the Skeptic Contents Vol 25, No 2 Winter 2005 ISSN 0726-9897 Regulars
Editor ♦ 3 – Editorial — — Barry Williams Barry Williams ♦ 4 – Around the Traps — Bunyip ♦ 70 – Letters Contributing Editors ♦ 73 - Notices Tim Mendham Steve Roberts Technology Consultant Features Richard Saunders ♦ 6 - The Amazing Meeting 3 — Karen Stollznow Chief Investigator ♦ 14 - CAM Use in the Elderly — Geraldine Moses Ian Bryce ♦ 22 - Preaching to the Un-converted — Lynne Kelly ♦ 26 - Correction — Psychics Dealt Out All correspondence to: ♦ 27 - My Magnetic Personality — Loretta Marron Australian Skeptics Inc ♦ 31 - Nutrition Myth: Spinach is Good for What? — Glenn Cardwell PO Box 268 ♦ Roseville NSW 2069 33 - Life Membership for Colin Keay — Ian Bryce Australia ♦ 34 - Some Faculty have Lost their Faculties — Jef Clarke (ABN 90 613 095 379 ) ♦ 41 - Anti-Vaccination Ratbaggery — Ken McLeod ♦ 44 - A Bunch of Theocrats — Brian Baxter Contact Details ♦ 48 - Welcome to Science — Phil Plait Tel: (02) 9417 2071 ♦ Fax: (02) 9417 7930 49 - Psychic or Just Sick — Peter Booth new e-mail: [email protected] ♦ 52 - Chemical Warfare — Loretta Marron ♦ 55 - A Skeptics Musical Jamboree — Michael Lucht Web Pages ♦ 56 - Spooked Skeptic — Philip Peters Australian Skeptics ♦ 58 - Homeopathy Exposed - Again — Richard Saunders www.skeptics.com.au ♦ No Answers in Genesis 60 - Forum: Red Light to the Greenhouse — Mark Lawson http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/default.htm ♦ 63 - Review: A Fertile Field for Skeptics — Colin Keay ♦ 64 - Review: Star Dreams — John Sweatman the Skeptic is a journal of fact and opinion, ♦ 65 - Forum: Let the Idiot Kill Himself — Mark Freeman published four times per year by Australian ♦ 68 - Forum: Finding the Truth About AltMed — Iolanda Grey Skeptics Inc. Views and opinions expressed in articles and letters in the Skeptic are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of Australian Skeptics Inc. Articles may Cover art by Charles Rose of Cogency be reprinted with permission and with due acknowledgement to the Skeptic. Skeptics around Australia
Editorial consultants: New South Wales Queensland Western Australia Dr Stephen Basser (medicine) Australian Skeptics Inc Australian Skeptics (Qld) WA Skeptics Dr Richard Gordon (medicine) PO Box 268 PO Box 6454 22 Esperance Street Roseville NSW 2069 Fairfield Gardens QLD 4103 East Victoria Park WA 6101 Dr William Grey (philosophy) Tel: (02) 9417 2071 Tel: (07) 3255 0499 Tel: (08) 9448 8458 Prof Colin Groves (anthropology) Fax: (02) 9417 7930 [email protected] [email protected] Mr Martin Hadley (law) [email protected] Qskeptics eGroup (To subscribe send blank message to: Tasmania Dr Colin Keay (astronomy) Hunter Skeptics [email protected]) Australian Skeptics in Tasmania Dr Mark Newbrook (linguistics) PO Box 166 PO Box 582 Dr Andrew Parle (physics) Waratah NSW 2298 Gold Coast Skeptics North Hobart TAS 7000. Prof Ian Plimer (geology) Tel: (02) 4957 8666. PO Box 8348 Tel: (03) 6234 1458 Fax: (02) 4952 6442 GCMC Bundall QLD 4217 [email protected] Dr Trevor Case (psychology) Tel: (07) 5593 1882 Dr Stephen Mostyn (psychology) Victoria Fax: (07) 5593 2776 Northern Territory Dr Alex Ritchie (palaeontology) Australian Skeptics (Vic) Inc [email protected] Darwin Skeptics Dr Steve Roberts (chemistry) GPO Box 5166AA PO Box 809 Melbourne VIC 3001 South Australia Sanderson NT 0812 Mr Roland Seidel (mathematics) Tel: 1 800 666 996 Skeptics SA Tel: (08) 8932 2194 Branch correspondents: Fax: 03 9531 6705 PO Box 377 Fax: (08) 8932 7553 ACT: Mr Peter Barrett [email protected] Rundle Mall SA 5000 [email protected] Tel: (08) 8272 5881 Gold Coast: Mr John Stear ACT Fax: (08) 8272 5881 Borderline Skeptics Hunter: Mr Michael Creech Canberra Skeptics [email protected] PO Box 17 Qld: Mr Bob Bruce PO Box 555 Mitta Mitta VIC 3701 SA: Mr Allan Lang Civic Square ACT 2608 Tel: (02) 6072 3632 (02) 6231 5406 or 6296 4555 [email protected] Tas: Mr Fred Thornett [email protected] Vic: Mr Ken Greatorex WA: Dr Geoff Dean Editorial No Alternative to Medicine
Because we are highly vocal in our unchanged by new and better informa- sion, by our friends) as “grumpy old Skepticism about what its proponents tion. Far from being scientific, it more men with beards”, a charge that is not style ‘Complementary and Alternative nearly resembles religious belief — it entirely without foundation (although Medicine’ (CAM) our critics from that is faith-based. grumpiness is not necessarily a wide- sector claim that we are uncritical sup- The alimentary, cardiovascular and spread condition among our leading porters of orthodox (or what they style lymphatic systems can be demon- lights and beards are no longer obliga- allopathic) medical practices. Nothing strated to exist; chakras, meridians tory in the best Skeptical circles). could be farther from the truth; recent and the like cannot. The germ theory This issue might help to dissipate revelations about continuing un- of disease has been established by rig- that impression in that almost half of healthy interactions between pharma- orous scientific inquiry; the law of its content was written by women. ceutical companies and some medical similars and the effects of dilution This is not an indication that we have practitioners, concerns us as much as aided by succussion (at the heart of suddenly been stricken by a plague of they do anyone else. homeopathy) has no such support. political correctness, but simply stands Proponents of CAM like to use such Further potential dangers from un- as a tribute to the skills of a number revelations, or the problems in vari- regulated and untested CAM emerges of very talented and dedicated Skep- ous state health systems and even the not from what their proponents claim tics, none of whom could grow a beard fact that one of the world’s worst mass to know, but from what the clearly do without very large infusions of un- murderers, Harold Shipman, was a not know. More and more cases are natural hormones. doctor, to assert that the world of or- emerging of people suffering serious thodox medicine is incompetent, cor- complications from the interaction * * * rupt or worse. And, of course all these between legitimately prescribed medi- Writing the Editorial is usually the factors do occur within the practice of cations and self-prescribed ‘alterna- most difficult part of producing each medicine, just as they do within the tive’ treatments — people who have issue of the Skeptic*, though this is- practice of complementary and alter- been misinformed about the effects sue, with its concentration on various native medicine — as fallible human and safety of ‘natural’ remedies. methods of promoting good health, enterprises it would be remarkable if This issue contains many items that was not quite as difficult as most. it were otherwise. address these problems and we will Editorial writing can, on occasion, But that is not our argument with continue to be highly critical of com- bring some degree of personal satis- CAM; our concern lies not in the plementary and alternative treat- faction to the writer. Therefore, I fallibilities of the individual practices ments until they are properly regu- would like to thank the many kind or practitioners, but in the underlying lated and their practitioners held to readers who communicated compli- principles and methodology by which the same standards of accountability mentary comments on the Editorial each modality goes about its business. that apply to medical practitioners. In about reactions the Boxing Day tsu- What we now know about orthodox conscience, we can do no other. nami in the Summer issue. medicine comes at the end of centu- I would also like to acknowledge ries of research into physiology, phar- * * * those who drew my attention to my macology and pathology. It has suf- confusion regarding “complimentary” fered from many false starts and trips Eagle-eyed readers will notice some- medicine in the previous issue, when down wrong paths, much has been dis- thing else quite different about this the text showed that I obviously meant covered by trial and error, but its suc- issue. Skeptics are often characterised to say “complementary”. I hope I have cesses have accumulated and, al- by our opponents (and even, on occa- got it right in this one. (I will soon be though it is still a far from perfect petitioning the Department of Lexical science, it is nonetheless a scientific * A task made no easier by being the object of Affairs to have one of these confusing enterprise —it is evidence based. desire of The World’s Most Friendly Cat, whose words excised from our language forth- The path taken by CAMs has been keyboard interpolations can render my most with.) quite different. Usually they begin profound observations into incomprehensible with an idea, often postulated by one gibberish — fortunately Shakespeare and individual, and that idea remains fixed Dickens didn’t have to put up with this sort of at the core of the modality, rigid and thing. Barry Williams
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 3 News and Views Around the Traps
Oops! ple of the sort of change in a living Of course, Shaw and Darwin were thing which one would expect to have proposing these hypothetical entities On the AiG web site, in an article dated hundreds of examples of, if bacteria as purely literary devices, not as state- April 12, the Managing Director of the really have turned into basketball ments of belief. At no stage has Pro- Answers in Genesis sales and market- players. fessor Dawkins assumed for himself ing organisation, Dr Carl Wieland, We passed this libellous twaddle to the title of Devil’s Disciple, nor indeed took it upon himself to deliver an Richard Dawkins, the distinguished of Devil’s Chaplain, which is hardly to award winning homily to his faithful Charles Simonyi Professor for the Pub- be wondered at; for an atheist it would flock under the heading “Rushing in lic Understanding of Science at Oxford be highly inconsistent to deny the ex- — where wiser heads might not”. It University, who responded as follows: istence of gods while espousing the began as follows: ... By the way, the article says I call existence of devils. One of the more annoying habits of the myself a ‘Devil’s Disciple’. This is com- He went on to suggest: vociferous anti-creationist lobby ... is pletely untrue. I wrote a book called A Since the whole point of the article is to pontificate on matters concerning Devil’s CHAPLAIN in which I men- that evolutionists misread or don’t creationists in a way that demon- tioned, in passing, Bernard Shaw’s read creationist literature, perhaps strates that they have not even read ‘Devil’s Disciple’. Even my Devil’s something could be made of this? the leading1 creationist literature (or Chaplain is not me, as I make very As we have done here, by nominat- perhaps they have read it, but think clear in the book itself. ing Dr Carl Wieland for the inaugural that knocking down straw men is jus- A fact that any astute reader can Foot Shooting Pot Kettle Mote Beam tified to promote their agenda). easily verify by reading this fine col- Own Petard Award for pontificating His lengthy fulmination about an lection of essays (Weidenfeld & while demonstrating so convincingly article on the evolution (or otherwise) Nicolson, London, 2003) on creation that he has “not even read the litera- of the AIDS virus, was not what ‘science’ and other idiocies by Richard ture”. prompted our nomination of him for Dawkins, widely applauded as one of Notes an award. That comes in the final the most literate of writers on scien- paragraph of the sermon (or sales pitch tific subjects. His single mention of a 1. Readers accustomed to the literary as it could more properly be called) “Devil’s Disciple” comes on p9 in a ref- style of creationists might here be for- which reads: erence to Shaw’s Preface to Back to given for assuming that the good doctor Methuselah, while the title of the book committed a typographical inexactitude, ...I highly recommend the DVD From in neglecting to add a ‘mis’ to the word (and of the first essay) comes from a a Frog to a Prince. It features both ‘leading’, but we will let that pass2. creationist and evolutionist experts. sentence in a letter Charles Darwin wrote to his friend Sir Joseph Dalton 2. The above footnote is irrelevant to the This includes the famous (and ar- story, but as Dr Wieland chose to include dently atheistic) evolutionist Professor Hooker in 1856, which says: one in his turgid tract as an explanation Richard Dawkins. Watch what hap- What a book a Devil’s Chaplain might of the term “Blind Freddie”, we felt we pens when this ‘Devil’s Disciple’ write on the clumsy, wasteful, blun- could not allow him to stand alone in (Dawkin’s [sic] own term for himself) dering low and horridly cruel works interpolating pseudo-academic devices, is asked to provide one single exam- of nature. and have responded in kind.
Page 4 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 How humiliating applied. So let us test the ABC’s com- But not rose-coloured mitment to this attribute; any time you see or hear a Police Commissioner As Skeptics we have all noticed the A Skeptic reader, architect Kin Wong, on air talking about increasing or de- phenomenon of most psychics and delighted us with this recent wry ob- creasing crime rates, please phone similar necromancers claiming in their servation: Auntie and demand that equal time self-promotion to be “the most fa- be given to the General Secretary of Just a note to say that you people look mous”, “world renowned”, “most accu- the Amalgamated Burglars and at the world through skeptacles. rate”, etc, purveyor of their particular Housebreakers Union, or a spokesman Wish we had thought of that first. practices. However, not all psychics, it from the Licenced Drug Smugglers appears, are quite so immodest, as and Dealers Association. All in the in- several readers have recently brought terests of balance, of course. Getting the message out to our attention with what appears to be a new wrinkle in psychic advertis- Of late we have gleaned an unusual ing. The games they play This takes the form of an unnamed number of new subscribers from practitioner using the tag line “Little among people who have read the Skep- Known Psychic Humiliates Skeptics” Meanwhile, the denizens of Bunyip tic in the local library, or in their doc- and then going on to claim that she Towers are anxiously awaiting the be- tor’s waiting room. Never a group to tells you exactly what she sees, even ginning of the Ashes Series, with a ignore new methods of spreading the if they are “facts that you’ll dread”. A certain apprehension that the broad- Skeptical message, we now invite quick straw poll around the Skeptics cast on SBS TV will be replete with readers to let us know if their local li- Kremlin reveals that, while she is ac- Polish subtitles. brary would benefit from a gratis sub- curate in her self-description as “little scription. Also if you are a doctor, den- known” (no one had heard of her), hu- tist, bank manager or anyone else who miliation was not among the emotions AUTS? has a waiting room where the felt— astonishment, perhaps, ennui, trepidacious public gather, drop us a almost certainly, but no traces of hu- A funny thing happened at Skeptics line if you would like an extra copy (no miliation. Central the other day. Our venerable charge) to place therein. If she is telling the truth (about al- Editor was busily opening a recalci- ways telling the truth) we can only trant parcel, using his trusty Swiss Air offer our congratulations to a psychic Force Knife, when the phone rang. By Reflected glory for breaking entirely new ground. We some totally inexplicable would like to check her claims of concatenation of circumstances this Medical folk among our readers who “amazing accuracy” but at $5.95 per led to his inflicting a wound on the subscribe to Australian Doctor might minute, we would far rather spend our point of his left elbow. In the spirit of be interested to learn that the face of money on riotous living. scientific enquiry we have rigorously the cheerful young lad (below) who ap- endeavoured to replicate these events, pears in Meat and Livestock Corp ad- so far without success. A case of Ac- vertisements, asking the question, “Is Balancing act tions Unknown to Science, perhaps? there something else you should pre- scribe for him?” and extolling the vir- We don’t much like taking pot-shots tues of lean meat three times a week, at one of our favourite media outlet In passing belongs to one Christopher Joyce. He (Auntie ABC, in which we have many also happens to be the younger grand- supporters), but sometimes it is sadly Late last year we recorded the pass- son of our Editor. necessary. Recently we were talking to ing of a number of individuals from one of Auntie’s nephews about a overseas with whom Skeptics had project, when we happened to mention found themselves in disagreement. the appalling Second Opinion shown Since then it has continued to be a at 6.30 on Tuesday evenings. This bla- bad time for practitioners of the ‘psy- tant commercial for untested pseudo- chic arts’ in Australia, with Athena medicine rankles with most Skeptics, Starwoman, Margaret Dent and Kerry but our correspondent said that it was Kulkins all passing into another plane done because at the ABC had to “as- since last December. Each of them had pire to balance”. been mentioned in the Skeptic in re- We are not against balance per se; gard to their particular claims and on balance it could be seen as an ad- practices, but we are nevertheless sad- mirable trait in a broadcaster, but dened by their deaths. Bunyip surely some common sense must be
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 5 Report The Amaz!ng Meeting 3
Enlightenment from the City And God said, Let there be neon five minutes in a smoke-filled casino light: and there was Vegas. I already smelled of Vegas and was of (Neon) Light ready to take on Sin City! Why, this From all over the world, hundreds of was my second trip here and this the faithless made the pilgrimage to time, I was legal! Las Vegas to attend The Amaz!ng Alas, I was only one of four true Meeting 3: From Eve to Newton, the blue Australians in attendance but Apple of Knowledge. A veritable ark not the only Aussies in town. Enor- of 562 skeptics congregated inside mous billboards promoted the sun- the Stardust Resort and Casino kissed visit of ‘Australia’s Thunder along The Strip, ready to venerate from Down Under’ men and their such skeptical icons as Richard counterparts, the ‘Aussie Angels - Dawkins, Michael Shermer and of The Wonders From Down Under’. I course, our skeptical God, the Amaz- had hoped they would boost the ing Randi. What follows is a privi- Aussie contingent at TAM3 but they leged account of the proceedings of must have misplaced their tickets this year’s meeting. A breach of con- during their act. fidentiality, as we all know that The meeting was held over the what happens in Vegas, stays in Martin Luther King Junior holiday Vegas. and the ‘bright light city’ was bus- The 2005 meeting was held in tling with life. While the punters conjunction with the Skeptics Soci- flocked to ‘Lost Wages’, this gam- ety and promised a most illustrious bling capital of the world, TAM3 was line-up. It was with much delight an ironic shrine to skepticism amidst that I seized the opportunity to rep- the lucky charms and petitioning of resent the Australian Skeptics, by Lady Luck. As one R. E. Shay once sheer grace of my geographical prox- said, “Depend on the rabbit’s foot if imity (People will look at you very you will, but remember it didn’t strangely when you announce that work for the rabbit.” you’re going to Vegas… for a confer- ence!) Reception Despite a lingering cold (strangely, the homeopathic pills I arrived just in time for the recep- Karen Stollznow, a linguist and committee weren’t working), after having a tion, a lavish banquet for the member of NSW Skeptics, is presently a Bourbon and Lemonade spilled on attendees. With a plate of nibbles, I Research Associate at UC Berkeley, in the USA me in the aeroplane and spending gravitated towards a lone gentleman
Page 6 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 of Barry Williams-like stature. I had outrageous, her story is unfailingly happened upon Jerry Mertens, Pro- insightful and honest yet never con- fessor of Psychology at Minnesota’s descending. Sweeney’s outstanding St Cloud State University, elder of performance and poignant tale the Minnesota Skeptics and coordi- earned her a standing ovation, rous- nator of the St Kloud ESP Teaching ing even the most notorious Investigation Committee (SKEP- curmudgeons in the audience. TIC). Jerry has assisted in chal- During registration, I had met a lenges and investigations with few members of the on-line JREF James Randi himself, notably test- forum, (http://www.randi.org/ ing (one of) the world’s first per- vbulletin) where the men are petual motion machine(s)! skepdudes and the women are Fortuitously, Jerry turned out to skepchicks. On this first night of the be a connection to the skeptical in- conference, the JREF skepchicks ner sanctum. Within an hour, I was held a pyjama party. No boys al- acquainted with several skeptical lowed. I’m afraid, the Vegas confi- high rollers, including Michael dentiality pact must be honoured at
Julia Sweeney believer to critical thinker and athe- ist, delicately labelling herself a ‘naturalist’. Sweeney’s doubts were raised by her profound assessment of an unwittingly deep question asked of her by visiting Mormons, “Do you believe that God loves you with all his heart?” Sweeney was astonished at their absurd rationalisation for their faith, before reasoning that, to the outsider, Catholicism is equally incongruous, “I’m just used to the Jerry Mertens Catholic stories”. This quest for enlightenment saw Shermer and Joe Nickell. I then hit her dabble in Buddhism and the the jackpot with a personal introduc- spiritual medley that is the New tion to Guru Randi. “Randi, this Age, eventually leading her to sci- The Amazing Randi young lady would like to touch your ence. This play is a turbulent ride for robe!” Randi graciously consented to the emotions. At times hilarious and this point and any accompanying the request but I settled for a hug photographs would thrust this jour- and a kiss. Presented with a photo nal into another category altogether! opportunity I had to crouch down, proving that although ‘Amazing’ is Day 2 an apt and literal epithet, Randi is On the second day of TAM3 creation, larger-than-life in a purely figurative Randi gave us Phil Plait. The Bad sense only. Astronomer was not at all bad as MC After a lavish power dinner, we for the day. Opening the day’s pro- retired to the conference hall to be ceedings, Phil spoke of his encoun- treated to a complete performance of ters en route to the conference. The Julia Sweeney’s people having a stiff breath of oxy- (www.juliasweeney.com) introspec- gen at an ‘oxygen bar’ in the Las tive Letting Go of God. This was a Vegas airport. A chiropractic practice story about losing religion, the in- boasting “1000 hours of manipula- verse of the standard saga non-be- tion” and the “terror researchers” liever finds God. This is The Road who claim to have predicted the De- from Damascus. Sweeney’s mono- cember 26th earthquakes and tsu- logue traced her pilgrimage from nami. faithful Catholic to disillusioned Michael Shermer First up was Michael Shermer
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 7 TAM3 Report who introduced his latest Magician and mentalist book, Science Friction: Rick Maue owns and oper- where the known meets the ates Deceptions Unlimited unknown. While we’ve all (www.deceptionsunlimited.com), seen the images of the re- a trading name that puted Jesus Christ on a causes no end of trouble at tortilla and the latest co- the bank. Maue jokes to mestible deity, the Virgin the tellers that his com- Mary Grilled Cheese Sand- pany is “a division of wich, Shermer treated us to Enron”. Professing to “lie a slide show of other popu- for a living”, Maue has lar pareidolia; the reputed been designing and per- ‘Face on Mars’, Jesus in a forming theatrical séances gas nebula, the Jesus tooth since 1976. He cited a tab- filling and a two-storey loid headline, “Husband’s high apparition of the Vir- dead wife leaves message gin Mary on a building on his answering ma- façade in Florida. As for the Rick Maue and Francis Menotti chine”. Musing that this is crusty Virgin, Shermer obvious proof that it is concluded that the flirty, out-looking assured—provided, of course, we possible to communicate from the kewpie doll image doesn’t correspond reference only the above, and skip other side, Maue wondered that the with the standard representation of over the hundreds of other comic deceased didn’t have the good sense Mary, usually depicted as demurely books I have produced which fea- to call her husband when he was casting her gaze downwards. tured all manner of catastrophes, home! Maue notes that there are Shermer continued with popular large and small, which didn’t come to three categories of séances. lore, explaining the incidence of con- pass.” Shermer classified such 1. A séance where all the partici- firmation bias. He cited several claims as “predictions after the pants know the sitting is false; Beatles myths, namely the “Paul is event” and a phrase with which most dead” rumour and the backmasking of us are familiar, to “remember the 2. A séance where only the medium stories of hidden messages revealed hits and forget the misses”. knows the sitting is false; and by playing a record backwards. As 3. A séance where all the partici- our friend David Oates will attest, pants believe in the proceedings. backwards music or speech can often Maue concluded with the astute reveal word-like sounds. (Although observation that Hollywood-style Oates would maintain this is deliber- séances are created with the purpose ate rather than interpretation. I was to scare. Conversely, John Edward et once delighted to discover that, al, today’s TV equivalent of séances, played in reverse on a four-track, the are “safe, happy places for spirits”. fade-out of the Beach Boy’s innocent Margaret Downey founded the Wouldn’t it be Nice? sounds like Freethought Society of Greater “Beelzebub”!) Philadelphia and the Anti-Discrimi- Shermer relayed the contents of a nation Support Network but is bet- letter from comic book writer and ter known as the illustrator, John Byrne, to further Friggatriskaidekaphobia Nurse. In demonstrate cognitive bias. Known this incarnation, Nurse ministers to as the “Byrne Curse”, Byrne joked the superstitious and there’s good that his works ‘foretold’ a Japanese news — it’s a curable disease! Em- earthquake, a New York blackout ploying skeptical cognitive behav- and the Challenger tragedy. Most ioural therapy, Nurse challenges the ironically, a Wonder Woman comic credulous to confront their supersti- was published, bearing the title tions and immerse themselves in the “princess Diana dies” (Diana was irrational. Her patients are treated Wonder Woman’s real name). As by learning to limbo under ladders, Byrne states, “that issue went on open umbrellas indoors, to stab voo- sale on a Thursday. The following doo dolls and smash mirrors! Of Saturday… I don’t have to tell you, course, this operation is a non- do I?” Byrne finishes with: “My abil- prophet organisation. Interestingly, ity as a prognosticator would seem Friggatriskaidekaphobia Nurse Downey has had the most media
Page 8 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 success in her ventures by defining and I’ve trained myself to differenti- superstitions as discriminatory, eg, ate between notes, based on their labelling black cats as bad luck is weight. The larger the denomina- negative stereotyping. tion, the heavier the bill.” Impressive Magician and author, Andrew stuff… and the inquirer walks away Mayne, offered a practical guide to in amazement! The reality is much communicating skeptical thinking. more mundane, yet still clever. Mayne explained that skeptics When he goes to the bank, this fel- should “go with what we know” low asks the teller to bundle the when disseminating critical think- notes according to their value. To ing, citing Scientology survivor Dan distinguish each bundle, he has a Garvin, now an activist against formula for folding each set of notes. cults. Mayne advocates that we com- He then relies on the honesty of municate skepticism with honesty, cashiers so that he can continue to integrity and simplicity. He states organise his notes into bundles that relevance is important, for ex- based on value. ample, discussing alternative medi- Penn & Teller bounced onto the cine with seniors. As skeptics, we stage to present their unique blend should firstly decide, who needs the of magic, skepticism and violence. message? Then, how can we reach Randi became their victim as they these people? performed a trick upon him, leaving Acclaimed magician and promi- Jamy Ian Swiss him in handcuffs and chained to an nent Skeptic Jamy Ian Swiss noted the disclaimer, “I won’t always be anvil. A Q&A session followed, the parallels between magicians and accurate”. Unlike the psychics, the mostly focused on the duo’s televi- charlatans, classifying himself as magicians usually are! sion series Bullshit! Penn & Teller “honestly dishonest. Because we Off on a slight tangent, the coin- bemoaned the lack of skepticism on need sneaky guys to catch sneaky reading trick reminds me of a prank television and revealed that a cer- guys”. Swiss is skilled in replicating a visually impaired friend likes to tain media source demands ‘balance’ ‘paranormal’ abilities, defining a play on people. He constantly refutes (according to their biased stand- ‘psychic’ as “a performance artist the misconception that the remain- ards), therefore TV psychics should with an illegitimate purpose. Is a ing senses of a visually impaired be represented as “accurate at least psychic cheating or should we throw person are heightened, compensat- 20% of the time” (I inwardly mused out everything we’ve known since ing for the lacking sense. People that, without this help, psychics Galileo?” Swiss questioned why often ask him foolish questions such would be right 0% of the time). Penn ‘spoon bending’ should even be inter- as, “how can you shower?” or the told us of his realised prediction, preted as evidence of the paranor- most common, “how can you tell that John Edward would try to capi- mal. what money you have?” So he de- talise on the 9/11 tragedy by ‘contact- The magician proceeded with a vised an answer. Unlike our beauti- ing’ the victims. Thankfully, this brilliant display of mentalism and ful Aussie notes, US notes are of show never went ahead in the end. misdirection, explaining that we are equal dimension but are they of There was a hush when Teller spoke, easily fooled because we are “natu- equal weight? “Being blind, my sense quietly and articulately. He also con- rally magical thinkers”. Using only of touch is acute, extremely sensitive firmed that, yes, that’s his voice in ‘mental powers’, Swiss slid a ring the episode of The Simpsons! along the length of a pencil. He Penn gave us some inside info on placed a dice and coin in a sealed Bullshit! He quipped that the show box, shook it with ferocity, then ‘read’ is “fair and biased”. Despite the the facing number and coin side, countless insults hurled at them, the through the solid wooden lid! For his interviewees are never taken out of grand finale, Swiss tossed out ro- context! “We’re disgusted and ridi- mance novels to the audience, cho- cule them but we’re not distorting sen because “there isn’t the remotest them” explained Penn. When asked chance that anyone’s read them!” A about the public’s response to the few audience members were directed show, Penn relayed that they receive to select a page and single word. as much hate mail as fan mail. He Swiss proceeded to accurately ‘read’ then shared an anecdote. Following this back to the astonished audience! the airing of the Alternative Medi- I observed that, like psychics, Swiss cine episode, a chiropractic organisa- and other magicians constantly offer Teller speaks tion vowed to boycott both Penn &
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 9 TAM3 Report
Teller and Showtime. Amusingly, the astonishing exhibits in the hotel group sent 30 ticket holders to a Las foyer, demonstrating his many tricks Vegas P&T show to tell them this! to a crowd that flocked to him. Another time, a group of creationists Andrus proves that we can be de- threatened to sue the show, with the ceived by our perceptions. Visit ironic complaint: “you have exposed Andrus’ website at http:// our point of view for being wrong.” www.jerryandrus.org/. Enough said! That evening, the JREF Forum In closing, Penn revealed some of members retired to a suite at the the topics in the upcoming third se- Stardust for the intriguing-sounding ries of Bullshit! The episodes investi- “Chocolate Challenge”. This turned gate circumcision, politically correct Christopher Hitchens out to be an unempirical ‘test’ of speech on university campuses, hair various international choccies while loss, the moon landings, freedom, experience with religion is actually a the bulk of us were left as salivating figures such as Ghandi and Mother common one to which many can re- witnesses to the proceedings. Some- Theresa and “debunking ‘mother’s late. She urged us not to shy away thing foul was afoot as suspiciously, advice’, where we get kids to eat from but to engage in skeptical dis- the ‘winning’ chocolates disappeared! heaps of stuff then go for a swim. cussions, “they’re not as confronta- With so many magicians present, Then we get them to eat food off the tional as we might think”. Penn ar- there were many suspects. I posit ground”. gued a point that I made in the that gluttony and not sleight of hand August 2004 Australasian Science was at play. With the crooked Phil Panel discussion magazine, that, of skeptics, there are Plait as a tester, my money is on Journalist, author and political com- more of us than you might think and him! mentator, Christopher Hitchens, is from various sections of society. As probably as infamous for his de- Penn puts it, “they just don’t wanna Day 3 meanour as his views. Imagine him hang out with you!” On Saturday, as I trudged blearily sitting at an illustrious panel con- Another point was discussed through to the conference breakfast sisting of Randi, Shermer, Penn & which I have previously made, that at 7.30am, the punters were already Teller, Swiss and Sweeney, coolly even those who profess to be skepti- at their pokie stations. Joe Nickell chain-smoking while his co-panel- cal, have ‘soft spots’ for some par- commenced the day’s proceedings lists voiced silent protest only with anormal concepts. I illustrated this with an exciting seminar detailing their watering, blinking eyes. This with the Neuro-linguistic program- some of his exploits as CSICOP’s seminar was a verbal opinion piece mer who claimed to be “a skeptic” Chief Investigator. Nickell is a pro- and at times Hitchens wavered peril- while the panel cited various exam- lific writer on claims of the paranor- ously close between skeptic and ples; Randi told us of the patron who mal, having produced the definitive cynic. Among his anecdotes was a scoffs at UFOs but believes the “Ber- work Inquest on the Shroud of Turin, tale detailed in his essay ‘The Devil muda Triangle is scientifically various books of his investigations, and Mother Theresa’. At the request proven”. Sweeney told us of an audi- including Real Life X-Files, several of the Vatican, Hitchens testified ence member at her show who children’s books and, of course, his against Mother Teresa at the hear- sneered at the notion of heaven but numerous articles for The Skeptical ings on her beatification. “The vehemently believes in reincarna- Inquirer. Nickell claims to be the present Pope has abolished the office tion! Lastly, the panel spoke of those world’s only full-time, paid paranor- of ‘Devil’s Advocate’, so I was invited who promise to petition God on be- mal investigator and has conducted to represent Satan pro bono.” half of us heathens; “you’ll be in my countless high-profile explorations of During the panel, Hitchens best prayers”, “we’ll pray for you to reach the paranormal, including Oak Is- summarised the collective senti- Christ” and “you may not be inter- land’s Money Pit, the Peruvian ments of the room with the quips ested in Jesus but he’s interested in Nasca lines, the Amityville Horror, “this is not God’s work, nor Galileo’s” you!” Randi concluded the session Benny Hinn and the James Ossuary and “we have no bishops, we have no with an anecdote of a violent letter (touted as the mortuary box of Jesus’ martyrs”. He also advocated a “pre- he once received, replete with brother). emptive strike against pseudoscience threats, hellfire and brimstone, the He has engaged in many fascinat- and the paranormal”. Penn admitted author signing off with, “Yours in ing activities, including a covert in- he “defers to Christopher’s judge- Christ”. vestigation of the notorious spiritual- ment on all matters”. Then, through- Magician and inventor of optical ist institution Camp Chesterfield. He out the panel, Hitchens comically illusions Jerry Andrus deserves a made a reproduction of the Turin endorsed Penn’s statements. special mention at this point. Shroud using an image of Bing There were many pearls of wis- Throughout the conference, Andrus Crosby, known as the ‘Shroud of dom. Sweeney revealed that her tirelessly attended to a display of his Bing’, and has produced an ‘alien
