About
“The universe is the way it is–not the way we wish it to be”
….. Bryan Farha, “Smoke & Mirrors” Blog Creator
“SMOKE & MIRRORS” is a NewsOK.com blog whose purpose is to critically examine extraordinary claims–often in the “paranormal” arena–sometimes revealing deception, fakery, and faulty beliefs that lead us to draw erroneous conclusions regarding unexplained phenomena. We will also include a more fun and entertaining component–visual and optical illusions. Science tells us that we should not blindly accept unorthodox claims–such as levitation–without skeptically examining the evidence. This blog will guide the reader to logical explanations, research, and relevant web sites and articles that will assist in drawing rational conclusions about anomalous wonder.
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“Smoke and mirrors is a metaphor for a deceptive, fraudulent or insubstantial explanation or description. The source of the name is based on magicians’ illusions, where magicians make objects appear or disappear by extending or retracting mirrors amid a confusing burst of smoke. The expression may have a connotation of virtuosity or cleverness in carrying out such a deception.“ [Wikepedia]
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Bryan Farha, Ed.D. is a professor at Oklahoma City University where he coordinates the graduate programs in applied behavioral studies and counseling. Editor of Paranormal Claims: A Critical Analysis, he serves as a technical consultant to the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He has approximately 30 publications-many of which appear in critical thinking periodicals such as Skeptic and Skeptical Inquirer. His work in educating the public regarding paranormal claims and pseudoscientific deception has been recognized by TIME.com, CNN, the National Geographic Channel, and A&E. He has given over 80 interviews for television, radio, newspapers, and books.
