All posts tagged: truth

Ignoring Our History Won’t Restore Truth and Sanity

Ignoring Our History Won’t Restore Truth and Sanity

Published by skeptic

In a different world, an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” would be about funding research, expanding archival studies, improving educational institutions, and bolstering mental health resources. You’d think it would focus on increasing our knowledge about the past to better understand and learn from it. However, the actual order from President Trump disregards uncomfortable realities, removes diverse perspectives, and rejects exploration of societal issues. The order, released last week, continuously boasts about America’s “remarkable achievements,” “progress,” and “greatness,” but dismisses the challenges we’ve had to—and still need to—overcome in pursuit of said greatness. How can we celebrate “advancing liberty” without also acknowledging that we weren’t all free when we came to or were born in this country, and many still don’t have the same governmental protections? How can we remember our “consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union” without addressing our divisions—political, economic, philosophical, etc.—and the people responsible for them (i.e., those honored with public monuments and markers)? And how can we claim an “unparalleled legacy” and “unmatched record” …

Netanyahu Doesn’t Want the Truth to Come Out

Netanyahu Doesn’t Want the Truth to Come Out

Published by José

If there’s one thing most Israelis agree on after nearly a year and a half of war, it’s the need for a deep, impartial investigation into the catastrophe of October 7—laying bare what went wrong that day, beforehand, and possibly after. The demand for such an inquiry has escalated, voiced in equal measure by gaunt ex-hostages and the outgoing, guilt-ridden, military chief of staff. And if there is one thing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want, it is such an investigation. The reason isn’t hard to fathom. A serious probe will likely hold Netanyahu responsible for Hamas catching Israel unprepared. Its conclusions could echo the signs directed at the prime minister at street protests: You’re the boss. You’re guilty. Commissions of inquiry are the normal mechanism by which Israeli governance reckons with its response to extraordinary events. The procedure for creating one is enshrined in law: The cabinet votes to create the commission and defines the scope of its inquiry. The chief justice of the supreme court appoints the members, and a senior …

Ozempic is increasingly being linked to vision loss. What’s the truth?

Ozempic is increasingly being linked to vision loss. What’s the truth?

Published by skeptic

Like all medicines, Ozempic is not without side effects myskin/Shutterstock Ozempic, Wegovy and similar drugs are, without a doubt, revolutionising medicine. They have transformed our ability to manage obesity and type 2 diabetes, but have actually shown potential for a wide range of conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, addiction and depression. Yet, as our understanding of the benefits of these drugs grows, so too does our knowledge about their potential side effects, one of which appears to be a rare type of vision loss called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Source link

The truth about fluoride in water: Essential protection or hidden danger?

The truth about fluoride in water: Essential protection or hidden danger?

Published by skeptic

Water is vital for life, but in many communities, it also carries something else: fluoride. Touted as one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century, fluoride has been added to drinking water for decades. While many experts support its benefits, the practice continues to stir debate. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, rocks, and water. Scientists in the 1930s noticed that people in areas with naturally high fluoride levels had fewer cavities. This discovery led to the first intentional fluoridation of public water in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945. Since then, cities worldwide have followed suit. The reason is simple—fluoride helps protect teeth. “Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by helping to remineralize weakened areas, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth,” says Dr. Steven Levy, a researcher at the University of Iowa. This process reduces the risk of cavities, especially in children. Supporters argue that fluoridation is an effective, low-cost way to improve dental health for entire communities. The Centers for Disease Control and …

At Least Now We Know the Truth About Trump and Vance

At Least Now We Know the Truth About Trump and Vance

Published by skeptic

Sign up for Trump’s Return, a newsletter featuring coverage of the second Trump presidency. At least the Oval Office meeting held by President Donald Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was held in front of the cameras. False friendliness in public by Trump and Vance, followed by behind-the-scenes treachery, would have been much more dangerous to the Ukrainian cause. Instead, Trump and Vance have revealed to Americans and to America’s allies their alignment with Russia, and their animosity toward Ukraine in general and its president in particular. The truth is ugly, but it’s necessary to face it. Today’s meeting gave the lie to any claim that this administration’s policy is driven by any strategic effort to advance the interests of the United States, however misguided. Trump and Vance displayed in the Oval Office a highly personal hatred. There was no effort here to make a case for American interests. Vance complained that Zelensky had traveled to Pennsylvania to thank U.S. ammunition workers, because, Vance charged, the appearance amounted to …