Page 10 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 time line’, an iconography of depic- only existed as a typo. Dawkins de- tions of aliens over time. Nickell fined the paranormal as “something revealed a gun, purportedly once the that lies beyond the realm of science” property of Daniel Boone, to be a and gave the perpetual motion ma- fake and examined the ‘Jack the chine as an archetypal example. The Ripper diaries’ in Chicago, where the perinormal, peri- meaning ‘around’, “ink was barely dry”. A highlight of are those concepts that lay “beyond his successful career was exposing existing science in an area surround- John Edward red-handed in the act ing ‘normal’ as presently under- of a hot reading! Professional and stood”. Dawkins cited as an example, knowledgeable, Nickell always em- the idea of modern technology as it ploys scientific rationale and con- would have appeared to past centu- ducts his work with honesty and ries, mentioning Lord Kelvin fairness. (William Thomson) and his 1895 Fancying myself as somewhat of Richard Dawkins statement that “heavier-than-air an Aussie Nickell, I approached him flying machines are impossible”. and held several enjoyable conversa- Salinger-like figure at TAM3. The Dawkins reminded us that X-rays tions over the course of the conven- featured speaker of the meeting, he were once thought to be a hoax. He tion. He praised my use of the term appeared on-stage, presented a semi- spoke of future technologies as ‘investigate’ to describe our under- nar and was interviewed by Randi perinormal, the potential mobile takings, rather than the negative before making a silent exit, en route phones of tomorrow and Quantum ‘debunk’. Nickell was fondly reminis- as he was to the Galapagos Islands Computing. cent of his 2000 visit to Australia, for a research sabbatical. Dawkins discussed a range of which allowed him a glimpse into The conference hall was packed related topics, commenting that Antipodean legend; the ‘haunted’ out for his presentation. This was “SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Hyde Park Barracks, an unsuccess- the session that everyone eagerly Intelligence) is a respectable enter- ful ‘yowie’ search in the Blue Moun- awaited. Erudite, witty and intelli- prise. We might receive contact via tains and Campbelltown’s Fisher’s gent, Dawkins swiftly charmed the radio but there’s a low probability of ghost. In the footsteps of Houdini, room. Dawkins proposed the concept face-to-face contact”. He discussed Nickell made a memorable pilgrim- of the “perinormal” as opposed to the the theological implications of such age with magicians Peter Rogders paranormal. His claim of coining the contact, “we might regard them as and Kent Blackmore to attend the term was proven when an attendee Gods”. Dawkins notes that “magi- neglected Rookwood grave of spiritu- ‘googled’ perinormal and found it cians, ie conjurors, are neither par- alist William Davenport. Nickell has anormal nor perinormal” and their a great deal of respect and admira- acts “not outside science” although tion for our organisation and asked “some shake our confidence with to be made an honorary Aussie their cleverness. It can be tempting skeptic! The general consensus of to think, ‘this looks paranormal’. everyone I spoke with was that the Some are fraudulent, pretending to Australian Skeptics have an envi- be other than conjurors”. Astrology is able and cohesive organisation — “conceivably perinormal” but we unlike the dramas of the many US have “no positive reason to think groups! this anything other than nonsense and fraud”. Faith healing, “the lay- A toast to the unexpected ing on of hands, is neither paranor- There was an unexpected visitor to mal nor perinormal, it has a well- TAM3. Appropriately, during lunch, documented psychosomatic and we had a visit from the Virgin Mary placebo effect”. Cheese Toast, on loan from its owner, But where does religion fit in? on-line casino GoldenPalace.com Dawkins claims religion is both par- who paid US $28 000 for the ‘icon’. anormal and perinormal. Paranor- The former owner has since sold the mal facets include “the turning of “Virgin Mary Cheese Sandwich Offi- water into wine, creationism and cial Holy Pan”, a frypan, for a fur- intelligent design, which is creation- ther US $6000. ism in a cheap tuxedo, prayer and intervention and the notion of life Dawkins after death”. The perinormal is Richard Dawkins was an elusive, Joe Nickell and Virgin Toast “Einsteinian religion”, although
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 11 TAM3 Report
Dawkins explains that this is claims. Ploeg amused everyone mainly metaphorical and labelled with details of the Randi-Geller it as “sexed-up atheism”. trials and ‘finger-reader’ trial. He At one point, Dawkins’ told an anecdote where a San Powerpoint displayed Darwin’s Franciscan psychic charged a image on the British ten pound client $500 for designing a love note. He explained that he isn’t spell. This involved intertwining “usually given over to patriotism several pairs of underpants and but this is better than what’s on placing them under her pillow as your currency”, the room laugh- she slept at night. Surprisingly, ing/cringing in agreement at the this spell had no effect and the thought of the greenback’s con- client sued for a refund of the trasting “In God We Trust” motto. psychic’s fee. The defence con- And religion was on the agenda. sulted another psychic who in- Dawkins opined that religion has sisted that her colleague “had to the characteristics of a paranor- charge $500 or the client Banacheck mal concept and should therefore wouldn’t believe she could find a be tackled by skeptics. He ex- partner”. plained that some skeptical organi- Dawkins closed by showing a pho- Banacheck, billed as “the only sations choose not to examine reli- tograph of a group of four-year-olds, mentalist ever to fool scientists into gion as it is a subject that is each labelled according to the reli- believing that he possessed psychic guaranteed to “offend”. gion of their family. He spoke of the powers”, explains that his act em- Dawkins emphasised the impor- ridiculousness of imposing roles on ploys “verbal communication, psy- tance of the search for fact and urged children who are far too young to chology and perceptual manipula- that skeptics rethink this stance. He have developed personal religious tion”. People ask Banacheck, “do quoted Douglas Adams’ 1998 Cam- beliefs, “we wouldn’t label a four- your talents run in your family?” To bridge speech: year-old as an atheist, would we?” which he responds, “My uncle knew when he would die but that’s nothing If somebody votes for a party that More psychics and luck special. The judge told him!” you don’t agree with, you’re free to Banacheck reeled off jokes at light- argue about it as much as you like; Brenton ver Ploeg is an attorney who ening speed as he performed. Asking everybody will have an argument serves as corporate counsel for the the audience to write down their full but nobody feels aggrieved by it. If JREF and is a well-known lecturer name and a secret, significant fact somebody thinks taxes should go up and author on insurance bad faith about their lives, Banacheck put or down you are free to have an ar- John Edward to shame by detecting gument about it, but on the other some obscure information; an audi- hand if somebody says ‘I mustn’t ence member’s name and the cat move a light switch on a Saturday’, they had with an insurance policy you say, ‘Fine, I respect that’. The and a woman whose school friend odd thing is, even as I am saying had endured a great tragedy. that I am thinking ‘Is there an Or- Banacheck predicted a local tel- thodox Jew here who is going to be ephone number selected by an audi- offended by the fact that I just said ence member from a book of hun- that?’ but I wouldn’t have thought dreds of thousands of numbers. ‘Maybe there’s somebody from the Wearing a secure blindfold, he de- left wing or somebody from the right duced three, peculiar objects held wing or somebody who subscribes to above his head, one being a toy wom- this view or the other in economics’ bat! “Where do people in hell tell when I was making the other points. each other to go?” he mused, as he I just think ‘Fine, we have different bent forks and used ‘mental telepa- opinions’. But, the moment I say thy’ to ‘intuit’ an audience member’s something that has something to do dream. with somebody’s (I’m going to stick Psychologist and magician Dr my neck out here and say irrational) Richard Wiseman was up next. “Who beliefs, then we all become terribly is Wiseman?” asked a woman seated protective and terribly defensive and nearby. “He’s one of the guys who say ‘No, we don’t attack that; that’s turned up to see Jesus!” riposted a an irrational belief but no, we re- Brenton ver Ploeg passer-by, proving that all skeptics spect it’.
Page 12 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 think they are comedians. ing and child abuse. I came to Wiseman conducts scientific the conclusion that, at TAM3, research in unusual areas of every presenter is of plenary psychology, including the speaker quality. Statistics after psychology of luck, lying, the event revealed that women magic and the psychology comprised 30% of attendees. behind the belief in ghosts This is up on the first confer- and hauntings. This led to ence where over 90% were his work as an experimental male (Damn! Why didn’t I at- parapsychologist, testing tend then?). mediums and psychics. In On Sunday night I caught 1999, Wiseman created the live Penn & Teller perform- Séance, an off West-end ance at the Rio. Randi was in show in which audiences attendance as a special guest. experienced a reconstruction This is the ultimate magic of a Victorian séance. show for the skeptic or the Wiseman gave an ener- sadist. The duo performed getic and hilarious perform- tricks involving animal traps, ance, tricking us all with a fire eating, the infamous ‘magic series of optical illusions as bullet’ trick and ‘burning’ the he spoke of ‘luck and ration- US flag. Penn smashed some ality’. Wiseman has con- glass bottles then juggled the ducted tests with people who jagged bottles by their necks. report extraordinary good All was performed to the luck, those who consistently soundtrack of Penn’s boisterous win lotteries, etc, and those appeals for critical thinking. If who purport to be exception- not a skeptical magician, Penn ally unlucky. One subject would have been a splendid claimed to have a “jinxed and convincing television evan- car” that was involved in gelist! Then there was the gen- eight accidents over a fifty tle artistry of Teller’s graceful mile journey! Was the par- conjuring, as he produced gold- anormal afoot here? Appar- Phil Plait and Richard Wiseman— the Evil Twins of Skepticism fish from coins and pruned a ently not. However, single red rose by making inci- Wiseman found that there was a psychic Sylvia Browne and his vision sions upon the shadow it cast. “massive difference in their psychol- for the future of the JREF, “I hope I TAM should be an important date ogy”. Those who saw themselves as die at my desk. Then, I want some- on every skeptic’s calendar. I urge ‘lucky’ happened to consistently avail one to clean out my office, put a dif- every reader to make the trip. As I themselves of opportunities while ferent name on the door and con- left the meeting, I said goodbye to the habitually ‘unlucky’ consistently tinue!” Randi and told him “I’ll be back next failed to identify opportunities. On Saturday night I attended a year”. He laughed and replied, “So Wiseman then screened a short Theatrical Séance, hosted and per- will I!” clip of an interview he did with Date- formed by Rick Maue and Francis line’s Dennis Murphy, where he dis- Menotti. This was a cleverly-crafted, Note cussed this very phenomenon. To scripted performance and I was At the time of printing, the TAM4 illustrate this phenomenon at work, lucky enough to be invited to partici- dates have been finalised for 26-29th a poster was pinned to a board be- pate in the proceedings! Treated to January, 2006. The meeting is to be hind the pair, stating: ‘DENNIS! an evening of skilful magic and act- held at the same location and SPOT THIS TO WIN $1000!’ Despite ing, were we not candidly informed premises. The JREF promise excit- Wiseman’s exaggerated hints, poor that it was drama, some would have ing new events and changes. For Dennis overlooked this opportunity, left in belief. more info check www.randi.org. thereby proving himself to be one of With thanks to Dean Baird and Phil the unlucky ones! The last day Plait for some of the photographs. Sunday, the final day of TAM3, fea- Randi Q&A tured an informative series of schol- The penultimate day ended with a arly papers on a range of subjects, Randi Q&A session, where he spoke including teaching critical thinking, at length about his standoff with skeptical psychology and faith heal-
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 13 Investigation Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in the Elderly
Investigating a worrying This paper first appeared earlier reactions and drug interactions asso- this year in the peer reviewed ciated with CAM use is complicated trend among the aged Journal of Pharmacy Practice and by the fact that fewer than 50% of Research Volume 35, No 1, 2005. As older patients disclose CAM use to the issues raised by the paper are their doctor or pharmacist. This arti- very much in line with major con- cle is a guide for health professionals cerns of Australian Skeptics re- who wish to advise the elderly con- garding the use and promotion of sumer on the rational use of CAMs. complementary and alternative medicine, we sought and were Introduction granted the kind permission of the The elderly are often thought of as author and publishers of JPPR to unlikely consumers of complemen- reproduce it in its entirety. tary and alternative medicines (CAMs).1,2 However, recent surveys1- Abstract 13 have found that they are in fact Recent surveys suggest that the eld- more frequent users of CAMs than erly are more frequent users of com- younger people. Compared with plementary and alternative medi- about 50% in the general population, cines (CAMs) than the general 60 to 80% of elderly consumers have population, as up to 80% have re- declared use of at least one herbal or ported using at least one CAM on a nutritional medicine on a regular regular basis in the past year. Al- basis.14,15 In addition, the number of though many reasons are cited for remedies taken by the elderly is not their interest in CAMs, the elderly insignificant, ranging from four to commonly state that CAMs are not seven per day.9 used as ‘alternatives’, but rather as There are myriad reasons why the ‘supplements’ to compensate for as- elderly are attracted to using CAMs, pects perceived to be lacking in con- the commonest being that these rem- ventional care. High-level evidence edies are perceived as accessible, supports the use of some CAMs in safe and effective.16 Such percep- specific conditions. However, their tions, however, bypass the fact that use in the elderly presents signifi- CAMs, like any medicine, are capa- cant challenges to quality use of ble of causing adverse reactions and Geraldine Moses is the Senior Pharmacist, medicines as this population is al- drug interactions, and more so in an Education and Information Unit, Mater Health ready burdened by polypharmacy, older population already burdened Services, South Brisbane and runs the Adverse decreased functional reserve and by polypharmacy, chronic disease Medical Events Line web site. chronic disease. Preventing adverse and decreased functional reserve.
Page 14 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Consumers look to health profession- cans were higher users of chiroprac- ♦ Desire for autonomy over als for information and advice on the tic (42%), massage (20%), vitamins healthcare decision-making. risks and benefits of pursuing CAMs (20%), and dietary (17%) No single reason accounts for an for their health needs. Therefore, it modalities.13 individual’s decision to use CAMs. behoves health professionals to de- The burden of chronic disease has Indeed, any or all of the above rea- velop an appreciation of these medi- also been associated with more fre- sons may apply from day-to-day and cines and know what constitutes quent use of CAMs in the elderly. In remedy-to-remedy. In her review, rational use of CAMs in the elderly. a study of older persons with arthri- Barnes claimed that CAM use is tis, those who reported more severe based on the concept of health plu- Definitions disease or poorer health were more ralism, a term she says “refers to the likely to use CAM.3 In a study com- There is no internationally accepted fact that when people become ill, they paring the use of CAMs in individu- collective term to describe the group will take advantage of the many als with and without diabetes, those of products regulated in Australia as sources of health advice and treat- 16-19 aged over 65 years with diabetes CAMs. In general, CAM refers to ment available, which may include were 1.6 times more likely to be us- a wide range of health-related inter- family, friends, pharmacists, doctors, ing CAMs than those without diabe- ventions, including diagnostics, homeopaths, naturopaths and other tes.28 In surveys of cancer patients, therapies and medicines. Essentially, health professionals”.33 over 80% declared the use of CAMs CAMs are therapeutic remedies, Importantly, the majority of eld- in their treatment.29 such as herbal, homoeopathic, tradi- erly consumers do not use CAMs as tional or nutritional medicines, Reasons for use an alternative to conventional treat- which are usually available without ments, but as supplementation or prescription, and often supported by There are numerous reasons given compensation for aspects conven- limited evidence of efficacy. The term in the literature for why older con- tional treatment is perceived to lack. ‘complementary’ implies that the sumers access CAMs for their health In a qualitative analysis of self-care 16,20,21,29-34 remedy complements the patient’s needs. These include: decision-making, Thorne et al con- health needs, or is used together ♦ Disillusionment with clinical cluded “CAM use can be understood with conventional medical treat- medicine, which offers no firm an- not as a rejection of conventional ments. In contrast, the term ‘alter- swers and no cure. medicine or an unrealistic search for native medicines’ refers to remedies a cure, but as a critical component of used in substitution for conventional ♦ Dissatisfaction with conven- self-care management…. It repre- 16-18 treatments. Another term for tional practitioners—poor communi- sents personal responsibility for CAMs gaining popularity is natural cation, lack of empathy, limited time health, reframing the measures by health products, which avoids refer- and poor value for money. which therapeutics are evaluated ence to concomitant use (or not) of and how consumers adopt a prag- ♦ Desire for simplicity—CAMs conventional treatment yet denotes matic approach to living as well as are perceived as ‘simple’ being unac- the source, purpose and commercial possible in the context of a chronic 16,20,21 companied by complex directions, nature of the medicine. condition”.35 warnings, labels and blood tests. Cancer and palliative care pa- Predictors of use ♦ Perception that natural medi- tients frequently express the view Predictors of CAM use in the elderly cines are more ‘compatible with that they feel it is inadequate to rely are similar to those found in younger health’ and promote ‘optimum solely on conventional means of populations, particularly the female health’. treatment and CAMs provide an gender, higher education and higher opportunity “to ensure that every- income.1-9 In a multicultural society ♦ Ready access via Internet, thing that can be done is being like Australia, it is worthwhile recog- health food shops, free-call hotlines, done”.29,31,35 This then raises perhaps nising the influence that ethnicity mail-order, free home-delivery, the most contentious issue of CAM has on CAM use in the elderly.4,12,22-27 party-plan and multi-level market- use in Australia, which is whether Flaherty et al found that elderly ing. CAMs can live up to their claims. Japanese were more frequent users Under current regulatory require- ♦ Enticing advertising that en- of CAMs than elderly white Ameri- ments, the majority of CAMs are courages a trial of CAMs. cans, who were in turn more likely to regulated as so-called ‘listed’ medi- use CAMs than elderly African- ♦ Peer pressure—fashion, alter- cines, which are required by the 22 Americans. Najm et al found that native lifestyles and ‘keep fighting Therapeutic Goods Administration to elderly Hispanic Americans were the disease’. provide evidence of safety and qual- high users of dietary supplements ity before they can be legally mar- (56%), home remedies (25%), and ♦ Aim to postpone age-related keted in this country, but they do not traditional healers/’curanderos’ (8%), deterioration and mortality. have to prove they are effective.18 whereas elderly non-Hispanic Ameri-
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 15 CAM Use in Elderly
Infrequent disclosure medicinal alternatives considered as needed. Table 1. Most consumers believe that CAMs 1-5,30,37 Performing a review of complementary and are safe and express high satis- ♦ Appropriate—the most ap- alternative medicines faction with them, often higher than propriate medicine should be cho- with their conventional treat- sen, taking into account factors such 1,4,9,19,36 Inspect the product(s) ments. These attitudes con- as the condition being treated, the tribute to the problem that the eld- potential risks and benefits of treat- Where was it made? Is it registered erly are reluctant to declare CAM ment, dosage, length of treatment, for use in Australia? Formulation? use to their healthcare providers. and cost. Administration technique required? Studies have shown that between 55 ♦ Homeopathic-is it true homeopathy? to 62.4% of older adults do not dis- Safe—adverse events and How much did it cost? close CAM use to their doctor2,4-6,9,13,23 medication misuse, including over- and they have cited a perception use and under-use, should be mini- Identify all the remedies being used. that physicians lack knowledge mised. AUST L/R of products. All the brand about CAMs, are prejudiced against ♦ Efficacious—the medicine names. All ingredients. Dose and their use, will attempt to discourage duration of treatment them, and that “it is none of the doc- must achieve the goals of therapy by tor’s business” as to why they keep delivering beneficial changes in Quantify the benefit CAM use to themselves.16,19-21,31,33,34 actual health outcomes. Indeed, a study of elderly consumers Performing a comprehensive What is the therapeutic purpose? Is in rural USA showed that 83% of medication review can promote the it real? Outcome-based benefit (not those using CAMs or alternative QUM of CAMs in the elderly (Table just ‘good for you’). Level of support- therapies did not tell their physician 1). The main difference between a ive evidence? Critique the advertis- and only 2% asked their physicians conventional medication review and ing. If the therapeutic purpose is questions about CAMs. But it works one involving CAMs is that the prod- meaningless or unrealistic, consider both ways, as physicians in this ucts may be unfamiliar to the clini- making sure the patient is aware of study only asked their patients cian and they generally contain mul- that, ie informed consent about CAMs in 3.4% of encounters.24 tiple medicines. However, there is no Several studies have shown that excuse for CAMs to remain unfamil- Quantify the risks iar now that most are described in pharmacists, doctors and nurses are Adverse reactions: What potential readily available, up-to-date, peer- unfamiliar with CAMs and therefore for intrinsic and extrinsic adverse 16,31 reviewed textbooks and web sites reluctant to confront their use. It effects? Interactions: Adding in a (Table 2) and a wealth of primary is important for health professionals new drug or drugs increases the risk research is available. The ingredi- to overcome the breakdown of com- of drug-drug, drug-disease and ents of most CAM products should munication in this area and, realis- drug-lab test interactions. Expense: be identifiable as Australian regula- ing that consumers are unlikely to Is the outlay in terms of money and tions mandate that all therapeutic volunteer the details, systematically time affordable to the patient? Dis- goods, including CAMs, be registered and non-judgementally ask older appointment: Sometimes a failed or listed before marketing in Aus- patients about their CAM use, and to experiment can have devastating tralia. Part of this process requires take such use into account when effects on the patient’s level of hope all ingredients to be declared on providing pharmaceutical care. for future treatment success. Assess packaging as well as in their formal whether the disappointment from Reviews of CAMs in the elderly submission to the Therapeutic Goods failure is too great a chance to take. Administration. It is recognised, The widespread and increasing use Delay in effective treatment and however, that CAMs such as tradi- of CAMs in the elderly presents chal- disease progression: Some disease tional remedies, extemporaneous lenges for health professionals inter- states are more amenable to treat- herbals and imported products may ested in the quality use of medicines ment at specific stages of progres- be less overt about their ingredients, (QUM). Australia has an established sion. Avoid wasting precious time if in which case the pharmacist can and well-accepted national policy on the most efficacious treatments can 38 seek further information direct from the QUM, which can readily be only be used at this point in time. applied to CAM use as it is built the manufacturer/practitioner, con- sult a drug information centre for upon the following principles of Risk versus benefit medicine use: specialist advice or ensure the con- ♦ sumer takes full responsibility for Compare the potential benefit posed Judicious—whether pre- the consequences of using a remedy by the remedy with the potential scribed, recommended and/ or self- with unquantifiable benefits and harm, and with the patient, decide selected, medicines should only be risks. whether using the product should used when appropriate and non- proceed.
Page 16 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Table 2. focus on positive studies and omit negative findings. Web sites for ex- Useful resources on complementary and alternative medicines. ample, such as: www.tinnitusformula.com/qtimes2004/ Web sites/Comments 02/holsurvey.aspx advocating the use of ginkgo biloba for tinnitus, often fail to cite The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 17 CAM Use in Elderly
tion reports to CAMs have been associated with CAMs.42 Table 3. therapies in the pre- The eight Hepler and Strand Indications for which high level evidence supports the efficacy of ceding two years.41 As drug-related problem types43 are a complementary and alternative medicines 39,40,50 a result they issued useful tool for classifying CAM-re- new guidelines on lated problems in the elderly. In ad- Indications Plant No. RCTs safe and appropriate dition, there is a range of indirect showing use of complementary harms that can ensue from CAMs, efficacy medicines in an at- which should be explained to con- Benign prostate Serenoa repens 21 tempt to temper over- sumers. These include their cost in hypertrophy (Saw palmetto) enthusiastic uptake, terms of money and time, with- Pygenum africanum 18 especially in develop- drawal or delay of more effective (African plum) ing countries. WHO treatment, and disappointment/loss 44 Anxiety Piper methysticum 7 has also advocated of hope if the CAM is ineffective. the creation of AE (Kava) Polypharmacy Chronic venous Aesculus hippocantum 13 reporting systems for consumers in order to insufficiency (Horse chestnut) A critical issue in the elderly is that better capture AEs CAM use exacerbates polypharmacy, Rheumatoid arthritis Various herbal 11 associated with self- which is a risk factor for drug inter- pain relief remedies medication. The Ad- actions, medication errors and hospi- Osteoarthritis Various herbal 5 verse Medicine Event talisation.9 This is especially rel- remedies Line was established evant as most CAM products contain Migraine prevention Tanacetum parthenium 4 in Australia in Octo- multiple medicines and older con- (Feverfew) ber 2003 and a sub- sumers tend to take multiple prod- Hypercholesterolaemia Cynara scolyus 2 stantial percentage of ucts. Canter and Ernst recently dem- (artichoke) consumer reports onstrated this in a survey of 271 Depression Hypericum perforatum 27 (St John’s Wort)
Table 4. compounding, including adulteration and contamination. For example, the Selected complementary and alternative medicines and their cytochrome association between l-tryptophan 450/P-glycoprotein (PGP) influences39, 51 and eosinophilic myalgia syndrome Substrates Inhibitors Inducers was most likely caused by a contami- of of of nant from the manufacturing proc- ess.39 Caffeine (eg, in guarana) 1A2, 3A4 1A2 - In order to make a rational as- Cranberry juice - 2C9* - sessment of CAM safety in a particu- Echinacea (purpurea root) - 1A2, 2C9, 3A4 Intestinal 3A lar patient, it is best to consult high- Estradiol 1A2, 3A4 1A2 - quality CAM resources for up-to-date Ethanol 2E1 - 2E1 information on possible toxicity is- Fish Oil - 3A4 (in vitro) - sues (Table 1). Clearly, the patient’s Garlic - 2E1 2C9,* - age, genetic constitution, nutritional 2C19,* PGP* state, concomitant diseases and con- Gingko biloba - 2E1 1A2,* 3A* current medication need to also be Ginseng - 3A* - taken into account. Unfortunately, Goldenseal - 3A4 (in vitro) - AEs associated with CAMs are not Grapefruit - 3A4,5,7, PGP - as well documented as they should Liquorice - 2B6, 2C9, 3A - be, as consumers and health profes- Marijuana (THC) - - 1A2 sionals have generally been unaware Progesterone 2C19, 3A4 PGP - of their responsibility to participate Quercetin - 2C8 - in CAM pharmacovigilance. How- Smoking/tobacco - - 1A2 ever, this may be changing. St John’s Wort - PGP (acute use) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, In May 2004, the World Health 3A, PGP (chronic use) Organisation (WHO) issued a press Testosterone 3A4,5,7 PGP - release to alert health professionals Valerian - 3A4 (in vitro) - of an alarming rise in adverse reac- Watercress - 2E1 - *Preliminary data
Page 18 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 CAM Use
British seniors, who admitted Dosage adjustment and Table 5. regularly using a mean of 5.91 monitoring (range: 4-7) herbal and nutri- Therapeutic monitoring guidelines for some complementary Alteration of CAM dosage to tional supplements.9 One man and alternative medicines (CAMs)52 reported using 20 herbal medi- account for age-related decline in renal function can rarely be cines but the remainder used 7 CAM 1.2.3.4.5 or fewer, and the group as a pursued in complementary whole used a mean of 2.26 pre- medicine, as the relevant Alfalfa XX pharmacokinetic properties of scription drugs. Interestingly, Aloe X they found no statistically sig- most remedies are unidenti- Angelica X fied. However, Fetrow and nificant correlation between the Bee Pollen X number of CAMs and the Borage X Avila have provided therapeu- number of prescription drugs Cascara X tic monitoring guidelines with taken. In a Canadian survey of Cat’s Claw X some commonly used CAMs 52 193 older adults with cognitive Celandine X (Table 5). Clearly, this is an impairment, 15% used at least Chaparral X area that is largely unexplored, Chondroitin X X one herbal remedy, 13.8% used so careful monitoring of the Comfrey X patient, together with a good two and 44.8% used three or Damiana X more.16 knowledge of pharmacology Dandelion X and pharmacokinetics, will Dong Quai X alert the clinician where drug Drug interactions Fenugreek XX dosage alteration is required. As the number of medicines Fish Oils X Adverse effects observed increases, so too does the risk of Garlic X X* should be communicated to drug interactions. A Canadian Ginger X Ginkgo biloba X ADRAC or in the medical lit- study of older adults attending Ginseng X erature. a memory clinic found that al- Glucomannan X most one third of patients were Goldenseal X Conclusion at risk of a herb-drug interac- Gotu Kola X The extensive use of CAMs in tion45 and in their UK-based Guggul X study, Smith et al found that Hesperidin X the elderly makes it imperative 19.2% of patients on warfarin Horse chestnut X X for health professionals to have were taking at least one CAM Irish moss X a working knowledge of the that may interact with it.46 In Kava X relevant issues associated with geriatric patients, CAMs with Kelp X their use. CAM use exacerbates Licorice X the risks of polypharmacy such anticoagulant properties such Meadowsweet X as ginkgo, garlic and fish oils as interactions and adverse Milk thistle X reactions, but given that some should be closely monitored Mistletoe X remedies are efficacious, the given the likelihood of co-ad- Olive Leaf X ministration with drugs such as Pau D’Arco X decision to trial an unproven warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel or Red clover X remedy is an exercise in as- heparin. In the hospital envi- Royal Jelly X sessing the risks and benefits. Schisandra X ronment, an important concern References is the interaction between Shark cartilage X Skullcap X CAMs and perioperative medi- 1. McKenzie J, Keller HH. Vita- Turmeric X min-mineral supplementation and cines such as muscle relaxants, Valerian X use of herbal preparations among narcotic analgesia and anaes- Walnut X community-living older adults. Can thetics.48,49 Willow XXX J Pub Hlth 2001; 92: 286-90. Evidence suggests that iden- Wormwood X tification of CAM-drug interac- Yerba mate XX 2. Foster DF, Phillips RS, Hamel tions in older persons are Yew X MB, Eisenberg DM. Alternative medicine use in older americans. J 49 Yohimbe X grossly under-recognised. Am Geriatri Soc 2000; 48: 1560-5. However, many drug interac- *Only high dose garlic > 4 g/day. 3. Kaboli PJ. Use of complemen- tions with CAMs can be pre- tary and alternative medicine by dicted and avoided with knowl- Legend older patients with arthritis: a edge of how CAMs influence the population based study. Arthritis 1. Full blood count; 2. Liver function tests; cytochrome P450 and P-glyco- Rheum 2001; 45: 398-403 protein systems (Table 4). 3. Urea and electrolytes; 4. Coagulation; 4. Flaherty JH, Takahashi R. The 5. Blood glucose level. use of complementary and alterna-
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 19 CAM Use in Elderly
tive medical therapies among older per- 18. Therapeutic Goods Administration. 31. Tasaki K. Communication between sons around the world. Clin Geriatr Med Medicines definitions-complementary physicians and cancer patients about 2004; 20: 179-200. medicines. Available from complementary and alternative medicine: 5. Cohen RJ, Kirsten EK, Pan CX. Com-
Page 20 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 73-4. 45. Lee MSW, Dergal J, Gold J, et al Use of herbals and potential interactions between herbals and conventional drug Invitation to Readers therapy in older adults attending a memory clinic. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2001; 10: S145. 46. Smith L, Ernst E, Ewings P, Myers P, Smith C. Co-ingestion of herbal medicines and warfarin. Br J Gen Pract 2004; 54: 439-41. 47. Grymonpre RE, McKechnie M, Briggs C. Community pharmacists’ iden- tification of natural health product/drug interactions in older persons. Int J Pharm Pract 2003; 11: 217-23. 48. Haynes LC, Martin JH, Endres D. Use of non-traditional therapies-implica- tions for older adults. AORN J 2003; 77: 913-22. 49. Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan CS, Herbal medicines and perioperative care. JAMA 2001; 286: 208-16. 50. Ernst E. Complementary medicine pharmacist? Pharm J 2004; 273: 197-8. 51. Osterheld J, Osser DN, Sandson NB. Mental health connections CYP450, PGP and UGT drug interactions. Available from
Geraldine Moses invites readers to contribute to Author Contact details AMEL if they have had any adverse events.
