Two bits of fraud

[essentialsaltes]

A bizarre update on the census worker found hanged in Kentucky. Looks like there's very good evidence he committed suicide in a bid at insurance fraud.

And then there's this story: "a Belgian man who was diagnosed as comatose for 23 years typed out a message Tuesday that he felt reborn after decades of loneliness and frustration."

Good Morning America offered a completely credulous account of the story this morning, while the newslink above fortunately makes the obvious connection to Facilitated Communication, a discredited practice easily liable to fraudulent (albeit usually unconsciously so) usage, with horrific results. For all I know, the interpretation of the brain scans could be valid and he's totally aware inside, but if he's actually doing the typing, I'll eat my hat. Watch the video. FC was discredited more than 15 years ago, but it's still around.

Crap is evergreen and legion.

Time for an antidote. I miss you, Butthead Astronomer!

Comments

[essentialsaltes.livejournal.com]

People on PZ's site seem to be calling the brain scans into question, but yeah. If true, it's horrible.

[ono-sendai.livejournal.com]

I checked some of the publications out there - looks like the fMRI stuff is considered questionable but certainly not crazy or impossible. I have no idea to what extent the researchers are involved in the FC/media frenzy, however.

[ono-sendai.livejournal.com]

Here's his personal website:
http://www.coma.ulg.ac.be/home/steven.html