Love, Betrayal, & Truth in a Political Storm

Love, Betrayal, & Truth in a Political Storm

Published by skeptic

In the landscape of African literature, few novels have achieved the legendary status of Oromay by Baalu Girma. Published in Ethiopia in 1983, Baalu Girma’s masterpiece caused such a stir that it was banned within days, and the author disappeared six months later—presumably murdered by the very regime he dared to criticize. Now, forty years later, this powerful work finally reaches English readers through a masterful translation by David DeGusta and Mesfin Felleke Yirgu. The Story: Where Personal and Political Collide Set against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s 1981-82 Red Star Campaign to quell the Eritrean insurgency, Oromay follows Tsegaye Hailemaryam, a state journalist tasked with heading propaganda efforts in Asmara. What begins as a seemingly straightforward assignment evolves into a complex web of love, loyalty, and betrayal that challenges everything Tsegaye believes about both his country and himself. Writing Style and Narrative Structure Girma’s prose is remarkable for its ability to shift seamlessly between intimate personal moments and sweeping political drama. His writing style combines journalistic precision with poetic flourishes, creating a narrative voice that …

The Traitors star reveals surprising truth about Claudia Winkleman’s behind-the-scenes antics

The Traitors star reveals surprising truth about Claudia Winkleman’s behind-the-scenes antics

Published by skeptic

Claudia Winkleman has been revealed as a secret cheerleader for contestants on The Traitors, according to a former star of the hit BBC show. Wilfred Webster, a contestant from the show’s first season, shared how the host was deeply invested in the drama unfolding behind the scenes. The revelation comes as The Traitors continues to captivate viewers in its third season. WATCH: Things get heated between Freddie and Livi on The Traitors Claudia’s passion behind the scenes © BBCClaudia Winkleman presents The Traitors UK Wilfred, 31, revealed that Claudia’s enthusiasm extended beyond her presenting duties. Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “She doesn’t care who wins, it’s a really weird thing. She’s like, ‘I just want somebody to win.’ She doesn’t care if you’re faithful or a traitor.” The former contestant described how Claudia would cheer on players during missions. He added: “When we were doing the missions, she was actually really supportive, shouting, going mad, and screaming for us. It was really funny, but then all of a sudden, she’s really serious. Claudia …

Nicole Kidman reveals the surprising truth behind Tom Cruise divorce celebration photo

Nicole Kidman reveals the surprising truth behind Tom Cruise divorce celebration photo

Published by skeptic

Nicole Kidman has finally addressed the iconic 2001 photo that has lived rent-free in internet culture, supposedly showing her in a jubilant state after finalizing her divorce from Tom Cruise.  But as it turns out, the truth behind the image is much more subdued—and a far cry from the tale that has been spun for decades. “That’s not true,” Nicole shared during her British GQ Men of the Year cover story interview, published Monday.  You may also likeMeet Tom Cruise’s three rarely seen children When asked about the meme that depicts her walking with her arms raised in what many interpreted as a gesture of sweet relief, Nicole was quick to clarify. “That was not me,” the Oscar-winning actress revealed. “That was from a film. That wasn’t real life. I know that image!” Nicole didn’t specify which film the moment came from, but the revelation squashes the long-held myth that the image was snapped during her post-divorce bliss from her high-profile split with Tom. © DR/X17online.comNicole Kidman’s photo that turned into a viral meme  In …

Troubling study shows “politics can trump truth” to a surprising degree, regardless of education or analytical ability

Troubling study shows “politics can trump truth” to a surprising degree, regardless of education or analytical ability

Published by José

A recent study by Stanford researchers has uncovered that people are more likely to believe and share news that aligns with their political views, regardless of whether it’s true. This “concordance-over-truth” bias was slightly stronger among supporters of Donald Trump and persisted across various education levels and reasoning abilities. Interestingly, resistance to true but politically opposing news proved stronger than susceptibility to fake but agreeable news, suggesting that political alignment often overshadows the truth in how people process information. The findings have been published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. The researchers conducted this study to understand the extent to which political biases shape public beliefs and sharing behavior, especially during critical times like presidential elections. Recognizing that informed citizens are essential for a functioning democracy, they aimed to clarify whether people prioritize political alignment over truthfulness when processing news. For their study, the researchers recruited 2,180 participants using the online platform Lucid from January 31 to February 17, 2020, aiming for a U.S. Census-matched sample based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, income, education, …

The Truth About Attachment Styles

The Truth About Attachment Styles

Published by skeptic

Ever wonder why some people seem to crave constant reassurance in relationships while others bolt at the first sign of commitment? You might think it’s just a personality quirk or the result of “bad timing,” but there’s a deeper psychology behind it all. It’s not random behavior; it’s deeply rooted in something most of us haven’t even considered—our attachment style. Attachment styles—the way we bond with others—are formed in childhood, and whether we realize it or not, they follow us into adulthood. How we learned to relate to our caregivers is often how we relate to our romantic partners. The problem is, most people don’t even realize how their attachment style is playing out in their relationships, and until you understand it, you’ll likely find yourself stuck in the same frustrating patterns over and over again. It’s like playing a game you don’t know the rules to—you keep losing, but you’re not even sure why. The Three Attachment Styles The big three: These attachment styles can offer insight into why your relationships unfold the way …