Geraldine Moses, BPharm, PostGradDipClinPharm, www.mater.org.au/ame/ DClinPharm candidate Senior Pharmacist, Education and Information Unit The aim of the AME Line is to document reports of Mater Health Services adverse drug reactions directly from consumers, South Brisbane, Queensland without their having to go through their health Address for correspondence: professionals. Geraldine Moses, We triage reports according to strict criteria and Education and Information Unit, send those that are appropriate to ADRAC at the Mater Health Services, TGA. During our piloting phase (2000-2002) ap- South Brisbane Qld 4101, Australia proximately 13% of ADR reports related to natural E-mail: health products. These days its more like 6%, but [email protected] the reduction is better than nothing!
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 21 Feature Preaching to the Un-converted
Our rallying cry should shout: Astrology? You’d have to be an idiot to I went to the World Skeptics Con- believe that crap. And psychics? They gress in Italy, late in 2004 and un- “Be Positive — Be a Skeptic” are all just frauds.They just fish for derwent a revelation. I firmly believe stuff from the gullible fools who visit that we in Australia have the basis them. John Edward is just a bull*** for leading the world in a new revo- artist. UFOs? Humbug. How often do lution in skepticism we have to tell them it’s just lights in In most of the countries repre- the sky. Total nutters — the lot of them. sented at the World Congress, reli- Alt med is just a rip-off where the li- gion is embedded in life and in edu- ars take money from those too stupid cation. Schools are teaching kids to to know any better. Spontaneous hu- accept things on faith. Don’t ques- man combustion? That old turkey. tion. In talking to people from a huge Surely you don’t believe in that? range of countries I concluded that because Australia legislates that Hey, I’m a skeptic. Why don’t you join religion is not part of education, that us and you can be like me! we are far better off than most. The There is a reason the other side way the Australian culture also dif- get better press than us! And here I ferentiates religion from daily life in will hit my mantra: we need to be the typical home is very much to our enthusiastic and positive if we have advantage. So many children in this a message to sell to the un-con- world are taught not to question. verted. Australia is one of the few countries, They have argued in beliefs with it seems, where children have the emotions and we argue them out right to ask questions and where the with reason. Why shouldn’t we use Church does not dominate the an- emotions as well? Let’s grab the swers. moral high ground. I love the view In a heated debate over one lunch, from up here! all, with the exception of one Ameri- Before I start preaching as the can and me, were convinced ‘skeptic’ born-again skeptic, I want you to is such a negative word we should answer a few questions. Quickly. never use it. But no-one had an al- Asked this in the street by a ternative. I have found very little stranger, what would you answer? negative response when I have been What is a skeptic? dealing with the media or lecturing Lynne Kelly has taught science for 30 years on skepticism. All it takes is for me and is the successful author of a number of What is skepticism? to deliver a positive definition up books, including The Skeptics Guide to the Who are the believers? front, and the rest is easy. Paranormal (available from the Skeptics on- Why does the new age guru’s stuff line shop). Is skepticism a lost cause? If so, why?
Page 22 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 sell so well? Because it is positive would like to put forward alternative with someone sitting there offering and uplifting. Now look at your own explanations. nothing back. definitions of a skeptic. And skepti- Are they gullible fools? No. I don’t Fishing for information is used in cism. And the believers. Is it positive know the difference between ‘gulli- longer readings once you are past uplifting stuff? Does it make a state- ble’ and ‘trusting’ and I am trusting. the initial stages, but it is only a ment that means people would want So I am gullible. That makes me part of the arsenal of a cold reader. to be like you? vulnerable. I don’t mind admitting In fact, if you fish too early, you will We are seen as negative and cold that. Let he who has never been be told things which ruin your best and miserable by some. I put my fooled throw the first bent spoon. lines. An example: worldview forward in a single para- Trusting = gullible = vulnerable. I I am getting the strong feeling your graph of The Skeptic’s Guide to the don’t want to be vulnerable, so I rely main occupation involves communi- Paranormal: on skepticism to protect me. A posi- cation, but it isn’t as simple as that tive! Some believers accuse us skeptics of with you, is it? [Don’t wait for an Fools? I have been cold reading having nothing left but a dull, cold, answer. That is a statement. You’re now for three years and done hun- scientific world. I am left with only art, psychic. You already know you are dreds of readings. As a cold reader, I music, literature, theatre, the magnifi- right. You go straight on]Most peo- depend on our sitters making the cence of nature, mathematics, the hu- ple really have to use their commu- links, connections and giving mean- man spirit, sex, the cosmos, friendship, nication skills to the max and lots ing to my specific sounding, general history, science, imagination, dreams, have to push themselves to say what statements. Without exception, the oceans, mountains, love and the won- they think, but you are being held smarter people are much faster at der of birth. That’ll do me. back. I really feel you have more making links and finding the mean- When promoting the book, some skills than are being allowed for and ings and patterns and then helping things worked really well and you actually feel restrained in letting me to build on them. Without an quickly in interviews, lectures and forth and really running with those understanding of cold reading, it is school talks. I want to present those unique ideas of yours, don’t you? understandable that this significant now in the hope some of you may [You may now get a response, but correlation is taken as having valid- find them useful when talking to the you don’t need one.] ity. Many skeptics have never had a un-converted. reading and don’t realise how easily You have told them they are dif- Preach mode is now firmly ON. we can be drawn in. ferent, when in fact you are telling Definitions of skepticism As psychics and cold reading are them they are really the same as key topics, there are some simple most people. If you had been told the First — let’s make sure we believe tools you can use for talking about person’s job or dream or studies in rather than we disbelieve. this without giving offence to some- advance — which is what people What is skepticism? It is a belief one who is undecided on their belief. always tell you because that is their that reality is awesome. And reality personal identification — then you is so fascinating it doesn’t need em- Definitions of Cold Reading cannot claim this communication bit. bellishment with things which aren’t Cold reading is telling people It will be obvious. real. We skeptics want to believe in things about them you couldn’t pos- Most tarot and astrology readers I what’s real. Who needs the paranor- sibly know, when you don’t. Skeptics have met have not been frauds. They mal when we’ve got so much more to get their explanations of this wrong have been using the same methods find out about the normal? Skepti- with embarrassing regularity. as me, but without crediting the cism is a protection against being It is not fishing for information. method and their own intuition. exploited financially — but even Psychics like to define cold reading They give credit to the charts and more importantly — emotionally. that way because it really suits cards. I take it for myself. So what is a skeptic? Someone them. They then show that they So what is cold reading? Cold who believes reality is awesome. don’t ask questions and go fishing. reading is telling people what ap- Someone who believes that scientific Britain’s Psychic Barber, Gordon plies to most in their demographic method is the best chance of know- Smith, draws on that false definition (age and gender) and making it ing what’s real. Someone who wants in his promotional material, and sound very specific to the individual. to believe in what’s real. Someone that was thrown at me a few times Then you enter into a sensitive feed- who loves life in the real world. when he was here. He doesn’t ask back system, to get the response: Who are the believers? They are any question of his sitters. Neither ‘She told me things she couldn’t pos- people who believe, and usually for does an astrologer preparing a chart. sibly know!’ when you really didn’t very good reasons. It is the way they Neither does a tarot reader giving a know much at all. have interpreted the information simple reading. Neither do I in a Knowing about people in advance available to them. We don’t always short reading or when confronted is hot reading. It is harder than cold agree with that interpretation. So we
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 23 Preaching reading to make convincing unless nodded and the audience would have the cold reading example. Only if you have really been sneaky in get- seen a secret nodding. Whatever still questioned do I start on the ting the information. happened, I would get a hit general explanation. General definitions don’t tend to This time I got the jackpot. Given be very convincing. I have found the editing suite which assists John UFOs and Tic Tacs quoting the following scenario con- Edward so much, this would have I carry a few little amusing things veys a convincing example. This stayed in! with me which allow me to make the happened at the Psychology Teach- Of course, most of the men and skeptical point without criticising ers’ Conference in Melbourne. A some of the women had never heard anyone. (John Edward is fair game, group of people were watching. And of endometriosis, which is what but most believers are genuine in it is fair dinkum. You can trust me. makes it so exotic and convincing. It their belief and are not fair targets I’m a skeptic is a female only disease, which is for ridicule. I believe our role is one now becoming commonly diagnosed of education and enlightenment. A Cold Reading example or tested for, but not talked about good teacher does not ridicule a stu- I am reading a woman in her much. Perfect for us cold readers. dent who does not know something early twenties. Having made some I have now used the naming of they have never been taught.) general comments from the reading endometriosis in quite a few read- A tic tac works well for a simple of the masks which form the initial ings with great success. And had explanation of some UFO sightings. stages of Tauromancy, my own divi- tears a number of times with that Many are total internal reflections nation system, I announced that the revelation. Unlike those on the lower off inversion layers or the upper at- sitter had endometriosis. She de- moral ground, I always stop a read- mosphere. Make that spiel and you clared to all present that ‘there is no ing if I hit gold, and explain exactly have lost your audience to boredom. way she could have know that! No- what I have done. We skeptics don’t Here’s the alternative. one except my husband and doctor exploit. Take out a tic tac, or other small knows. No-one.’ Gasps from the lolly which won’t dissolve fast. Place crowd (who all now know). I had my John Edward it in a clear glass with a little bit of major hit. How did I do it? Let’s take the opportunity to make water. Viewed from underneath at I had mentioned that she had our grab at the moral high ground an angle of around thirty degrees some long term hopes and this in- now. John Edward. You knew I’d from the horizontal, you will be able cluded children. (Good chance with come back to him, didn’t you? He’s to see the reflection of the lolly on someone in early twenties.) She the guy who helps people find resolu- the underside of the surface of the looked a bit reserved but sort of tion and brings comfort from their water. Try it! agreed. I changed topic. A few side- dearly departed, isn’t he? Show people that. Then liken the tracks, then to the mask of ill-health. Let’s just read his disclaimer water to the atmosphere. Or to cold I said there were health issues. This which flashes up for a few brief sec- air trapped near the earth in a inver- got a fast reaction. Just a look. Fast onds at the end of his TV show. sion layer. A bright light, say the means close to her. She didn’t need ‘…for entertainment purposes reflection of the setting sun from a to search into the wider database of only’. This guy makes people in the lake, Venus close to the horizon, any family and friends. raw stage of grieving cry for the bright light can reflect like that back So I went for it. I said: Endome- cameras and international distribu- to earth. Move your head and the triosis. She reacted loud and clear. tion ‘…for entertainment purposes image will move. It will distort with Note, I did not actually say she only’! the slight movement of the water. had endometriosis. If she didn’t have Jesus! This can be extrapolated to a bright it, and my guess about her reserva- Sorry, but we would never do that. light in a clear sky, which can’t be tion about children was right, then We hereby claim the moral high detected by radar. she has probably been tested for it. If ground. No skeptic will do tear-rid- Over the dinner table, your audi- she doesn’t have it, or ever been den readings for grieving people in a ence have seen it themselves, and tested, then she probably knows public arena even though we know no-one was called a fool. If the con- someone who has. I had just said the we could do it. We would sure get versation persists, the other common name of the disease and health is- good media coverage. We would explanations can be introduced. sues, so I run with the friend / rela- never do that because we could not tive and how she is probably not exploit their grief ‘…for entertain- Spontaneous Human Combustion aware how much her support has ment purposes only’. It is simply If you want to get a bit more com- been valued. Had I still missed, I immoral. plex, then a simple spontaneous would have leant forward and whis- I have found that comment gets a human combustion demonstration pered that I think she should have far stronger reaction than trying to works well. Again it is a topic which that checked with her doctor. I would explain cold reading as the first step. fascinates, but causes little offence. have nodded and she would have Then, if they ask further I go into A small candle wrapped in gauze
Page 24 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 acts as a model human Sign of the Zodiac Official Dates Current dates dressed in clothes. Cut off the wick. If you get really Aries the Ram 21 March 20 April 19 April 13 May keen on this, you can get Taurus the Bull 21 April 20 May 14 May 19 June little blood red candles made with no wick. The Gemini the Twins 21 May 21 June 20 June 21 July red wax dripping on white Cancer the Crab 22 June 23 July 21 July 9 August gauze can be most gory! Using a small amount of Leo the Lion 24 July 23 August 10 August 15 September perfume on the gauze, Virgo the Virgin 24 August 23 September 16 September 30 October light the ‘candle’ on the outside. Leave it burn. Libra the Scales 24 September 23 October 31 October 22 November Spontaneous human Scorpio the Scorpion 24 October 22 November 23 November 29 combustion is a real event. November The human combustion bit Ophiuchus the Serpent Who? 30 November 17 is genuine and does hap- Holder December pen. The spontaneous bit does not. The body is com- Sagittarius the Archer 23 November 22 December 18 December 18 January pletely consumed, includ- Capricorn the Goat 23 December 20 January 19 January 15 February ing the bones. In a crema- torium, the bones are not Aquarius the Water Carrier 21 January 19 February 16 February 11 March consumed. But extremi- Pisces the Fish 20 February 20 March 12 March 18 April ties—an arm, the leg with shoes—is left untouched. The surrounds may be a little melted, but they are not burnt. cific times all need to be taken into And the explanation is burning away Astrology — the right signs account. So they are agreeing the on the table in front of you. Trying to explain why astrology is star sign doesn’t mean much. To Just like a case in France where generalised and all that stuff, is which you agree. It is very hard to murderers used Chanel No 5, to act hard. By far the thing in my whole make a case for astrology when the as the accelerant to destroy the body. book which attracts the most atten- star sign of the individual has no Well, they would in France, wouldn’t tion is the table, which came via the real significance. It’s main attraction they? You can use cheap junk. It Skeptic from Sir Jim R Wallaby, is now lost. burns just as well. waaaay back. The clothes act as the wick, ab- A quick mention that everyone is Skeptic’s Alternative Medicine sorbing the body fat (wax) to feed the probably looking up the wrong sign, Drug company* profits are high flame. The wick does not burn until which is why their tall, dark enough. ‘Health food shops’ sell very all the wax has gone. The clothes stranger never did appear, gets a little food or health. They sell lots of char, but do not burn until all the laugh and the immediate question: drugs. Drugs are chemicals in bottles body fat has gone. This includes the what is my correct sign? which cause some change to the bone marrow. It is small, intense Drag out the table. I keep a copy body. Even if we feel many are to- flame which lasts about five to seven with me. tally inert, they are chemicals in hours. pills. The candle on the table models Why? A simplified answer: The health food shop is the one exactly this. You will see the ‘clothes’ The sign of the zodiac is the constel- with the bananas out the front. As char but not burn as they continue to lation in which the sun rose at the most of the people who seek out al- absorb the ‘body fat’ and sustain the time of our birth. But the earth’s ternative remedies are the walking flame. The legs and arms, without axis wobbles. The earth rotates on well, we can offer them a better deal. the clothing to act as wick, also lack its axis, but that axis isn’t fixed in For free! the body fat to sustain the flame. So space. Over the last 2000 years, the they are not consumed unless next to wobble has meant that all signs have the body. moved about 30 degrees in the sky. If I have been astounded how many you want to get technical, look up * ’Drug Company’ is a dirty two- people have confessed to worrying ‘precession of the equinoxes’. word. Pointing out that about spontaneously bursting into An astrologer will immediately Blackmores is a highly profitable flames. They won’t. If someone who claim this is simplified (to which you drug company just like all the rest, is conscious starts to burn like this, agree) and that the planets and spe- and we have made the point. they will just put out the flame.
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 25 Preaching
Most people would be very well ter, Genette Tate, had been missing we do because we want to protect served by following the medical ad- for weeks tells what it felt like. John people like John Tait from such cruel vice: Tait said: exploitation. Each day, take a walk to the fruit But the promises of the psychics Conclusion shop. were all lies. They raised false hopes in us. At times we really believed we I have presented only a few ideas Buy some fresh fruit and vegetables were onto something… But always, here and would be delighted if a when it came to the crunch, the so- flood of letters to the Skeptic sug- Walk home. called leads and ideas led absolutely gested more. no-where but into a pit of I get accused of only tackling the Consume purchases. despair.…They were very strong easy topics. Guilty as charged. It’s all characters who were not afraid to I’m qualified to do. My background is And we have genuine scientific in science. It is science I am defend- research results to back our claims. assert themselves. They rode rough- shod over our feelings—which were ing and I stick to the topics where I in a desperate state already. feel I can draw on solid science. Psychic detectives; we take the moral That’s what makes me feel strong Over 2000 pieces of information and enthusiastic and an emotional high ground. from psychics and clairvoyants were high infiltrates the preaching. I can As soon as a positive upbeat skeptic presented to police in this case, and only preach my way! gets the chance, we should stake out they followed up on every one of If nothing else, I beg you to take another claim on the moral high them. Twenty five years later, police the positive definitions. We skeptics ground. Psychic detectives give us have finally identified who they believe in things: reality is awesome! just that chance. think killed her. None of the psychics People do not want to join a group Explaining the failure rate is all helped at all. What might have hap- they consider to be full of cold, ra- very well, but leaves us being ra- pened if so much police time hadn’t tional beings who ridicule those they tional in the most irrational of cir- been wasted in the weeks following consider less intelligent than them- cumstances. Someone’s child is miss- her disappearance? And more impor- selves. ing. They don’t know what has tantly, who can ever justify such In Australia we have a chance to happened. Anything could be hap- cruelty to her parents? show the rest of the skeptical world pening and the police have no leads. Using the names in a real case that we can take a positive role. We A psychic sees something. Would you makes it more human. Statistics of can be role models. We can show the follow up? I would. Anyone in that five thousand cases do not have the world that being a skeptic is fun and situation is at the most vulnerable a impact of the image of one young girl uplifting and people would like to be person could be. gone missing and never found, and one of us. So let’s hear from someone who one grieving father. has been there. The words of a fa- We skeptics take the moral high ther whose thirteen year old daugh- ground. We feel strongly about what Corrections
In the last issue (25:1) we carried an Our sincerest apologies to Laurie excellent article, “Psychics Dealt who, in his own right, is not easy to Out”, with a grovelling note confess- overlook, especially given that he, as ing that we had carelessly mislaid his likeness at left will attest, could the name of the author and with an easily pass “in the dark with the appeal to him/her to both identify light behind him”, as a close relative him/herself and to forgive us for our of the Editor (though, arguably, not treapasses against his/her identity. given to penning such complex sen- We are delighted to say that we tences as this one). have now been informed that the The final Letter, in 25:4 “After the article was written by Laurie Eddie, Conference” was from John August, a psychologist and the Prime Mover whose name we unaccountably oblit- of the SA Skeptics. erated from the final result.
Page 26 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Article My Magnetic Personality:
Genesis of the Jelly Bean Lady
I’m lying on a luxuriously soft bed lery and Jellybean Detoxification Taking on quacks at their wearing a see-through apron. The Pads, each showing a sample of the own game lights are on, the camera is rolling. products complete with ribbon and It seems that I have prepared for gauze with a single centred wired-in this moment all my life. I’m going to jellybean. At the far right of the ta- be a film star. I can see them hand- ble is a glass Irish coffee mug with ing me an Oscar. Nicole Kidman, eat jellybeans stabbed on the end of ke- your heart out. bab sticks marked ‘Herbal Tea’. Be- Well that’s one way to start this side me is a large open jar of jelly- story. Here’s another. beans with a label I’m sitting at a table nerves PLACEBO PILLS proven to be over stretched, my mouth dry, my lips 30% effective in curing EVERY dis- stuck together, counting jelly beans; ease & health condition by thou- red ones right, blue ones left, other sands of Double Blind Clinical colours in the middle. On my fore- Trials all over the world. head is a band of pink ribbon with a black jellybean wired into the centre. Last but not least, a liberal sprin- A pink jellybean earring dangles, kling of loose jellybeans spread swings and dangles energetically around the table completes the from each ear and I’m wearing a scene. jellybean patterned plastic toddlers The young man holding the Chan- apron. nel 9 camera tells me to keep moving A large corkboard rests on the the jellybeans around ‘as though table beside me covered with a piece they were pills’. As I do so I know my of lace café curtain — set-up looks good. All those money www.healthinformation.com.au grabbing manipulative girly party stands out in bold letters at the top. plan presentations I’ve begrudgingly From left to right across the bottom suffered over the years, in the name are pinned three A4 jellybean pat- of friendship, are actually paying off. Loretta Marron, after training in terned sheets each of which adver- While the display looks great, I don’t science and a career in business, has tises a new line of Placebo Products; need to ask myself why as a well- branched out into showbiz under the Jellybean Acupressure Bracelets; educated, professional woman I persona of Jelly Bean Lady. Jellybean Pain Management Jewel- should be telling the world I am the
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 27 Magnetic Personality
Jelly Bean Lady. I know the answer when I could have been a happy, ism and find them I did. They were is easy. I’m an Aussie scientist and starving and broke scientist? I had wonderful, interesting and inter- proud of it. I seek the medical and to make up for this lost time in my ested. Counting the jellybeans as the scientific evidence. I have a mission, life, wasted on capitalism and finan- camera rolled, I thought about the a passion, a soapbox — I have some- cial ambition. journey that had led me to this day thing to say and have had for some As I surfed the internet, my scien- and I was once again lifted by the time — I’ll do whatever it takes. And tific creative juices started to flow generosity and spirit of some great as I push the little coloured lollies and I soon had folders of articles and people from around the world who around I know I’ve been given the reports of facts and figures; energy eagerly and enthusiastically shared opportunity of a lifetime and I’m and electricity; research and ram- their knowledge and stories with me. loving it. blings. A few days later I made the To my great luck and delight there decision and had defined my project. was Dan Bartman. He lives with his In the beginning I would do a topographical profile of wife and young daughter in a log The story doesn’t start there though; the magnetic field of an underlay. cabin in the mountainous wilderness it goes back about 2 years. A friend However, I had a small problem — of Colorado, USA, his home powered of mine, an electrician, told me he no magnets and no ways to measure by wind generators. Frequently had bought a magnetic underlay; it them. I did find mathematical for- moose and deer pass by his front hadn’t worked so he returned it. I mulas and some basic data and porch and sometimes he gets snowed made my usual sensitive, concerned driven by unbridled optimism and in for weeks at a time. His home is and compassionate statement, blind faith my experimenting began. his escape from the rat-race. He as I do when being told some- finances this way of life by thing that I consider selling all sizes, shapes and pseudoscientific. “You’ve got to strength magnets on the be joking — how can a piddling internet and freely offers ad- little fridge magnet effect pain vice to anyone who emails transmission”. “You have a him. His clientele includes a closed mind” was his response. wide scope of weird and won- Perhaps he was right, I derful people who range from thought and so started my those who are intent on trying quest for the holy magnetic to make perpetual motion and grail. anti-gravity machines, UFO Somewhere in my past, long and crop circle true believers, before my computing career, I budding ghost busters, water was a young woman who was purifiers, DIY magnetic mad about science. I am not health product manufacturers one to walk away from a chal- and people like himself who lenge, but my Physics degree want to generate electricity. I was completed well into the asked Dan to measure mag- previous century and I knew I netic fields for me for a range of magnets and distances had a lot to learn. With the The Universal Cure-all help of the internet, it wasn’t from them and he willingly long before rusty cogs and creaking Tooling up emailed me back the informa- tion. I sent photos back to his daugh- wheels started to move inside my As it was impossible for me to bor- ter of the platypus, koalas and walla- brain and as I started to understand row a Gauss meter to measure mag- bies that live near my home. It was the wonders of pure physics I was netism, I thought I would buy one. all I could do to thank him and he soon hooked. Sitting at my keyboard, Surely it couldn’t cost much more reported back that his daughter I once again became the 17-year-old than an Amp meter? One phone call loved them. I had found the correct who used to strut around the cam- later I found I was not smiling. A tender for these knowledge based pus arguing the mathematical equa- direct current (DC) Gauss meter transaction and I was paid well for tions of Einstein’s theories, solving would cost $5000 with a four-month it. simultaneous multi-dimensional wait for it to arrive from the UK. With the information I was given, equations while pondering the se- Plan A — Rest in Peace. I completed my mathematical calcu- crets of the cosmos. In reality I was Plan B was soon developed. I lations and went out to buy five back in grade 8 trying to find out would email, write and phone to see small rubber balls of a particular how a simple static magnet worked, if anyone would help. All I had to do size (smaller than a tennis ball). I but it was all the same to me. Why was to find other knowledgeable then cut them in two and wrapped had I wasted all those years making people who were mad about magnet- money as a computer professional them in aluminium foil. These, when
Page 28 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 placed on a cotton un- was ecstatic. When he derlay, represented my had completed his magnetic fields over the Engineering degree, magnets. I had never his thesis was on the been up close to a genu- Magnetic Flux around ine magnetic underlay a suburban railway so I did not know the station. He had spacings. A quick trip to waited over 30 years my local pharmacy was for someone to ask very productive. They him about it. We let me unwrap the un- talked for over an derlay and I measured hour, sharing mag- the distance between netic stories, AC ver- the magnets. From the sus DC; pulsing ver- flea market, an amazing sus static; round source of all things versus square — noth- great and small, I found ing to do with my a very shapely clothing magnetic underlays dummy that I dressed but riveting stuff for a in a Ken Done bathing fellow magnet enthu- costume that, since re- siast like myself. tiring, no longer seemed However, he did con- to fit me. She had no firm that the mag- head, legs or arms but netic field near a she was all I needed to transformer was in show that pain centres fact far greater than were not on the body the magnetic field surface, but may be over the underlays. several centimetres After two incred- inside the joint. That ibly long weeks, my was the theory anyway. Gauss meter arrived. I spent most of that Demonstrating the result day playing with my My first demonstration Jelly Bean Lady displays here wares magnets but I knew I was a complete failure. still had no authentic No one understood my The following week I declared to underlay magnets. A silver balls. The women were more yet another long-suffering friend, few emails later to some of the mag- interested in the artwork on my Ken tormented by me because he refused netic underlay manufacturers and Done bathers and the men wanted to to accept he was a magnetic therapy for the cost of $20, I was rewarded have their photos taken with the victim, that electric train transform- with 10 barium ferrite 1050 gauss dummy. She was given the name ers had more magnetism than his (surface reading) magnets. I was on Esther and she soon developed a fan underlay. He responded that he a roll. club. She even received several didn’t want to sleep next to the I soon developed a new presenta- Christmas cards. She now hangs on transformer. Having made the state- tion where I let people read the mag- my verandah wall with quite a few ment about the railway transformer netism above several types of under- mud wasps nests attached to her — I realised that this could be true. lays that I had purchased from the retired and discarded before her life Another part of the holy magnetic flea market. I no longer had to con- really began. My friends had made grail puzzle had presented itself to vince them, they could see the read- me realise that I had to do better. be solved. ings for themselves. I took every As happens in life, luck was on my In my search for yet another piece opportunity with friends, family and side. Dan came to my rescue. He had of magnetic trivia I had the pleasure even the occasional stranger, to developed a portable DC Gauss me- of talking to George, whose surname somehow manipulate the conversa- ter and found one in his collection I can’t remember. I contacted the tion to bring up the topic of magnetic that he said was scratched and railways and they put be through to underlays and out would come my dented and which he sold me for half George. I asked him if there were magnets, my piece of old car seat price, and it was soon heading my any reports on the magnetic fields cover sheepskin and meter. Occa- way. around railway transformers. He sionally some people wanted to hear
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 29 Magnetic Personality what I had to say. It was great. In no takers. The dust settled on my websites and the Arthritis Associa- the area 10 cm above a magnetic beloved Gauss meter and as my web tion, of the content and time I was to underlay only a few percent of the site gained popularity, I moved on. be televised), the segment was aired. volume had magnetism greater than The most amazing person I met in I had become the Jelly Bean Lady, a a fridge magnet and I could prove it. this phase of my magnetic journey cancer survivor; the Physics and Magnetic underlay pain relief was was Brisbane pharmacist and fellow Maths graduate who championed the all a giant lie. As with the tobacco Skeptic Geraldine Moses. The locals cause against placebo products for industry knowing about nicotine know her as ‘that woman on the ra- seniors, cancer and the financially addition, the magnetic therapy peo- dio’ because she had a radio program challenged chronically ill patients. I ple had their own gauss meters and that gave great advice to listeners was portrayed as a Don Quixote who must have known the diminished for 13 years. Nowadays, she some- was taking on, with humour, intelli- magnetism over their underlays. how balances a life where she mans gence and science, the 5 billion dol- the Adverse Events Hotline, runs lar magnetic underlay industry. For- Using the media CAM education, frequently appears tunately for me, my video tape I wrote to 60 Minutes, I wrote to on TV, has just finished a Doctorate recorder was going, because at the seniors magazines and newspapers, I of Clinical Pharmacy while support- end of the segment I remembered wrote to pharmacists. I left mes- ing and assisting cancer patients, nothing except the bobbing earrings sages, emails and faxes but no one has a husband and two year old to and the camera angle that seemed to called or wrote back. No one seemed look after and still found the time to look up my magnified nose. While I to care. Placebo was fine. What did it re-write part of my health booklet, sat stunned, the champagne corks matter if the pensioners with chronic answer my emails, and encourage flew and my friends were cheering. pain starved themselves to save the me on my own journey. During our The next morning, I rewound the money for an underlay? What did it numerous phone calls and emails, I tape to watch it quietly on my own. matter if these same people would told Geraldine about my passion for With great relief and appreciation never have the strength or life skills measuring magnetic underlays and for a balanced presentation, I to return the product? What did it of all the people in Australia she was emailed Channel 9 thanking them matter if they believed that their the one to tell, because when Bris- for giving me the opportunity to ap- pharmacists had the interests of bane Extra asked for her advice in pear on their show. their elderly customers, and not this matter she knew exactly what to I never did and never will com- their pockets, at heart when they do. plete my ‘topographical profile of a sold these unproven pain relief ‘Every dog has his day’ they say magnetic field of a magnetic under- items, encouraged by the high profile and, when the phone call came lay’; there just isn’t enough magnet- television stars and their persistent through from Geraldine that Chan- ism emitted for me to measure. So and intense advertising, that daily nel 9 wanted an anti-magnetic un- now my life has settled back into its targeted their vulnerability in sen- derlay enthusiast to appear on a usual haphazard routine and I re- iors magazines, on the television and Magnetic Therapy segment, I was main truly thankful to those champi- radio. If placebo helped people, leave going to have mine. ons that, over the last two years, them alone. Some people even be- When the day arrived for the film- have helped me paddle my own mag- came angry with me. One elderly ing, as the floodlight beamed and the netic canoe. Now, with my jellybeans gentleman was even worried that his camera rolled I knew that this was a safely tucked away in a sealed jar, pain would return. As I seemed to dream of mine come true and, no I’m asking myself whether this is the have only one topic of conversation, I matter how silly I looked with my end of my new career or the begin- was losing friends rapidly. jellybean earrings bobbing around, ning? Let me hope that in years to no matter how close the camera come I can say ‘the rest is history’. Diagnosis and after came to my timeworn and expressive That, dear reader, may well be up to Then came my diagnosis of cancer. face and no matter what people you. As the months passed I slowly re- would call me in the future, I was turned to the land of the living. To going to give it everything I had. As take my mind off my treatment I the film crew left after a two-hour wrote health booklets and developed interview, which incidently included the web site. On the positive side of a few minutes sitting on the bed this diagnosis, I met new people, comparing and revealing the jelly- surgeons, oncologists, general practi- bean and magnetic underlays, I tioners, pharmacists and other can- knew I had done the best I could. cer patients and they were wonder- Two days, many phone calls and ful. I told them about my magnetic at least 50 emails later, (those passion and my demonstration and emails informing friends, fellow offered to show it to them, but had sceptics, seniors newspapers and
Page 30 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Nutrition Myth # 9 Spinach is a Good Source of What?
