New JREF President - Phil Plait

The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) anounces that Dr. Philip Plait – renowned astronomer, author, and skeptic – will be taking on the role of President of the JREF effective immediately.

If you are not familiar with either Dr. Plait or JREF, this would be a good time to make their acquaintance. Phil is the "Bad Astronomer" who set up a website originally to debunk "bad astronomy." Probably his most memorable debunking was of the claims that the moon landings were all an elaborate hoax. He demonstrated that every argument of the moon landing hoax theorists was wrong. As more reasonable people knew all along, of course.

James Randi, known professionally as "The Amazing Randi," is a magician, an author, and a skeptic who has specialized in recent years in investigating and debunking claims of the paranormal. His foundation offers a prize -- now set at a million dollars -- for anyone who can demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled experimental conditions.

Randi said, “Phil is a skeptic, a scientist, and a colleague, and his ideas and vigor will take the JREF very far indeed. We’re pleased and proud to have him take the reins.” He added, “I will now be dedicating much of my time to completing my next two books, Wrong!, and A Magician in the Laboratory.”

Congratulations, Phil.