JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Brian Austin Whitney Blog Saturday, May 27th, 2006

Hi Folks,

So I got a new book yesterday at Sam's Club that I think many of you would enjoy. In only the first 10 pages I have learned the following things (the first of which I wrote about on my very first blog.. how's that for coincidence and kismet?):

1. Myth: The media will check it out and give you the objective truth

Truth: Many in the media are scientifically clueless and will scare you to death

2. Myth: Radioactivity is deadly; keep it away from food!

Truth: Food irradiation saves lives.

3. Myth: Chemical pollution is the cause of the cancer epidemic!

Truth: There is no cancer epidemic

4. Myth: DDT causes all kinds of cancers, and nearly wiped out every bird in the world!

Truth: DDT saves lives.

5. Myth: "My teacher molested me" Kid wouldn't make up stuff like that!

Truth: Yes,they would.

And the book goes on and on to dispel myths that people simply take as fact.. because everyone else seems to believe it as well. I have to admit that #5 I believed myself for the most part. But wait until you read this book. It will be jaw dropping.

The book is called "Myths, Lies, And Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel-Why Everything You Know Is Wrong" written by 20/20 Consumer reporter John Stossel.

It's very reminiscent to the equally outstanding TV show "Bullshit" which airs on Showtime and is done by Penn and Teller (two of my favorite entertainers). I wish both their show and this book were REQUIRED reading at every university in the USA. Not just because it corrects a lot of hardened fairy tales, but that the discovery of the truth behind all these things we assume almost as a genetic mandate to be true, are false is so eye opening that it might cause people to start questioning a lot of other bogus crap we take for granted. (Not the least of which are all the myths surrounding the "Music Industry" and the "Rockstar" life). Sam's has the book for $13.58 but I am guessing that most book stores still sell it for under 20 bucks. It's worth it. You might find things you were positive were true are wrong. You'll feel enlightened. And if you doubt his refutation of common myths, that's fine. Follow up on his research and see for yourself. Wouldn't you all like to know the real truth? I know I would.

So if you're looking for some great reading this weekend or beyond, check it out! And if you have any summer reading ideas for us, please share them here!

Brian