Spinach is one of those foods, along iron (Aust); 3.6 mg (US); or 2.1 mg Cartoon characters are not with Brussel’s sprouts and pumpkin, (UK). Compare that to the daily iron necessarily a good source that you were forced to eat as a needs of a man (8 mg) and young of nutritional advice child. Spinach originated in Persia women (18 mg). That makes spinach and had spread to Europe through sound like a great source of iron. the 16th century. By the time that Unfortunately, spinach has a huge Clarence Birdseye had found a com- amount of oxalate, a compound that mercial way to sell frozen spinach, it gives spinach its bitterness and had become a favourite of Popeye, a helps protect the plant against ex- cartoon character who made his first cess minerals in the soil. The oxalate appearance on 17 January 1929. binds to iron to form a compound Spinach gave Popeye his incredible called ferrous oxalate, a compound strength and is credited with saving that you cannot digest, hence the the US spinach industry in the iron passes all the way through your 1930s by creating a one third in- digestive tract. Our gut absorbs a crease in sales, according to the King miserable 1% of the iron in spinach. Features website. Some people with Now, I wish I had known that when I extensive life experience may re- was six! member the Popeye song. The 1/2 cup cooked spinach also I’m Popeye the Sailor Man provides 160 mg calcium, the same as 150 mL milk. You can see why we I’m Popeye the Sailor Man are told that spinach is great for the I’m strong to the finich bones. Although we absorb around 50% of the calcium in broccoli, cab- Cause I eats me spinach bage and kale (Brassica family), and I’m Popeye the Sailor Man 30% of the calcium in milk and Depending on your era, you were cheese, we get access to only 5% of told that spinach made you strong or the calcium in spinach. Like iron, that spinach was a good source of most of the calcium in spinach is iron and calcium. Quite why spinach bound to oxalate and we don’t have a became promoted as a great source digestive enzyme to break the bond, of iron and calcium, I’m not sure. If hence the calcium passes straight you take a look at the international through the bowel. Unlike spinach, Glenn Cardwell, sports dietitian, regular Skeptic food tables, 100 grams (1/2 cup) of the Brassica vegetables do not accu- columnist and public speaker on meaty matters cooked spinach provides about 3 mg mulate oxalate. nutritional.
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 31 Spinach
into the mouth. All up, Nutrient Iron mg Calcium mg about 5 mg of iron). Spinach is good for Spinach, cooked 100g 3.0 160 something Beef, lean 100g 3.8 5 Despite being a poor Breakfast cereal, 45g (ave) 3.0 15 source of minerals, spin- ach rates as one of the Peas, 1/2 cup 1.3 25 highest antioxidant foods Milk, reduced fat 150ml 0 160 on the market, followed by chill pepper, red capsi- Cheese, cheddar 30g 0 240 cums, turnip tops (yum) and mushrooms. Deter- Broccoli, 1 cup 30g 1.0 30 mining the antioxidant Baked beans, 1 cup 1.5 90 capacity of fruit and veg- etables depends on the Recommended Dietary 18 - women; 8 - men 1000 type of test you employ. Of Intake (RDI) 1300 women> 55 yr the three assays used in one study, spinach was #1 for antioxidants twice. iron requirements to reflect recent Spinach is also a wonderful source You will have noted that we don’t research. Although still in draft of folate, linked to a lower risk of absorb all of the minerals from foods form, the current world opinion is heart disease and dementia in we eat. If we absorbed 100% of di- that we require more dietary calcium adults, as well as being promoted to etary minerals we would soon end up and iron than previously thought. young women to protect the foetus in becoming a geology sample. In cases For many years around 800 mg of utero from neural tube defects like of mineral deficiency, the percentage calcium each day was recommended. spina bifida. Spinach needs to be absorption is higher than the figures This has risen to 1000-1300 mg cooked quickly for the greatest reten- quoted as the body adjusts to re- daily, depending on your age (see tion of this nutrient. Boiling spinach stock the low levels of the mineral. table). About 7mg of iron a day for for four minutes will halve the folate The moral is that the mineral men and older women, and 12-15 mg content, while steaming for three content of a food does not equate to of iron a day for younger women has minutes does not cause significant its bio-availability. Certain com- now gone up to 8mg and 18mg re- folate loss. pounds in other foods can reduce the spectively. In addition, spinach is high in iron and calcium absorption from the If you don’t drink milk, due to an beta-carotene, So, forget spinach for gut. For example. the tannins in tea allergy, intolerance or dislike of milk, minerals — its value seems to be will bind to iron to form the make sure you are getting adequate more for its potential to quell those uncrackable ferrous tannate, hence calcium from other foods. A favourite maverick free radicals and keep the common advice to young women source is soy milk, but only if it has heart disease, dementia and possibly to avoid tea with meals. It is OK to been calcium-fortified — check the cancer at bay. have tea one hour either side of a label to make sure it has at least 90 Catherine de Medici left Florence, meal. mg calcium per 100 mL. Other non- Italy, in 1533 to become the Queen of Conversely, vitamin C containing dairy sources are sardines and France at the age of 14 years. She foods will enhance iron absorption by salmon (the calcium is in the soft was particularly fond of spinach and converting the difficult-to-absorb bones), almonds and Brazil nuts. requested it on a daily basis, encour- ferric iron to the preferred absorp- Your best sources of iron are ani- aging the royal cooks to create new tion state of ferrous iron. This leads mal foods (eg beef, fish, poultry), dishes with spinach. Today, a dish people to drink orange juice with except for the egg which has ferric made with spinach often includes meals, sadly forgetting that salads, iron and dairy foods which have ‘Florentine’ in its title to honour fruit and lightly steamed vegetables next-to-no iron. Vegetarians will get Catherine’s home town, or so the also provide vitamin C. most of their iron from iron-fortified story goes. breakfast cereals, legumes, Brassica Changing calcium and iron needs vegetables and bread. Milo has My tip In December 2004, the National added iron, helping many teenagers There has been a Popeye-inspired, Health and Medical Research Coun- get their iron needs (three teaspoons parent-supported spinach conspiracy cil released an updated version of in the cup and, if there is no-one else to get bewildered young children to the recommended daily calcium and in the kitchen, one teaspoon straight eat a vegetable that has the flavour
Page 32 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Announcement profile of freshly mown lawn clip- pings. Is it a tool of adult domina- Life Membership for Colin Keay tion, or is it a form of child abuse? OK, so I’m being melodramatic, but we shouldn’t forget that spinach is a great source of antioxidants and It was with great pleasure that, at the familiar name on the international vitamins. For that reason alone, the last Annual Convention, Australian regulatory panel. spinach pie can become a part of our Skeptics conferred on Professor Colin Nor has Prof Keay shied from novel longevity plan. Keay the honour of Life Member for or difficult problems. There was a two- Finally, on parents being cruel to exemplary services to the scientific century-old mystery involving reports their kids: Clarence Birdseye, men- method and the cause of Skepticism. that some people can hear a hiss while tioned in the first paragraph, started Colin’s long and distinguished ca- seeing a large meteor descend through the General Food Corporation spe- reer in astronomy and physics, in- the air in the distance, whereas sound cialising in frozen foods, later to be- cluded holding positions in the Inter- waves would be expected to take many come the Birds Eye company. He had national Astronomical Union. His minutes to reach them. The problem a son. He called him Kellogg (yes, as major contributions to measuring and was solved when Prof Keay showed in corn flake). Thankfully, someone understanding the meteoroid flux onto (Science, 1980), by analysis and tests must have spoken to him as he the Earth, culminated in having an on 44 subjects, that low frequency named his second son Henry. asteroid named after him (5007 Keay, radio waves could be generated in the www.glenncardwell.com discovered in 1990). He is currently fireball wake and then converted into Honorary Research Associate in Phys- sound in the person’s skin or spectacle References: ics at the University of Newcastle. frames. www.kingfeatures.com/features/ Colin has often On the skeptical comics/popeye/about.htm chosen the path of front, Colin joined responsible science CSICOP in 1979, and Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S. Food, when there has been a Australian Skeptics in Nutrition & Diet Therapy 11th edi- much easier path 1983. He founded and tion. Saunders 2004 available. Oppose nu- has sustained the McKillop DJ, Pentieva K, Daly D, clear power and you Hunter Skeptics for 19 McPartlin JM, Hughes J, Strain JJ, will immediately have years, and the Annual Scott JM, McNulty H. The effect of a large following, a Conventions held there different cooking methods on folate route taken by commu- have always been a suc- retention in various foods that are nity groups, some poli- cess. He is not averse to amongst the major contributors to ticians, and even “experts”. This has setting up some trickery to show attendees and media how easy it is to folate intake in the UK diet. Br J led to a large number of myths becom- deflect compass needles etc, hopefully Nutr 2002; 88: 681-688 ing ingrained into our culture, such as thousands being killed at the Geller-proofing them. Pellegrini N, Serafini M, Colombi B, Chernobyl accident, hundreds of thou- In the 1990’s Colin led efforts to Del Rio D, Salvatore S, Bianchi M, sands being condemned to die of can- debunk devices marketed with a Brighenti F. Total antioxidant ca- cer, not to mention horrific birth de- claimed scientific basis. The first was pacity of plant foods, beverages and fects. The resulting fear of anything the so-called “electronic antenna” for oils consumed in Italy assessed by nuclear has forced governments to television sets, which was no more three different in vitro assays. J continue building more coal-fired effective than a piece of wire. Then in Nutr 2003; 133: 2812-2819 power stations, thus condemning 1998 followed “Pest Free”, which thousands to die in coal mines and claimed to repel cockroaches with Shephard S. Pickled, Potted & hastening climate change. However magnetic fields (when was the last Canned. Headline 2000 Colin visited a research station in the time you saw a cockroach keel over Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross Chernobyl fallout area and has found when it neared a power cord?). Colin AC. Modern Nutrition in Health and out the facts. His Nuclear Issues series tried for 4 years to prod the ACCC into Disease. Lippincott, Williams & of books, including Nuclear Radiation action. Instead, Pest Free were Wilkins 9th edition, 1999 Exposed are devoted to dispelling such granted $42,000 of taxpayers money to myths, and presenting the science in start exporting. terms anyone can understand. The road to skeptical enlighten- In my job in a spaceport project, we ment is not always the easiest to fol- had to report all environmental effects low, but Prof Colin Keay’s skill and of launching rockets, and adopt meas- persistence over the decades has done ures to mitigate them. This included much for the causes of science and pollution in the interplanetary space Skepticism. environment. I was delighted to find a Ian Bryce
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 33 Feature Some Faculty in Some Faculties have Lost their Faculties
Comprehensively critiquing Fallacy virus infecting egghead brains was usually necessary. If I pointed shock! out that a student had committed critical comprehension one of the “seven deadly sins” in a in the academy I have been a teacher in tertiary particular passage (begging the institutions for more than two dec- question, false analogy, false di- ades. Over that time some of my chotomy, straw man, poisoning the attitudes and priorities have evolved well, special pleading, unfounded and shifted. In particular, I have generalisation), I had no need to increasingly focused on a deeper elaborate. No explanation of the treatment of fundamental intellec- fallacy, or justification of my criti- tual skills — rather than chasing the cism was necessary. Common falla- chimera of ever-expanding content. cies were common knowledge, and Content is subject to ceaseless once a student’s attention had been change and evolution. Sometimes directed to the fallacy, he or she this change is due to increased rarely needed further explanation. knowledge in a domain, sometimes Incremental change is often diffi- this change has more to do with cult to pin down, so I couldn’t say fashion, and the lure of the novel “when” knowledge about fallacies in and innovative. In contrast, intellec- thinking ceased to be a common cur- tual skills are essential tools which rency of intellectual discourse among retain their utility over the long students enrolled in the arts, hu- term, and enable new content to be manities and social sciences. My tested, examined critically and response to this incremental shift placed on a firm foundation. was itself incremental. I taught fal- I find that I have to directly ad- lacies at whatever level I felt was dress intellectual skills in my teach- necessary at the time. Informally ing, because students may not have and incidentally at first, but increas- had much exposure to these skills in ingly as part of the formally specified their previous studies. In my view, outcomes of my courses. I am still this was not always so. In my earli- sometimes taken aback at the lack of est years of tertiary teaching, when common knowledge of such terms Jef Clark, who teaches teachers how to teach, (for example) I named a common among my students (mostly third masquerades as an academic at Griffith fallacy in my feedback on a student’s and fourth year students enrolled in University, and is the co-author of Humbug! essay, no supplementary explanation a Bachelor of Education degree).
Page 34 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 However on reflection, it is not really tertainment purposes. The comment befitting the Oracle of Delphi. The surprising that so many of my stu- was prompted by a post on the sur- presenter adopts an eloquent facial dents have not been exposed to such prising lack of education manifested expression which manages to convey concepts before. In order to have by many of the well-credentialled. It both gratitude for the good profes- been exposed to such concepts, they summarises my perceptions well. sor’s appearance and awe at the would have to have been exposed to profundity of the insight. She says: Actually, (this incident involving faculty who would themselves have “Thank you so much Professor for Doctor “X”)... brings home the sad to be familiar with such concepts. (I your thoughts”. fact that these days, at least in the think I may have used too many I happen to be watching. I am so Anglosphere, you can progress right haves in the preceding sentence.) On engrossed in this exchange that it through the academic history mill the anecdotal evidence at least, takes me some time to realise that and remain profoundly ignorant. many academics are entirely unfa- my lower jaw is still hanging open. One of the most ignorant people I’ve miliar with hitherto commonly un- This is an example to be treasured. I ever known had her PhD in history. derstood fallacies. In some cases, am inspired. To write this article. She could blather about discourses they are not just unfamiliar with The first, and easiest decision was and hegemons, but the lightest liter- fallacies, they may even employ the title: Some faculty (academics ary or historical allusion in conver- these fallacies with enthusiasm in with little self-knowledge or general sation — the small change of their own writing and lecturing, and knowledge) in some faculties (chiefly cultural reference between educated applaud the appearance of such fal- the social sciences and humanities) adults — sailed a mile over her lacies in the writings of their stu- have lost their faculties (critical head, unregarded. dents. thinking skills). Some in-house documents at my In the discussion to follow, I will university, and verbal exchanges at use examples at various points to Serendipity, life history and critical meetings at which I am present are illustrate common types of problems thinking liberally sprinkled with fallacies. in academe. The examples are essen- As a first year undergraduate stu- Clearly, I can’t give actual examples tially fictional, but have a rounda- dent undertaking an Arts degree at to back up my claims, you’ll just bout and tenuous link to an actual the University of New South Wales, I have to take my word for it. Or not situation which I have encountered, had the good fortune to be enrolled — please yourself. However, many or a situation which was made in a tutorial group run by Professor profoundly flawed pontifications by known to me by a trustworthy col- Frank Crowley, then Professor of deluded academics escape the acad- league. History and later Dean of the Fac- emy, and can be savoured by inter- Well Duh! ulty of Arts. His tutorials were al- ested observers. Almost every week I ways a remarkable experience. see or hear public statements by Stan Dard-Twytte is an associate Frank applied merciless scrutiny to academics on social, cultural, and professor in the School of Social the ill-considered assertions of un- political issues which betray a lack Work at Walladumpdung University der-prepared students. His of clarity of thought and quality of (formerly Walladumpdung Technical “blowtorch to the belly” approach, reasoning. Some of my students may High School and Teachers’ College). once experienced, was never forgot- not have encountered unreasoning He is appearing as an expert com- ten. A common tactic was to demol- academics in their previous studies. mentator on Gotcha Sleasebag — a ish a student’s tutorial paper They are the lucky ones. The un- television current affairs program through relentless analytical ques- lucky ones may have been subjected broadcast in the early evening after tioning. Just when Frank seemed to to a string of unthinking ideologues the news. He has been asked to com- have put forward a watertight case whose own education was defective. ment on the proposition that “we are against the student’s thesis, he When academics are ill-educated, wrapping our teenagers in cotton would re-examine his own critique they are not really in a position to wool”. His recommendation: and expose the weaknesses in his offer their students anything of sub- We should allow 12-year olds to own position. Students were never stance or lasting worth. Given these walk, cycle and catch public trans- permitted to remain within a self- circumstances, it is not really sur- port on their own, because if we satisfied comfort zone. This approach prising that students’ prior knowl- don’t, we’re creating enormous prob- taught us to examine every proposi- edge about fallacies in thinking lems for them — in particular, how tion carefully; to be very guarded in when they enter my courses is will they know how to do these our opinions; and to carefully unsystematic, piecemeal, incomplete things when they’re 13 or 14 — or marshall facts, warrants and argu- or absent altogether. even 15! — if they don’t learn how to ments before asserting a conclusion. The following excerpt is from a do them when they’re 12? Frank’s tutorials were a heady mix- discussion thread on wacky academ- ture of anxiety and exhilaration. And ics. It was posted in May 2005 on a This infantile non-sequitur is trot- in my own case, the lessons I learned blog I visit fairly frequently for en- ted out with a degree of certitude about unwarranted assertions and
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 35 Faculties half-baked opinions have never been led to my seeking involvement in The type of written assignment I forgotten. In retrospect, I was prob- debating — as a participant when I set is also calculated to reduce the ably very fortunate in experiencing attended high school, and as a debat- likelihood of my students engaging this approach. Recent enquiries of ing coach when I taught at high in one of the cruder forms of plagia- other students who were enrolled in school. In turn, my experiences as a rism — recycling or trading of as- history at the same time as I was participant in, and coach of debating signments. The scale of plagiarism suggests that their tutors did not may have led to a heightened aware- in Australian universities is largely have similar effects on them. Do dud ness of fallacies in thinking. Of unknown, but anecdotal evidence tutors equal dud history? course, my friends and colleagues suggests that it is widespread. Elec- At the University of NSW at that have suggested that my motivation tronic detection systems can be used time I also studied a compulsory in volunteering so readily for debat- to check text-matches between stu- subject called History and Philoso- ing was an aversion to sport. I main- dent assignments and pre-existing phy of Science 1. It was a subject I tain that my motivation was attrac- material on the web, but the avail- had no prior interest in, and would tion to debating rather than ability of such systems is sporadic at not have studied without compul- avoidance of any form of physical best. In my Academic Activity Log sion. It was compulsory for all arts activity (although the latter is still for 2002 I raised the problem of pla- students because it was UNSW an important priority for me). giarism, and indicated that I in- policy at that time to ensure that all tended to implement a partial solu- undergraduate students should have Some reflections on the parlous state tion. The relevant extract is quoted some basic knowledge in domains of the written assignment below. they would not normally encounter I use the broad label “written assign- I... set assignments which are in their degree programs. HPS was ment” rather than the more usual unique to my courses. In effect, all burdensome to many of my arts de- “essay” in the subheading above be- essay-type assignments I now set gree peers, but proved to be the most cause to some traditionalists, the use involve critical analysis of one or interesting course I have ever stud- of “essay” to describe a typical un- two specified articles (rather than a ied, and it led to a sub-major and a dergraduate effort is tantamount to more generic topic). It is widely long-standing interest in epistemol- blasphemy. In my own case, I use known among those who investigate ogy in general, the epistemology of “critical commentary” in preference these matters that generic topics are science in particular, and the evolu- to “essay”, as this designation for the traded widely. tion of science as an intellectual and written assignment unambiguously practical enterprise. captures my intent. A critical stance It should be noted that the critical Perhaps the nature and extent of is expected in all assessment compo- commentary is unlike a typical essay my exposure to critical thinking — nents and all learning activies in all in another respect. A typical essay is particularly the capacity to recognise of my courses. The following is an often about the student demonstrat- fallacies in informal logic, was a excerpt from one of my course out- ing skills in retrieving information matter of serendipity rather than an lines, which summarises my general and synthesising information from a inevitable consequence of standard position. large number of sources. It could be curriculum content and widespread said that this is the zeitgeist of es- consensus among educators on foun- A note on the approach to teaching say-writing in a postmodern context. dation skills. My background may and learning used in this course The critical commentaries I set man- have led to me to suppose that most, date a very restricted set of re- if not all students who had com- Students will be expected to criti- sources. I like to think that my stu- pleted secondary school and one of cally appraise the topics covered in dents are digging for gold (deep two years of university study (at this course. Content on the topics analysis of a few sources) rather around the same time as I had done), covered will be encountered in the than piling up the manure (synthe- would have been exposed to critical assigned text, required readings, the sising a point of view from a large thinking at a comparable level. Per- workbook, other supplementary ma- number of sources). I distinguish my haps not. terials, the students’ own research, approach by characterising it as Perhaps I gravitated towards lectures, seminars, workshops and “pre-ancient”. An essentially mean- learning experiences which placed a assessments. Whenever such content ingless term which I coined for no high priority on argument and criti- is discussed, read or written about, better reason than to position myself cal thinking. Or perhaps I had a students should analyse and evalu- as far away from postmodernism as readiness to absorb such material ate the material, not simply accept it it is possible to get. I also enjoy a and incorporate such skills into my at face value. Explicit guidance on good pun. approach to learning. It may be a critical thinking skills will be given The critical commentaries I set little of both. My interest in argu- to students throughout the semester. thus avoid one potential source of mentation, argument analysis and All students are expected to employ plagiarism — recycling of assign- techniques of persuasion may have those skills in all learning tasks. ments — because the topic of the
Page 36 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 essay in any par- day and I got a ticular semester is distinction! Thank very likely to be you! unique. A critical commentary on Thank you! Thank three specified you! Thank you! articles on motiva- Essay reads won- tion for example, is derfully, you guys specific to those are miracle workers! articles. An essay on motivation per Thank you very se on the other much for your won- hand, is likely to derful service. I am be set year after sure that I will be year in a very using your service large number of throughout the 5 teacher-education years of my uni life. courses worldwide. It’s difficult to tell Such essays can be in some cases stored in retrieval whether the student systems and making the particu- traded. lar comment is con- However there sciously engaged in is another problem fraudulent conduct which I can do (and shamelessly nothing about — celebrating the fact); delusional or con- or merely deluded. sciously fraudulent For example, the use of a co-writer, comment “I am proud and very satis- should have sent you my work ear- “editor”, or ghost writer. In prepara- fied paying the fee” might suggest lier... the difference from a profes- tion for this article I followed up on a pride derived from successfully de- sionally edited paper is the dodgy A4 flier posted up on open-use ceiving the marker, or pride in en- difference between a B and an A. notice boards all over my campus. gaging in a successful collaborative The flier offered an “editing” service effort (it’s all about the quality of the Thank you so much for editing my for students. It described the service assignment people, not nit-picking thesis. I have checked the thesis with in general terms, and incorporated and quibbling about whose brain my supervisor and we noted a big tear-off tabs with website address wrote how much of it). and telephone contact number. Many difference between the original and students had clearly responded to the edited version. Some faculty may not be in a position these notices, as most tear-off tabs to judge the quality of student work had been torn off. I logged on to the I have fairly poor writing skills... website to see what was on offer. The What a nice job you have done for In order to foster truth-seeking in following testimonials from students me. Thanks again for helping me! their students, academics need to be who had used the service were inter- truth-seekers themselves. Truth- esting. Your team did a superb job with my seeking involves both a habit of last assignment, I received 90% for mind (a disinterested search for I got 37 out of 40, which is 93% in it! truth) and a set of intellectual skills Psychology... now I am proud and (the capacity to make a distinction very satisfied paying the fee and I am very appreciative of what my between Shinola and another sub- receiving such an incredible reward editor did for me. My assignment stance with a similar colour and from my lecturers. looks much better than it was. It is texture). At my university for exam- more critical and fluent. My unit ple, there is a policy on generic I got my essay back. I got an A. The coordinator has criticised my lack of skills. These are skills which are Professor said the essay was very critical thinking in the past so I am deemed to be so important that all well written. Thank you. very pleased with the editing. faculty in all faculties must take responsibility for addressing these I can only say that this was the best I received my summer result yester- skills in their courses — no matter $330 I have spent this year — I what the substantive content of the
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 37 Faculties course. One such skill is analysis could be argued that on the evidence they have guessed correctly — or I and critical evaluation. But what if of some of these articles, they are may not. It really depends on my some faculty are lacking in this fac- not in a position to do so. For those mood at the time. ulty? Academic staff who themselves skeptics with a hankering to hoax, it lack a capacity for critical thinking is now very easy to write a com- An instructive case would in my view be unable to foster pletely bogus article using software such an outcome in their students. thoughtfully provided on websites Eunice Eagerbeaver and the great Perhaps they would not even be able such as Postmodernism Generator. Haiku scam to recognise such an outcome if they It’s worth a visit, just to get a handle Eunice Eagerbeaver is a senior lec- saw it. Perhaps some would even on the genre. Some contextual infor- turer in Nursing at Walladumpdung penalise any threatening outbreak mation from the site: University. She is very keen on po- of critical thinking in their students. The essay you have just seen is com- etry, and finds that reading and The woolly-headed excesses of pletely meaningless and was ran- writing poetry is a solace to her academics in Australia and else- domly generated by the when she is feeling low, and an in- where are well-known to many in Postmodernism Generator. To gen- spiration to her when she is feeling the “community of skeptics”. The erate another essay, follow this link. high. Her favourite form is the Sokal hoax for example, became the If you like this particular essay and Haiku. She thinks that everyone subject of mainstream reportage, would like to return to it, follow this could benefit from more poetry in and was widely celebrated by dedi- link for a bookmarkable page. The their lives. She believes that the cated debunkers. Skeptics would Postmodernism Generator was only reason more people don’t read also enjoy a visit to Australia’s written by Andrew C. Bulhak using and write Haiku is because they are Wackiest Academic Websites to the Dada Engine, a system for gen- ignorant of its benefits. She is a trawl for examples of academics and erating random text from recursive proselytiser for the form, and uses graduate students engaging in un- grammars, and modified very every opportunity which presents conscious self-satire. Some repre- slightly by Josh Larios (this ver- itself to persuade others to her view. sentative titles: sion, anyway. There are others out She has recently won a research The space of the urinal; there). This installation of the Gen- grant which she believes will “really erator has delivered 1634040 essays put Haiku on the map”. In her ap- The phantasmatic dimension of since 25/Feb/2000, when it became plication, she states that she will embodiment among German cross- operational. examine the effectiveness of Haiku dressers; as an aid to reflection on praxis by It is easy to poke fun at obviously student nurses. She will test the absurd academics pursuing absurd Tattooing is just a literalist process hypothesis that the composition of arcana and delusional agendas. of marking and being marked, Haiku by student nurses after a That is why I do it. However, de- which is really what life is; nursing shift will help them “inter- luded academics who might seem nalise their experiences, and reasonable on casual acquaintance, What an arse can do: affect, time, prompt deeper reflection on their or whose papers might seem credible and intercorporeal transformation; praxis”. As it happens, the panel on first reading are of more concern. reviewing research grant applica- I will now recount a heavily dis- Queering the city: sexuality, urban tions has enough arts wankers on it guised example by way of illustra- space and commodification; to ensure the success of her applica- tion. The example is faithful to the tion. The funds will allow her to original in terms of the extent and Freaks. A study of human anoma- recruit paid volunteers from among character of the woolly thinking lies. her nursing students — her “sub- exhibited by the academic in ques- jects” for the research are all stu- While some of these titles might tion. However it is sufficiently re- dents in her classes. have disguised a worthwhile article, moved from the original to avoid any She puts out the call for volun- my suspicions about the quality of possibility that the person, faculty teers in her actual classes, and the reasoning were confirmed when I or institution could be identified. following week she has ample re- downloaded and read many of the Having said that, if any readers of cruits to the study. She distributes a articles. The articles were clearly this article believe that they know booklet on writing Haiku and a intended to be serious contributions who the person who inspired this Haiku Diary to her volunteers; and to knowledge, but in fact they are example is, they are invited to con- gives them two tutorials on the largely indistinguishable from a tact me and name the person. If form. In her tutorials she can’t help deliberate hoax. The writers of these they guess correctly, I may confirm proselytising on the benefits of articles presumably presume to as- the guess or I may not. If they guess Haiku, and canvassing her hopes sess their students’ own writing. It incorrectly, I may lie and say that
Page 38 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 for the study. She Academics are just like seems unable to dis- people — flawed tinguish between “testing a hypoth- Academics, like other esis” and “hard-sell- people, have opinions. ing a hypothesis”. Also like other people, The subjects go off they like their opinions for a four-week field to prevail. Some aca- placement in hospi- demics may use their tals all over the presumed status as state. They are ex- disinterested scholars pected to write a to add weight and ap- single Haiku poem parent credibility to after every shift, their opinions. No- which “captures” where is this more their emotional and strikingly evident than intellectual re- when an academic with sponses to their ex- high honours in (say) periences. Nick quantum physics, Boodle, one of her trades on those hon- subjects was too ours when he or she tired after a long presumes to comment shift to do what was on entirely unrelated required of him. fields such as social However he and his welfare, drink driving, girlfriend didn’t want aged pensions, free to miss out on the range eggs or the money, so his girlfriend wrote the has yet to submit his essay to Catholic Church. In my view such poems and Nick signed them. Nick Eunice, and that she will be mark- academics are often encouraged to wasn’t bothered by ethical consid- ing both his essay and exam. His pontificate on matters beyond their erations because he was pretty sure view is that it could be problematic remit by the unwarranted respect the study was inconsequential, and for his progression in Eunice’s accorded to their half-baked fatally compromised by poor design course if he is brutally frank and musings by a compliant media. and implementation from the out- expresses his real feelings about the While most academics are just set. utility of Haiku poetry in encourag- like people, there is a larger propor- Nick duly presents himself along ing reflections about his nursing. tion of strange people among aca- with his Haiku log for the data- In due course, Eunice writes up demics than would be found in the gathering interview. The interview her research and submits her the- general population. Many academ- is conducted by Eunice the Haiku sis. The thesis examiners are pru- ics: (a) manifest subtle abnormali- enthusiast. Nick is asked open- dently chosen by her thesis commit- ties in social interactions; (b) are ended questions about the utility tee and she is duly awarded her often preoccupied with narrow and and value of the Haiku-writing ex- PhD — some two years after the obsessive interests; and (c) may perience — as a means of gaining research recounted above. She con- manifest abnormalities of personal- insights into his nursing practicum. tinues her investigations into the ity (such as a highly idiosyncratic The questions are leading, sugges- effectiveness of Haiku poetry in sense of humour). This is in fact a tive of the “right” response, and the promoting high-level reflections and description of Asperger’s Syndrome. demeanour of the researcher can be deep insights into nursing praxis. In It’s nice to know that if treatment read like an open book. Eunice is due course, and after diligent self- can’t be found for this syndrome, obviously keen when Nick’s com- promotion and relentless network- sufferers will find a sympathetic ments affirm the value of Haiku. ing, she gains an international setting in which to live out their Nick’s only awkward moments come reputation and promotion to full lives (as faculty in a faculty). when he can’t remember the gist of Professor. Haiku journals are now a When I first began to masquerade some of his girlfriend’s Haikus. He mandatory feature of all practicum as an academic (I only pretend to fakes it, and both researcher and programs at Walladumpdung, and have Asperger’s Syndrome in order subject are pleased with the out- Eunice is often asked to act as an to blend in), I presumed that my co- come of the interview. Eunice gets external paid consultant when other workers would be unusually intelli- the right results, and Nick gets the universities attempt to implement gent, and well-educated. While some cheque. Nick is also mindful that he her approach. are, many are not. I soon found that
