The Happy Sceptic: With respect, sir, you're talking complete bollocks

Ever sat in the pub and had to listen to some dullard gushing on about how their granny's piles were cured at Lourdes; how amazing dowsing is; how crystal power can change your life? Wish you had the relevant facts at your fingertips so that you could shut them up and get on with your beer in peace?

Well now you can! You're Talking Complete Bollocks™ is a part-work that builds week-by-week into a handy reference to all things supernatural. Just print out each entry, stick it onto a piece of card and keep it in your handy leatherette travel-wallet (not supplied). The next time you are faced with a believer spouting total shite, just whip them out. After a quick glance, you will have the complete confidence to say: " I'm sorry my dear chap - but You're Talking Complete Bollocks!".

1. Dowsing
What is it?	The claimed ability to find water, metals etc. using some divinatory apparatus. Twigs, bent coat-hangers and crystals on a string are popular choices.
Alternative names	Water-witching; divining; rhabdomancy.
What evidence is there?	Purely anecdotal. All controlled tests have shown chance results.
So what's going on?	The ideomotor effect - the subconscious manipulation of the dowsing device which is always in a state of poor equilibrium. Most dowsers are not dishonest in this sense - they actually believe that they have this power. But in blind tests, they fail.
Sources for further information.	The Skeptics' Dictionary; Randi, J. 1995. An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural.

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1. Dowsing