Huch introduced the new Senator’s father in prophetic terms: Read more