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 39 Faculties my colleagues were in fact very di- demics, this type of credibility prob- My suspicions about academic writ- verse (apart from the unusual fre- lem is commonplace beyond the ing have been validated. quency of Asperger’s Syndrome). academy. There are plenty of liter- Even seniority in academe proved ary critics who could never write a As for understanding fallacies in not to be an infallible indicator of novel, and plenty of theatre critics arguments I have to say that now I high levels of intelligence or breadth who can’t act, direct or produce a cannot watch the news or read a of education. Seniority seems to me play. newspaper without identifying falla- to be primarily a function of: (a) a cies in their articles or their report- capacity for hard work; (b) a high Humbug-hunting students may be ing. I appreciate the time taken... to tolerance of boredom; (c) an unques- able to foster critical thinking in assist us in identifying these falla- tioning compliance with institution- faculty cies within an argument. ally specified criteria for promotion; Academe can be a rewarding and and (d) a severely circumscribed It was not until this course that as a enjoyable trade, but one needs to social life. A high level of intelli- student I experienced first hand the have the right attitude. I think my gence could help in gaining senior- importance of deconstructing what enjoyment is founded on a well- ity, but it is clearly not essential. On one is reading. By reading Humbug! honed sense of the ridiculous, an the other hand, a capacity for criti- I feel as though I have been given appreciation of unconscious irony, a cal thinking could be a distinct dis- insight into the many styles of writ- readiness to engage in shameless advantage. But I would say that, ing I as a teacher will face. hypocrisy, and a commitment to wouldn’t I. subverting the dominant paradigm. While many of my comments This semester has also opened my All of these foundations of my enjoy- above might seem like special plead- eyes to academic writing, and how a ment are enabled and facilitated by ing, they are not. Trust me — these lot of what we read can be outright the book I wrote with my son Theo comments are based on subtle rubbish. This is due to the lack of (Humbug! The skeptic’s field guide to insights — if you can’t see that, then research and made up arguments spotting fallacies in thinking). Read- I can’t help you. If you had my fine leading the reader to false conclu- ers of the Skeptic journal over the sensibilities you would realise that sions. last year or so may be familiar with this is not an outrageously blatant the nature of the book, and our in- instance of special pleading. Finally, I found learning about the tentions in writing it. So I won’t Academics in vocationally-ori- fallacies that academics and others reiterate such matters here (more ented degree programs have poten- occasionally try to use helpful as this information is available on the tially greater credibility problems will help me to be more cautious website of The Australian Skeptics than those working in more theo- when told something in the future, to www.skeptics.com.au). However, I retical or conceptual domains. I am not just accept it, and to give a name will say that I have used the new a lecturer in a teacher education to things that don’t sound or read edition of Humbug for the first time degree, and I teach classroom man- quite right. this semester in my teaching, and it agement. While I honestly think seems to have created a small cadre that I was an effective teacher in my With the Humbug activities I learnt of humbug-hunting students. time, after so many years in the how to deconstruct other peoples’ Whether these students use their sheltered workshop (academe), I rhetoric with precise tools for label- humbug-hunting skills for good would hate to have to manage a ling what I previously only felt at an (subverting the dominant paradigm) difficult junior high school class instinctual level. Of course newspa- or evil (winning arguments) is up to under the critical scrutiny of my per articles and TV reporting con- them. However anecdotal evidence students. Fortunately I don’t have tain glaring errors, but the suggests that some faculty who en- to. I simply tell my students what deconstruction of academic writing counter these students in their fu- they should be doing when they be- was the most fun. Being able to tear ture studies might be in for a rude gin their five week practice teaching down an emeritus professor is not shock — and in the process might block. If what I tell them to do something I would have attempted gain some knowledge and skills in doesn’t work, that’s their problem. before. critical thinking. I will leave it to Teacher-educators are not the some of my students to have the last only academics with this fundamen- word. tal credibility problem. A lecturer in Selected student responses to an Justice Studies telling operational open-ended question which asked police how to do their jobs, or a lec- students to comment on their reflec- turer in Business Studies telling tions on teaching and learning (se- students how to get rich have the mester 1 2005). same problem. In fairness to aca-
Page 40 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Investigation Anti-Vaccination Ratbaggery
Seeking to find facts from I knew that the Australian Vaccina- for the apparent rise in autism in tion Network (AVN) are dedicated to recent years. fanatics is frequently bringing the latest science on vacci- It goes on to say: futile nation to the public. I knew this be- cause the AVN said so, and they The study shows that in the city of would never lie, would they? The Yokohama the number of children AVN claim on their website1: with autism continued to rise after the MMR vaccine was replaced with The majority of our information is single vaccines. … “The findings ... from mainstream medical sources — are resoundingly negative,” says the same sources that doctors need to Hideo Honda of the Yokohama Re- access before advising their patients. habilitation Center. And: With his colleagues Yasuo Shimizu Information is based on the best and Michael Rutter of the Institute available resources. of Psychiatry in London, Honda Now some unkind people call me looked at the records of 31,426 chil- naïve, bringing up yet again the dren born in one district of anti-gravity machine I bought from a Yokohama between 1988 and 1996. man in a pub2, and scoffing at my The team counted children diag- acceptance of what the AVN say. So nosed as autistic by the age of 7. in an idle moment, (which doesn’t They found the cases continued to occur very often if one is a farmer multiply after the vaccine with- whose life’s work is dedicated to get- drawal, ranging from 48 to 86 cases ting the most out of every govern- per 10,000 children before with- ment subsidy for farmers), I checked drawal to 97 to 161 per 10,000 after- out what the AVN thought of a re- wards. The same pattern was seen cent major article in the New Scien- with a particular form of autism in tist issue March 5, 20053 “Autism which children appear to develop rises despite MMR ban in Japan” normally and then suddenly regress which begins: — the form linked to MMR by Wakefield4. Ken McLeod is a retired Air Traffic Controller A study of more than 30,000 chil- and Search And Rescue Co-ordinator. He is dren in Japan should put the final Honda concludes that the vaccine: now a boutique farmer on the NSW South nail in the coffin of the claim that cannot have caused autism in the Coast and recently lost his whole flock of the MMR (combined measles mumps many children with autism spec- livestock when both his sheep died. and rubella) vaccine is responsible
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 41 Anti-Vaccination Ratbaggery
trum disorders in Japan who were • The Howard Center for Family lows15 comparing the risks associ- born and grew up in the era when Religion and Society10; ated with the MMR vaccine with the MMR was not available risks of measles (see table below). The Schafer Autism Report11. • But the AVN website did say: I was sure that such good news would be headlined on the AVN Strangely, also, there was also no Some countries such as Japan have website, shouted from the rooftops mention on the AVN website of an stopped using the combination vac- no less. Here was the evidence that earlier ABC Health Report article of cine because of the increased risk. any responsible parent needed to Tuesday July 22, 2003 titled “Au- Now, with a little more Googling proceed with vaccinating their child tism, MMR vaccine link dismissed in even a klutz like me can find out against those devastating, some- 12 study” . No mention also of the re- that’s not true. I found that Japan times, deadly, diseases. Strangely, search papers listed by the Austral- withdrew the MMR vaccine in April despite my faith in the Anti-Vaccina- ian Dept of Health and Aging in 1993 (five years before Wakefield’s tion Network, I could find no men- 13 their paper “Immunisation Myths” paper) because of the perceived risk, tion of the good news on the AVN showing no link between MMR vac- following reports that the anti- website, just the same old stuff like: cine and autism. Indeed, the Inter- mumps component was causing 14 ... there will be some very interesting net is awash with scientific reports meningitis, not because of an “in- research released over the next cou- dating back over seven years, de- creased risk” as the AVN would have ple of months regarding the connec- bunking the supposed link between you believe. To the AVN, there might tion between MMR vaccination and MMR vaccine and autism. not be much difference between “in- the development of autism … Even stranger, there was no men- creased risk” and “reports”, but to a tion on the AVN website that rational person, there is quite a dif- No mention of the New Scientist Wakefield’s findings have been dis- ference. I have received reports of article and no mention of the origi- proved by further studies and that it leprechauns at the bottom of my nal report published in Journal of was revealed later that when he garden, but that doesn’t mean they Child Psychology and Psychiatry5. published his paper he failed to re- are there. Those responsible for pub- So, putting this week’s application veal that he was taking money from lic health may take pre-emptive ac- for a government subsidy in the the UK Legal Aid Board, which was tion on the basis of “reports” and pending file, I did a little bit of paying him to discover, on behalf of then research the issue until it is Googling and found that the same parents hoping to sue for damages, better understood whether an in- news, quoting extensively from New whether or not the jab was harmful. creased risk does or does not exist, Scientist and the Journal of Child No mention also that in November then they make appropriate deci- Psychology and Psychiatry, had been 2003 Dr Simon Murch — one of the sions in light of the evidence. That widely published by such organisa- co-authors of Wakefield’s 1998 paper does not validate the AVN’s claims of tions as: — stated in a letter to the Lancet “increased risk.” • Archives of Disease in Child- that there is now ‘unequivocal’ evi- So what was going on at the AVN? hood6; dence that there is no link between While not many people make a habit MMR and autism. of reading everything from the Insti- • UK National Health Service7; There was also no mention by the tute for the Advancement of Social AVN of a comparison between the • World Health Organisation8; Work Research over their breakfasts, risks associated with the MMR vac- New Scientist can be found in every • Institute for the Advancement cine and catching the diseases. The newsagent, the ABC on every radio, of Social Work Research9; UK NHS has published this as fol- and the Australian Dept of Health’s
Table 1. Comparing vaccination and non-vaccination risks.
Condition Children affected after catching measles Children affected after first dose of MMR
Convulsions 1 in 200 1 in 1000
Encephalitis or Meningitis 1 in 200 to 1 in 5000 Less than 1 in a million
SSPE (Subacute sclerosing 1 in 8000 for children under 2 0 panencephalitis) 16
Death 1 in 2500 - 1 in 5000 depending on age 0
Page 42 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 paper on every PC. Surely an organi- Now, one look at the table above 6. E Miller, N Andrews, A Grant, J sation who claims the majority of on the adverse outcomes of measles Stowe, B Taylor (Feb 2005) No evi- their information is “from main- will tell you that that is not true, but dence of an association between stream medical sources and is based I suppose it depends on what your MMR vaccine and gait disturbance. on the best available resources” definition of “rare” is. To me “rare” Archives of Disease in Childhood would make an effort to keep up means a very low percentage, to 2005;90:292-296 with health research publications. someone else it may mean “anything 7. UK National Health Service, My faith in the AVN began to crum- that doesn’t happen in my family.” webpage “MMR – The Facts” ble. Any doctor will tell you that while www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/library/ Flummoxed bewildered befuddled the percentage of adverse outcomes timeline.php?v=50 and confused, and feeling just a little of measles may be small, in a popu- 8. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/j.1469- betrayed by my heroes in the AVN, I lation numbering millions, the over- 7610.2005.01425.x.pdf contacted the AVN by email on all number of adverse outcomes will March 19, 2005 and asked why they be large. The AHA goes on to recom- 9. Institute for the Advancement of still peddle the line that MMR vac- mend homeopathic prophylaxis and Social Work Research, cine is linked to autism, quoting the also recommends: www.socialworkers.org/research/call/ New Scientist article in full, com- 030505.doc Those (homeopathy) practitioners plete with colourful graphs. I never 10. The Howard Center for Family who seek an up-to-date source of got a reply, so some people might be Religion and Society vaccination information are encour- tempted to think that, yes, I was aged to access the Australian Vacci- www.worldcongress.org/WCFUpdate/ naïve (again) to believe them, and nation Network (AVN) website: Archive06/wcf_update_610.htm that the AVN is incompetent, coma- www.avn.org.au. 11. The Schafer Autism Report tose, lazy, illogical, unreliable, bi- www.sarnet.org/ ased, dishonest, all of the above, or So round and round we go. Out of just ratbags. Certainly, they are still, date, deceptive, and highly damag- 12. abc.net.au/science/news/health/ (when I last checked on 23 April ing information and advice continues Health Republish_907211.htm 2005), publishing “information” that to be peddled on the web, with so- 13. http://immunise.health.gov.au/ is deceiving parents and risking the called alternative practitioners rein- myth_measles.pdf health and lives of children. forcing each other’s bizarre beliefs. I 14. See the UK’s National Health John Maynard Keynes is reported wonder if any of them could be per- Service website listing many such to have said “When someone per- suaded to buy an anti-gravity ma- reports at www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/ suades me I am wrong, I change my chine. library/research.php mind, what do you do?” I have come 15. www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/li- around to the view that the AVN brary/subacute.php cannot be trusted to tell the truth References and is a pack of incompetent stub- 16. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a delayed born fools, as all the evidence I found 1. www.avn.org.au/ supports that. More importantly, will complication of measles that causes Vaccination%20Information/ brain damage and death. It is a rare the AVN, confronted with the evi- MMR.htm dence, change their views? Of course condition that can develop some 2. Just you wait. One day it will not; members of the AVN will use years after natural measles infection. work and I’ll be filthy rich. the same logical processes as mem- People who were infected at a young bers of the Flat Earth Society and 3. Issue 2489 of New Scientist maga- age are at most risk from developing will continue to publish this rubbish, zine, 5 March 2005, page 16 SSPE. The average time between someone having measles to the first and that is despicable. 4. Gastroenterologist Andrew symptoms of SSPE is around 8 years, Discarding the advice being of- Wakefield claimed in a 1998 study and death invariably follows. fered by the AVN as total ratbaggery, that MMR might trigger autism. The I wondered what my heroes at the study was based on just 12 children 17. www.homeopathyoz.org/ Australian Homoeopathic Associa- and later retracted by most of its co- downloads/ tion thought of the latest good news authors. AHA%20HP%0Statement.pdf on the MMR vaccine. Strangely, the 5. Honda Hideo, Shimizu Y, Rutter Australian Homoeopathic Associa- M. No effect of MMR withdrawal on tion (AHA) advise that: the incidence of autism: a total popu- ... a healthy child will rarely be ad- lation study. Journal of Child Psy- versely affected by most infectious chology and Psychiatry (2005). Early diseases (such as measles, mumps publication on line (doi: 10.1111/ and rubella)... 17 j.1466-7610.2005.01425.x).
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 43 Article A Bunch of Theocrats? Brig Jim Wallace and the Australian Christian Lobby
To be or not to be a theocrat Brigadier Jim Wallace runs a Reli- There is no doubt whatever that gious Right organisation called the Wallace regards his Christian God as — that is the question Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) — the ‘King’ of the universe, including for some background on this group, Australia. This quote is typical of his see www.unbelief.org/fundies/ general approach: acl.html. In an ACL paper dated 13 [W]e, Christ’s ambassadors, will not May 2004, Wallace claims that: sit by and allow our King and his There is no sense in [ACL’s] vision of Kingdom’s values to be demeaned … our wishing to see Australia a theoc- This newsletter is full of challenges, racy, but merely wanting to re-estab- each one an opportunity, if the lish the rightful influence of those Church will simply stand up and who believe in our Christian herit- honour its King in the political do- age. main
In my opinion, Wallace would in (ACL Newsletter, Feb. 2004, 1). practice like to see a Christian theoc- ‘Kingdom values’ are more often racy established in Australia and in referred to by Wallace as ‘Christian this article I will explain why I think values’, or sometimes as ‘Judaeo- so. Christian values’ (or ‘principles’ or What is a theocracy? ‘ethics’). These terms are almost never defined: indeed, it would be The Shorter Oxford English Diction- politically unwise for the Religious ary defines ‘theocracy’ as follows: Right to try and define them for a A form of government in which God general audience. Upon examina- (or a deity) is recognised as the king tion, ‘Christian values’ are very like or immediate ruler, and his laws are non-Christian values — ‘Be nice to taken as the statute-book of the king- other people’ etc. — unless you hap- dom, these laws being usually ad- pen to be a Religious Right-type ministered by a priestly order as his Christian, in which case ‘Christian ministers and agents … values’ become very extensive indeed Brian Baxter is a Melbourne-based writer with eg, ‘wives should invariably submit Let us examine this definition to husbands’ etc. an abiding interest in the farther-fringes of clause by clause, relating them to religious thought and practice. the beliefs of the ACL.
Page 44 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Values and Government rior both theoretically and practi- dress the question of theocratic gov- cally to any attempts at building ernment, they give a good idea of the Let’s look at two ACL documents standards of political conduct based ACL’s indebtedness to its large Pen- bearing directly on the question of upon the quicksand of moral relativ- tecostal component. Read in conjunc- ‘Christian values’ and the role they ism. (4-5) tion with the previous document, should play in Australian politics this paper also allows the reader to and government. As regards the is- According to the OED’s definition draw conclusions about the kind of sue of theocracy, these mini-essays of ‘theocracy’, a particular god’s laws political system that Wallace and his speak for themselves. The first is are to be ‘taken as the statute-book friends wish to see established in entitled “Australian Christian Lobby of the kingdom’. We’re getting pretty this country: — Submission — Political Honesty near it in this ACL submission, but Bill” and it was available on the let’s see if we can draw even closer: The Bible is the inspired word of ACL’s website — www.acl.org.au — God. The Bible is infallible. The Consistent with the biblical teach- during August 2002: Bible is above and beyond anything ings on honesty, our politicians must which comes out of human knowl- … [O]ur ethical foundation [is] in be men and women of character — edge, science and research. (2) the Judaeo-Christian ethic … [O]ur that is, of proven integrity — whose national political heritage is decid- words and deeds are beyond re- God may confer on a person del- edly Judaeo-Christian … For a proach [note the sacerdotal, even egated authority over his neighbour. Christian country [ACL regards semi-divine nature of the ACL’s God in the Bible has delegated au- Australia as such], the example in politicians] … thority to: (i) Kings and govern- leadership is Christ, and although ments; (ii) Husbands; (iii) Parents; we will inevitably fall short of his Moreover, they must recognise — as (iv) Masters; (v) Elders; (vi) Apostles, example, it is an appropriate stand- our founding fathers clearly did Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and ard by which to measure any leader [this assertion is based on a mytho- Teachers [this is the ‘Five-fold Min- … Legislating political honesty logical Religious Right view of Aus- istry’ promoted by a modern version should therefore include means by tralian history] — the one condition of Pentecostalism]; (vii) Believers. which individuals desiring to enter that God imposes upon this or any All of these classes are responsible to parliament are apprised of the re- nation: the obedience of its people, God for the manner in which they sponsibilities expected of them both and more particularly its leaders, to exercise authority [Note: including corporately and individually. These the will of God and His teachings. ‘Kings and governments’, responsi- values should be drawn from scrip- (6) ble directly to God] … Grace, Faith, ture and could be specified by a ACL’s recommendations in this Love and Truth, working together, working party of politicians and submission include the following: will lead to the final stage of revival, nominees from various Christian widespread healings and miracles, Churches. (1-4) That the Office of Commissioner for Ministerial and Parliamentary Eth- signs and wonders. (3) Paragraph by paragraph we see ics have either: (1) a theologian Jim Wallace himself is a Baptist the specifically Christian theocratic trained in Christian ethics as a per- but belongs to a class of Baptists mindset clearly revealed: manent staff member and/or (2) who share a good deal of common At the heart of this submission, access to the advice of prominent theological ground with Pentecostal- therefore, is the fundamental im- Church leaders in reviewing issues ism. He freely admits that fully half perative that a Charter of Political that come before it. (6) of the ACL’s support derives from Honesty be grounded in the objective They look suspiciously like Chris- charismatic-Pentecostal churches — moral truths contained in the Scrip- tian commissars to me, but let us http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/ tures. [The text here contains a move on. stories/Interview-JimWallace- reference to the work of David 1.4.2003.php — and that: Noebel, a theocratic American Dr L J M Cooray churches such as [Sydney’s] Hillsong writer.] For the purposes of the sub- are at the forefront of a growth in mission, moral absolutes are defined The second document is essen- “traditional” Christianity and val- as that set of principles which exist tially a series of notes prepared for ues. above and beyond the opinions of the ACL by Dr L J M Cooray of Syd- ney. The paper is headed ‘Christian men, and which thus provide an (ACL media release, 15 Jul. 2004) objective yardstick against which all values and ethics’ and was available Influential elements of ‘new’ Pen- considerations of ethical behaviour on the ACL website during October tecostalism are very theocratic in- can be measured and evaluated … 2003. The introduction declares that deed and the ACL seems to have The idea of having political honesty this material ‘provides an excellent uncritically incorporated this think- based on the nature and character of spiritual basis to underpin the work ing into its own ideology (or ‘world a righteous and just God is far supe- of the Australian Christian Lobby’. While the notes do not directly ad- view’ as Wallace prefers to call it.)
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 45 Theocrats
Wallace’s world view Remember that for Wallace and safely judge the many competing his allies, ‘compromise’ means ‘to ideas and world views with which a Wallace first became involved with make a deal with the Evil One’ in the plural[ist] society abounds. A wise the Australian Christian Coalition form of the abortion or gay lobbies man once said that the mind, like (ACC), the earlier incarnation of the etc, and is thus viewed as totally the mouth, is designed to be kept ACL, in 1996 — www.sightmagazine unacceptable. This unwillingness to open only long enough to close on op cit — several years before he left compromise is one of the most impor- something solid, but the politically the Army — and seems initially to tant features distinguishing theo- correct mantra dominating our have been fairly selective in the cratic lobbies from ‘normal’ political schools is likely to produce intellec- ideas he picked up from the Ameri- groups. It is also strongly implied in tual ‘gawkers’, never able to firm on can Religious Right. He appears to the ACL’s regular references to its a moral reference point. have some sort of commitment to a promotion of ‘the Christian view’ on Christian social justice agenda, but such issues as transgender rights, (Wallace, ACL media release, 21 Jan. this interest has recently been euthanasia etc, as if all Christians 2004) swamped by the anti-gay, anti-abor- were in full agreement on these This last quote is particularly tion, pro-censorship paranoia ema- questions (see, eg, ACT Newsletter, disturbing, as Wallace seems to pre- nating from both Australian and Apr. 2003, 2). Compromise is not fer a situation in which school stu- American religious fanatics. Wal- even possible with other Christians dents regard open-mindedness as lace’s political views are now practi- — or, as some Religious Right lead- something to be avoided! A few cally indistinguishable from those of ers habitually refer to them, ‘Chris- months later he quoted figures from other Religious Right leaders, both tians’ (note quote marks). an ANU Survey of Social Attitudes here and in America. which indicated that most Austral- It’s important to understand that, Rhetoric of theocracy ians in the 18-49 age group believed like many other such people, Wallace that a same-sex couple with a child believes that he receives political The rhetoric of theocracy is evident constituted a ‘family’. Wallace’s in- instructions directly from God. Here in all major ACL publications. For terpretation of this? is his explanation of why he decided example, what do you understand by in 2000 to leave the Army and take the term ‘liberty’? Presumably this … is a direct result up his ACL post: Liberty is not the right to do what of the way this lifestyle is presented in our schools. The lesson we must What sealed the issue for [me] came you will, but what is right. learn is that we have to address the one Sunday in church when the (‘What is ACL?’, downloaded 2 Aug. values our children are taught at pastor preached that people have to 2003,) school. (Newsletter, May 2004, 1) be prepared to lay down golden crowns if they want to change any- And who will tell us what is It’s hard to know whether to be thing in the world. ‘Up until then I ‘right’? I’ll leave that to your imagi- more concerned about Wallace’s logic had said to God, ‘if you want me to nation. Here are a few other clues as or his conclusion. do this lobbying then stop promoting to what sort of Australia the ACL me in the Army.’ At that point, I wants to see: Confronting ‘Evil’ realised that I had to be prepared to It is indeed time for the church to be Look out, evil – the church has lay down a golden crown — and the seen again in all areas of national awakened! (Newsletter, June 2004, position of General was a golden life. crown. 2) (Wallace - http:/www.sightmagazine. Theocratic movements often have (Challenge monthly Christian news- com.au/stories/Features/elections a strong dualistic (‘Manichaean’) paper, Mar. 2003, 3) 13.11.04.php) inclination ie, a tendency to view The central policy positions personalities and events in terms of It is time for grass-roots, Biblically- adopted by Wallace and his group, ‘good vs. evil’, and this observation based Christians to take back this being divinely sanctioned, are en- certainly applies to the ACL. Thus, nation. tirely non-negotiable: Australian policy-makers are af- Our objective at the ACL has always (Peter Stokes, Executive Officer, flicted with ‘spiritual blindness’ and been to be openly Christian and non- Salt Shakers, approvingly quoted in are ‘lost and unaware’ (Newsletter, compromising on issues of faith that ACL ‘Latest issues’, downloaded 3 Jul. 2003, 3). Australian society as a we hold so dear … [W]e ask that you Aug. 2003, 6) whole is ‘sick, confused and rudder- keep us in your prayers as we do the less’ (New Life, 10 Jun. 2004). …[T]olerance does not mean remov- work of our Lord and Saviour. ACL’s (and God’s) adversaries are ing the need for every individual to legion and are terrifyingly powerful. (National Newsletter, Feb. 2003, 2) have a philosophical basis for per- Wallace claims not to believe in con- sonal values that will allow them to spiracy theories, but certainly does
Page 46 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 an excellent impression of such a stick their head above the parapet … The company he chooses believer: As a soldier, I know that you have to Where might Wallace and the ACL take the high ground. And the high At the national level we have seen a fit into the ranks of modern Chris- ground is government.’ real assault on Christian values tian theocrats? Are they through the exercise of dispropor- (Elizabeth Feizkhah ‘Christian Sol- ‘dominionists’ ie, advocates of ‘do- tionate political power by aggressive diers’, Time Asia, 29 Nov. 2004) minion theology’, believing that minorities. Many of these are driven Christians are called to transform by the profit provided in the new A priestly order? society in an essentially and recog- markets that breaching community nisably ‘Christian’ fashion? Are they norms on morals always creates … To return to our definition of ‘theoc- perhaps ‘Reconstructionists’, aiming Still others are ideologically driven racy’, God’s laws are ‘usually admin- at the eventual restructuring of soci- by people whose agendas cannot be istered by a priestly order as his ety in accordance with directions achieved unless they hold that dis- ministers and agents’. The word contained in the Bible, especially the proportionate political power so ‘usually’ indicates some flexibility in first five books of the Old Testa- evident in groups like the homo- the definition, but as far as the ACL ment? — for some background, see sexual community. Their campaigns is concerned I don’t think we’re going http://www.unbelief.org/articles/ are subtle, inevitably distract the to need much leeway. theocracy.html public by the skilful use of language Like the Christian Democratic Wallace strikes me as having and by avoiding the real issue Party in NSW (Rev Fred Nile MP, much in common with the old Moral through demonisation of opponents Rev Gordon Moyes MP) and the Re-Armament (MRA) movement that … Unfortunately a largely sympa- Family First Party in SA (Rev flourished in the 1930s and ‘40s. He thetic or at worst actively compliant Andrew Evans MP), ACL is built has a kind of earnest naivety remi- press makes individual issues very around Christian pastors and their niscent of moral crusaders like Brit- difficult to win. flocks. There is an assumption in ain’s Mary Whitehouse (d. 2001), an most of the group’s literature that its MRA stalwart, rather than more (Newsletter, Jan. 2004, 1) adherents are regular churchgoers; contemporary American dominionist ‘Demonisation’ is an unfortunate its organisational base seems to con- hucksters. Nonetheless, Wallace word for Wallace to use, as he con- sist of individual Christians and cannot help but be affected by the sistently pictures his own opponents some church-centred ‘sub-branches’; company he keeps and his compan- as destructive and devious: and its growth strategy revolves ions are often heavily influenced by around volunteer ‘ACL church repre- dominion theology and related ideas. [Same-sex] marriage was the jewel sentatives’. Frederick Clarkson (Eternal Hos- in the crown that, once achieved, After Wallace, the most significant tility, 1997) notes that: [laid] open to waste all other vestiges figure in the history of the ACC/ACL of our Christian tradition and herit- has been Pastor Carolyn Cormack, a A key, if not exclusively age. Pentecostalist from Queensland. Reconstructionist, doctrine uniting Prior to Wallace’s arrival in the job, many evangelicals is the ‘dominion (Newsletter, Aug. 2004, 2) the group was headed by Pastor Pe- mandate’, also called the ‘cultural [We must ensure that] our national ter Earle, also of Queensland (via mandate’. This concept derives from values are not hijacked by this deter- the US). Ministers of various de- the Book of Genesis and God’s direc- mined and insidious campaign [for scriptions have either led or been tion to ‘subdue’ the earth and exer- same-sex marriage]. prominent in other state branches cise ‘dominion’ over it. (100) e.g. Pastor Roger Williamson in Vic- From its very beginnings, the (ACL email to supporters, 23 Aug. toria and Rev Dr Lloyd Kent in the ACC/ACL looked and talked exactly 2004) NT. I tried to add up all the pastors like a dominionist outfit: some of And Wallace’s view of recent his- claimed as active ACC/ACL support- ACC’s early journals were actually tory also smacks of paranoia: ers in the group’s literature, but I entitled Mandate. Wallace first ap- lost count at 33 with a long way to ‘Until the ‘60s the influence of the peared publicly on a major Religious go. Wallace himself is (or was) a dea- Right platform in 1999 (Salt Shakers Judaeo-Christian ethic was quite con at Hughes Baptist Church, Can- strong, and that was very constrain- Newsletter, Nov. 1999, 3ff) when he berra, which means that he has addressed a meeting of the National ing for people with counter-Chris- some sort of experience in a church tian agendas like the homosexual Alliance of Christian Leaders hierarchy. (NACL), an umbrella group which lobby, the sex industry, the mari- An Australia governed on ACL juana lobby. They couldn’t really get strongly promotes dominion-style lines might not be run by a priestly thinking — http://www.unbelief.org/ anywhere until they neutralised that order per se, but by something un- influence.’ As a result, Christians fundies/nacl.html. Wallace also has comfortably close to it. I’ll return to researchers and assistants who sub- have been ‘blasted and denigrated to this matter shortly. the point where they are reluctant to scribe to some of these theories eg,
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 47 Theocrats Talk
David Yates, formerly of the ‘Centre for Worldview Studies’. As recently as January 2005, Wal- Welcome to Science lace was scheduled to appear with a list of dominionist and creationist speakers at a ‘Worldview Training’ In April, I was asked to give a short No astrologer ever predicted the exist- conference at Toowoomba. The guest speech to a group of local students ence of Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto. No of honour was slated to be David who participated in a science fair. I modern astrologer had a clue about Noebel of Summit Ministries in Colo- wasn’t sure what to say to them, Sedna, a ball of ice half the size of rado. Noebel, a former John Birch until I saw a newscast the night Pluto that orbits even farther out. No Society member, is a minor-leaguer before the fair. The story was some astrologer predicted the more than 150 in the American Religious Right but typically inaccurate fluff piece giving planets now known to orbit other suns. antiscience boneheads “equal time” very strong on the importance of a But scientists did. ‘Christian worldview’ ie, a dominion- with science, as if any ridiculous ist ideology (see Jean Hardisty theory should have equal time No psychic, despite their claims, has [1999] Mobilising Resentment, 107- against the truth. I sat down with a ever helped the police solve a crime. 8). There is no doubt that Wallace pad of paper and a pencil and scrib- But forensic scientists have, all the has internalised many of these ideas bled down this speech. I gave it al- time. most exactly as I wrote it. and is now what is often called an It wasn’t someone who practices ho- ‘operational dominionist’ ie, even if I know a place where the Sun never meopathy who found a cure for small- he hasn’t formally subscribed to the sets. It’s a mountain, and it’s on the pox, or polio. Scientists did, medical theory his actions are nevertheless Moon. It sticks up so high that even scientists. predicated on it and almost entirely as the Moon spins, it’s in perpetual consistent with it. daylight. Radiation from the Sun No creationist ever cracked the genetic pours down on there day and night, code. Chemists did. Molecular biolo- Conclusion 24 hours a day — well, the Moon’s day gists did. Whether he wants to use the term or is actually about 4 weeks long, so the They used physics. They used math. not, Jim Wallace clearly has a theo- sunlight pours down there 708 hours They used chemistry, biology, as- cratic vision for Australia. An ACL- a day. tronomy, engineering. approved government would recog- I know a place where the Sun never nise God as the ‘King’ of this They used science. shines. It’s at the bottom of the ocean. country; biblical commands includ- A crack in the crust there exudes nasty These are all the things you discov- ing, I suggest, large chunks of Mo- chemicals and heats the water to the ered doing your projects. All the things saic law, would come to dominate our boiling point. This would kill a hu- that brought you here today. statute books; and Parliament would man instantly, but there are creatures Computers? Cell phones? Rockets to be invaded by conservative evangeli- there, bacteria, that thrive. They eat Saturn, probes to the ocean floor, PSP, cal pastors and their allies. Although the sulphur from the vent, and excrete gamecubes, gameboys, X-boxes? most of these MPs would probably be sulphuric acid. lay people, it would be difficult to All by scientists. imagine them defying church in- I know a place where the temperature Those places I talked about before, you structions on basic issues. is 15 million degrees, and the pressure can get to know them too. You can ex- Is any such scenario likely to de- would crush you to a microscopic dot. perience the wonder of seeing them for velop soon? I very much doubt it, but That place is the core of the Sun. the first time, the thrill of discovery, if you hear people like Jim Wallace I know a place where the magnetic the incredible, visceral feeling of do- or Fred Nile denying that they want fields would rip you apart, atom by ing something no one has ever done to see a theocracy in Australia, take atom: the surface of a neutron star, a before, seen things no one has seen it with a grain of salt. magnetar. before, know something no one else has But if early one morning they ever known. deny it thrice, head for the hills. I know a place where life began bil- lions of years ago. That place is here, No crystal balls, no tarot cards, no the Earth. horoscopes. Just you, your brain, and I know these places because I’m a sci- your ability to think. entist. Welcome to science. You’re gonna like Science is a way of finding things out. it here. It’s a way of testing what’s real. It’s Phil Plait what Richard Feynman called “A way of not fooling ourselves.” The Bad Astronomer
Page 48 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Investigation Psychic or Just Sick?
