I propose a new Internet Law aimed specifically at the claims of paranormal believers.

Lou’s Law: One cannot invoke Quantum Mechanics in an argument or explanation unless one can show at least a basic, layman’s understanding of Quantum Mechanics. For example, one might explain what Planck’s Constant describes or the idea behind the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle or even list the “flavors” of Quarks.

This comes from hearing Quantum Mechanics mentioned in The Secret, bizarre explanations of how Astrology works, and a host of other paranormal crap. Specifically, I came across it again in reading this interesting article on the paranormal radio/phone called Frank’s Box.

I came across this blog posting that seriously discusses what you should tell your kids if you live in a haunted house.

The really mind-boggling thing about the advice given is that the writer basically says to give as many natural explanations as possible for the natural occurrences ghost phenomena to the children so that the children will not be scared by the superstition knowledge that the house has ghosts. Basically, the author is saying that you should lie by giving natural explanations. Here look:

I came across this interesting article called, “Creating a Monster” on the randi.org page.  It briefly discusses the fact that different cultures view common supernatural beings or myths in different ways. The example given is that the traditional Japanese style of ghost has no legs. In the Western world, we have traditionally depicted ghosts with legs. These cultural norms then shape our perceptions. So if someone has an event occur in which they assume they have seen a ghost, they are most likely to report the look of the ghost to match their cultural expectations.

Yes, I know I can’t prove something doesn’t exist. But I can damn well say that if they did, we would know by now.

Psychics are frauds or seriously confused people.

The stories you hear about ghosts are either mistakes, dreams, mistaken dreams, or complete and utter lies.

I get into trouble when I say these things to people who desperately want to tell me about when they saw a ghost. I’ve never seen any evidence that is the least bit compelling about ghosts. After lots of reading of true believes and skeptics I realized there was just no debate. There was either “But, but, but, I felt this PRESENCE….” sorta statement or “You can’t tell me what I saw wasn’t real.” kinda defense.