Is there any harm in James Van Praagh says he can talk tricks of the trade he says psychics with the dead. He says he can see like James Van Praagh can use to psychic acts? into the future. He may even use his deceive vulnerable people. Mayer powers to search for an answer to attended one of Van Praagh’s shows the mysterious disappearance of and was disgusted by what he saw. Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Mayer says: Morcombe. Van Praagh is the latest American It made my stomach turn to have to television psychic. His television watch it. It was dreadful. The sub- show, Beyond, airs every weekday ject matter was just trivialised and afternoon on the Nine Network, and thrown away. The real actual pain his recent tour of Australia sold out and grief of the people who were shows across the country. His show there to get some sought of connec- at the Brisbane Convention Center tion, looking for hope and desper- netted almost a quarter of a million ately trying to have closure on their dollars in ticket sales alone. pain, was just washed over in light His three hour performances con- entertainment. sisted of 40 minutes of his life story, Mr Mayer describes what Van 20 minutes of questions from the Praagh does as “emotional rape”. audience, 30 minutes of guided It was like watching a woman being meditation, and an hour of the sup- physically attacked and not being posed psychic readings that have able to do anything about it. made Van Praagh famous. Almost all audience members who commented Mayer says there is a general on the shows gave a belatedly posi- misconception that the psychic in- tive review, thoroughly convinced dustry does no harm. Van Praagh had made contact with Actually it does a lot of harm, he the world of the spirits. says. However some skeptics were not He describes a woman in the audi- impressed. Mark Mayer demon- ence at Van Praagh’s Melbourne strates unexplainable paranormal show. In her early 20s, she stood up abilities on a daily basis. But Mayer during the psychic readings and is not psychic …he’s an entertainer, asked Van Praagh if he could contact an illusionist, who as part of his her daughter, who had died at a Peter Booth has just completed a Bachelor of show, Talking With the Dead, Or young age in a car crash. Van Arts majoring in Journalism at Griffith Lying To the Living?, at Melbourne’s Praagh proceeded to apparently com- University. He has also studied theatre and Trade Center, demonstrates the municate with the deceased young magic which sparked an interest in the topic.
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 49 Psychic or Sick girl, who he said was standing next ence members for his Brisbane Con- Other views to her. The young woman said she vention Center show were not re- Victor Zammit is a Sydney-based was the driver of the car, and asked quired to sign anything, and Shar lawyer and author of the book, A if her daughter forgave her. Van Von Christyanson, who paid $110 for Lawyer Presents the Case for the Praagh responded, “Oranges, take her ticket, was quick to express her Afterlife. Zammit is a staunch de- oranges to her grave, she wants or- disappointment: fender of Van Praagh’s psychic anges.” Tears were streaming down Most of the people are here today as claims. Zammit says: the woman’s face. Later Van Praagh a result of them having some severe told the woman her daughter wanted The closed-minded skeptics accuse emotional trauma or loss of loved her to know there was nothing to him of fraud, but they can not prove ones and they’re looking for some- forgive. it. It’s closed minded skepticism. thing. I think he’s exploiting that. Mayer says this incident was a After the show they were selling blue Zammit says a visit to a psychic typical example of Van Praagh des- stars for an ‘intimate meeting’ for where he apparently made contact ecrating someone’s memories of their 500 people. with his deceased Father, Mother deceased loved ones: and Grandmother changed his views What pain must this woman be in? They paid 35 dollars a head and on the subject: basically what they get for their She should be seeing trained emo- I didn’t get along with my father. money is they can shake his hand or tional councillors… not someone After half an hour of asking lots and he can sign a book for them. I met who is pretending to see her dead lots of questions to confirm some Lady Diana, I’ve met Michael daughter. Now she can go away and certain incidents from when he was Jackson, I’ve met Elton John, I’ve think, ‘Well that was amazing, why alive with me, and nobody on earth met Bill Clinton. Lots of significant do I want to stop talking to my could no about those, they were 100 people. Not one of them charged to daughter now? I’ll keep going to percent correct. I said ‘OK, what do shake their hand. I just find that psychics forever, for the next 50 or 60 you want?’ And he said, ‘I came for ridiculous. I think that it’s idolising years and spend thousands and forgiveness. I cannot progress in the another human being. They’re so thousands of dollars.’ He’s screwed world that I’m in unless you forgive desperate to touch this man. over their memories and their love.” me for being such a lousy father’. I Mayer attributes the apparent So why the need for an audience got that and for me the experiential psychic gift James Van Praagh has contract? Mark Mayer suggests the is far more important than even to a psychological technique known deceptive editing of the shows may science. have something to do with it: as “cold reading”: a combination of James Van Praagh was unavail- making generalized statements, They take up to six hours of taping able to comment on his show, but his posing questions as statements, and to produce 11 minutes of air time. manager and producer of Beyond, feeding back information he has That 11 minutes of air time is then John King, invited any skeptic to already been told. edited creatively to give the best come to their shows and still not Because we are more the same than impression. On top of that, you’re believe. allowed to have questionnaires be- we are different, things that seem I’m a skeptic myself, King said If you fore the audience goes in. You’re quite specific and like they only ap- see one or two of these it’s pretty allowed to have microphones in the ply to either me or to you, actually, hard to deny that there’s something audience before the show starts for in general reality, apply to a major- there, even for the biggest cynic or an hour while they’re all chatting ity of people,. the biggest skeptic. amongst themselves. And just to They ask a leading question based help pad it out, if you do get stuck, When asked if James Van Praagh’s on common life experiences to extract you’re allowed to have actors in the claims of psychic powers are fake, specific information, and combine audience. King responds: I produce those this with things like popular first shows, I put them together, so I know Mayer says people generally do names, common causes of death or that those shows are real, I know not show the same level of skepti- illnesses, and other statistical prob- that there’s nothing rigged. cism towards psychic television abilities. It makes the people feel shows as they do for other media: that the reading is really personal Missing people and just for them. They’re so critical about things, like King says that James Van Praagh that band is made up and this is not has previously worked with police Audience members for James Van real reality TV, and as soon as this departments and the American gov- Praagh’s television tapings are re- comes on their logic goes out the ernment, and revealed that Van quired to sign contracts prohibiting window. That’s a normal emotional Praagh may assist authorities inves- them from speaking to the media response across the board when you tigating the disappearance of Daniel about what they saw. However audi- are feeling in pain. Morcombe in December last year.
Page 50 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 I actually received a newspaper arti- shaved and he hasn’t got many days ephone hotline, run by famous Aus- cle about that today... it’s quite possi- left. Bruce tells me to put them aside tralian psychic [the late] Athena ble that he (Van Praagh) may be and don’t look at them, but they do Star Woman. interested in doing something with go through my mind, what if it is We had received evidence by plant- that. true? ing a stooge in there that people This is a prospect that Mark could get a job there with no tests to Mayer finds particularly disturbing. No regulation see if they were psychic, and they were given a script to read and told The idea of psychic detectives is a The psychic industry is not bound by to not to depart from it, Williams myth, he says. If you look up any the same regulations as other con- says. police records for anywhere, there’s sumer industries. Mark Mayer be- not been a single case of any psychic lieves tougher restrictions should be They were also told to keep people on solving or helping any crime ever. introduced to monitor the industry. the phone as long as they could, and Scotland Yard goes on record saying If you want to be a psychic you need the average was 18 minutes, at five they don’t use it at all and it has no qualifications, you need no his- dollars a minute. done nothing. The LAPD goes on tory, you don’t need to have any po- record saying they actually did tests lice checks, and you don’t need to They (the Department of Fair Trad- to see how accurate they were and prove or substantiate any of your ing) refused to do anything about it. they will not use them. The FBI claims, he says. They said ‘Yo u ’re getting into the don’t have any files on it whatsoever, area of people’s beliefs’. I said ‘Re- either for or against. If people are going to go to psychics, gardless of whether they believe it or and they want to, I’m not saying not, the fact is what they’re doing is As soon as a high profile child goes they’re not allowed to or they fraud.’ But they wouldn’t touch it. missing they (psychics) prey on it shouldn’t. If you want to go, you just because its great advertising, and need to go with the full disclosure Mr Williams says despite any it’s absolutely disgusting. that this is entertainment, it’s made evidence that Van Praagh can not really make contact with the after- Executive Officer of the Austral- up and it’s fun, and if that’s the case life, he and other psychics will con- ian Skeptics, Barry Williams com- then no problem. tinue to prosper. pares claiming to be able to find Celebrity psychic John Edward missing children to the actions of presents the following disclaimer The only thing that will bring it hoax e-mailer David Charles Brine, during the credits of his television down is for the entire humanity to who was recently arrested for claim- show Crossing Over: suddenly become critical, rational thinkers, he says. ing he knew the whereabouts of The materials and opinions presented Daniel Morcombe, and demanding in this program by John Edward and They’re selling a simple message. money for his return. Williams says: other third parties, including state- They’re selling hope and the rational ments, predictions, documents, photos If you give police a lead, they have to world is selling you the hard bloody and video footage, come solely from follow it up. They (psychic detec- reality. tives) probably convince themselves their respective third party sources and do not necessarily reflect the views they’re helping the police. It’s cruel. We’ve definitely got the harder sell. I don’t give a damn it you are self- or opinions of the producer, are not deluded in those cases. Your self- meant or intended to be a form of ad- delusion is causing pain to vice, instruction, suggestion, counsel Note somebody else.” or factual statement in any way what- This piece was originally written by soever and are intended as entertain- Peter Booth as an investigative re- Claims by psychics to know the ment. port for a university course entitled whereabouts of their son have “Feature Writing,” and later adapted plagued Mr and Mrs Morcombe be- Mark Mayer lodged a complaint as an audio story for a radio course. fore. with Consumer Affairs in Victoria regarding a lack of such a disclaimer The radio version of the story was I’ve received a few letters from psy- during John Edward’s February tour nominated by the course convenor chics, some of them have been very of Australia. He has so far been un- for an Ozzie award for junior jour- distressing, Denise Morcombe told successful in his efforts to get au- nalism. Australian Story. thorities to closer investigate psychic claims. They say that Daniel may be in a Barry Williams said the Austral- local barn in the area close by, or in ian Skeptics once brought a case to a country town. I’ve had one letter the Department of Fair Trading saying that Daniel’s head’s been against a supposed psychic tel-
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 51 Feature Chemical Warfare: Dirty Doings in the Pharmacy
Where can one turn for One pill makes you larger and one It is war pill makes you small good advice? There is a war going on in our shop- And the ones your mother gives you ping centres. It’s chemical warfare of non-prescription drugs. For the past Don’t do anything at all. years there has been a boom in (Lewis Carroll Alice In Wonderland) shops selling ‘natural’ — herbs, pills, potions and a wide range of health In March 2005 a poll was under- products and services. Even in the taken to determine the trust we put face of overwhelming evidence that in a wide selection of professions. many of these products and services When the results were published it fail to perform, are sometimes based showed that used car salesmen were on pseudoscientific gibberish, and rated at 10% and nurses at over may even be dangerous, there is a 90%. Pharmacists did well at 86%. continual queue of willing converts. Your local pharmacist, who seems to “Natural = Safe” is the assumption spend most of the time staying and nothing you see on display tucked away amongst the medicine seems to contradict this belief. shelves in the back rooms, wading Numerous television documenta- through a steady stream of prescrip- ries and articles have been written tions, is a highly educated, both and produced by reputable research- medical and science trained profes- ers about these products. They use sional, up to date with research. words like ‘pesticides’, ‘heavy met- That is the person you really want to als’, and ‘herb substitution’, and they talk to when you are ill and need to state that some of these products take prescription medication. After cause thinning bones, diarrhoea, being diagnosed with cancer in 2003, asthma, cirrhosis, hepatitis, irritable my own experiences with pharma- bowel syndrome and even death. cists are that they are always knowl- These messages seem to fall on deaf edgeable, friendly and available. We ears. After all, there are shiny full- willingly believe what they say and colour multi-page booklets bulging Loretta Marron’s biog is elsewhere in this understandably so, but do they re- out of well-used carousels and issue. She will be a speaker at our National ally deserve this high level of trust? squashed haphazardly between dis- Convention at the Gold Coast, Aug 13-14. plays of this week’s new batch of
Page 52 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 products; they use dramatic words We can find your cancer in your eyes; giants. There were takeovers and within emotive anecdotes as they we can tell you what cancer you’ve mergers and it wasn’t long before the show pictures that tell you how they had and what you’ll get. leak in the drug money was plugged. ‘may’ improve your health. Lavish The Mayne website proudly boasts At least that’s what the high-profile-advertising brand that under their umbrella is, “Na- iridologists say. names sit proudly and professionally ture’s Own™, Cenovis®, Golden above the wall-to-wall regimented We can cure you of cancer with water Glow®, Bio-Organics™, Natural shelves of matching bottles, tubes that contains only ‘vital energy’ from Nutrition™, and Vitelle®”. and packets. shaking. It remembers the symptoms They also state that “Faulding® At the doorway is a tray of free you have. No need for an operation and Trademark brands are deeply magazines with this month’s ‘special’ — it reduces your chances of surviv- entrenched in the history of the con- to lift your lagging sex life, lose or ing by 50%. sumer products division and have add weight, improve your memory, At least that’s what some been part of Faulding for more than increase your energy, solve your hor- homeopaths say. 20 years.” They also own the monal problems. There is the inevi- “Betadine® range of antiseptic prod- table page of magnetic or copper If you have any type of illnesses or ucts, which are widely used in hospi- products that display smirking fa- want to stay healthy we can sell you tals and households for their broad- miliar faces claiming that they are all you need for you to live forever — spectrum antibacterial and antiviral there to help you become pain-free. after all, change your lifestyle and action”. It seems you don’t need proof: there cancer and disease will be not touch The website also mentions their is always someone to reassure you you or you will cured. own pharmacies which include that it worked for them. After all, it At least that’s what the “Chemmart®, Terry White Chem- can’t hurt you; why not give it a go; naturopaths say. ists® and The Medicine Shoppe®”. it’s on special today for $299 + GST; While people are leaving main- To add to that they own the I’m sure you can stretch your pen- stream medicine in droves, they are MINFOS Management Information sion cheque just that little bit fur- not walking too far. Turn around and Systems whereby pharmacy manag- ther. you are in the pharmacy. ers can win prizes — all great strate- gies for gaining the loyalty of their We can also help you boost your It is the same shop. pharmacists. On their site you can immune system, remove your toxins In the suburbs and country towns, read about: and tackle those unwanted para- there is an explosion in ‘natural’ sites. products and services. The simple ... the winner — [name deleted] health foods shops of the past have Terry White Chemist, Smithfield — There is a pill or product there for metamorphosed into ‘holistic’ healing was drawn by Pharmacy Guild Na- everyone, and new ones seemingly centres, which are attracting every- tional President John Bronger. arrive daily. one from high-income, educated, To win the Toshiba laptop “En- Signs of the times professionals to a new generation of people with dread-locked hair, tat- trants were required to dispense a A sign stands by the doorway; tooed arms, backs and necks and script to themselves in the Mayne stand at the conference.” I hope they The naturopath will be here at 2 pm multiple piercing in ears, tongues, nipples and noses. These New Age needed those pills. today; Iridology available Wednes- According to the website they days and Fridays; Yoga classes start converts are tired of long waits in revolving door medical centres wait- manufacture pills as well. Their site again next week – ask at the counter states; for details. ing for unfamiliar doctors for a short appointment, only to leave with a Mayne Pharma has the infrastruc- As you walk into this part of the script for some manufactured chemi- ture and expertise to meet the re- shop a Pandora’s box opens before cal. Nothing natural there. It is not quirements of each of the major you, helping you take control of your enough today to cure the body; the regulatory authorities and to own health. After all, ‘science doesn’t spirit must be cured as well; your promptly secure product approvals. know everything.’ harmony must be re-balanced and Our global manufacturing infra- People are eager, even encouraged your ‘ch’i’ repaired, this takes time, structure operates across over by medical rebates from desperate and here there is no time. 245,000 square feet (23,000m 2), health funds with dwindling mem- producing more than 52 million bership, to experiment with ‘New Enter ‘Big Pharma’ ampoules and 40 million vials an- Age’ tools that can tell your past, In 2003 Australians made 1.9 million nually, in addition to the production present and future, can ‘balance the visits to naturopaths and herbalists. of specialised modified release oral harmony’ within you and can ‘chan- ‘Natural’ had became a $2 billion pharmaceuticals. nel the energy of the Universe’ to dollar industry and this did not go heal you. Mayne own or have owned hospi- unnoticed by the pharmaceutical tals, medical centres, pathology, di-
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 53 Chemical Warfare agnostic imaging and more. They illness, I wanted the best possible that some of their health products cover an entire column in the white advice and information. When I was don’t work and I have quite a few pages. ‘If you can’t beat them, join first diagnosed I went to the Internet testimonials collected from concerned them’ — and why not? It’s all legal and started my research. I bought pharmacists and my own research to and raises millions in profits for its folders and filed reports; I high- prove it. No other type of business can shareholders and, for the Govern- lighted cure rates, medications and do that, so why can they? ment, there is the overarching 10% clinical trials. Now I find that these I said to one of the pharmacists on the prices going directly to the very web sites are funded by drug once, ‘Do you know that some of the GST. companies: Arthritis Australia and products you sell don’t work?’ He re- Impotence Australia are sponsored sponded, ‘Some people say they work Bureaucratic run-around by Pfizer — see for yourself. Look at for them.’ One of our seniors’ magazines re- the computer screens on your GP’s ‘Placebo is a wonderful thing’, I cently advertised a health product table, watch the pretty pictures roll replied, and he said ‘Yes’. that made claims that seemed to and flash — new drugs for new con- Alice in Wonderland is said to be contradict human physiology. ditions. The software is provided free an intrepid pharmaceutical explorer Searching the Internet, I found a from drug companies. and a drug culture heroine. She liked reference to this product with the the genuine article — no placebo for Food and Drug Administration A betrayal of trust her. (FDA) in the USA. I emailed the During 2004, the National Seniors I think Lewis Carroll would agree FDA and they responded with the Association, with a membership of with a change to Alice’s story to re- details relating to this product. It 300,000 seniors, conducted a survey to flect today’s pharmacies: had been banned in 1992. I attached find out what interested their readers. Hormone pills makes you larger and this reply to an email to the maga- Health was their number one concern. laxette pills makes you small zine. They withdrew the advertise- But whom do you trust for the best ment. independent advice? But other pills your chemist sells I also attached this reply to an I trust the staff at my local phar- email to the ACCC. They sent me to macy. They have spent the time with Don’t do anything at all. Treasury (Recalls). I phoned Recalls, me when I needed them most. Their Sorry Alice, it might be the 21st located in Canberra, and they ques- advice was always accurate; their century, but your mother’s ‘snake oil’ tioned why I was contacting them. It sympathy sincere; their concern genu- is still out there. had nothing to do with Recalls, they ine. Like the captain of a ship, they said, and suggested I contact Fair are the face of the pharmacy where References: Trading. I contacted Fair Trading they work, but like that same captain, and they wanted to know how much I hold them responsible for the goods The Desktop Guide to Complemen- money I had lost. None, I said. Well and services they sell. An item that tary and Alternative Medicine — an why are you contacting us, they sits on the shelf in a pharmacy does evidence-based approach; Editor, asked. Because the product doesn’t so with the endorsement of each and Edzard Ernst Mosby Publishers work and I have the proof, I replied. every pharmacist that works there. I (ISBN 0-7234-3207-4) therefore feel that I should trust that Whether products work doesn’t seem Mayne Group — Pharmaceuticals what I buy off the shelves in that to be an issue — the product only Web site :www.maynegroup.com has to be safe. They sent the file to pharmacy works. their Safety division. A month later I As a cancer survivor, my health is Lewis Carroll / Alice in the popular received an email. Sorry, the product constantly at risk, and each and every culture www.lewiscarroll.org/ is safe, so nothing can be done about day I can’t forget this. I need that pop.html it. It seems placebo products are big trust. However, when I walk through business; proof of efficacy not re- my pharmacy I feel betrayed. I know quired; buyer beware. Fighting back Now when I find an advertisement for a product that doesn’t work, I National Convention don’t contact the government any more: I contact the magazines and newspapers; I attach the research, Gold Coast web links and articles — let them read it for themselves. It’s all I can August 13-14 do and sometimes it works. Like most people with a major
Page 54 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Musing A Skeptic’s Music Jamboree
What kinds of music do Skeptics # 4 Shades Of Grey — Billy Joel a song about Luftballons? In terms listen to? Since we are an educated of longevity, think of him as Paul His parents having fled from the lot, probably the classics: Mozart, McCartney wearing a hat. In terms Nazis, Billy knows a thing or two Bach, and Midnight Oil. But is there of his politics, think of him as Peter about the dangers of fanaticism. His music specifically for us Skeptics? Garrett with hair. His song Heyooh song from his “River of Dreams” For example — dare we hope — a Guru from his Odyssey album (1983) album (1998) affirms both reason pop song poking fun at creationism? is just a tad cynical about gurus: and doubt as important antidotes. This Skeptical Hit Parade only Durch die Wüste zieht der Treck has five entries, but there have to be Now with the wisdom of years, many more songs that are suitable. I try to reason things out If you have a favourite tune with Der Guru fliegt schon mal vorweg And the only people I fear skeptical lyrics, why not drop me an (er fliegt vorweg im Privatjet) email? If the constellations tilt just are those who never have doubts Take that, everyone who has ever so, there might yet be a follow up to claimed that European Continental this article. # 3 Victim/Volunteer — Christine Lavin languages are useless in Australia! That said, let us put on our Molly Christine is a folk singer, with a This translates to: Meldrum hats, and count down! taste for the whimsical. And she is Through the desert moves the trek, # 5 You Don’t Know — Cyndi Lauper absolutely mad – in the nicest possi- ble way. How else to explain the The guru flies ahead Are we ready to forgive Cyndi for song she penned which included a (he flies ahead in private jet) portraying a psychic in Vibes? URL in the lyrics? For the astro- Rather than trying to keep up in the nomically-minded, she deserves spe- # 1 Monkey Business — Nik Kershaw rat race of fame, Cyndi took to mak- cial mention, for she wrote a number In case you were not around at the ing albums which, although not huge of melodies about the solar system, time (or have repressed the commercial successes, have a level of such as Venus Kissed the Moon, memory), Nick was the quintessen- maturity perhaps missing from her about the grazing occultation be- tial pop star of the 80s. He shot to earlier efforts. The song You Don’t tween Moon and Venus. (At least I fame with The Riddle and Wide Boy, Know from her Sisters of Avalon think that is what she meant.) An- and burnt out faster than one can album (1996) is a case in point. The other of her songs, Planet X, is about groan “Spice Girls”. However, Nik song is not kind on those who trade Pluto (and this is the song which had real talent — for one thing, he their minds for the comfort of be- included the URL). Her song Victim/ wrote all his own material. Some of longing to a group. Volunteer from her Attainable Love Nik’s lesser-known works had album (1990) lists new-age practi- As you follow blindly along ... themes far off the beaten track, such tioners among the groups of people as Don Quixote and Monkey Busi- To find something to swear to ... who are rather bad at identifying the ness. The latter is the Number 1 in true source of their problems: Till you don’t know what’s right our Skeptics Hit Parade, a song that from wrong He has invested his money in well should be played on ghetto blasters bred astrologers (in tune with the 80’s retro theme) You just need to belong somehow. Healers, Psychic Seers outside every Answers in Genesis rally. Just make sure to wear run- And now he blames every tilted con- ning sneakers, unless you are keen stellation to re-enact the conclusion to John Or every negative vibration Safran versus God. Monkey business He’s not a victim of UFO infestation Mankind, I got a theory that will He’s a volunteer blow your mind # 2 Heyooh Guru — Udo Lindenberg Monkey business, you’ll see Udo Lindenberg is a one-man You got an ape in your family tree rock’n’roll institution in Germany but he is little known internation- Michael Lucht ally. Perhaps he should have penned
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 55 Report Spooked Skeptic
Amazing apprehension of Like an apparition from another age (Considering how strongly the tour they came shuffling down the dusty guide feels about ghosts, I had vi- apparitions streets by night, bearing torches and sions that she’d be the one leading muttering a litany of tall tales like a the lynching.) As a potential wind- Proclamation of the Faith. This was chime, and an actual coward, I kept no mindless pack of zombies or medi- my mouth shut. eval pilgrims, but a ghost tour out- As preparation, people were told side Sydney. to expect ghosts in any smell, sight Ghost tours offer a wonderfully or sound. As people got to hear subversive opportunity to teach spooky stories and even take photos adults something about local history. of ghosts (that look exactly like dust Every city has them, but each tour is particles caught in the flash), they unique to the person in charge. In overcame any fear of ridicule and this tour, the guide is none other told of their own experiences. Inevi- than Liz Vincent, a well-regarded tably, people got jumpy, and before local historian. As promising as this long ghosts were everywhere. In this seems, don’t come expecting too regard I highly recommend the tour much of the macabre moments of because if you want a ghostly experi- Picton’s past. This was more of a ence, this is the way to get it. Mutual support group for devotees of the support and a suspension of disbelief supernatural, so if you believe in will keep people coming back for ghosts, or want to, this is the best more. As silly as it sounds, it’s still a place to be on a Friday and Saturday fun night out, being scared or watch- night. ing others make fools of themselves, Just because this is a very ghost- and everybody needs a place to feel friendly tour does not make it bad. welcome. Anybody who is interested in psy- Go to any fast food chain and the chology would find the tour fascinat- postgraduate philosophy student ing. Just remember to pretend you behind the till will probably tell you see ghosts all around you while that there are three main ways of keeping an eye on everybody else… looking at the world. Naturalism and keep your mouth shut about all supposes that everything is made up the natural phenomena trotted out of matter and, as mysterious as the as evidence of the supernatural. This world appears at times, everything is the sort of tour that attracts peo- has a natural explanation (whether ple who only want to be told they are we understand it or not). On the not deluded. From the beginning we other extreme is spiritualism which were asked if there were any skep- supposes that the physical world is Philip Peters, an animated animator, was tics in the group. Ghosts, we were an illusion. If we exist at all, it is as recently elected Secretary of NSW Skeptics. warned, love to pick on skeptics. immortal spiritual entities. In be- After this exploit he is also our Inspectre Worse yet, sometimes the group can tween is dualism and this is where General. turn on skeptics “and it isn’t pretty”. the ghost tour treads. Dualism sup-
Page 56 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 poses that there is Reflections, glare, both a material and light, shadows… spiritual reality. We nothing was too live in a world gov- amateurish, but of erned by science, course these snap- but sometimes we shots take on a have intruders be- whole new meaning longing to a differ- when viewed by ent kind of reality. people looking for There is nothing confirmation about stupid about dual- what they feel to be ism or a belief in true. Without any ghosts. This tour critical evaluation was not an example to balance its value, of the mad leading this sort of evidence the gullible. These only served to rein- were ordinary force preconceived adults who over- ideas, which of whelmingly chose a course is the whole dualistic worldview point. People pay and were seeking Ghostly figures (or dust) hover above guests money to walk the any confirmation of cold dusty streets, their beliefs with a enduring the abuse proportionate antipathy towards cold underground at night. A breeze from hoons in utes and belligerent naturalistic explanations. Evidence should make it even colder — they drunken yahoos to get a taste of the tends towards naturalism because it do that. If it were a ghost, then the supernatural. Things have taken a presupposes that the world follows ghost did everything a breeze should turn for the worse lately and the certain rules. You can prove some- do. Given time, our eyes can adjust tour has postponed the tunnel visits thing exists by getting others to con- to the dark. Here we had a crowd of until they can get better security. firm it independently. The problem adults on the brink of panicking at One of the spookiest tales told was with the supernatural is that there simple variations in light at the end of the ghost road. One of the roads are no hard and fast laws. You need of the tunnel. Don’t they teach ‘diffu- leading into Picton runs along a pre- a consistent universe for proof to sion’ in primary schools any more? cipitous ridge called, mysteriously, always be valid. The people who On a more serious note, I was a Razorback Ridge. (People had more believe in the supernatural shouldn’t bit worried about people getting too imagination back then.) The course need evidence, and yet there we scared and panicking, as the tour of the road has changed over the were at the start of the ghost tour seemed ill equipped to cope if any- years, and sometimes people drive being warned that anything could be thing went wrong. The tunnel was so where the road used to be, only to proof of the supernatural. Examples dry that one person on the tour had find themselves sailing off into his- to watch out for were the black cat his disposable contact lenses shrivel tory. It’s all very sad but it is also that is strangely not see by every- up and was as blind as a bat until he kind of sad that this is considered body (explain that skeptics!), but could get hold of some saline. Nei- proof that ghosts kill complacent usually appears for the tour that ther the tour guide, nor the café at locals. finishes in a café. There was also the our destination could offer any more On the way home though, I had inexplicable smells, such as cooked than a Band-Aid. Can anybody spell the best thrill of the night. I hap- meat in a paddock, which is a fair ‘duty of care’? pened to be in the car driven by the call. Next time I’m in an elevator ‘No amount of evidence can con- one guy whose contacts failed him in and a strange smell manifests, I’m vince a skeptic’ is something we have the tunnel. If something had hap- going to look at the trapped occu- all heard, and it is good that this pened, the tour guide would have pants and nod sagely… “ghosts”. ghost tour at least attempts to seek been right. Ghosts do pick on skep- For myself, the highlight of the the evidence. We were all encour- tics. tour was spending five minutes in aged to take photos, and were “mor- The web site for Liz Vincent Ghost the dark, in silence, under a hill in ally obligated” to share the photo’s Tours is: the middle of the night. People were with the tour guide if they showed www.lizvincenttours.com.au/. Don’t beside themselves (duality?). In their anything enigmatic. Clearly people go alone! childhood, these people must have believed this because at the conclu- missed out on some very basic sci- sion of the tour we were treated to ence. It is not unnatural for it to be whole albums of bad photographs.
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 57 Report Homeopathy Exposed — Again!
No matter hopw many times Australian Skeptics has long re- Expo at Homebush Olympic Park. If garded homeopathy as little more these people think that homeopathy it is knocked down, it still than outdated quackery. (A visit to can cure autism, which is absurd, bounces back — www.homeowatch.org will give a what would they be telling parents at this Expo? unfortunately comprehensive explanation of this so-called medicine.) I had my suspicions, which were In 2002, Skeptic, Cheryl Freeman confirmed later that week when Pe- exposed the fraudulent sale of fake ter Bowditch and I attended the ‘vaccines’ for Meningococcal disease, Expo. At the AHA booth, we ap- Hepatitis B and Influenza. These proached an attendant: homeopathic vaccines were available Can you use homeopathy to vacci- via the internet or phone orders from nate babies against polio, mumps Gentle Heal Pty Ltd, of Seven Hills, and other diseases? NSW and Newton’s Pharmacy, York St, Sydney. Cheryl’s actions led to a Oh indeed yes! Homeopathy can ban on the vaccines and Gentle Heal vaccinate your baby against any went on to win the 2002 Bend Spoon disease and it’s completely safe. Award. (see the Skeptic 22:3 and :4) Have things changed in the last My fears confirmed, we moved to three years? another attendant: The Sydney launch of ‘World Ho- We’ve just been told that you can use meopathy Awareness Week’, April homeopathy to vaccinate babies. I 10-16, took place at Circular Quay. never knew this. Having an interest in this topic, I Her reply was instructive: attended to see what was going on — four information booths, some live Well, we have to be careful what we music, a few people milling around say, you know … but yes, homeopa- and not much else. I was handed a thy is a far better way to vaccinate flyer about the wonders of homeopa- babies and is much safer than what thy which said in part: the government is doing. Those vac- cinations actually cause diseases! Did you know? That homeopathy can achieve ‘impossible cures’? Eg: a More conversation with the pair boy cured from autism … homeopa- reinforced this view with further thy can work faster than antibiotics warnings about a global conspiracy … homeopathy can treat viruses like by the pharmaceutical companies measles, ‘flu and herpes? against alternative medicine. The only real information it con- Letting the cat out of the bag tained was that The Australian Ho- Richard Saunders, an independent video meopathic Association Inc (AHA) Representatives of The Australian producer and designer of the Great Skeptic planned to have a booth at the forth- Homeopathic Association Inc have CDs, is the Immediate Past President of NSW coming Parents, Babies & Childrens publicly stated, at a Parents, Babies Skeptics & Childrens Expo, that homeopathic
Page 58 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 vaccines are a valid else could they way to immunise possibly defend babies, and that their actions? I parents should not suspect they use conventional think there is vaccines. This is nothing that like saying that cannot be pre- parents should take vented or cured down their pool by homeopathy. fence and replace it To them, it is with a line on the simply the best ground drawn with health care sys- chalk. With the hall tem there is and full with thousands nothing could of visitors, milling convince them around over the otherwise. A real three days of the case of being Expo, we can only totally closed wonder how many minded. parents were duped Following our by this disgraceful exposure of the advise from people conduct of The posing has health Australian Ho- care experts. meopathic Asso- Homeopaths ciation Inc, Aus- were not the only Homeopathy Awareness Week launch at Circular Quay tralian Skeptics exhibitors to give us issued a press cause for concern. Entering the wonderful affair and I would recom- release, which resulted in a number Expo, we were confronted with the mend it to any parent. There were of interviews on ABC Radio stations, alarming sight of babies and toddlers certainly enough reps from valid and a warning to parents. So far undergoing chiropractic adjust- medical institutions and other com- AHA has made no comment on the ments. This stand also had bro- panies to make it worth while. matter. Readers are invited to read chures recommending against vacci- I have no reason to suppose that our press release and other informa- nations, pointing out a supposed link the representatives of the Homeo- tion relating to this report by visit- to cot-death. When quizzed, one of pathic Association, both of whom ing Australian Skeptics web site. the chiropractors said she would would probably regard themselves as www.skeptics.com.au recommend homeopathic vaccina- qualified homeopaths, do not believe tions over conventional ones. in the advice they were giving. How During our visit, we resisted the temptation to take the homeopaths Table showing the volume of water required to make up various homeopathic dilutions and chiropractors to task as this would not have proofed productive on the day. It was more important One cc Cubic water container homeopathic for us to see first-hand what was (1/4 teaspoon) in of side dimension- dilution going on and give these people 1000 cc 10 cm. 3X enough rope. However we made sure 1,000,000 cc 1 metre 3C that representatives of valid medical 1012 cc 100 metres 6C institutions, also exhibiting at the Expo, were made aware of the ac- 1018 cc 10 kilometres 9C tions of their fellow exhibitors. The 1024 cc 1,000 kilometres 12C reps from Children’s Hospital at 1030 cc 100,000 Km. 15C Westmead were particularly horri- fied. Also, on the way out, Peter and Note- I made our concerns known to the The more common homeopathic dilution of 30C would require a cubic ves- organizers of the Expo who seemed sel with a side of 100 light years, one light year being equivalent to 1013 to be disturbed at our findings. Kilometres. I must say that the Expo itself, apart from the quackery, was a truly Our thanks to Skeptic David Hellstrom for this chart
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 59 Forum Red Light to Greenhouse
Journalist challenges My colleagues tell me that if we were terrible mistake in doubting the the consensus all playing parts in one of those Hol- greenhouse effect. lywood blockbuster disaster films my Blockbuster films aside the office character would come to a sticky lobby remains dry and I have yet to end. see any giant crocodiles in Sydney In the opening scenes of this sup- CBD, but my sin in doubting the posed Hollywood film I would be enhanced Greenhouse effect is a seen lecturing my colleagues about terrible one indeed. So frequently how most of what they have read does the media mention the warming and heard about the enhanced of the earth and how this and that Greenhouse effect and the warming effect is due to the warming, and up of the earth, is nonsense. Then in how scientists are collectively warn- the succeeding scenes, after some ing the government about its failure catastrophic failure in the ecosystem to adopt the Kyoto Protocol, that to due to the warming of the earth — openly doubt the Enhanced Green- perhaps a wholesale, overnight melt- house effect is to be labelled a ing of the polar ice caps — the seas “crank”, possibly funded by evil oil suddenly rise to flood out all of Syd- companies, by the Saintly green- ney CBD. The only way out of our house people. Well I wish I was Sydney office building is to take a backed by evil oil and coal compa- paddle craft fortuitously washed to nies, then I could pay my Visa bills, one of the sea level windows from but call me a crank. the recreational lake in nearby Dar- Of late the cranks have been scor- ling Harbour. ing a few points. We paddle away to save the girl of Whether you are prepared to go the film but then I am taken by a with the crowd or not, a lot of the giant crocodile, which the Hollywood media reporting on the Greenhouse script writers have had mutated by effect is unquestionably doubtful. Mark Lawson is a senior journalist on the pollution from the Uranium mines in One article in the Good Weekend Australian Financial Review and is available for the Northern Territory and moved magazine published earlier this year casting as the fall guy in any big budget all the way to flood-bound Sydney. At talked confidently of a six degree rise American films on climate change disasters. that last moment on screen, before I in the earth’s average temperatures [email protected] vanish into the jaws of this beast, in a century. Where did that figure my face shows that I realised my come from? In fact the article was
Page 60 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 quoting the maximum of a very wide ture. This so called “hockey stick” 6,000 boreholes (published in Geo- range forecast by International graph, produced by a group of scien- physical Research Letters in 1997, Panel on Climate Change. At one tists led by Michael Mann, a clima- Vol 24 No 15). That analysis was not point the very distinguished scien- tologist at the University of Virginia, shown in the latest IPCC report, and tists of the IPCC forecast that in a shows that the earth’s average tem- that report also downplayed satellite century the Earth will be anywhere perature was relatively stable until measurements of tropospheric tem- from 2 to 6 degrees centigrade hotter about the beginning of the twentieth peratures of the last 20 years or so than it is now. Any skeptic familiar century and then climbed sharply which also did not show any rising with the history of prediction who upwards, warming by about a degree trend in temperatures. sees such a wide range in forecasts over the century. The tip of this An even bigger problem with the for conditions a century out based on hockey stick, the last 20 years or so, panel’s case, McKitrick alleges, is imperfectly understood science, relies on instrument data. that Mann and his colleagues should simply laugh messed up their at anyone wasting analysis. In essence time on them. he is saying their Instead, as skep- analysis gave consid- tics, let us concern erable weighting to ourselves with the any temperature immediate questions increases at the end of whether the earth of the data series. As is going through a a result, a set of tree warming phase and, rings from a place if it is, whether that called Sheep Moun- warming phase can tain in California, be connected to hu- known to have been man activity. A check affected in the Twen- of recently published tieth Century per- materials turns up haps by the nearby some surprising answers. One of the key points about this use of fertiliser, threw out the whole I was slowly being convinced that graph is not so much the sharp in- series, giving it the hockey stick the climate was changing abnor- crease at the end (to be discussed shape. Take out those tree rings and mally, and that I could yet be eaten later) but that it does away with the you are left with no pronounced by crocodiles, before I read the pa- so called Medieval Warming Period. change. In fact, McKitrick says, if pers from a conference “Managing This is a variation in the earth’s you feed in a lot of random signals Climate Change — Practicalities and climate that was widely accepted then you still get a hockey stick as Realities in a Post-Kyoto Future” (that is, before the hockey stick Mann’s approach emphases any ran- held in Canberra in early April and work) in which the earth warmed up dom increases that occur at the end convened by Alan Oxley, chairman of perhaps half a degree or so (the of the data series. Further, the cor- the Apec (Australian Asia Pacific warm period ) then cooled by a de- rected analysis of the original data Economic Co-operation) study centre gree or so (the little ice age) and then shows both the medieval warm pe- at Monash University in Melbourne. warmed up again, all in about 1,000 riod and little ice age. Please note The conference proved to be a years. Some scholars have tried that this still means the Earth as gathering of distinguished scientists blaming the Viking raids on the been warning up of late, but as part and economists who had some harsh warm period’s affect on climate in of its ongoing recovery from the little things to say about the science be- Scandinavia and the little ice age ice age. Whether there has been any- hind the Greenhouse debate. Chief has been blamed for the very cold thing out of the ordinary in the last among these was a paper by Ross winters that feature in the literature 30 years or so of change is unclear. McKitrick, of the Department of of Dickens. In that previously ac- This argument is difficult for lay- Economics at the University of cepted sequence, even now the earth men such as the writer to assess but Guelph in Ontario, Canada. McK- might still not have warmed up be- there are indications that McKitrick itrick says that a key part of the yond Medieval temperatures — a is winning. A recent article in New IPCC case for global warming — and highly inconvenient fact for green- Scientist (February 12, 2005), which certainly the centrepiece display in house proponents. otherwise sneers at Greenhouse any printed material — is an analy- McKitrick says that the warm skeptics as being either retired or sis of data mainly from tree rings, period-little ice age sequence was outside the mainstream of environ- but include the likes of ice cores and confirmed by a group led by mental research, notes that; coral rings, which seems to show a Shaopeng Huang of the University of skeptics say the methodology system- sharp, recent increase in tempera- Michigan which analysed data from
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 61 Forum
atically underestimates past vari- number of heating and cooling cy- Earth cooling rather than warming ability by smoothing out peak and cles, controlled by a number of fac- up it is worth noting an article in the troughs, and they are winning the tors including changes in earth’s March issue of Scientific American argument. Scientists at the UK met orbital geometry (the earth’s orbit by William F. Ruddiman, a marine office and other IPCC stalwarts were shifts in a very slow cycle). These geologist at the University of Vir- among those who reported late last cycles are widely accepted. ginia. In the article Ruddiman year (in the journal) claims that the Science that the earth would have hockey stick analysis been much cooler contains ‘assumptions by now had it not that are not permissi- been for human ble’. agricultural activ- ity throughout In fairness, the history. He says same article also that greenhouse points to arguments gases stopped fol- over adjustments to lowing the glacial- the satellite data inter glacial cycle which has proved to some eight thou- be inconvenient for sand years ago, Greenhouse propo- about when hu- nents, saying those mans invented adjustments are incor- agriculture, thanks rect. to all the addi- Other speakers at tional carbon diox- the recent climate ide and methane change conference in produced. The Canberra had wound- most recent ing things to say about changes due to the IPCC. A paper by Robert M. Carter’s paper says that in the industrial activity is just one part of Carter of the Marine Geophysical last 0.6 million years the earth has human affect on climate, which has Laboratory at James Cook Univer- oscillated between ice ages and had the overall effect of stopping the sity in Townsville, says that the warm or interglacial periods in cy- earth from sliding into the next gla- IPCC is an unabashedly political, cles of about 100,000 with the earth cial period. However, apparently not scientific, organisation”. It has being mostly much cooler than it is using the hockey stick numbers for based its assertions on the hockey now. All of human history has occu- the last part of his calculations, he stick graph, ground based tempera- pied one such warm period which also says that the earth will become ture measurements (the last part of has already reached its use-by date, much hotter than is natural for an the hockey stick) and computer mod- but there is nothing to indicate that interglacial period, due to the extra els used to make predictions 50 to climate is now changing at a faster gases. 100 years out, “each of which has rate than it has changed in the past. Whatever you may make of such been demonstrated to be unsound”. In fact, other interglacial periods arguments it is not what the Green- Further, the focus of IPCC activity have been warmer. Further, changes house proponents want to hear and has been on comparing contempo- in carbon dioxide content of the at- they have not been idle during all of rary climate change with that of the mosphere have followed climate this. The March issue of Scientific last 1,000-2,000 years. “This is a change instead of preceding it. There American cited above, features an ridiculously short and atypical pe- is still much to understand in the interview with Michael Mann which riod over which to seek to under- influences on climate changes but says he published a full reply to his stand climate change.” the mostly likely future trend, to critics in the journal Nature in 2004, A lot is now understood about judge from the known cycles affect- and showed that the Medieval large scale changes from study of ing climate, is for the earth to cool Warming Period and Little Ice Age sediment cores and ice cores, Carter rather than warm up, Carter says. were local phenomena. The maga- says, including the general agreed Readers who want to explore this zine article says that “petroleum facts that the earth has been gradu- issue further can look at the web site interests” are behind the criticism. ally cooling down from a period five (www.climatechange.com.au) which Mann also defends himself at million years ago, when it was sev- includes papers by heretics, as well length on a website set up in con- eral degrees warmer than it is now. as one or two from the pure faith. junction with like minded scientists Superimposed on that cooling is a But on the last point about the www.realclimate.com . On the site,
Page 62 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Review in part he says that the McKitrick and Co’s supposed corrections are in error due to “censoring by the au- A Fertile Field thors of key proxy data in the origi- nal Mann et al (1998) dataset”. The website notes that the claims have for Skeptics been “further discredited” in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, in a paper in the American Meteoro- On Bullshit; Harry G Frankfurt; Prof Frankfurt goes on to discuss logical Society journal, of Climate by Princeton University Press 2005. the role of intent in distinguishing Rutherford and colleagues (2004). US$9.95 (hardcover). downright lying from less serious As everyone involved is quick to carelessness of truth and detail. He point out, the hockey stick graph is The top flight American university drags in a lengthy anecdote on not the only piece of evidence for presses (and Princeton certainly is Wittgenstein’s purist attitude to a undue greenhouse warming, but it one) are refreshingly uninhibited in comparison between human experi- was the most persuasive and is now the topics they publish. Hence we ence (of a serious injury) and what looking doubtful indeed. Consider- have a small but thoughtful mono- that person imagines an injured dog ably more work, argument and graph on a subject with which we might feel. Mercifully, Frankfurt analysis of data sets will be required are all too familiar, but is seldom if returns to clarifying the nature of before anyone can say what is hap- at all studied. bullshit, with examples of usage and pening, and whether any current Princeton Emeritus Philosophy terminology. I found myself thinking warming is abnormal. Professor Harry Frankfurt has that the word “crap” is sufficiently Mann seems to tentatively agree dipped his analytical toes into a very accommodating as a descriptor. with this. In the same refutation of murky pool indeed, attempting to The Macquarie Dictionary cites his critics cited above he notes: define what is almost indefinable. rubbish and nonsense as valid mean- Numerous studies suggest that Bullshit may range from lies to non- ings and the Macquarie Thesaurus hemispheric mean warmth for the sense. “Never tell a lie when you can does include the word crap. But crap late 20th century (that is, the past bullshit your way through” was A A is a word Frankfurt avoids although few decades) appears to exceed the Simpson’s advice from his father. I believe it to be frequently employed warmth of any comparable length The intent of bullshit may extend by Americans as a synonym for period over the past thousand years from pure deceit to pretension and bullshit. or longer, taking into account the bombast. These and many other I must admit that I did not know uncertainties in the estimates. On shades of meaning are entertain- quite what to expect from Frank- the other hand, in the context of the ingly explored by Prof Frankfurt. He furt’s 67-page essay. Maybe some long-term reconstructions, the early also explores the many uses of concise advice on how to infallibly 20th century appears to have been a bullshit, humbug, bunkum or what- identify bullshit. As skeptics we like relatively cold period while the mid ever you like to call it. I just loved to think we have pretty good bullshit 20th century was comparable in Frankfurt’s portrayal of some famil- detectors but, alas, the same cannot warmth, by most estimates, to peak iar bullshit sources. I quote him in be said of the general populace Medieval warmth. It is not the aver- full: whose gullibility is frequently aston- age 20th century warmth, but the The realms of advertising and of ishing. On Bullshit is a tad too schol- magnitude of warming during the public relations, and the nowadays arly to appeal to the masses. It is 20th century, and the level of closely related realm of politics, are more to the liking of those who wish warmth observed during the past replete with instances of bullshit so to explore the motivations of liars few decades, which appear to be unmitigated that they can serve and bullshitters. As a corollary one anomalous in a long-term context. among the most indisputable and can say that where there is money or influence to be made from bullshit The IPCC is due to meet in May. classic paradigms of the concept. its originators and propagators will It is unlikely to abandon its prize And in these realms there are exqui- continue to operate. In consequence, piece of evidence without a fight but, sitely sophisticated craftsmen who bullshit will always be with us. It is unquestionably, global climate is — with the help of advanced and even part of our nature. proving considerably more compli- demanding techniques of market As Professor Frankfurt concludes, cated than anyone expected, and I research, of public opinion polling, after a scathing summation on how may yet avoid being eaten by croco- of psychological testing and so forth much we humans delude ourselves, diles. — dedicate themselves tirelessly to getting every word and image they “sincerity itself is bullshit.” produce exactly right. Right on! Colin Keay
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 63 Review Star Dreams
A recent special screening of the docu- of DNA by the end of the Mayan calen- choose the explanations that work best mentary Star Dreams produced by dar (2012). Also, human cell structure for you. While this relativistic ap- Canadian Robert Nichol was adver- will change enabling us to receive proach may have some application to tised as “an exhilarating and provoca- higher vibrations sent to us in the subjective concepts like love or tastes tive documentary about crop circles. form of messages from aliens. I hope in music, surely a crop circle could The advertising also claimed that the all the biologists and geneticists out either have been created by aliens program was “highly objective”. It was there are getting ready for this mam- from the Galactic Federation or by anything but objective, as we were moth change in our makeup. And to Mother Earth — but not both! I per- about to find out. think we were worried about the Y2K sisted with this line but was chastised The vast majority of those in at- bug! for being a linear thinker like Isaac tendance appeared to be dedicated A number of the crop formations on Newton. Well at least I’m in good com- “New Agers” and other believers in the show were well known hoaxes with one pany. paranormal. This fact was borne out in even containing a spelling error. Al- As we were leaving, Richard asked question time when, apart from Rich- though the evidence is very strong that one of the organisers whether she ard Saunders and myself, there were all crop circles are the products of tal- thought there was anyone on the film no skeptical responses or questions. ented human artists, the panelists whose crop circle theory was just too Among the attendees were members of quickly dismissed this explanation whacko or unbelievable. She seemed Sydney’s UFO club who, interestingly because “some of the circles are far too quite perplexed that anyone should enough, were of the opinion that crop complex to be hoaxed overnight”. Have have a negative view of any of the circles were not caused by UFOs but a look at http://circlemakers.org/ for circle explanations on offer. I made my by other strange paranormal phenom- evidence of very intricate and amazing argument to her that the diverse be- ena. Despite the enthusiasm of those crop circles that have been made by liefs cannot all be correct. Her expres- present, the turnout was only about a people who do this as their hobby. sion in response revealed that this was third of the cinema’s capacity, not the They even have photos of themselves a point she had not pondered until sellout crowd the organisers had making them. Another rebuttal prof- now, but she still answered that all the boasted. fered by the true believers is the al- different explanations were equally The film displayed footage of a large leged lack of “practice circles” created correct. number of crop circles, some of them by the hoaxers. But funnily enough, Particularly disappointing was the quite intricate and beautiful. This was when examples of more basic, rudi- presence of some school-age children in interspersed with ‘expert analysis’ mentary designs are given, they also the audience who seemed to be enthu- from self-styled UFO researchers, attribute these to the paranormal. siastically supporting the views of the paranormal enthusiasts and farmers The thing that really struck me speakers and the film. We cannot al- on whose properties the circles and about this whole evening was that crop low the minds of the young to be patterns appeared. circle belief is not limited to just UFOs moulded by the pseudoscience and One of the explanations put forward and circles in paddocks. If it were, one irrationality so prevalent in believers was that energy fields emitted by could be forgiven for writing it off as like this. This is all the more reason to ‘Mother Earth” created the circles. harmless eccentricity. What I discov- place a greater emphasis on teaching These were supposedly warnings for ered was that it was only a part of an critical thinking in schools. humans to stop damaging the environ- entire worldview based on Nonetheless the evening was a good ment and start operating with a more pseudoscience and fuzzy thinking. learning experience for me. I discov- ‘holistic’ approach. What they actually There is no objective approach to de- ered that the mumbo-jumbo preached meant by this was unclear. Some other termining what claims are right or by these groups is much weirder and explanations were more specific: cir- wrong. much more extensive in its scope than cles are the handiwork of gray-col- The film contained quite a number I had previously assumed. oured aliens who are dutifully follow- of crop circle explanations that were ing the orders of the galactic clearly mutually exclusive — they John Sweatman federation. This federation was taken couldn’t all be correct. I challenged one as given and spoken about as though of the crop circle experts on this very knowledge of it’s existence was as com- point in the question time that fol- mon as that of the United Nations or lowed the film. Her response was that NATO. this was no problem at all — what can The claims extended well beyond crop be true for me may not be the same as circles. It was even asserted that hu- what is true for another. The advice man beings would all have 13 strands given was to “take your pick” and
Page 64 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Forum Let The Idiot Kill Himself: or a cynical view of a philosophy of governance.
Mark Freeman age of weirdness, but because your ran all of the time and as such the glasses tend to be tinted similarly, stairs were always wet and covered Kuranda. QLD you don’t notice it as much. This in slime. Many young men, in a fit of Kuranda diversity of opinion, most of bravado, used to race down and up I live in the small, beautiful village it based on a quagmire foundation of these stairs. If you are stupid, espe- of Kuranda perched in the naturally supposition and the ranting of self cially if your established immortality air-conditioned mountains behind espoused saviours, has fortunately was reinforced by alcohol, there were Cairns. It is an envious lifestyle for perverted my youthful skepticism plenty of places where you could fall those people who are prepared to do into a positive form of cynicism. I off the path. Many did and a select without shopping centres, opera stress the positiveness. I honestly very few managed to do such a good houses and cable television. I much believe that most people, including job of it that they fell the 100 or so prefer it to the fetid malarial swamp politicians, actively try to do the best meters to the gorge floor. Surpris- beneath, and certainly to those me- or right thing, but are sadly fre- ingly this was not always fatal but tropolises such as Brisbane and Syd- quently doomed to eventual failure always caused serious dents to their ney which have climate rather than due to an inability to view their ac- persona. Essentially, to save young weather and where the air actually tions in the long term. Most people idiots from themselves and the gov- smells bad. are much better at 20/20 hindsight ernment from litigation, these stairs However, this idyllic paradise has than at rational future speculation. have been closed for many years. drawn, like a rotten carcass draws As a species, we like to fix problems This enactment has caused incon- maggots, more weirdos per head of and as such, usually do little until venience to the many in order to population than most places on we have actually created one. save the few — those who essentially earth. I include myself in the cat- An almost unspoken philosophy, killed themselves through stupidity egory of being a little eccentric — so adopted by governments throughout and miss-adventure. I fit in well. I point out that those of Australia and enforced and encour- All legislation has this sad effect. you drenched in the close confines of aged by our legal system, can basi- It is axiomatic that any legislation or academia also suffer a large percent- cally be summed up as “We must not regulation that is designed to do let the idiot kill himself”. There has good in one form, inevitably does always been a varying level of this harm in another. The sad contradic- feeling in governance, but it has tion is that legislation that is de- become vastly reinforced over the signed to do harm, does not neces- past fifty years or so. Perhaps a few sarily do good to anyone! All examples will clarify this philosophy legislation limits freedom. The old in action. “Thou shalt not kill” has the accent on the “not” and limits the freedom Falling at the falls of action of some — even if that limi- Forty years ago, frail grandmothers tation is seen to be to the benefit of in long black dresses and carrying the vast majority. However, an en- umbrellas (to keep the spray off their actment that stated “Thou shalt kill” blue VO5’ed hair perms), descended would benefit none and harm many and re-climbed the several hundred — in the long term. slippery stairs that led from the Childs play Mark Freeman DD. (Diogenes Disciple) who Barron Falls railway station to the resorted to a pen sketch after totally destroy- base of the falls. In those days, the The prior example of the stairway ing the digital camera lens of two of his now stairs were much more dangerous does not really impinge on us be- unhappy daughters. than now because the falls actually cause the situation is so removed
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 65 Forum from out normal daily lives. How- Possibly there is someone out there ceptably violent. It sounds a lot like ever, the following may cut through who could earn their PhD on such a today really although often they are the epidermis and stab a muscle. study designed to determine exact now unacceptably violent relation- Again we go back forty years to correlation. Unfortunately, the vari- ships. Many marriages stayed to- primary schools all over Australia. ables are so numerous that whatever gether “because of the kids”. Then In those days, children at school result is determined will never be family law changed and essentially a played football, cricket and such believed by the inevitable opponents twelve month separation was enough games as ‘red rover”. They were vio- of the findings. to prove “Irretrievable breakdown in lent games and demanded physical I well understand how the mother marriage”. All of a sudden, far more stamina, team skills and a will to who sees her fit young child struck children were faced with the situa- win against the odds. The more in- down in death due to schoolyard tion of partial or total severance formal and unstructured games such violent games can say “This must be from a familiar and familial lifestyle. “Red Rover” frequently involved the stopped — it is killing our children!” Sure, in the past many had lived entire school student population. No mother ever says “Bring back with severe home arguments and Several additional rules were often violent, enjoyable games for our chil- unhappy parents. However, they did forced by peer pressure with amend- dren’s fitness” as she watches her have a stable household environ- ments such as “big” kids cannot child die from acute bronchitis. ment and did have two parents who catch “little” kids. Therefore the legislators enact the contributed to their development. There is no doubt that these vio- laws and bureaucrats draw up the In many divorces, the biggest con- lent games caused numerous guidelines and it can take centuries cern to the children is the uncer- sprains, broken bones and the occa- before the full results of our actions tainty and sundering of the ‘livable’ sional death. are realised. environment. I know there are thou- These days, we play “Kanga This type of scenario raises the sands of examples where people will Cricket” which is an emasculated question of “Have we gone too far in tell me how wrong their relationship form of the game where much of the protection of the populace?” Should was and how much better off their violence (and potential for violence) we take a long, strong, skeptical look children are away from that “beast”. has been removed. Whilst team work at the way we propagate laws and I know that there are thousands of is important, the drive to win has examine if we really want the limita- examples where the children are also been emasculated. A game like tions that they inevitably engender? actually and provably better off in a “Red Rover” is totally forbidden. For Last year in Queensland, the par- divorced environment. I also know every year since such school sporting liament enacted over 9000 pages of that there are thousands of cases violence was banned, I am sure that new laws. Nobody, including those where, whatever viewpoint is pro- there are at least five children Aus- who raised their hands and imposed posed, can be proved to be the oppo- tralia wide who avoided death or these laws, can say they have under- site. permanent disability because of this stood what those laws mean, let What I am suggesting is that we change. It seems so obvious that the alone their long term ramifications. have enacted legislation that has change was a “good” thing — even if Nobody would even have a full increased the freedom of spouses and only one child was saved. knowledge of what is now illegal that spices throughout Australia and that Unfortunately, primary school was legal a couple of years ago. They this legislation has as a direct result student participation in exercise has are so diverse in scope that some of impinged and reduced the stability also plummeted and Australia’s chil- them will be repealed or amended and beneficial environment of thou- dren now face levels of obesity, leth- before they are even enforced, per- sands of children. Which is better in argy and non-involvement never haps decades into the future. the balance? I don’t know and after previously seen. Asthma and other reading numerous studies on the diseases contributed to by a lack of Divorce subject — many of whose conclusions physical fitness are also at record Without wanting to sound like the are directly contradictory — I don’t levels. These diseases and conditions old Oxford song “Forty years on think anybody has a firm foundation kill or make infirm, hundreds of chil- when afar …” we will take another for their averials. dren annually. Are the two con- example — again involving children Without exception, all of the stud- nected? I certainly don’t know to because that is the easiest emotive ies ignore or demean relevant data. I what extent, because of the plethora trigger. Those short four decades doubt if any report or thesial author of other considerations such as fast ago, divorce was much more difficult was surprised by their conclusions. I food, television, computers and other and “incompatibility” had nothing to was surprised that some of them lifestyle changes that have also had do with it. Incest, adultery and abso- reached their conclusions as a result considerable bearing. But without lute mayhem might do the trick — of the statistics enumerated. How- doubt, there is some connection. but then again — maybe it wouldn’t. ever, as academia knows well, “it is Maybe we have saved five and killed There were certainly many unhappy how you play the game that counts”. fifty. Maybe the opposite is true. marriages, some of which were unac-
Page 66 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 The law is the law (sometimes an ass) If smoking is so bad, and as a own fault. Sure we would still be smoker I happily admit it is a dis- sorry that a young man was so stupid These three examples only slightly gusting addiction, all smoking could or unlucky that he died, but recognise impinge on the tip of the iceberg. As be limited to the tobacco that you that it was essentially his choice and the Titanic could attest — it is what grow yourself. Perhaps the same that society as a whole is not respon- is underneath that counts. What our could be implemented for marijuana sible. If he kills or injures others in society faces is an acceptance, a con- and opium poppies. Rather than his seeking of ego, then he faces the doning and encouragement of protec- limiting freedoms — we could limit full penalties for his stupidity. tion at all costs. The third sector of capability. I am not saying that any of the democratic implementation, the judi- It has been known that incarcera- above should be implemented. What ciary, have also supported and imple- tion in jails has little effect on crime I am saying is that the protectionist mented this societal change. Their rates since this continent was settled policy of enactments does not work, excuse is that they don’t have a by the British. However, that hasn’t has never worked and cannot be choice because they only rule on en- changed the swings from high to low amended in any way to make it acted law. However, this is often not levels of prison population over the work. Misfortune, daring and gross the case because a precedent can centuries. At the moment we are stupidity will invariably defeat any totally change the envisioned result going through a high stage and are protectionist process. We can amelio- of a law. I am sure that no politician re-discovering that it still doesn’t rate the process — but the casting of ever predicted that a burglar could work. Rates of crime are, generally fault towards individuals, or society successfully sue a homeowner when speaking, about the same as they as a whole, is an unreasoned re- he injured himself when breaking were 200 years ago or 2000 years sponse. into the house. Nevertheless, that ago. Perhaps a rational and skeptical I am also saying that legislation has occurred. look at the problem may come up should be looked at rationally and Another recent example was with a colour based, time limited limitations on freedoms limited. where damages were awarded to a branding of foreheads. Say six Laws should not damage thousands girl who had been told not to play on months with a green forehead for in order to save a few. We should a neighbour’s trampoline because it burglary and twenty years of bright recognise that we are mortal and no was dangerous. The girl understood purple for child molestation. This amount of expenditure, effort or en- the instruction and was aware of the would engender the most important actment is going to change the even- danger — but jumped all the same. and effective deterrent available to tual outcome. We should return the Her broken arm cost the trampoline any societal animal. Peer pressure, option of self decision to the indi- owner $20,000 — because he could especially peer repulsion, has enor- vidual, even if it results to their per- (not should) have taken further ac- mous ability to reform and modify sonal harm. tion to prevent an injury. behavioural traits. In essence, I am suggesting that a What I am suggesting for your fully skeptical and rational view- cogitation is that we have swung too Protecting people from themselves point towards governance has the far towards the protection phase. potential of making a freer society. Maybe we have come from a state Perhaps we should realistically ac- We should apply our intellect to gov- where protection was too little and cept that young men are often fool- ernance not only at election time, now the pendulum is nearing the hardy and manage to kill or seri- when integrity is at its minimum, apogee — but maybe it isn’t and we ously injure themselves. We could but also throughout the term when will continue further along the pro- accept that no amount of care will the real lifestyle changes are being tectionist path. stop many young ladies from falling enforced. Hansard is easy to obtain Maybe our basis of law needs a over backwards as soon as they are and, fortunately, most parliamentary strongly rational and skeptical ex- old enough to wear high heels. Any representatives cannot dodge easily amination. Perhaps all vehicles legislation designed to prevent these if you really want to approach them could have a speed governing device occurrences is doomed to failure. An in a constructive manner. In my ex- fitted that would limit top speed to alternative could be to start educa- perience, most welcome an informed, 110 kph. Then we can return many tion of primary age children on the rational and constructive input. of the traffic police to real police perils they face when they turn into I admit that sometimes it takes work and still retain the advantages omnipotent buckets of hormones. years to achieve the aim of reasoned of the much reduced road fatalities Adolescence comes as such confusing enactment — but fortunately on we have achieved over the past 40 surprise to so many — usually with some issues, I have had those years years. The present situation where no understanding of what is happen- and have had some success. new vehicle advertising stresses ing to their being. power and speed when it is illegal to Perhaps we should then accept use it is bizarre. It is like someone that if someone is stupid enough to advertising the use of heroin when kill or maim themselves, after warn- such use is illegal. ing and education, then it is their
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 67 Forum
Seeking the Truth About AltMed
Iolanda Grey cal reactions that create free radi- found from taking the betacarotene cals, which can damage DNA and supplements on normal fruit and Glenhaven NSW promote a variety of degenerative vegetable consumption. That is, changes in cells. Chemotherapy and those smokers who took the supple- The Autumn 2005 edition of the radiation generate free radicals; that ments didn’t get any nutritional ben- Skeptic was the first I’ve ever read, is how they kill the dividing cells. By efit from consuming natural fruit and although I’m very new to taking anti-oxidants during treat- and vegetables. The main thing that “learned skepticism” I have some ment (whether it be chemotherapy or I concluded is that supplements are comments that I’d like to share with radiotherapy) it’s thought that you very different to natural whole foods, other readers. Things that I learnt would be reducing the effectiveness and don’t appear have the same pre- whilst undergoing treatment for of the treatment. ventative benefit. This was con- cancer and a separate, rare brain My radiologist then referred me firmed in July 2004 when research- injury. specifically to the CARET and ATBC ers analysed the ATBC study results trials to illustrate how taking a sup- and found that the consumption of Antioxidants plement — in this instance, of betac- DIETARY anti-oxidants reduced the As everyone will appreciate, cancer arotene — had resulted in an unex- risk of lung cancer in the smokers by patients and families are very vul- pected and alarming increase in lung 16%. nerable to “quackeries’ and alterna- cancer diagnoses in the smokers in We all know how government au- tive medicine generally, many of these studies. Up until this time thorities need convincing before which purport to be a medical help studies had shown the health ben- making public health declarations or cure to their problems. After com- efits of betacarotene from food and statements. Well, in 2003 UK pleting chemotherapy but before sources so they didn’t expect any- safety experts went so far as to ad- starting radiotherapy, I went to see a thing different from these ones. vise smokers not to take betacaro- naturopath who sold me various In 1994 the ATBC study showed tene supplements and advised every- vitamins and antioxidants. It was that smokers taking 20mg supple- one to limit their daily intake of high only a few weeks later that I reread ments for 5 – 8 years actually in- dose betacarotene. “Good advice on diet and cancer” put creased their risk of contracting lung Bearing in mind this ambiguity, out by the NSW Cancer Council that cancer by 20%. There was also a 10% and the theoretical and statistical said that “supplements containing increase in heart disease overall and information against anti-oxidants, in large doses of vitamin A can be dan- a 20% increase in strokes amongst 1999 I approached the leading anti- gerous to health”. those taking the supplements. oxidant manufacturer, Blackmores, Bearing in mind this comment, on This was followed up in 1996 by for their comment. Given there day 11 of my 18 day radiotherapy the CARET study that did more than hasn’t been any change in the area, treatment, I asked my radiologist confirm the ATBC findings. In fact, I’ll share with you what they had to what it meant, especially considering there were almost 50% more lung say on their site: I was taking antioxidants (vitamins cancer diagnoses (including a 17% I have been asked to write an article A, C and E). To my surprise I was higher chance of dying) with the about cancer and antioxidants based told that they were bad for my treat- current and former smokers in this on the concerns raised by the ment as they reduced the potency of study, the results of which were so CARET and ATBC trials. Given the the radiation treatment. This was alarming that the study was stopped space limits that I have I am not because the antioxidants protected almost 2 years early. It must be sure that I will be able to cover all the cancer cells along with the nor- noted however that these studies the relevant points properly and may mal cells. And to think that I specifi- were carried out with a high dosage even raise more questions than give cally didn’t mention it earlier be- of betacarotene of 20 – 50 mg per answers. cause I thought that vitamins were day. There is no current evidence natural and thus OK! that small amounts of the supple- The use of antioxidants in cancer The reasoning behind this way of ment (such as found in a multivita- presents a number of paradoxes. thinking is simple — it’s thought min) is unsafe. that the antioxidants protect cells And as if these studies weren’t The first of many is that oxygen and from damage by free radicals and bad enough, after further analysis of iron, while both mandatory for our other toxins. They block the chemi- the results a negative effect was
Page 68 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 existence, are also toxic to us via effects hence perhaps prolonging the vouring was acidic and the many their capacity to produce free radi- ability to receive therapy. On a more small sips I was taking were rotting cals species (FRS) and as such we active front a preliminary trial into a rear molar, which ultimately re- have been forced to develop an anti- the effect of vitamin E and selenium quired me to have root canal therapy oxidant system to protect ourselves. in prostate cancer is to begin in Aus- on that tooth. My low saliva levels tralia this year. It is also important meant that I had less natural saliva Whilst increased production of FRS to point out that antioxidant vita- to buffer the acids in the cordial and have been implicated in the patho- mins such as vitamin C, E and caro- sweets. The low pH of the cordial geneses of cancers either directly or tene have non-antioxidant functions that I was sipping had actually indirectly, it is believed that some that may be important in cancer as caused the tooth enamel to dissolve. cancer cells are actually resistant to well. When I looked into it further I found free radical attack making them that pH levels lower than 5.5 have harder to kill off. It seems that some Chris Oliver the potential to erode tooth enamel. cancer drugs may work because they (pH basically measures acidity levels generate FRS. One novel cancer Blackmores Research Centre — the lower the pH the higher the therapy includes the infusion of Unfortunately there is no answer acidity). Just visit Coca-Cola’s specific fatty acid compounds, that as yet as to the risks or benefits to be internet site and you’ll see them in test-tube tests have been shown to gained from taking supplements. openly disclose pH levels between be cytotoxic to certain cancer cell The jury is still out. 2.5 and 3.2 in their drinks. Highly lines, because of their ability to gen- erosive if you drink them on a dry erate FRS. Yet tamoxifen is known to Sweeteners palate (for example, during or after be an antioxidant and it is believed exercise) or in small and frequent Second, I’d like to reinforce and add that under certain conditions high sips. something to what Glen Cardwell dose antioxidants may act as pro- As you can see, trying to do what’s said in passing in his Nutrition Myth oxidants! best for yourself is very difficult, and column on artificial sweeteners. He you certainly can’t believe every- said “don’t think that sugar substi- Epidemiological studies have shown thing you read and hear, even if it’s tutes will make you … immune to that diets high in fruits and vegeta- from people who you think you can tooth decay”, however only men- bles (ie high in antioxidants) or us- trust. But then you shouldn’t let it tioned the “need to brush and floss ers of vitamin supplements can have all dictate your life. A happy medium your teeth”. One enormous problem a lower incidence of cancers. The is definitely best. CARET and ATBC trials showed is that of dental erosion. My brain that high dose betacarotene supple- injury has given me chronic thirst Some Relevant References mentation caused an increase in and my radiotherapy regime was on my neck and consequently near my www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ cancer risk in those persons already query.fcgi?db=PubMed at high risk of lung cancer, particu- mouth, so I experienced significant thirst and oral discomfort overall. www.blackmores.com.au/news/ larly smokers, causing one of the news_detail.asp?art=38 trials to be stopped prematurely. Yet My long term saliva production is www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/ a clinical trial with selenium pro- also lower because of permanent supplement.asp?format=printable&supplementId=40 duced a dramatic reduction in many radiation damage to the largest of www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/healthrpt/ but not all types of cancers, again the salivary glands, the parotid stories/s865284.htm causing the trial to be stopped pre- gland. But this should also be of maturely but for the opposite reason. interest to “healthy” people as some www.nutraingredients.com/news/news- may have low saliva levels and dry NG.asp?id=54057 Are antioxidant supplements likely mouths for other reasons. Or else www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/ to be of use when a person has can- they might be consuming them in a s1331225.htm www.ada.org.au/media/ documents/Products_Publications/ cer? I believe a blanket yes or no way or at a time that puts them at a high risk of erosion. Journal%20Archives/2002%20Archive/ cannot be given at this point. There September/0209Siri.pdf appears, as highlighted above, to be At the time I thought I was look- www.sugar.org/health/impactdental.html contradictory basic scientific evi- ing after my teeth by drinking no dence. Yet we do know that antioxi- sugar (artificially sweetened) lemon dant supplementation with cordial and sucking artificially concurrent cancer therapy can be sweetened lemon sweets. But what I beneficial in terms of reducing side- didn’t know was that the lemon fla- National Convention Aug 13-14
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 69 Letters
Who’s to Blame? book it struck me that Harry was a sure she also sends along a copy of her great example of Christian living! He biopsy report — let’s debunk this myth Sydney Bockner risked his life so that, for unselfish rea- NOW. sons, he could fight for good against Thirty women are diagnosed every Crafers SA the forces of evil. day and five women die every day in As a skeptic I know of no reliable Australia from breast cancer. Ridicu- Barry Williams’ remarkable editorial evidence that Christians behave any lous and clearly inaccurate statements (25:1) on the December 26 tsunami better than other people. A Jew might by Ron can lead women to an unnec- was a valuable lesson on how skeptics say of a person whose behaviour he or essarily early grave. should deal with their aversion to re- she approved of, “He’s a real Jew.” In I also have a friend I have known ligion. The attitude he adopts was the USSR, “He’s a real communist.” over 20 years who swears by his measured, thoughtful and dispassion- might have been said of a good per- naturopath and will do nothing with- ate. There was no ridicule and no hu- son. out consulting her. After being diag- mour (at the victims’ expense). I am not aware that Harry Potter nosed with lung cancer he moved to One may be tempted to describe re- believes in any of the unprovable the countryside and grew wheatgrass ligion as a ridiculous superstition. Dis- propositions Christians are suppose to and was soon claiming it had cured asters such as storms, earthquakes agree with. Fighting for good does not him of his lung cancer. His crop was and tsunamis are acts of God, as de- make one a Christian. Even Jesus, the excellent and he gained quite a follow- fined by insurance companies. If any centre of the Christian religion, was ing of cancer patients eager to pur- being could be responsible for such supposed to be sinless but he was not chase his herbal remedy. He has sold acts he would be diagnosed as a psy- a Christian. his produce with this same ‘cured my chopathic personality. But before lay- It is common among believers of any cancer’ story for the past two years. ing blame it is as well to recall Rich- stripe to equate goodness with shar- Earlier this year he was diagnosed ard Dawkins who writes; ing their belief. with cancer in both lungs and he also Nature is not cruel, only pitilessly in- contracted pneumonia. He would not different. This is one of the hardest take any orthodox medication until he lessons for humans to learn. We can- consulted with his naturopath. She not admit that things might be nei- told him that the only reason he had ther good nor evil, neither cruel nor Anecdotal not enough lived so long was because he had not kind, but simply callous— indifferent undergone orthodox treatment and had taken his wheatgrass but she did to all suffering, lacking all purpose. Loretta Marron give him permission to take antibiot- (River Out of Eden, 1995, p.96) Burpengary QLD ics for his pneumonia. He now has only months to live. In response to Ron Marke “Anecdotal Anecdotal statements are manipu- support” (Letters, 25:1 p56). As a lative, misinformed and can be ex- breast cancer survivor I get really an- tremely harmful to people at a stage Behaviour and belief gry at anecdotal statements from peo- in their lives when they are vulnerable ple like Ron who talk about “one lady and desperate. The Skeptics philoso- I know quite well” being pronounced phy is to ‘seek the evidence’. Ron, David Fisher ‘cancer free’ 10 years ago after taking Cashmere QLD please ‘seek the evidence’ and leave the green barley, multivitamins, and misinformed, dangerous, claptrap to herbal preparations. What a load of the alternate’s who wallow in it. In the Autumn 2005 issue of ‘the Bollocks!!! I can tell you now she never skeptic’ Daniel Stewart wrote: had breast cancer. Get her to email When I read the first Harry Potter me and let me hear it first hand. Make
Page 70 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 F is where you find it tainly, reading from bottom to top is chewed food containers, no droppings, sometimes used as a technique by edi- no mice running across the floor. Noth- tors and proofreaders as a way of ing! The device also claims to banish Michael Vnuk checking for particular types of errors. insects. In this regard it has made no Newmarket, Qld A far more original answer to count- apparent difference. ing the number of ‘f’s, pointed out by As a dyed in the wool Skeptic, I don’t In Anthony Wheeler’s article, “How my wife Rowena, only works if the believe dubious claims without sup- Reliable is Our Consciousness” (24:3), original passage is all in upper case. portive evidence. As a professional he discussed counting the letter ‘f’ in Then, the number of ‘F’s is 21: that is, engineer, and having carried out a a short passage, for which most peo- 6 on their own, and a further 15 hid- crude test, the evidence tends to sup- ple undercount. He says that the den in the ‘E’s. port the claim. I can think of no other undercounting (due to missing ‘f’ in changes made to the environment several instances of the word ‘of’ ) is other than turning on the gadget. usually explained by saying that we Surely I didn’t catch the last mouse notice only what we expect to notice. just before I bought the device. There (I got the test correct, but I’ve seen it Pestiferous are still plenty in the hay shed. many times before. I can’t remember how I fared the first time.) Winston Jackson Although this is a satisfactory ex- East Fremantle WA planation for many other instances where the brain is tricked, I find it Bunkum I was interested to read the article insufficient here. What exactly are we about plug in electronic pest control not expecting to notice? Whenever I’ve devices (25:1). Tony Trusler seen the test, the text of the passage Whilst I have never heard of the “Pest Hawthorne QLD has varied a bit, but only the ‘f’ s are Free” gadget, I have had some experi- to be counted, so my guess is that the ence with another brand. I have a I said to my wife, “I think I must be undercounting might have something hobby farm with a house in which our psychic”. Unable to sleep, I was driven to do with the letter itself. If people family visits about once or twice a to watch a TV movie in the early hours miss an ‘f’ , they invariably miss it in month. The mouse population in the of the morning for the first time in the word ‘of’ , which is one of the few house was prolific to say the least and about 25 years. For a sceptic, I could words in English where ‘f’ is pro- sometimes we were able to trap up to not have chosen better. On the ABC nounced as a ‘v’. So, I think that as 10 mice in a 3 or 4 day visit. was a 1950 black and white movie, people read the passage to themselves, When I mentioned the problem to Bunco Squad. The story revolved their internal pronunciation does not an electrical engineer acquaintance, around members of this special police make them notice the ‘f’ in ‘of’. The he said that he had bought a device squad in Los Angeles, established to fact that ‘of’ is a short word possibly called “PestXit Duo” from Dick Smith investigate and, if possible, prosecute compounds the undercounting. Electronics to try in his mouse popu- persons setting themselves up as for- My theory could be tested in sev- lated farmhouse. As a skeptical per- tune tellers, Tarot card readers, me- eral ways. For instance, for finding son like me, he could not accept that diums and assorted peddlers of what the ‘f’s in a passage with no ‘of’s, I “ultrasonic and electromagnetic” tech- we would call New Age claptrap today would predict a more accurate count. nology could banish a comfortable (not sure what the equivalent term Or, if people are asked to look in a pas- population of rodents, but as the cost was back then). sage for a letter which has only one was modest, (about $70.00) he was The plot involved a particularly pronunciation, such as ‘m’, I would prepared to give it a try and not di- nasty crook who organised a number predict a fairly accurate count. And, if vulge his stupidity to anyone. He of independent operators into a group the letter in a passage to be counted claimed that to his surprise it worked so as to perpetrate a scam on a wealthy has multiple pronunciations (eg ‘a’ or and was therefore willing to expose widow. Via an elaborate ruse they ‘e’), or if it is sometimes silent, such himself. tricked her into believing that her de- as ‘b’, then I would predict a less ac- I bought one and plugged it in. That parted husband wanted her to donate curate count, somewhat similar to was about 8 months ago. I continued all her money to their organisation. counting ‘f’s in a passage with ‘of’s. to place mouse traps for about 3 No doubt the movie did not win Alternatively, people could be asked months but caught no more mice. The many awards at the time. The story to read the original passage from bot- lazy cats in our family show no recog- line, however, was fascinating. Was tom to top. I would predict a more ac- nition of the device when it is switched there really a special police squad in curate count, because people are less on and off, even when they are placed Los Angeles that did nothing else but inclined to skim while reading the close to it. We have seen no evidence try to expose and jail peddlers of the words, and more likely to read slowly of mice since using the device. No paranormal? Where did the name and see the individual letters. Cer-
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 71 Blatant Plug
“Bunco” come from? If the movie was an accurate portrayal of general com- Humanist Essay Award munity feeling towards clairvoyants and their ilk at that time, then it is very obvious that the general level of scepticism has deteriorated markedly As a contribution to public discus- name, essay title, birth date, ad- in the past 50 years (particularly in sion on contemporary issues of con- dress, telephone number and email. California!) cern, the Humanist Society of Victo- Must be lodged at the HSV office, ria, has organised this Humanist Humanist Society of Victoria Inc. Essay Award, in cooperation with GPO Box 1555, Melbourne VIC Mead debate Humanist Societies in other states 3001 on or before 31 August 2005. and the Council of Australian Hu- Essays cannot be returned. James Gerrand. manist Societies. Criteria Kew VIC Theme: Quality writing, forward-looking Creating a better Australia. ideas, freshness of content and ap- Mark Newbrook in his continuation of proach, and consulted sources will be the Mead debate does not add any- Entrants major elements sought in submitted thing significant to it. He is a great Open to all persons currently resid- essays. Contributors may address discounter of evidence. I take him up ing in Australia, other than HSV either one or several issues of their on his discounting of Martin Gardner’s Committee and Essay judging panel choice consonant with the theme. conclusion — “ Derek Freeman’s con- and their families. clusions are unshakeable. Mead’s Evaluation reputation will continue to go down- Prizes The prize winners will be, notified hill and her most famous book has First prize – $2,000; and announced in Australian Hu- become worthless.” second prize – $500 manist No. 80, on or before 30 Octo- Gardner’s reputation as a commen- Both essays to be published in the ber 2005. tator on science matters has been well Australian Humanist. Entries will be judged by a panel earned as a former veteran columnist of members of the Humanist Society with Scientific American and the Skep- Entries of Victoria. The HSV reserves the tical Inquirer and author or editor of Lengthbetween 2,500 – 3,000 words right not to award any prizes in the over sixty books. He featured in Paul in English. absence of quality entries. Kurtz’s latest collection Science and Essay must be consistent with the Humanism is a life philosophy Religion with his article “Science and theme, be previously unpublished that advocates the use of reason, the Unknowable”. and unawarded, and not concur- experience, creativity and free in- rently submitted elsewhere. quiry. Humanist ethics are based on This correspondence is now closed. Ed Entries are to be typed, double- shared human values and the con- spaced and single sided. viction that humanity must take Author’s name must not appear responsibility for its own destiny. on the essay pages. A separate cover Humanist Society of Victoria Inc. sheet should provide the writers (Reg. No. A0020272M) Deadlines Website: home.vicnet.net.au/~hu- manist
Deadlines for contributions to the Skeptic : Visit the Skeptics website: Spring — August 1 www.skeptics.com.au Summer — November 1 for new and interesting matters skeptical Autumn — February 1 and our online shop for CDs, books, DVDs, subscriptions Winter — March 1 (Not that contributors ever meet them.) and much more.
Page 72 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Notice AUSTRALIAN SKEPTICS NATIONAL CONVENTION 2005
August 13th – 14th Bond University, University Drive, Robina, Gold Coast Qld
Each day six or seven speakers will give presentations on topics and issues relating to health, science, education, critical thinking and others of a more general nature. Morning & Afternoon Tea and a light lunch will be served by the Bond University Catering Service. A 3-course Dinner (with after-dinner entertainment) will be held at the Private Function Room of the Broadbeach Bowls Club, Surf Parade, on Saturday Night. Speakers will include: Prof Chris Del Mar: Dean of Medicine, Bond University The Teaching and Practice of Evidence-based Medicine Dr Hugh Crone: Microbiologist (formerly of the Dept of Defence Science) Knowledge and Beliefs in the New Age Dr Robert Henry, Southern Cross University The Social Impact of Biotechnology—A Scientist’s View of GM Food Dr Colin Keay: Physicist/Astronomer The Perils of Part Time Power Peter Bowditch: VP Australian Skeptics, proprietor of ratbags.com Scams and Mind Control in Multi-level Marketing Prof Jim Allan: Lawyer, University of Qld Dr William Grey: Philosopher, University of Qld Hume on Miracles Loretta Marron - The Jelly Bean Lady DIY Health Information Research Barry Williams, Editor of the Skeptic Conspiracy Theories for Every Occasion (if they don’t get at him first) A Panel of Senior Students from G.C. High Schools is being arranged Critical Thinking is Cool
The completed list will be posted on the Australian Skeptics website: www.skeptics.com.au Inquiries and Bookings: Lilian Derrick – Hon Secretary, Convention Planning Committee P.O.Box 8348; Gold Coast Mail Centre, Qld 9726 Tel/Fax: (07) 5593 1882 Email:[email protected] or from the online shop at www.skeptics.com.au
the Skeptic, Winter 2005 - Page 73 Notices The Great Skeptic CD2
We all knew it had to come to an end similar sum to get this new and im- No you don’t — if you don’t already sometime, and now that day is upon proved version, even if you are includ- have one it will still cost $55, but if us — the Great Skeptic CD, that won- ing a set of steak knives? you were one of those adventurous in- derful compilation of all issues of the dividuals who got in on the ground Skeptic from 1981 to 2000 (plus floor, then we will let you have much more) has ceased to be. We the new improved Great Skep- have sold out. (No, not our princi- tic CD 2 (with hexachlorophe ples — the disc.) enhancers and polarised the- Don’t despair if you missed out, odolites) for only $25. however, because the good news How will we know if you is that the Great Skeptic CD 2 is have the old version? We could NOW on sale (detils on the web ask you to send it back — but site). It contains not only all the we’d rather you donate it to a text of the previous best seller, but local school or library — so another three years of the Skep- we’ll simply leave it to your tic, plus even more extra works, conscience. Trusting Skeptics, and it has been made even more aren’t we? user-friendly. (So friendly, in fact, And don’t forget, you can that it will almost certainly wag still get the Skeptics Water Di- its tail and lick your face.) vining Video Tape for $20 and Ah, we hear you cry, but do you the DVD for $30 (reduced to expect me, having forked out $55 clear). to buy CD 1, to again cough up a
Page 74 - the Skeptic, Winter 2005 Are you a Skeptic?
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Australian Skeptics appeals to rational individuals of common sense, intelligence and with a social conscience, who are interested in actively pursuing the truth about claims of paranormal or pseudo-scientific phenomena and other irrational popular beliefs, from a responsible and scientific perspective. For more than twenty years it has established a national network of like- minded groups which, by investigation and the application of critical thinking, aims to help free our society of the results of fear bred by irrational thinking. We seek the evidence. We challenge the claims. We don’t believe everything we hear . We encourage the public to adopt a critical attitude towards these claims.
Our quarterly journal, the Skeptic is the voice by which we have offered the public and the news media the opportunity to find out what science and reason have to say about paranormal and other irrational claims. It conducts investigations and publicises the results. It opposes the generally uncritical sensationalism presented by the popular media. It draws attention to the possibility of natural and ordinary explanations of such phenomena. Its findings are sometimes humorous, often sobering and always fascinating.
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